FILTER FOR TOBACCO PRODUCT, AND TOBACCO PRODUCT AND ELECTRICALLY-HEATED TOBACCO PRODUCT HAVING SAID FILTER

Abstract

 A filter for a tobacco product, the filter comprising a granular adsorbing agent containing an oil or fat having a melting point of 50°C or higher, wherein the reduction rate of the air permeation resistance of the filter per 120 mm is at least 5% when the filter is heated at 100°C for 10 minutes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter for tobacco products, and a tobacco product and an electric heating tobacco product that include the filter.

[Background Art]

[0002] Attention has been recently focused on tobacco products composed of a tobacco rod portion including shredded tobacco, a mouthpiece portion including a filter, a tip paper wrapped around these members, and the like as cigarettes (paper-wrapped tobacco), which have been used for many years, or as alternatives to cigarettes. Such tobacco products have been used as, for example, tobacco flavor inhaler items for electric heating tobacco products, which use electric heating without combustion.

[0003] Common cigarettes (paper-wrapped tobacco) are composed of a tobacco rod, which is produced by shredding dry tobacco leaves to a width of about 1 mm, adding a flavoring agent, a humectant, and an adequate amount of moisture to the shreds, and wrapping the resulting mixture with a wrapper made primarily of paper into a cylindrical shape, and a mouthpiece rod, which is produced by wrapping fibers made of cellulose acetate or the like or pleated paper with a wrapper made of paper into a cylindrical shape, the tobacco rod and the mouthpiece rod being joined to each other with lining paper while the ends of the tobacco rod and the mouthpiece rod are abutted against each other. When a cigarette is used, smoking is commonly done by the user setting fire to the end of the tobacco rod with a lighter or the like and inhaling from the end of the mouthpiece. The front end of the tobacco rod, that is, burning end, burns at temperatures more than 800°C.

[0004] Common electric heating tobacco products are composed of a cylindrical tobacco flavor inhaler item for electric heating tobacco products, which is analogous to common cigarettes, and a heating device including a battery, a controller, a heater, and the like. Examples of the heater include an electric resistance heater and an IH heater. An example of the electric resistance heater is designed to come into contact with the heat-not-burn tobacco flavor inhaler item such that the outer portion of the cylindrical heat-not-burn tobacco flavor inhaler item can be heated. Another example is designed to come into contact with the non-combustion-heating-type tobacco flavor inhaler item such that an acicular or blade-like member is inserted into the tobacco-filled layer from the front end of the non-combustion-heating-type tobacco flavor inhaler item.

[0005] Common cigarettes and electric heating tobacco products include a filter having functions of adjusting the amount of air that enters when aerosol and the like are inhaled, lessening the flavor, reducing nicotine and tar, and the like. A technique in which an additive is added to a filter in order to impart a function other than the above-described basic functions is known.

[0006] Patent document 1 discloses a technique in which a granular adsorbent that includes base granules, a fat having a temperature equal to or more than a specific temperature, and a polyol is applied to a filter for smoking items in order to impart resistance to oil stain and capability of adsorbing specific hydrocarbons to the filter.

[Citation List]

[Patent document]

[0007] [Patent document 1] International Publication No. 2018/008608

[Summary of Invention]

[Technical Problem]

[0008] The granular adsorbent disclosed in Patent document 1 includes a base material, such as dextrin or powder sugar, as an essential component in addition to the fat that imparts the capability of adsorbing specific hydrocarbons and the resistance to oil stain. Thus, it requires high costs to achieve the intended advantageous effects. Furthermore, the presence of the above base material makes the granules brittle and disadvantageously causes fine powder particles to adhere to the manufacturing system during the production of the filter. This results in the necessity for frequent cleaning of the filter. Moreover, since the granules are brittle, the size of the granules changes during the transportation or production of the filter. This disadvantageously increases inconsistencies in airflow resistance.

[0009] In order to address the above issues, an object of the present invention is to provide a filter for tobacco products which can be produced at relatively low costs and is improved in terms of brittleness while producing advantageous effects comparable to those produced by using the fat-containing adsorbent known in the related art, and a tobacco product and an electric heating tobacco product that include the above-described filter.

[Solution to Problem]

[0010] The inventors of the present invention found that the above issues can be addressed by using a filter that includes an adsorbent that includes a fat capable of removing specific hydrocarbons and having a melting point equal to or more than a specific temperature and that does not include a base material, such as dextrin or powder sugar, and conceived the present invention.

[0011] Specifically, the summary of the present invention is as follows.

[1] A filter for tobacco products, the filter including a granular adsorbent including a fat having a melting point of 50°C or more, wherein a reduction rate in an airflow resistance of the filter per 120 mm when the filter is heated at 100°C for 10 minutes, is 5% or more.

[2] The filter for tobacco products described in [1], wherein the adsorbent has an average particle size of 355 µm or more and 1400 µm or less.

[3] The filter for tobacco products described in [1] or [2], wherein a content of the adsorbent in a filter element included in the filter for tobacco products is 5% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less.

[4] The filter for tobacco products described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein a content of the fat having the melting point of 50°C or more is more than 60% by weight with a total amount of the adsorbent being 100% by weight.

[5] The filter for tobacco products described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the fat having the melting point of 50°C or more is a hydrogenated fat having a melting point of 50°C or more.

[6] The filter for tobacco products described in [5], wherein the hydrogenated fat having the melting point of 50°C or more is one or more selected from an extremely hardened high-erucic acid rapeseed oil, a heavily hydrogenated rapeseed oil, a heavily hydrogenated palm oil, a heavily hydrogenated soybean oil, a heavily hydrogenated beef tallow oil, and a heavily hydrogenated lard oil.

[7] A tobacco product including the filter for tobacco products described in any one of [1] to [6].

[8] The tobacco product described in [7], the tobacco product being used for cigarettes.

[9] The tobacco product described in [7], the tobacco product being used for electric heating tobacco products.

[10] An electric heating tobacco product including an electric heating device, the electric heating device including a heater member, a battery unit serving as a power source for the heater member, and a control unit that controls the heater member, and the tobacco product described in [9] inserted therein so as to come into contact with the heater member.

[Advantageous Effects of Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, a filter for tobacco products which can be produced at relatively low costs and is improved in terms of brittleness while producing advantageous effects comparable to those produced by using the fat-containing adsorbent known in the related art, and a tobacco product and an electric heating tobacco product that include the above-described filter can be provided.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0013] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a graph illustrating reductions in the airflow resistance values of the filters used in Examples which were caused due to heating.

[Description of Embodiments]

[0014] Details of embodiments of the present invention are described below. Note that the following description is merely an example (typical example) of the embodiments of the present invention and the present invention is not limited by the contents thereof without departing from the summary thereof.

[0015] In the present specification, in the case where a range is expressed using "to" and values or physical properties described before and after "to", it is considered that the range includes the values described before and after "to".

[0016] In the present specification, the term "a plurality of" refers to "two or more" unless otherwise specified.

<Filter for Tobacco Products>

[0017] A filter for tobacco products according to an embodiment of the present invention (also referred to simply as "filter for tobacco products" or "filter") is a filter for tobacco products which comprises a granular adsorbent including a fat having a melting point of 50°C or more, wherein a reduction rate in an airflow resistance of the filter per 120 mm when the filter is heated at 100°C for 10 minutes is 5% or more.

[0018] Since the above adsorbent includes the fat, it is capable of removing specific hydrocarbons. Since the melting point of the fat is 50°C or more, the possibility of the filter being stained with oil before use can be reduced. Moreover, since the adsorbent does not include a base material, such as dextrin or powder sugar, as an essential component, the costs can be saved. In addition, brittleness can be improved. This reduces the likelihood of fine powder particles adhering to the manufacturing system during the production of the filter and increases ease of cleaning. Furthermore, the size of the granules is unlikely to change during the transportation or production of the filter. This reduces inconsistencies in airflow resistance. Since the fat becomes melted at 50°C, it seeps into the filter during heating. This increases a reduction rate in airflow resistance which is caused due to heating and consequently increases the change in flavor during use. Specifically, when the fat becomes melted, the fat seeps into the filter. This reduces airflow resistance and the degree of the capability of the filter to filter a flavor component. Accordingly, the change in flavor during use is increased. The ability of the adsorbent including the fat to remove specific hydrocarbon and the effect of the adsorbent to reduce oil stain are as disclosed in International Publication No. 2018/008608. The ability to remove specific hydrocarbon is an ability produced since the adsorbent includes the fat. The effect to reduce oil stain is an effect produced since the fat has a melting point of 50°C or more. A comparison between the case where an adsorbent including a base material known in the related art is used and the case where the adsorbent according to this embodiment which does not include a base material is used, the adsorbents having the same weight, confirms that, in the base material according to this embodiment, in which the content of the fat component is relatively high, the proportion of the region in which the melted fat is seeped during heating relative to the entire filter is larger (the surface area of the fat is larger). In addition, the ability to remove specific hydrocarbon and the effect to reduce airflow resistance are more excellent.

