Tobacco sheet for non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, and non-combustion heating-type flavor inhalation system

Abstract

This tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler has an equilibrium moisture content of 14 mass% or less, after 48 hours of harmonization with conditions of 22°C and relative humidity of 60%.

Description

Tobacco sheet for non-combustion heated flavor inhaler, non-combustion heated flavor inhaler, and non-combustion heated flavor inhaler system

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler, a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler, and a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system.

[0002] In combustion-type flavor inhalers (cigarettes), flavor is obtained by burning a tobacco filler containing tobacco leaves. As an alternative to combustion-type flavor inhalers, non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalers have been proposed, which obtain flavor by heating a flavor source such as a tobacco sheet instead of burning it. The heating temperature of non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalers is lower than the combustion temperature of combustion-type flavor inhalers, for example, about 400°C or lower. Because the heating temperature of non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalers is thus low, in order to increase the amount of smoke, an aerosol-generating agent can be added to the flavor source in non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalers. The aerosol-generating agent vaporizes upon heating, generating an aerosol. The aerosol is supplied to the user together with flavor components such as tobacco components, allowing the user to obtain a sufficient flavor.

[0003] A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler may include, for example, a tobacco-containing segment filled with a tobacco sheet or the like, a cooling segment, and a filter segment. The axial length of the tobacco-containing segment of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler is shorter than the axial length of the tobacco-containing segment of a typical combustion type flavor inhaler due to its relationship to the heater. Therefore, in a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler, a large amount of tobacco sheet or the like is filled within a short section of the tobacco-containing segment to ensure the amount of aerosol generated during heating. To fill a large amount of tobacco sheet or the like within a short section, a tobacco sheet with low bulk expansion, i.e., a high density, is typically used in a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler. Note that bulk expansion is a value indicating the volume when a predetermined mass of tobacco sheet shreds is compressed under a constant pressure for a certain period of time. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose tobacco sheets for use in non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers.

[0004] Patent No. 5969923 International Publication No. 2020 / 058814

[0005] However, the inventors have found that, when considering the heating method, the heating capacity of the heater, and the generation of aerosol, the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing segment increases, and depending on the heating method and the capacity of the heater, the tobacco sheet filled in the tobacco-containing segment does not contribute sufficiently to aerosol generation. This results in insufficient delivery of flavor, particularly in the early stages of inhalation. To solve this problem, it is conceivable to reduce the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing segment.

[0006] The present inventors have investigated (1) reducing the specific heat of the tobacco raw material contained in the tobacco sheet, and (2) using a tobacco sheet with high expansive volume (low density) in order to reduce the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing segment, and have come up with the idea that the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing segment can be reduced by adjusting the moisture content of the tobacco sheet to an appropriate range.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler that provides good delivery in the early stages of flavor inhalation, a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler that includes the tobacco sheet, and a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system.

[0008] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the following: Aspect 1: A tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, having an equilibrium moisture content of 14% by mass or less after 48 hours of conditioning under conditions of 22°C and 60% relative humidity. Aspect 2: The sheet according to Aspect 1, which is a rolled sheet or a cast sheet. Aspect 3: The sheet according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the sheet contains powder of at least one tobacco raw material selected from the group consisting of leaf tobacco, midrib, and stem residue. Aspect 4: The sheet according to Aspect 3, wherein the proportion of the powder contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 45 to 95% by mass. Aspect 5: The sheet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the tobacco sheet further contains an aerosol-generating agent. Aspect 6: The sheet according to Aspect 5, wherein the aerosol-generating agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol. Aspect 7: The sheet according to Aspect 5 or 6, wherein the proportion of the aerosol-generating agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 4 to 50% by mass. Aspect 8: The tobacco sheet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the tobacco sheet further comprises a molding agent. Aspect 9: The sheet according to Aspect 8, wherein the molding agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers. Aspect 10: The sheet according to Aspect 8 or 9, wherein the proportion of the molding agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 0.1 to 15% by mass. Aspect 11: The sheet according to any one of Aspects 3 to 10, wherein the tobacco raw material powder comprises tobacco powder having a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 200 μm or more in a volume-based particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction. Aspect 12: A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco-containing segment comprising the sheet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. Aspect 13: A non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system comprising: the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to Aspect 12; and a heating device that heats the tobacco-containing segment.Aspect 14 (1) A step of preparing a sheet composition containing tobacco powder S having a D90 of <200 μm, and manufacturing sheet S; (2) A step of preparing a plurality of tobacco powders T1 to Tn having different D90s, each having a D90 of ≥ 200 μm (n is a number of 2 or more), and preparing a sheet composition containing each tobacco powder, and manufacturing sheets T1 to Tn; (3) A step of measuring the equilibrium moisture content of said sheet S or a cut product of sheet S, and sheets T1 to Tn or a cut product of each sheet, after 48 hours of conditioning under conditions of 22°C and a relative humidity of 60%; (4) A step of determining tobacco powder A selected from tobacco powders T1 to Tn, which is a tobacco powder constituting a sheet having a moisture reduction rate of -3% or less as defined below: Moisture reduction rate (%) = (Wt - Ws) / Ws Wt: equilibrium moisture content of each sheet T1 to Tn or a cut product thereof Ws: equilibrium moisture content of sheet S or a cut product thereof (5) A step of manufacturing a sheet from said tobacco powder A; A method for manufacturing the sheet according to aspect 11, comprising:

