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(11) | EP 4 397 193 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
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| (54) | TOBACCO SHEET FOR NON-COMBUSTION HEATING-TYPE FLAVOR INHALER, NON-COMBUSTION HEATING-TYPE FLAVOR INHALER, AND NON-COMBUSTION HEATING-TYPE FLAVOR INHALATION SYSTEM |
| (57) This tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler contains a tobacco
powder having a cumulative 90% particle diameter (D90) of at least 200 µm in a volume-based
particle size distribution as measured by a dry laser diffraction method. |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators, a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator, and a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In a combustion-type flavor inhalator (i.e., cigarette), a flavor is produced by combusting a tobacco filler including leaf tobacco. A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator that produces a flavor by heating a flavor source, such as a tobacco sheet, instead of combusting the flavor source has been proposed as an alternative to the combustion-type flavor inhalators. The temperature at which a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is heated is, for example, about 400°C or less, which is lower than the temperature at which a combustion-type flavor inhalator is combusted. Since the heating temperature of a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is low as described above, an aerosol generating agent may be added to the flavor source of a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator in order to increase the amount of smoke generated. Upon being heated, the aerosol generating agent vaporizes to generate an aerosol. Since the aerosol is delivered to the user accompanied by a flavor component, such as a tobacco component, the user can appreciate the flavor at a sufficient level.
[0003] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator may include, for example, a tobacco-containing segment filled with a tobacco sheet or the like, a cooling segment, and a filter segment. The length of the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator in the axial direction is commonly smaller than that of the tobacco-containing segment of a combustion-type flavor inhalator in the axial direction due to the relationship between the tobacco-containing segment and the heater. Accordingly, the short tobacco-containing segment of a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is filled with a large amount of tobacco sheet and the like in order to maintain a certain amount of aerosol generated upon heating. In order to charge a large amount of tobacco sheet and the like into the short segment, a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator commonly includes a tobacco sheet having low bulkiness, that is, a high density. Note that the term "bulkiness" used herein refers to a value that indicates the volume of shreds of a tobacco sheet having a predetermined mass which have been compressed at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined amount of time. For example, PTLs 1 and 2 disclose a tobacco sheet used for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators.
CITATION LIST
PATENT LITERATURE
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0005] The inventors of the present invention found that, in consideration of the heating method used, the heating capacity of the heater, and generation of aerosol, the tobacco sheet charged in the tobacco-containing segment may not contribute to the generation of aerosol in a sufficient manner depending on the heating method used and the capacity of the heater used because the use of a tobacco sheet having low bulkiness (i.e., a high density) increases the total thermal capacity of the tobacco-containing segment. It is considered that one of the approaches to addressing the above issue is to reduce the total thermal capacity of the tobacco-containing segment.
[0006] In order to reduce the total thermal capacity of the tobacco-containing segment, the inventors of the present invention studied a method of (1) reducing the specific heat of the tobacco raw material included in the tobacco sheet, and a method of (2) using a tobacco sheet having high bulkiness (i.e., a low density). Since it is difficult to reduce the specific heat of the tobacco raw material as described in (1), it is considered effective to reduce the total thermal capacity of the tobacco-containing segment by the method (2). Therefore, the development of a high-bulkiness (i.e., low-density) tobacco sheet that can be suitably used for a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator has been anticipated.
[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators which has high bulkiness, a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including the tobacco sheet, and a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
Aspect 1
[0009] A tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators, the tobacco sheet including a tobacco powder, wherein a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the tobacco powder, the cumulative 90% particle size being determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction, is 200 µm or more.
Aspect 2
[0010] The sheet according to aspect 1, wherein:
the tobacco powder is a dry tobacco material;
the sheet further includes an aerosol generating agent; and
the sheet has a moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less.
Aspect 3
[0011] The sheet according to aspect 2, wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol.
Aspect 4
[0012] The sheet according to aspect 1, wherein:
the tobacco powder is a dry tobacco material;
the sheet includes an aerosol generating agent, a content of the aerosol generating agent in the sheet being less than 20% by mass; and
the sheet has a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass.
Aspect 5
[0013] The sheet according to aspect 4, wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerine.
Aspect 6
[0014] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including a tobacco-containing segment including the tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to any one of aspects 1 to 5.
Aspect 7
[0015] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system including:
the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to aspect 6; and
a heating apparatus that heats the tobacco-containing segment.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0016] According to the present invention, a tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators which has high bulkiness, a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including the tobacco sheet, and a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system can be provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to this embodiment.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 includes cross-sectional views of an example of a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment, where Fig. 2(a) illustrates the state in which the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator has not been inserted into a heating apparatus, and Fig. 2(b) illustrates the state in which the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is inserted in the heating apparatus and heated.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the production of a dry tobacco filler.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of an aerosol generation apparatus.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an example of a cigarette pack, illustrating the state in which the cigarette pack is closed.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cigarette pack illustrated in Fig. 6, illustrating the state in which the cigarette pack is opened.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 includes a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of time during which heating is performed with a microwave oven and the moisture content in a tobacco filler and a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of time during which heating is performed with a microwave oven and the surface temperature of the tobacco filler.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of silica gel and the moisture content in a tobacco filler.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 includes a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in a tobacco filler and the temperature of a mainstream smoke and a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and a tip temperature.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in a tobacco filler and the content of nicotine in the tobacco filler.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in a tobacco filler and the content of glycerine in the tobacco filler.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in a tobacco filler and the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of time during which heating is performed with a microwave oven and the moisture content in a tobacco filler and a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of time during which heating is performed with a microwave oven and the surface temperature of the tobacco filler.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of silica gel and the moisture content in a tobacco filler.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 includes a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in a tobacco filler and the temperature of a mainstream smoke and a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and a tip temperature.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in a tobacco filler and the content of nicotine in a mainstream smoke.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in a tobacco filler and the content of glycerine in a mainstream smoke.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the moisture content in a tobacco filler and the content of propylene glycol in a mainstream smoke.
[Fig. 20A] Fig. 20A is a graph illustrating the relationship between the content of an aerosol generating agent in a tobacco filler and the content of a component in a mainstream smoke.
[Fig. 20B] Fig. 20B is a graph illustrating the relationship between the content of glycerine in a tobacco filler and the content of a component in a mainstream smoke.
[Fig. 21A] Fig. 21A is a graph illustrating the relationship between the content of an aerosol generating agent in a tobacco filler and the content of a component in a mainstream smoke.
[Fig. 21B] Fig. 21B is a graph illustrating the relationship between the content of propylene glycol in a tobacco filler and the content of a component in a mainstream smoke.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[Tobacco Sheet for Non-Combustion-Heating-Type Flavor Inhalators]
[0018] A tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to this embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as "tobacco sheet") includes a tobacco powder. The cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the tobacco powder which is determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction is 200 µm or more.
[0019] Since the D90 of the tobacco powder included in the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment which is determined by dry laser diffraction is 200 µm or more, large gaps are created between particles of the tobacco powder included in the tobacco sheet. It is considered the gaps enhance the bulkiness of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment preferably further includes an aerosol generating agent and a shaping agent. Adjusting the blending ratios of the above agents to fall within predetermined ranges further enhances the bulkiness of the tobacco sheet.
(Tobacco Powder)
[0020] Examples of the tobacco powder included in the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment include powders of leaf tobacco, midrib, and residual stems. The above materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The above materials may be shredded into a predetermined size to be used as a tobacco powder. As for the size of particles of the tobacco powder, the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the tobacco powder which is determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction is 200 µm or more, is preferably 350 µm or more, and is further preferably 500 µm or more. The upper limit for the D90 is not set and may be, for example, 2000 µm or less.
[0021] As for the size of particles of the tobacco powder, the cumulative 50% particle size (D50) of the tobacco powder which is determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction is preferably 40 µm or more, is more preferably 100 µm or more, and is further preferably 200 µm or more in order to further enhance the bulkiness of the tobacco sheet. The upper limit for the D50 is not set and may be, for example, 1000 µm or less. In this embodiment, the measurement of D90 and D50 by dry laser diffraction is conducted using, for example, "Mastersizer" (product name, produced by Malvern Panalytical, a division of Spectris).
[0022] The content of the tobacco powder in the tobacco sheet is preferably 45% to 95% by mass with the amount of the tobacco sheet being 100% by mass. When the content of the tobacco powder is 45% by mass or more, a sufficient amount of tobacco flavor can be generated upon heating. When the content of the tobacco powder is 95% by mass or less, the contents of the aerosol generating agent and the shaping agent can be increased to sufficient degrees. The content of the tobacco powder is more preferably 50% to 93% by mass, is further preferably 55% to 90% by mass, and is particularly preferably 60% to 88% by mass.
(Aerosol Generating Agent)
[0023] The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment preferably further includes an aerosol generating agent in order to increase the amount of smoke generated upon heating. Examples of the aerosol generating agent include glycerine, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol. The above aerosol generating agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0024] In the case where the tobacco sheet includes an aerosol generating agent, the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco sheet is preferably 4% to 50% by mass with the amount of the tobacco sheet being 100% by mass. When the above content of the aerosol generating agent is 4% by mass or more, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated upon heating in terms of quantity. When the above content of the aerosol generating agent is 50% by mass or less, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated upon heating in terms of thermal capacity. The content of the aerosol generating agent is more preferably 6% to 40% by mass, is further preferably 8% to 30% by mass, and is particularly preferably 10% to 20% by mass.
(Shaping Agent)
[0025] The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment preferably further includes a shaping agent in order to maintain the intended shape with certainty. Examples of the shaping agent include a polysaccharide, a protein, and a synthetic polymer. The above shaping agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of the polysaccharide include a cellulose derivative and a naturally occurring polysaccharide.
[0026] Examples of the cellulose derivative include cellulose ethers, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, benzyl cellulose, trityl cellulose, cyanoethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, and aminoethyl cellulose; organic acid esters, such as cellulose acetate, cellulose formate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose benzoate, cellulose phthalate, and tosyl cellulose; and mineral acid esters, such as cellulose nitrate, cellulose sulfate, cellulose phosphate, and a cellulose xanthogenic acid salt.
[0027] Examples of the naturally occurring polysaccharide include plant-derived polysaccharides, such as a guar gum, a tara gum, a locust bean gum, a tamarind seed gum, pectin, an arabic gum, a tragacanth gum, a karaya gum, a ghatti gum, arabinogalactan, a linseed gum, a cassia gum, a thyrium seed gum, an a rtemisia sphaerocephala seed gum; algae-derived polysaccharides, such as carrageenan, agar, alginic acid, alginic acid ester of propylene glycol, furcelleran, and Colpomenia sinuosa extract; microorganism-derived polysaccharides, such as a xanthan gum, a gellan gum, curdlan, pullulan, agrobacterium succinoglycan, a welan gum, a macrophomopsis gum, and a rhamsan gum; crustacean-derived polysaccharides, such as chitin, chitosan, and glucosamine; and starches, such as starch, sodium starch glycolate, alpha starch, and dextrin.
[0028] Examples of the protein include grain proteins, such as a wheat gluten and a rye gluten. Examples of the synthetic polymer include polyphosphoric acid, sodium polyacrylate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
[0029] In the case where the tobacco sheet includes the shaping agent, the content of the shaping agent in the tobacco sheet is preferably 0.1% to 15% by mass with the amount of the tobacco sheet being 100% by mass. When the above content of the shaping agent is 0.1% by mass or more, it becomes easy to form the mixed body of the raw materials into a sheet-like shape. When the above content of the shaping agent is 15% by mass or less, the amounts of the other materials used for achieving the properties required by the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator can be increased to sufficient degrees. The content of the shaping agent is more preferably 0.2% to 13% by mass, is further preferably 0.5% to 12% by mass, and is particularly preferably 1% to 10% by mass.
(Reinforcing Agent)
[0030] The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment may further include a reinforcing agent in order to further enhance physical properties. Examples of the reinforcing agent include fibrous substances, such as a fibrous pulp, an insoluble fiber, and fibrous synthetic cellulose; and liquid substances capable of forming a film when dried, that is, having a surface coating ability, such as a pectin suspension. The above reinforcing agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0031] In the case where the tobacco sheet includes the reinforcing agent, the content of the reinforcing agent in the tobacco sheet is preferably 4% to 60% by mass with the amount of the tobacco sheet being 100% by mass. When the above content falls within the above range, the amounts of the other materials used for achieving the properties required by the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator can be increased to sufficient degrees. The above content of the reinforcing agent is more preferably 4.5% to 55% by mass and is further preferably 5% to 50% by mass.