[0019] Compared with a cigarette, the flavor produced by an electric heating tobacco product is likely to degrade greatly from early to later stages of use. The use of the filter according to this embodiment increases the reduction rate in airflow resistance which occurs during heating and thereby reduces the degradation of flavor which occurs in later stages of use.

[0020] The production of an adsorbent including a base material, which is known in the related art, requires at least a step of mixing raw materials including the base material, a step of forming granules, and a step of screening grain size. In contrast, since the production of an adsorbent that does not include a base material does not include the step of mixing raw materials including the base material as an essential step, the filter according to this embodiment enables the production process to be simplified readily. As a result, the costs can be saved.

[0021] The filter includes the above-described adsorbent. The other structure of the filter is not limited; a publicly known structure may be employed. Examples of the publicly known structure include a structure produced by forming cellulose acetate tow into a cylindrical shape. The filament denier and total fineness of the cellulose acetate tow are not limited. For example, in the case where the mouthpiece member has a perimeter of 22 mm, the above filament denier may be 1.5 denier or more and 12.0 denier or less and may be 5 denier or more and 8 denier or less, and the above total fineness may be 12000 denier or more and 50000 denier or less and may be 15000 denier or more and 50000 denier or less. In the present specification, the unit "denier" used for single fineness refers to the weight of one fiber per 9000 m (g/9000 m), and the unit "denier" used for total fineness refers to the weight of all the fibers per 9000 m (g/9000 m). Cellulose acetate tow may be represented as, for example, "1.9Y44000". As well known by those skilled in the art, this means that the single fineness is 1.9 denier, the cross sectional shape of the fiber is Y-shape, and the total fineness is 44000 denier. Examples of the cross-sectional shape of fibers of the cellulose acetate tow include a circular shape, an oval shape, a Y-shape, an I-shape, and an R-shape. The cellulose acetate tow may be composed of a cellulose acetate having a degree of acetyl substitution of 2.4 to 2.5 (diacetate). In the case where the filter is filled with the cellulose acetate tow, triacetin may be added to the filter in an amount that is 5% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less of the weight of the cellulose acetate tow in order to increase the hardness of the filter.

[0022] Instead of the above acetate filter, a paper filter filled with sheet-like pulp paper may also be used.

[0023] The conditions of the filter, such as the size of the filter, the additives that may be included in the filter which are other than the adsorbent, the properties of the filter which are other than airflow resistance, can be designed appropriately.

[0024] The conditions of the adsorbent and the filter are described below specifically.

[0025] The adsorbent is not limited and may be any adsorbent that includes a fat having a melting point of 50°C or more and that is granular.

[0026] When the adsorbent includes a fat having a melting point of 50°C or more, the likelihood of the periphery of the adsorbent being stained with oil before use can be reduced. The likelihood of the periphery of the adsorbent being stained with oil before use cannot be reduced if the adsorbent includes a fat that has a melting point of less than 50°C and is liquid at normal temperature. Commonly, in the case where the filter for tobacco products is stored in a storehouse or the like after production, the oil stain may occur when a common fat that does not have a high melting point is used, since the inside temperature of a storehouse or the like may reach 40°C or more in the summer months. In contrast, when the fat having a melting point of 50°C or more is used, the oil stain can be reduced. That is, the filter for tobacco products according to this embodiment reduces the degradation of products even under severe storage conditions.

[0027] The type of the fat having a melting point of 50°C or more is not limited. A preferable example of the fat is a hydrogenated fat having a melting point of 50°C or more.

[0028] A hydrogenated fat is a modified fat produced by adding hydrogen to a fat that is liquid at normal temperature, which serves as a raw material. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use a hydrogenated fat having a melting point of 50°C or more.

[0029] Examples of the hydrogenated fat having a melting point of 50°C or more include one or more edible hydrogenated oils selected from an extremely hardened high-erucic acid rapeseed oil, a heavily hydrogenated rapeseed oil, a heavily hydrogenated palm oil, a heavily hydrogenated soybean oil, a heavily hydrogenated beef tallow oil, and a heavily hydrogenated lard oil. In consideration of a capability to adsorb components included in smoke, an extremely hardened high-erucic acid rapeseed oil is particularly preferable.

[0030] Only one type of the fat having a melting point of 50°C or more may be used alone. Alternatively, two or more types of the fats having a melting point of 50°C or more may be used in the form of a mixture in any combination at any ratio.

[0031] The content of the fat having a melting point of 50°C or more in the adsorbent according to this embodiment is preferably more than 60% by weight, is more preferably 65% by weight or more, is further preferably 70% by weight or more, and is particularly preferably 80% by weight or more with the total amount of the adsorbent being 100% by weight in order to increase the reduction rate in airflow resistance which is caused due to heating. The above fat content may be 85% by weight or more, may be 90% by weight or more, and may be 95% by weight or more. In consideration of ease of granulation, the above fat content is commonly 100% by weight or less and is preferably 95% by weight or less. Setting the above adsorbent content to be more than 60% by weight improves the adsorbent in terms of brittleness compared with the case where an adsorbent known in the related art is used and facilitates the melting of the fat during heating. This increases the reduction rate in airflow resistance.

[0032] The above content range is also preferable in order to prepare the adsorbent in a granular shape.

[0033] The adsorbent may include a polyol. Examples of the polyol include glycols, such as glycerine and propylene glycol, saccharides, and sugar alcohols. Among these, a polyol that is liquid at normal temperature is preferable. It is further preferable that the adsorbent include at least glycerine. Addition of a polyol enhances smoke volume feeling. Specifically, in the case where a polyol is present inside the above granules, when the granules are dissolved by being heated, the polyol is exposed to the outside and becomes vaporized. As a result, smoke volume feeling is enhanced. In particular, during use, since the fat becomes melted in later stages of use, smoke volume feeling is enhanced in later stages of use inevitably.

[0034] The amount of the polyol included in the adsorbent, which can be determined appropriately by those skilled in the art, is, for example, 0.050 parts by weight or more and 0.100 parts by weight or less, is preferably 0.055 parts by weight or more and 0.080 parts by weight or less, and is more preferably 0.060 parts by weight or more and 0.075 parts by weight or less relative to 1 part by weight of the fat.

[0035] As is clear from Examples below, the adsorbent has an excellent ability to adsorb hydrocarbons including about 10 to 20 carbon atoms. This is because the adsorbent according to this embodiment has the above-described composition, that is, specifically, includes the fat having a melting point of 50°C or more.

[0036] The size of particles of the granular adsorbent, which is the size of particles classified with a sieve, may be 250 µm or more and 1400 µm or less, may be 250 µm or more and 500 µm or less, may be 355 µm or more and 1400 µm or less, and is particularly preferably 355 µm or more and 600 µm or less. The above sizes of particles classified with a sieve can be considered as minimum and maximum particle sizes or as a range of average particle size. The size of particles of the adsorbent can be changed by adjusting the amounts of the raw materials used.

[0037] The granular adsorbent may be used after the granules have been aggregated to a certain size.

[0038] The adsorbent may include, in addition to the above components, an optional component, such as a flavoring agent. The content of the optional component is, for example, 20% by weight or less and is preferably 10% by weight or less with the total amount of the adsorbent being 100% by weight.

[0039] Note that it is preferable that the adsorbent do not include a base material, such as dextrin or powder sugar, in order to reduce the costs and make an improvement in terms of brittleness. In the present specification, the term "base material" refers to a material that serves as nuclei for adsorbent particles to which the fat is adhered. Specific examples thereof include dextrin, starch, powder sugar, and crystalline cellulose.

[0040] The adsorbent can be prepared by, for example, a production method including the following steps.

[0041] An example of the method for producing the adsorbent according to this embodiment includes a disintegration step of disintegrating the fat having a melting point of 50°C or more with an oscillator or the like; and a size selection step of adjusting the shape of the disintegrated fat particles to fall within an intended particle size range. In the case where a material other than the fat, such as a polyol, is used, a production method including, for example, a melting step of melting the fat having a melting point of 50°C or more by heating the fat at a temperature higher than the melting point; and a cooling step of adding the material other than the fat, stirring the resulting mixture, and then performing cooling may be used. This production method may further include a step of, after cooling, disintegrating the solidified block granules and a step of adjusting the shape of the disintegrated block granules, as in the above production method.

[0042] The temperature at which the fat having a melting point of 50°C or more is heated is, for example, 70°C or more and 80°C or less.

[0043] The conditions of the filter are described below. The mode in which the filter includes the above adsorbent is not limited. The filter may include the adsorbent in any mode.

