EP4691268A1 - Tobacco filler and non-combustion heating flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Tobacco filler and non-combustion heating flavor inhaler

Info

Publication number
EP4691268A1
EP4691268A1 EP23932125.0A EP23932125A EP4691268A1 EP 4691268 A1 EP4691268 A1 EP 4691268A1 EP 23932125 A EP23932125 A EP 23932125A EP 4691268 A1 EP4691268 A1 EP 4691268A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tobacco
organic acid
acid
tobacco filler
molded element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23932125.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ryosuke NAGASE
Riho NAGAI
Keisuke HARUKI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Publication of EP4691268A1 publication Critical patent/EP4691268A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/30—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances
    • A24B15/32—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances by acyclic compounds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/12—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of reconstituted tobacco
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/16—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/24—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by extraction; Tobacco extracts
    • A24B15/241—Extraction of specific substances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/287—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by inorganic substances only
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/30—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances
    • A24B15/36—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances containing a heterocyclic ring
    • A24B15/40—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances containing a heterocyclic ring having only oxygen or sulfur as hetero atoms
    • A24B15/403—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances containing a heterocyclic ring having only oxygen or sulfur as hetero atoms having only oxygen as hetero atoms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES OF CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/20—Cigarettes specially adapted for simulated smoking devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tobacco filler and a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.
  • Heat-not-burn flavor inhalers (also referred to below simply as heated flavor inhalers), in which tobacco filler is heated rather than burned to deliver tobacco flavor to users, have recently been developed as an alternative to combusted flavor inhalers such as cigarettes.
  • the tobacco filler comprises, in addition to tobacco material, an aerosol source that generates a vapor upon being heated.
  • an aerosol source that generates a vapor upon being heated.
  • tobacco filler is heated in a heated flavor inhaler, the aerosol source turns into vapor, and tobacco flavor components are transferred in the vapor, resulting in the generation of aerosol (tobacco vapor).
  • acids such as organic acids
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a tobacco filler for a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, which provides better tobacco flavor.
  • a tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising:
  • a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprising: the tobacco filler described above; and a heater for heating the tobacco filler.
  • the present invention can provide a tobacco filler for a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, which provides better tobacco flavor.
  • the tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprises:
  • the tobacco filler comprises a tobacco material-containing molded element, and the tobacco material and the organic acid salt are included in the tobacco material-containing molded element.
  • the tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprises:
  • the tobacco filler comprises: a tobacco material-containing molded element, and a cellulose molded element; wherein the tobacco material is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element, and the organic acid salt is included, along with a cellulose base material, in the cellulose molded element.
  • the tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprises:
  • Cut tobacco that is ready to be included in tobacco products can be used as the "tobacco material” that is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element.
  • tobacco material that is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element.
  • the expression "cut tobacco that is ready to be included in a tobacco product” refers to cut tobacco that has been made ready to be included in a tobacco product by way of: a drying process at a farm; a subsequent long-term aging process of one or more years at a raw material factory; and a variety of subsequent processes such as blending and cutting at a manufacturing plant.
  • Cut tobacco is cut leaf tobacco.
  • the cut tobacco may be cut de-stemmed leaves, cut midrib, cut regenerated tobacco (specifically, tobacco materials obtained when waste such as leaf waste, cut tobacco produced from leaf waste, midrib waste, and tobacco dust produced over the course of factory processes is processed into a usable form), or mixtures thereof.
  • the cut tobacco may be ground, and the resulting ground material may be used as the tobacco material.
  • cut tobacco Any variety of cut tobacco can be used, such as flue-cured (yellow), Burley, or Oriental varieties. A single variety or a mixture of different varieties of cut tobacco can be used.
  • the "organic acid salt” included in the tobacco material-containing molded element is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides.
  • the "organic acid salt” included in the tobacco material-containing molded element is a salt consisting of: ions of an organic acid having an acid dissociation index pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and metal ions selected from the group consisting of alkali metal ions and alkaline earth metal ions.
  • the "acid dissociation constant pKa” is the negative common logarithm (-log Ka) of the acid dissociation constant Ka.
  • the acid dissociation constant pKa is the acid dissociation index in water at 25°C, and means the first acid dissociation index when there are more than one dissociation stages.
  • the acid dissociation constant pKa see Chemistry Handbook, Basic Edition (Revised 5th Edition, edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen Co., Ltd. ).
  • the acid dissociation constant pKa of an organic acid that is not described in the literature can be determined per the method described in the literature ( F. R. Hartley, C. Burgess, and R. M.
  • the acid dissociation constant pKa of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is in the range of 3.5 to 5.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 5.0, and more preferably in the range of 4.5 to 5.0.
  • the boiling point of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is in the range of 100 to 220°C, preferably in the range of 110 to 220°C, and more preferably in the range of 110 to 200°C.
  • the organic acid salt is likely to be in the free state (organic acid) and will be readily volatilized, even under low-temperature conditions during storage.
  • the acid dissociation constant pKa of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is greater than 5.0, the organic acid salt is unlikely to be in the free state (organic acid) and will not be volatilized, even when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • the organic acid salt when the acid dissociation constant pKa of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is within the range of 3.5 to 5.0, the organic acid salt will be stable and will not be readily volatilized under low-temperature conditions during storage, but will be readily volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • the organic acid salt will be readily volatilized even under low-temperature conditions during storage.
  • the organic acid salt is higher than 220°C, the organic acid salt will not be readily volatilized even when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • the boiling point of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is within the range of 100 to 220°C, the organic acid salt will be stable and will not be readily volatilized under low-temperature conditions during storage, and will readily be volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • the "organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C” is preferably a monovalent organic acid.
  • the "organic acid having a boiling point in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C” is preferably a carboxyl group-containing organic acid.
  • organic acids having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C include lactic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
  • organic acids having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 4.0 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 110 to 220°C include acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
  • the "organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C" is preferably acetic acid.
  • the “base” constituting the organic acid salt is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides.
  • bases include potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide.
  • organic acid salts include potassium salts, sodium salts, and calcium salts of the organic acids noted above.
  • the organic acid salt is preferably potassium acetate, sodium acetate, or calcium acetate, and more preferably potassium acetate.
  • One organic acid salt may be used alone, or combinations of more than one may be used.
  • the organic acid salt is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element in an amount within the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 15 parts by weight, more preferably 3 to 15 parts by weight, even more preferably 4 to 15 parts by weight, and still more preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
  • Including the organic acid salt in the tobacco material-containing molded element in an amount within the above range relative to the tobacco material can ensure a positive influence on the tobacco flavor experienced by users while drawing on the heated flavor inhaler.
  • an organic acid salt in the tobacco material-containing molded element in an amount within the above range relative to the tobacco material can ensure fewer adverse sensations (specifically, irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations) while vaping, without compromising the draw of heated flavor inhalers.
  • organic acid salts are described as parallel components with the tobacco material.
  • the “amount of organic acid salt” disclosed in the present specification thus indicates amounts that do not include the amount of organic acid salts present in the tobacco material, in cases where the tobacco material does contain organic acid salts.
  • the “amount of organic acid salt” disclosed in the present specification indicates the amount of organic acid salt that is added to the tobacco material when the tobacco material-containing molded element is prepared.
  • the tobacco material either does not include, or includes only minimal amounts of, the specific organic acid salts that are used in the present invention (specifically, salts of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides alkaline earth metal hydroxides).
  • specific organic acid salts that are used in the present invention (specifically, salts of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides alkaline earth metal hydroxides).
  • the above amount of an organic acid salt can be said to be far lower than the amount of an organic acid salt that is added when the organic acid salt is used as a taste substance.
  • the organic acid salt in the present embodiment can be added in an amount that is too small for users to taste.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element may further comprise an aerosol source in addition to the tobacco material and the organic acid salt.
  • Aerosol source refers to a liquid that is heated into a vapor (gas) in a heated flavor inhaler. Aerosol source refers to a source (liquid) for generating a dispersion medium (gas) of an aerosol (tobacco vapor), and no particulates (such as flavor components) are included in the aerosol. Aerosol sources used in conventional heated flavor inhalers can be used as the aerosol source. Examples of aerosol sources that may be cited include glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The aerosol source is preferably glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.
  • the aerosol source can be incorporated into the heated flavor inhaler separately from the tobacco material-containing molded element.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element may further comprise a binder, as needed, in addition to the tobacco material and the organic acid salt. Binders such as guar gum that are used when forming sheet tobaccos or tobacco granules can be used as the binder.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element may further comprise additives such as pH regulators, preservatives, and antioxidants, as needed.
  • the "tobacco material containing-molded element” is a molded element obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material and the organic acid salt into a specific shape.
  • the raw material may further comprise an aerosol source, a binder, or an additive.
  • the shape of the tobacco material-containing molded element is not particularly limited.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element is, for example, sheet tobacco or tobacco granules.
  • Sheet tobacco refers to a molded element obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material and an organic acid salt into the form of a sheet.
  • Sheet tobacco can have a thickness of 0.05 to 0.30 mm, for example.
  • the sheet tobacco may be cut to a size that is suitable for tobacco filler (such as a size about the same as that of ordinary cut tobacco); the resulting cut product is also encompassed in the concept of sheet tobacco.
  • the sheet tobacco can be cut to a size of 1 mm x 10 mm, for example.
  • the sheet tobacco may be molded by well-known methods such as papermaking, casting, or rolling.
  • papermaking sheet tobacco when molded by a papermaking method, the sheet tobacco is referred to as "papermaking sheet tobacco,” when molded by a casting method, the sheet tobacco is referred to as “slurry sheet tobacco,” and when molded by a rolling method, the sheet tobacco is referred to as "rolled sheet tobacco.”
  • tobacco granules refer to molded elements obtained by molding raw material comprising a tobacco material and an organic acid salt into a granular shape.
  • the tobacco granules can be any shape, such as spherical or short columnar shapes.
  • Spherical tobacco granules can have, for example, a mean particle size (D50) of 0.2 to 1.0 mm, and short columnar particles can have, for example, an equivalent volume equivalent diameter of 0.2 to 2.0 mm.
  • Tobacco granules can be molded by known methods such as extruded granulation, fluidized bed granulation, or spray drying.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element may be used, without modification after being molded, as tobacco filler.