[0009] It is possible to provide a tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler that provides good delivery in the early stages of flavor inhalation, a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler that includes the tobacco sheet, and a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system.

[0010] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler system according to the present embodiment, showing (a) a state before the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler is inserted into a heating device, and (b) a state in which the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler is inserted into the heating device and heated.

[0011] [Tobacco Sheet for Non-Combustion Heat-Type Flavor Inhaler] A tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heat-type flavor inhaler according to one embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "tobacco sheet") has an equilibrium moisture content of 14% by mass or less after 48 hours of conditioning under conditions of 22°C and 60% relative humidity. When the equilibrium moisture content is in this range, the calorific value can be efficiently used to generate aerosol, and as a result, good delivery can be achieved in the early stages of flavor inhalation. From this perspective, the equilibrium moisture content is preferably 7.5 to 10% by weight. The equilibrium moisture content can be measured using a heat-drying moisture meter (for example, A&D Corporation's heat-drying moisture meter MX-50).

[0012] (Tobacco Powder) The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment preferably contains a tobacco raw material, and more preferably contains a powder of the raw material (hereinafter also referred to as "tobacco powder"). The cumulative 90% particle diameter (D90) in the volume-based particle size distribution of the tobacco powder measured by dry laser diffraction is preferably 200 μm or more. In this case, it is presumed that the voids between the tobacco powder particles in the tobacco sheet are large, and that these voids contribute to improving the expansion and bulk of the tobacco sheet. Furthermore, since the voids between the tobacco powder particles are large, the tobacco powder easily releases moisture, reducing the heat capacity of the heated portion. Furthermore, the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment preferably further contains an aerosol-generating agent and a molding agent, and by setting the blending ratios of these within a predetermined range, the expansion and bulk of the tobacco sheet is further improved.

[0013] Examples of tobacco powder contained in the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment include leaf tobacco, midrib, and stem residue. These may be used alone or in combination. These can be used as tobacco powder by cutting them into a predetermined size. The size of the tobacco powder is such that the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) in the volume-based particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction is 200 μm or more, preferably 350 μm or more, and more preferably 500 μm or more. The upper limit of the D90 range is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 2000 μm or less.

[0014] Furthermore, with regard to the size of the tobacco powder, from the viewpoint of further improving the swelling bulk of the tobacco sheet, the cumulative 50% particle diameter (D50) in the volume-based particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction is preferably 40 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more, and even more preferably 200 μm or more. The upper limit of the D50 range is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1000 μm or less. In this embodiment, measurement of D90 and D50 by dry laser diffraction can be performed using, for example, a Mastersizer (trade name, manufactured by Spectris, Malvern Panalytical Division).

[0015] The proportion of tobacco raw material (preferably tobacco powder) contained in 100% by mass of tobacco sheet is preferably 45 to 95% by mass. By having the proportion of the tobacco raw material be 45% by mass or more, it is possible to generate a sufficient tobacco aroma when heated. Furthermore, by having the proportion of the tobacco raw material be 95% by mass or less, it is possible to include sufficient amounts of aerosol generating agent and molding agent. The proportion of the tobacco raw material is more preferably 50 to 93% by mass, even more preferably 55 to 90% by mass, and particularly preferably 60 to 88% by mass.

