Patent Description:
For example, Jpn. <CIT> discloses a paper filter in which a surface of a biodegradable base material (paper) is coated.

In the case of using a filter (paper filter) obtained by folding a paper sheet, for example, it is usual that a user can visually recognize a large number of holes formed by the folding process on the mouthpiece side. Therefore, if a filter made of paper is used, for example, a requirement exists to improve the aesthetic appearance of the filter. Furthermore, for filters, a requirement exists to control a degree of filtration of, for example, the amount of tar, the amount of nicotine, and the like.

An object of this invention is to a provide a filter that is formed of a paper sheet or non-wovenfabric sheet, enhances aesthetic appearance, and has appropriate filtration characteristics, a smoking article including the filter, and a flavor inhalation article including the filter.

According to one embodiment, a filter includes: a first filter main body including a first end surface on a mouthpiece side and a second end surface on a side opposite to the mouthpiece side; and a second filter main body on a side of the second end surface of the first filter main body, and including a third end surface facing the second end surface. The first filter main body and the second filter main body are formed of a paper sheet or a non-woven fabric sheet. A void volume when the first end surface of the first filter main body is viewed is smaller than a void volume when the third end surface of the second filter main body is viewed.

Hereinafter, a filter used for a flavor inhalation article and a flavor inhalation article will be described with reference to the drawings.

A flavor inhalation article member according to an embodiment includes a base member. The base member is, for example, a flavor inhalation article member to be used in combination with a tobacco material. The base member may be at least one of a member constituting a combustion type flavor inhalation article, a member constituting a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article, or a member constituting a non-heating type flavor inhalation article.

The tobacco material is, for example, cut tobacco. A material for the cut tobacco is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina and stem can be used. In addition to the cut tobacco, the tobacco material may also be, for example, granular.

A combustion type flavor inhalation article is a smoking article that provides tobacco flavor to a consumer by burning a tobacco material.

The non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article is an article that provides tobacco flavor to a consumer by heating a tobacco material without burning the tobacco material. A heating temperature of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article can be appropriately set, and is in a wide range, for example, from a temperature close to normal temperature to a temperature at which the tobacco material does not burn. The heating temperature of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article is, for example, approximately <NUM> °Cto <NUM>.

The non-heating type flavor inhalation article is an article that provides tobacco flavor to a consumer without burning or heating the tobacco material.

In the first embodiment, a cigarette as a typical example of a combustion type flavor inhalation article (smoking article) <NUM> containing a tobacco material will be described. In the first embodiment, an example of the cigarette <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the cigarette <NUM>. The cigarette <NUM> includes a tobacco rod <NUM>, a filter <NUM>, and tipping paper <NUM>. The cigarette <NUM> has a total length of, for example, approximately <NUM> to <NUM>. The cigarette <NUM> has an outer diameter of, for example, approximately <NUM> to <NUM>.

The tobacco rod <NUM> includes a tobacco material (cut tobacco) <NUM>, and cigarette paper <NUM> wrapped around the tobacco material <NUM>. The tobacco rod <NUM> according to the present embodiment has, for example, a diameter of approximately <NUM>, and a length of approximately <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> includes a first filter plug <NUM> on the mouthpiece side, a second filter plug <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side, and forming paper <NUM> wrapped around outer peripheries of the first filter plug <NUM> and the second filter plug <NUM>. Lengths of the first filter plug <NUM> and the second filter plug <NUM> along longitudinal axis L are referred to as L1 and L2, respectively.

The first filter plug <NUM> includes a first filter main body (filter element, filter material) <NUM>, and a first wrapper (tubular portion) <NUM> wrapped around the outer periphery of the first filter main body <NUM>. The length L1 of the first filter plug <NUM> is the same as the length of the first filter main body <NUM>. The first filter main body <NUM> includes a first end surface <NUM> on the mouthpiece side (mouthpiece side end surface), and a second end surface <NUM> on the side opposite to the mouthpiece side (end surface on the tobacco rod <NUM> side). The first end surface <NUM> and the second end surface <NUM> have an outer shape that is, for example, substantially circular. In the first filter main body <NUM>, a longitudinal axis (center axis) L that intersects the first end surface <NUM> and the second end surface <NUM> is defined. The first end surface <NUM> is on the mouthpiece side, and the second end surface <NUM> is on the tobacco rod <NUM> side. The first end surface <NUM> is exposed outside.

The second filter plug <NUM> includes a second filter main body (filter element, filter material) <NUM>, and a second wrapper (tubular portion) <NUM> wrapped around the outer periphery of the second filter main body <NUM>. The length L2 of the second filter plug <NUM> is the same as the length of the second filter main body <NUM>. The second filter main body <NUM> includes a third end surface <NUM> and a fourth end surface <NUM>. The third end surface <NUM> and the fourth end surface <NUM> have an outer shape that is, for example, substantially circular. In the second filter main body <NUM>, a longitudinal axis (center axis) L that intersects the third end surface <NUM> and the fourth end surface <NUM> is defined. The third end surface <NUM> is on the mouthpiece side, and the fourth end surface <NUM> is on the tobacco rod <NUM> side. The third end surface <NUM> faces or is in contact with the second end surface <NUM>.

To the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>, for example, a plasticizer such as triacetin, an adsorbent such as activated carbon, or a flavoring agent such as menthol may be added as an additive.

The forming paper <NUM> is wrapped around the outer peripheries of the first wrapper <NUM> and the second wrapper <NUM> to connect the first wrapper <NUM> and the second wrapper <NUM>.