  • a tobacco material-containing molded element to which flavor or, if needed, additives have been added after being molded may be used as tobacco filler.
  • sheet tobacco may be used as tobacco filler in the form of a plurality of laminated sheet tobacco layers, may be used as tobacco filler in the form of a single spirally rolled layer of sheet tobacco, and may be used as tobacco filler in the form of a single layer of sheet tobacco folded in an accordion shape.
  • sheet tobacco may be cut into the shape of fibers, and the resulting fibrous cut material may be used as tobacco filler, or maybe cut into rectangular shapes, and the resulting rectangularly cut material may be used as tobacco filler.
  • the pH of the tobacco filler is within the range of 5.0 to 8.0, for example. If the pH of the tobacco charge is too low, the organic acid salt included in the tobacco filler is likely to be in the free state (organic acid) and will be readily volatilized, even under low-temperature conditions during storage. If, on the other hand, the pH of the tobacco filler is too high, the organic acid salt included in the tobacco filler is unlikely to be in the free state (organic acid) and will not be volatilized, even when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • the pH of the tobacco filler when the pH of the tobacco filler is in the range of 5.0 to 8.0, the organic acid salt included in the tobacco filler will be stable and will not be readily volatilized under low-temperature conditions during storage, and will readily be volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • the pH of the tobacco filler is within this range, the disagreeable odor that tends to develop in tobacco filler having a basic pH will be less likely to develop.
  • the tobacco filler pH refers to a value determined as follows.
  • Tobacco filler (2.0 g) is weighed out into a vial, 20 mL of distilled water is added, and the resulting mixture is extracted by being shaken for 10 minutes at 200 rpm. The resulting extract is allowed to stand for 5 minutes, and the pH of the extract is then determined using a pH meter (LAQUA F-72, by HORIBA, Ltd.). The pH that has been determined is the pH of the tobacco filler.
  • the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment is a mixture of the tobacco material-containing molded element and the cellulose molded element.
  • the organic acid salt is included in the tobacco material containing-molded element, but in the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment, the organic acid salt is included in a cellulose molded body.
  • the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment is described below, but only differences from the tobacco filler according to the first embodiment will be described, while any description of the similarities will be skipped.
  • the "tobacco material-containing molded element” is the same as the "tobacco material containing-molded element" described in the first embodiment, except that the organic acid salt described above is not included therein.
  • the "tobacco material containing-molded element” is a molded element obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material into a specific shape.
  • the raw material does not include the organic acid salt noted above in addition to the tobacco material.
  • the raw material may further comprise an aerosol source, a binder, or an additive.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element is, for example, sheet tobacco or tobacco granules.
  • the "tobacco material containing-molded element" can be prepared by molding the tobacco material-containing raw material without adding the organic acid salt noted above.
  • the cellulose molded element is a molded element obtained by forming a raw material comprising a cellulose base material and the organic acid salt into a specific shape.
  • the raw material does not include any tobacco material.
  • the raw material may further comprise an aerosol source, a binder, or an additive.
  • the shape of the cellulose molded element is not particularly limited.
  • the cellulose molded element has, for example, a sheet shape or a granular shape.
  • a commercially available cellulose powder can be used as the "cellulose base material" included in the cellulose molded element.
  • Cellulose powder has, for example, an average particle size (D50) of 30 to 100 ⁇ m.
  • Cellulose powder (passing through 38 ⁇ m (400 mesh)) (product code: 036-22225, by FUJIFILM Wako Chemicals) or KC Flock W-100GK (mean particle size of 37 ⁇ m) (by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.), for example, can be used as the cellulose powder.
  • the "organic acid salt” included in the cellulose molded element is the same as the organic acid salt described in the first embodiment.
  • the "organic acid salt” included in the cellulose molded element is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides.
  • the organic acid salt is included in the cellulose molded element in an amount within the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 15 parts by weight, more preferably 3 to 15 parts by weight, even more preferably 4 to 15 parts by weight, and still more preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material included in the tobacco material-containing molded element.
  • Including the organic acid salt in the cellulose molded element in an amount within the above range relative to the tobacco material can ensure a positive influence on the tobacco flavor experienced by users while drawing on the heated flavor inhaler.
  • an organic acid salt in the cellulose molded element in an amount within the above range relative to the tobacco material can ensure fewer adverse sensations (specifically, irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations), without compromising the draw of heated flavor inhalers.
  • the amount of organic acid salt indicates amounts that do not include the amount of organic acid salts present in the tobacco material, in cases where the tobacco material does contain organic acid salts. Specifically, the amount of organic acid salt indicates the amount of organic acid salt that is added to the cellulose base when the cellulose molded element is prepared. The tobacco material either does not include, or includes only minimal amounts of, organic acid salts.
  • the above amount of an organic acid salt can be said to be far lower than the amount of an organic acid salt that is added when the organic acid salt is used as a taste substance.
  • the organic acid salt in the present embodiment can be added in an amount that is too small for users to taste.
  • the cellulose molded element may further comprise an aerosol source, a binder, or an additive.
  • aerosol source a binder
  • additive an additive to the cellulose molded element.
  • These optional components are the same as the optional components that can be included in the "tobacco material-containing molded element.”
  • the "cellulose molded element” can be prepared by forming the raw material comprising the cellulose base material and the organic acid salt into a specific shape.
  • the "cellulose molded element” can be molded using the same methods used to mold the "tobacco material containing-molded element.”
  • the cellulose molded element preferably has the same shape as the tobacco material-containing molded element.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element is sheet tobacco
  • the cellulose molded article is preferably in the form of a sheet.
  • the size should preferably be the same as that of the tobacco material-containing molded element. This will allow the tobacco filler to be composed of molded elements of a uniform size as a whole.
  • a cellulose molded article in the form of a sheet can have a thickness of 0.05 to 0.30 mm, for example.
  • the sheet-shaped cellulose molded article may be cut to a size that is suitable for tobacco filler (such as a size about the same as that of ordinary cut tobacco), in which case the sheet-shaped cellulose molded article can be cut to a size of 1 mm ⁇ 10 mm, for example.
  • Spherical cellulose molded element granules can have, for example, a mean particle size (D50) of 0.2 to 1.0 mm, and short columnar particles can have, for example, an equivalent volume equivalent diameter of 0.2 to 2.0 mm.
  • the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment is a mixture of the tobacco material-containing molded element and the cellulose molded element.
  • the ratio (weight ratio) in which the tobacco material-containing molded element and the cellulose molded element are mixed is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 9.5:0.5 to 0.5:9.5, and preferably 9:1 to 7:3.
  • the pH of the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the tobacco filler according to the first embodiment, such as within the range of 5.0 to 8.0, for example.
  • the pH of the tobacco filler is in the range of 5.0 to 8.0, the organic acid salt included in the tobacco filler will be stable and will not be readily volatilized under low-temperature conditions during storage, and will readily be volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • the pH of the tobacco filler is within this range, the disagreeable odor that tends to develop in tobacco filler having a basic pH will be less likely to develop.
  • the organic acid salt is included in the "cellulose molded element,” not in the "tobacco material-containing molded element.”
  • the organic acid salt is included in the "tobacco material-containing molded element.”
  • the pH of the "tobacco material-containing molded element” is increased (see Fig. 4 ), but in the second embodiment, the organic acid salt is not included in the "tobacco material-containing molded element," and the pH of the "tobacco material-containing molded element" therefore is not increased.
  • nicotine tends to occur in an ionized state under acidic conditions and tends to occur in a free state (non-ionized state) under alkaline conditions.
  • the nicotine included in the "tobacco material-containing molded element" will tend to occur in an ionized state, and will be stable, without being volatilized during storage.
  • nicotine will be more stable during storage compared with the tobacco filler according to the first embodiment, allowing more nicotine to be volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • the tobacco filler of the present invention comprises a specific organic acid salt in a predetermined amount.
  • a tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler can ensure fewer adverse sensations while vaping (specifically, irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations), without compromising the draw of heated flavor inhalers. It appears that this is because, when the tobacco filler of the present invention is used in a heated flavor inhaler, the organic acid salt (which is stable and unlikely to become volatilized during storage) will dissociate when heated, resulting in the release of the organic acid.
  • the tobacco filler of the present invention has the following features:
  • the tobacco filler of the present invention can include hemicellulose in approximately the same amount as "the amount of hemicellulose included in the tobacco material that is used to prepare the tobacco material-containing molded element."
  • Hemicellulose is a polysaccharide that is contained in the cell walls of plant cells, and is thus also included in the tobacco material.
  • the "amount of hemicellulose included in the tobacco material that is used to prepare the tobacco material-containing molded element” is usually about 5% by weight, irrespective of the tobacco material variety.
  • the content of hemicellulose in the tobacco filler of the present invention is therefore approximately 5% by weight based on the tobacco material. Specifically, the content of hemicellulose in the tobacco filler of the present invention is about 5% by weight, where the weight of the tobacco material is 100% by weight.
  • the hemicellulose included in tobacco material is decomposed by heat treatment at elevated temperatures of 160°C or above.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element is obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material and a specific organic acid salt into a specific shape, and can be prepared without being exposed to a heat treatment step. It is therefore believed that, in the tobacco filler of the present invention, the hemicellulose that is included in the raw material tobacco material will remain as such, without being decomposed.
  • the tobacco filler of the present invention can also include pectin in approximately the same amount as "the amount of pectin included in the tobacco material that is used to prepare the tobacco material-containing molded element.”
  • Pectin is a polysaccharide that is contained in the cell walls of plant cells, and is thus included in the tobacco material. It is known that the pectin contained in the tobacco material is more susceptible to decomposition than hemicellulose is, and is decomposed by heat treatment at a heating temperature of around 80°C.
  • the tobacco material-containing molded element as noted above, is obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material and a specific organic acid salt into a specific shape, and can be prepared without being exposed to a heat treatment step. It is therefore believed that, in the tobacco filler of the present invention, the pectin that is included in the raw material tobacco material will remain as such, without being decomposed.
  • a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprising: the tobacco filler described above; and a heater for heating tobacco filler.
  • Heat-not-burn flavor inhalers are flavor inhalers in which a tobacco flavor source is heated, rather than burned, to deliver tobacco flavor to users. This is also referred to below simply as a "heated flavor inhaler.”