[0044] The content of the adsorbent in a filter element included in the adsorbent is not limited. In order to reduce the costs, make an improve in terms of brittleness, and reduce airflow resistance while achieving the ability to remove specific hydrocarbon and the effect to reduce oil stain, the above content is commonly 5% by weight or more, is preferably 10% by weight or more, is more preferably 15% by weight or more, and is further preferably 20% by weight or more. The above content is also commonly 60% by weight or less, is preferably 55% by weight or less, is more preferably 50% by weight or less, and is further preferably 45% by weight or less. If the content of the adsorbent is excessively low, the reduction rate in airflow resistance which occurs due to heating becomes small and the change in flavor becomes small. If the content of the adsorbent is excessively high, the melted adsorbent seeps into the filter to reach the surface after heating and degrades the appearance. Note that the term "filter element" used in the present specification refers to materials constituting the member that remains after a filter wrapper has been removed from the filter (specifically, a material having a filter function which is composed of fibers, such as acetate tow, and a material that includes additives that may be added to the above material). Since the above content is substantially the same as the added amount, the content and added amount may be considered as a synonym for each other.

[0045] The weight of the adsorbent per 10-mm length of the filter (perimeter of filter: 16.8 to 25.8 mm) is not limited. In order to reduce the costs, make an improve in terms of brittleness, and reduce airflow resistance while achieving the ability to remove specific hydrocarbon and the effect to reduce oil stain, the above weight is commonly 5.0 mg/10 mm or more, is preferably 7.5 mg/10 mm or more, is more preferably 10.0 mg/10 mm or more, and is further preferably 12.5 mg/10 mm or more. The above weight is also commonly 60.0 mg/10 mm or less, is preferably 57.5 mg/10 mm or less, is more preferably 55.0 mg/10 mm or less, and is further preferably 52.5 mg/10 mm or less. The weight of the adsorbent per unit area of a cross section of the filter taken in the circumferential direction is the value calculated by dividing the weight of the adsorbent included in the filter by the length of the filter in the axial direction.

[0046] The structure of the filter is not limited. Examples of the filter include a plain filter including a single filter segment and a multi-segment filter including a plurality of filter segments, such as a dual filter or a triple filter. In the case where the filter is constituted by a plurality of segments, the above adsorbent may be included in at least one of the segments. The adsorbent may be added to the filter so as to disperse all over the entire filter uniformly, may be added at an intended position in a lump, and may be added to a space interposed between filter segments.

[0047] The shape of the filter is not limited; publicly known shapes may be employed. Commonly, the filter is cylindrical. The filter may have the following structure.

[0048] The filter may have a section, such as a cavity (e.g., center-hole) or recess, formed therein such that a cross section of the filter taken in the circumferential direction is hollow (i.e., has a hollow space). In order to achieve the advantageous effects of the present invention, in the case where the filter has a hollow cavity, such as a center-hole, it is preferable to add the adsorbent to a filter member other than the cavity.

[0049] The ventilation of the filter may be performed by a publicly known method. For example, a perforated packaging material or an air-permeable packaging material may be used. In another case, the packaging material and a tip overwrap (when it is present) may be perforated with a laser. Similarly, the full-tip overwrap for ventilation may be originally permeable to air, or air holes may be formed therein. In an air-permeable product that includes both packaging material and tip overwrap, it is preferable that the position of the ventilation portion of the overwrap be aligned with that of the ventilation portion of the packaging material (e.g., plug wrap). Air holes that penetrate the filter packaging material, air holes that penetrate the tip overwrap, or air holes that penetrate both of these materials together may be formed by laser perforation in the production of the filter.

[0050] The cross-sectional shape of the filter in the axial direction is substantially circular. The diameter of the circle, which may be changed appropriately in accordance with the size of the product, is commonly 4.0 mm or more and 9.0 mm or less, is preferably 4.5 mm or more and 8.5 mm or less, and is more preferably 5.0 mm or more and 8.0 mm or less. In the case where the above cross section is not circular, the above diameter is the diameter of a virtual circle having the same area as the cross section.

[0051] The perimeter of the cross section of the filter in the axial direction, which may be changed appropriately in accordance with the size of the product, is commonly 14.0 mm or more and 27.0 mm or less, is preferably 15.0 mm or more and 26.0 mm or less, and is more preferably 16.0 mm or more and 25.0 mm or less.

[0052] The length of the filter in the axial direction, which may be changed appropriately in accordance with the size of the product, is commonly 15 mm or more and 35 mm or less, is preferably 17.5 mm or more and 32.5 mm or less, and is more preferably 20.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less. Note that, commonly, the filter is marketed as having a length of about 120 mm in the axial direction and cut to an intended length in accordance with the size of the product.

[0053] The density of the filter is commonly, but not limited to, 0.10 g/cm³ or more and 0.25 g/cm³ or less, is preferably 0.11 g/cm³ or more and 0.24 g/cm³ or less, and is more preferably 0.12 g/cm³ or more and 0.23 g/cm³ or less.

[0054] The airflow resistance of the filter per 120-mm length of the filter when the filter is heated at 100°C for 10 minutes is commonly, but not limited to, 50 mmWG (water gage) or more and 300 mmWG or less, is preferably 70 mmWG or more and 280 mmWG or less, and is more preferably 90 mmWG or more and 260 mmWG or less.

[0055] The airflow resistance of the filter is measured using, for example, a filter airflow resistance measurement system produced by Cerulean in accordance with an ISO standard method (ISO 6565:2015). The filter airflow resistance is the difference in air pressure between two edge surfaces (first and second edge surfaces) of the filter which occurs when air is passed from the first to second edge surface at a predetermined airflow rate (17.5 cc/min) while the passage of air through the side surfaces of the filter is inhibited. The filter airflow resistance is commonly expressed in the unit mmWG. It is know that the filter airflow resistance and the filter length are proportional to each other within the range of length (length: 5 to 200 mm) in which the measurement is commonly done. That is, the airflow resistance of the filter doubles when the length of the filter doubles.

[0056] The method with which the filter is heated at 100°C for 10 minutes is not limited. For example, the above heating may be performed by charging the filter in a dryer having a temperature of 100°C. In such a case, the airflow resistance of the filter is measured before and after the filter is charged into the dryer, and a reduction rate in airflow resistance is determined.

[0057] The reduction rate in airflow resistance per 120-mm length of the filter when the filter is heated at 100°C for 10 minutes is not limited and may be 5% or more. In consideration of the change in flavor, the above reduction rate is preferably 10% or more, is more preferably 15% or more, is further preferably 20% or more, and is particularly preferably 25% or more. The above reduction rate is preferably 90% or less, is more preferably 80% or less, is further preferably 70% or less, and is particularly preferably 60% or less.

[0058] The capsule (also referred to as "additive release container" in the technical field) is not limited; publicly known capsules may be employed. For example, the capsule may be a crushable additive release container that includes a crushable shell composed of gelatin or the like. In such a case, when the capsule is broken before, while, or after the user uses the tobacco product, the capsule releases a liquid or substance (commonly, a flavor agent) included in the capsule. The liquid or substance is transferred to tobacco smoke during the use of the tobacco product and then transferred to the ambient environment after the use.

[0059] The form of the capsule is not limited. The capsule may be, for example, an easy-to-crush capsule. The shape of the capsule is preferably spherical. As an additive, the capsule may include the optional additives described above and particularly preferably include a flavor agent and active carbon. One or more materials that assist the filtration of smoke may be used as an additive. The form of the additive is commonly, but not limited to, liquid or solid. Note that the use of a capsule including an additive is known in the technical field. An easy-to-crush capsule and the method for producing such a capsule are known in the technical field.

[0060] Examples of the flavor agent include menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, clove, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), and combinations thereof.

[0061] In order to increase strength and structural stiffness, the filter may include a filter wrapper (filter plug wrapper) with which the materials constituting the filter are wrapped. The filter wrapper is not limited and may include one or more seams including an adhesive. The adhesive may include a hot-melt adhesive. The hot-melt adhesive may include polyvinyl alcohol. In the case where the filter is constituted by two or more segments, it is preferable that the two or more segments be collectively wrapped with the filter wrapper.

[0062] The material constituting the filter wrapper is not limited; publicly known materials may be used. The filter wrapper may include a filler, such as calcium carbonate.

[0063] The thickness of the filter wrapper is commonly, but not limited to, 20 µm or more and 140 µm or less, is preferably 30 µm or more and 130 µm or less, and is more preferably 30 µm or more and 120 µm or less.

[0064] The basis weight of the filter wrapper is commonly, but not limited to, 20 gsm or more and 100 gsm or less, is preferably 22 gsm or more and 95 gsm or less, and is more preferably 23 gsm or more and 90 gsm or less.

[0065] The filter wrapper may be, but is not necessarily, coated. In order to impart a function other than strength or structural stiffness, the filter wrapper is preferably coated with an intended material.

[0066] The filter can be produced by a publicly known method. For example, in the case where a synthetic fiber, such as acetate tow, is used, the filter can be produced by spinning a polymer solution including the polymer and a solvent and crimping the resulting yarn. Examples of the above method include the method described in International Publication No. 2013/067511. The timing at which the above adsorbent is added is not limited. For example, the adsorbent may be added to the fiber that has been produced by spinning and that has not been crimped, may be added to the fiber that is being crimped, and may be added to the fiber that has been crimped (e.g., when a plurality of filter segments are joined to one another). The adsorbent may be added to the filter so as to disperse all over the entire filter uniformly, may be added at an intended position in a lump, and may be added to a space interposed between filter segments.

