Method and device for drawing out tobacco sheet from tobacco sheet bobbin

Abstract

Provided is a method for drawing out a sheet, the method including a step A for preparing a tobacco sheet bobbin, a step B for drawing out the sheet from the bobbin, and a step C for applying force in a contactless manner between the bobbin and the drawn-out free sheet.

Description

Method and apparatus for drawing tobacco sheet from tobacco sheet bobbin

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for drawing tobacco sheet from a tobacco sheet bobbin.

[0002] Tobacco sheets are used by being pulled out from a tobacco sheet bobbin. Because tobacco sheets are adhesive, a certain amount of force is applied when the sheets are pulled out. This has led to problems such as damage to the tobacco sheet. In response to this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of arranging a blade at the boundary between the bobbin and the tobacco sheet pulled out from the bobbin.

[0003] Patent No. 6850798

[0004] The inventors came up with the idea that if force could be applied to the boundary portion without bringing a member into contact with the sheet, deformation of the sheet could be avoided and the tobacco sheet could be pulled out in a better state. In view of these circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for pulling out a tobacco sheet from a tobacco sheet bobbin in a better state.

[0005] The inventors have found that the above-mentioned problem can be solved by applying a force between the bobbin and the drawn-out free sheet in a non-contact manner. That is, the above-mentioned problem is solved as follows. Aspect 1: A method for drawing out a tobacco sheet, comprising: Step A: preparing a tobacco sheet bobbin; Step B: drawing out the sheet from the bobbin; and Step C: applying a force between the bobbin and the drawn-out free sheet in a non-contact manner. Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein Step C: applying a force in a non-contact manner comprises one or more of the following steps: Step C1: supplying a fluid between the free sheet and the bobbin; and Step C2: guiding the free sheet so that it contacts a roller arranged at a position away from the bobbin, and applying a force to the free sheet in a direction in which the free sheet peels off. Aspect 3: The method of Aspect 1 or 2, wherein Step C: using a plate having a nozzle, supplies a fluid from the nozzle, and brings the plate into contact with the sheet. Aspect 4 The method of Aspect 2 or 3, wherein the cross section of the fluid in Step C1 or C3 is substantially rectangular, and the longitudinal direction of the fluid is substantially parallel to the width direction of the sheet or substantially perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet. Aspect 5 The method of Aspect 2 or 3, wherein the fluid in Step C1 or C3 is supplied from a fluid supply unit having a plurality of nozzles. Aspect 6 The method of any of Aspects 1 to 5, further comprising a step of adjusting an angle between a main surface of the free sheet and a flow direction of the fluid. Aspect 7 The method of any of Aspects 2 to 6, wherein the fluid is a gas. Aspect 8 The method of any of Aspects 1 to 7, further comprising one or more of the following steps: Step D: heating the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet from the outer periphery; Step E: applying a force from the outer periphery to the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet in a direction pressing the free sheet against the bobbin; and Step F: applying a force to the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet in a direction peeling the free sheet off. Aspect 9 The method according to Aspect 8, wherein step D includes one or more of the following steps: step D1 of contacting a leaf spring equipped with a heating device with the boundary portion from the outer circumferential side; step D2 of contacting a roller equipped with a heating device with the boundary portion from the outer circumferential side; and step D3 of supplying a heated fluid to the boundary portion from the outer circumferential side.Aspect 10 The method of Aspect 8 or 9, wherein step E comprises one or more of the following steps: Step E1 of bringing a leaf spring into contact with the boundary portion from the outer periphery; and Step E2 of bringing a roller into contact with the boundary portion from the outer periphery. Aspect 11 The method of Aspect 9 or 10, wherein the roller is vibrated. Aspect 12 The method of any of Aspects 9 to 11, wherein the surface of the roller has an uneven surface. Aspect 13 The method of any of Aspects 8 to 12, wherein step F is carried out by using a roller having suction holes in its surface and sucking air through the suction holes into the interior of the roller. Aspect 14 The method of any of Aspects 8 to 13, further comprising a step of cooling the sheet after step D. Aspect 15 The method of any of Aspects 1 to 14, further comprising a step of heating the bobbin shaft. Aspect 16 An extracting device comprising: a holding unit for holding a tobacco sheet bobbin; and a fluid supply unit positioned so as to be able to supply a fluid between the bobbin and a loose sheet extracted from the bobbin. Aspect 17. The apparatus according to aspect 16, further comprising a heated fluid supply device, a leaf spring equipped with a heater, a roller equipped with a heater, or a roller having a suction port on its surface, at the outer periphery of the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet.

[0006] The present invention provides a method for drawing out a tobacco sheet from a tobacco sheet bobbin in a better condition.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the present method. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of step C1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of step C2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing step C3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an overview of step D1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview of step D2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overview of step D3.