  • the heated flavor inhaler of the present invention has the same structure as conventional heated flavor inhalers, except that the tobacco flavor source is replaced with the tobacco filler noted above.
  • the heated flavor inhaler comprises an aerosol-generating device 100 and a tobacco stick 200.
  • Fig. 1A is a schematic front view of an example of an aerosol-generating device.
  • Fig. 1B is a schematic top view of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1A .
  • Fig. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1A .
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a tobacco stick.
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1B .
  • An X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be applied to the drawings to facilitate description.
  • the Z-axis is oriented vertically upwards
  • the X-Y plane is arranged to cut horizontally across the aerosol-generating device 100
  • the Y-axis is arranged to extend from the front surface to the rear surface of the aerosol-generating device 100.
  • the Z-axis may refer to the direction in which a tobacco stick housed in a chamber 150 of an atomization unit 130 (described below) is inserted, or to the axial direction of the chamber 150.
  • the X-axis is a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and the Z-axis, and the X-axis and Y-axis refer to radial directions perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber 150, or radial directions of the chamber 150.
  • the aerosol-generating device 100 is configured to generate a tobacco flavor component-containing aerosol by heating a tobacco stick 200 comprising the tobacco filler noted above.
  • the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises an outer housing 101 (equivalent to an example of an enclosure), a sliding cover 102, and a switch unit 103.
  • the outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the aerosol-generating device 100, and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When the user is using the flavor inhaler, the user can manually hold the aerosol-generating device 100 to inhale the aerosol.
  • the outer housing 101 may be configured by assembling a plurality of members.
  • the outer housing 101 is, for example, made of resin, and may in particular be formed from e.g. a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymer, or a metal such as aluminum.
  • PC polycarbonate
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving a tobacco stick, and the slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close the opening.
  • the slide cover 102 is configured to be movable along an outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (the position shown in fig. 1A and 1B ) for closing the opening of the outer housing 101, and an open position (the position shown in fig. 3 ) for opening the opening.
  • the user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position.
  • access of the tobacco stick to the inside of the aerosol-generating device 100 can be permitted or restricted.
  • the switch unit 103 is used to switch operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 on and off. For example, a user operates the switch unit 103, while the tobacco stick is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100, to supply power from the power source (see reference sign 121 in Fig. 3 ) to the heater (see reference sign 140 in Fig. 3 ), allowing the tobacco stick to be heated without burning.
  • the switch unit 103 may be a switch provided on the outside of the outer housing 101, or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. If the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing a switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In the example described here, the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101.
  • the aerosol-generating device 100 may further comprise a terminal (not depicted).
  • the terminal may, for example, be an interface for connecting the aerosol-generating device 100 to an external power source. If the power source included in the aerosol-generating device 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting an external power source to the terminal allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source, thereby charging the power source.
  • a data transmission cable may also be connected to the terminal to allow data relating to the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 to be transmitted to a remote device.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a tobacco stick 200.
  • the flavor inhaler is composed of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the tobacco stick 200.
  • the tobacco stick 200 comprises a smokable material 201, a tubular member 204, a hollow filter section 206, and a filter section 205.
  • the smokable material 201 is wrapped with a first wrapper 202.
  • the tubular member 204, the hollow filter section 206, and the filter section 205 are wrapped with a second wrapper 203 that is different from the first wrapper 202.
  • the second wrapper 203 also wraps part of the first wrapper 202 in which the smokable material 201 is wrapped.
  • the tubular member 204, the hollow filter section 206, and the filter section 205 are thus connected to the smokable material 201.
  • the second wrapper 203 may be omitted, and the first wrapper 202 may be used to connect the tubular member 204, the hollow filter section 206, and the filter section 205 to the smokable material 201.
  • a lip release agent 207 is applied to the outer surface of the second wrapper 203, near the end on the filter section 205 side, to make it easier for the user's lips to separate from the second wrapper 203.
  • the part of the tobacco stick 200 to which the lip release agent 207 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of the tobacco stick 200.
  • the smokable material 201 comprises the tobacco filler noted above as a tobacco flavor source.
  • a tobacco filler can, when used in a heated flavor inhaler, ensure fewer adverse sensations while vaping (specifically, irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations), without compromising the draw of heated flavor inhalers.
  • the first wrapper 202 in which the smokable material 201 is wrapped may be a breathable sheet member.
  • the tubular member 204 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter.
  • the tobacco stick 200 comprises the smokable material 201, the tubular member 204, the hollow filter section 206, and the filter section 205, but the configuration of the tobacco stick 200 is not limited to this.
  • the hollow filter section 206 may be omitted, and the tubular member 204 and filter section 205 may be arranged adjacent to each other.
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of the aerosol-generating device 100 shown in Fig. 1B .
  • an inner housing 110 (equivalent to an example of an enclosure) is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the aerosol-generating device 100.
  • the inner housing 110 is, for example, made of resin, and may in particular be formed from e.g. a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymer, or a metal such as aluminum.
  • the inner housing 110 is preferably PEEK in the interests of heat resistance and strength.
  • the power source unit 120 and the atomization unit 130 are provided in the interior space of the inner housing 110.
  • the power source unit 120 comprises a power source 121.
  • the power source 121 may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery, for example.
  • the power source 121 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 130.
  • the power source 121 is thereby able to supply power to the atomization unit 130 so that the tobacco stick 200 is suitably heated.
  • the atomization unit 130 comprises: a metal chamber 150 (corresponding to an example of a tubular member) extending in the direction (Z-axis direction) in which the tobacco stick 200 is inserted; a heater 140 that covers a part of the chamber 150; a heat insulating section 132; and a generally cylindrical insertion guide member 134 (corresponding to an example of a guide section) that is in contact with the opening of the chamber 150.
  • the chamber 150 is configured to surround the tobacco stick 200.
  • the heater 140 is configured to include a heating portion that is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 150 and that heats the tobacco stick 200 inserted into the chamber 150 .
  • the bottom of the chamber 150 is provided with a bottom member 136 (corresponding to an example of a contact portion).
  • the bottom member 136 may come into contact with the tobacco stick 200 that has been inserted into the chamber 150 in the direction in which the tobacco stick 200 is inserted, acting as a stopper holding the tobacco stick 200 in position.
  • the chamber 150 and the bottom member 136 form a housing for housing at least a part of the tobacco stick 200.
  • the bottom member 136 may, for example, be formed from a resin material.
  • the surface of the bottom member 136 that is in contact with tobacco stick 200 may be concave-convex, and may define a first airflow path that allows air to be supplied to the air intake port of the tobacco stick 200 (specifically, that communicates with the tobacco stick 200 housed in the housing).
  • the bottom member 136 is, for example, made of resin, and may in particular be formed from e.g. a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymer, or a metal such as aluminum.
  • the bottom member 136 is preferably formed of a material of low thermal conductivity, in order to control the transfer of heat to the heat insulating section 132, for example.
  • the heat insulating section 132 is cylindrical overall, and is disposed so as to cover the chamber 150.
  • the heat insulating section 132 may contain an aerogel sheet, for example.
  • the insertion guide member 134 is provided between the sliding cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 150.
  • the insertion guide member 134 is, for example, made of resin, and may in particular be formed from e.g. a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymer, or a metal such as aluminum.
  • the insertion guide member 134 may be formed from, for example, metal, glass, or a ceramic.
  • the insertion guide member 134 is also preferably PEEK in the interests of heat resistance.
  • the insertion guide member 134 communicates with the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100 when the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, and guides the insertion of the tobacco stick 200 into the chamber 150 when the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the insertion guide member 134.
  • the insertion guide member 134 is provided to allow the tobacco stick 200 to be easily inserted into the chamber 150.
  • the aerosol-generating device 100 also has a first holding unit 137 and a second holding unit 138, which hold both ends of the chamber 150 and the insulating section 132.
  • the first holding unit 137 is disposed so as to hold the ends of the chamber 150 and the insulating section 132 on the negative Z-axis side.
  • the second holding unit 138 is disposed so as to hold the end portions of the chamber 150 and the insulating section 132 on the sliding cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side).
  • Sheet tobacco comprising potassium acetate was prepared as the tobacco filler.
  • the pH of the sheet tobacco and the pH of the tobacco vapor were determined.
  • Organoleptic assessment was also performed using sheet tobacco as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • Burley variety cut tobacco was used as tobacco material to prepare sheet tobacco having the compositions given in Table 1 below. Specifically, the components given in Table 1 below were mixed, water was added and then kneaded therein, and the resulting kneaded products were stretched into the form of sheets (0.2 mm thick). The sheet was then cut to a size of 1 mm x 10 mm. The sheet tobacco of Comparative example 1 and Examples 1 through 4 were thus prepared. TABLE 1 Comparative Example 1 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Cut tobacco 79 77.8 76.6 74.3 71.9 Glycerol 12 11.8 11.6 11.3 10.9 Guar gum 9 8.9 8.7 8.5 8.2 Potassium acetate 0 1.5 3 6 9 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
  • the numerical figures in Table 1 represent percent by weight.
  • the pH of the sheet tobacco in Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 through 4 was determined.
  • the pH of the sheet tobacco was determined per the procedure noted in the detailed description.
  • sheet tobacco (2.0 g) was weighed out into a vial, 20 mL of distilled water was added, and the resulting mixture was extracted by being shaken for 10 minutes at 200 rpm. The resulting extract was allowed to stand for 5 minutes, and the pH of the extract was then determined using a pH meter (LAQUA F-72, by HORIBA, Ltd.). The pH that had been determined was the pH of the sheet tobacco.
  • Tobacco sticks (shown in Fig. 2 ) were produced using the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 through 4 as tobacco filler. The tobacco sticks were smoked under the following smoking conditions using a smoking machine (LM1, by Körber) to generate aerosol (tobacco vapor).
  • LM1, by Körber a smoking machine
  • the tobacco vapor was collected using an impinger filled with 10 mL of ultrapure water.
  • the pH of the resulting collected tobacco vapor liquid was determined using a pH meter (LAQUA F-72, by HORIBA, Ltd.). The pH that had been determined was the pH of the tobacco vapor.
  • Tobacco sticks (shown in Fig. 2 ) were produced using the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 through 4 as tobacco filler.
