Tobacco sheet-use tobacco mixture and method for producing same, tobacco sheet and method for producing same, non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, and non-combustion heating-type flavor inhalation system

Abstract

Provided is a method for producing a tobacco sheet-use tobacco mixture, the method enabling production, in a short time, of a tobacco sheet-use tobacco mixture in which there are few lumps, which has little stickiness, and which is uniform. The method for producing a tobacco sheet-use tobacco mixture comprises a step of performing mixing, in a mixer having a rotatable first blade, while shearing a sheet raw material that includes a tobacco raw material, a binder, water, and an aerosol source, by rotation of the first blade.

Description

Tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet and manufacturing method thereof, tobacco sheet and manufacturing method thereof, non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler, and non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet and a method for producing the same, a tobacco sheet and a method for producing the same, 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. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for producing a tobacco sheet, which involves combining a first composition containing a first binder and an aerosol-generating agent with a second composition containing a tobacco material, a filler, and optionally a second binder to form a mixture of the first composition and the second composition, and extruding the mixture to form a sheet-shaped aerosol-generating material.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 096860

[0004] However, when tobacco mixtures for tobacco sheets, which are the raw materials for tobacco sheets, are produced using conventional methods, they tend to clump, are non-uniform, and can become sticky. Therefore, when tobacco mixtures obtained using conventional methods are used to produce tobacco sheets, particularly by rolling, the production efficiency can be low and the uniformity of the resulting tobacco sheets can be reduced. Furthermore, conventional methods can take a long time to produce tobacco mixtures.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets that can produce a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets that is uniform, has few lumps, and is less sticky in a short time, and a method for producing tobacco sheets that includes said method.

[0006] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0007] [1] A method for producing a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet, comprising a step of shearing and mixing a sheet material containing tobacco material, a binder, water, and an aerosol source in a mixer having a rotatable first blade by rotating the first blade.

[0008] [2] The method according to [1], wherein the sheet material further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of pulp, a flavoring component, and a filler.

[0009] [3] The method according to [1] or [2], wherein the peripheral speed of the first blade when shearing and mixing the sheet material is 50 to 700 m / min.

[0010] [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the first blade is disposed on the bottom surface of the mixer.

[0011] [5] The method according to [4], wherein the mixer further has a rotatable second blade on an upper side of the mixer, and when the sheet material is mixed while being sheared, the rotation of the second blade forms a flow that sends the sheet material located at the upper part of the mixer to the lower part of the mixer.

[0012] [6] The method according to [5], wherein the peripheral speed of the second blade when shearing and mixing the sheet material is 75 to 300 m / min.

[0013] [7] The method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the mixer further has a plate-shaped paddle on an upper surface inside the mixer, and when the sheet material is mixed while being sheared, the paddle forms a flow that sends the sheet material located near the side of the mixer to the center of the mixer.

[0014] [8] The method according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the moisture content of the sheet material is 45% by mass or less.

[0015] [9] The method according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the binder is a thickening polysaccharide.

[0016]

[10] The method according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the aerosol source is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols and triacetin.

[0017]

[11] The method according to any one of [1] to

[10] , further comprising: a step of mixing a liquid raw material containing the water and the aerosol source to obtain a liquid mixture; and a step of mixing a solid raw material containing the tobacco raw material and the binder to obtain a solid mixture, wherein the liquid mixture and the solid mixture are mixed while shearing in the mixer by rotating the first blade.

[0018]

[12] A method for producing a tobacco sheet, comprising: a step of producing a tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet by the method according to any one of [1] to

[11] ; and a step of producing a tobacco sheet using the tobacco mixture for the tobacco sheet.

[0019]

[13] The method for producing a tobacco sheet according to

[12] , wherein the step of producing the tobacco sheet comprises: extruding the tobacco mixture for the tobacco sheet to obtain a plate-like extrudate; and rolling the plate-like extrudate to obtain a tobacco sheet.

[0020]

[14] A tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet, produced by the method according to any one of [1] to

[11] .