[0008] In this disclosure, "X to Y" includes the end values ​​X and Y. Unless otherwise specified, weights are dry weights.

[0009] 1. Tobacco Sheet Pulling Method The tobacco sheet pulling method according to this embodiment comprises the steps of: step A of preparing a tobacco sheet bobbin; step B of pulling the sheet from the bobbin; and step C of applying a force between the bobbin and the pulled-out free sheet in a non-contact manner. Figure 1 shows an overview of this method. In the figure, 1 is the tobacco sheet bobbin, 3 is the free sheet, 5 is the space between the bobbin and the pulled-out free sheet, 7 is the boundary, and 9 is the bobbin shaft.

[0010] (1) Step A of Preparing a Tobacco Sheet Bobbin A tobacco sheet is obtained by forming a mixture containing tobacco material into a sheet. Details of the tobacco sheet will be described later. Tobacco sheets include paper-formed sheets, cast sheets, and rolled sheets, and any of these may be used. The tobacco sheet's components may also be as known. However, this method is more suitable when the tobacco sheet contains a high content of aerosol source. This is because tobacco sheets with a high content of aerosol source tend to have a hard surface at room temperature, making them prone to deformation when pulled out from the bobbin. The reason for the hardening of the surface is not limited, but it is presumed to be because high-viscosity components of the tobacco components are likely to dissolve into the aerosol source. Therefore, in one embodiment, the tobacco sheet contains 2 to 20% by weight of the aerosol source.

[0011] The tobacco sheet bobbin 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "bobbin") is manufactured by winding a tobacco sheet around a bobbin shaft 9. The size of the bobbin 1 is not limited, but in one embodiment, the diameter is 15 to 50 cm and the width is 1 to 70 cm.

[0012] (2) Step B of Unwinding the Sheet In this step, the tobacco sheet is unwound from the bobbin 1. At this time, a free sheet 3 is formed which is released from the bobbin 1. The part where the free sheet 3 is released from the bobbin 1 is the boundary portion 7. The sheet unwinding speed is not limited, but can be, for example, 50 to 5000 cm / min.

[0013] (3) Step C of Applying Force in a Non-Contact Manner In this step, force is applied in a non-contact manner between the bobbin and the unwound free sheet 5. Non-contact refers to a mode in which a non-fluid solid, such as a blade, is not brought into physical contact with the sheet or the like. For example, force can be applied in a non-contact manner by supplying a fluid between the bobbin and the unwound free sheet 5 (Step C1). Alternatively, the free sheet 3 can be guided to contact a roller positioned away from the bobbin 1, applying a force to the free sheet 3 in a direction that causes it to peel off from the bobbin 1 (Step C2). Furthermore, a plate with a nozzle can be used to supply a fluid from the nozzle and bring the plate into contact with the sheet (Step C3). Each step will be described below.

[0014] 1) Step C1 Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of step C1. Figure 2 is a view of Figure 1 as seen from the right side of the paper. In the figure, 20 is a fluid supply device. The arrow indicates the direction of fluid flow. Examples of fluids include gas, mist, or a solid-gas mixed flow. The temperature of the fluid is preferably 30°C or less. Examples of gases include air, inert gases such as nitrogen, and the like. The use of gas has the advantage that the device can be simplified and is economical. The relative humidity of the gas is preferably 50% or less.

[0015] Examples of the mist include a mist of a liquid such as water. Using a mist can prevent the sheet from drying out. Examples of the solid-gas mixed flow include a mixed flow of an organic powder (such as tobacco powder or cellulose powder) and the gas, or a mixed flow of an inorganic powder (such as calcium carbonate) and the gas. Tobacco sheets can be sticky, but supplying a fluid at the appropriate temperature can reduce the stickiness. As described below, heating the boundary portion 7 from the outer periphery is preferable because it softens the sheet and makes it easier to release, but on the other hand, the sheet temperature may increase, increasing the stickiness. Supplying a fluid at the appropriate temperature in this embodiment can reduce the stickiness. From this perspective, the upper limit of the temperature is preferably 25°C or less. The lower limit of the temperature is preferably 15°C or more. As shown in the lower diagram of Figure 2, the fluid supply device 20 may be a plate with a nozzle. Multiple nozzles may be present. This process may also include a step of adjusting the angle between the main surface of the release sheet 3 and the flow direction of the fluid.

[0016] The cross section of the fluid in step C1 is preferably substantially rectangular. The cross section of the fluid is a cross section obtained by cutting the fluid along a plane perpendicular to the flow direction. The longitudinal direction of the cross section of the fluid is preferably substantially parallel to the width direction of the sheet or substantially perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet. The longitudinal direction of the cross section of the fluid can also be continuously changed from substantially parallel to the width direction of the sheet to substantially perpendicular. Changing from the substantially parallel state to the substantially perpendicular state constitutes one cycle, and the cycle can be repeated.