(Humectant)
[0032] The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment may further include a humectant in order to maintain quality. Examples of the humectant include sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, mannitol, and hydrogenated maltose starch syrup. The above humectants may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0033] In the case where the tobacco sheet includes a humectant, the content of the humectant in the tobacco sheet is preferably 1% to 15% by mass with the amount of the tobacco sheet being 100% by mass. When the above content falls within the above range, the amounts of the other materials used for achieving the properties required by the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator can be increased to sufficient degrees. The above content of the humectant is more preferably 2% to 12% by mass and is further preferably 3% to 10% by mass.
(Other Components)
[0034] The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment may optionally include, in addition to the tobacco powder, the aerosol generating agent, the shaping agent, the reinforcing agent, and the humectant, a flavoring material, such as a flavoring agent or a taste agent, a coloring agent, a wetting agent, a preservative, a diluent, such as an inorganic substance, and the like as needed.
(Bulkiness)
[0035] The bulkiness of the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment is preferably 190 cc/100 g or more. Setting the above bulkiness to 190 cc/100 g or more reduces the total thermal capacity of the tobacco-containing segment included in the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator to a sufficient degree and allows the tobacco sheet charged in the tobacco-containing segment to further contribute to the generation of aerosol. The above bulkiness is more preferably 210 cc/100 g or more and is further preferably 230 cc/100 g or more. The upper limit for the above bulkiness is not set and may be, for example, 800 cc/100 g or less. Note that the above bulkiness is a value determined by shredding the tobacco sheet to a size of 0.8 mm x 9.5 mm, storing the shreds in a conditioning room at 22°C and 60% for 48 hours, and subsequently analyzing the shreds with "DD-60A" (product name, produced by Burghart Messtechnik GmbH). In the analysis, specifically, 15 g of shreds of the tobacco sheet are charged into a cylindrical container having an inside diameter of 60 mm and compressed at a load of 3 kg for 30 seconds, and the volumetric capacity of the shreds of the tobacco sheet is measured subsequently.
(Structure of Tobacco Sheet)
[0036] In this embodiment, the "tobacco sheet" is a member produced by forming a component constituting the tobacco sheet, such as a tobacco powder, into a sheet-like shape. The term "sheet" used herein refers to a shape having a pair of principal surfaces parallel to each other and a side surface. The length and width of the tobacco sheet are not limited and may be adjusted in accordance with the mode in which the tobacco sheet is charged. The thickness of the tobacco sheet is not limited. In consideration of the balance between heat transfer efficiency and strength, the thickness of the tobacco sheet is preferably 100 to 1000 µm and is more preferably 150 to 600 µm.
(Method for Producing Tobacco Sheet)
[0037] The tobacco sheet according to this embodiment can be produced by a method known in the related art, such as a rolling method or a casting method. Details of the tobacco sheets produced by the above-described method are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, 2009.3.31".
<Rolling Method>
[0038] Examples of the method for producing a tobacco sheet using a rolling method include a method including the following steps.
- (1) Mixing water, a tobacco powder, an aerosol generating agent, a shaping agent, and a reinforcing agent together to prepare a mixture
- (2) Charging the mixture into reduction rollers and rolling the mixture
- (3) Drying the rolled article with a drier.
[0039] In the case where the tobacco sheet is produced by the above-described method, optionally, the surfaces of the reduction rollers may be heated or cooled depending on the intended purpose. In another case, the rotational speed of the reduction rollers may be adjusted. Moreover, the intervals of the reduction rollers may be adjusted. One or more reduction rollers may be used to produce a tobacco sheet having an intended basis weight.
<Casting Method>
[0040] Examples of the method for producing a tobacco sheet using a casting method include a method including the following steps.
- (1) Mixing water, a tobacco powder, an aerosol generating agent, a shaping agent, and a pulp together to prepare a mixture
- (2) spreading (i.e., casting) the mixture thinly and drying the resulting sheet to form a tobacco sheet.
[0041] In the case where the tobacco sheet is produced by the above-described method, optionally, the slurry prepared by mixing water, a tobacco powder, an aerosol generating agent, a shaping agent, and a pulp together may be irradiated with an ultraviolet ray or an X-ray in order to remove some components, such as nitrosamine.
[Non-Combustion-Heating-Type Flavor Inhalator]
[0042] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to this embodiment includes a tobacco-containing segment that includes the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment and the like. Since the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to this embodiment includes a tobacco-containing segment filled with the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment, which has high bulkiness, and the like, the total thermal capacity of the tobacco-containing segment can be reduced to a sufficient degree and the tobacco sheet charged in the tobacco-containing segment can further contribute to aerosol generation.
[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to this embodiment. The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a tobacco-containing segment 2 filled with the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment and the like, a tubular cooling segment 3 having perforations 8 formed on the periphery thereof, a center-hole segment 4, and a filter segment 5. The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to this embodiment may include segments other than any of the tobacco-containing segment, the cooling segment, the center-hole segment, and the filter segment.
[0044] The length of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to this embodiment in the axial direction is preferably, but not limited to, 40 mm or more and 90 mm or less, is more preferably 50 mm or more and 75 mm or less, and is further preferably 50 mm or more and 60 mm or less. The perimeter of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is preferably 16 mm or more and 25 mm or less, is more preferably 20 mm or more and 24 mm or less, and is further preferably 21 mm or more and 23 mm or less. In an aspect, for example, the tobacco-containing segment may have a length of 20 mm, the cooling segment may have a length of 20 mm, the center-hole segment may have a length of 8 mm, and the filter segment may have a length of 7 mm. The length of the filter segment may be selected so as to fall within the range of 4 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In such a case, the airflow resistance of the filter segment per segment may be selected so as to fall within the range of 15 mmH2O/seg or more and 60 mmH2O/seg or less. The lengths of the above segments may be changed appropriately in accordance with manufacturability, intended qualities, and the like. Alternatively, only the filter segment may be arranged downstream of the cooling segment without using the center-hole segment. Even in such a case, the performance of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator can be achieved.
(Tobacco-Containing Segment)
[0045] The tobacco-containing segment 2 includes the tobacco sheet according to this embodiment and a wrapping paper (hereinafter, also referred to as "wrapper") in which the tobacco sheet and the like is charged. The method for charging the tobacco sheet and the like into the wrapping paper (hereinafter, also referred to as "wrapper") is not limited. For example, the tobacco sheet and the like may be wrapped with the wrapper. Alternatively, the tobacco sheet and the like may be charged into a tubular wrapper. In the case where the shape of the tobacco sheet has a longitudinal direction, such as a rectangular shape, the tobacco sheet and the like may be charged into the wrapper such that the longitudinal direction of the tobacco sheet is not aligned in a specific direction inside the wrapper. In another case, the tobacco sheet may be charged into the wrapper so as to be aligned in the axial direction of the tobacco-containing segment 2 or a direction perpendicular to the above axial direction. The tobacco sheet may be incorporated into the wrapper while stacked on top of one another, wound in a spiral manner, or folded in an accordion manner.
(Cooling Segment)
[0046] For example, the cooling segment 3 includes a tubular member 7 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The tubular member 7 may be, for example, a paper tube prepared by forming a paperboard into a cylindrical shape.
[0047] The tubular member 7 and a mouthpiece lining paper 12, which is described below, have perforations 8 arranged to penetrate through the tubular member 7 and the mouthpiece lining paper 12. The presence of the perforations 8 enables the outside air to be introduced into the cooling segment 3 upon inhalation. As a result, the vaporized aerosol component generated upon heating of the tobacco-containing segment 2 is brought into contact with the outside air, which reduces the temperature of the vaporized aerosol component. Consequently, the vaporized aerosol component liquifies and forms an aerosol. The diameter of the perforations 8 (i.e., the distance across each of the perforations 8) is not limited and may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The number of the perforations 8 is not limited and may be one or more. For example, a plurality of the perforations 8 may be formed on the periphery of the cooling segment 3.
[0048] The amount of the outside air introduced through the perforations 8 is preferably 85% by volume or less and is more preferably 80% by volume or less of the total volume of the gas inhaled by the user. When the proportion of the above outside air is 85% by volume or less, flavor degradation caused by dilution with the outside air can be limited in a sufficient manner. The above proportion is also referred to as "ventilation ratio". The lower limit for the ventilation ratio is preferably 55% by volume or more and is more preferably 60% by volume or more in consideration of cooling performance.
[0049] The cooling segment may be a segment that includes a wrinkled, pleated, gathered, or folded sheet composed of an appropriate material. The cross section profile of such an element may appear as randomly oriented channels. The cooling segment may include a bundle of tubes that extend in the longitudinal direction. Such a cooling segment can be formed by, for example, wrapping a pleated, gathered, or folded sheet material with a wrapping paper.
[0050] The length of the cooling segment in the axial direction may be, for example, 7 mm or more and 28 mm or less and may be, for example, 18 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the cooling segment in the axial direction may be substantially circular. The diameter of the cooling segment may be, for example, 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less and may be, for example, about 7 mm.
(Center-Hole Segment)
[0051] The center-hole segment is constituted by a filler layer having one or a plurality of hollow parts and an inner plug wrapper (i.e., inner wrapping paper) that covers the filler layer. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1, a center-hole segment 4 is constituted by a second filler layer 9 having a hollow part and a second inner plug wrapper 10 that covers the second filler layer 9. The center-hole segment 4 increases the strength of the mouthpiece segment 6. The second filler layer 9 may be, for example, a rod having an inside diameter of 1.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less which is filled with cellulose acetate fibers at a high density and hardened by the addition of 6% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less of a plasticizer including triacetin relative to the mass of the cellulose acetate. Since the pack density of fibers in the second filler layer 9 is high, the air and aerosol flow through only the hollow part upon inhalation and hardly flow inside the second filler layer 9. Since the second filler layer 9 disposed inside the center-hole segment 4 is a layer filled with fibers, the user is unlikely to sense incongruity when touching the outside portion of the center-hole segment during use. The center-hole segment 4 does not necessarily include the second inner plug wrapper 10; alternatively, thermoforming may be performed to maintain the shape of the center-hole segment 4.
(Filter Segment)
[0052] The structure of the filter segment 5 is not limited. The filter segment 5 may be constituted by one or a plurality of filler layers. The outside portion of the filler layer may be wrapped with one or a plurality of wrapping papers. The airflow resistance of the filter segment 5 per segment may be changed appropriately in accordance with, for example, the amount and type of the filler charged in the filter segment 5. For example, in the case where the filler is a cellulose acetate fiber, the above airflow resistance can be increased by increasing the amount of the cellulose acetate fiber charged in the filter segment 5. In the case where the filler is a cellulose acetate fiber, the pack density of the cellulose acetate fiber may be 0.13 to 0.18 g/cm3. Note that the above airflow resistance is a value measured with an airflow resistance gage (product name: "SODIMAX", produced by SODIM).
[0053] The perimeter of the filter segment 5 is preferably, but not limited to, 16 to 25 mm, is more preferably 20 to 24 mm, and is further preferably 21 to 23 mm. The length of the filter segment 5 in the axial direction may be selected so as to fall within the range of 4 to 10 mm such that the airflow resistance thereof is 15 to 60 mmH2O/seg. The length of the filter segment 5 in the axial direction is preferably 5 to 9 mm and is more preferably 6 to 8 mm. The shape of the cross section of the filter segment 5 is not limited and may be, for example, circular, oval, polygonal, or the like. Optionally, a destructible capsule or flavoring agent bead that includes a flavoring agent or a flavoring agent may be added directly to the filter segment 5.
[0054] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the center-hole segment 4 and the filter segment 5 can be connected to each other with an outer plug wrapper (i.e., outer wrapping paper) 11. The outer plug wrapper 11 may be, for example, a cylindrical paper. The tobacco-containing segment 2, the cooling segment 3, and the center-hole segment 4 and the filter segment 5 that have been connected to each other can be connected to one another with a mouthpiece lining paper 12. The above segments can be connected to one another by, for example, applying a paste, such as a vinyl acetate paste, onto the inside surface of the mouthpiece lining paper 12 and winding the mouthpiece lining paper 12 around the three segments. Note that, alternatively, the above segments may be connected to one another with a plurality of lining papers in a plurality of stages.
[Non-Combustion-Heating-Type Flavor Inhalation System]
[0055] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment includes the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to this embodiment and a heating apparatus that heats the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator. The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment may include a component other than the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to this embodiment or the heating apparatus.