<Tobacco Product>

[0067] A tobacco product according to another embodiment of the present invention (also referred to simply as "tobacco product") is a tobacco product that comprises the above-described filter for tobacco products.

[0068] The tobacco product is not limited and may be any publicly known tobacco product that comprises the filter. For example, the tobacco product may be a tobacco product composed of a tobacco rod portion including shredded tobacco, a mouthpiece portion including the filter, a tip paper wrapped around the above members, and the like. The conditions of the tobacco product having the above-described structure are described in detail below.

[0069] The rod-like tobacco product preferably has a pillar-like shape that is a shape having an aspect ratio of 1 or more, the aspect ratio being defined as described below.

where w represents the width of the bottom of the pillar-shaped body (in the present specification, the width of the tobacco rod portion-side bottom), and h represents the height. It is preferable that h ≥ w. In the present specification, the longitudinal direction is defined as the direction represented by h. Thus, even when w ≥ h, the direction represented by h is referred to as "longitudinal direction" for the sake of simplicity. The shape of the bottom may be, but not limited to, a polygonal shape, a polygonal shape having rounded corners, a circular shape, an oval shape, or the like. When the bottom has a circular shape, the width w is the diameter of the circle. When the bottom has an oval shape, the width w is the major-axis length of the oval. When the bottom has a polygonal shape or a polygonal shape having rounded corners, the width w is the diameter of the circle circumscribing the polygon or the major-axis length of the oval circumscribing the polygon.

[0070] The length h of the tobacco product in the longitudinal direction is not limited. The length h is, for example, commonly 40 mm or more, is preferably 45 mm or more, and is more preferably 50 mm or more. The length h is commonly 100 mm or less, is preferably 90 mm or less, and is more preferably 85 mm or less.

[0071] The width w of the bottom of the pillar-shaped body of the tobacco product is not limited. The width w is, for example, commonly 5 mm or more and is preferably 5.5 mm or more. The width w is commonly 10 mm or less, is preferably 9 mm or less, and is more preferably 8 mm or less.

[0072] The air-flow resistance of the tobacco product in the longitudinal direction is not limited. In consideration of ease of smoking, the above air-flow resistance is commonly 50 mmWG or more, is preferably 60 mmWG or more, and is more preferably 70 mmWG or more. The above air-flow resistance is also commonly 200 mmWG or less, is preferably 190 mmWG or less, and is more preferably 180 mmWG or less.

[0073] The method for measuring airflow resistance which is described in the description of the filter above can apply to the measurement of the above airflow resistance.

[Tobacco Rod Portion]

[0074] The structure of the tobacco rod portion is not limited and may be any publicly known structure. The tobacco rod portion commonly includes a tobacco filler and a wrapping paper with which the tobacco filler is wrapped.

[0075] The tobacco rod portion, which includes a tobacco filler and a wrapping paper with which the tobacco filler is wrapped, preferably has a pillar-like shape. In this case, the aspect ratio that is the ratio of the height of the tobacco rod portion in the longitudinal direction to the width of the bottom of the tobacco rod portion is preferably 1 or more.

[0076] The shape of the bottom may be, but not limited to, a polygonal shape, a polygonal shape having rounded corners, a circular shape, or an oval shape. When the bottom has a circular shape, the above width is the diameter of the circle. When the bottom has an oval shape, the width is the major-axis length of the oval. When the bottom has a polygonal shape or a polygonal shape having rounded corners, the width is the diameter of the circle circumscribing the polygon or the major-axis length of the oval circumscribing the polygon. The height of the tobacco filler constituting the tobacco rod portion is preferably about 10 to 70 mm. The width of the tobacco filler is preferably about 4 to 9 mm.

[0077] In the case where the tobacco rod portion is used for electronic heating tobacco products, the tobacco rod portion may have a fitting portion to which, for example, a heater member used for heating the tobacco product can be fit.

(Tobacco Filler)

(1) First Tobacco Filler

[0078] First, a first tobacco filler (also referred to simply as "first filled portion") is described. The material constituting the shredded tobacco included in the first filler is not limited; publicly known materials, such as lamina and midrib, can be used. The first filler may be produced by pulverizing dry tobacco leaves into particles having an average size of 20 µm or more and 200 µm or less, homogenizing the pulverized tobacco particles, forming the homogenized tobacco particles into a sheet-like shape (hereinafter, such a sheet is also referred to simply as "homogenized sheet"), and shredding the sheet. In another case, a homogenized sheet having a length substantially equal to the length of the tobacco rod in the longitudinal direction is shredded in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tobacco rod and the shredded sheet is charged into the tobacco rod. That is, a "strand-type" tobacco filler may be used. The width of the shredded tobacco is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less in consideration of ease of filling of the tobacco rod. The content of the tobacco filler in the tobacco rod is, in the case where the tobacco rod has a perimeter of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm, for example, 200 mg/rod or more and 800 mg/rod or less and is preferably 250 mg/rod or more and 600 mg/rod or less. Various types of tobacco can be used as tobacco leaves for preparing the shredded tobacco or the homogenized sheet. Examples of the types of tobacco include Nicotiana tabacum species, such as a yellow species, a Burley species, an orient species, and a native species, Nicotiana rustica species, and mixtures thereof. As for the mixtures, the above species can be blended with one another as needed such that an intended taste can be produced. Details of the above tobacco species are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, 2009.3.31". As a method for producing the homogenized sheet, that is, specifically, a method for pulverizing tobacco leaves and forming the pulverized tobacco leaves into a homogenized sheet, there are a plurality of methods known in the related art. A first example is a method in which a sheet is prepared using a papermaking process. A second example is a method in which an appropriate solvent, such as water, is mixed with pulverized tobacco leaves, the resulting mixture is homogenized, the homogenized material is cast on a metal plate or a metal plate belt to form a thin layer, and the thin layer is dried to form a cast sheet. A third example is a method in which an appropriate solvent, such as water, is mixed with pulverized tobacco leaves, the resulting mixture is homogenized, and the homogenized material is extrusion-molded into a sheet-like shape to form a rolled sheet. Details of types of the homogenized sheets are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, 2009.3.31".

[0079] The moisture content in the tobacco filler is, for example, 10% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less and is preferably 11 % by weight or more and 13% by weight or less of the total amount of the tobacco filler. When the above moisture content falls within the above range, the staining of the wrapping paper is reduced and the machinability during the production of the tobacco rod is enhanced.

[0080] The size of the shredded tobacco included in the first tobacco filler and a method for preparing the shredded tobacco are not limited. For example, a material prepared by shredding dry tobacco leaves to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less may be used.

[0081] In the case where a material prepared by pulverizing a homogenized sheet is used, a material prepared by pulverizing dry tobacco leaves into particles having an average size of about 20 to 200 µm, homogenizing the particles, forming the homogenized material into a sheet-like shape, and shredding the resulting sheet to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less may be used.

[0082] The first tobacco filler may include an aerosol-source material that generates smoke aerosol. The type of the aerosol-source material is not limited; substances extracted from various natural products and/or components thereof can be selected in accordance with the intended application. Examples of the aerosol-source material include glycerine, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0083] The content of the aerosol-source material in the first tobacco filler is not limited. In order to generate aerosol in a sufficient manner and impart a good flavor, the above content is commonly 5% by weight or more and is preferably 10% by weight or more; and is commonly 50% by weight or less and is preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less of the total amount of the tobacco filler.

[0084] The first tobacco filler may include a flavoring agent. The type of the flavoring agent is not limited. In order to impart a good flavor, the following flavoring agents may be used: acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, an alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, a star anise oil, an apple juice, a Peru balsam oil, a beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, a cardamom oil, a carob absolute, β-carotene, a carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, a cassia bark oil, a cedarwood oil, a celery seed oil, a chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, a citronella oil, DL-citronellol, a clary sage extract, cocoa, coffee, a cognac oil, a coriander oil, cuminaldehyde, a davana oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, decanoic acid, a dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, a fenugreek absolute, a genet absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, a grape juice, guaiacol, a guava extract, γ-heptalactone, γ-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, hexyl phenylacetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, an immortelle absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, a jasmine absolute, kola nut tincture, a labdanum oil, lemon oil terpeneless, a glycyrrhiza extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, a lovage root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, para-methoxy benzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, a mimosa absolute, molasses, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, a nutmeg oil, δ-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, an orange flower oil, an orange oil, an orris root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadecalactone, a peppermint oil, a petitgrain oil Paraguay, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, a plum extract, propenyl guaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidene phthalide, a prune juice, pyruvic acid, a raisin extract, a rose oil, rum, a sage oil, a sandalwood oil, a spearmint oil, a styrax absolute, a marigold oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, a thyme oil, a tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, a vanilla extract, vanillin, veratric aldehyde, a violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), and ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5). Menthol is particularly preferable. The above flavoring agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0085] The content of the flavoring agent in the first tobacco filler is not limited. In order to impart a good flavor, the above content is commonly 10000 ppm or more, is preferably 20000 ppm or more, and is more preferably 25000 ppm or more. The above content is commonly 70000 ppm or less, is preferably 50000 ppm or less, is more preferably 40000 ppm or less, and is further preferably 33000 ppm or less.