[0017] 2) Step C2 Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of step C2. Figure 3 is a view of Figure 1 as seen from the right side of the paper. In the figure, 22 is a roller positioned away from the bobbin 1. By introducing the free sheet 3 into the roller 22 in this way, a force can be applied to the sheet at the boundary portion 7 in a direction that causes it to peel off from the bobbin 1, thereby promoting liberation. Any known roller can be used. For example, a roller made of metal, polymer, ceramic, etc. can be used.

[0018] 3) Step C3 FIG. 4 shows step C3. As shown in the figure, the fluid supply device 20 may be a plate having a nozzle. There may be multiple nozzles. In this case, the fluid can be supplied from the nozzles of the nozzle-equipped plate 20, and the plate can be brought into contact with the sheet. This step may also include a step of adjusting the angle between the main surface of the free sheet 3 and the flow direction of the fluid. The cross section of the fluid in this step is preferably substantially rectangular. The cross section of the fluid is a cross section obtained by cutting the fluid along a plane perpendicular to the flow direction. The longitudinal direction of the cross section is preferably substantially parallel to the width direction of the sheet or substantially perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet. The longitudinal direction of the cross section of the fluid can also be continuously changed from substantially parallel to the width direction of the sheet to substantially perpendicular. Changing from the substantially parallel state to the substantially perpendicular state constitutes one cycle, and this cycle can be repeated.

[0019] 4) Step D The method according to this embodiment preferably includes step D of heating the boundary 7 between the bobbin 1 and the free sheet 3 from the outer periphery. This step softens the sheet, facilitating the formation of the free sheet 3. This step preferably includes one or more of the following steps: step D1 of bringing a leaf spring equipped with a heating device into contact with the boundary from the outer periphery; step D2 of bringing a roller equipped with a heating device into contact with the boundary from the outer periphery; and step D3 of supplying a heated fluid to the boundary from the outer periphery. The method according to this embodiment may include a step of cooling the sheet after step D. The free sheet 3 heated in step D becomes sticky, and cooling it reduces the stickiness and improves workability.

[0020] 4-1) Step D1 Figure 5 shows an overview of step D1. In the figure, 40 is a leaf spring, and other symbols are defined the same as in Figure 1. Any known elastic material can be used for the leaf spring. For example, metal, polymer, ceramic, etc. can be used. The leaf spring 40 is equipped with a heating device. Examples of the heating device include an electric heater. The heating temperature is not limited, but is preferably 20 to 40°C.

[0021] 4-2) Step D2 FIG. 6 shows an overview of step D2. In the figure, 42 is a roller, and other symbols are defined the same as in FIG. 1. Any known roller can be used. For example, a roller made of metal, polymer, ceramic, or the like can be used. Roller 42 is equipped with a heating device. Examples of the heating device include an electric heater. The heating temperature is as described in step D1. Roller 42 may be vibrated. Furthermore, the surface of roller 42 may be provided with irregularities by embossing, etc. This makes it easier to form the free sheet 3.

[0022] 4-3) Step D3 Figure 7 shows an overview of step D3. In the figure, 44 is a fluid supply device, and other symbols are defined the same as in Figure 1. The fluid supply device may have the same configuration as the plate 20. The fluid described in step C1 can be used. The heating temperature is as described in step D1. One or more of steps D1 to D3 can be performed.

[0023] 5) Step E The method according to this embodiment preferably includes step E of applying a force from the outer periphery to the boundary 7 between the bobbin 1 and the free sheet 3. This step applies a force in a direction that presses the sheet against the bobbin 1. As a result, the boundary 7 serves as a fulcrum, facilitating the formation of the free sheet 3. This step preferably includes one or more of the following steps: Step E1 of contacting the boundary from the outer periphery with a leaf spring; and Step E2 of contacting the boundary from the outer periphery with a roller.

[0024] 5-1) Step E1 This step is carried out in the same manner as step D1, except that heating is not performed.

[0025] 5-2) Step E2 This step is carried out in the same manner as Step D2, except that heating is not performed. One or more of Steps E1 and E2 can be carried out.

[0026] 6) Step F The method according to this embodiment preferably includes step F of applying force to the boundary 7 between the bobbin 1 and the free sheet 3 in a direction in which the free sheet 3 peels off from the bobbin 1. Step F is performed by disposing a roller on the outer side of the boundary 7, as shown in Figure 6. However, the roller has a suction port on its surface, and applies force to the boundary 7 in a direction in which the free sheet 3 peels off from the bobbin 1 by sucking air into the roller through the suction port.