[0056] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment. The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system illustrated in Fig. 2 includes a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1 according to this embodiment and a heating apparatus 13 that heats the outside portion of the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1.
[0057] Fig. 2(a) illustrates the state in which the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1 has not been inserted into the heating apparatus 13, while Fig. 2(b) illustrates the state in which the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1 is inserted in the heating apparatus 13 and heated. The heating apparatus 13 illustrated in Fig. 2 includes a body 14, a heater 15, a metal pipe 16, a battery unit 17, and a control unit 18. The body 14 has a tubular recess 19 formed therein. A heater 15 and a metal pipe 16 are disposed on a portion of the inside surface of the recess 19 which is to face the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1 inserted into the recess 19. The heater 15 may be an electric resistance heater. In response to a command from the control unit 18, which is responsible for temperature control, electric power is fed from the battery unit 17 and the heater 15 is heated. The heat generated by the heater 15 is transferred to the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1 through the metal pipe 16, which has a high thermal conductivity.
[0058] Although a gap is present between the outer circumference of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1 and the inner circumference of the metal pipe 16 in Fig. 2(b), which is a schematical diagram, a gap is desirably absent between the outer circumference of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1 and the inner circumference of the metal pipe 16 in reality for efficient heat transfer. Although the heating apparatus 13 heats the outside portion of the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator 1, the heating apparatus 13 may heat the inside portion of the tobacco-containing segment.
[0059] The temperature at which heating is performed with the heating apparatus is not limited. The above heating temperature is preferably 400°C or less, is more preferably 150°C or more and 400°C or less, and is further preferably 200°C or more and 350°C or less. Note that the above heating temperature is the temperature of a heater included in the heating apparatus.
[0060] The inventors of the present invention further found another issue that the user senses the heat of the aerosol or the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation because, in the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator, the moisture included in the tobacco material and the vapor generated from the aerosol generating agent upon heating do not diffuse from the front end of the article unlike smoking articles, such as cigarettes. Accordingly, a tobacco sheet with which a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator that reduces the likelihood of the user sensing the heat of the aerosol or the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation, that is excellent in terms of quality stability of the tobacco filler, and that further enhances the user satisfaction can be produced is described below as a first aspect.
[0061] Furthermore, a tobacco sheet with which a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator that reduces the likelihood of the user sensing the heat of the aerosol or the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation and that enhances the feel of smoking can be produced is also described below as a second aspect.
[First Aspect]
[0062] In a tobacco sheet according to this aspect, the tobacco powder is a dry tobacco material. Furthermore, the tobacco sheet includes an aerosol generating agent. The moisture content in the tobacco sheet is more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less. In the present description, the sheet may include, but does not necessarily include, a component other than the dry tobacco material or the aerosol generating agent, and the aerosol generating agent may be referred to as "aerosol source".
<1. Dry Tobacco Filler>
[0063] According to an example of the aspect, a sheet that includes a dry tobacco material, which serves as the tobacco powder, and an aerosol generating agent, wherein the moisture content is more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less, is provided. Hereinafter, a material that includes a dry tobacco material, which serves as the tobacco powder, and an aerosol generating agent, wherein the moisture content is more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less, is also referred to as "dry tobacco filler". Although the shape of the "dry tobacco filler" is not limited, in this aspect, the dry tobacco filler is formed into a sheet by a common method.
[0064] The moisture content in the "dry tobacco filler" is more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less, is preferably 5.1% to 7.5% by mass, is more preferably 5.1% to 7.0% by mass, and is further preferably 5.5% to 7.0% by mass. In the present description, the "moisture content in the dry tobacco filler" is the proportion (% by mass) of the mass of moisture to the total mass of the dry tobacco filler.
[0065] The "dry tobacco filler" can be prepared by drying the tobacco powder and the aerosol generating agent. The "dry tobacco filler" may also be prepared by drying a "tobacco filler included in an existing non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator (hereinafter, such a tobacco filler is also referred to as "untreated tobacco filler")" as illustrated in Fig. 3. An untreated tobacco filler T3a includes a tobacco material T1a and an aerosol generating agent T2 and commonly has a moisture content of 10% to 15% by mass. The tobacco material T1a is preferably a tobacco powder having a D90 of 200 µm or more. Note that the "moisture content in the untreated tobacco filler" is also the proportion (% by mass) of the mass of moisture to the total mass of the untreated tobacco filler. When the untreated tobacco filler T3a is dried, the moisture included in the tobacco material T1a is removed and a dry tobacco filler T3b can be prepared consequently. Therefore, in the present description, the tobacco material included in the "dry tobacco filler" is referred to as "dry tobacco material". When the untreated tobacco filler T3a is dried, the tobacco material T1a is converted to the dry tobacco material T1b as a result of the moisture removal, while most of the aerosol generating agent T2 is not removed and remains. The tobacco material T1b is a tobacco powder having a D90 of 200 µm or more. The aerosol generating agent T2 may be present on the surface of the tobacco material T1a or the dry tobacco material T1b or permeate the tobacco material T1a or the dry tobacco material T1b to be incorporated thereinto.
[0066] Specifically, the "tobacco material T1a" included in the untreated tobacco filler T3a may be a shredded tobacco (having the above-described particle size) ready to be added to a tobacco product or a tobacco molded body prepared by forming a raw material including the shredded tobacco into an intended shape. The "shredded tobacco ready to be added to a tobacco product" is commonly prepared through various processes, such as drying in a farm, subsequent long-term aging for one to a few years in a raw material factory, and subsequent blending and shredding in a production facility. Note that the "shredded tobacco ready to be added to a tobacco product" may be any of shreds of rib-removed leaves, shreds of midrib, shreds of regeneration tobacco (i.e., a tobacco material prepared by forming leaf dust, shred dust, midrib dust, fine powder particles, and the like produced in the processes performed in a factory into a reusable shape), and a mixture thereof.
[0067] In this aspect, the "tobacco molded body" is a sheet. As described above, the sheet can be formed by a method known in the related art, such as sheet making, casting, or rolling.
[0068] The tobacco molded body may include at least one binder selected from the group consisting of pullulan and hydroxypropyl cellulose in order to maintain the shape of the molded body. The content of the binder may be set such that the advantageous effects of the binder can be produced and the likelihood of the tobacco flavor component being released is not reduced. The content of the binder is commonly 0.5% to 15% by mass of the total mass of the tobacco molded body. The tobacco molded body does not necessarily include a binder in the case where the shape of the tobacco molded body can be maintained without using a binder. In the case where the binder inhibits a tobacco flavor component from being released from the tobacco molded body, it is desirable that the tobacco molded body do not include a binder.
[0069] The tobacco molded body may include a humectant in order to adjust moisture content. The humectant also serves as an aerosol generating agent. The humectant may be a polyhydric alcohol, and examples thereof include glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol. The above polyhydric alcohols can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In the case where the tobacco molded body includes a humectant, the content of the humectant is commonly 5% to 15% by mass of the total mass of the tobacco molded body.
[0070] The tobacco molded body may optionally include a flavor material. The flavor material may be either solid or liquid. Examples of the flavor material include menthol, spearmint, peppermint, cocoa, carob, coriander, licorice, orange peel and rose hip, chamomile flower, lemon verbena, and a saccharide (e.g., fructose or sucrose). The content of the flavor material is commonly 0.5% to 45% by mass of the total mass of the tobacco molded body.
[0071] The "aerosol generating agent" is a source (i.e., liquid) that generates a vapor (i.e., gas) when a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including a dry tobacco filler is heated. The "aerosol generating agent" is a source (i.e., liquid) that generates a dispersion medium (i.e., gas) for aerosol (i.e., mainstream smoke) and does not include fine particles (e.g., particles of a tobacco flavor component) included in aerosol. That is, a tobacco flavor component included in the dry tobacco material migrates into a vapor generated as a result of heating of the aerosol generating agent and an aerosol (i.e., mainstream smoke) is generated consequently. In the case where the tobacco material is a tobacco molded body, as described above, the aerosol generating agent may be incorporated into the tobacco molded body when the tobacco molded body is prepared or after the tobacco molded body has been prepared.
[0072] Examples of the aerosol generating agent include glycerine, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The aerosol generating agent is preferably a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol. In the case where a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol is used, the mass ratio between glycerine and propylene glycol is, for example, 80:20 to 97.5:2.5. The content of the aerosol generating agent in the untreated tobacco filler is, for example, 15% to 19% by mass of the amount of the untreated tobacco filler.
[0073] The dry tobacco filler may include an additional component, such as the flavor material described above, as needed.
[0074] In the present description, the "moisture content" in the dry tobacco filler and the "moisture content" in the untreated tobacco filler can be determined using GC-TCD in the following manner.
[0075] First, the weight of the dry tobacco filler is measured. Subsequently, a predetermined amount of methanol (Guaranteed Reagent or higher one) is added and sealing is performed hermetically. Then, shaking is performed for 40 minutes (200 rpm). The resulting mixture is left to stand over a night. After the mixture has been again shaken for 40 minutes (200 rpm), it is left to stand. The resulting supernatant is used as a solution that is to be analyzed.
[0076] The above solution is subjected to GC-TCD and the moisture content is determined using a calibration curve method. GC-TCD may be performed, for example, under the following conditions:
GC-TCD: "Gas Chromatograph 6890" produced by Hewlett Packard
Column: HP Polapack Q (packed column) Constant Flow mode 20.0 mL/min
Injection: 1.0 µL
Inlet: EPC purge packed column inlet Heater: 230°C
Gas: He Total flow: 21.1 mL/min
Oven: 160°C (hold 4.5 min) → (60 °C/min) → 220°C (hold 4.0 min)
Detector: TCD detector, Reference Gas (He), flow rate: 20 mL/min
Make up gas (He): 3.0 mL/min
Signal rate: 5 Hz
<2. Method for Producing Dry Tobacco Filler>
[0077] As described above, the dry tobacco filler can be produced by drying the untreated tobacco filler to an intended moisture content. As described above, the untreated tobacco filler includes a tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent and commonly has a moisture content of 10% to 15% by mass.
[0078] Specifically, the method for producing a dry tobacco filler includes drying a tobacco filler (i.e., an untreated tobacco filler) including a tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent to prepare a dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less.
[0079] The above drying treatment may be performed by drying the untreated tobacco filler directly. Alternatively, after a tobacco rod has been produced by wrapping the untreated tobacco filler with a wrapping paper, the tobacco rod may be dried. In another case, after a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator has been produced by connecting the above tobacco rod and the filter to each other, the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator may be dried. When the untreated tobacco filler is dried, part of the moisture contained in the tobacco filler can be removed substantially without removing the aerosol generating agent because of a high boiling point of the aerosol generating agent.
[0080] The drying treatment can be performed using any drying method with which a dry tobacco filler having the intended moisture content can be prepared. For example, the drying treatment can be performed using microwave heating. In the case where microwave heating is used, the moisture content in the tobacco filler can be adjusted by changing the amount of time during which heating is performed (Fig. 8). Microwave heating is typically performed with a microwave oven. In the case where a 500-Watt microwave oven is used, the amount of heating time that can be applied to 5 g of an untreated tobacco filler is, for example, 30 to 40 seconds (Fig. 8).
[0081] Alternatively, the drying treatment can be performed by placing the untreated tobacco filler under a hermetically sealed condition together with a desiccant. For example, the drying treatment can be performed at 15°C to 25°C for 10 to 15 days. Examples of the desiccant that can be used include silica gel. In the case where a desiccant is used, the moisture content in the tobacco filler can be adjusted by changing the amount of the desiccant used (Fig. 9). In the case where silica gel is used as a desiccant, for example, 2 to 4 g of silica gel may be used relative to 5 g of the untreated tobacco filler (Fig. 9). In another case, the drying treatment may be performed using hot-air drying or vacuum drying.
[0082] The drying treatment is preferably performed such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 65°C or less. The drying treatment is more preferably performed such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is normal temperature (i.e., 20°C) to 65°C. If the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is excessively high, the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler may be reduced. If the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is excessively high, furthermore, cell membranes and cell walls of the tobacco material may become damaged. This increases the likelihood of a tobacco flavor component being released from the tobacco material and may increase a sense of discomfort felt by the user of the flavor inhalator upon inhalation to an excessive level.
[0083] The surface temperature of the tobacco filler is a temperature measured with a thermographic camera "FLIR-C2" produced by FLIR System Inc.