[0021]

[15] A tobacco sheet produced by the method according to

[12] or

[13] .

[0022]

[16] A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco-containing segment containing the tobacco sheet according to

[15] .

[0023]

[17] A non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system comprising: the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to

[16] ; and a heating device that heats the tobacco-containing segment.

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for producing a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets that can produce a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets that is uniform, has few lumps, and is less sticky in a short time, and a method for producing tobacco sheets that includes this method.

[0025] 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.

[0026] [Method for manufacturing a tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet] The method for manufacturing a tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet according to this embodiment includes a step of shearing and mixing a sheet material containing a tobacco material, a binder, water, and an aerosol source in a mixer having a rotatable first blade by rotating the first blade.

[0027] In the method according to this embodiment, a sheet material containing tobacco material, binder, water, and an aerosol source is mixed while being sheared by the rotation of a first blade disposed in a mixer. As used herein, "mixing while shearing" refers to mixing the sheet material while cutting it apart by the rotation of the first blade (mixing by the shearing force of the rotating blade). In the method according to this embodiment, by mixing the sheet material while being sheared by the rotation of the first blade, bulky particle clumps move downward in the mixer, where they are sheared and refined and dispersed in a short time. As a result, the resulting tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet is uniform with few lumps and is not sticky.

[0028] The sheet material includes a tobacco material, a binder, water, and an aerosol source. The sheet material may also include other components in addition to the tobacco material, binder, water, and aerosol source. Examples of other components include pulp, flavor components, and fillers.

[0029] The tobacco raw material can be the entire tobacco or any part of the tobacco, including leaves, veins, stems, roots, flowers, and mixtures thereof. The variety of tobacco raw material is not particularly limited, and examples include flue-cured tobacco, burley, native tobacco, and Oriental tobacco. These may be used alone or in combination. The tobacco raw material may be fresh leaves immediately after harvesting that have not been dried, or may be leaves that have been dried or aged after harvesting, or a combination of these. Furthermore, rib-shaped tobacco, expanded tobacco, and other tobacco products obtained by processing these tobacco raw materials can also be used. These may be used alone, or multiple varieties and parts may be used in combination. Tobacco extracts obtained by extracting these tobacco raw materials using protic solvents, aprotic solvents, and the like can also be used as tobacco raw materials. The content of the tobacco raw material in the sheet raw material is preferably 50 to 95% by mass, more preferably 60 to 90% by mass, and even more preferably 70 to 80% by mass. The above content percentages refer to the mass ratio of the tobacco raw material to 100% by mass of the sheet raw material excluding water. The same applies to the content ratios of other components (excluding water) shown below.

[0030] The sheet raw material contains a binder that binds the components that make up the sheet raw material. Examples of binders include thickening polysaccharides. Examples of thickening polysaccharides include starches such as alpha waxy cornstarch and HP potato starch, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), pullulan, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the binder contained in the sheet raw material is preferably 1 to 20% by mass, more preferably 3 to 15% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 10% by mass.

[0031] As used herein, the term "aerosol source" refers to a component that generates an aerosol vaporized component when heated, and generates an aerosol when the aerosol vaporized component is cooled. Examples of the aerosol source include polyhydric alcohols and triacetin. Examples of polyhydric alcohols include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, and 1,3-butanediol. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the aerosol source contained in the sheet material is preferably 1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 5 to 25% by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 20% by mass.

[0032] The sheet raw material according to this embodiment contains water. From the viewpoint of achieving good moldability when the resulting tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet is rolled to produce a tobacco sheet, the moisture content of the sheet raw material is preferably 45% by mass or less, more preferably 10 to 40% by mass, even more preferably 20 to 40% by mass, and particularly preferably 25 to 35% by mass. When rolling a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet to produce a tobacco sheet (laminated sheet, rolled sheet), a sheet raw material with a lower moisture content is used compared to when producing a tobacco sheet (paper sheet, cast sheet) by a conventional papermaking method or casting method. When the moisture content of the sheet raw material is low, mixing is difficult, making it difficult to obtain a uniform tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet. The method according to this embodiment is particularly effective in obtaining a uniform tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet, even when using a sheet raw material with such a low moisture content. The moisture content refers to the ratio of the mass of water contained in the sheet raw material to the mass of the entire sheet raw material (100% by mass).