  • the tobacco sticks were organoleptically assessed by being smoked by a panel of experts using the aerosol-generating device (tradename: Ploom X (Japan Tobacco Inc.)) shown in Figs. 1A through 1C and 3 .
  • Organoleptic assessment was performed by a panel of four experts. Specifically, three endpoints were assessed: "overall irritation,” “oral stinging and tingling sensations,” and “draw.” Each endpoint was rated on a scale of 0 to 100 points. The panel of experts assigned higher scores when the endpoints were assessed as being more pronounced. The panel of experts reached an agreement on the assessment criteria beforehand, where a commercially available tobacco stick (Mevirus Rich for Ploom X, by Japan Tobacco Inc.) was rated 50 points. The average of the scores by the four panelists was used as the assessment results.
  • Fig. 4 The results for the pH of the sheet tobacco are shown in Fig. 4 .
  • the results for the pH of the tobacco vapor are shown in Fig. 5 .
  • the organoleptic assessment results are shown in Figs. 6 through 8 .
  • Fig. 6 shows the results for the assessment of overall irritation
  • Fig. 7 shows the results for the assessment of oral stinging and tingling sensations
  • Fig. 8 shows the results for the assessment of draw.
  • Potassium acetate-containing cellulose molded elements in the form of sheets (referred to below as cellulose sheets) and potassium acetate-free sheet tobacco were prepared and were mixed. Organoleptic assessment was performed using the resulting mixtures as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • Cellulose sheets were prepared with the compositions given in Table 2 below. Specifically, the components given in Table 2 below were mixed, water was added and then kneaded therein, the resulting kneaded products were stretched into the form of sheets (0.15 mm thick), and the sheets were cut to a size of 1 mm ⁇ 10 mm. The cellulose sheets of Examples 5 and 6 were thus prepared. TABLE 2 Example 5 Example 6 Cellulose powder 30.8 60.3 Guar gum 9 9 Potassium acetate 60.2 30.7 Total 100 100
  • the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 noted above (specifically, the potassium acetate-free sheet tobacco) was prepared.
  • the cellulose sheet of Example 5 and the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 were mixed in a weight ratio of 1:9, and the resulting mixture was designated the "tobacco filler of Example 5.”
  • the cellulose sheet of Example 6 and the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 were similarly mixed in a weight ratio of 1:9, and the resulting mixture was designated the "tobacco filler of Example 6.”
  • Tobacco sticks (shown in Fig. 2 ) were produced using the tobacco filler of Examples 5 and 6. As a control, the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 was used as tobacco filler to produce the tobacco stick shown in Fig. 2 .
  • the tobacco sticks were organoleptically assessed by being smoked by a panel of experts using the aerosol-generating device (tradename: Ploom X (Japan Tobacco Inc.)) shown in Figs. 1A through 1C and 3 . Organoleptic assessment was performed by the procedure noted above to assess three endpoints: "overall irritation,” “oral stinging and tingling sensations,” and "draw.”
  • a potassium acetate-containing cellulose sheet in combination with ordinary sheet tobacco as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler made it possible to ensure fewer adverse sensations during vaping (such as irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations) compared with ordinary sheet tobacco (Comparative Example 1).
  • the use of a potassium acetate-containing cellulose sheet in combination with ordinary sheet tobacco as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler also made it possible to provide a draw comparable to that of ordinary sheet tobacco (Comparative Example 1) (was satisfying for users) (see Fig. 8 ).
  • 100 ... aerosol-generating device 101 ... outer housing, 102 ... sliding cover, 103 ... switch unit, 110 ... inner housing, 120 ... power source unit, 121 ... power source, 130 ... atomization unit, 132 ... insulating section, 134 ... insertion guide member, 136 ... bottom member, 137 ... first holding unit, 138 ... second holding unit, 140 ... heater, 150 ... chamber, 200 ... tobacco stick, 201 ... smokable material, 202 ... first rolling paper, 203 ... second rolling paper, 204 ... tubular member, 205 ... filter section, 206 ... hollow filter section, 207 ... lip release agent.

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Abstract

A tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising: a tobacco material; and an organic acid salt; wherein the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation index pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to a tobacco filler and a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.
    • BACKGROUND ART
  • Heat-not-burn flavor inhalers (also referred to below simply as heated flavor inhalers), in which tobacco filler is heated rather than burned to deliver tobacco flavor to users, have recently been developed as an alternative to combusted flavor inhalers such as cigarettes.
  • In heat-not-burn flavor inhalers, the tobacco filler comprises, in addition to tobacco material, an aerosol source that generates a vapor upon being heated. When tobacco filler is heated in a heated flavor inhaler, the aerosol source turns into vapor, and tobacco flavor components are transferred in the vapor, resulting in the generation of aerosol (tobacco vapor). The addition of acids such as organic acids to such tobacco filler has been reported. (See, for example, PTL 1.)
    • CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE
    • SUMMARY OF INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a tobacco filler for a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, which provides better tobacco flavor.
    • SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
  • According to one aspect, there is provided a tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising:
    • a tobacco material; and an organic acid salt; wherein
    • the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and
    • the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
  • According to another aspect, there is provided a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising: the tobacco filler described above; and a heater for heating the tobacco filler.
    • ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
  • The present invention can provide a tobacco filler for a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, which provides better tobacco flavor.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
    • Fig. 1A is a schematic front view showing an example of an aerosol-generating device.
    • Fig. 1B is a schematic top view of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1A.
    • Fig. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1A.
    • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing an example of a tobacco stick.
    • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the III-III line of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1B.
    • Fig. 4 is a graph showing the pH of sheet tobacco.
    • Fig. 5 is a graph showing the pH of tobacco vapor.
    • Fig. 6 is a graph showing the results of organoleptic assessment.
    • Fig. 7 is a graph showing the results of organoleptic assessment.
    • Fig. 8 is a graph showing the results of organoleptic assessment.
    • Fig. 9 is a graph showing the results of organoleptic assessment.
    DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
  • The present invention is described in detail below, but the following descriptions are intended to describe the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The embodiments described below are more specific embodiments of any of the above aspects. The matters set out below may be incorporated, either alone or in combination, into each of the above aspects.
    • 1. Tobacco Filler
  • The inventors perfected the present invention upon newly finding that, when a specific organic acid salt has been incorporated into a tobacco filler and the resulting tobacco filler is heated in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, there can be fewer adverse sensations while vaping, without compromising the draw of the heated flavor inhaler.
  • Specifically, the tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprises:
    • a tobacco material; and an organic acid salt; wherein
    • the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and
    • the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
  • According to one embodiment, the tobacco filler comprises a tobacco material-containing molded element, and the tobacco material and the organic acid salt are included in the tobacco material-containing molded element. Specifically, according to a first embodiment, the tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprises:
    • a tobacco material-containing molded element that comprises a tobacco material and an organic acid salt; wherein
    • the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and
    • the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
  • According to another embodiment, the tobacco filler comprises: a tobacco material-containing molded element, and a cellulose molded element; wherein the tobacco material is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element, and the organic acid salt is included, along with a cellulose base material, in the cellulose molded element. Specifically, according to a second embodiment, the tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprises:
    • a tobacco material-containing molded element in which the tobacco material is included; and
    • a cellulose molded element in which a cellulose base material and organic acid salt are included; wherein
    • the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and
    • the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
  • The tobacco filler according to the first embodiment and the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment are described, in that order, below.
    • 1-1. First embodiment
  • The tobacco filler according to the first embodiment comprises a tobacco material-containing molded element in which the tobacco material and the aforementioned organic acid salt are included.
    • (Tobacco material)
  • Cut tobacco that is ready to be included in tobacco products such as combusted flavor inhalers or heated flavor inhalers can be used as the "tobacco material" that is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element. The expression "cut tobacco that is ready to be included in a tobacco product" refers to cut tobacco that has been made ready to be included in a tobacco product by way of: a drying process at a farm; a subsequent long-term aging process of one or more years at a raw material factory; and a variety of subsequent processes such as blending and cutting at a manufacturing plant.
  • Cut tobacco is cut leaf tobacco. The cut tobacco may be cut de-stemmed leaves, cut midrib, cut regenerated tobacco (specifically, tobacco materials obtained when waste such as leaf waste, cut tobacco produced from leaf waste, midrib waste, and tobacco dust produced over the course of factory processes is processed into a usable form), or mixtures thereof. The cut tobacco may be ground, and the resulting ground material may be used as the tobacco material.
  • Any variety of cut tobacco can be used, such as flue-cured (yellow), Burley, or Oriental varieties. A single variety or a mixture of different varieties of cut tobacco can be used.
    • (Organic acid salt)
  • The "organic acid salt" included in the tobacco material-containing molded element is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides. Specifically, the "organic acid salt" included in the tobacco material-containing molded element is a salt consisting of: ions of an organic acid having an acid dissociation index pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and metal ions selected from the group consisting of alkali metal ions and alkaline earth metal ions.
  • In the present specification, the "acid dissociation constant pKa" is the negative common logarithm (-log Ka) of the acid dissociation constant Ka. The acid dissociation constant pKa is the acid dissociation index in water at 25°C, and means the first acid dissociation index when there are more than one dissociation stages. For the acid dissociation constant pKa, see Chemistry Handbook, Basic Edition (Revised 5th Edition, edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen Co., Ltd.). The acid dissociation constant pKa of an organic acid that is not described in the literature can be determined per the method described in the literature (F. R. Hartley, C. Burgess, and R. M. Alcock, "Solution Equilibria," John Wiley (1980)) using a commercially available pH meter (F-23, by HORIBA, Ltd. ; temperature: 25°C). The higher the acid dissociation constant pKa, the less likely an acid will dissociate in water.
  • The acid dissociation constant pKa of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is in the range of 3.5 to 5.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 5.0, and more preferably in the range of 4.5 to 5.0. The boiling point of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is in the range of 100 to 220°C, preferably in the range of 110 to 220°C, and more preferably in the range of 110 to 200°C.