[0084] In the present description, the term "tobacco filler" is used when a tobacco filler that has not been dried (i.e., untreated tobacco filler), a tobacco filler that is being dried, and a tobacco filler that has been dried are collectively referred to without distinction.
[0085] According to another aspect, a dry tobacco filler produced by the above-described method is provided. As described above, the dry tobacco filler prepared by the above-described method is formed into a sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators by a common method.
<3. Non-Combustion-Heating-Type Flavor Inhalator>
[0086] The sheet formed of the dry tobacco filler described above can be incorporated into a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator (hereinafter, also referred to simply as "flavor inhalator"). Specifically, according to an another aspect, a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator that includes a tobacco rod including a sheet formed of the dry tobacco filler described above and a wrapping paper wound around the periphery of the dry tobacco filler; a filter; and a tipping member with which the tobacco rod and the filter are connected to each other can be provided. Note that the tipping member is a member capable of serving as a tipping paper, which is commonly included in cigarettes (i.e., capable of connecting the tobacco rod to the filter). In addition to paper (i.e., tipping paper), sheets composed of various high-molecular-weight compound materials can be used as a tipping member.
[0087] In the present description, the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator and a heating device are collectively referred to as "non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system" or simply as "flavor inhalation system". Specifically, according to another aspect, a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system that includes the "non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator" described above and a heating device (hereinafter, also referred to as "aerosol generation apparatus") that heats the flavor inhalator to generate an aerosol can be provided.
[0088] A known example of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system is an electric heating-type inhalation system that includes a flavor inhalator and a heating device that electrically heats the flavor inhalator (e.g., see WO96/32854 and WO2010/110226).
[0089] An examples of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system is described below with reference to Fig. 4, etc. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the aerosol generation apparatus.
[0090] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a flavor inhalation system 100 includes a flavor inhalator 1 that includes a sheet formed of the above-described dry tobacco filler, which includes a dry tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent, and an aerosol generation apparatus 120 that heats the flavor inhalator 1 in order to atomize the aerosol generating agent and cause a flavor component to be released from the dry tobacco material.
[0091] The flavor inhalator 1 is an exchangeable cartridge and has a pillar shape extending in one direction. The flavor inhalator 1 generates an aerosol including a flavor component when the flavor inhalator 1 is heated while inserted in the aerosol generation apparatus 120.
[0092] The dimension of the flavor inhalator 1 in the longitudinal direction, that is, the length of the flavor inhalator 1, is preferably 40 to 90 mm, is more preferably 50 to 75 mm, and is further preferably 50 to 60 mm. The perimeter of the flavor inhalator 1 is preferably 15 to 25 mm, is more preferably 17 to 24 mm, and is further preferably 20 to 23 mm. In the flavor inhalator 1, the tobacco-containing segment 2 may have a length of 20 mm, the paper tube part may have a length of 20 mm, the hollow plug may have a length of 8 mm, and the filter plug may have a length of 7 mm. The lengths of the above segments may be changed appropriately in accordance with manufacturability, required qualities, and the like.
[0093] The filler includes a sheet formed of the above-described dry tobacco filler, which includes a dry tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent. The sheet is preferably formed of "dry tobacco filler" in consideration of the advantageous effects of the invention. However, the sheet may include a component other than the above components such that the advantageous effects of the invention are not impaired.
[0094] The aerosol generating agent generates a vapor when heated to a predetermined temperature. As described above, examples of the aerosol generating agent include glycerine, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. As described above, the content of the aerosol generating agent in the untreated tobacco filler may be, for example, 15% to 19% by mass of the amount of the untreated tobacco filler.
[0095] The content of the filler in the flavor inhalator 1 is, for example, 200 to 400 mg and is preferably 250 to 320 mg in the case where the tobacco-containing segment 2 has a perimeter of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm.
[0096] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the aerosol generation apparatus 120 has an insertion hole 130 formed therein, into which the flavor inhalator 1 can be inserted. That is, the aerosol generation apparatus 120 includes an inner cylinder member 132 that defines the insertion hole 130. The inner cylinder member 132 may be composed of, for example, a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum or a stainless steel (SUS).
[0097] The aerosol generation apparatus 120 may include a lid 140 with which the insertion hole 130 can be covered. The lid 140 is slidably arranged so as to allow switchover between the state where the lid 140 covers the insertion hole 130 and the state where the insertion hole 130 is exposed (see Fig. 4).
[0098] The aerosol generation apparatus 120 may have an airflow path 160 formed therein and communicated with the insertion hole 130. One of the ends of the airflow path 160 is connected to the insertion hole 130, while the other end of the airflow path 160 is communicated with the outside of the aerosol generation apparatus 120 (i.e., the outside air) at a position other than that of the insertion hole 130.
[0099] The aerosol generation apparatus 120 may include a lid 170 that covers the end of the airflow path 160 at which the airflow path 160 is communicated with the outside air. The lid 170 allows switchover between the state where the lid 170 covers the end of the airflow path 160 at which the airflow path 160 is communicated with the outside air and the state where the above end is exposed.
[0100] Although the lid 170 covers the above end of the airflow path 160 in the drawing, the lid 170 does not hermetically block the airflow path 160. In other words, although the lid 170 covers the airflow path 160, it is arranged to be spaced away from the above end of the airflow path 160 and to allow the outside air to enter the airflow path 160 through the gap formed therebetween.
[0101] With the flavor inhalator 1 being inserted in the aerosol generation apparatus 120, the user holds the inhalation port in the mouth and performs an inhalation action. Upon the inhalation action of the user, the outside air enters the airflow path 160. The air that enters the airflow path 160 is introduced into the oral cavity of the user through the flavor inhalator 1 inserted in the insertion hole 130.
[0102] The aerosol generation apparatus 120 may include a temperature sensor disposed inside the airflow path 160 or on the outside surface of the wall that defines the airflow path 160. The temperature sensor may be a thermistor thermometer, a thermocouple, or the like. When the user inhales through the inhalation port of the flavor inhalator 1, the temperature of the inside of the airflow path 160 or the temperature of the wall that defines the airflow path 160 is reduced due to the impacts of the air that flows inside the airflow path 160 in the direction from the lid 170 toward the heater 30 described below. The temperature sensor measures the temperature drop and thereby detects the inhalation action of the user.
[0103] The aerosol generation apparatus 120 includes a battery B, a control unit 20, and a heater 30. The battery B stores the electric power that is to be used in the aerosol generation apparatus 120. The battery B may be a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery. The battery B may be, for example, a lithium ion battery.
[0104] The heater 30 may be arranged around the inner cylinder member 132. The space that accommodates the heater 30 and the space that accommodates the battery B may be separated from each other with a partition 180. In such a case, the likelihood of the air heated by the heater 30 entering the space that accommodates the battery B can be reduced and, consequently, an increase in the temperature of the battery B can be limited.
[0105] The heater 30 preferably has a hollow cylindrical shape that enables the outer circumference of the columnar flavor inhalator 1 to be heated. The heater 30 is, for example, a film heater. The film heater may include a pair of film-like substrates and a resistance heating element interposed between the substrates. The film-like substrates are preferably composed of a material having excellent heat resistance and an excellent electric insulation property and is typically composed of polyimide. The resistance heating element is preferably composed of one or more metal materials, such as copper, a nickel alloy, a chromium alloy, a stainless steel, and platinum rhodium, and may be formed of, for example, a stainless steel substrate. The connector of the resistance heating element and the lead of the connector may be plated with copper in order to connect the resistance heating element to a power source through a flexible print circuit (FPC).
[0106] It is preferable to arrange a heat-shrinkable tube on the outer periphery of the heater 30. The heat-shrinkable tube is a tube that shrinks in the radial direction when heated and is composed of a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. As a result of shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable tube, the heater 30 is pressed against the inner cylinder member 132. This increases the adhesion between the heater 30 and the inner cylinder member 132 and consequently enhances the transfer of heat from the heater 30 to the flavor inhalator 1 through the inner cylinder member 132.
[0107] The aerosol generation apparatus 120 may include a tubular heat insulating material arranged outside the heater 30 in the radial direction and preferably arranged outside the heat-shrinkable tube. The heat insulating material blocks the heat generated by the heater 30 and thereby may reduce the possibility of the temperature of the outside surface of the casing of the aerosol generation apparatus 120 being increased to an excessive degree. The heat insulating material may be made of an aerogel, such as a silica aerogel, a carbon aerogel, or an alumina aerogel. The aerogel used as a heat insulating material may be typically a silica aerogel, which has a high heat-insulation property and relatively low production costs. The heat insulating material may be a fiber-based heat insulating material, such as a glass wool or a rock wool, or a foam-based heat insulating material, such as a urethane foam or a phenolic foam. In another case, the heat insulating material may be a vacuum heat insulator.
[0108] An outer cylinder member 134 is disposed outside the heat insulating material. The heat insulating material may be interposed between the inner cylinder member 132, which faces the flavor inhalator 1, and the outer cylinder member 134. The outer cylinder member 134 may be composed of, for example, a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum or a stainless steel (SUS). The heat insulating material is preferably disposed in an enclosed space.
[0109] The control unit 20 may include a circuit board, a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and the like. The aerosol generation apparatus 120 may include a notifier that notifies various types of information to the user under the control by the control unit 20. The notifier may be, for example, a light-emitting device, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), a vibrating device, or a combination thereof.
[0110] Upon detecting a startup request from the user, the control unit 20 starts feeding electric power from the battery B to the heater 30. The startup request from the user can be made by, for example, the user pressing a button, operating a slider switch, or performing an inhalation action. The startup request from the user may be made by pressing a push button 150. Specifically, the startup request from the user may be made by pressing the push button 150 while the lid 140 is opened. In another case, the startup request from the user may be made upon detecting the inhalation action of the user. The inhalation action of the user can be detected using, for example, the above-described temperature sensor.
<4. Packaged Product>
[0111] As described above, the "dry tobacco filler" can be produced by placing an untreated tobacco filler together with a desiccant under a hermetically sealed condition (see <2. Method for Producing Dry Tobacco Filler>). In the above case, after a "dry tobacco filler" having the intended moisture content has been produced, the dry tobacco filler may be formed into a sheet and a flavor inhalator including the sheet may be placed on the market as a commodity. In another case, before the moisture content in an untreated tobacco filler placed under a hermetically sealed condition together with a desiccant reaches the intended level, the tobacco filler may be formed into a sheet and a flavor inhalator including the sheet may be placed on the market as a commodity. In the latter case, the tobacco filler becomes dried while the flavor inhalator including the sheet formed of the tobacco filler is placed on the market as a commodity and, consequently, the moisture content in the sheet reaches the intended level.
[0112] That is, according to another aspect, a packaged product including a package; at least one non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator that is accommodated in the package and that includes a sheet composed of a tobacco filler including a tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent; and a desiccant incorporated in the package in an amount necessary for the moisture content in the tobacco filler reaching an equilibrium moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less, wherein the moisture content in the tobacco filler reaches the equilibrium moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less in the package, can be provided. The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is preferably accommodated in the package under a hermetically sealed condition.
[0113] The "package" may be a package that is used in the technical field as a package for tobacco products, such as cigarettes, and that has a sealing property. Examples of the package include a cigarette pack commonly used as a cigarette package, that is, specifically, a cigarette pack constituted by an outer pack including a paper box with a hinge lid and an inner pack including an inner wrap paper with which a bundle of cigarettes is wrapped;
a can container including a can container main body, a can lid, and a metal inner lid that covers the opening of the can container main body to cut off the internal space of the can container main body from the outside air;
a PTP package (press through pack) used for packaging medicines, that is, specifically, a package that accommodates the contents between a plastic portion having accommodating spaces and a tabular aluminum portion;
an SP package (strip package) used for packaging medicines, that is, specifically, a package that accommodates the contents between two thermal adhesive film sheets the peripheries of which are bonded to each other by heat sealing; and
a plastic bag having a sealing property.