The tipping paper <NUM> is wrapped around the outer peripheries of the tobacco rod <NUM> and the filter <NUM> to connect the tobacco rod <NUM> and the filter <NUM>.

The first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> are formed of a paper sheet or a non-woven fabric sheet. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a sheet (material) forming the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> is made of paper. As a paper sheet, one that can be used as a so-called paper filter by a person skilled in the art can be used as is. As the sheet (material) of the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>, for example, glassine paper can be used in addition to the above.

A paper sheet <NUM>, for example, is crimped by a crimping tool <NUM> described below. The crimped sheet <NUM> is subjected to folding process in order to be formed into, for example, a rod of substantially <NUM>. Thereafter, it is cut into appropriate lengths to form the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>. The shape of the first filter main body <NUM> <NUM> is maintained by the first wrapper <NUM>. The shape of the second filter main body <NUM> is maintained by the second wrapper <NUM>. When the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> are cut to, for example, appropriate lengths, planar end surfaces (mouthpiece side end surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, and tobacco-side end surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>) are respectively formed in the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>.

The crimp process to the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> is performed by passing the paper sheet <NUM> through an appropriate crimping tool <NUM> shown in <FIG> from a front side of the drawing sheets in <FIG> to a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheets. The crimping tool <NUM> shown in <FIG> is formed to have an appropriate length in a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheets. The length of the crimping tool <NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the drawing sheets is an appropriate length in which the sheet <NUM> can be crimped. It is preferable that the width of crimping tool <NUM> be greater than the width of sheet <NUM>.

The crimping tool <NUM> includes a first base <NUM>, a second base <NUM>, a plurality of first protrusions <NUM> protruding from the first base <NUM> toward the second base <NUM>, and a plurality of second protrusions <NUM> protruding from the second base <NUM> toward the first base <NUM>. The first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM> may be relatively close to or away from each other. The protrusion amounts of the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> with respect to the first base <NUM> are substantially the same. The plurality of first protrusions <NUM> are spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the width direction. The protrusion amounts of the plurality of second protrusions <NUM> with respect to the second base <NUM> are substantially the same. The plurality of second protrusions <NUM> are spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the width direction. The first protrusions <NUM> and the second protrusions <NUM> are located at positions separated from each other when the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM> are brought close to each other. A distance between a top part 116a of the first protrusion <NUM> and a top part 118a of the second protrusion <NUM> along a direction in which the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM> are close to or away from each other (reference numeral D1 in <FIG> and reference numeral D2 in <FIG>) is defined as an amount of engagement. It is preferable that distances D1 and D2 be, for example, approximately <NUM>, or less. By adjusting the amount of engagement of the crimping tool <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the crimp depth of the paper sheet <NUM>. The crimp depth can be replaced with a distance between the top parts 116a and 118a of the adjacent protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> orthogonal to the moving direction of the sheet <NUM> of the crimping tool <NUM>. When distance D1 in <FIG> is compared with distance D2 in <FIG>, distance D2 is larger. At this moment, the crimp depth of the sheet <NUM> is larger in the example shown in <FIG> than in the example shown in <FIG>. During the crimp process of the sheet <NUM>, the first base <NUM>, the second base <NUM>, the first protrusions <NUM>, and the second protrusions <NUM> of the crimping tool <NUM> are prevented from moving, and their positional relationship is fixed.

The sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> is crimped (creped) to a greater crimp depth than the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM>. That is, the crimp depth of the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> (the distance between folds of the sheet) is greater than the crimp depth of the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM> (the distance between folds of the sheet).

The paper sheet (material) of the first filter main body <NUM> has an air permeability of, for example, <NUM> CU (CORESTA Unit) to <NUM> CU after crimp process. The paper sheet (material) of the second filter main body <NUM> has an air permeability of, for example, <NUM> CU to <NUM> CU after crimp process.

<FIG> shows a graph in which the horizontal axis represents the crimp depth of the crimped paper sheet used for the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>, and the vertical axis represents the airflow resistance (mmH<NUM>O/mm) per <NUM> of the filter main body after crimp process serving as the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>. It is appreciated that the airflow resistance per unit length increases as the crimp depth increases. A broken line in <FIG> can be approximated by, for example, <MAT>.

<FIG> shows a graph in which the horizontal axis represents the air permeability (CU) of the paper sheet after crimping process of the paper sheet used for the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>, and the vertical axis represents the airflow resistance (mmH<NUM>O/mm) per <NUM> of the filter body after crimp process serving as the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>. The lower left plot in <FIG> is an example in which the crimp depth is <NUM>. The upper right plot in <FIG> is an example in which the crimp depth is <NUM>. The remaining plot in <FIG> is an example in which the crimp depth is <NUM>. It is appreciated that not only the airflow resistance but also the air permeability (CU) increase as the crimp depth increases. A broken line inFIG. 3B can be approximated by, for example, <MAT>.

It is preferable that the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> be higher than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM>. The airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm to <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm, preferably <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm to <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm. The airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm to <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm, preferably <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm to <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm.

The first wrapper <NUM>, the second wrapper <NUM>, and the forming paper <NUM> are formed from pulp, for example. The first wrapper <NUM>, the second wrapper <NUM>, and the forming paper <NUM> are used to maintain the shape of the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>. It is preferable that the first wrapper <NUM>, the second wrapper <NUM>, and the forming paper <NUM> have a basis weight of, for example, <NUM>/m<NUM> or more.