[0027] 7) Heating the Shaft The method according to this embodiment may include a step of heating the shaft 9 of the bobbin 1. This step softens the sheet and facilitates the formation of the free sheet 3. This step is particularly useful when the amount of sheet contained in the bobbin 1 is small.

[0028] 2. Tobacco Sheet The tobacco sheet used in the bobbin 1 will now be described. (1) Tobacco Leaf "Tobacco leaf" is a general term for harvested tobacco leaves that have not yet undergone the aging process described below. One form of aging includes curing, which is described below. For example, harvested tobacco leaves that have been deboned and separated to form lamina and ribs, etc., but have not yet undergone aging, are still considered "tobacco leaf." In contrast, aged tobacco leaves that have not yet been processed into various forms used in tobacco products (such as tobacco shreds, tobacco sheets, and tobacco granules, which are described below) are referred to as "aged tobacco leaves." Furthermore, aged tobacco leaves that have been processed into various forms used in tobacco products are referred to as "processed tobacco leaves."

[0029] <Tobacco Varieties Used in Tobacco Products> A variety of tobacco varieties can be used in tobacco products. Examples include flue-cured, burley, oriental, native, other Nicotiana tabacum, and Nicotiana rustica varieties. These varieties can be used alone, or, to achieve the desired flavor, they can be blended during the process from tobacco leaf harvesting to the processing of cured tobacco leaves into various forms (i.e., processed tobacco leaves) used in combustible tobacco products or non-combustible heat-not-burn tobacco products. Details of the tobacco varieties are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco," Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009.

[0030] <Blending of Tobacco Varieties> As mentioned above, blending of tobacco varieties can occur from the harvesting of tobacco leaves to the processing of aged tobacco leaves into various forms (i.e., processed tobacco leaves) for use in combustible or non-combustible tobacco products. Generally, a "blend" refers to a mixture of tobaccos belonging to the same or different varieties, but in this specification, the term "blend" may also refer to the combination of different aged or processed tobacco leaves. Blending tobaccos of the same variety but with different grades may also be specifically referred to as a "cross blend."

[0031] Within each tobacco variety, tobacco leaves are graded based on characteristics such as origin, location within the plant, color, surface condition, size, and shape. Tobacco leaves are believed to contain over 300 chemical components, and the chemical properties of different tobacco varieties vary. Even within the same tobacco variety, different grades may have different chemical properties. Therefore, blending and cross-blending are performed to obtain tobacco materials with desired characteristics and chemical properties.

[0032] <Tobacco Leaf Processing> Examples of processing that harvested tobacco leaves undergo in the early stages include curing, processing at a raw material factory, and aging.

[0033] 1) Curing Tobacco leaves generally undergo a process called curing early after harvesting. Curing is a process for aging tobacco leaves, and typically involves processes such as drying and humidity control, as well as activating the activity of various enzymes contained in the tobacco leaves. The cured tobacco leaves are packed into cases and stored in a warehouse for a certain period of time before being transported to a raw material factory. In addition, in order to obtain tobacco leaves with low contents of benzo[a]pyrene and low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids and high contents of specific flavor components, the harvested tobacco leaves may be subjected to the process described in International Publication No. 2018 / 139068 instead of the above-mentioned curing.

[0034] 2) Processing and Aging at Raw Material Factory After being transported to the raw material factory and subjected to curing, the tobacco leaves are unwrapped and then typically undergo processes such as humidity control, deboning, and separation to produce lamina, backbone, etc. The re-dried lamina, backbone, etc. are then packed into cases and stored for long periods in warehouses. This long-term storage process in warehouses is sometimes referred to as aging. The aging period varies depending on the tobacco variety used, the desired flavor of the tobacco product, and the aging temperature, but is generally one year or more and two years or less. Tobacco leaves that have undergone curing, which is one form of aging, or the above-mentioned alternative processes to curing, and then further aged are called "aged tobacco leaves."

[0035] Processing tobacco leaves into lamina and ribs, then packing them into cases and aging them is sometimes called "aging after deboning." On the other hand, processing tobacco leaves transported to a raw material factory, packing them into cases and aging them without deboning or separating them, and then deboning and separating them after aging is sometimes called "deboning after aging."

[0036] (2) Processed Tobacco Leaf The aged tobacco leaf is processed into various forms used in tobacco products to produce processed tobacco leaf. Examples of forms used in tobacco products include "tobacco shreds," which are aged tobacco leaves shredded to a specified size. Other examples include "tobacco sheets" and "tobacco granules," which are obtained by molding a composition containing aged tobacco leaves ground to a specified particle size (hereinafter also referred to as "tobacco fine powder") into a specific shape. The "tobacco fine powder" is also a form of processed tobacco leaf. Processed tobacco leaf is not limited to the above-mentioned "tobacco shreds," "tobacco sheets," "tobacco granules," and "tobacco fine powder," but can include various forms obtained by processing aged tobacco leaves. The average particle size of the tobacco fine powder is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 20 μm or more and 300 μm or less, from the perspective of molding "tobacco sheets" and "tobacco granules."