[0114] Fig. 6, etc. illustrate an example of the cigarette pack. Fig. 6 illustrates the state where the cigarette pack is closed. Fig. 7 illustrates the state where the cigarette pack is opened. A cigarette pack P4 includes a box P5 and a lid P6. The box P5 includes a box main body P5a and an inner frame P5b. The box P5 has an opening formed at the upper end. The lid P6 is connected to the rear edge of the open end of the box P5 with an automatic hinge P7 being interposed therebetween. The lid P6 is capable of moving rotationally around the automatic hinge P7 and enables the open end of the box P5 to be opened and closed. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the inner frame P5b is partially inserted into the box main body P5a and protruded at the opening of the box main body P5a to form the open end of the box P5. The lid P6 is arranged to cover the opening end of the box P5 (i.e., the protruded portion of the inner frame P5b) and enables the open end of the box P5 to be closed. The opening of the lid P6 and the opening of the box main body P5a conform to each other. The cigarette pack commonly further includes an inner pack (not illustrated in the drawing) disposed inside the box P5 and formed of an inner wrap paper with which a bundle of cigarettes is wrapped. The cigarette pack commonly further includes a film packing material (not illustrated in the drawing) that is disposed outside the box P5 and includes a tear tape.
[0115] The "non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator" that is to be accommodated in the package is a flavor inhalator that includes the "untreated tobacco filler T3a" illustrated in Fig. 3. The "non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator" that is to be accommodated in the package may be the one commercially available as a tobacco stick for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation systems or a flavor inhalator produced using a tobacco filler (e.g., having a moisture content of 10% to 15% by mass) prepared for existing non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation systems.
[0116] The number of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators that are to be accommodated in the package is at least one and, for example, 40 or less. In the case where the package is a cigarette pack, the number of the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators that are to be accommodated in the package is commonly 10 to 20 and, for example, 20.
[0117] The "desiccant" may be a desiccant commonly used as a desiccant for foods or medicines and is, for example, a silica gel. The desiccant is incorporated into the package in an amount necessary for the moisture content in the tobacco filler reaching an equilibrium moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less. The moisture content in the tobacco filler can be adjusted by changing the amount of desiccant. In the case where the desiccant is a silica gel, for preparing a dry tobacco filler having an equilibrium moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less using an untreated tobacco filler having a moisture content of about 14% by mass, for example, 2 to 4 g of silica gel may be used relative to 5 g of the tobacco filler.
[0118] In the above packaged product, the moisture content in the sheet formed of the tobacco filler varies with time. Specifically, immediately after the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is charged into the package, the moisture content in the sheet is substantially the same as that in the sheet formed of the tobacco filler that has not been dried; for example, the moisture content in the tobacco filler included in the sheet is 10% to 15% by mass. Subsequently, with a lapse of time since the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is charged into the package, the sheet becomes gradually dried due to the action of the desiccant and the moisture content in the sheet is reduced accordingly. Finally, the moisture content in the tobacco filler included in the sheet reaches an equilibrium moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less, preferably 5.1% to 7.5% by mass, and more preferably 5.5% to 7.0% by mass.
[0119] Although the tobacco filler included in the above package product changes with time, a "tobacco filler that has not been dried", a "tobacco filler that is being dried", and a "tobacco filler that has been dried" are collectively referred to as "tobacco filler".
<5. Advantageous Effects>
[0120] When the moisture content in the tobacco filler is reduced to 7.5% by mass or less in accordance with the present invention, in a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including a sheet formed of the tobacco filler, the temperature of the mainstream smoke and the surface temperature of the tipping paper can be reduced. This reduces the likelihood of the user sensing the heat of the aerosol and the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation.
[0121] Furthermore, when the lower limit for the moisture content in the tobacco filler is set to more than 5% by mass, that is, for example, 5.1% by mass or more, in accordance with the present invention, the contents of the aerosol generating agent and the tobacco flavor source (e.g., nicotine) in the tobacco filler can be maintained without loss even after the drying step. In the present description, the property of maintaining the aerosol generating agent and the tobacco flavor source in a consistent manner even after drying without the contents of the aerosol generating agent and the tobacco flavor source (e.g., nicotine) being reduced while the tobacco filler is dried is referred to as "quality stability of the tobacco filler". The "quality stability of the tobacco filler" is one of the important properties of the flavor inhalator because this property is closely related to transferring a tobacco flavor source to a vapor generated as a result of heating of the aerosol generating agent and delivering it to the user.
[0122] As described above, when a sheet formed of a tobacco filler the moisture content of which has been reduced to more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less and preferably 5.1% to 7.5% by mass is used as a filler, a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator that reduces the likelihood of the user sensing the heat of an aerosol and the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation and that is excellent in terms of the quality stability of the tobacco filler can be provided.
[Second Aspect]
[0123] A tobacco sheet according to this aspect is formed of a dry tobacco filler that includes a dry tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent the content of which is less than 20% by mass, wherein the moisture content in the dry tobacco filler is 3% to 5% by mass. Hereinafter, a material that includes a dry tobacco material, which serves as a tobacco powder, and an aerosol generating agent the content of which is less than 20% by mass, wherein the moisture content in the material is 3% to 5% by mass, is referred to as "dry tobacco filler". Although the shape of the "dry tobacco filler" is not limited, in this aspect, the dry tobacco filler is formed into a sheet by a common method.
<1. Dry Tobacco Filler>
[0124] According to an aspect, a sheet that includes a dry tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent the content of which is less than 20% by mass, wherein the moisture content in the sheet is 3% to 5% by mass, is provided. The sheet may be included in the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator. The moisture content in the "dry tobacco filler" is 3.0% to 5.0% by mass, is preferably 3.5% to 5.0% by mass, and is more preferably 4.0% to 5.0% by mass. In the present description, the "moisture content in the dry tobacco filler" is the proportion (% by mass) of the mass of moisture to the total mass of the dry tobacco filler. Details of the dry tobacco filler are the same as those described in First Aspect, except moisture content.
[0125] Examples of the aerosol generating agent include glycerine, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The aerosol generating agent is preferably a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol. In the case where a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol is used, the mass ratio between glycerine and propylene glycol is, for example, 80:20 to 97.5:2.5.
[0126] The content of the aerosol generating agent is less than 20% by mass of the total mass of the dry tobacco filler. The content of the aerosol generating agent in the dry tobacco filler is less than 20% by mass, is preferably 19% by mass or less, and is more preferably 15% to 19% by mass of the total mass of the dry tobacco filler.
[0127] In the case where the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol, the content of the propylene glycol is preferably 3% by mass or less of the total mass of the dry tobacco filler. The content of the propylene glycol in the dry tobacco filler is preferably 3% by mass or less and is more preferably 1% to 3% by mass.
[0128] In the present description, the "content of the aerosol generating agent" in the dry tobacco filler can be determined in the following manner: the dry tobacco filler is added to a predetermined amount of ethanol (10 to 100 mL, which is adjusted appropriately in accordance with the amount of dry tobacco filler) in order to perform extraction, and the content of the aerosol generating agent (e.g., glycerine and propylene glycol) can be measured using GC-MS.
<2. Method for Producing Dry Tobacco Filler>
[0129] The method for producing a dry tobacco filler in this aspect is the same as that described in First Aspect. Note that, in this aspect, the drying treatment is preferably performed in the following manner.
[0130] Specifically, the method for producing a dry tobacco filler includes drying a tobacco filler including a tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 90°C or less to prepare a dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass.
[0131] The above drying treatment may be performed by drying the untreated tobacco filler directly. Alternatively, after a tobacco rod has been produced by wrapping the untreated tobacco filler with a wrapping paper, the tobacco rod may be dried. In another case, after a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator has been produced by connecting the above tobacco rod and the filter to each other, the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator may be dried. When the untreated tobacco filler is dried, part of the moisture contained in the tobacco filler can be removed substantially without removing the aerosol generating agent because of a high boiling point of the aerosol generating agent.
[0132] The drying treatment can be performed using any drying method with which a dry tobacco filler having the intended moisture content can be prepared. For example, the drying treatment may be performed at room temperature and a humidity of 30% or less. The room temperature is typically a temperature of 5°C to 35°C. The drying treatment is preferably performed at 5°C to 35°C and is more preferably performed at 15°C to 25°C. The drying treatment is preferably performed at a humidity of 10% to 30% and is more preferably performed at a humidity of 15% to 25%.
[0133] Alternatively, the drying treatment can be performed using microwave heating. In the case where microwave heating is used, the moisture content in the tobacco filler can be adjusted by changing the amount of time during which heating is performed (Fig. 14). Microwave heating is typically performed with a microwave oven. In the case where a 500-Watt microwave oven is used, the amount of heating time that can be applied to 5.0 g of an untreated tobacco filler is, for example, 40 to 60 seconds (Fig. 14).
[0134] In another case, the drying treatment may be performed by placing the untreated tobacco filler in the presence of a desiccant. Specifically, the drying treatment can be performed by placing the untreated tobacco filler under a hermetically sealed condition together with a desiccant. For example, the drying treatment can be performed at 15°C to 25°C for 10 to 15 days. Examples of the desiccant that can be used include silica gel. In the case where a desiccant is used, the moisture content in the tobacco filler can be adjusted by changing the amount of the desiccant used (Fig. 15). In the case where silica gel is used as a desiccant, for example, 4 to 10 g of silica gel may be used relative to 5.0 g of the untreated tobacco filler (Fig. 15). In another case, the drying treatment may be performed using hot-air drying or vacuum drying.
[0135] The drying treatment may be performed such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 90°C or less. The drying treatment is preferably performed such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is normal temperature (i.e., 20°C) to 90°C. The drying treatment is more preferably performed such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 65°C or less. The drying treatment is further preferably performed such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is normal temperature (i.e., 20°C) to 65°C. If the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is excessively high, the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler may be reduced. If the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is excessively high, furthermore, cell membranes and cell walls of the tobacco material may become damaged. This increases the likelihood of a tobacco flavor component being released from the tobacco material and may increase an irritation felt by the user of the flavor inhalator upon inhalation to an excessive level.
[0136] The surface temperature of the tobacco filler is a temperature measured with a thermographic camera "FLIR-C2" produced by FLIR System Inc.
[0137] A dry tobacco filler prepared in the above-described manner can be used as a sheet included in the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator. The method for forming the sheet is the same as that described in First Aspect.
<3. Non-Combustion-Heating-Type Flavor Inhalator>
[0138] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator and non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system according to this aspect are the same as those described in First Aspect.
<4. Packaged Product>
[0139] The packaged product according to this aspect is the same as that described in First Aspect, except that the moisture content in the tobacco filler is adjusted to reach an equilibrium moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass in the package.
[0140] In this aspect, the "desiccant" may be a desiccant commonly used as a desiccant for foods or medicines and is, for example, a silica gel. The desiccant is incorporated into the package in an amount necessary for the moisture content in the tobacco filler reaching an equilibrium moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass. The moisture content in the tobacco filler can be adjusted by changing the amount of desiccant. In the case where the desiccant is a silica gel, for preparing a dry tobacco filler having an equilibrium moisture content of 3 to 5% by mass using an untreated tobacco filler having a moisture content of about 14% by mass, for example, 4 to 10 g of silica gel may be used relative to 5.0 g of the tobacco filler.
[0141] In the above packaged product, the moisture content in the sheet formed of the tobacco filler varies with time. Specifically, immediately after the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is charged into the package, the moisture content in the sheet is substantially the same as that in the sheet formed of the tobacco filler that has not been dried; for example, the moisture content in the tobacco filler included in the sheet is 10% to 15% by mass. Subsequently, with a lapse of time since the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator is charged into the package, the sheet becomes gradually dried due to the action of the desiccant and the moisture content in the sheet is reduced accordingly. Finally, the moisture content in the tobacco filler included in the sheet reaches an equilibrium moisture content of 3.0% to 5.0% by mass, preferably 3.5% to 5.0% by mass, and more preferably 4.0% to 5.0% by mass.
<5. Advantageous Effects>
[0142] When the moisture content in the tobacco filler is reduced to 3% to 5% by mass in accordance with the present invention, in a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including a sheet formed of the tobacco filler, the temperature of the mainstream smoke and the surface temperature of the tipping paper can be reduced. This reduces the likelihood of the user sensing the heat of the aerosol and the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation.
[0143] Furthermore, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler is reduced to 3% to 5% by mass in accordance with the present invention, the amount of the tobacco flavor source (e.g., nicotine) included in the tobacco mainstream smoke and the amount of aerosol (i.e., the amount of smoke) can be increased. This enhances the feel of smoking.
[0144] In addition, when the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler is set to less than 20% by mass in accordance with the present invention, the following advantageous effects are produced. While the vaporization of the aerosol included in the tobacco filler involves the loss of heat due to vaporization, when the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler falls within the above range, the loss of heat due to the vaporization of the aerosol generating agent can be reduced. This limits a reduction in the efficiency with which the tobacco filler is heated. Consequently, in the case where the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler falls within the above range, the component (e.g., glycerine or nicotine) included in the tobacco filler is likely to serve as a dispersion medium for aerosol (i.e., mainstream smoke) or likely to migrate to a dispersion medium for aerosol and the feel of smoking may be enhanced accordingly, compared with the case where the above content exceeds the above range.