  • If the acid dissociation constant pKa of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is less than 3.5, the organic acid salt is likely to be in the free state (organic acid) and will be readily volatilized, even under low-temperature conditions during storage. On the other hand, if the acid dissociation constant pKa of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is greater than 5.0, the organic acid salt is unlikely to be in the free state (organic acid) and will not be volatilized, even when heated in a heated flavor inhaler. Thus, when the acid dissociation constant pKa of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is within the range of 3.5 to 5.0, the organic acid salt will be stable and will not be readily volatilized under low-temperature conditions during storage, but will be readily volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • If the boiling point of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is below 100°C, the organic acid salt will be readily volatilized even under low-temperature conditions during storage. On the other hand, if the boiling point of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is higher than 220°C, the organic acid salt will not be readily volatilized even when heated in a heated flavor inhaler. Thus, when the boiling point of the organic acid constituting the organic acid salt is within the range of 100 to 220°C, the organic acid salt will be stable and will not be readily volatilized under low-temperature conditions during storage, and will readily be volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
  • The "organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C" is preferably a monovalent organic acid. The "organic acid having a boiling point in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C" is preferably a carboxyl group-containing organic acid.
  • Examples of "organic acids having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C" include lactic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
  • The acid dissociation constants pKa and boiling points of the above organic acids are listed below.
    • Lactic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 3.86, boiling point 216.6°C
    • Glycolic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 3.83, boiling point 100°C (decomposition)
    • Acetic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.76, boiling point 118°C
    • Propionic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.87, boiling point 141.1°C
    • 2-Methylpropionic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.84, boiling point 154.4°C
    • Butanoic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.82, boiling point 163.7°C
    • 2-Methylbutanoic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.97, boiling point 176°C
    • 3-Methylbutanoic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.77, boiling point 176°C
    • Valeric acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.84, boiling point 186.1°C
    • 2-Methylvaleric acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.78, boiling point 195°C
    • 3-Methylvaleric acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.77, boiling point 196°C
    • 4-Methylvaleric acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.84, boiling point 199°C
    • 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.81, boiling point 190°C
    • 3, 3-dimethylbutanoic acid: Acid dissociation constant pKa 4.81, boiling point 187°C
  • Examples of "organic acids having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 4.0 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 110 to 220°C" include acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
  • The "organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C" is preferably acetic acid.
  • The "base" constituting the organic acid salt is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides. Examples of bases include potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide.
  • Examples of organic acid salts include potassium salts, sodium salts, and calcium salts of the organic acids noted above. The organic acid salt is preferably potassium acetate, sodium acetate, or calcium acetate, and more preferably potassium acetate. One organic acid salt may be used alone, or combinations of more than one may be used.
  • The organic acid salt is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element in an amount within the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 15 parts by weight, more preferably 3 to 15 parts by weight, even more preferably 4 to 15 parts by weight, and still more preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material. Including the organic acid salt in the tobacco material-containing molded element in an amount within the above range relative to the tobacco material can ensure a positive influence on the tobacco flavor experienced by users while drawing on the heated flavor inhaler. Specifically, the inclusion of an organic acid salt in the tobacco material-containing molded element in an amount within the above range relative to the tobacco material can ensure fewer adverse sensations (specifically, irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations) while vaping, without compromising the draw of heated flavor inhalers.
  • In the present specification, organic acid salts are described as parallel components with the tobacco material. The "amount of organic acid salt" disclosed in the present specification thus indicates amounts that do not include the amount of organic acid salts present in the tobacco material, in cases where the tobacco material does contain organic acid salts. Specifically, the "amount of organic acid salt" disclosed in the present specification indicates the amount of organic acid salt that is added to the tobacco material when the tobacco material-containing molded element is prepared. The tobacco material either does not include, or includes only minimal amounts of, the specific organic acid salts that are used in the present invention (specifically, salts of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides alkaline earth metal hydroxides).
  • The above amount of an organic acid salt can be said to be far lower than the amount of an organic acid salt that is added when the organic acid salt is used as a taste substance. Specifically, when the tobacco material-containing molded element is prepared, the organic acid salt in the present embodiment can be added in an amount that is too small for users to taste.
    • (Optional components)
  • The tobacco material-containing molded element may further comprise an aerosol source in addition to the tobacco material and the organic acid salt. Aerosol source refers to a liquid that is heated into a vapor (gas) in a heated flavor inhaler. Aerosol source refers to a source (liquid) for generating a dispersion medium (gas) of an aerosol (tobacco vapor), and no particulates (such as flavor components) are included in the aerosol. Aerosol sources used in conventional heated flavor inhalers can be used as the aerosol source. Examples of aerosol sources that may be cited include glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The aerosol source is preferably glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.
  • In cases where the tobacco material-containing molded element does not comprise an aerosol source, the aerosol source can be incorporated into the heated flavor inhaler separately from the tobacco material-containing molded element.
  • The tobacco material-containing molded element may further comprise a binder, as needed, in addition to the tobacco material and the organic acid salt. Binders such as guar gum that are used when forming sheet tobaccos or tobacco granules can be used as the binder. The tobacco material-containing molded element may further comprise additives such as pH regulators, preservatives, and antioxidants, as needed.
    • (Tobacco material containing-molded element)
  • The "tobacco material containing-molded element" is a molded element obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material and the organic acid salt into a specific shape. As noted above, the raw material may further comprise an aerosol source, a binder, or an additive. The shape of the tobacco material-containing molded element is not particularly limited. The tobacco material-containing molded element is, for example, sheet tobacco or tobacco granules.
  • "Sheet tobacco" refers to a molded element obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material and an organic acid salt into the form of a sheet. Sheet tobacco can have a thickness of 0.05 to 0.30 mm, for example. After being molded, the sheet tobacco may be cut to a size that is suitable for tobacco filler (such as a size about the same as that of ordinary cut tobacco); the resulting cut product is also encompassed in the concept of sheet tobacco. In this case, the sheet tobacco can be cut to a size of 1 mm x 10 mm, for example.
  • The sheet tobacco may be molded by well-known methods such as papermaking, casting, or rolling. When molded by a papermaking method, the sheet tobacco is referred to as "papermaking sheet tobacco,"when molded by a casting method, the sheet tobacco is referred to as "slurry sheet tobacco," and when molded by a rolling method, the sheet tobacco is referred to as "rolled sheet tobacco."
  • "Tobacco granules" refer to molded elements obtained by molding raw material comprising a tobacco material and an organic acid salt into a granular shape. The tobacco granules can be any shape, such as spherical or short columnar shapes. Spherical tobacco granules can have, for example, a mean particle size (D50) of 0.2 to 1.0 mm, and short columnar particles can have, for example, an equivalent volume equivalent diameter of 0.2 to 2.0 mm. Tobacco granules can be molded by known methods such as extruded granulation, fluidized bed granulation, or spray drying.
  • The tobacco material-containing molded element may be used, without modification after being molded, as tobacco filler. Alternatively, a tobacco material-containing molded element to which flavor or, if needed, additives have been added after being molded may be used as tobacco filler.
  • For example, sheet tobacco may be used as tobacco filler in the form of a plurality of laminated sheet tobacco layers, may be used as tobacco filler in the form of a single spirally rolled layer of sheet tobacco, and may be used as tobacco filler in the form of a single layer of sheet tobacco folded in an accordion shape. Alternatively, sheet tobacco may be cut into the shape of fibers, and the resulting fibrous cut material may be used as tobacco filler, or maybe cut into rectangular shapes, and the resulting rectangularly cut material may be used as tobacco filler.
  • The pH of the tobacco filler is within the range of 5.0 to 8.0, for example. If the pH of the tobacco charge is too low, the organic acid salt included in the tobacco filler is likely to be in the free state (organic acid) and will be readily volatilized, even under low-temperature conditions during storage. If, on the other hand, the pH of the tobacco filler is too high, the organic acid salt included in the tobacco filler is unlikely to be in the free state (organic acid) and will not be volatilized, even when heated in a heated flavor inhaler. Thus, when the pH of the tobacco filler is in the range of 5.0 to 8.0, the organic acid salt included in the tobacco filler will be stable and will not be readily volatilized under low-temperature conditions during storage, and will readily be volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler. When the pH of the tobacco filler is within this range, the disagreeable odor that tends to develop in tobacco filler having a basic pH will be less likely to develop.
  • In the present specification, the tobacco filler pH refers to a value determined as follows.
  • Tobacco filler (2.0 g) is weighed out into a vial, 20 mL of distilled water is added, and the resulting mixture is extracted by being shaken for 10 minutes at 200 rpm. The resulting extract is allowed to stand for 5 minutes, and the pH of the extract is then determined using a pH meter (LAQUA F-72, by HORIBA, Ltd.). The pH that has been determined is the pH of the tobacco filler.
    • 1-2. Second embodiment
  • The tobacco filler according to a second embodiment comprises:
    • a tobacco material containing-molded element; and
    • a cellulose molded element in which a cellulose base material and the organic acid salt are included.
  • The tobacco filler according to the second embodiment is a mixture of the tobacco material-containing molded element and the cellulose molded element. In the tobacco filler according to the first embodiment, the organic acid salt is included in the tobacco material containing-molded element, but in the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment, the organic acid salt is included in a cellulose molded body. The tobacco filler according to the second embodiment is described below, but only differences from the tobacco filler according to the first embodiment will be described, while any description of the similarities will be skipped.
    • (Tobacco material containing-molded element)
  • In the second embodiment, the "tobacco material-containing molded element" is the same as the "tobacco material containing-molded element" described in the first embodiment, except that the organic acid salt described above is not included therein. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the "tobacco material containing-molded element" is a molded element obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material into a specific shape. The raw material does not include the organic acid salt noted above in addition to the tobacco material. As noted above, the raw material may further comprise an aerosol source, a binder, or an additive. The tobacco material-containing molded element is, for example, sheet tobacco or tobacco granules.
  • In the second embodiment, the "tobacco material containing-molded element" can be prepared by molding the tobacco material-containing raw material without adding the organic acid salt noted above.
    • (Cellulose molded element)
  • The cellulose molded element is a molded element obtained by forming a raw material comprising a cellulose base material and the organic acid salt into a specific shape. The raw material does not include any tobacco material. The raw material may further comprise an aerosol source, a binder, or an additive. The shape of the cellulose molded element is not particularly limited. The cellulose molded element has, for example, a sheet shape or a granular shape.