[0037] 1) Aerosol-Generating Substrates in Processed Tobacco Processed tobacco leaves may contain an aerosol-generating substrate that generates aerosol smoke. The type of aerosol-generating substrate is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products or their constituent components can be selected depending on the intended use. Specific examples of the aerosol-generating substrate include, but are not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. When processed tobacco leaves contain an aerosol-generating substrate, the amount of the aerosol-generating substrate can be adjusted to various amounts depending on the form in which the tobacco product is used.

[0038] 2) Flavorings in Processed Tobacco Processed tobacco leaves may contain flavorings to impart a flavor sensation. "Flavor sensation" refers to the ability to sense the flavor derived from the flavoring when using a tobacco product. The type of the fragrance is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good fragrance sensation, examples thereof include 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, carrot 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, ... Lonnelol, clary sage extract, cocoa, coffee, konjac oil, coriander oil, cuminaldehyde, davanna oil, delta-decalactone, gamma-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-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, gene 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, lauryl methylpropional Ingredients: methicone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, immortelle 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, robertia jasmine Orris root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, 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 Calactone, 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, α-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, N-ethyl-p p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl 2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5), sugars (sucrose, fructose, etc.), cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rosehip powder, chamomile flower powder, lemon verbena powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, black tea powder, natural plant flavors (e.g., jasmine oil, lemon oil, vetiver oil, lovage oil), esters (e.g., menthyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, etc.), alcohols (e.g., phenylethyl alcohol, cis-6-nonen-1-ol, etc.). These flavors may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When flavors are contained in processed tobacco leaves, the content thereof can be adjusted to various amounts to obtain the desired flavor sensation.

[0039] (3) Tobacco Sheet Tobacco sheets are obtained by forming a composition containing aged tobacco leaves into a sheet shape. The aged tobacco leaves used for tobacco sheets are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include those that have been deboned and separated into lamina and midrib. In addition, in this specification, the term "sheet" refers to a shape having a pair of approximately parallel main surfaces and side surfaces.

[0040] 1) Tobacco Sheet Forming Method Tobacco sheets can be formed by known methods such as papermaking, casting, and rolling. Details of various tobacco sheets formed by these methods are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco," Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009. The sheet drawing method can be applied to tobacco sheets produced by any of these methods.

[0041] <Method for Forming Tobacco Sheet (Papermaking Method)> Examples of methods for forming tobacco sheets by papermaking include methods that include the following steps: (1) A step of roughly crushing aged tobacco leaves, and mixing and stirring the crushed leaves with a solvent such as water to extract water-soluble components from the aged tobacco leaves; (2) A step of separating the water-soluble components into an aqueous extract and a residue; (3) A step of concentrating the aqueous extract by drying under reduced pressure; (4) A step of adding pulp to the residue and fiberizing it in a refiner to obtain a mixture (homogenization step); (5) A step of making paper from the mixture of the fiberized residue and pulp; and (6) A step of adding a concentrated aqueous extract to the paper-made sheet and drying it to form a tobacco sheet. When forming a tobacco sheet by this method, a step of removing some components such as nitrosamines may be added (see JP 2004-510422 A).

[0042] <Method for forming tobacco sheet (casting method)> Examples of methods for forming tobacco sheet using the slurry method include methods that include the following steps: (1) a step of mixing water, pulp, and a binder with ground aged tobacco to obtain a mixture (homogenization step); (2) a step of thinly spreading (casting) the mixture and drying it to form a tobacco sheet. When forming a tobacco sheet using this method, a step of removing some components such as nitrosamines by irradiating a slurry of water, pulp, a binder, and crushed tobacco leaves with ultraviolet light or X-rays may be added.

[0043] <Method for Forming Tobacco Sheet (Rolling Method)> Examples of methods for forming tobacco sheets by rolling include methods that include the following steps: (1) A step of mixing water, pulp, and a binder with ground aged tobacco to obtain a mixture (homogenization step); (2) A step of feeding the mixture into a plurality of rolling rollers and rolling it; (3) A step of peeling the rolled product off the rolling rollers with a doctor knife, transferring it to a net conveyor, and drying it in a dryer. When forming tobacco sheets by this method, the surfaces of the rolling rollers may be heated or cooled, and the rotation speed of each rolling roller may be adjusted, depending on the purpose. Furthermore, by adjusting the spacing between the rolling rollers, a tobacco sheet with a desired basis weight can be obtained.