[0033] The sheet raw material according to this embodiment may contain pulp as a reinforcing agent for the tobacco sheet. When the sheet raw material contains pulp, the content of pulp contained in the sheet raw material is preferably 1 to 20% by mass, more preferably 3 to 15% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 10% by mass.

[0034] The sheet raw material according to this embodiment may contain a flavor component in order to impart a flavor to the tobacco sheet. In this specification, the term "flavor component" refers to a flavor component other than tobacco components. The type of flavor component is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include flavorings, flavoring agents, cooling agents, etc. The flavor component may be in any form, such as a liquid or solid. Furthermore, the flavor component may be a single component or a combination of multiple components.

[0035] Suitable flavors of the fragrance include, for example, flavors selected from tobacco extracts and tobacco components, sugar and sugar-based flavors, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, fruit juice and fruits, spices, liquor, herbs, vanilla, and flower-based flavors, either alone or in combination.

[0036] A wide variety of flavoring ingredients can be used as the flavoring, such as those described in "Collection of Well-Known and Commonly Used Techniques (Fragrances)" (published by the Japan Patent Office on March 14, 2007), "Latest Encyclopedia of Flavors (Popular Edition)" (edited by Soichi Arai, Akio Kobayashi, Izumi Yajima, and Michiaki Kawasaki, Asakura Shoten, on February 25, 2012), and "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products" (published by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, June 1972).

[0037] Examples of the fragrance include fragrances selected from isothiocyanates, indole and its derivatives, ethers, esters, ketones, fatty acids, higher aliphatic alcohols, higher aliphatic aldehydes, higher aliphatic hydrocarbons, thioethers, thiols, terpene hydrocarbons, phenol ethers, phenols, furfural and its derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, lactones, etc., either alone or in combination. Materials that impart a cooling / warming sensation may also be used.

[0038] More specifically, the flavoring agent may be acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, ginseng, niacin, niacinamide, niacinamide, niacinamide methylparaben ... Gin juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, clary sage extract, coffee, cognac oil, coriander oil, cuminaldehyde, davana oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, decanoic acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7 -dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxybenzoate hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, genet absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, inmortel absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, lovage root oil, maple syrup, me Insol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, para-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, gamma-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, delta-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, omega-pentadeca Lactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenylguaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, alpha-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8- Tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, violet leaf absolute, citral, mandarin oil, 4-(acetoxymethyl)toluene, 2-methyl-1-butanol, ethyl 10-undecenoate, isoamyl hexanoate, 1-phenylethylacetic acid, lauric acid, 8-mercaptomenthone, sinensal, hexyl butyrate, plant powder (herb powder, flower powder, spice powder, Tea powder: cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rose pip powder, chamomile flower powder, lemon verbena powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, black tea powder, etc.), camphor, isopulegol, cineole, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, 2-l-menthoxyethanol (COOLACT® 5), 3-l-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol (COOLACT® 10) , 1-menthyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (COOLACT® 20), p-menthane-3,8-diol (COOLACT® 38D), N-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1-carboxamide (COOLACT® 370), N-(4-(cyanomethyl)phenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide (COOLACT® 40 0), N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide)acetate (WS-5), N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide (WS-12), 2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide (WS-23), 3-l-menthoxy-2-methylpropane-1,2-diol, 2-l-menthoxyethan-1-ol, 3-l-menthoxypropan-1-ol, 4-l-menthoxybutan-1-ol, menthyl lactate (FEMA3748), menthone glycerin acetal (Frescolat MGA, FEMA3807, FEMA3808), 2-(2-l-menthyloxyethyl)ethanol, menthyl glyoxylate, menthyl 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, menthyl succinate (FEMA3810), N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)-ethyl)-3-p-menthanecarboxamide (FEMA4549), N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, and N-(4-aminocarbonylphenyl)-p-menthane.