  • A commercially available cellulose powder can be used as the "cellulose base material" included in the cellulose molded element. Cellulose powder has, for example, an average particle size (D50) of 30 to 100 µm. Cellulose powder (passing through 38 µm (400 mesh)) (product code: 036-22225, by FUJIFILM Wako Chemicals) or KC Flock W-100GK (mean particle size of 37 µm) (by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.), for example, can be used as the cellulose powder.
  • The "organic acid salt" included in the cellulose molded element is the same as the organic acid salt described in the first embodiment. Specifically, the "organic acid salt" included in the cellulose molded element is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides.
  • The organic acid salt is included in the cellulose molded element in an amount within the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 15 parts by weight, more preferably 3 to 15 parts by weight, even more preferably 4 to 15 parts by weight, and still more preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material included in the tobacco material-containing molded element. Including the organic acid salt in the cellulose molded element in an amount within the above range relative to the tobacco material can ensure a positive influence on the tobacco flavor experienced by users while drawing on the heated flavor inhaler. Specifically, the inclusion of an organic acid salt in the cellulose molded element in an amount within the above range relative to the tobacco material can ensure fewer adverse sensations (specifically, irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations), without compromising the draw of heated flavor inhalers.
  • As noted in the first embodiment, the amount of organic acid salt indicates amounts that do not include the amount of organic acid salts present in the tobacco material, in cases where the tobacco material does contain organic acid salts. Specifically, the amount of organic acid salt indicates the amount of organic acid salt that is added to the cellulose base when the cellulose molded element is prepared. The tobacco material either does not include, or includes only minimal amounts of, organic acid salts.
  • The above amount of an organic acid salt can be said to be far lower than the amount of an organic acid salt that is added when the organic acid salt is used as a taste substance. Specifically, when the cellulose molded element is prepared, the organic acid salt in the present embodiment can be added in an amount that is too small for users to taste.
  • As noted above, the cellulose molded element may further comprise an aerosol source, a binder, or an additive. These optional components are the same as the optional components that can be included in the "tobacco material-containing molded element."
  • In the second embodiment, the "cellulose molded element" can be prepared by forming the raw material comprising the cellulose base material and the organic acid salt into a specific shape. The "cellulose molded element" can be molded using the same methods used to mold the "tobacco material containing-molded element."
  • The cellulose molded element preferably has the same shape as the tobacco material-containing molded element. For example, when the tobacco material-containing molded element is sheet tobacco, the cellulose molded article is preferably in the form of a sheet. When the cellulose molded element has the same shape as the tobacco material-containing molded element, the size should preferably be the same as that of the tobacco material-containing molded element. This will allow the tobacco filler to be composed of molded elements of a uniform size as a whole.
  • A cellulose molded article in the form of a sheet can have a thickness of 0.05 to 0.30 mm, for example. After being molded, the sheet-shaped cellulose molded article may be cut to a size that is suitable for tobacco filler (such as a size about the same as that of ordinary cut tobacco), in which case the sheet-shaped cellulose molded article can be cut to a size of 1 mm × 10 mm, for example. Spherical cellulose molded element granules can have, for example, a mean particle size (D50) of 0.2 to 1.0 mm, and short columnar particles can have, for example, an equivalent volume equivalent diameter of 0.2 to 2.0 mm.
  • The tobacco filler according to the second embodiment is a mixture of the tobacco material-containing molded element and the cellulose molded element. The ratio (weight ratio) in which the tobacco material-containing molded element and the cellulose molded element are mixed is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 9.5:0.5 to 0.5:9.5, and preferably 9:1 to 7:3.
  • The pH of the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the tobacco filler according to the first embodiment, such as within the range of 5.0 to 8.0, for example. When the pH of the tobacco filler is in the range of 5.0 to 8.0, the organic acid salt included in the tobacco filler will be stable and will not be readily volatilized under low-temperature conditions during storage, and will readily be volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler. When the pH of the tobacco filler is within this range, the disagreeable odor that tends to develop in tobacco filler having a basic pH will be less likely to develop.
  • In the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment, the organic acid salt is included in the "cellulose molded element," not in the "tobacco material-containing molded element." In the tobacco filler according to the first embodiment, on the other hand, the organic acid salt is included in the "tobacco material-containing molded element." Thus, in the first embodiment, the pH of the "tobacco material-containing molded element" is increased (see Fig. 4), but in the second embodiment, the organic acid salt is not included in the "tobacco material-containing molded element," and the pH of the "tobacco material-containing molded element" therefore is not increased. It is known that nicotine tends to occur in an ionized state under acidic conditions and tends to occur in a free state (non-ionized state) under alkaline conditions. Thus, in the second embodiment, the nicotine included in the "tobacco material-containing molded element" will tend to occur in an ionized state, and will be stable, without being volatilized during storage. As a result, in the tobacco filler according to the second embodiment, nicotine will be more stable during storage compared with the tobacco filler according to the first embodiment, allowing more nicotine to be volatilized when heated in a heated flavor inhaler.
    • 1-3. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
  • The tobacco filler of the present invention comprises a specific organic acid salt in a predetermined amount. The use of such a tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler can ensure fewer adverse sensations while vaping (specifically, irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations), without compromising the draw of heated flavor inhalers. It appears that this is because, when the tobacco filler of the present invention is used in a heated flavor inhaler, the organic acid salt (which is stable and unlikely to become volatilized during storage) will dissociate when heated, resulting in the release of the organic acid.
  • In addition to containing a specific organic acid salt in a predetermined amount, the tobacco filler of the present invention has the following features:
    The tobacco filler of the present invention can include hemicellulose in approximately the same amount as "the amount of hemicellulose included in the tobacco material that is used to prepare the tobacco material-containing molded element." Hemicellulose is a polysaccharide that is contained in the cell walls of plant cells, and is thus also included in the tobacco material. The "amount of hemicellulose included in the tobacco material that is used to prepare the tobacco material-containing molded element" is usually about 5% by weight, irrespective of the tobacco material variety. The content of hemicellulose in the tobacco filler of the present invention is therefore approximately 5% by weight based on the tobacco material. Specifically, the content of hemicellulose in the tobacco filler of the present invention is about 5% by weight, where the weight of the tobacco material is 100% by weight.
  • It was reported in WO 2019/049207 that the hemicellulose included in tobacco material is decomposed by heat treatment at elevated temperatures of 160°C or above. By contrast, the tobacco material-containing molded element, as noted above, is obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material and a specific organic acid salt into a specific shape, and can be prepared without being exposed to a heat treatment step. It is therefore believed that, in the tobacco filler of the present invention, the hemicellulose that is included in the raw material tobacco material will remain as such, without being decomposed.
  • The tobacco filler of the present invention can also include pectin in approximately the same amount as "the amount of pectin included in the tobacco material that is used to prepare the tobacco material-containing molded element." Pectin is a polysaccharide that is contained in the cell walls of plant cells, and is thus included in the tobacco material. It is known that the pectin contained in the tobacco material is more susceptible to decomposition than hemicellulose is, and is decomposed by heat treatment at a heating temperature of around 80°C. By contrast, the tobacco material-containing molded element, as noted above, is obtained by forming a raw material comprising tobacco material and a specific organic acid salt into a specific shape, and can be prepared without being exposed to a heat treatment step. It is therefore believed that, in the tobacco filler of the present invention, the pectin that is included in the raw material tobacco material will remain as such, without being decomposed.
    • 2. Heat-not-burn flavor inhaler
  • According to another aspect, there is provided a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising: the tobacco filler described above; and a heater for heating tobacco filler.
  • A heat-not-burn flavor inhaler is described below. Heat-not-burn flavor inhalers are flavor inhalers in which a tobacco flavor source is heated, rather than burned, to deliver tobacco flavor to users. This is also referred to below simply as a "heated flavor inhaler." The heated flavor inhaler of the present invention has the same structure as conventional heated flavor inhalers, except that the tobacco flavor source is replaced with the tobacco filler noted above.
  • An example of a heated flavor inhaler is described below with reference to Figs. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, and 3. In the present example, the heated flavor inhaler comprises an aerosol-generating device 100 and a tobacco stick 200. Fig. 1A is a schematic front view of an example of an aerosol-generating device. Fig. 1B is a schematic top view of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1A. Fig. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1A. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a tobacco stick. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1B.
  • An X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be applied to the drawings to facilitate description. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis is oriented vertically upwards, the X-Y plane is arranged to cut horizontally across the aerosol-generating device 100, and the Y-axis is arranged to extend from the front surface to the rear surface of the aerosol-generating device 100. The Z-axis may refer to the direction in which a tobacco stick housed in a chamber 150 of an atomization unit 130 (described below) is inserted, or to the axial direction of the chamber 150. The X-axis is a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and the Z-axis, and the X-axis and Y-axis refer to radial directions perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber 150, or radial directions of the chamber 150.
  • The aerosol-generating device 100 is configured to generate a tobacco flavor component-containing aerosol by heating a tobacco stick 200 comprising the tobacco filler noted above.
  • As shown in Fig. 1A through 1C, the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises an outer housing 101 (equivalent to an example of an enclosure), a sliding cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the aerosol-generating device 100, and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When the user is using the flavor inhaler, the user can manually hold the aerosol-generating device 100 to inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be configured by assembling a plurality of members. The outer housing 101 is, for example, made of resin, and may in particular be formed from e.g. a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymer, or a metal such as aluminum.
  • The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving a tobacco stick, and the slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close the opening. Specifically, the slide cover 102 is configured to be movable along an outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (the position shown in fig. 1A and 1B) for closing the opening of the outer housing 101, and an open position (the position shown in fig. 3) for opening the opening. For example, the user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. As a result, access of the tobacco stick to the inside of the aerosol-generating device 100 can be permitted or restricted.
  • The switch unit 103 is used to switch operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 on and off. For example, a user operates the switch unit 103, while the tobacco stick is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100, to supply power from the power source (see reference sign 121 in Fig. 3) to the heater (see reference sign 140 in Fig. 3), allowing the tobacco stick to be heated without burning. The switch unit 103 may be a switch provided on the outside of the outer housing 101, or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. If the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing a switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In the example described here, the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101.
  • The aerosol-generating device 100 may further comprise a terminal (not depicted). The terminal may, for example, be an interface for connecting the aerosol-generating device 100 to an external power source. If the power source included in the aerosol-generating device 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting an external power source to the terminal allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source, thereby charging the power source. A data transmission cable may also be connected to the terminal to allow data relating to the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 to be transmitted to a remote device.