[0044] <Method for forming tobacco sheet (nonwoven fabric)> In addition to the above-mentioned forming methods, a nonwoven fabric tobacco sheet can be formed by a method described in WO 2014 / 104078, which includes the following steps: (1) A step of mixing pulverized aged tobacco with a binder to obtain a mixture (homogenization step); (2) A step of sandwiching the mixture between nonwoven fabrics; and (3) A step of forming the layered product into a fixed shape by thermal welding to obtain a nonwoven fabric tobacco sheet.

[0045] <Average fiber length of tobacco fibers and freeness of mixture in homogenization step> In the homogenization step described in each of the above methods, from the viewpoint of obtaining a tobacco sheet with a certain strength, it is preferable that the average fiber length of the tobacco fibers contained in each mixture is 200 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, and that the freeness of each mixture is 20°SR or more and 50°SR or less. The average fiber length of tobacco fibers is measured by optical automatic analysis (JIS P8226-2) using non-polarized light with a fiber count of 20,000 or more. The freeness is measured by the Schopper-Riegler method (JIS P8121).

[0046] <Dimensions of tobacco sheet> The length and width of the tobacco sheet are not particularly limited and can be adjusted appropriately depending on the manner in which the tobacco sheet is filled into the filling material described below. The thickness of the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but is preferably 150 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, and more preferably 200 μm or more and 600 μm or less, in consideration of the balance between heat transfer efficiency and strength.

[0047] <Composition of Tobacco Sheet> The composition of the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but for example, the content of aged tobacco leaves is preferably 50% by weight or more and 95% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may also contain a binder, and examples of such binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethylcellulose), and CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose). The binder content is preferably 1% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may further contain other additives. Examples of other additives include fillers such as pulp. The filler content is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the tobacco sheet.

[0048] <Content of aerosol-generating substrate in tobacco sheet> When the tobacco sheet contains the above-mentioned aerosol-generating substrate, its content is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of obtaining a good flavor, it is usually 2% by weight or more or 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, more preferably 15% by weight or more, and usually 50% by weight or less, preferably 40% by weight or less, more preferably 25% by weight or less, and even more preferably 20% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the tobacco sheet.

[0049] <Flavor in Tobacco Sheet> The tobacco sheet may contain the flavor described above. When the tobacco sheet contains a flavor, the content of the flavor is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, it is usually 10,000 ppm or more, preferably 20,000 ppm or more, more preferably 25,000 ppm or more, and is usually 70,000 ppm or less, preferably 50,000 ppm or less, more preferably 40,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 33,000 ppm or less.

[0050] 3. Extraction Device The extraction device for carrying out the method includes a holding unit for holding a tobacco sheet bobbin, and a fluid supply unit arranged at a position where a fluid can be supplied between the bobbin and a loose sheet extracted from the bobbin.

[0051] The holding portion can be, for example, the shaft 1 as shown in Figure 1. Although not shown, the shaft 1 is fixed by a known device. The fluid supply portion is as described in the previous method.

[0052] The device may include a heated fluid supply device, a leaf spring with a heater, a roller with a heater, or a roller with suction holes on its surface near the outer periphery 7 of the boundary. The heated fluid supply device, leaf spring, or roller may be as described above. They may not include a heater. Furthermore, the drawing device may include a tensioning mechanism for pulling the loose sheet.

[0053] 4. Uses The sheet drawn out by the above method may be processed into shreds or strands to be used as a tobacco filler, or the sheet itself may be folded to be used as a tobacco filler. The tobacco filler is wrapped in a wrapper before use. The tobacco filler will be described below.

[0054] (1) First tobacco filler (composed of tobacco shreds) <First tobacco filler> The first tobacco filler is composed of tobacco shreds filled into a filler. The manner in which the first tobacco filler is filled into the filler is not particularly limited, but typically, tobacco shreds other than strand-type shreds are filled in a random direction in the filler, whereas strand-type shreds are filled so that their longitudinal direction is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the filler.

[0055] <Packing density (content per volume) of first tobacco filler> The packing density of the first tobacco filler is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ensuring the performance of the tobacco product and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 250 mg / cm ３ or more, preferably 300 mg / cm ３ or more, and is usually 400 mg / cm ３ or less, preferably 350 mg / cm ３ The following is the result.

[0056] <Content of First Tobacco Filler (Per Rod or Cartridge)> The content of the first tobacco filler per filler is not particularly limited, but for example, in the case of a tobacco rod having a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm, the content can be 200 mg / rod or more and 800 mg / rod or less, and a preferred example can be 250 mg / rod or more and 600 mg / rod or less. ３ In the case of tobacco cartridges, the weight can be 200 mg / cartridge or more and 800 mg / cartridge or less, and a preferred example can be 250 mg / cartridge or more and 600 mg / cartridge or less.