[0039] Examples of flavoring agents include materials that exhibit sweetness, sourness, saltiness, umami, bitterness, astringency, richness, spiciness, harshness, and astringency. Examples of materials that exhibit sweetness include sugars, sugar alcohols, and sweeteners. Examples of sugars include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Examples of sweeteners include natural sweeteners and synthetic sweeteners. Examples of materials that exhibit sourness include organic acids (and their sodium salts). Examples of organic acids include acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid. Examples of materials that exhibit bitterness include caffeine (extract), naringin, and wormwood extract. Examples of materials that exhibit saltiness include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, and potassium acetate. Examples of materials that provide umami include sodium glutamate, sodium inosinate, sodium guanylate, etc. Examples of materials that provide astringency include tannin, shibuol, etc.

[0040] When the sheet raw material contains a flavor component, the content of the flavor component contained in the sheet raw material is, from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, usually 10,000 ppm by mass or more, preferably 20,000 ppm by mass or more, more preferably 25,000 ppm by mass or more, and usually 70,000 ppm by mass or less, preferably 50,000 ppm by mass or less, more preferably 40,000 ppm by mass or less, and even more preferably 33,000 ppm by mass or less.

[0041] The sheet material according to the present embodiment may contain a filler. Examples of fillers include calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the sheet material contains a filler, the content of the filler contained in the sheet material may be 10% by mass or more and less than 60% by mass, and preferably 15% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less.

[0042] All of the components of the sheet material described above may be initially placed into a mixer and mixed while shearing the sheet material, or the components of the sheet material may be sequentially placed into the mixer and mixed while shearing. In particular, mixing the liquid and solid materials separately in advance and then shearing and mixing the liquid and solid mixtures in the mixer is preferred, as this allows the components of the sheet material to be mixed more uniformly and produces a more uniform tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets with fewer lumps. That is, the method according to this embodiment further includes the steps of mixing a liquid material containing water and an aerosol source to obtain a liquid mixture, and mixing a solid material containing a tobacco material and a binder to obtain a solid mixture, and preferably mixing the liquid and solid mixtures while shearing them in the mixer by rotating the first blade. For example, it is preferred to separately prepare a liquid mixture by mixing the liquid material containing water and the aerosol source in advance, and then mix the tobacco material and the solid material containing a binder in the mixer to prepare a solid mixture, and then introduce the liquid mixture into the mixer and mix the liquid and solid mixtures while shearing them by rotating the first blade. The binder may be added to the liquid raw material, or to both the liquid raw material and the solid raw material.

[0043] The mixer used in the method according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it has a rotatable first blade. It is preferable that the first blade be disposed on the bottom surface of the mixer, since this allows the sheet material to convect within the mixer and more efficiently mix while shearing the sheet material. The shape of the first blade is not particularly limited, but it can be a plate-shaped blade, such as a rectangular blade or a cross-shaped blade. The number of first blades is not particularly limited, and may be one or two or more. When there are two or more first blades, for example, multiple first blades can be disposed on the bottom surface of the mixer, stacked one on top of the other.

[0044] The sizes of the mixer and the first blade are not particularly limited. The capacity of the mixer can be, for example, 10 to 30 L. The inner diameter of the mixer can be, for example, 100 to 600 mm. The depth inside the mixer can be, for example, 100 to 600 mm. The diameter (maximum length) of the first blade can be, for example, 100 to 600 mm. The mass of the sheet material to be charged into the mixer can be, for example, 1 to 10 kg, depending on the size of the mixer.