[0016] (Aerosol Generating Agent) From the viewpoint of increasing the amount of smoke produced when heated, the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment preferably further contains an aerosol generating agent. Examples of aerosol generating agents include glycerin, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0017] When an aerosol-generating agent is contained in the tobacco sheet, the proportion of the aerosol-generating agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 4 to 50% by mass. When the proportion of the aerosol-generating agent is 4% by mass or more, sufficient aerosol can be generated when heated in terms of quantity. Furthermore, when the proportion of the aerosol-generating agent is 50% by mass or less, sufficient aerosol can be generated when heated in terms of heat capacity. The proportion of the aerosol-generating agent is more preferably 6 to 40% by mass, even more preferably 8 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 10 to 20% by mass.

[0018] (Molding Agent) From the viewpoint of maintaining the shape, the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment preferably further contains a molding agent. Examples of molding agents include polysaccharides, proteins, synthetic polymers, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of polysaccharides include cellulose derivatives and naturally occurring polysaccharides.

[0019] Examples of cellulose derivatives include cellulose ethers such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethylethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, trityl cellulose, cyanoethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, and aminoethyl cellulose; organic acid esters such as cellulose acetate, cellulose formate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose benzoate, cellulose phthalate, and tosyl cellulose; and inorganic acid esters such as cellulose nitrate, cellulose sulfate, cellulose phosphate, and cellulose xanthate.

[0020] Examples of naturally occurring polysaccharides include plant-derived polysaccharides such as guar gum, tara gum, roasted bean gum, tamarind seed gum, pectin, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, karaya gum, ghatti gum, arabinogalactan, amaryllis seed gum, cassia gum, psyllium seed gum, and desert artemisia seed gum; algae-derived polysaccharides such as carrageenan, agar, alginic acid, propylene glycol alginate, furcellaran, and bunion extract; microbial polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, gellan gum, curdlan, pullulan, Agrobacterium succinoglycan, welan gum, macrophomopsis gum, and rhamsan gum; crustacean-derived polysaccharides such as chitin, chitosan, and glucosamine; and starches such as starch, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinized starch, and dextrin.

[0021] Examples of proteins include grain proteins such as wheat gluten, rye gluten, etc. Examples of synthetic polymers include polyphosphoric acid, sodium polyacrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, etc.

[0022] When a molding agent is included in the tobacco sheet, the proportion of the molding agent in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 0.1 to 15% by mass. A molding agent proportion of 0.1% by mass or more enables the raw material mixture to be molded into a sheet. Furthermore, a molding agent proportion of 15% by mass or less allows for the sufficient use of other raw materials to ensure the functionality required of the tobacco-containing segment of a non-combustion heating flavor inhaler. The proportion of the molding agent is more preferably 0.2 to 13% by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 12% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 10% by mass.

[0023] (Reinforcing Agent) The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment may further contain a reinforcing agent from the viewpoint of further improving its physical properties. Examples of reinforcing agents include fibrous substances such as fibrous pulp, insoluble fiber, and fibrous synthetic cellulose, and liquid substances with a surface coating function that form a film when dried, such as pectin suspension. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0024] When a reinforcing agent is contained in the tobacco sheet, the proportion of the reinforcing agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 4 to 60% by mass. Within this range, other ingredients can be sufficiently used to ensure the functionality required of the tobacco-containing segment of a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler. The proportion of the reinforcing agent is more preferably 4.5 to 55% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 50% by mass.

[0025] (Auxiliary Agents) From the viewpoint of maintaining quality, the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment may further contain an auxiliary agent. Examples of auxiliary agents include sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, mannitol, and reduced maltose syrup. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0026] When an auxiliary agent is contained in the tobacco sheet, the proportion of the auxiliary agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 1 to 15% by mass. Within this range, other ingredients can be sufficiently used to ensure the functionality required of the tobacco-containing segment of a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler. The proportion of the auxiliary agent is more preferably 2 to 12% by mass, and even more preferably 3 to 10% by mass.

[0027] (Other Components) In addition to the tobacco raw material, the aerosol-generating agent, the molding agent, the reinforcing agent, and the auxiliary agent, the tobacco sheet according to the present embodiment may contain, as needed, flavorings such as fragrances and flavoring agents, coloring agents, preservatives, diluents such as inorganic substances, and the like.

[0028] (Expansion Capacity) The expansion capacity of the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment is preferably 190 cc / 100 g or more. Having an expansion capacity of 190 cc / 100 g or more allows the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing segment of a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler to be sufficiently reduced, allowing the tobacco sheet filled in the tobacco-containing segment to contribute more to aerosol generation. The expansion capacity is more preferably 210 cc / 100 g or more, and even more preferably 230 cc / 100 g or more. The upper limit of the expansion capacity range is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 800 cc / 100 g or less. The expansion capacity is measured using a DD-60A (trade name, manufactured by Borgwald) measuring instrument after cutting the tobacco sheet into pieces of 0.8 mm x 9.5 mm and storing them in a 22°C, 60% humidity conditioned room for 48 hours. The measurement is carried out by placing 15 g of shredded tobacco sheet in a cylindrical container with an inner diameter of 60 mm, and determining the volume when compressed under a load of 3 kg for 30 seconds.