[0057] (2) Second Tobacco Filler (Consisting of Tobacco Sheet) <Second Tobacco Filler> The second tobacco filler is composed of a tobacco sheet filled into a filler. The number of tobacco sheets may be one, or two or more.

[0058] <Second tobacco filler composed of one tobacco sheet> When the second tobacco filler is composed of one tobacco sheet, for example, a tobacco sheet having one side of the same length as the longitudinal direction of the filler is folded multiple times horizontally to the longitudinal direction of the filler (so-called gathered sheet) and is filled. Another example is a tobacco sheet having one side of the same length as the longitudinal direction of the filler, wound in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filler.

[0059] <Second Tobacco Filler Composed of Two Tobacco Sheets> In a case where the second tobacco filler is composed of two or more tobacco sheets, for example, a plurality of tobacco sheets, each having a side length approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the filler, are wound in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filler so as to be concentrically arranged and packed. "Concentrically arranged" means that the centers of all the tobacco sheets are located at approximately the same position. The number of tobacco sheets is not particularly limited, but examples include two, three, four, five, six, or seven. The two or more tobacco sheets may all have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties. The thicknesses of the tobacco sheets may be the same or different.

[0060] <Rolling of Multiple Tobacco Sheets> The second tobacco filler can be produced by preparing multiple tobacco sheets of different widths, stacking them so that the width decreases from the bottom to the top, and passing the stack through a rolling tube to roll and shape it. According to this production method, the multiple tobacco sheets extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, a fitting portion extending in the longitudinal direction may be formed between the longitudinal axis and the innermost tobacco sheet.

[0061] <Rolling Multiple Tobacco Sheets (Formation of Non-Contacting Portions)> In this manufacturing method, the laminate is preferably prepared so that non-contacting portions are formed between adjacent tobacco sheets after rolling. The presence of non-contacting portions (gaps) between multiple tobacco sheets, where the tobacco sheets do not come into contact, can ensure flavor flow paths and improve the delivery efficiency of flavor components. On the other hand, heat from the heater can be transferred to the outer tobacco sheets via the contacting portions of the multiple tobacco sheets, ensuring high heat transfer efficiency.

[0062] To provide a non-contact portion between multiple tobacco sheets, methods for preparing a laminate include, for example, using an embossed tobacco sheet, laminating adjacent tobacco sheets without bonding the entire surfaces of the sheets together, bonding adjacent tobacco sheets together by partially bonding them together, or laminating adjacent tobacco sheets by lightly bonding the entire surfaces or portions of the sheets together so that they can be peeled off after rolling and molding. When preparing a tobacco rod including cigarette paper, the cigarette paper may be placed at the bottom of the laminate. Alternatively, a cylindrical dummy such as a mandrel may be placed at the top of the laminate to form a second tobacco filler, and then the dummy may be removed to form a fitting portion.

[0063] <Packing density (content per volume) of second tobacco filler> The packing density of the second tobacco filler is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ensuring the performance of the tobacco product and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 250 mg / cm ３ or more, preferably 300 mg / cm ３ or more, and is usually 400 mg / cm ３ or less, preferably 350 mg / cm ３ The following is the result.

[0064] <Content of second tobacco filler (per rod or cartridge)> The content of the second tobacco filler per filler is not particularly limited, but for example, in the case of a tobacco rod having a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm, the content can be 200 mg / rod or more and 800 mg / rod or less, and a preferred example can be 250 mg / rod or more and 600 mg / rod or less. ３ In the case of tobacco cartridges, the weight of the cartridge may be 200 mg or more and 800 mg or less, and a preferred example may be 250 mg or more and 600 mg or less.