  • A tobacco stick for use with the aerosol-generating device 100 is described next. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a tobacco stick 200. In this example, the flavor inhaler is composed of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the tobacco stick 200. As shown in Fig. 2, the tobacco stick 200 comprises a smokable material 201, a tubular member 204, a hollow filter section 206, and a filter section 205.
  • The smokable material 201 is wrapped with a first wrapper 202. The tubular member 204, the hollow filter section 206, and the filter section 205 are wrapped with a second wrapper 203 that is different from the first wrapper 202. The second wrapper 203 also wraps part of the first wrapper 202 in which the smokable material 201 is wrapped. The tubular member 204, the hollow filter section 206, and the filter section 205 are thus connected to the smokable material 201. However, the second wrapper 203 may be omitted, and the first wrapper 202 may be used to connect the tubular member 204, the hollow filter section 206, and the filter section 205 to the smokable material 201. A lip release agent 207 is applied to the outer surface of the second wrapper 203, near the end on the filter section 205 side, to make it easier for the user's lips to separate from the second wrapper 203. The part of the tobacco stick 200 to which the lip release agent 207 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of the tobacco stick 200.
  • The smokable material 201 comprises the tobacco filler noted above as a tobacco flavor source. As noted above, such a tobacco filler can, when used in a heated flavor inhaler, ensure fewer adverse sensations while vaping (specifically, irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations), without compromising the draw of heated flavor inhalers.
  • The first wrapper 202 in which the smokable material 201 is wrapped may be a breathable sheet member. The tubular member 204 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the present example, the tobacco stick 200 comprises the smokable material 201, the tubular member 204, the hollow filter section 206, and the filter section 205, but the configuration of the tobacco stick 200 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter section 206 may be omitted, and the tubular member 204 and filter section 205 may be arranged adjacent to each other.
  • The internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 will be described next. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of the aerosol-generating device 100 shown in Fig. 1B. As shown in Fig. 3, an inner housing 110 (equivalent to an example of an enclosure) is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the aerosol-generating device 100. The inner housing 110 is, for example, made of resin, and may in particular be formed from e.g. a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymer, or a metal such as aluminum. The inner housing 110 is preferably PEEK in the interests of heat resistance and strength. The power source unit 120 and the atomization unit 130 are provided in the interior space of the inner housing 110.
  • The power source unit 120 comprises a power source 121. The power source 121 may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery, for example. The power source 121 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 130. The power source 121 is thereby able to supply power to the atomization unit 130 so that the tobacco stick 200 is suitably heated.
  • As shown in Fig. 3, the atomization unit 130 comprises: a metal chamber 150 (corresponding to an example of a tubular member) extending in the direction (Z-axis direction) in which the tobacco stick 200 is inserted; a heater 140 that covers a part of the chamber 150; a heat insulating section 132; and a generally cylindrical insertion guide member 134 (corresponding to an example of a guide section) that is in contact with the opening of the chamber 150. The chamber 150 is configured to surround the tobacco stick 200. The heater 140 is configured to include a heating portion that is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 150 and that heats the tobacco stick 200 inserted into the chamber 150 .
  • As also shown in Figure 3, the bottom of the chamber 150 is provided with a bottom member 136 (corresponding to an example of a contact portion). The bottom member 136 may come into contact with the tobacco stick 200 that has been inserted into the chamber 150 in the direction in which the tobacco stick 200 is inserted, acting as a stopper holding the tobacco stick 200 in position. Here, the chamber 150 and the bottom member 136 form a housing for housing at least a part of the tobacco stick 200. The bottom member 136 may, for example, be formed from a resin material. The surface of the bottom member 136 that is in contact with tobacco stick 200 may be concave-convex, and may define a first airflow path that allows air to be supplied to the air intake port of the tobacco stick 200 (specifically, that communicates with the tobacco stick 200 housed in the housing). The bottom member 136 is, for example, made of resin, and may in particular be formed from e.g. a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymer, or a metal such as aluminum. The bottom member 136 is preferably formed of a material of low thermal conductivity, in order to control the transfer of heat to the heat insulating section 132, for example.
  • The heat insulating section 132 is cylindrical overall, and is disposed so as to cover the chamber 150. The heat insulating section 132 may contain an aerogel sheet, for example. The insertion guide member 134 is provided between the sliding cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 150. The insertion guide member 134 is, for example, made of resin, and may in particular be formed from e.g. a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymer, or a metal such as aluminum. The insertion guide member 134 may be formed from, for example, metal, glass, or a ceramic. The insertion guide member 134 is also preferably PEEK in the interests of heat resistance. The insertion guide member 134 communicates with the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100 when the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, and guides the insertion of the tobacco stick 200 into the chamber 150 when the tobacco stick 200 is inserted into the insertion guide member 134. The insertion guide member 134 is provided to allow the tobacco stick 200 to be easily inserted into the chamber 150.
  • The aerosol-generating device 100 also has a first holding unit 137 and a second holding unit 138, which hold both ends of the chamber 150 and the insulating section 132. The first holding unit 137 is disposed so as to hold the ends of the chamber 150 and the insulating section 132 on the negative Z-axis side. The second holding unit 138 is disposed so as to hold the end portions of the chamber 150 and the insulating section 132 on the sliding cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side).
    • 3. Preferred embodiments
  • Preferred embodiments are summarized below.
    • [A1] A tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising:
      • a tobacco material; and an organic acid salt; wherein
      • the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and
      • the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
    • [A2] The tobacco filler according to A1, wherein the tobacco filler comprises a tobacco material-containing molded element, and the tobacco material and the organic acid salt are included in the tobacco material-containing molded element.
    • [A3] A tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising:
      • a tobacco material-containing molded element that comprises a tobacco material and an organic acid salt; wherein
      • the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and
      • the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
    • [A4] The tobacco filler according to [A2] or [A3], wherein the tobacco material-containing molded element is sheet tobacco or tobacco granules.
    • [A5] The tobacco filler according to A1, wherein the tobacco filler comprises a tobacco material-containing molded element and a cellulose molded element, wherein the tobacco material is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element, and the organic acid salt is included, together with together with a cellulose base material, in the cellulose molded element.
    • [A6] A tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising:
      • a tobacco material-containing molded element in which the tobacco material is included; and
      • a cellulose molded element in which a cellulose base material and organic acid salt are included; wherein
      • the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and
      • the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
    • [A7] The tobacco filler according to [A5] or [A6], wherein the tobacco material-containing molded element does not comprise the organic acid salt in addition to the tobacco material.
    • [A8] The tobacco filler according to any of [A5] through [A7], wherein the tobacco material-containing molded element is sheet tobacco or tobacco granules.
    • [A9] The tobacco filler according to any of [A5] through [A8], wherein the cellulose molded element does not comprise a tobacco material.
    • [A10] The tobacco filler according to any of [A5] through [A9], wherein the cellulose molded element has a sheet shape or a granular shape.
    • [A11] The tobacco filler according to any of [A5] through [A10], wherein the cellulose base material is cellulose powder.
    • [A12] The tobacco filler according to any of [A5] through [A11], wherein the ratio (weight ratio) in which the tobacco material-containing molded element and the cellulose molded element are mixed is 9.5:0.5 to 0.5:9.5, and preferably 9:1 to 7:3.
    • [A13] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A12], wherein the tobacco filler further comprises an aerosol source.
    • [A14] The tobacco filler according to any of [A2] through [A13], wherein the tobacco material-containing molded element further comprises an aerosol source.
    • [A15] The tobacco filler according to [A13] or [A14}, wherein the aerosol source is glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1, 3-butanediol, or a mixture thereof, and preferably glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.
    • [A16] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A15], wherein the acid dissociation constant pKa of the organic acid is in the range of 4.0 to 5.0, and preferably in the range of 4.5 to 5.0.
    • [A17] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A16], wherein the boiling point of the organic acid is in the range of 110 to 220°C, and preferably in the range of 110 to 200°C.
    • [A18] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A17], wherein the organic acid is a monovalent organic acid.
    • [A19] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A18], wherein the organic acid is a carboxyl group-containing organic acid.
    • [A20] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A19], wherein the organic acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
    • [A21] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A20], wherein the organic acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
    • [A22] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A21], wherein the organic acid is acetic acid.
    • [A23] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A22], wherein the base is at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide.
    • [A24] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A23], wherein the organic acid salt is a potassium salt, sodium salt, or calcium salt of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
    • [A25] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A24], wherein the organic acid salt is a potassium salt, sodium salt, or calcium salt of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
    • [A26] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A25], wherein the organic acid salt is potassium acetate, sodium acetate, or calcium acetate.
    • [A27] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A26], wherein the organic acid salt is potassium acetate.
    • [A28] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A27], wherein the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 1 to 15 parts by weight, preferably 3 to 15 parts by weight, more preferably 4 to 15 parts by weight, and even more preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
    • [A29] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A28], wherein the tobacco material is cut tobacco.
    • [A30] The tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A29], wherein the pH of the tobacco filler is within the range of 5.0 to 8.0.
    • [B1] A heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising:
      • the tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A30]; and
      • a heater for heating the tobacco filler.
    • [B2] A heat-not-bum flavor inhaler, comprising:
      • the tobacco filler according to any of [A1] through [A30]; and
      • a wrapper wrapped around the tobacco filler.
    • [B3] A heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising:
      • the tobacco stick according to [B2]; and
      • a heater for heating the tobacco filler contained in the tobacco stick.
    EXAMPLES [1] Tobacco filler according to the first embodiment
  • Sheet tobacco comprising potassium acetate was prepared as the tobacco filler. The pH of the sheet tobacco and the pH of the tobacco vapor were determined. Organoleptic assessment was also performed using sheet tobacco as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler.