[0029] (Configuration of tobacco sheet) In this embodiment, a "tobacco sheet" refers to a sheet formed from the components that make up a tobacco sheet, such as tobacco powder. Here, "sheet" refers to a shape having a pair of approximately parallel main surfaces and side surfaces. The length and width of the tobacco sheet are not particularly limited and can be adjusted appropriately depending on the filling mode. The thickness of the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100 to 1000 μm, more preferably 150 to 600 μm, in terms of the balance between heat transfer efficiency and strength.

[0030] (Method for manufacturing tobacco sheet) The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment can be manufactured by known methods such as rolling and casting. Details of various tobacco sheets manufactured by such methods are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco," Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009. Hereinafter, as a preferred embodiment, a method using tobacco powder as the tobacco raw material will be described.

[0031] <Rolling Method> Examples of methods for producing a tobacco sheet (rolled sheet) by rolling include methods that include the following steps: (1) mixing water, tobacco powder, an aerosol-generating agent, a molding agent, and a reinforcing agent to obtain a mixture; (2) feeding the mixture into rolling rollers and rolling; and (3) drying the rolled product in a dryer. When producing a tobacco sheet by this method, the surfaces of the rolling rollers may be heated or cooled, and the rotation speed of the rolling rollers may be adjusted, depending on the purpose. The spacing between the rolling rollers may also be adjusted. One or more rolling rollers may be used to obtain a tobacco sheet of the desired basis weight.

[0032] <Casting Method> Examples of methods for producing tobacco sheets (cast sheets) by the casting method include methods that include the following steps: (1) mixing water, tobacco powder, an aerosol-generating agent, a molding agent, and pulp to obtain a mixture; and (2) spreading (casting) the mixture thinly and drying it to form a tobacco sheet. When producing tobacco sheets by this method, a step of removing some components such as nitrosamines by irradiating a slurry obtained by mixing water, tobacco powder, an aerosol-generating agent, a molding agent, and pulp with ultraviolet light or X-rays may be added.

[0033] (Moisture Reduction Rate) The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment preferably has a moisture reduction rate of -3% by mass or less. The moisture reduction rate is an index showing how much the equilibrium moisture content of a target sheet is lower than the equilibrium moisture content of a reference sheet. As described above, the equilibrium moisture content is the moisture content after 48 hours of conditioning under conditions of 22°C and 60% relative humidity. The smaller the moisture reduction rate, the lower the equilibrium moisture content of the target sheet. Specifically, when the equilibrium moisture content of a sheet obtained from tobacco powder T according to this embodiment is Wt, and the equilibrium moisture content of a sheet obtained from reference tobacco powder S with a D90 of <200 μm is Ws, the moisture reduction rate is defined as (Wt - Ws) / Ws. A tobacco sheet that satisfies this moisture reduction rate has a low moisture content, and therefore can reduce the heat capacity of the heated portion. The upper limit of the moisture reduction rate is preferably -4% by mass or less or -5% by mass or less. The lower limit of the moisture reduction rate is preferably -20% by mass or more.

[0034] Specifically, the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment is preferably manufactured by a method comprising the following steps: (1) preparing a sheet composition containing tobacco powder S having a D90 of <200 μm, and manufacturing sheet S; (2) preparing a plurality of tobacco powders T1 to Tn (n is 2 or greater) having different D90s and having a D90 of ≥200 μm, preparing a sheet composition containing each tobacco powder, and manufacturing sheets T1 to Tn; (3) measuring the equilibrium moisture content of cut pieces of sheet S, and sheets T1 to Tn, or cut pieces of each sheet, after conditioning under conditions of 22°C and 60% relative humidity; and (4) determining tobacco powder A constituting a sheet having a moisture reduction rate of -3% or less, as defined below, where tobacco powder A is selected from tobacco powders T1 to Tn. Moisture reduction rate (%) = (Wt - Ws) / Ws Wt: equilibrium moisture content of each sheet T1 to Tn or a cut product thereof Ws: equilibrium moisture content of sheet S or a cut product thereof (5) A process for producing a sheet from the tobacco powder A.