[0145] As described above, when a sheet formed of a tobacco filler the moisture content of which has been reduced to 3% to 5% by mass and the content of the aerosol generating agent in which is less than 20% by mass is used as a filler, a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator that reduces the likelihood of the user sensing the heat of an aerosol and the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation and that is improved in terms of the feel of smoking can be provided.
EXAMPLES
[0146] Specific examples of the above-described embodiments are described below. The present invention is not limited to Examples below.
[Example 1]
[0147] Tobacco lamina (i.e., leaf tobacco) was dry-pulverized with Hosokawa Micron ACM to form a tobacco powder. The cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the tobacco powder, which were determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured with "Mastersizer" (product name, produced by Malvern Panalytical, a division of Spectris) by dry laser diffraction, were 57 µm and 216 µm, respectively.
[0148] A tobacco sheet was prepared using the above tobacco powder by a rolling method. Specifically, 87 parts by mass of the tobacco powder, 12 parts by mass of glycerine used as an aerosol generating agent, 1 part by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose used as a shaping agent were mixed with one another, and the resulting mixture was kneaded with an extrusion molding machine. The kneaded material was formed into a sheet-like shape with two pairs of metal rollers. The sheet was dried with a convection oven at 80°C to form a tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet was shredded to a size of 0.8 mm x 9.5 mm with a shredder.
[0149] The bulkiness of the shredded tobacco sheet was determined. Specifically, the shredded tobacco sheet was stored in a conditioning room at 22°C and 60% for 48 hours, and the bulkiness of the tobacco sheet was measured with "DD-60A" (product name, produced by Burghart Messtechnik GmbH). In the analysis, specifically, 15 g of the shredded tobacco sheet was charged into a cylindrical container having an inside diameter of 60 mm and compressed at a load of 3 kg for 30 seconds, and the volumetric capacity of the tobacco sheet was measured subsequently. Table 1 lists the results. In Table 1, bulkiness is expressed in terms of the rate (%) of increase in bulkiness with respect to a reference value, which is the bulkiness determined in Comparative Example 1 below.
[Example 2]
[0150] A tobacco sheet was prepared as in Example 1, except that a tobacco power the cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of which determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction were 121 µm and 389 µm, respectively, was used as a tobacco powder. The tobacco sheet was used for evaluation. Table 1 lists the results.
[Example 3]
[0151] A tobacco sheet was prepared as in Example 1, except that a tobacco power the cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of which determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction were 225 µm and 623 µm, respectively, was used as a tobacco powder. The tobacco sheet was used for evaluation. Table 1 lists the results.
[Comparative Example 1]
[0152] A tobacco sheet was prepared as in Example 1, except that a tobacco power the cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of which determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction were 32 µm and 84 µm, respectively, was used as a tobacco powder. The tobacco sheet was used for evaluation. Table 1 lists the results.
[Table 1]
| Tobacco powder (Dry laser diffraction) | Increase in bulkiness (%) | ||||
| D50 (µm) | D90 (µm) | D[4,3] (µm) | D[3,2] (µm) | ||
| Example 1 | 57 | 216 | 140 | 30 | 5 |
| Example 2 | 121 | 389 | 205 | 50 | 8 |
| Example 3 | 225 | 623 | 327 | 85 | 10 |
| Comparative Example 1 | 32 | 84 | 41 | 20 | - |
| D[3,2]:Surface area (load) average diameter |
D[4,3]:Volume (load) average diameter
[0153] As described in Table 1, the tobacco sheets prepared in Examples 1 to 3, which are the tobacco sheets according to the above-described embodiment, were improved in terms of bulkiness compared with the tobacco sheet prepared in Comparative Example 1, where the D90 of the tobacco powder which was determined by dry laser diffraction was less than 200 µm. In Examples 1 to 3, where the tobacco sheet was prepared by a rolling method, bulkiness was enhanced even in the case where a tobacco sheet was prepared using a casting method.
[Reference Example A1] Moisture Content in Tobacco Filler
1-1. Preparation of Flavor Inhalator
[0155] A tobacco stick for Ploom S produced by Japan Tobacco Inc. (product name: "MEVIUS REGULAR for Ploom S") was subjected to any one of (A) microwave drying and (B) silica gel drying in order to reduce the moisture content in the tobacco filler included in the tobacco stick. The tobacco stick for Ploom S had the structure illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0156] The tobacco stick that had not been subjected to the drying treatment included 0.25 g of a tobacco filler (i.e., a mixture of a tobacco molded body and an aerosol generating agent) per stick. The tobacco filler had a moisture content of 13.69% by mass. The content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler was 15.60% by mass of the amount of the tobacco filler. The aerosol generating agent was a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol. The mass ratio between glycerine and propylene glycol was 93.48:6.52.
[0157] As a control, a tobacco stick for Ploom S produced by Japan Tobacco Inc. (product name: "MEVIUS REGULAR for Ploom S") was conditioned in a conditioning room at 22°C and 60% for about 48 to 72 hours.
(A) Microwave Drying
[0158] A commercial microwave oven ("DR-D219W5 (2014)" produced by Twinbird Corporation, 50 Hz) was used at 500 W, and 20 tobacco sticks (tobacco filler: 5.0 g in total) were heated in the microwave oven for a predetermined amount of time. The amount of heating time was 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 seconds. After heating, 20 tobacco sticks were charged into a polypropylene (PP) zipper bag together and hermetically packed with an aluminum pouch bag. Hereby, a flavor inhalator was prepared. Immediately after the preparation of the flavor inhalator, the moisture content in the tobacco filler was measured.
(B) Silica Gel Drying
[0159] The silica gel used was a commercial silica gel for food drying ("HD1g (Blue)" produced by Toyotakako Co., Ltd.). Into a polypropylene (PP) zipper bag, 20 tobacco sticks (tobacco filler: 5.0 g in total) and a predetermined amount of a silica gel were charged together, and they were hermetically packed with an aluminum pouch bag and left to stand for three weeks. The drying treatment was performed at room temperature (20°C). The amount of the silica gel was 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 g. Hereby, a flavor inhalator was prepared. Immediately after the preparation of the flavor inhalator, the moisture content in the tobacco filler was measured.
1-2. Analysis of Moisture Content in Dry Tobacco Filler
[0160] A tobacco filler was taken from each of the flavor inhalator prepared above and the flavor inhalator used as a control, and the moisture contents in the tobacco fillers (% by mass) were measured using GCTCD in the above-described manner.
1-3. Results
[0161] Fig. 8 illustrates the relationship between the amount of time during which heating was performed with the microwave oven and the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the relationship between the amount of time during which heating was performed with the microwave oven and the surface temperature of the tobacco filler. Fig. 9 illustrates the relationship between the amount of silica gel and the moisture content in the tobacco filler.
[0162] The results illustrated in Fig. 8 show the following facts. When the amount of time during which heating was performed with the microwave oven was increased, the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced. When the amount of time during which heating was performed with the microwave oven was increased, the surface temperature of the tobacco filler was increased. When 20 tobacco sticks (tobacco filler: 5.0 g in total) were heated with a 500-watt microwave oven for 30 to 40 seconds, a dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less could be prepared.
[0163] The results illustrated in Fig. 9 show the following facts. When the amount of the silica gel used was increased, the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced. When 2 to 4 g of silica gel was used relative to 20 tobacco sticks (tobacco filler: 5.0 g in total), a dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less could be prepared.
[0164] The above results confirm that a dry tobacco filler having the intended moisture content can be prepared by adjusting the amount of heating time and the amount of the desiccant used and thereby changing the degree to which drying is performed.
[Reference Example A2] Mainstream Smoke Temperatures and Tip Temperature
2-1. Analysis of Mainstream Smoke Temperatures and Tip Temperature
[0165] The flavor inhalator prepared in Reference Example A1 and the flavor inhalator used as a control were heated using a heating device for Ploom S (produced by Japan Tobacco Inc.). The heating device had the structure illustrated in Fig. 5. After heating, the flavor inhalators were inhaled using an automatic inhalator.
[0166] After inhalation, the temperature of the mainstream smoke and the surface temperature of the mouthpiece end of the flavor inhalator (hereinafter, this surface temperature is referred to as "tip temperature") were analyzed.
(Mainstream Smoke Temperature)
[0167] A thermocouple (product name: produced by TOA Electric Inc., model No. TI-SP-K) was disposed at a position 7 mm away from the mouthpiece end of the flavor inhalator toward the downstream, and the temperature of the mainstream smoke was measured at intervals of 0.1 seconds. The maximum value measured during the measurement period was determined as "mainstream smoke temperature".
(Tip Temperature)
[0168] A thermocouple (produced by TOA Electric Inc., model No. TI-SP-K) was disposed on the surface of the tipping paper at a position 5 mm away from the mouthpiece end of the flavor inhalator toward the upstream, and the temperature of the mainstream smoke was measured at intervals of 0.1 seconds. The maximum value measured during the measurement period was determined as "tip temperature".
2-2. Results
[0169] Fig. 10 illustrates the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the temperature of the mainstream smoke and the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the tip temperature.
[0170] The results illustrated in Fig. 10 show the following facts. Regardless of whether microwave drying or silica gel drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced, the temperature of the mainstream smoke could be reduced accordingly. Moreover, regardless of whether microwave drying or silica gel drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced, the tip temperature could be reduced accordingly.
[0171] The above results confirm that, when a tobacco filler having a low moisture content is included in a flavor inhalator, the user is unlikely to sense the heat of the aerosol or the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation. It is also confirmed that, for reducing the mainstream smoke temperature and the tip temperature to sufficient degrees, the moisture content in the tobacco filler is preferably 7.5% by mass or less and is more preferably 7.0% by mass or less.
[Reference Example A3] Contents of Nicotine, Glycerine, and Propylene Glycol in Tobacco Filler
3-1. Analysis of Contents of Nicotine, Glycerine, and Propylene Glycol in Tobacco Filler
[0172] The contents of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the tobacco filler included in each of the flavor inhalator prepared in Reference Example A1 and the flavor inhalator used as a control were measured.
[0173] The tobacco filler was taken from each of the above flavor inhalators, and the contents of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the tobacco filler were determined in the following manner. Specifically, the tobacco filler was subjected to extraction with a predetermined amount of ethanol (10 to 100 mL, which was adjusted appropriately in accordance with the amount of the tobacco filler), and the contents of the above components were measured using GC-MS.
3-2. Results
[0174] Fig. 11 illustrates the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the content of nicotine in the tobacco filler. Fig. 12 illustrates the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the content of glycerine in the tobacco filler. Fig. 13 illustrates the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler.
[0175] The results illustrated in the above drawings show the following facts. Regardless of whether microwave drying or silica gel drying was performed, the content of nicotine in the tobacco filler did not change when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced. Similarly, regardless of whether microwave drying or silica gel drying was performed, the content of glycerine in the tobacco filler did not change when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced.
[0176] On the other hand, in the case where microwave drying was performed, the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler was sharply reduced when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was 5% by mass or less. In the case where silica gel drying was performed, the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler was gradually reduced with the reduction in the moisture content in the tobacco filler. This confirms that, for drying the tobacco filler while maintaining the content of propylene glycol (i.e., aerosol generating agent) in the tobacco filler, the moisture content in the tobacco filler is preferably more than 5% by mass and is more preferably 5.1% by mass or more.
[0177] Moreover, the results illustrated in Fig. 8 show that, in the case where microwave drying is performed, the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is increased to about 65°C when the moisture content in the tobacco filler is reduced to about 5% by mass. Accordingly, it is confirmed that, for drying the tobacco filler while maintaining the content of propylene glycol (i.e., aerosol generating agent) in the tobacco filler, the tobacco filler is preferably dried such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 65°C or less.