[0086] The pack density of the first tobacco filler is not limited. In order to maintain the performance of the first non-combustion-heating-type tobacco at a certain level and impart a good flavor, the above pack density is commonly 250 mg/cm³ or more and is preferably 300 mg/cm³ or more. The above pack density is commonly 400 mg/cm³ or less and is preferably 350 mg/cm³ or less.

[0087] The tobacco rod portion is prepared by wrapping the above-described first tobacco filler with a wrapping paper with the filler facing inward.

(2) Second Tobacco Filler

[0088] A second tobacco filler is composed of a plurality of tobacco sheets arranged concentrically. Note that the expression "arranged concentrically" used in the present specification means that the tobacco sheets are arranged such that all of the centers of the tobacco sheets are substantially at the same position. The term "sheet" used in the present specification refers to a shape having a pair of principal surfaces substantially parallel to each other and side surfaces. The second filler is composed of a plurality of tobacco sheets that are wound concentrically in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tobacco product.

[0089] Examples of a substrate for the sheets include a tobacco material, such as a tobacco powder. A tobacco material is particularly preferable. Tobacco sheets that include substrate sheets composed of a tobacco material and a component capable of generating a flavor which is deposited on the substrate sheets as needed are preferable.

[0090] The tobacco sheets may include an aerosol-source material that generates smoke aerosol upon being heated. An aerosol source, such as a polyol, such as glycerine, propylene glycol, or 1,3-butanediol, is added as an aerosol-source material. The amount of the aerosol-source material added is preferably 5% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less and is more preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less of the dry weight of the tobacco sheet.

[0091] Tobacco sheets that have not been arranged concentrically, that is, tobacco sheet materials, are described.

[0092] The tobacco sheets can be produced using a publicly known method, such as a papermaking method, a slurry method, or a rolling method, as needed. The homogenized sheet described in "First Tobacco Filler" above can also be used.

[0093] In the case where a papermaking method is used, the tobacco sheets can be produced by a method including the following steps: 1) crushing dry tobacco leaves and subsequently performing extraction using water to separate a water extract and a residue from each other, and 2) drying the water extract under reduced pressures to perform concentration, 3) adding pulp to the residue, then performing fibrillation ith a refiner, and subsequently perform papermaking, and 4) adding the condensate of the water extract to the resulting paper sheet, which is then dried to form a tobacco sheet. In this case, a step of removing some of the components, such as nitrosamine, may be further conducted (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2004-510422).

[0094] In the case where a slurry method is used, the tobacco sheets can be produced by a method including the following steps: 1) mixing water, pulp, a binder, and crushed tobacco leaves with one another, 2) stretching (casting) the resulting mixture into a thin film and drying the film. In this case, a step of irradiating the slurry including water, pulp, a binder, and crushed tobacco leaves with ultraviolet radiation or an X-ray to remove some of the components, such as nitrosamine, may be further conducted.

[0095] Furthermore, as described in International Publication No. 2014/104078, a nonwoven fabric-like tobacco sheet produced by a method including the following steps can also be used: 1) mixing powder-like tobacco leaves with a binding agent, 2) sandwiching the resulting mixture between nonwoven fabric sheets, and 3) forming the resulting multilayer body into a predetermined shape by thermal welding to produce a nonwoven fabric-like tobacco sheet.

[0096] The types of the tobacco leaves used as a raw material in the above methods may be the same as those described in the description of the first filler above.

[0097] The composition of the tobacco sheets is not limited. For example, the content of the tobacco raw material (tobacco leaves) is preferably 50% by weight or more and 95% by weight or less of the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheets may include a binder. Examples of the binder include a guar gum, a xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), and CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose). The amount of the binder is preferably 1% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less of the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheets may further include another additive. Examples of the additive include a filler, such as pulp. In this embodiment, a plurality of tobacco sheets are used. All the tobacco sheets may have the same composition or the same physical properties. Some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or different physical properties.

[0098] The second tobacco filler can be produced by preparing a plurality of tobacco sheets having different widths, stacking the tobacco sheets on top of one another such that the widths of the tobacco sheets decreases in the direction from bottom to top to prepare a multilayer body, and passing the multilayer body through a winding tube to perform winding forming. This production method enables the tobacco sheets to extend in the longitudinal direction and be arranged concentrically with the longitudinal direction axis being the center. Optionally, a fitting portion extending in the longitudinal direction may be formed between the longitudinal direction axis and the innermost tobacco sheet.

[0099] In this production method, it is preferable that the multilayer body be prepared such that a noncontact portion is formed between each pair of the adjacent tobacco sheets subsequent to the winding forming.

[0100] When a noncontact portion (gap) at which the tobacco sheets do no come into contact with one another is present between the tobacco sheets, the channel through which a flavor passes can be maintained and the efficiency with which a flavor component is delivered can be increased. In addition, in the case where the tobacco product is used as an electric heating tobacco product, a high heat transfer efficiency can be achieved because the heat produced by a heater can be transferred to outer tobacco sheets through contact portions between the tobacco sheets.

[0101] For forming the noncontact portions, at which the tobacco sheets do not come into contact with one another, between the tobacco sheets, the multilayer body may be prepared by, for example, the following methods: a method in which embossed tobacco sheets are used, a method in which the tobacco sheets are stacked on top of one another without bonding the entire surfaces of each pair of the adjacent tobacco sheets to each other; a method in which the tobacco sheets are stacked on top of one another with parts of each pair of the adjacent tobacco sheets being bonded to each other; and a method in which the tobacco sheets are stacked on top of one another while the entirety or parts of the surfaces of each pair of the adjacent tobacco sheets being bonded to each other slightly such that they become detached subsequent to the winding forming.

[0102] In the case where a tobacco rod portion that includes the wrapping paper is prepared, the wrapping paper may be arranged at the bottommost portion of the multilayer body.

[0103] The fitting portion can also be formed by placing a tubular dummy, such as a mandrel, at the topmost portion of the multilayer body and removing the dummy after the second tobacco filler has been formed.

[0104] The thickness of each of the tobacco sheets are not limited. In consideration of the balance between heat transfer efficiency and strength, the above thickness is preferably 150 µm or more and 1000 µm or less and is more preferably 200 µm or more and 600 µm or less. The thicknesses of the tobacco sheets may be the same as or different from one another.

[0105] The number of the tobacco sheets constituting the second tobacco filler is, for example, but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.

(3) Third Tobacco Filler

[0106] A third tobacco filler is constituted by a single, folded tobacco sheet. The sheet may be a sheet having a length that is substantially the same as the length of the tobacco rod portion in the longitudinal direction and filled in the tobacco rod while being folded a plurality of times in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tobacco rod, that is, a "gathered sheet". The thickness of the sheet is preferably 150 µm or more and 1000 µm or less and is more preferably 200 µm or more and 600 µm or less in consideration of the balance between heat transfer efficiency and strength.

[0107] The substrate for the sheet included in the third tobacco filler may be the same as that used for the second tobacco filler.

(4) Fourth Tobacco Filler

[0108] A fourth tobacco filler is composed of tobacco granules.

[0109] Examples of raw materials constituting the fourth tobacco filler include, but are not limited to, (a) a pulverized tobacco material, (b) moisture, (c) at least one pH-controlling agent selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and (d) at least one binder selected from the group consisting of pullulan and hydroxypropyl cellulose.

[0110] Examples of the pulverized tobacco material (component (a)) included in the fourth tobacco filler include pulverized tobacco leaves and a pulverized tobacco sheet. The type of tobacco may be a Burley species, a yellow species, or an orient species. The tobacco material is preferably pulverized to a size of 200 µm or more and 300 µm or less.

[0111] The content of the pulverized tobacco material in a mixture of the raw materials of the fourth tobacco filler is commonly 20% by weight or more and 80% by weight or less.

[0112] The moisture (component (b)) included in the fourth tobacco filler maintains the unity of the tobacco granules.

[0113] The content of the moisture in a mixture of the raw materials of the fourth tobacco filler is commonly 3% by weight or more and 13% by weight or less. Commonly, the fourth tobacco filler may include moisture such that the weight loss on drying is 5% by weight or more and 17% by weight or less. Note that the term "weight loss on drying" refers to the change in the weight of a part of the sample taken for the measurement which occurs while the sample is completely dried by causing all the moisture included in the sample to evaporate (e.g., drying for 15 minutes at a constant temperature (105 °C)). Specifically, the term "weight loss on drying" refers to the ratio (% by weight) of the total amount of the moisture included in the sample and the volatile component included in the sample, which volatilizes under the above drying conditions, to the weight of the sample. That is, the weight loss on drying (% by weight) can be represented by the following formula.

[0114] The pH-controlling agent (component (c)) included in the fourth tobacco filler is composed of potassium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, or a mixture thereof. The pH-controlling agent adjusts the pH of the fourth tobacco filler to shift to alkaline, thereby accelerates the release of the flavor component included in the fourth tobacco filler from the tobacco granule s, and produces a flavor that may satisfy the user.