[0035] The sheet manufacturing method in step (1) and the like has already been described. However, the sheet manufacturing method in each step is standardized. For example, if a cast sheet is selected in step (1), cast sheets are also prepared in the subsequent steps. Furthermore, the D90 of the reference tobacco powder S is not limited as long as it is less than 200 μm, but is preferably 80 to 90 μm. It is preferable that the shapes of the objects to be measured in Ws and Wt are the same. For example, if Ws is the equilibrium moisture content of the sheet, it is also preferable that Wt is the equilibrium moisture content of the sheet.

[0036] [Non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler] The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment includes a tobacco-containing segment including the tobacco sheet etc. according to this embodiment. Because the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment includes a tobacco-containing segment filled with the highly expandable tobacco sheet etc. according to this embodiment, the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing segment can be sufficiently reduced, and the tobacco sheet filled in the tobacco-containing segment can contribute more to aerosol generation.

[0037] An example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment is shown in Figure 1. The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a tobacco-containing segment 2 filled with a tobacco sheet or the like according to the present embodiment, a cylindrical cooling segment 3 having perforations 8 on its circumference, a center hole segment 4, and a filter segment 5. The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment may have other segments in addition to the tobacco-containing segment, cooling segment, center hole segment, and filter segment.

[0038] The axial length of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40 mm or more and 90 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or more and 75 mm or less, and even more preferably 50 mm or more and 60 mm or less. The circumferential length of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler is preferably 16 mm or more and 25 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or more and 24 mm or less, and even more preferably 21 mm or more and 23 mm or less. For example, the tobacco-containing segment may be 20 mm long, the cooling segment may be 20 mm long, the center hole segment may be 8 mm long, and the filter segment may be 7 mm long. The length of the filter segment may be selected within a range of 4 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The airflow resistance of the filter segment in this case is 15 mmH per segment. ２ O / seg or more, 60mmH ２ The length of each segment can be appropriately changed depending on manufacturing suitability, required quality, etc. Furthermore, even if a filter segment alone is disposed downstream of the cooling segment without using a center hole segment, the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler can still function.

[0039] (Tobacco-Containing Segment) In the tobacco-containing segment 2, the tobacco sheet or the like according to this embodiment is filled into cigarette paper (hereinafter also referred to as wrapper). The method for filling the tobacco sheet or the like into the cigarette paper (hereinafter also referred to as wrapper) is not particularly limited, and for example, the tobacco sheet or the like may be wrapped in the wrapper, or the tobacco sheet or the like may be filled into a cylindrical wrapper. When the tobacco sheet has a longitudinal direction, such as a rectangular shape, the tobacco sheet or the like may be filled so that the longitudinal direction is in an unspecified direction within the wrapper, or may be filled so that the tobacco sheet or the like is aligned in the axial direction of the tobacco-containing segment 2 or perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0040] (Cooling Segment) As shown in Fig. 1, the cooling segment 3 may be configured as a cylindrical member 7. The cylindrical member 7 may be, for example, a cardboard tube formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0041] The tubular member 7 and the mouthpiece lining paper 12 (described later) are provided with perforations 8 that penetrate both. The presence of the perforations 8 allows outside air to be introduced into the cooling segment 3 during inhalation. As a result, the vaporized aerosol components generated by heating the tobacco-containing segment 2 come into contact with the outside air, their temperature drops, and they liquefy, forming an aerosol. The diameter (distance across) of the perforations 8 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The number of perforations 8 is not particularly limited, and may be one, two, or more. For example, a plurality of perforations 8 may be provided around the circumference of the cooling segment 3.

[0042] The amount of outside air introduced through the perforations 8 is preferably 85% by volume or less, more preferably 80% by volume or less, of the total volume of gas inhaled by the user. By setting the ratio of the amount of outside air to 85% by volume or less, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the reduction in flavor due to dilution by the outside air. This is also referred to as the ventilation ratio. From the viewpoint of cooling performance, the lower limit of the ventilation ratio range is preferably 55% by volume or more, more preferably 60% by volume or more.

[0043] The cooling segment may also be a segment comprising a sheet of suitable construction material that has been wrinkled, pleated, gathered, or folded. The cross-sectional profile of such an element may exhibit randomly oriented channels. The cooling segment may also comprise a bundle of longitudinally extending tubes. Such a cooling segment may be formed, for example, by wrapping a pleated, gathered, or folded sheet material with a wrapping paper.

[0044] The axial length of the cooling segment can be, for example, 7 mm to 28 mm, for example, 18 mm, and the axial cross section of the cooling segment can be substantially circular, with a diameter of, for example, 5 mm to 10 mm, for example, about 7 mm.