<FIG> show the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> of the filter <NUM> of the cigarette <NUM> before smoking, in which the crimp depth via the crimp process is changed accordingly. As a reference example, <FIG> shows a mouthpiece side end of an acetate filter of a smoking article (here, Winston compact <NUM> manufactured by JAPAN TOBACCO INC. The filter <NUM> shown in <FIG> has an outer diameter of, for example, <NUM>.

The example shown in <FIG> is referred to as Sample A, the example shown in <FIG> is referred to as Sample B, the example shown in <FIG> is referred to as Sample C, and the example (reference example) shown in <FIG> is referred to as Sample D.

The void areas of Samples A, B, C, and D were measured using a digital microscope (VHX2000) manufactured by Keyence Corporation. This time, each of Samples A, B, C, and D was photographed at a magnification of <NUM> times (<NUM>×<NUM> times). At this moment, two kinds of photographs were taken, a photograph taken with normal exposure and a photograph taken with gain (adjustment of light) increased to the maximum.

At the time of photographing, focusing is performed under normal light intensity. Thereafter, the light intensity is maximized, and the end surface <NUM> is photographed in a white state. This makes it possible to easily extract the end surface <NUM> of each of Samples A, B, C, and D based on the luminance value.

The area measurement processing was executed by setting the following:.

The images after extraction (see <FIG>) and the results of the void areas of the respective images were obtained.

In the first filter main body (paper filter) <NUM> of Sample A of <FIG>, the crimp depth (the distance between the top parts 116a and 118a of the crimping tool <NUM>) is <NUM>. In the first filter main body (paper filter) <NUM> of Sample B of <FIG>, the crimp depth is <NUM>. In the first filter main body (paper filter) <NUM> of Sample C of <FIG>, the crimp depth is <NUM>. For the acetate filter shown in <FIG>, the crimp process is irrelevant.

<FIG> shows the void areas of Samples A, B, C, and D. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the greater the crimp depth of the sheet forming the filter main bodies <NUM> and <NUM>, the lesser the voids. The void area of the example shown in Sample A of <FIG> is approximately <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The void area of the example shown in Sample B of <FIG> is approximately <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The void area of the example shown in Sample C of <FIG> is approximately <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The void area of the example shown in Sample C of <FIG> is approximately <NUM><NUM>.

In the example shown in Sample A of <FIG>, it was observed that many voids were present in the vicinity of the boundary between the inner peripheral surface of the first wrapper <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM>. On the other hand, it was observed that almost no voids were present in a region inside the vicinity of the boundary.

In the example shown in Sample D of <FIG>, it was observed that many voids were present in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the acetate filter. On the other hand, it was observed that almost no voids were present in a region inside the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the acetate filter.

In the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body (paper filter) <NUM> shown in Sample A of <FIG>, particularly a region between the center axis L of the filter <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the first filter main body <NUM>, a user does not visually recognize voids easily, similarly to the mouthpiece side end of the acetate filter. Therefore, the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> having an appropriately large crimp depth has an appropriate aesthetic appearance.

It is preferable that the area of voids when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed be preferably <NUM><NUM> or less. Although depending on various factors such as a basis weight, air permeability of the sheet, and airflow resistance of the filter main body, that is, depending on factors such as a tar amount, nicotine amount, carbon monoxide amount, and the number of puffs required for the cigarette <NUM>, it is preferable that the void volume when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed be equal to or greater than the void volume of the mouthpiece end surface of the acetate filter.

A cigarette <NUM> including the filter <NUM>, for example, will be considered. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, here, Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> were prepared.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a filter structure, filter body length, airflow resistance, tar amount, nicotine amount, carbon monoxide amount, and the number of puffs of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> of combustion type flavor inhalation articles. The tar and nicotine values shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are measured using an automatic smoking machine. The nicotine value is measured by collecting a particulate fraction of mainstream smoke under determined conditions via the automatic smoking machine and then melting the collected particles. The tar value is measured by subtracting the weights of nicotine and water from the weight of the mainstream smoke particles.

Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> are reference examples in which no paper filter is used. For Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM>, for example, an acetate filter is used for a mouthpiece side filter corresponding to the first filter main body <NUM>, and a charcoal filter is used for the tobacco rod <NUM> side filter corresponding to the second filter main body <NUM>.

Lot <NUM> is a reference example of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> using a paper filter for the filter <NUM>. Lot <NUM> is a cigarette sold as Winston compact blue <NUM> by JAPAN TOBACCO INC. in Japan and having a controlled tar amount of approximately <NUM>.

Lot <NUM> is a reference example of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> using a paper filter for the filter <NUM>. Lot <NUM> is a cigarette sold as Winston compact blue <NUM> by JAPAN TOBACCO INC. in Japan and having a controlled tar amount of approximately <NUM>.

For Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM>, the cigarettes <NUM> have an entire length of, for example, <NUM> as described above. The composition of the rods <NUM> is substantially the same. The tobacco rods <NUM> have a substantially common entire length of, for example, <NUM>. The filters <NUM> have a common entire length of, for example, substantially <NUM>.

For the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the target of the amount of tar was set to <NUM>.

For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side was set to <NUM>, which is the largest among Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM>. Since the first filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the mouthpiece side filter is <NUM> mmHzO (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side was set to <NUM>. Since the second filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, if paper usually used for a paper filter is used, the airflow resistance of the tobacco side filter is calculated to be, for example, <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). For the second filter main body <NUM> of Lot <NUM>, glassine paper was used. It is said that glassine paper tends to have a low airflow resistance. In the example of Lot <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the tobacco side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O.

For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side was set to <NUM>, which is a value intermediate between Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM>. Since the first filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the mouthpiece side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side was set to <NUM> that is the same as Lot <NUM>. Since the second filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the tobacco side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). The airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> formed of the paper filter paper of Lot <NUM> is greater than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> formed of the glassine paper of Lot <NUM>.