[Reference Example B1] Moisture Content in Tobacco Filler
1-1. Preparation of Flavor Inhalator
[0179] A tobacco stick for Ploom S produced by Japan Tobacco Inc. (product name: "MEVIUS REGULAR for Ploom S") was subjected to any one of (A) microwave drying and (B) silica gel drying in order to reduce the moisture content in the tobacco filler included in the tobacco stick. The tobacco stick for Ploom S had the structure illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0180] The tobacco stick that had not been subjected to the drying treatment included 0.25 g of a tobacco filler (i.e., a mixture of a tobacco molded body and an aerosol generating agent) per stick. The tobacco filler had a moisture content of 13.69% by mass. The content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler was 15.60% by mass of the amount of the tobacco filler. The aerosol generating agent was a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol. The mass ratio between glycerine and propylene glycol was 93.48:6.52.
[0181] As a control, a tobacco stick for Ploom S produced by Japan Tobacco Inc. (product name: "MEVIUS REGULAR for Ploom S") was conditioned in a conditioning room at 22°C and 60% for about 48 to 72 hours.
(A) Microwave Drying
[0182] A commercial microwave oven ("DR-D219W5 (2014)" produced by Twinbird Corporation, 50 Hz) was used at 500 W, and 20 tobacco sticks (tobacco filler: 5.0 g in total) were heated in the microwave oven for a predetermined amount of time. The amount of heating time was 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 seconds. After heating, 20 tobacco sticks were charged into a polypropylene (PP) zipper bag together and hermetically packed with an aluminum pouch bag. Hereby, a flavor inhalator was prepared. Immediately after the preparation of the flavor inhalator, the moisture content in the tobacco filler was measured.
(B) Silica Gel Drying
[0183] The silica gel used was a commercial silica gel for food drying ("HD1g (Blue)" produced by Toyotakako Co., Ltd.). Into a polypropylene (PP) zipper bag, 20 tobacco sticks (tobacco filler: 5.0 g in total) and a predetermined amount of a silica gel were charged together, and they were hermetically packed with an aluminum pouch bag and left to stand for three weeks. The drying treatment was performed at room temperature (20°C). The amount of the silica gel was 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 g. Hereby, a flavor inhalator was prepared. Immediately after the preparation of the flavor inhalator, the moisture content in the tobacco filler was measured.
1-2. Analysis of Moisture Content in Dry Tobacco Filler and Content of Aerosol Generating Agent
[0184] A tobacco filler was taken from each of the flavor inhalator prepared above and the flavor inhalator used as a control, and the moisture contents in the tobacco fillers (% by mass) were measured using GCTCD in the above-described manner. Furthermore, the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler was determined using GC-MS in the above-described manner.
1-3. Results
[0185] Fig. 14 illustrates the relationship between the amount of time during which heating was performed with the microwave oven and the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the relationship between the amount of time during which heating was performed with the microwave oven and the surface temperature of the tobacco filler. Fig. 15 illustrates the relationship between the amount of silica gel and the moisture content in the tobacco filler.
[0186] The results illustrated in Fig. 14 show the following facts. When the amount of time during which heating was performed with the microwave oven was increased, the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced. When the amount of time during which heating was performed with the microwave oven was increased, the surface temperature of the tobacco filler was increased. When 20 tobacco sticks (tobacco filler: 5.0 g in total) were heated with a 500-watt microwave oven for 40 to 60 seconds, a dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass could be prepared.
[0187] The results illustrated in Fig. 15 show the following facts. When the amount of the silica gel used was increased, the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced. When 4 to 10 g of silica gel was used relative to 20 tobacco sticks (tobacco filler: 5.0 g in total), a dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass could be prepared.
[0188] The above results confirm that a dry tobacco filler having an intended moisture content can be prepared by adjusting the amount of heating time and the amount of the desiccant used and thereby changing the degree to which drying is performed.
[0189] The content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler was as follows.
Control: 15.60% by mass
Microwave drying, 20 seconds: 15.55% by mass
Microwave drying, 40 seconds: 16.72% by mass
Microwave drying, 60 seconds: 16.25% by mass
Microwave drying, 80 seconds: 15.29% by mass
Microwave drying, 100 seconds: 14.74% by mass
Silica gel drying, 2 g: 15.11% by mass
Silica gel drying, 4 g: 15.38% by mass
Silica gel drying, 6 g: 15.12% by mass
Silica gel drying, 8 g: 15.43% by mass
Silica gel drying, 10 g: 15.59% by mass
[Reference Example B2] Mainstream Smoke Temperature and Tip Temperature
2-1. Analysis of Mainstream Smoke Temperature and Tip Temperature
[0190] The flavor inhalator prepared in Reference Example B1 and the flavor inhalator used as a control were heated using a heating device for Ploom S (produced by Japan Tobacco Inc.). The heating device had the structure illustrated in Fig. 5. After heating, the flavor inhalators were inhaled using an automatic inhalator.
[0191] After inhalation, the temperature of the mainstream smoke and the surface temperature of the mouthpiece end of the flavor inhalator (hereinafter, this surface temperature is referred to as "tip temperature") were analyzed.
(Mainstream Smoke Temperature)
[0192] A thermocouple (product name: produced by TOA Electric Inc., model No. TI-SP-K) was disposed at a position 7 mm away from the mouthpiece end of the flavor inhalator toward the downstream, and the temperature of the mainstream smoke was measured at intervals of 0.1 seconds. The maximum value measured during the measurement period was determined as "mainstream smoke temperature".
(Tip Temperature)
[0193] A thermocouple (product name: produced by TOA Electric Inc., model No. TI-SP-K) was disposed on the surface of the tipping paper at a position 5 mm away from the mouthpiece end of the flavor inhalator toward the upstream, and the temperature of the mainstream smoke was measured at intervals of 0.1 seconds. The maximum value measured during the measurement period was determined as "tip temperature".
2-2. Results
[0194] Fig. 16 illustrates the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the temperature of the mainstream smoke and the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the tip temperature.
[0195] The results illustrated in Fig. 16 show the following facts. Regardless of whether microwave drying or silica gel drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced, the temperature of the mainstream smoke could be reduced accordingly. Moreover, regardless of whether microwave drying or silica gel drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced, the tip temperature could be reduced accordingly.
[0196] The above results confirm that, when a tobacco filler having a low moisture content is included in a flavor inhalator, the user is unlikely to sense the heat of the aerosol or the heat of the mouthpiece end of the article upon inhalation.
[Reference Example B3] Contents of Nicotine, Glycerine, and Propylene Glycol in Mainstream Smoke
3-1. Analysis of Contents of Nicotine, Glycerine, and Propylene Glycol in Mainstream Smoke
[0197] The contents of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke generated from each of the flavor inhalator prepared in Reference Example B1 and the flavor inhalator used as a control were measured as described below. Specifically, the mainstream smoke was collected and subjected to extraction with a predetermined amount of ethanol (10 to 100 mL, which was adjusted appropriately in accordance with the amount of the mainstream smoke), and the contents of the above components were measured using GC-MS.
3-2. Results
[0198] Fig. 17 illustrates the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the content of nicotine in the mainstream smoke. Fig. 18 illustrates the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the content of glycerine in the mainstream smoke. Fig. 19 illustrates the relationship between the moisture content in the tobacco filler and the content of propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke. Note that, in the above drawings, the contents of the nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke at the first puff are shown.
[0200] In the case where microwave drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was 5% by mass or less, the content of nicotine in the mainstream smoke was sharply increased. Moreover, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was below 3% by mass, the increase in the content of nicotine in the mainstream smoke was accelerated. Similarly, in the case where microwave drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was 5% by mass or less, the content of glycerine in the mainstream smoke was also sharply increased and, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was below 3% by mass, the increase in the glycerine content was accelerated. Similarly, in the case where microwave drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was 5% by mass or less, the content of propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke was also sharply increased and, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was below 3% by mass, the increase in the propylene glycol content was accelerated.
[0201] It is considered that the above phenomenon occurred because the cell membranes and cell walls of the tobacco material were damaged as a result of quick drying performed with the microwave oven and the likelihood of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol included in the tobacco material migrating into the mainstream smoke was increased consequently. Since the above phenomenon significantly occurred particularly at the initial puff, it is considered that the above phenomenon affects the first impression of the smoke taste. The sudden release of a tobacco flavor component may adversely affect the smoke taste (e.g., a harsh taste or stimulation). Therefore, in the case where microwave drying is performed, for limiting the negative impacts on the smoke taste, the moisture content in the tobacco filler is preferably 3% to 5% by mass and is more preferably 4% to 5% by mass.
[0202] On the other hand, in the case where silica gel drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced to 5% by mass or less, the contents of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke could be mildly increased. In other words, in the case where silica gel drying was performed, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler was reduced to 5% by mass or less, the increases in the contents of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke were mild compared with microwave drying.
[0203] The reasons for which the above results were obtained in the case where silica gel drying was performed are considered as follows. Specifically, it is considered that, although the cell membranes and cell walls of the tobacco material were not damaged by silica gel drying, the amount of water vapor was generated upon heating was reduced as a result of the reduction in the moisture content in the tobacco filler. This presumably increased the temperature of the tobacco filler and resulted in the mild increases in the contents of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke. Thus, since silica gel drying enables the contents of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke to be mildly increased, silica gel drying is unlikely to adversely affect the smoke taste (e.g., a harsh taste or stimulation) compared with microwave drying.
[0204] Moreover, the results illustrated in Fig. 14 show that, in the case where microwave drying is performed, the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is increased to about 90°C when the moisture content in the tobacco filler is reduced to about 3% by mass. Accordingly, for drying the tobacco filler while limiting the negative impacts on the smoke taste (e.g., a harsh taste or stimulation), the tobacco filler is preferably dried such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 90°C or less.
[0205] The above results confirm that, when the moisture content in the tobacco filler is reduced to 3% to 5% by mass, the content of the tobacco flavor source in the tobacco mainstream smoke and the amount of aerosol (i.e., smoke) can be increased and the feel of smoking can be improved.
[Reference Example B4] Content of Aerosol Generating Agent in Tobacco Filler
[0206] In Reference Example B4, the content of the aerosol generating agent (i.e., mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol) in the tobacco filler was changed. In Test 1, while the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler was fixed at about 0.5% by mass, the content of glycerine in the tobacco filler was changed. In Test 2, while the content of glycerine in the tobacco filler was fixed at about 15% by mass, the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler was changed.
4-1. Preparation of Dry Tobacco Filler and Preparation of Flavor Inhalator
[0207] A flavor inhalator was prepared in accordance with the method described in Reference Example B1, and a tobacco filler (i.e., dry tobacco filler) was taken from the flavor inhalator. The moisture content in the dry tobacco filler was 13.69% by mass.
4-2. Analysis of Content of Aerosol Generating Agent in Dry Tobacco Filler
[0208] A tobacco filler was taken from the flavor inhalator prepared in 4-1, and the content of the aerosol generating agent (i.e., glycerine and propylene glycol) in the tobacco filler was determined using GC-MS in the above-described manner.
4-3. Analysis of Contents of Nicotine, Glycerine, and Propylene Glycol in Mainstream Smoke
[0209] The contents of nicotine, glycerine, and propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke generated from the flavor inhalator prepared in 4-1 were determined using GC-MS in the above-described manner.
4-4. Results
[0210] Figs. 20A and 20B illustrate the results of Test 1. Fig. 20A illustrates the relationship between the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler and the content of each component in the mainstream smoke. Fig. 20B illustrates the relationship between the content of glycerine in the tobacco filler and the content of each component in the mainstream smoke.
[0211] Figs. 21A and 21B illustrate the results of Test 2. Fig. 21A illustrates the relationship between the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler and the content of each component in the mainstream smoke. Fig. 21B illustrates the relationship between the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler and the content of each component in the mainstream smoke.
[0212] In the above drawings, "G" represents glycerine, "PG" represents propylene glycol, "G+PG" represents a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol, and "Nic" represents nicotine.
[0213] The results illustrated in Figs. 20A and 20B show the following facts. Although the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the mainstream smoke was increased with the increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the tobacco filler, the rate of increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the mainstream smoke was gradually reduced. Specifically, when the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the tobacco filler was 20% by mass or more, the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the mainstream smoke was hardly increased with the increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the tobacco filler. When the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the tobacco filler was 20% by mass or more, the content of glycerine in the mainstream smoke was also hardly increased and the content of propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke was slightly reduced with the increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the tobacco filler. When the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the tobacco filler was 20% by mass or more, the content of nicotine in the mainstream smoke was not increased at all with the increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the tobacco filler.