[0045] (Center Hole Segment) The center hole segment is composed of a filling layer having one or more hollow portions and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) covering the filling layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the center hole segment 4 is composed of a second filling layer 9 having a hollow portion and a second inner plug wrapper 10 covering the second filling layer 9. The center hole segment 4 functions to increase the strength of the mouthpiece segment 6. The second filling layer 9 can be, for example, a rod with an inner diameter of 1.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, which is densely packed with cellulose acetate fibers and hardened by adding a plasticizer containing triacetin in an amount of 6% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less relative to the mass of cellulose acetate. Because the second filling layer 9 has a high fiber packing density, during inhalation, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portions, with almost no flow within the second filling layer 9. Because the second filling layer 9 inside the center hole segment 4 is a fiber-packed layer, the feel from the outside during use is less likely to cause discomfort to the user. It is also possible for the center hole segment 4 not to have the second inner plug wrapper 10 and for its shape to be maintained by thermoforming.

[0046] (Filter Segment) The configuration of the filter segment 5 is not particularly limited, and may be composed of one or more packed layers. The outside of the packed layer may be wrapped with one or more sheets of wrapping paper. The airflow resistance per filter segment 5 can be appropriately changed depending on the amount, material, etc. of the packing filled in the filter segment 5. For example, when the packing is cellulose acetate fiber, the airflow resistance can be increased by increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fiber filled in the filter segment 5. When the packing is cellulose acetate fiber, the packing density of the cellulose acetate fiber is 0.13 to 0.18 g / cm. ３ The airflow resistance is a value measured using an airflow resistance measuring device (product name: SODIMAX, manufactured by SODIM).

[0047] The circumferential length of the filter segment 5 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 16 to 25 mm, more preferably 20 to 24 mm, and even more preferably 21 to 23 mm. The axial length of the filter segment 5 can be selected from 4 to 10 mm, and the airflow resistance thereof is preferably 15 to 60 mmH. ２ The filter segment 5 has an axial length of preferably 5 to 9 mm, more preferably 6 to 8 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the filter segment 5 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or the like. Furthermore, a flavor-containing breakable capsule, flavor beads, or flavor may be directly added to the filter segment 5.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the center hole segment 4 and the filter segment 5 can be connected by an outer plug wrapper (outer wrapping paper) 11. The outer plug wrapper 11 can be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper. The tobacco-containing segment 2, the cooling segment 3, and the connected center hole segment 4 and filter segment 5 can be connected by a mouthpiece lining paper 12. These connections can be made, for example, by applying glue such as vinyl acetate glue to the inner surface of the mouthpiece lining paper 12, and then inserting and winding the three segments. Note that these segments may also be connected in multiple places using multiple lining papers.

[0049] [Non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system] The non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment includes the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment and a heating device that heats the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler. The non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment may have other components in addition to the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment and the heating device.

[0050] An example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 2. The non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 2 includes a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 according to this embodiment and a heating device 13 that heats the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 from the outside.

[0051] Figure 2(a) shows the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 in a state before it is inserted into the heating device 13, and Figure 2(b) shows the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 inserted into the heating device 13 and being heated. The heating device 13 shown in Figure 2 comprises a body 14, a heater 15, a metal tube 16, a battery unit 17, and a control unit 18. The body 14 has a cylindrical recess 19, and the heater 15 and metal tube 16 are disposed on the inner side of the recess 19 at a position corresponding to the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 to be inserted into the recess 19. The heater 15 may be an electric resistance heater, and is heated by being supplied with power from the battery unit 17 in response to instructions from the control unit 18, which controls the temperature. The heat generated by the heater 15 is transmitted to the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 through the metal tube 16, which has high thermal conductivity.

[0052] 2(b) is a schematic illustration, and therefore there is a gap between the outer periphery of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 and the inner periphery of the metal tube 16, but in reality, for the purpose of efficient heat transfer, it is preferable that there is no gap between the outer periphery of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 and the inner periphery of the metal tube 16. Note that although the heating device 13 heats the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 from the outside, it may also heat from the inside.

[0053] The heating temperature by the heating device is not particularly limited, but is preferably 400° C. or less, more preferably 150° C. or more and 400° C. or less, and even more preferably 200° C. or more and 350° C. or less. The heating temperature refers to the temperature of the heater of the heating device.