For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side was set to the minimum value of <NUM>. Since the first filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the mouthpiece side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side was set to <NUM>. Since the second filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the tobacco side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)).

For every filter <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM>, the void volume (void area) when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed is smaller than the void volume (void area) when the third end surface <NUM> of the second filter main body <NUM> is viewed.

For every filter <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM>, it is preferable that the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side be higher than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side, and that the first filter main body <NUM> have a higher filtration for the fluid flowing from the tobacco rod <NUM> toward the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> than that of the second filter main body <NUM>.

For the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the target of the amount of tar was set to <NUM>.

For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side was set to <NUM>. Since the first filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the mouthpiece side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side was set to <NUM>. Since the second filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the tobacco side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). For the filter <NUM> of Lot <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side is higher than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side, and the first filter main body <NUM> has a higher filtration than that of the second filter main body <NUM>.

For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side was set to <NUM>. Since the first filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the mouthpiece side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). For Lot <NUM>, the crimp depth of the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side was set to <NUM>. Since the second filter main body <NUM> has a length of <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the tobacco side filter is <NUM> mmH<NUM>O (=<NUM>(mm)×<NUM>(mmH<NUM>O/mm)). For the filter <NUM> of Lot <NUM>, the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> on the mouthpiece side is lower than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> on the tobacco rod <NUM> side, and contrary to Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM>, the second filter main body <NUM> has a higher filtration than that of the first filter main body <NUM>.

For the filter <NUM> of Lot <NUM>, the void volume (void area) when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed is smaller than the void volume (void area) when the third end surface <NUM> of the second filter main body <NUM> is viewed. On the other hand, for the filter <NUM> of Lot <NUM>, the void volume (void area) when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed is greater than the void volume (void area) when the third end surface <NUM> of the second filter main body <NUM> is viewed.

For Lots <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> made of paper exhibit appropriate filtration characteristics for the fluid flowing from the tobacco rod <NUM> toward the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> through appropriate settings of the sheet crimp depth and length As in Lots <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, either the first filter main body <NUM> or the second filter main body <NUM> may be longer. The first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> may have the same length.

As shown in <FIG>, Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> of the cigarettes <NUM> before smoking were subjected to the sensory evaluation of the overall appearance difference of the cigarette <NUM>, the appearance difference of the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM>, and the like/dislike level of the appearance of the cigarette <NUM>. The evaluation criterion is the appearance of Lot <NUM> (Winston compact <NUM>). That is, evaluation was performed on the difference in appearance and the like/dislike level of appearance as compared to Lot <NUM>. The number of evaluators was nineteen.

Here, the appearance difference shown in <FIG> represents a comparison with the cigarette of Lot <NUM>. The evaluation of the appearance difference was set as follows:.

That is, it can be evaluated that as the average value (AVERAGE) of the evaluation score approaches <NUM> points, the user determines that the appearance difference from Lot <NUM> is small. It can be determined that as the value of the standard deviation (STDEV) is smaller, a variance of the evaluation by nineteen people is small.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for the overall appearance difference of the cigarette <NUM>, Lot <NUM> has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that there is no difference in appearance from the cigarette of Lot <NUM>. Lot <NUM> also has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that the difference in appearance from the cigarette of Lot <NUM> is small. On the other hand, Lot <NUM> has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that there is a difference in appearance from the cigarette of Lot <NUM>.

Among the standard deviations of the overall appearance differences of the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM>, Lot <NUM> has the smallest standard deviation. Therefore, it can be said that the evaluation score average of the overall appearance difference of the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> has a small variation in evaluation as compared to Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM>. However, it can be said that the standard deviations of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> are also sufficiently small. Therefore, it can be said that the evaluation score averages of the overall appearance difference of the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> have, on the whole, small variations in evaluation and exhibit high reliability.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for the overall appearance difference of the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM>, the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> of the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> (see <FIG>) has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that the difference in appearance from the mouthpiece end surface of the cigarette of Lot <NUM> (see <FIG>) is small. The mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> of the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> (see <FIG>) has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that there is a difference in appearance from the mouthpiece end surface of the cigarette of Lot <NUM>. The mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> of the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> (see <FIG>) has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that there is a significant difference in appearance from the mouthpiece end surface of the cigarette of Lot <NUM>.

Among the standard deviations of the appearance differences of the mouthpiece side end surfaces <NUM> of the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM>, Lot <NUM> has the smallest standard deviation. Therefore, it can be said that the valuation score average of the appearance difference of the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> has a small variation in evaluation as compared to Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM>. However, it can be said that the standard deviations of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> are also sufficiently small. Therefore, it can be said that the evaluation score averages of the appearance difference of the mouthpiece side end surfaces <NUM> of the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> have, on the whole, small variations in evaluation and exhibit high reliability.

The like/dislike level shown in <FIG> and <FIG> represents a comparison with the cigarette of Lot <NUM>. The like/dislike evaluation was set as follows:.

That is, it can be evaluated that as the average value (AVERAGE) of the evaluation score approaches <NUM> points, the user evaluates the appearance as compared to Lot <NUM>. Further, it can be determined that as the value of the standard deviation (STDEV) is smaller, the variance of the evaluation by the nineteen people is small.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for the overall like/dislike level of the cigarette <NUM>, the cigarette <NUM> Lot <NUM> has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that there is no difference in appearance from the cigarette of Lot <NUM>. The cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> has a difference in appearance from the cigarette of Lot <NUM>. That is, it can be evaluated that the appearance of the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> was evaluated lower as compared to that of the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM>. Lot <NUM> has an evaluation score average of <NUM>, and it can be evaluated that the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> has a difference in appearance from the cigarette of Lot <NUM>. Further, it can be evaluated that the appearance of the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> was evaluated lower as compared to those of the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM>.