[0065] Preferred embodiments are described below. Aspect 1: A method for drawing a tobacco sheet, comprising: step A: preparing a tobacco sheet bobbin; step B: drawing the sheet from the bobbin; and step C: applying a force between the bobbin and the drawn-out free sheet in a non-contact manner. Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein step C: applying a force in a non-contact manner comprises one or more of the following steps: step C1: supplying a fluid between the free sheet and the bobbin; and step C2: guiding the free sheet so that it contacts a roller arranged at a position away from the bobbin, and applying a force to the free sheet in a direction in which the free sheet peels off. Aspect 3: The method of Aspect 1 or 2, wherein step C: using a plate having a nozzle, supplying a fluid from the nozzle and bringing the plate into contact with the sheet. Aspect 4: The method of Aspect 2 or 3, wherein the cross section of the fluid in step C1 or C3 is approximately rectangular, and its longitudinal direction is approximately parallel to the width direction of the sheet or approximately perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet. Aspect 5 The method of Aspect 2 or Aspect 3, wherein the fluid in Step C1 or C3 is supplied from a fluid supply unit having a plurality of nozzles. Aspect 6 The method of Aspect 1 or Aspect 5, further comprising the step of adjusting the angle between the main surface of the free sheet and the flow direction of the fluid. Aspect 7 The method of Aspect 2 or Aspect 6, wherein the fluid is a gas. Aspect 8 The method of Aspect 1 or Aspect 7, further comprising one or more of the following steps: Step D of heating the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet from the outer periphery; Step E of applying a force to the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet from the outer periphery in a direction pressing the free sheet against the bobbin; and Step F of applying a force to the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet in a direction peeling the free sheet. Aspect 9 The method of Aspect 8, wherein Step D comprises one or more of the following steps: Step D1 of contacting the boundary from the outer periphery with a leaf spring equipped with a heating device; Step D2 of contacting the boundary from the outer periphery with a roller equipped with a heating device; and Step D3 of supplying a heated fluid to the boundary from the outer periphery.Aspect 10 The method of Aspect 8 or 9, wherein step E comprises one or more of the following steps: Step E1 of bringing a leaf spring into contact with the boundary portion from the outer periphery; and Step E2 of bringing a roller into contact with the boundary portion from the outer periphery. Aspect 11 The method of Aspect 9 or 10, wherein the roller is vibrated. Aspect 12 The method of any of Aspects 9 to 11, wherein the surface of the roller has an uneven surface. Aspect 13 The method of any of Aspects 8 to 12, wherein step F is carried out by using a roller having suction holes in its surface and sucking air through the suction holes into the interior of the roller. Aspect 14 The method of any of Aspects 8 to 13, further comprising a step of cooling the sheet after step D. Aspect 15 The method of any of Aspects 1 to 14, further comprising a step of heating the bobbin shaft. Aspect 16 An extracting device comprising: a holding unit for holding a tobacco sheet bobbin; and a fluid supply unit positioned so as to be able to supply a fluid between the bobbin and a loose sheet extracted from the bobbin. Aspect 17. The apparatus according to aspect 16, further comprising a heated fluid supply device, a leaf spring equipped with a heater, a roller equipped with a heater, or a roller having a suction port on its surface, at the outer periphery of the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet.

[0066] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 tobacco sheet bobbin 3 loose sheet 5 between bobbin and unwound loose sheet 7 boundary portion 9 bobbin shaft 20 fluid supply device 22 roller 40 leaf spring 42 roller

Claims

1. A method for unwinding a tobacco sheet, comprising: step A of preparing a tobacco sheet bobbin; step B of unwinding the sheet from the bobbin; and step C of applying a force between the bobbin and the unwound loose sheet in a non-contact manner.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step C of applying force in a non-contact manner includes one or more of the following steps: step C1 of supplying a fluid between the free sheet and the bobbin; and step C2 of guiding the free sheet so that it contacts a roller positioned away from the bobbin, and applying a force to the free sheet in a direction that causes the free sheet to peel off.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein step C comprises step C3 of using a plate having a nozzle to supply fluid from the nozzle and bringing the plate into contact with the sheet.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cross section of the fluid in step C1 or C3 is substantially rectangular, and the longitudinal direction of the cross section is substantially parallel to the width direction of the sheet or substantially perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet.

5. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fluid in step C1 or C3 is supplied from a fluid supply unit having a plurality of nozzles.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of adjusting the angle between the main surface of the free sheet and the direction of flow of the fluid.

7. The method of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the fluid is a gas.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising one or more of the following steps: step D of heating the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet from the outer periphery; step E of applying force to the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet from the outer periphery in a direction to press the free sheet against the bobbin; and step F of applying force to the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet in a direction to peel off the free sheet.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein step D comprises one or more of the following steps: step D1 of bringing a leaf spring equipped with a heating device into contact with the boundary portion from the outer circumferential side; step D2 of bringing a roller equipped with a heating device into contact with the boundary portion from the outer circumferential side; and step D3 of supplying a heated fluid to the boundary portion from the outer circumferential side.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein step E comprises one or more of the following steps: step E1 of bringing a leaf spring into contact with the boundary portion from the outer circumferential side; and step E2 of bringing a roller into contact with the boundary portion from the outer circumferential side.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the roller is vibrated.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the surface of the roller has irregularities.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein step F is carried out by using a roller having suction holes on its surface and sucking air into the roller through the suction holes.

14. The method of any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising, after step D, a step of cooling the sheet.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising the step of heating the shaft of the bobbin.

16. An extracting device comprising: a holding section for holding a tobacco sheet bobbin; and a fluid supply section arranged at a position where a fluid can be supplied between the bobbin and a loose sheet extracted from the bobbin.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a heated fluid supply device, a leaf spring equipped with a heating device, a roller equipped with a heating device, or a roller having a suction port on its surface, on the outer periphery of the boundary between the bobbin and the free sheet.

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