[0115] The content of the pH-controlling agent in the mixture of the raw materials of the fourth tobacco filler may be commonly 5% by weight or more and 20% by weight or less.

[0116] The binder (component (d)) included in the fourth tobacco filler causes the tobacco granule components to bind to one another and thereby maintains the unity of the tobacco granules. The binder is composed of pullulan, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), or a mixture thereof.

[0117] The content of the binder in the mixture of the raw materials of the fourth tobacco filler may be, commonly, 0.5% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less.

[0118] The fourth tobacco filler, which may be composed of the components (a), (b), (c), and (d) above, may further include an additional component.

[0119] Examples of the additional component include an aerosol-source material (component (e)). The aerosol-source material is a material that generates smoke aerosol. The aerosol-source material is composed of a polyhydric alcohol. Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol. The above polyhydric alcohols can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0120] In the case where the mixture of the raw materials of the fourth tobacco filler includes the aerosol-source material, the content of the aerosol-source material may be 5% to 15% by weight.

[0121] Examples of the additional component further include (f) a flavor material (solid or liquid) other than the flavor component. Examples of such a flavor material include sugar (e.g., sucrose or fructose), a cocoa powder, a carob powder, a coriander powder, a licorice powder, an orange peel powder, a rose hip powder, a chamomile flower (flower) powder, a lemon verbena powder, a peppermint powder, a leaf powder, a spearmint powder, a black tea powder, and menthol.

[0122] The content of the flavor material in the mixture of the raw materials of the fourth tobacco filler may be, commonly, 0.5% by weight or more and 30% by weight or less. The flavor material may be added to the components (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) by being directly kneaded with these components. The flavor material may also be added to the above components by supporting the flavor material on a publicly known inclusion host compound, such as cyclodextrin, to form an inclusion compound and kneading the inclusion compound with the above components.

[0123] In the case where the fourth tobacco filler is composed of the components (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e), the content of the component (a) in the mixture of the raw materials of the fourth tobacco filler may be, commonly, about 33% by weight or more (and about 90% by weight or less).

[0124] The fourth tobacco filler can be produced by mixing the components (a), (c), and (d) and, as needed, the components (e) and/or (f) with one another, adding the component (b) to the resulting mixture, then kneading the mixture, granulating the kneaded material into particles (long pillar-shaped) with a wet extrusion granulation machine, and subsequently forming the particles into a short pillar-like or spherical shape. The average size (D50) of the resulting tobacco granules is commonly 0.2 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less, is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and is more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less.

[0125] In the extrusion granulation, it is preferable that the kneaded material be extruded at a pressure of 2 kN or more and ambient temperature. As a result of the extrusion performed at high pressures, the temperature of the kneaded material instantaneously and rapidly increases from ambient temperature to, for example, 90°C to 100°C at the outlet of the extrusion granulation machine and the amount of moisture and volatile component reduces by 2% by weight or more and 4% by weight or less as a result of evaporation. Therefore, the water used for preparing the kneaded material is set to be larger than the amount of moisture that is intended to be included in the tobacco granules that are to be produced by an amount equal to the amount of the evaporation.

[0126] The tobacco granules prepared by the extrusion granulation may be further dried as needed for moisture control. For example, in the case where the weight loss on drying of tobacco granules prepared by the extrusion granulation is higher than the intended weight loss on drying (e.g., 5% by weight or more and 17% by weight or less), the tobacco granules may be further dried in order to achieve the intended weight loss on drying. The drying conditions (temperature and time) necessary for achieving the intended weight loss on drying can be set on the basis of predetermined drying conditions (temperature and time) necessary for reducing the weight loss on drying by a predetermined value.

[0127] The fourth tobacco filler may be composed only of the tobacco granules described above. The fourth tobacco filler may further include an additional tobacco material other than the tobacco granules. The additional tobacco material is commonly shredded tobacco leaves or a fine powder of tobacco leaves. The additional tobacco material can be used in combination with the tobacco granules in the form of a mixture.

(Wrapping Paper)

[0128] The wrapping paper is not limited, and a common wrapping paper may be employed. Examples of the wrapping paper include a wrapping paper that includes pulp as a principal component. The wrapping paper may be a wrapping paper made of a wood pulp, such as a conifer wood pulp or a broadleaf wood pulp, or a wrapping paper made of pulp mixture further including a nonwood pulp commonly used for producing wrapping paper for tobacco products, such as a flax pulp, a cannabis pulp, a sisal hemp pulp, or an esparto pulp.

[0129] Examples of the pulp that can be used include a chemical pulp, a ground pulp, a chemiground pulp, or a thermomechanical pulp, which are produced by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, sodium salt cooking, or the like.

[0130] A wrapping paper is produced with a fourdrinier paper machine, a cylinder paper machine, a cylinder-tanmo hybrid paper machine, or the like using the pulp. In the papermaking step, the formation is arranged and homogenization is performed. As needed, a wet strength agent may be added to impart water resistance to the wrapping paper. In another case, a sizing agent may be added to adjust the manner in which printing is performed on the wrapping paper. Furthermore, aluminum sulfate, various anionic, cationic, nonionic, and zwitterionic internal agents for papermaking, such as a yield improver, a freeness improver, and a strength agent, and papermaking additives, such as a dye, a pH-controlling agent, an antifoaming agent, a pitch-controlling agent, and a slime-controlling agent, can also be added.

[0131] The basis weight of the base paper for the wrapping paper is, for example, commonly 20 gsm or more and is preferably 25 gsm or more. The above basis weight is commonly 65 gsm or less, is preferably 50 gsm or less, and is further preferably 45 gsm or less.

[0132] The thickness of the wrapping paper having the above properties is not limited. In consideration of stiffness, air permeability, and ease of control during papermaking, the above thickness is commonly 10 µm or more, is preferably 20 µm or more, and is more preferably 30 µm or more. The above thickness is commonly 100 µm or less, is preferably 75 µm or less, and is more preferably 50 µm or less.

[0133] Examples of the shape of the wrapping paper included in the non-combustion-heating-type tobacco include square and rectangular.

[0134] In the case where the wrapping paper is used for wrapping the tobacco filler (for preparing the tobacco rod portion), the length of a side of the wrapping paper is, for example, about 12 to 70 mm. The length of the other side is, for example, 15 to 28 mm, is preferably 22 to 24 mm, and is further preferably about 23 mm. When the tobacco filler is wrapped with the wrapping paper to form a pillar-shaped body, for example, an edge portion of the wrapping paper which extends about 2 mm from one of the edges of the wrapping paper in the w-direction is bonded to the other edge portion with a glue such that they overlap each other. As a result, the wrapping paper is formed into a pillar-like paper tube, in which the tobacco filler is filled. The size of the rectangular wrapping paper can be determined in accordance with the size of the final tobacco rod portion.

[0135] In the case where the wrapping paper is used to, similarly to the tip paper, wrap the tobacco rod portion and another member adjacent to the tobacco rod portion so as to join them to each other, the length of a side of the wrapping paper is, for example, 20 to 60 mm, and the length of the other side is, for example, 15 to 28 mm.

[0136] The wrapping paper according to this embodiment may include a filler in addition to the above pulp. The content of the filler is, for example, 10% by weight or more and less than 60% by weight and is preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less of the total weight of the wrapping paper according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] The content of the filler in the wrapping paper according to this embodiment is preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less when the basis weight falls within the preferable range (25 gsm or more and 45 gsm or less).

[0138] When the basis weight is 25 gsm or more and 35 gsm or less, the above filler content is preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less. When the basis weight is more than 35 gsm and 45 gsm or less, the above filler content is preferably 25% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less.

[0139] Examples of the filler include calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. For example, in order to enhance a flavor and brightness, calcium carbonate is preferably used.

[0140] Various agents may be added to the wrapping paper in addition to the base paper and the filler. For example, a water resistance improver may be added in order to enhance water resistance. Examples of the water resistance improver include a wet strength agent (WS agent) and a sizing agent. Examples of the wet strength agent include a urea formaldehyde resin, a melamine formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). Examples of the sizing agent include a rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenylsuccinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of saponification of 90% or more.

[0141] A strength agent may be added as an agent. Examples of the strength agent include polyacrylamide, a cationic starch, an oxidized starch, CMC, a polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In particular, it is known that the use of a trace amount of oxidized starch enhances air permeability (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-218699).

[0142] The wrapping paper may be coated as needed.

[0143] A coating agent may be applied onto at least one of the two surfaces, that is, the front and rear surfaces, of the wrapping paper. The coating agent is not limited. It is preferable to use a coating agent capable of forming a film on the surface of the paper and thereby reducing the permeability of the paper to liquids. Examples thereof include alginic acid and salts thereof (e.g., sodium salt), polysaccharides, such as pectin, cellulose derivatives, such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and nitro cellulose, and starch and derivatives thereof (e.g., ether derivatives, such as a carboxymethyl starch, a hydroxyalkyl starch, and a cationic starch, and ester derivatives, such as starch acetate, starch phosphate, and starch octenylsuccinate).