[0045] When mixing the sheet material while shearing it, the peripheral speed of the first blade (the tangential speed of the rotation of the first blade) is preferably 50 to 700 m / min, more preferably 75 to 650 m / min, and even more preferably 100 to 600 m / min. By having the peripheral speed of the first blade within this range, the sheet material can be mixed while shearing it more efficiently. When mixing the sheet material while shearing it, the number of rotations per minute (rpm) of the first blade is preferably 50 to 700 rpm, more preferably 75 to 650 rpm, and even more preferably 100 to 600 rpm. By having the number of rotations per minute of the first blade within this range, the sheet material can be mixed while shearing it more efficiently. The time for mixing the sheet material while shearing it depends on the performance of the mixer, but can be, for example, 60 to 600 seconds.

[0046] The mixer preferably further has a rotatable second blade at the upper side of the mixer. When the sheet material is mixed while being sheared, the rotation of the second blade creates a flow that sends the sheet material located at the upper part of the mixer to the lower part of the mixer. This promotes convection of the sheet material within the mixer, allowing the sheet material to be mixed while being sheared more efficiently.

[0047] The shape of the second blade is not particularly limited, but may be a plate-like blade, such as a rectangular blade or a cross-shaped blade. The number of second blades is not particularly limited, and may be one or two or more. When there are two or more second blades, for example, multiple second blades can be arranged in a stack on the side of the mixer. The span length (maximum length) of the second blade is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 50 to 300 mm.

[0048] When mixing the sheet raw material while shearing it, the peripheral speed of the second blade (the tangential speed of the rotation of the second blade) is preferably 75 to 300 m / min, more preferably 100 to 250 m / min, and even more preferably 125 to 200 m / min. By having the peripheral speed of the second blade within this range, the sheet raw material can be mixed while shearing it more efficiently. When mixing the sheet raw material while shearing it, the number of rotations per minute (rpm) of the second blade is preferably 200 to 800 rpm, more preferably 300 to 700 rpm, and even more preferably 400 to 600 rpm. By having the number of rotations per minute of the second blade within the above range, the sheet raw material can be mixed while shearing it more efficiently.

[0049] The mixer preferably further includes a plate-shaped paddle on the upper surface of the mixer. The paddle is disposed approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface of the mixer and attached to the upper surface of the mixer. The paddle can be attached in a direction toward the center of the mixer (the central axis of the mixer is on the extension line of the plate-shaped paddle). When the sheet material is mixed while being sheared, the paddle creates a flow that sends the sheet material located near the side of the mixer to the center of the mixer. This promotes the fluidity and convection of the sheet material within the mixer, allowing the sheet material to be mixed while being sheared more efficiently.

[0050] The shape of the paddle is not particularly limited as long as it is plate-like, but it can be, for example, a rectangular paddle. When the paddle is rectangular, the length of one side of the paddle (the length of the longer side in the case of a rectangle) can be, for example, 60 to 300 mm. In addition, the length from the top surface of the mixer to the bottom of the paddle can be, for example, 100 to 400 mm.

[0051] [Tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet] The tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet according to this embodiment is produced by the method for producing a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet according to this embodiment. Because the tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet is produced by the method according to this embodiment, it is uniform and less sticky. Therefore, by using the tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet, a uniform tobacco sheet can be efficiently produced, particularly by the rolling method.

[0052] [Method for manufacturing tobacco sheet] The method for manufacturing tobacco sheet according to this embodiment includes the following steps: a step of manufacturing a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet by the method according to this embodiment; and a step of manufacturing a tobacco sheet using the tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet. In the method for manufacturing tobacco sheet according to this embodiment, a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet is manufactured by the method according to this embodiment, so that a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet that is uniform, has few lumps, and is not sticky can be manufactured in a short time. As a result, a uniform tobacco sheet can be manufactured efficiently. In particular, when the step for manufacturing the tobacco sheet includes a step of extruding the tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet to obtain a plate-shaped extrudate, and a step of rolling the plate-shaped extrudate to obtain a tobacco sheet (i.e., when the tobacco sheet is manufactured by a rolling method), the above-mentioned effect becomes more pronounced.