Among the standard deviations of the overall like/dislike levels of the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM>, Lot <NUM> has the smallest standard deviation. Therefore, it can be said that the evaluation score average of the like/dislike level of the cigarette <NUM> of Lot <NUM> has a small variation in evaluation as compared to Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM>. However, it can be said that the standard deviations of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> are also sufficiently small. Therefore, it can be said that the evaluation score averages of the like/dislike levels of the cigarettes <NUM> of Lot <NUM> to Lot <NUM> have, on the whole, small variations in evaluation and exhibit high reliability.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for Lots <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in which the amount of tar was set to <NUM>, the cigarettes <NUM> were actually smoked, and the smoking taste was evaluated. Here, the smoking taste was evaluated from the four viewpoints of sweetness, smoke volume feeling, stimulation, and tobacco feeling (smoking satisfaction). The evaluation criterion is the smoking taste (sweetness, smoke volume feeling, stimulation, and tobacco feeling) of Lot <NUM> (Winston compact <NUM>), and this was set to <NUM> points. The number of evaluators was sixteen, partly overlapping with those of the sensory evaluation described above. It can be evaluated that as the average value (AVERAGE) of the evaluation score of sweetness, smoke volume feeling, stimulation, and tobacco feeling approaches <NUM> points, the user determines that the appearance difference from Lot <NUM> is small. It can be determined that as the value of the standard deviation (STDEV) is smaller, the variance of the evaluation among sixteen people is small.

The sweetness of both Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be lower than that of Lot <NUM>. The sweetness of Lot <NUM> is closer to that of Lot <NUM> than Lot <NUM>.

The smoke volume feeling of both Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be lower than that of Lot <NUM>. The smoke volume feeling of Lot <NUM> is closer to that of Lot <NUM> than Lot <NUM>.

The stimulation of both Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be improved (elevated) upon that of Lot <NUM>. The stimulation of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> is nearly equal.

The tobacco feeling of both Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be substantially the same as that of Lot <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the standard deviation of lot-to-lot evaluation is sufficiently small. Therefore, it can be said that the reliability of the average of each evaluation score of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> is high.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for Lots <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in which the amount of tar was set to <NUM>, the cigarettes <NUM> were actually smoked, and the evaluation was performed on sweetness, smoke volume feeling, stimulation, and tobacco feeling (smoking satisfaction). The evaluation criterion is the smoking taste (sweetness, smoke volume feeling, stimulation, and tobacco feeling) of Lot <NUM> (Winston compact <NUM>), and this was set to <NUM> points. The number of evaluators was sixteen, partly overlapping with those of the sensory evaluation described above. It can be evaluated that as the average value (AVERAGE) of the evaluation score of sweetness, smoke volume feeling, stimulation, and tobacco feeling approaches <NUM> points, the user determines that the appearance difference from Lot <NUM> is small. It can be determined that as the value of the standard deviation (STDEV) is smaller, the variance of the evaluation among sixteen people is small.

The sweetness of both Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be slightly lower than that of Lot <NUM>. The sweetness of Lot <NUM> is closer to that of Lot <NUM> than Lot <NUM>.

The smoke volume feeling of both Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be lower than that of Lot <NUM>.

The stimulation of Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be improved (elevated) upon that of Lot <NUM>, and the stimulation of Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be nearly equal to that of Lot <NUM>.

The tobacco feeling of both Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> was evaluated to be slightly lower than that of Lot <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the standard deviation of the lot-to-lot evaluation is sufficiently small. Therefore, it can be said that the reliability of the average of each of the evaluation scores of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> is high.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, it can be evaluated that the use of the filter <NUM> made of paper for the cigarette <NUM> generally tends to reduce the sweetness and the smoke volume feeling but increase the stimulation. The tobacco feeling (smoking satisfaction) also tends to decrease slightly, but the degree of decrease is small. The tobacco feeling of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> in which the amount of tar was set to <NUM> that was neither too high nor too low is almost the same as that of Lot <NUM>. Therefore, it can be said that the smoking satisfaction levels of the cigarettes <NUM> of Lots <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are almost the same. On the other hand, in the cigarettes <NUM> having <NUM> of tar regarded as a low amount of tar, the tobacco feeling of Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM> is lower than that of Lot <NUM>. It is generally considered that a cigarette has a higher tobacco feeling (smoking satisfaction) as the tar amount or the nicotine amount increases. For this reason, it is easy to predict that the tobacco feeling is difficult to obtain for Lot <NUM>, Lot <NUM>, and Lot <NUM> having a low tar amount of <NUM> as compared to those of <NUM>.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following can be said.

It is possible to provide the cigarette <NUM> that includes the filter <NUM> formed of a paper sheet. Considering the filter <NUM> having the same outer diameter, while the filter <NUM> formed of a paper sheet is made of paper, it is possible to have an aesthetic appearance equivalent to that of an acetate filter by forming the first end surface (mouthpiece side end surface) <NUM> to have a void volume equivalent to that of the acetate filter. In addition, even if the void volume of the first end surface (mouthpiece side end surface) <NUM> is slightly greater than the void volume of the mouthpiece side end surface of the acetate filter, the filter <NUM> formed of a paper sheet can have an aesthetic appearance equivalent to that of the acetate filter. Therefore, while the filter <NUM> according to the present embodiment is made of paper, it is possible to improve the aesthetic appearance.