[0214] The results illustrated in Figs. 21A and 21B show the following facts. Although the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the mainstream smoke was increased with the increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the tobacco filler, the rate of increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the mainstream smoke was gradually reduced. Specifically, when the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler exceeded 3% by mass, the content of the aerosol generating agent (G+PG) in the mainstream smoke was hardly increased with the increase in the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler. When the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler exceeded 3% by mass, the content of propylene glycol in the mainstream smoke was also hardly increased and the content of glycerine in the mainstream smoke was reduced with the increase in the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler. When the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler exceeded 3% by mass, the content of nicotine in the mainstream smoke was slightly reduced with the increase in the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler.
[0215] When the aerosol generating agent is heated, it is vaporized to form a vapor, a tobacco flavor component, such as nicotine, migrates into the vapor, and an aerosol (i.e., mainstream smoke) is generated consequently. Since heat is lost due to the vaporization of the aerosol generating agent, the amount of heat lost by vaporization is increased with the increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler. This reduces the efficiency with which the tobacco filler is heated. It is considered that, for the above reasons, the rate of migration of the high-boiling point components (i.e., glycerine and nicotine) to the aerosol was reduced with the increase in the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler.
[0216] On the basis of the above-described results, it is considered that the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco filler is preferably less than 20% by mass, is more preferably 19% by mass or less, and is further preferably 15% to 19% by mass. On the basis of the above-described results, it is also considered that, in the case where the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol, the content of propylene glycol in the tobacco filler is preferably 3% by mass or less and is more preferably 1% to 3% by mass.
Aspect 1
[0218] A tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators, the tobacco sheet including a tobacco powder, wherein a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the tobacco powder, the cumulative 90% particle size being determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction, is 200 µm or more.
Aspect 2
[0219] The sheet according to aspect 1, wherein:
the tobacco powder is a dry tobacco material;
the sheet further includes an aerosol generating agent; and
the sheet has a moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less.
Aspect 3
[0220] The sheet according to aspect 2, wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol.
Aspect 4
[0221] The sheet according to aspect 1, wherein:
the tobacco powder is a dry tobacco material;
the sheet includes an aerosol generating agent, a content of the aerosol generating agent in the sheet being less than 20% by mass; and
the sheet has a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass.
Aspect 5
[0222] The sheet according to aspect 4, wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerine.
Aspect 6
[0223] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including a tobacco-containing segment including the tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to any one of aspects 1 to 5.
Aspect 7
[0224] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system including:
the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to aspect 6; and
a heating apparatus that heats the tobacco-containing segment.
[0225]
- [1] A tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators, the tobacco sheet including a tobacco powder, wherein a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the tobacco powder, the cumulative 90% particle size being determined using a volume-basis particle size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction, is 200 µm or more.
- [2] The tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to [1], wherein the tobacco powder is at least one tobacco raw material selected from the group consisting of leaf tobacco, midrib, and residual stems.
- [3] The tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to [1] or [2], wherein the content of the tobacco powder in the tobacco sheet is 45% to 95% by mass with the amount of the tobacco sheet being 100% by mass.
- [4] The tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the tobacco sheet further includes an aerosol generating agent.
- [5] The tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to [4], wherein the aerosol generating agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerine, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol.
- [6] The tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to [4] or [5], wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent in the tobacco sheet is 4% to 50% by mass with the amount of the tobacco sheet being 100% by mass.
- [7] The tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the tobacco sheet further includes a shaping agent.
- [8] The tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to [7], wherein the shaping agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of a polysaccharide, a protein, and a synthetic polymer.
- [9] The tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to [7] or [8], wherein the content of the shaping agent in the tobacco sheet is 0.1% to 15% by mass with the amount of the tobacco sheet being 100% by mass.
- [10] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including a tobacco-containing segment including the tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according to any one of [1] to [9].
- [11] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system including:
the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to [10]; and
a heating apparatus that heats the tobacco-containing segment.
[0226] Preferable embodiments are described in summary below.
[A1] A dry tobacco filler including a dry tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent, the dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less.
[A2] The dry tobacco filler according to [A1], wherein the moisture content is 5.1% to 7.5% by mass, is preferably 5.1% to 7.0% by mass, and is more preferably 5.5% to 7.0% by mass.
[A3] The dry tobacco filler according to [A1] or [A2], wherein the dry tobacco material is a tobacco molded body.
[A4] The dry tobacco filler according to any one of [A1] to [A3], wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol.
[0227]
[B1] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including a tobacco rod, the tobacco rod including a dry tobacco filler including a dry tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent, the dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less, and a wrapping paper wrapped around the dry tobacco filler; a filter; and a tipping member with which the tobacco rod and the filter are connected to each other.
[B2] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to [B1], wherein the moisture content is 5.1% to 7.5% by mass, is preferably 5.1% to 7.0% by mass, and is more preferably 5.5% to 7.0% by mass.
[B3] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to [B1] or [B2], wherein the dry tobacco material is a tobacco molded body.
[B4] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to any one of [B1] to [B3], wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol.
[0228] [C1] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system including the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to any one of [B1] to [B4] and an aerosol generation apparatus.
[0229]
[D1] A packaged product including a package; at least one non-combustion-heating-type
flavor inhalator that is accommodated in the package and that includes a tobacco filler
including a tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent; and a desiccant incorporated
in the package in an amount necessary for the moisture content in the tobacco filler
reaching an equilibrium moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass
or less,
wherein the moisture content in the tobacco filler reaches an equilibrium moisture
content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less while the tobacco filler
is inside the package.
[D2] The packaged product according to [D1], wherein the equilibrium moisture content is 5.1% to 7.5% by mass, is preferably 5.1% to 7.0% by mass, and is more preferably 5.5% to 7.0% by mass.
[D3] The packaged product according to [D1] or [D2], wherein the tobacco material is a tobacco molded body.
[D4] The packaged product according to any one of [D1] to [D3], wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol.
[0230]
[E1] A method for producing a dry tobacco filler, the method including:
drying a tobacco filler including a tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent
to prepare a dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of more than 5% by mass
and 7.5% by mass or less.
[E2] The method according to [E1], wherein the drying is performed by microwave heating.
[E3] The method according to [E1] or [E2], wherein the drying is performed such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 65°C or less.
[E4] The method according to any one of [E1] to [E3], wherein the drying is performed by placing the tobacco filler in the presence of a desiccant.
[E5] The method according to any one of [E1] to [E4], wherein the moisture content is 5.1% to 7.5% by mass, is preferably 5.1% to 7.0% by mass, and is more preferably 5.5% to 7.0% by mass.
[E6] The method according to any one of [E1] to [E5], wherein the tobacco material is a tobacco molded body.
[E7] The method according to any one of [E1] to [E6], wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of glycerine and propylene glycol.
[0232] Preferable embodiments are described in summary below.
[a1] A dry tobacco filler including a dry tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent, the content of the aerosol generating agent being less than 20% by mass, the dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass.
[a2] The dry tobacco filler according to [a1], wherein the moisture content is 3.5% to 5% by mass and is preferably 4% to 5% by mass.
[a3] The dry tobacco filler according to [a1] or [a2], wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent is 19% by mass or less and is preferably 15% to 19% by mass.
[a4] The dry tobacco filler according to any one of [a1] to [a3], wherein the dry tobacco material is a tobacco molded body.
[a5] The dry tobacco filler according to any one of [a1] to [a4], wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.
[a6] The dry tobacco filler according to [a5], wherein the content of the propylene glycol is 3% by mass or less and is preferably 1% to 3% by mass.
[0233]
[b1] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator including:
a tobacco rod including a dry tobacco filler including a dry tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent, the content of the aerosol generating agent being less than 20% by mass, the dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass, and a wrapping paper wrapped around the dry tobacco filler;
a filter; and
a tipping member with which the tobacco rod and the filter are connected to each other.
[b2] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to [b1], wherein the moisture content is 3.5% to 5% by mass and is preferably 4% to 5% by mass.
[b3] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to [b1] or [b2], wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent is 19% by mass or less and is preferably 15% to 19% by mass.
[b4] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to any one of [b1] to [b3], wherein the dry tobacco material is a tobacco molded body.
[b5] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to any one of [b1] to [b4], wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.
[b6] The non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to [b5], wherein the content of the propylene glycol is 3% by mass or less and is preferably 1% to 3% by mass.
[0234] [c1] A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system including the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to any one of [b1] to [b6] and an aerosol generation apparatus.
[0235]
[d1] A packaged product including:
a package;
at least one non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator that is accommodated in the package and that includes a tobacco filler including a tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent; and
a desiccant incorporated in the package in an amount necessary for the moisture content in the tobacco filler reaching an equilibrium moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass,
wherein the moisture content in the tobacco filler reaches an equilibrium moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass while the tobacco filler is inside the package.
[d2] The packaged product according to [d1], wherein the equilibrium moisture content is 3.5% to 5% by mass and is preferably 4% to 5% by mass.
[d3] The packaged product according to [d1] or [d2], wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent is less than 20% by mass, is preferably 19% by mass or less, and is more preferably 15% to 19% by mass.
[d4] The packaged product according to any one of [d1] to [d3], wherein the tobacco material is a tobacco molded body.
[d5] The packaged product according to any one of [d1] to [d4], wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.
[d6] The packaged product according to [d5], wherein the content of the propylene glycol is 3% by mass or less and is preferably 1% to 3% by mass.
[0236]
[e1] A method for producing a dry tobacco filler, the method including drying a tobacco filler including a tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 90°C or less to prepare a dry tobacco filler having a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass.
[e2] The method according to [e1], wherein the drying is performed such that the surface temperature of the tobacco filler is 65°C or less.
[e3] The method according to [e1] or [e2], wherein the drying is performed at room temperature and a humidity of 30% or less.
[e4] The method according to any one of [e1] to [e3], wherein the drying is performed at 5°C to 35°C, preferably at 15°C to 25°C, at a humidity of 10% to 30%, and preferably at a humidity of 15% to 25%.
[e5] The method according to any one of [e1] to [e4], wherein the drying is performed by placing the tobacco filler in the presence of a desiccant.
[e6] The method according to any one of [e1] to [e5], wherein the moisture content is 3.5% to 5% by mass and is preferably 4% to 5% by mass.
[e7] The method according to any one of [e1] to [e6], wherein the content of the aerosol generating agent in the dry tobacco filler is less than 20% by mass, is preferably 19% by mass or less, and is more preferably 15% to 19% by mass.
[e8] The method according to any one of [e1] to [e7], wherein the tobacco material is a tobacco molded body.
[e9] The method according to any one of [e1] to [e8], wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.
[e10] The method according to [e9], wherein the content of the propylene glycol in the dry tobacco filler is 3% by mass or less and is preferably 1% to 3% by mass.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0238]
- 1
- non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator
- 2
- tobacco-containing segment
- 3
- cooling segment
- 4
- center-hole segment
- 5
- filter segment
- 6
- mouthpiece segment
- 7
- tubular member
- 8
- perforations
- 9
- second filler layer
- 10
- second inner plug wrapper
- 11
- outer plug wrapper
- 12
- mouthpiece lining paper
- 13
- heating apparatus
- 14
- body
- 15
- heater
- 16
- metal pipe
- 17
- battery unit
- 18
- control unit
- 19
- recess
- T1a
- tobacco material
- T1b
- dry tobacco material
- T2
- aerosol generating agent
- T3a
- untreated tobacco filler
- T3b
- dry tobacco filler
1. A tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators, the tobacco sheet
comprising a tobacco powder, wherein a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the tobacco
powder, the cumulative 90% particle size being determined using a volume-basis particle
size distribution measured by dry laser diffraction, is 200 µm or more.
2. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein:
the tobacco powder is a dry tobacco material;
the sheet further comprises an aerosol generating agent; and
the sheet has a moisture content of more than 5% by mass and 7.5% by mass or less.
3. The sheet according to claim 2, wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture
of glycerine and propylene glycol.
4. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein:
the tobacco powder is a dry tobacco material;
the sheet comprises an aerosol generating agent, a content of the aerosol generating agent in the sheet being less than 20% by mass; and
the sheet has a moisture content of 3% to 5% by mass.
5. The sheet according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating agent is a mixture
of propylene glycol and glycerine.
6. A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator comprising a tobacco-containing segment
including the tobacco sheet for non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalators according
to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. A non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system comprising:
the non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalator according to claim 6; and
a heating apparatus that heats the tobacco-containing segment.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description
Non-patent literature cited in the description
- Encyclopedia of TobaccoTobacco Academic Studies Center20090000vol. 3, 31- [0037]