[0053] Examples of methods for producing tobacco sheets by rolling include methods that include the following steps: (1) a step of extruding a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets to obtain a plate-like extrudate; (2) a step of feeding the plate-like extrudate into rolling rollers and rolling it; and (3) a step of drying the rolled product in a dryer. When producing tobacco sheets by the above methods, 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 with a desired basis weight.

[0054] [Tobacco Sheet] The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment is manufactured by the tobacco sheet manufacturing method according to this embodiment. The tobacco sheet is uniform because it is manufactured by the method according to this embodiment. Such a uniform tobacco sheet has stable manufacturing quality, and when used in a non-combustion heating flavor inhaler described below, it can continuously and stably supply flavor to the user. Furthermore, because the binder is uniformly mixed, the sheet has high sheet strength.

[0055] [Non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler] The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment comprises a tobacco-containing segment including the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment. An example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 1. The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a tobacco-containing segment 2 filled with the tobacco sheet or the like according to this embodiment, a cylindrical cooling segment 3 having perforations 8 on its periphery, a center hole segment 4, and a filter segment 5. The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment may comprise other segments in addition to the tobacco-containing segment, cooling segment, center hole segment, and filter segment.

[0056] 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 the manufacturing suitability, the required quality, etc. Furthermore, even if only the filter segment is disposed downstream of the cooling segment without using the center hole segment, the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler can still function.

[0057] (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 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.

[0058] (Cooling Segment) As shown in FIG. 1 , the cooling segment 3 may be configured with a tubular member 7. The tubular member 7 may be, for example, a paper tube formed by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape. 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 components of the aerosol 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 or two or more. For example, a plurality of perforations 8 may be provided around the circumference of the cooling segment 3.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] (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 filling layer 9 having a hollow portion and an inner plug wrapper 10 covering the filling layer 9. The center hole segment 4 functions to increase the strength of the mouthpiece segment 6. The 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 filling layer 9 has a high fiber packing density, during inhalation, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portions and hardly any flow within the filling layer 9. Because the 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. Note that the center hole segment 4 may not have an inner plug wrapper 10 and its shape may be maintained by thermoforming.

[0063] (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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] [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 configurations in addition to the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment and the heating device.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The present embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0072] Example 1 A mixer was prepared. The mixer had a capacity of 20 L, an inner diameter of 340 mm, and an internal depth of 310 mm. The mixer had a rotatable first blade on the bottom surface of the mixer. The first blade was plate-shaped, consisting of four rectangular blades arranged one on top of the other, and had a diameter (maximum length) of 315 mm. The mixer also had a rotatable second blade on the upper side of the mixer. The second blade was plate-shaped, consisting of three rectangular blades arranged one on top of the other, and had a diameter (maximum length) of 120 mm. The mixer also had a plate-shaped paddle on the top surface of the mixer. The paddle was disposed approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface of the mixer and attached to the top surface of the mixer. The paddle was attached toward the center of the mixer (the central axis of the mixer was on the extension line of the plate-shaped paddle). The paddle was square-shaped, with each side measuring 120 mm. The length from the top surface of the mixer to the bottom of the paddle was 190 mm.

[0073] The sheet stock materials were prepared as follows: 76 parts by weight of leaf tobacco, a blend of flue-cured and Oriental tobacco, 12 parts by weight of glycerin, 6 parts by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a binder, 6 parts by weight of pulp, and water. The total mass of the sheet stock was 5 kg. The water was prepared in an amount that would result in a moisture content of 30% by weight of the entire sheet stock. The glycerin and water were mixed in a separate container to obtain a liquid mixture. Meanwhile, the leaf tobacco, binder, and pulp were placed in the mixer, and the first and second blades were rotated to shear and mix the mixture, obtaining a solid mixture. The peripheral speed of the first blade was 594 m / min (600 rpm), the peripheral speed of the second blade was 188 m / min (500 rpm), and the mixing time was 180 seconds.