For the filter <NUM> formed of a paper sheet, by appropriately adjusting a material, basis weight, air permeability of the sheet, crimp depth, void volume, airflow resistance, and the like of the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>, it is possible to control the amount of tar, and the like, and control smoking taste (sweetness, smoke volume feeling, stimulation, and tobacco feeling). Thus, the filter <NUM> is provided with suitable filtration characteristics for the fluid flowing from the tobacco rod <NUM> toward the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> during smoking. That is, the cigarette <NUM> is provided that includes the filter <NUM> having suitable filtration characteristics.

In the first embodiment, mainly the example has been described in which the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> are formed by, for example, crimping a paper sheet. The types of processing for the sheet forming the filter main body can be appropriately combined, for example, the first filter main body <NUM> can be formed by crimp process and the second filter main body <NUM> can be formed by corrugate process. This also applies to a second embodiment and a third embodiment described below.

In the present embodiment, a description has been given of the example in which paper is used for the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>, but it is also possible to use non-woven fabric by appropriately adjusting a material, basis weight, air permeability, crimp depth, void volume, airflow resistance, and the like.

If a non-woven fabric is used for the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>, the crimping tool <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is not used. If a non-woven fabric is used, instead of the crimping tool <NUM>, a sheet folding machine <NUM> (see <FIG>) that overlaps and folds a plurality of sheets 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d is used. The sheet folding machine <NUM> folds, as shown in <FIG>, the plurality of non-woven fabric sheets 152a, 152b, 152c, 152d overlapped with their ends shifted, while bending the sheets into a substantially S shape or a substantially Z shape using a plurality of guides <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, for example. The guides <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are spaced apart from each other along the moving direction of the sheets 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d. The guides <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> each have,. for example, a disk shape, and are respectively provided with opening grooves 162a, 164a, 166a for performing folding process on the plurality of sheets 152a, 152b, 152c and 152d. The plurality of sheets 152a, 152b, 152c, 152d overlapped with their ends shifted pass through the guide <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and then are guided into a pipe <NUM> in front of the guide <NUM> by an endless belt <NUM>. By sequentially passing through the opening grooves 162a, 164a, and 166a of the guides <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the plurality of sheets 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d are gradually close to the substantially S shape or substantially Z shape, and are folded inside the pipe <NUM>. After the first filter main body <NUM> is folded, the shape of the first filter main body <NUM> is maintained by the first wrapper <NUM>. If the second filter main body <NUM> is folded, the shape of the second filter main body <NUM> is maintained by the second wrapper <NUM>. Thus, the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> are once formed into, for example, a substantially <NUM> rod shape, and are then cut into appropriate lengths.

The void volume when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> made of non-woven fabric is viewed is smaller than the void volume when the third end surface <NUM> of the second filter main body <NUM> made of non-woven fabric or paper is viewed. It is preferable that the area of voids when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> made of non-woven fabric is viewed be, for example, <NUM><NUM> or less, similarly to the area of voids when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> made of paper is viewed. It is preferable that the void volume when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> made of non-woven fabric is viewed be greater than the void volume of the acetate filter on the mouthpiece side. It is preferable that the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> made of non-woven fabric be higher than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> made of non-woven fabric or paper. If the first filter main body <NUM> of the filter <NUM> is made of non-woven fabric, it is also possible to enhance the aesthetic appearance in the same manner as when it is made of paper. Further, even if the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> are made of non-woven fabric, it is possible to exhibit substantially the same filter performance (filtration characteristics) as the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> made of paper.

That is, according to the present embodiment, there are provided the filter <NUM> that is formed of a paper sheet or a non-woven fabric sheet, enhances the aesthetic appearance, and has appropriate filtration characteristics, and the cigarette (smoking article) <NUM> including the filter <NUM>.

In the cigarette <NUM> including the filter <NUM> according to this embodiment, all or most of elements such as a paper material and tobacco material can be formed of naturally derived components. Therefore, it is possible to reduce environmental load on nature as compared to the case of using an acetate filter (Lot <NUM> and Lot <NUM>), for example.

A second embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.

A flavor inhalation article <NUM> is one of members constituting a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article.

The flavor inhalation article <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a replaceable cartridge for use with a heater. The flavor inhalation article <NUM> has a columnar shape extending along one direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the flavor inhalation article <NUM> has a base portion <NUM> forming one end thereof, a filter <NUM> forming an end opposite to the base portion <NUM>, and a paper tube portion <NUM> between the base portion <NUM> and the filter <NUM>. The base portion <NUM>, the paper tube portion <NUM>, and the filter <NUM> are connected by a cigarette paper <NUM>. The paper tube portion <NUM> is a paper tube formed by wrapping paper into a cylindrical shape, and the inside thereof is hollow.

The base portion <NUM> includes a filler <NUM> and a first cigarette paper <NUM> wrapped around the filler <NUM>.

The filler <NUM> includes, for example, a tobacco material and an aerosol source.