    • [1-1] Preparation of tobacco filler
  • Burley variety cut tobacco was used as tobacco material to prepare sheet tobacco having the compositions given in Table 1 below. Specifically, the components given in Table 1 below were mixed, water was added and then kneaded therein, and the resulting kneaded products were stretched into the form of sheets (0.2 mm thick). The sheet was then cut to a size of 1 mm x 10 mm. The sheet tobacco of Comparative example 1 and Examples 1 through 4 were thus prepared. TABLE 1
    Comparative Example 1 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4
    Cut tobacco 79 77.8 76.6 74.3 71.9
    Glycerol 12 11.8 11.6 11.3 10.9
    Guar gum 9 8.9 8.7 8.5 8.2
    Potassium acetate 0 1.5 3 6 9
    Total 100 100 100 100 100
  • The numerical figures in Table 1 represent percent by weight. The amount of potassium acetate, as expressed in parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of cut tobacco, was 1.9 parts by weight in the sheet tobacco of Example 1, was 3.9 parts by weight in the sheet tobacco of Example 2, was 8.1 parts by weight in the sheet tobacco of Example 3, and was 12.5 parts by weight in the sheet tobacco of Example 4.
    • [1-2] Methods of measurement and assessment (Determination of sheet tobacco pH)
  • The pH of the sheet tobacco in Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 through 4 was determined. The pH of the sheet tobacco was determined per the procedure noted in the detailed description.
  • Specifically, sheet tobacco (2.0 g) was weighed out into a vial, 20 mL of distilled water was added, and the resulting mixture was extracted by being shaken for 10 minutes at 200 rpm. The resulting extract was allowed to stand for 5 minutes, and the pH of the extract was then determined using a pH meter (LAQUA F-72, by HORIBA, Ltd.). The pH that had been determined was the pH of the sheet tobacco.
    • (Determination of tobacco vapor pH)
  • Tobacco sticks (shown in Fig. 2) were produced using the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 through 4 as tobacco filler. The tobacco sticks were smoked under the following smoking conditions using a smoking machine (LM1, by Körber) to generate aerosol (tobacco vapor).
    • Smoking volume: 55 mL/2 sec
    • Smoking duration: 2 seconds per puff
    • Smoking frequency: 1 puff/30 seconds
    • Number of puffs: 10 times
  • The tobacco vapor was collected using an impinger filled with 10 mL of ultrapure water. The pH of the resulting collected tobacco vapor liquid was determined using a pH meter (LAQUA F-72, by HORIBA, Ltd.). The pH that had been determined was the pH of the tobacco vapor.
    • (Organoleptic assessment)
  • Tobacco sticks (shown in Fig. 2) were produced using the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 through 4 as tobacco filler. The tobacco sticks were organoleptically assessed by being smoked by a panel of experts using the aerosol-generating device (tradename: Ploom X (Japan Tobacco Inc.)) shown in Figs. 1A through 1C and 3.
  • Organoleptic assessment was performed by a panel of four experts. Specifically, three endpoints were assessed: "overall irritation," "oral stinging and tingling sensations," and "draw." Each endpoint was rated on a scale of 0 to 100 points. The panel of experts assigned higher scores when the endpoints were assessed as being more pronounced. The panel of experts reached an agreement on the assessment criteria beforehand, where a commercially available tobacco stick (Mevirus Rich for Ploom X, by Japan Tobacco Inc.) was rated 50 points. The average of the scores by the four panelists was used as the assessment results.
    • [1-3] Results
  • The results for the pH of the sheet tobacco are shown in Fig. 4. The results for the pH of the tobacco vapor are shown in Fig. 5. The organoleptic assessment results are shown in Figs. 6 through 8. Fig. 6 shows the results for the assessment of overall irritation, Fig. 7 shows the results for the assessment of oral stinging and tingling sensations, and Fig. 8 shows the results for the assessment of draw.
  • When potassium acetate was blended in the sheet tobacco, the pH of the sheet tobacco increased depending on the amount of potassium acetate (see Fig. 4). When potassium acetate was blended in the sheet tobacco, the pH of the tobacco vapor decreased depending on the amount of potassium acetate (see Fig. 5). The use of potassium acetate-containing sheet tobacco as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler made it possible to ensure fewer adverse sensations during vaping (such as irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations) compared with potassium acetate-free sheet tobacco (Comparative Example 1) (see Figs. 6 and 7). The use of potassium acetate-containing sheet tobacco as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler also made it possible to provide a draw comparable to that when potassium acetate-free sheet tobacco was used (Comparative Example 1) (specifically, was satisfying for users) (see Fig. 8).
  • These results suggest that, when potassium acetate-containing sheet tobacco was used as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler, the potassium acetate was stable during storage, and dissociated when heated and resulted in the release of acetic acid, thus allowing users to experience better tobacco flavor.
    • [2] Tobacco filler according to the second embodiment
  • Potassium acetate-containing cellulose molded elements in the form of sheets (referred to below as cellulose sheets) and potassium acetate-free sheet tobacco were prepared and were mixed. Organoleptic assessment was performed using the resulting mixtures as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler.
    • [2-1] Preparation of tobacco filler
  • Cellulose sheets were prepared with the compositions given in Table 2 below. Specifically, the components given in Table 2 below were mixed, water was added and then kneaded therein, the resulting kneaded products were stretched into the form of sheets (0.15 mm thick), and the sheets were cut to a size of 1 mm × 10 mm. The cellulose sheets of Examples 5 and 6 were thus prepared. TABLE 2
    Example 5 Example 6
    Cellulose powder 30.8 60.3
    Guar gum 9 9
    Potassium acetate 60.2 30.7
    Total 100 100
    • The numerical figures in Table 2 represent percent by weight.
  • The sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 noted above (specifically, the potassium acetate-free sheet tobacco) was prepared.
  • The cellulose sheet of Example 5 and the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 were mixed in a weight ratio of 1:9, and the resulting mixture was designated the "tobacco filler of Example 5." The cellulose sheet of Example 6 and the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 were similarly mixed in a weight ratio of 1:9, and the resulting mixture was designated the "tobacco filler of Example 6."
  • The amount of potassium acetate, as expressed in parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of cut tobacco, was 8.5 parts by weight in the tobacco filler of Example 5, and was 4.3 parts by weight in the tobacco filler of Example 6.
    • [2-2] Assessment method
  • Tobacco sticks (shown in Fig. 2) were produced using the tobacco filler of Examples 5 and 6. As a control, the sheet tobacco of Comparative Example 1 was used as tobacco filler to produce the tobacco stick shown in Fig. 2. The tobacco sticks were organoleptically assessed by being smoked by a panel of experts using the aerosol-generating device (tradename: Ploom X (Japan Tobacco Inc.)) shown in Figs. 1A through 1C and 3. Organoleptic assessment was performed by the procedure noted above to assess three endpoints: "overall irritation," "oral stinging and tingling sensations," and "draw."
    • [2-3] Results
  • The results of organoleptic assessment are shown in Table 9.
  • The use of a potassium acetate-containing cellulose sheet in combination with ordinary sheet tobacco as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler made it possible to ensure fewer adverse sensations during vaping (such as irritation, as well as oral stinging and tingling sensations) compared with ordinary sheet tobacco (Comparative Example 1). The use of a potassium acetate-containing cellulose sheet in combination with ordinary sheet tobacco as tobacco filler in a heated flavor inhaler also made it possible to provide a draw comparable to that of ordinary sheet tobacco (Comparative Example 1) (was satisfying for users) (see Fig. 8).
    • REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
  • 100 ... aerosol-generating device, 101 ... outer housing, 102 ... sliding cover, 103 ... switch unit, 110 ... inner housing, 120 ... power source unit, 121 ... power source, 130 ... atomization unit, 132 ... insulating section, 134 ... insertion guide member, 136 ... bottom member, 137 ... first holding unit, 138 ... second holding unit, 140 ... heater, 150 ... chamber, 200 ... tobacco stick, 201 ... smokable material, 202 ... first rolling paper, 203 ... second rolling paper, 204 ... tubular member, 205 ... filter section, 206 ... hollow filter section, 207 ... lip release agent.

Claims (14)

  1. A tobacco filler for use in a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising:
    a tobacco material; and an organic acid salt; wherein
    the organic acid salt is a salt of: an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant pKa in the range 3.5 to 5.0 and a boiling point in the range of 100 to 220°C; and a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; and
    the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
  2. The tobacco filler according to Claim 1, wherein the tobacco filler comprises a tobacco material-containing molded element, and the tobacco material and the organic acid salt are included in the tobacco material-containing molded element.
  3. The tobacco filler according to Claim 1, wherein the tobacco filler comprises a tobacco material-containing molded element and a cellulose molded element, wherein the tobacco material is included in the tobacco material-containing molded element, and the organic acid salt is included, together with together with a cellulose base material, in the cellulose molded element.
  4. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 3, wherein the tobacco filler further comprises an aerosol source.
  5. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 4, wherein the acid dissociation index pKa of the organic acid is within the range of 4.0 to 5.0.
  6. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 5, wherein the boiling point of the organic acid is within the range 110 to 220°C.
  7. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 6, wherein the organic acid is a monovalent organic acid.
  8. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 7, wherein the organic acid is a carboxyl group-containing organic acid.
  9. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 8, wherein the organic acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid.
  10. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 9, wherein the organic acid is acetic acid.
  11. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 10, wherein the base is at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide.
  12. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 11, wherein the organic acid salt is included in an amount in the range of 1 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the tobacco material.
  13. The tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 12, wherein the pH of the tobacco filler is within the range of 5.0 to 8.0.
  14. A heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, comprising: the tobacco filler according to any of Claims 1 through 13; and
    a heater for heating the tobacco filler.
EP23932125.0A 2023-04-07 2023-08-24 Tobacco filler and non-combustion heating flavor inhaler Pending EP4691268A1 (en)

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PCT/JP2023/014404 WO2024209684A1 (en) 2023-04-07 2023-04-07 Method for recovering stabilized tobacco flavor components and method for producing regenerated tobacco material
PCT/JP2023/030518 WO2024209715A1 (en) 2023-04-07 2023-08-24 Tobacco filler and non-combustion heating flavor inhaler

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WO2019049207A1 (en) 2017-09-05 2019-03-14 日本たばこ産業株式会社 Tobacco material

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GB201810729D0 (en) * 2018-06-29 2018-08-15 Nerudia Ltd A method for manufacturing reconstituted plant material
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See also references of WO2024209715A1

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CN120826167A (en) 2025-10-21
CN120826168A (en) 2025-10-21
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US20260101922A1 (en) 2026-04-16
EP4691269A1 (en) 2026-02-11
KR20250161576A (en) 2025-11-17

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