[0074] The liquid mixture was then poured into the mixer containing the solid mixture over a period of 60 seconds, while being sheared and mixed. The peripheral speed of the first blade at this time was 99 m / min (100 rpm), and the peripheral speed of the second blade was 188 m / min (500 rpm). After the liquid mixture had been poured, the first and second blades were rotated to shear and mix, yielding a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets. The peripheral speed of the first blade at this time was 594 m / min (600 rpm), the peripheral speed of the second blade was 188 m / min (500 rpm), and the mixing time was 180 seconds. The resulting tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets was uniform with few lumps and little stickiness.

[0075] Comparative Example 1 A tank having a rotatable kneader and a mixing container was prepared. The tank had a capacity of 50 L, an inner diameter of 450 mm, and an internal depth of 360 mm. The tank was equipped with two rotatable kneaders attached to the upper surface of the tank and extending from the upper surface to almost touch the lower surface. The kneaders were rod-shaped kneaders twisted 180°, and the two kneaders could rotate in opposite directions. The kneaders had a longitudinal length of 360 mm, a thickness of 30 mm, and a maximum width of the twisted portion (the maximum distance between the rods in the twisted portion, i.e., the width of the kneader) of 125 mm. The tank also had a rotatable cylindrical mixing container that constituted the inner wall of the tank and contained the sheet material.

[0076] The sheet raw material materials were prepared as follows: 76 parts by weight of leaf tobacco, a blend of flue-cured and Oriental tobacco leaves; 12 parts by weight of glycerin; 6 parts by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a binder; 6 parts by weight of pulp; and water. The total mass of the sheet raw material was 20 kg. The amount of water prepared was such that the moisture content of the entire sheet raw material was 30% by weight. The glycerin and water were mixed in a separate container to obtain a liquid mixture. Meanwhile, the leaf tobacco, binder, and pulp were placed in the tank, and the kneader and mixing vessel were rotated to knead without shearing, obtaining a solid mixture. The peripheral speed of the kneader was 98 m / min (250 rpm), the peripheral speed of the mixing vessel was 21 m / min (15 rpm), and the mixing time was 300 seconds.

[0077] The liquid mixture was then poured into the tank containing the solid mixture over a period of 60 seconds, while being kneaded without shearing. The peripheral speed of the kneader at this time was 98 m / min (250 rpm), and the peripheral speed of the mixing vessel was 21 m / min (15 rpm). After the liquid mixture had been poured, the kneader and mixing vessel were rotated to knead without shearing, thereby obtaining a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet. The peripheral speed of the kneader at this time was 98 m / min (250 rpm), the peripheral speed of the mixing vessel was 21 m / min (15 rpm), and the mixing time was 300 seconds.

[0078] In this comparative example, the sheet raw materials were not sheared when mixed, which required a long mixing time to obtain a uniform tobacco mixture with fewer lumps. As a result, it was not possible to produce a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheets that was uniform, had fewer lumps, and was less sticky in a short time.

[0079] The present embodiment includes the following aspects.

[0080] [1] A method for producing a tobacco mixture for tobacco sheet, comprising a step of shearing and mixing a sheet material containing tobacco material, a binder, water, and an aerosol source in a mixer having a rotatable first blade by rotating the first blade.

[0081] [2] The method according to [1], wherein the sheet material further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of pulp, a flavoring component, and a filler.

[0082] [3] The method according to [1] or [2], wherein the peripheral speed of the first blade when shearing and mixing the sheet material is 50 to 700 m / min.

[0083] [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the first blade is disposed on the bottom surface of the mixer.

[0084] [5] The method according to [4], wherein the mixer further has a rotatable second blade on an upper side of the mixer, and when the sheet material is mixed while being sheared, the rotation of the second blade forms a flow that sends the sheet material located at the upper part of the mixer to the lower part of the mixer.

[0085] [6] The method according to [5], wherein the peripheral speed of the second blade when shearing and mixing the sheet material is 75 to 300 m / min.