[Mouthpiece Portion]

[0144] The mouthpiece portion is not limited and may be any publicly known mouthpiece portion that includes the above-described filter and has the same function as common filters.

[0145] The mouthpiece portion may include a cooler (cooling segment) in addition to the capsule filter. Examples of the cooling segment include a cooling segment composed of a tubular member. The tubular member may be a paper tube produced by, for example, forming paperboard into a cylindrical shape.

[0146] The total surface area of the cooling segment may be 300 mm²/mm or more and 1000 mm²/mm or less. The above surface area is a surface area per unit length (mm) of the cooling segment 21 in the direction of ventilation. The total surface area of the cooling segment is preferably 400 mm²/mm or more and is more preferably 450 mm²/mm or more. The above total surface area is preferably 600 mm²/mm or less and is more preferably 550 mm²/mm or less.

[0147] The internal structure of the cooling segment desirably has a large total surface area. Therefore, in a preferable embodiment, the cooling segment may be formed of a thin sheet material that has been wrinkled in order to form channels and then pleated, gathered, and folded. The larger the number of folds or pleats per unit volume of the component, the larger the total surface area of the cooling segment.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the material constituting the cooling segment is 5 µm or more and 500 µm or less and may be, for example, 10 µm or more and 250 µm or less.

[0149] The mouthpiece portion may include perforations through which the outside air is taken in (such perforations are also referred to as "ventilation filter (Vf)" in the technical field to which the present invention belongs). Specifically, the perforations 22 may be formed only in the tip paper, may be formed so as to penetrate the filter, and may be formed so as to penetrate through the tip paper and the cooler. The number of the perforations arranged concentrically is not limited. In the case where the perforations are arranged concentrically as described above and they are considered as one opening group, the number of the opening groups may be either only one or two or more.

[0150] The presence of the perforations allows the outside air to flow into the inside of the cooler during use and consequently reduces the temperatures of the components and air that are taken in from the tobacco rod portion. In the case where the tobacco rod portion includes an aerosol-source material, a vapor produced as a result of the tobacco rod being heated which includes the aerosol-source material and a tobacco flavor component is brought into contact with the air taken in from the outside and becomes liquified due to a temperature reduction. This facilitates the formation of aerosol. The number of the perforations arranged concentrically is not limited. The number of the perforations may be either only one or two or more.

[0151] The diameter of the perforations is preferably 100 µm or more and 1000 µm or less and is more preferably 300 µm or more and 800 µm or less. The perforations are preferably substantially circular or substantially oval. In the case where the perforations are substantially oval, the term "diameter" refers to a major-axis length.

[0152] The position at which the perforations are arranged is not limited.

[Tip Paper]

[0153] The tip paper is not limited and may be common paper. Examples thereof include paper including pulp as a principal component. The tip paper may be paper made of a wood pulp, such as a conifer wood pulp or a broadleaf wood pulp, or paper made of pulp mixture further including nonwood pulp commonly used for producing tip paper for tobacco items, such as a flax pulp, a cannabis pulp, a sisal hemp pulp, or an esparto pulp. The above pulp materials may be used alone. Alternatively, a plurality of types of pulp materials may be used in combination at any ratio.

[0154] The tip paper may be constituted by only one sheet and may be constituted by a plurality of sheets.

[0155] Examples of the pulp materials that can be used include a chemical pulp, a ground pulp, a chemiground pulp, and a thermomechanical pulp, which are produced by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, sodium salt cooking, or the like.

[0156] The tip paper may be either a tip paper produced by the production method described below or a commercial product.

[0157] The shape of the tip paper is not limited and may be, for example, square or rectangular.

[0158] The basis weight of the tip paper is commonly, but not limited to, 32 gsm or more and 40 gsm or less, is preferably 33 gsm or more and 39 gsm or less, and is more preferably 34 gsm or more and 38 gsm or less.

[0159] The tip paper may contain a filler in addition to the above pulp. Examples thereof include metal carbonates, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, metal oxides, such as titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide, metal sulfates, such as barium sulfate and calcium sulfate, metal sulfides, such as zinc sulfide, quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, and gypsum. In order to enhance brightness and/or opacity and increase heating rate, it is particularly preferable that tip paper include calcium carbonate. The above fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0160] Various agents may be added to the tip paper in addition to the above pulp and the above filler. For example, the tip paper may include a water resistance improver in order to enhance. Examples of the water resistance improver include a wet strength agent (WS agent) and a sizing agent. Examples of the wet strength agent include a urea formaldehyde resin, a melamine formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). Examples of the sizing agent include a rosin soap, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenylsuccinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of saponification of 90% or more.

[0161] A coating agent may be applied onto at least one of the two surfaces, that is, the front and rear surfaces, of the tip paper. The coating agent is not limited. It is preferable to use a coating agent capable of forming a film on the surface of the paper and thereby reducing the permeability of the paper to liquids.

[Method for Producing Tobacco Product]

[0162] The method for producing the above-described tobacco product is not limited; publicly known methods can be used. For example, the tobacco product can be produced by wrapping the tobacco rod portion and the mouthpiece portion with the tip paper.

[Application of Tobacco Product]

[0163] The above-described tobacco product can be used as a tobacco product for cigarettes (paper-wrapped tobacco) and as a tobacco product for electric heating tobacco products.

[0164] The flavor produced by an electric heating tobacco product is likely to degrade in later stages of use. In contrast, in the case where the above-described filter is used, the degradation of flavor which may occur in later stages of use can be limited compared with the case where a common filter is used.

[0165] In the case where the tobacco product is used for cigarettes, the method of use is not limited. For example, after crushing the capsule included in the capsule filter, the user burns the tobacco rod portion and sucks the inhalation port-end portion to obtain nicotine, the flavor component, and the like.

[0166] In the case where the tobacco product is used as a tobacco product for electric heating tobacco products, it is commonly used in combination with an external device having a heating function. The electric heating tobacco product may be composed of, for example, an electric heating device including a heater member, a battery unit serving as a power source for the heater member, and a control unit that controls the heater member and the above-described tobacco product inserted in the electric heating device so as to come into contact with the heater member. An example of the electric heating tobacco product is described in detail below.

<Electric Heating Tobacco Product>

[0167] Examples of the electric heating tobacco product include an electric heating tobacco product that heats the inside of the tobacco rod portion of the tobacco product (hereinafter, also referred to as "inside heating-type electric heating tobacco product") and an electric heating tobacco product that heats the outer periphery of the tobacco product (hereinafter, also referred to as "outside heating-type electric heating tobacco product").

[0168] An electric heating tobacco product according to an embodiment is described below.

[0169] When an electric heating tobacco product is used, a tobacco product is inserted into an electric heating device so as to come into contact with a heater member disposed in the electric heating device.

[0170] The electric heating device includes a body formed of a resin or the like and a battery unit and a control unit that are disposed inside the body.

[0171] When the tobacco product is inserted into the electric heating device, first, the tobacco filler included in the tobacco rod portion is brought into contact with the heater member and the entirety of the heater member is then inserted into the tobacco filler.

[0172] The heater member of the electric heating device produces heat due to the control performed by the control unit.

[0173] As a result of the heat transmitting to the tobacco filler of the tobacco product 10, the aerosol-source material, flavor component, and the like included in the tobacco filler become volatilized.

[0174] The heater member of the electric heating device may be, for example, a sheet-like heater, a tabular heater, or a tubular heater. The sheet-like heater is a flexible, sheet-shaped heater. Examples thereof include a heater including a film (thickness: about 20 to 225 µm) formed of a heat-resistant polymer, such as polyimide. The tabular heater is a stiff, flat sheet-shaped heater (thickness: about 200 to 500 µm). Examples thereof include a heater that includes, for example, a flat-sheet substrate and a resistance circuit disposed on the substrate, the resistance circuit serving as a heat-producing portion. The tubular heater is a hollow or solid tube-shaped heater. Examples thereof include a heater (thickness: about 200 to 500 µm) that includes, for example, a cylinder made of a metal or the like and a resistance circuit formed on the outer periphery of the cylinder, the resistance circuit serving as a heat-producing portion. Examples of the tubular heater further include pillar-shaped and cone-shaped heaters made of a metal or the like which include an internal resistance circuit that serves as a heat-producing portion. The cross-sectional shape of the tubular heater may be, for example, a circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape, or the shape of a polygon with rounded corners.

[0175] In the case where the electric heating tobacco product is an inside heating-type electric heating tobacco product, the tabular heater, the pillar-shaped heater, and the cone-shaped heater can be used. In the case where the electric heating tobacco product is an outside heating-type electric heating tobacco product, the sheet-like heater, the tabular heater, and the tubular heater can be used.

[0176] The length of the heater member in the longitudinal direction may fall within the range of T ± 5.0 mm, where T [mm] represents the length of the tobacco rod portion, which is constituted by the tobacco filler and the wrapping paper, in the longitudinal direction.