[0054] Specific examples of this embodiment will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0055] [Example 1] Tobacco lamina (leaf tobacco) was dry-milled using a Hosokawa Micron ACM machine to obtain tobacco powder. The cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the volume-based particle size distribution of the tobacco powder were measured using a Mastersizer (trade name, manufactured by Spectris K.K., Malvern Panalytical Division) using a dry laser diffraction method, and were found to be 57 μm and 216 μm, respectively.

[0056] A tobacco sheet was produced using the tobacco powder by a rolling method. Specifically, 87 parts by mass of the tobacco powder, 12 parts by mass of glycerin as an aerosol generating agent, and 1 part by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a molding agent were mixed and kneaded in an extrusion molding machine. The kneaded mixture was molded into a sheet using two pairs of metal rolls and dried in a hot air circulating oven at 80°C to obtain a tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet was then shredded into a size of 0.8 mm x 9.5 mm using a shredder.

[0057] The swelling capacity of the shredded tobacco sheet was measured. Specifically, the shredded tobacco sheet was left in a conditioned room at 22°C and 60% humidity for 48 hours, and then the swelling capacity was measured using a DD-60A (trade name, manufactured by Borgwald). The measurement was performed by placing 15 g of the shredded tobacco sheet in a cylindrical container with an inner diameter of 60 mm and compressing it for 30 seconds under a 3 kg load to determine the volume. The results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the swelling capacity is expressed as the increase rate (%) of swelling capacity relative to the reference value, which is the value of the swelling capacity of Comparative Example 1 described below.

[0058] [Example 2] A tobacco sheet was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that tobacco powder having a cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 121 μm and 389 μm, respectively, in the volume-based particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction method was used. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0059] [Example 3] A tobacco sheet was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that tobacco powder used had a cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 225 μm and 623 μm, respectively, in the volume-based particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0060] Comparative Example 1 A tobacco sheet was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that tobacco powder having a cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 32 μm and 84 μm, respectively, in the volume-based particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction method was used. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0061]

[0062] As can be seen from Table 1, the tobacco sheets of Examples 1 to 3, which are tobacco sheets according to the present embodiment, had improved swelling properties compared to the tobacco sheet of Comparative Example 1, in which the D90 of the tobacco powder measured by dry laser diffraction was less than 200 μm. Note that, although the tobacco sheets of Examples 1 to 3 were produced by the rolling method, the swelling properties were also improved when tobacco sheets were similarly produced by the casting method.

[0063] [Example A and Comparative Example A] (1) Tobacco lamina (leaf tobacco) was dry-ground using an ACM machine manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation to obtain tobacco powder. The particle size of the tobacco powder was measured using a Mastersizer (trade name, manufactured by Malvern Panalytical Division, Spectris Inc.), and the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) in the volume-based particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction was used. (2) Tobacco sheets were produced using the tobacco powder by a rolling method. Specifically, the tobacco powder, glycerin as an aerosol generating agent, and carboxymethylcellulose as a molding agent were mixed in the proportions shown in the table below and kneaded in an extrusion molding machine. The kneaded mixture was molded into a sheet using a pair of metal rolls and dried in a hot air circulating oven at 80°C to obtain a tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet was shredded into pieces measuring 0.8 mm x 9.5 mm using a shredder. (3) The moisture content of the shredded tobacco sheets was measured. Specifically, the shredded tobacco sheets were left in a conditioning room at 22°C and 60% humidity for 48 hours, and then the moisture content after conditioning, i.e., the equilibrium moisture content, was measured using an A&D heat-drying moisture meter MX-50. (4) The equilibrium moisture content of the sheet obtained in Comparative Example A1 was designated Ws, and the equilibrium moisture content of the sheets obtained in each Example A was designated Wt, and the moisture reduction rate was measured using the following formula: Moisture reduction rate (%) = (Wt - Ws) / Ws The results are shown in Table 2.

[0064]