[0086] [7] The method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the mixer further has a plate-shaped paddle on an upper surface inside the mixer, and when the sheet material is mixed while being sheared, the paddle forms a flow that sends the sheet material located near the side of the mixer to the center of the mixer.

[0087] [8] The method according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the moisture content of the sheet material is 45% by mass or less.

[0088] [9] The method according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the binder is a thickening polysaccharide.

[0089]

[10] The method according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the aerosol source is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols and triacetin.

[0090]

[11] The method according to any one of [1] to

[10] , further comprising: a step of mixing a liquid raw material containing the water and the aerosol source to obtain a liquid mixture; and a step of mixing a solid raw material containing the tobacco raw material and the binder to obtain a solid mixture, wherein the liquid mixture and the solid mixture are mixed while shearing in the mixer by rotating the first blade.

[0091]

[12] A method for producing a tobacco sheet, comprising: a step of producing a tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet by the method according to any one of [1] to

[11] ; and a step of producing a tobacco sheet using the tobacco mixture for the tobacco sheet.

[0092]

[13] The method for producing a tobacco sheet according to

[12] , wherein the step of producing the tobacco sheet comprises: extruding the tobacco mixture for the tobacco sheet to obtain a plate-like extrudate; and rolling the plate-like extrudate to obtain a tobacco sheet.

[0093]

[14] A tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet, produced by the method according to any one of [1] to

[11] .

[0094]

[15] A tobacco sheet produced by the method according to

[12] or

[13] .

[0095]

[16] A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco-containing segment containing the tobacco sheet according to

[15] .

[0096]

[17] A non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system comprising: the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to

[16] ; and a heating device that heats the tobacco-containing segment.

[0097] 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 Filling layer 10 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 method for manufacturing a tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet, comprising the step of mixing while shearing a sheet raw material containing a tobacco raw material, a binder, water, and an aerosol source by rotation of a rotatable first blade in a mixer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sheet raw material further contains at least one selected from the group consisting of pulp, a flavor component, and a filler.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral speed of the first blade when mixing while shearing the sheet raw material is 50 to 700 m / min.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first blade is disposed on the bottom surface in the mixer.

5. The mixer further has a rotatable second blade on the upper part of the side surface in the mixer, and when mixing while shearing the sheet raw material, a flow is formed by the rotation of the second blade to send the sheet raw material located in the upper part in the mixer to the lower part in the mixer. The method according to claim 4.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral speed of the second blade when mixing while shearing the sheet raw material is 75 to 300 m / min.

7. The mixer further has a plate-shaped paddle on the upper surface in the mixer, and when mixing while shearing the sheet raw material, a flow is formed by the paddle to send the sheet raw material located near the side surface in the mixer to the central part in the mixer. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the moisture content of the sheet raw material is 45% by mass or less.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the binder is a thickening polysaccharide.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol source is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols and triacetin.

11. Further comprising the step of mixing the liquid raw material containing the water and the aerosol source to obtain a liquid mixture, and the step of mixing the solid raw material containing the tobacco raw material and the binder to obtain a solid mixture, and in the mixer, mixing the liquid mixture and the solid mixture while shearing by rotation of the first blade. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A step of manufacturing a tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a step of manufacturing a tobacco sheet using the tobacco mixture for the tobacco sheet. A method for manufacturing a tobacco sheet, comprising these steps.

13. The step of manufacturing the tobacco sheet includes a step of extruding the tobacco mixture for the tobacco sheet to obtain a plate-shaped extrudate, and a step of rolling the plate-shaped extrudate to obtain a tobacco sheet. The method for manufacturing a tobacco sheet according to claim 12.

14. A tobacco mixture for a tobacco sheet manufactured by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A tobacco sheet manufactured by the method according to claim 12 or 13.

16. A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler comprising a tobacco-containing segment including the tobacco sheet according to claim 15.

17. A non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system comprising the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to claim 16 and a heating device for heating the tobacco-containing segment.

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