[0177] The heating conditions, such as the amount of heating time during which the heater member heats the tobacco product and the heating temperature at which the heater member heats the tobacco product, can be predetermined for each electric heating tobacco product. For example, the heating conditions can be predetermined such that, after the tobacco product has been inserted into the electric heating device, preheating is performed for a predetermined period of time to increase the temperature of at least a part of the tobacco filler included in the tobacco product to X(°C) and the temperature is subsequently maintained to be a certain temperature equal to or less than X(°C).

[0178] The temperature X(°C) is preferably 150°C or more and 450°C or less in consideration of aerosol delivery. Specifically, the temperature X(°C) can be 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, 180°C, 190°C, 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 250°C, 260°C, 270°C, 280°C, 290°C, 300°C, 310°C, 320°C, 330°C, 340°C, 350°C, 360°C, 370°C, 380°C, 390°C, 400°C, 410°C, 420°C, 430°C, 440°C, or450°C.

[0179] In the electric heating tobacco product, a vapor including the aerosol-source material, the flavor component, etc. which is generated from the tobacco filler of the tobacco product as a result of heating performed by the heater member is delivered into the oral cavity of the user through the mouthpiece member.

EXAMPLES

[0180] The present invention is described further specifically with reference to Examples below. The present invention is not limited by the following description of Examples without departing from the summary thereof.

<Examples 1 to 5>

[Preparation of Adsorbent]

[0181] A extremely hardened high-erucic acid rapeseed oil (produced by Yokozeki Oil & Fat Industries Co., Ltd., melting point: 59°C) was disintegrated and classification was performed with an oscillator (OG SERIES OG-1 produced by Kikusui Seisakusho Ltd.). A wire net having an opening of 1400 was used for the oscillator. A sieve having an opening of 355 µm (minimum size of granules) which conforms to a JIS standard and a sieve having an opening of 1400 µm (maximum size of granules) which conforms to a JIS standard were used. The average particle size of the resulting adsorbent was 355 to 1400 µm, and the median value was 650 µm.

[0182] The extremely hardened high-erucic acid rapeseed oil had a saponification number of 177.5, an iodine number of 0.62, and an acid number of 0.04, included 6% to 48% of erucic acid as a fatty acid, and further included linolic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, and the like.

[Preparation of Filters]

[0183] The adsorbent was added to a bundle of cellulose acetate fibers such that the amount of the adsorbent added per 12-mm length of the filter was 10 mg. The bundle of cellulose acetate fibers was wrapped with a filter wrapper to prepare a 120-mm filter of Example 1 (perimeter of cross section: 24.1 mm). The filter wrapper used had a basis weight of 24.0 ± 1.5 g/m² and a thickness of 32 ± 4 µm. The cellulose acetate fibers used included 9% by weight of triacetin.

[0184] Filters of Examples 2 to 5 were prepared as in Example 1, except that the amount of the adsorbent added per 12-mm length of the filter was changed from 10 mg to 20, 30, 40, and 60 mg, respectively. The range of the average particle sizes was the same as in Example 1.

<Comparative Example 1>

[Preparation of Adsorbent]

[0185] An adsorbent was prepared under the following conditions.

1) a granulation base material including 60% by weight of dextrin, 6% by weight of powder sugar, and 1% by weight of crystalline cellulose was stirred in a dough kneader.

2) 30% by weight of a fat was weighed. The fat was charged into a glass beaker and melted in a warmer. The preset temperature was 70°C to 80°C.

3) completely melted fat was added to the mixture prepared in 1) while stirring was performed.

4) while stirring was further performed, 3% by weight of glycerine was added to the mixture.

5) the mixture was cooled to solidify into block granules. In order to perform size selection, the block granules were disintegrated and classified with an oscillator under the same conditions as in Example 1 to prepare a granular adsorbent having a particle size of 355 µm or more and 1400 µm or less.

[Preparation of Filter]

[0186] The adsorbent was added to a bundle of cellulose acetate fibers such that the amount of the adsorbent added per 12-mm length of the filter was 30 mg. The bundle of cellulose acetate fibers was wrapped with a filter wrapper to prepare a 120-mm filter of Comparative Example 1 (perimeter of cross section: 24.1 mm). The filter wrapper used had a basis weight of 24.0 ± 1.5 g/m² and a thickness of 32 ± 4 µm. The cellulose acetate fibers used included 9% by weight of triacetin.

<Evaluation of Airflow Resistance>

[0187] For each of the filters prepared above, the initial airflow resistance of the filter per 120-mm length of the filter and the airflow resistance of the filter per 120-mm length of the filter which had been heated at 100°C for 10 minutes with a low-temperature dryer were measured in accordance with the following method.

[0188] The airflow resistance of the filter was measured using a filter airflow resistance measurement system produced by Cerulean in accordance with an ISO standard method (ISO 6565). Table 1 and Fig. 1 illustrate the results of measurement of airflow resistance. The filter airflow resistance is the difference in air pressure between two edge surfaces (first and second edge surfaces) of the filter which occurs when air is passed from the first to second edge surface at a predetermined airflow rate (17.5 cc/min) while the passage of air through the side surfaces of the filter is inhibited. The number of evaluation samples used in the evaluation of airflow resistance was n = 5 for each material. Table 1 lists the total weight, the average airflow resistance, and the standard deviation of each of the filters.

[0189] The reduction rates listed in Table 1 are the values calculated as (Initial airflow resistance - airflow resistance after heating) × 100/Initial airflow resistance.

[Table 1]

Target	Amount of adsorbent added per 12 mm (mg)	Initial stage				After heating at 100°C×1 0min				Reduction rate(%)
		Weight (mg)		Airflow resistance (mmWG)		Weight (mg)		Airflow resistance (mmWG)
		Average	Standard deviation	Average	Standard deviation	Average	Standard deviation	Average	Standard deviation
Example 1	10	796.4	9.5	228.9	5	768.6	9.4	193.3	5	15.6
Example 2	20	879.4	12.4	245	7.6	853.5	12.2	170.3	6.3	30.5
Example 3	30	995.5	10.7	273.5	4.7	972	10.5	132.3	6.3	51.6
Example 4	40	1084.9	13.6	294.1	8.1	1060	13	107.8	8.1	63.4
Example 5	60	1293.7	18.1	360.6	8.6	1270.9	18.7	63.9	9.1	82.3
Comparative Example 1	30	940.2	19.4	331.3	11.4	918.1	19.4	323.3	10.9	2.4

[0190] The results listed in Table 1 confirm that the reduction rates in airflow resistance caused due to heating which were measured in Examples 1 to 5, where a filter including an adsorbent that did not include a base material was used, were larger than the reduction rate in airflow resistance caused due to heating which was measured in Comparative Example 1, where a filter including an adsorbent that includes a base material was used. This is presumably because the adsorbent included in the filters prepared in Examples 1 to 5 did not include a base material and, therefore, the content of the fat in the adsorbent was relatively high compared with the filter prepared in Comparative Example 1. This increased the range in which the fat was seeped due to heating.

[0191] The results obtained in Examples 1 to 5 also confirm that, the larger the amount of the adsorbent added, the larger the reduction rate in airflow resistance due to heating.

[0192] The above test results confirm that the present invention provides a filter for tobacco products which can be produced at relatively low costs and is improved in terms of brittleness while achieving the ability to remove specific hydrocarbon and the effect to reduce oil stain, and a tobacco product and an electric heating tobacco product that include the above-described filter.

Claims

1. A filter for tobacco products, the filter comprising a granular adsorbent including a fat having a melting point of 50°C or more, wherein a reduction rate in an airflow resistance of the filter per 120 mm when the filter is heated at 100°C for 10 minutes is 5% or more.

2. The filter for tobacco products according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbent has an average particle size of 355 µm or more and 1400 µm or less.

3. The filter for tobacco products according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a content of the adsorbent in a filter element included in the filter for tobacco products is 5% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less.

4. The filter for tobacco products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a content of the fat having the melting point of 50°C or more is more than 60% by weight with a total amount of the adsorbent being 100% by weight.

5. The filter for tobacco products according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fat having the melting point of 50°C or more is a hydrogenated fat having a melting point of 50°C or more.

6. The filter for tobacco products according to claim 5, wherein the hydrogenated fat having the melting point of 50°C or more is one or more selected from an extremely hardened high-erucic acid rapeseed oil, a heavily hydrogenated rapeseed oil, a heavily hydrogenated palm oil, a heavily hydrogenated soybean oil, a heavily hydrogenated beef tallow oil, and a heavily hydrogenated lard oil.

7. A tobacco product comprising the filter for tobacco products according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The tobacco product according to claim 7, the tobacco product being used for cigarettes.

9. The tobacco product according to claim 7, the tobacco product being used for electric heating tobacco products.

10. An electric heating tobacco product comprising an electric heating device, the electric heating device including a heater member, a battery unit serving as a power source for the heater member, and a control unit that controls the heater member, and the tobacco product according to claim 9 inserted therein so as to come into contact with the heater member.

Drawing