The aerosol source is heated at a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol with a substance such as a flavor substance derived from a flavor source of the filler <NUM>. The aerosol source may be, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, <NUM>,<NUM> -butanediol, or a mixture thereof. The content of the aerosol source in the filler <NUM> is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of generating a sufficient amount of aerosol and providing decent flavor, the content is usually <NUM>% by mass or more, preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and usually <NUM>% by mass or less, preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

The filler <NUM> includes a tobacco material as a flavor source. The tobacco material is, for example, cut tobacco. When the base portion <NUM> has a peripheral length of <NUM> and a length of <NUM>, the content of the filler <NUM> in the flavor inhalation article <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The moisture content of the filler <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass. Such a moisture content suppresses occurrence of staining on the wrapping paper and improves roll-up machinability during production of the base portion <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> includes a first filter plug <NUM>, a second filter plug <NUM>, and forming paper <NUM> covering and connecting them. Lengths of the first filter plug <NUM> and the second filter plug <NUM> along longitudinal axis L are referred to as L1 and L2, respectively. The second filter plug <NUM> is disposed between the paper tube portion216 and the first filter plug <NUM>.

The first filter plug <NUM> includes a first filter main body (filter element, filter material) <NUM>, and a first plug wrapper (tubular portion) <NUM> wrapped around the first filter main body <NUM>. The length L1 of the first filter plug <NUM> is the same as the length of the first filter main body <NUM>. The first filter main body <NUM> includes a first end surface <NUM> on the mouthpiece side (mouthpiece side end surface), and a second end surface <NUM> on the side opposite to the mouthpiece side (end surface on the base portion <NUM> side). The first end surface <NUM> and the second end surface <NUM> have an outer shape of, for example, a substantially circular shape. In the first filter main body <NUM>, a longitudinal axis (center axis) L that intersects the first end surface <NUM> and the second end surface <NUM> is defined. The first end surface <NUM> is on the mouthpiece side, and the second end surface <NUM> is on the base portion <NUM> side. The first end surface <NUM> is exposed outside.

The second filter plug <NUM> includes a second filter main body (filter element, filter material) <NUM>, and a second wrapper (tubular portion) <NUM> wrapped around the outer periphery of the second filter main body <NUM>. The length L2 of the second filter plug <NUM> is the same as the length of the second filter main body <NUM>. The second filter main body <NUM> includes a third end surface <NUM> and a fourth end surface <NUM>. The third end surface <NUM> and the fourth end surface <NUM> have an outer shape of, for example, a substantially circular shape. In the second filter main body <NUM>, a longitudinal axis (center axis) L that intersects the third end surface <NUM> and the fourth end surface <NUM> is defined. The third end surface <NUM> is on the mouthpiece side, and the fourth end surface <NUM> is on the substrate <NUM> side. The third end surface <NUM> faces or is in contact with the second end surface <NUM>.

The cigarette paper <NUM> is wrapped around the outer peripheries of the base portion <NUM>, the paper tube portion <NUM>, and the filter <NUM> to connect the base portion <NUM> and the filter <NUM> via the paper tube portion <NUM>.

The first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> are formed of a paper sheet or a non-woven fabric sheet. The relationship between the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> is the same as the relationship between the first filter mainbody <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> described in the first embodiment.

Thus, it is preferable that the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> be crimped to a greater extent than the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM>. It is preferable that the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> be higher than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM>. The airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> may be lower than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM>. It is preferable that the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> be, for example, <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm to <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm, and that the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> be, for example, <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm to <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm.

It is preferable that the air permeability of the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> be <NUM> CU (CORESTA Unit) to <NUM> CU after crimp process, and that the air permeability of the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM> be <NUM> CU to <NUM> CU after crimp process.

The void volume when the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed is equal to or greater than the void volume of the acetate filter on the mouthpiece side. It is preferable that the area of voids when the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed be <NUM><NUM> or less.

Thus, the filter <NUM> has the aesthetic appearance as in the filter <NUM> described in the first embodiment, and is formed in a state of having appropriate filtration characteristics for an aerosol containing a substance such as a flavor substance derived from a flavor source of the filler <NUM> flowing from the filler <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> toward the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM>.

It is possible to provide the flavor inhalation article <NUM> that includes the filter <NUM> formed of a paper sheet In this case, while the filter <NUM> formed of a paper sheet is made of paper, it is possible to have an aesthetic appearance equivalent to that of an acetate filter by forming voids equivalent to those of the acetate filter. Therefore, while the filter <NUM> according to the present embodiment is made of paper, it is possible to improve the aesthetic appearance.

For the filter <NUM> formed of a paper sheet, it is possible to control smoking taste (sweetness, smoke volume feeling, stimulation, and tobacco feeling) by appropriately adjusting a material, basis weight, air permeability of the sheet, crimp depth, void volume, airflow resistance, and the like of the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>. Thus, the filter <NUM> having suitable filtration characteristics is provided. That is, the flavor inhalation article <NUM> is provided that includes the filter <NUM> having suitable filtration characteristics.

In the present embodiment, a description has been given of the example in which paper is used for the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM>, but it is also possible to use the non-woven fabric sheets 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d (see <FIG>) described in the first embodiment by appropriately adjusting a material, basis weight, air permeability of the sheet, crimp depth, void volume, airflow resistance, and the like. That is, according to the present embodiment, there are provided the filter <NUM> that is formed of a paper sheet or a non-woven fabric sheet, enhances aesthetic appearance, and has appropriate filtration characteristics, and the flavor inhalation article <NUM> including the filter <NUM>.

Although illustration is omitted, for appropriately adjusting the airflow resistance of the flavor inhalation article <NUM>, the filter <NUM> may be provided with an opening portion to take in air from the outside. In this case, it is desirable to provide an opening portion in the paper tube portion <NUM>.

For the flavor inhalation article <NUM>, the dimension in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the length, is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The peripheral length of the flavor inhalation article <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. In the flavor inhalation article <NUM>, the lengths of the base portion <NUM>, the paper tube portion <NUM>, the first filter plug <NUM>, and the second filter plug <NUM> may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, but the lengths of these individual segments can be appropriately changed according to manufacturing suitability, required qualities, and the like.

The size of the cut tobacco used in the filler <NUM> and the method for preparing them are not particularly limited. For example, dried tobacco leaf cut to have a width of <NUM> to <NUM> may be used. Alternatively, dried tobacco leaf may be pulverized and homogenized to have an average particle size of about <NUM> to <NUM>, processed into a sheet, and then cut to have a width of <NUM> to <NUM>. Further, the above sheet-processed material that is gathered instead of being cut may be used as the tobacco material.

For the first wrapper <NUM> and second wrapper <NUM>, those the same as the wrappers <NUM> and <NUM> and the tipping paper <NUM> used for the cigarette <NUM> described in the first embodiment can be used.

In the flavor inhalation article <NUM> including the filter <NUM> according to this embodiment, all or most of elements such as a paper material and tobacco material can be formed of naturally derived components. Therefore, it is possible to reduce environmental burden nature as compared with the case of using, for example, an acetate filter for the filter.

A third embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

A flavor inhalation article (capsule) <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a replaceable cartridge for use with a heater. The flavor inhalation article <NUM> has a columnar shape extending along one direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the flavor inhalation article <NUM> includes a capsule body (tubular portion) <NUM>, a tobacco material <NUM> enclosed in the capsule body <NUM>, a filter <NUM> preventing the tobacco material <NUM> from leaking, and a ring-shaped cap (end piece) <NUM> supporting the filter <NUM> with respect to the capsule body <NUM>.

The capsule body <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> at one end (mouthpiece side) and a mesh portion <NUM> at the other end (tobacco material <NUM> side). The capsule body <NUM> includes a step <NUM> on which the filter <NUM> is seated. For the mesh portion <NUM> of the capsule body <NUM>, the mesh size is adjusted, for example, such that it is permeable to air and appropriate vapor but prevents the tobacco material <NUM> from leaking out.

For the capsule body <NUM> and the cap <NUM>, an appropriate material such as a paper material or non-woven fabric is used. The capsule body <NUM> and the cap <NUM> may be formed of a resin material. When the capsule body <NUM> and the cap <NUM> are formed of a resin material, it is preferable that all or a part of the material be recyclable.

In addition to the cut tobacco, the tobacco material <NUM> may also be, for example, granular.

The filter <NUM> allows air and appropriate vapor to pass therethrough and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The filter <NUM> includes a first filter main body <NUM>, and a second filter main body <NUM>. Lengths of the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> along longitudinal axis L are referred to as L1 and L2, respectively. The first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> are held by the capsule body (tubular portion) <NUM>. When the cap (end piece) <NUM> is placed for the capsule body <NUM>, the cap <NUM> supports the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> and prevents the first filter main body <NUM> and the second filter main body <NUM> from being pulled out of the capsule body <NUM>.

Similarly to the first filter main body <NUM> described in the first embodiment and the first filter main body <NUM> described in the second embodiment, the first filter main body <NUM> is formed of an appropriate paper material or non-woven fabric, and a material, basis weight, air permeability of the sheet, crimp depth, void volume, airflow resistance, and the like are appropriately adjusted. Similarly to the second filter main body <NUM> described in the first embodiment and the second filter main body <NUM> described in the second embodiment, the second filter main body <NUM> is formed of an appropriate paper material or non-woven fabric, and a material, basis weight, air permeability of the sheet, crimp depth, void volume, airflow resistance, and the like are appropriately adjusted.

The first filter main body <NUM> includes a first end surface <NUM> on the mouthpiece side (mouthpiece side end surface) and a second end surface <NUM> on the side opposite to the mouthpiece side (end surface on the tobacco material <NUM> side). The second filter main body <NUM> includes a first end surface <NUM> and a second end surface <NUM>. The second end surface <NUM> and the first end surface <NUM> face each other or are in contact with each other. The first end surface <NUM> is exposed outside.

The sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> is crimped to a greater extent than the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM>. It is preferable that the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> be higherthan the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM>. The airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> may be lower than the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM>. It is preferable that the airflow resistance of the first filter main body <NUM> be, for example, <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm to <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm. It is preferable that the airflow resistance of the second filter main body <NUM> be, for example, <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm to <NUM> mmH<NUM>O/mm.

It is preferable that the sheet of the first filter main body <NUM> have an air permeability of, for example, <NUM> CU (CORESTA Unit) to <NUM> CU after crimp process. It is preferable that the sheet of the second filter main body <NUM> have an air permeability of, for example, <NUM> CU to <NUM> CU after crimp process.

The void volume when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed is equal to or greater than the void volume of the acetate filter on the mouthpiece. It is preferable that the area of voids when the first end surface <NUM> of the first filter main body <NUM> is viewed be <NUM><NUM> or less.

Thus, the filter <NUM> has an aesthetic appearance as in the filter <NUM> described in the first embodiment and the filter <NUM> described in the second embodiment, and is formed in a state of having appropriate filtration characteristics for the substance such as the flavor substance derived from the flavor source and the aerosol flowing from the tobacco material <NUM> toward the mouthpiece side end surface <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A filter, comprising:
a first filter main body including a first end surface on a mouthpiece side and a second end surface on a side opposite to the mouthpiece side; and
a second filter main body on a side of the second end surface of the first filter main body, and including a third end surface facing the second end surface,
the first filter main body and the second filter main body being formed of a paper sheet or a non-woven fabric sheet,
a void volume when the first end surface of the first filter main body is viewed being smaller than a void volume when the third end surface of the second filter main body is viewed.