[0065] The embodiments are described below. Aspect 1: A tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, having an equilibrium moisture content of 14% by mass or less after 48 hours of conditioning under conditions of 22°C and 60% relative humidity. Aspect 2: The sheet according to Aspect 1, which is a rolled sheet or a cast sheet. Aspect 3: The sheet according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the sheet contains powder of at least one tobacco raw material selected from the group consisting of leaf tobacco, midrib, and stem residue. Aspect 4: The sheet according to Aspect 3, wherein the proportion of the powder contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 45 to 95% by mass. Aspect 5: The sheet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the tobacco sheet further contains an aerosol-generating agent. Aspect 6: The sheet according to Aspect 5, wherein the aerosol-generating agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol. Aspect 7: The sheet according to Aspect 5 or 6, wherein the proportion of the aerosol-generating agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 4 to 50% by mass. Aspect 8: The tobacco sheet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the tobacco sheet further comprises a molding agent. Aspect 9: The sheet according to Aspect 8, wherein the molding agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers. Aspect 10: The sheet according to Aspect 8 or 9, wherein the proportion of the molding agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 0.1 to 15% by mass. Aspect 11: The sheet according to any one of Aspects 3 to 10, wherein the tobacco raw material powder comprises tobacco powder having a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 200 μm or more in a volume-based particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction. Aspect 12: A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco-containing segment comprising the sheet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. Aspect 13: A non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system comprising: the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to Aspect 12; and a heating device that heats the tobacco-containing segment.Aspect 14 (1) A step of preparing a sheet composition containing tobacco powder S having a D90 of <200 μm, and manufacturing sheet S; (2) A step of preparing a plurality of tobacco powders T1 to Tn having different D90s, each having a D90 of ≥ 200 μm (n is a number of 2 or more), and preparing a sheet composition containing each tobacco powder, and manufacturing sheets T1 to Tn; (3) A step of measuring the equilibrium moisture content of said sheet S or a cut product of sheet S, and sheets T1 to Tn or a cut product of each sheet, after 48 hours of conditioning under conditions of 22°C and a relative humidity of 60%; (4) A step of determining tobacco powder A selected from tobacco powders T1 to Tn, which is a tobacco powder constituting a sheet having a moisture reduction rate of -3% or less as defined below: Moisture reduction rate (%) = (Wt - Ws) / Ws Wt: equilibrium moisture content of each sheet T1 to Tn or a cut product thereof Ws: equilibrium moisture content of sheet S or a cut product thereof (5) A step of manufacturing a sheet from said tobacco powder A; A method for manufacturing the sheet according to aspect 11, comprising:

[0066] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 2 Tobacco-containing segment 3 Cooling segment 4 Center hole segment 5 Filter segment 6 Mouthpiece segment 7 Cylindrical member 8 Perforation 9 Second filling layer 10 Second inner plug wrapper 11 Outer plug wrapper 12 Mouthpiece lining paper 13 Heating device 14 Body 15 Heater 16 Metal tube 17 Battery unit 18 Control unit 19 Recess

Claims

1. A tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, which has an equilibrium moisture content of 14% by mass or less after being conditioned for 48 hours under conditions of 22°C and a relative humidity of 60%.

2. 10. The sheet of claim 1, which is a rolled or cast sheet.

3. 3. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises powder of at least one tobacco material selected from the group consisting of tobacco leaves, midribs, and stem residues.

4. The sheet according to claim 3, wherein the tobacco sheet contains 45 to 95% by mass of the powder in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet.

5. 3. The tobacco sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tobacco sheet further comprises an aerosol-generating agent.

6. 6. The sheet according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol generating agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol.

7. The sheet according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol-generating agent is contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet in an amount of 4 to 50% by mass.

8. The tobacco sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tobacco sheet further comprises a molding agent.

9. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the molding agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers.

10. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the proportion of the molding agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 0.1 to 15% by mass.

11. The sheet according to claim 3, wherein the powder of the tobacco material has a cumulative 90% particle diameter (D90) of 200 μm or more in a volume-based particle size distribution measured by a dry laser diffraction method.

12. A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco-containing segment comprising the sheet according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to claim 12; a heating device for heating the tobacco-containing segment; A non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system.

14. (1) preparing a sheet composition containing tobacco powder S having a D90 of less than 200 μm and producing a sheet S; (2) preparing a plurality of tobacco powders T1 to Tn (n is a number of 2 or more) having different D90s, each having a D90 of 200 μm or more, preparing sheet compositions containing each tobacco powder, and manufacturing sheets T1 to Tn; (3) measuring the equilibrium moisture content of the sheet S or a cut product of the sheet S, and the sheets T1 to Tn or a cut product of each sheet after 48 hours of conditioning under conditions of 22°C and a relative humidity of 60%; (4) A step of determining a tobacco powder A selected from tobacco powders T1 to Tn, which constitutes a sheet having a moisture reduction rate of -3% or less as defined below; Moisture reduction rate (%) = (Wt - Ws) / Ws Wt: Equilibrium moisture content of each sheet T1 to Tn or its cut pieces Ws: Equilibrium moisture content of sheet S or its cut pieces (5) a step of producing a sheet from the tobacco powder A; The method for manufacturing a sheet according to claim 11, comprising: