A rod for a flavor-generating article, a flavor-generating article, and a method for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article

Abstract

A rod for a flavor-generating article according to the present invention comprises: a sheet material formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod; and a plurality of tongue portions, each formed by a through slit provided within the sheet material and not having a circular shape.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rod for a flavor-generating article, a flavor-generating article, and a method for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article. Background Technology

[0002] For example, a rod such as a filter segment for a flavor-generating article is formed to adjust performance, such as the amount of fluid filtered flowing from the flavor-generating segment through the filter segment to the user. In this case, the rod such as the filter segment adjusts the amount of fluid filtered, etc., by a device comprising a plurality of filter materials having different functions that are coupled, for example, in the direction of fluid flow.

[0003] List of cited literature

[0004] Patent literature

[0005] PTL 1: WO 2019 / 106625 A1

[0006] PTL 2: WO 2021 / 246310 A1 The problem to be solved

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a rod for a flavor-generating article, a flavor-generating article, and a method for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article, wherein the amount of fluid filtration, etc., can be adjusted. means of solving the problem

[0008] A rod for a flavor-generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a sheet material formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod; and a plurality of tongue pieces provided within the sheet material and each formed by a non-annular through-cut portion. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flavor-generating article according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a sheet material for forming a filter assembly (rod assembly) that forms the basis of a filter segment (rod segment) of the flavor generating article illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a through-cut portion (tongue portion) formed within a part of the sheet material shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4a is a schematic perspective view illustrating the state in which a folding process is performed on the sheet material shown in FIG. 2, wherein a part of the tongue portion is raised away from the surface of the open area of ​​the sheet material. Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of a filter segment as illustrated from the direction indicated by arrow IVB in Figure 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a filter assembly that forms the basis of a filter segment of a flavor-generating article according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which a sheet material is placed between the creping rollers of the creping unit (pressing unit) of the manufacturing device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the gap between the rotating shafts of the creping rollers of the creping unit is narrowed compared to the state shown in FIG. 6a. FIG. 7a is a schematic perspective view illustrating the upper and lower rollers of the cutting unit of the manufacturing device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7b is a schematic diagram illustrating a flexible sheet magnetically attached to the upper roller of the cutting unit shown in FIG. 7a. FIG. 7c is a schematic cross-sectional view cut along line 7C-7C shown in FIG. 7b. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an embodiment (different from FIG. 7a) of the upper and lower rollers of the cutting unit of the manufacturing device illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cut end created by a cutting unit within a through-cut portion of the sheet material shown in FIG. 2 when a rod is spread out as a sheet material. FIG. 9b is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cut end created by a cutting unit within a through-cut portion positioned in a direction rotated 90° relative to the sheet material from the direction of FIG. 2 and FIG. 9a. FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the optical inspection device of the manufacturing device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of a filter assembly whose optical transparency has been verified by the optical inspection device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12a is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet material formed into rods that is folded into an Archimedean spiral shape. FIG. 12b is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a sheet material formed into a rod is folded into a Fermat spiral shape. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the through-cut portions of a unicursal through-cut portion intersect. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the through-cut portion shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a sheet material having a through-cut portion as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet material having a through-cut portion according to a first variation of the first embodiment. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flavor-generating article according to a second variation of the first embodiment. FIG. 26a is a schematic diagram illustrating a flavor-generating article according to a third variation of the first embodiment. FIG. 26b is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a flavor-generating article according to a third variation of the first embodiment. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flavor-generating article according to a second embodiment. FIG. 28a is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a sheet material for forming a filter assembly (rod assembly) that forms the basis of a filter segment (rod segment) of the flavor generating article shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28b is a schematic diagram illustrating a through-cut portion (tongue portion) formed within a part of the sheet material shown in FIG. 28a. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of a filter segment as illustrated from the direction indicated by arrow XXIX in FIG. 27. FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flavor-generating article according to a third embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment)

[0012] A first embodiment will be explained through FIGS. 1 to 24.

[0013] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flavor generating article (10) comprises: a flavor generating segment (rod segment) (12); a mouthpiece segment (rod segment) (14) provided on the downstream side of the flavor generating segment (12); and a tipping paper (16) that combines the flavor generating segment (12) and the mouthpiece segment (14).

[0014] The flavor generating segment (12) and the mouthpiece segment (14) are each preferably formed as rods having a substantially cylindrical shape (a substantially circular cross-section). That is, the flavor generating segment (12) and the mouthpiece segment (14) each constitute a rod or rod segment. It should be noted that the filter segment (20), the tip-end plug (42), and the flavor generating portion (44), which will be described later, also constitute rods or rod segments.

[0015] The flavor generating article (10) may be a heat-not-burn product that heats the aerosol generating segment (12) without burning the aerosol generating segment (12), or a combustion product that burns the aerosol generating segment (12). Additionally, the flavor generating article (10) may be a no-heat no-burn product.

[0016] The flavor-generating segment (12) is formed as a cylindrical rod obtained by wrapping a suitable filling material with a wrapping paper. Various types of filling materials can be used.

[0017] For example, shredded tobacco or tobacco sheet material, etc., may be used as a filling material within the non-combustion heated flavor generating segment (12). Specifically, the packaging may be filled with shredded tobacco obtained by shredding dried tobacco leaves to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Additionally, a sheet may be formed by crushing dried tobacco leaves to an average particle size of about 20 μm to 200 μm and then homogenizing the shredded tobacco, and the homogenized sheet may be shredded to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm and used to fill the packaging. A rod (a rod for the flavor generating article) may be obtained by filling the packaging with sheet material that is pleated, folded, or folded into a spiral shape, instead of being cut. The spiral obtained by spiral folding may include, for example, an Archimedes spiral (see FIG. 12a) or a Fermat spiral (see FIG. 12b). Additionally, the packaging may be filled with sheet material crushed into a short strip shape such that the longitudinal direction of the short strip is parallel to or concentric with the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating segment (12) rod. The flavor generating segment (12) may generate an aerosol as it is heated. To promote aerosol generation, an aerosol source, such as a polyol containing glycerol, propylene glycol, or 1,3-butanediol, may be added to the tobacco material as part of the filling material. The amount of the added aerosol source is preferably 5% to 50% by weight and more preferably 10% to 30% by weight with respect to the dry weight of the filling material. The aerosol generating segment (12) may further include a flavor agent such as menthol.

[0018] Shredded tobacco or tobacco sheet material, etc., may be used as a filling material for a combustible flavor generating segment (12), similar to the filling material for a non-combustible heated flavor generating segment (12). Specifically, the packaging may be filled with shredded tobacco obtained by shredding dried tobacco leaves to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Additionally, a sheet may be formed by crushing dried tobacco leaves to an average particle size of about 20 μm to 200 μm and then homogenizing the shredded tobacco, and the homogenized sheet may be shredded to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm and used to fill the packaging. A rod (a rod for the flavor generating article) may be obtained by filling the packaging with a sheet material that is pleated, folded, or folded into a spiral shape, instead of being cut. The spiral obtained by spiral folding may include, for example, an Archimedes spiral (see FIG. 12a) or a Fermat spiral (see FIG. 12b). In addition, the packaging can be filled with shredded sheet material in the shape of short strips, such that the longitudinal direction of the short strips is parallel to or concentric with the longitudinal direction of the cigarette stick.

[0019] The length of the rod of the flavor generating segment (12) can be appropriately set. For example, the length of the rod of the flavor generating segment (12) is preferably 15 mm to 70 mm. The diameter of the rod of the flavor generating segment (12) can be appropriately set to be nearly constant from the tip end surface (the end surface of the flavor generating segment (12) on the opposite side of the mouthpiece end (14b)) (12a) to the rear end surface (12b). For example, the diameter of the rod of the flavor generating segment (12) is preferably 4 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0020] In this embodiment, the mouthpiece segment (14) includes a filter segment (rod segment) (20). In this embodiment, the sheet material (30) for the filter segment (20) may be a material such as paper material, nonwoven fabric, or resin material processed into a cylindrical shape. The filter segment (20) has functions such as adjusting the amount of air mixed when a user inhales an aerosol, reducing flavor, and reducing nicotine and tar. The filter segment (20) does not need to have all these functions. Also, in a non-combustion heated flavor generating article (10) which tends to have a lower filling rate of tobacco filling material and generates fewer flavor components than a combustion-type flavor generating article (10), the filter segment (20) may have a function of preventing tobacco filling material from falling out while controlling the filtration function.

[0021] It should be noted that the mouthpiece segment (14) may have a cooling segment (46) when formed as part of a non-combustion heated flavor generating article (10). This will be described later in the third embodiment (see FIG. 30). That is, this embodiment describes a case where the mouthpiece segment (14) and the filter segment (20) constitute the same component.

[0022] For example, the length of the rod of the mouthpiece segment (14) is preferably 10 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably about 25 mm to 30 mm. The diameter of the rod of the mouthpiece segment (14) is nearly constant from the tip end surface (14a) to the rear end surface (mouthpiece end) (14b), and, for example, is preferably 4 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0023] The flavor generating segment (12) and the mouthpiece segment (14) have the same or nearly the same diameter, and the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12) and the tip end surface (14a) of the mouthpiece segment (14) are positioned to be in contact with each other, and a tipping paper (16) is wrapped around the outer perimeter including the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12) and the tip end surface (14a) of the mouthpiece segment (14). Consequently, the flavor generating article (10) is formed by the rods of the flavor generating segment (12) and the mouthpiece segment (14) that are axially aligned.

[0024] The filter segment (20) includes a filter material (22) and a wrapping paper (wrapping paper) (24) that surrounds the outer surface of the filter material (22) to form the filter segment (20) as a rod.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the filter material (22) of the filter segment (20) is formed by processing the sheet material (30) to have a plurality of non-circular through-cut portions (32). In this embodiment, for the sake of brevity of description, the plurality of through-cut portions (32) are assumed to have the same size and shape and are spaced at equal intervals.

[0026] It should be noted that the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is limited to FIG. 2. The direction along the X-axis is the axial direction (longitudinal direction before cutting) of the sheet material (30) and is the transport direction. The direction along the Y-axis is the width direction of the sheet material (30). The direction along the Z-axis is the thickness direction of the sheet material (30).

[0027] In addition, the number and size of the through-cut portions (32) along the X-axis direction and the number and size of the through-cut portions (32) along the Y-axis direction within the sheet material (30) of FIG. 2 are schematically illustrated and can be varied in various ways.

[0028] Each non-circular through-cut portion (32) is formed while leaving a portion integral with the sheet material (30) and does not form a closed shape. Each of these through-cut portions (32) forms a tongue portion (flap) (33) integral with the sheet material (30). Each through-cut portion (32) is integrally connected to the sheet material (30) and is formed to protrude from the surface of the sheet material (30) (open area (34)) when the sheet material (30) is folded from a flat surface. Consequently, when the sheet material (30) is folded to form a rod (a rod for flavor-generating articles), at least a portion of each tongue portion (33) does not follow the surface of the sheet material (30) and may protrude away from the surface of the sheet material (30) due to the rigidity of the sheet material (30) (tongue portion (33)) itself.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a through-cut portion (32) enclosed by a rectangular or square virtual frame (F). The virtual frame (F) is limited to be external to the through-cut portion (32).

[0030] The through-cut portion (32) of the sheet material (30) defines a virtual frame (F) so as to be in contact with the through-cut portion (32). In this case, the frame (F) is a virtual rectangle having a minimum area that is in contact with the tongue portion (33). Preferably, a pair of faces (S1) of the rectangular frame (F) are defined parallel to the axial direction (longitudinal direction, X-axis direction) of the sheet material (30). Preferably, the other pair of faces (S2) of the rectangular frame (F) are defined parallel to the width direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the sheet material (30). Accordingly, it is preferable that a pair of opposing faces (S1) of the frame (F) be arranged along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), which is the transport direction of the sheet material (30), and that the other pair of opposing faces (S2) be arranged along the width direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sheet material (30). Additionally, a portion of the through-cut portion (32) is formed to extend along one of the opposing pair of faces (S1) of the virtual frame (F), but the through-cut portion (32) is formed not to extend along the other of the opposing pair of faces (S1). A portion of the through-cut portion (32) is formed to extend along both of the other pair of opposing faces (S2) of the virtual frame (F). Consequently, in this embodiment, the through-cut portion (32) of the sheet material (30) is connected to the sheet material (30) along the longitudinal direction (transport direction) of the sheet material (30), and there is a connecting portion (non-cut portion) (33a) formed such that the through-cut portion (32) does not extend along the connecting portion. That is, in the through-cut portion (32), the cut portion is formed in such a way that the connecting portion (33a) with the sheet material (30) is left as a non-cut portion, for example, along the axial direction of the rod. In the through-cut portion (32), the connection portion (33a) with the sheet material (30) is formed integrally with the sheet material (30) between the two ends (32a and 32b) along the other pair of faces (S2) of the through-cut portion (32).That is, the connecting portion (33a) corresponds to a portion of the through-cut portion (32) that is connected to the sheet material (30) in the longitudinal direction. The connecting portion (33a) is formed as a base portion when the tongue portion (33) is detached from the sheet material (30).

[0031] In this embodiment, each through-cut portion (32) of the sheet material (30) is formed, for example, as a substantially U-shaped unicornial portion. The longest portion of the unicornial portion of the through-cut portion (32) is formed to be longer than the length of one diagonal of the virtual frame (F).

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the through-cut portions (32) are spaced apart at a suitable distance in the longitudinal (axial) direction of the sheet material (30) or are positioned adjacent to each other. Additionally, the through-cut portions (32) are spaced apart at a suitable distance in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sheet material (30) or are positioned adjacent to each other. For example, the through-cut portions (32) may be positioned in a zigzag position, for example, or may be positioned randomly.

[0033] In this embodiment, the tongue portion (33) formed by the through-cut portion (32) is formed in a shape that rises away from the surface of the sheet material (30) when the sheet material (30) is folded. As shown in FIG. 4a, when the tongue portion (33) rises away from the surface of the non-opening area (34) of the folded sheet material (30), an opening having the same shape as the tongue portion (33) is formed within a part of the sheet material (30) where the tongue portion (33) is raised. That is, an opening having the shape formed by the through-cut portion (32) and the connecting portion (33a) is formed within the sheet material (30). Then, as shown in FIG. 4b, the wrapping paper (24) is wrapped around the perimeter of the folded sheet material (30) to hold the sheet material (30) in the form of a cylindrical rod. At this point, the tongue portion (33) is maintained in a raised state, separated from some or all of the bending portions of the sheet material (30).

[0034] The rod manufacturing device (50) described below is used to form a filter segment (20) from a filter assembly (rod assembly) (18) which is, for example, four or six times the length of the filter segment (20) actually used. Then, the filter segment (20) is formed by cutting the filter assembly (18) at a predetermined location to a predetermined length. That is, the filter segment (20) is formed, for example, by a two-stage cutting. The first stage consists of cutting the filter assembly (18) obtained by compressing the continuous sheet material (30) to four or six times the length of the filter segment (20) actually used as part of the flavor-generating article (10) and wrapping the sheet material (30) with a wrapping paper (24). The second step comprises cutting a filter segment (20) that is four or six times the desired length, to the length of the filter segment (20) actually used as part of the flavor-generating article (10). Thus, by cutting the filter assembly (18) in the second step, four or six filter segments (20) can be formed from the filter assembly (18). The cutting of the filter assembly (18) in the second step can be performed by cutting it multiple times.

[0035] As described above, the filter material (22) according to this embodiment is formed by processing the sheet material (30) shown in FIG. 2. The filter material (22) is formed by processing, for example, a paper sheet material, a non-woven sheet material, or a resin sheet material (30). This embodiment describes an embodiment in which the filter material (22) is formed from a paper sheet material (30) (i.e., an embodiment of a paper filter). The paper sheet material (30) is paper obtained, for example, by papermaking from wood pulp. A paper filter is obtained by using the paper sheet material (30) as the filter material (22), and by wrapping the outer surface of the filter material (22) with a wrapping paper (24) to form a rod shape, thereby producing a biodegradable filter that is excellent in terms of biodegradability.

[0036] The width of the sheet material (30) in the width direction is formed to an appropriate size, such as, for example, 150 mm to 250 mm. The width is adjusted according to the thickness of the sheet material (30), the diameter of the filter segment (20) being manufactured, and the required density (filling degree) of the filter segment (20), etc. Additionally, as described later, when a cigarette sheet material or a cooling sheet material is used as the sheet material (30), the material of the sheet material (30), the width in the width direction, and the thickness thereof are adjusted according to function.

[0037] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the through-cut portion (32) in which the tongue portion (33) is formed and the open-less area (34) are formed alternately, i.e. repeatedly, within the sheet material (30) along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the sheet material (30). Segments (S) are formed repeatedly along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the sheet material (30), and each segment (S) includes a set of one through-cut portion (32) and an open-less area (34) adjacent to the through-cut portion (32). The longitudinal direction of the sheet material (30) is the direction in which the through-cut portion (32) and the open-less area (34) are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0038] The width direction (Y-axis direction) of the sheet material (30) is a direction that intersects the direction in which the through-cut portion (32) and the open-less area (34) are arranged adjacent to each other, and preferably a direction perpendicular thereto. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the substantially rectangular segment (S) is arranged along the width direction of the sheet material (30). It is also preferable that the segment (S) be arranged in an alternating pattern along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material (30).

[0039] In this embodiment, the length of the rod of the filter segment (20) is formed as the length of one segment (S) of the sheet material (30) combining, for example, at least one through-cut portion (32) and one open-less area (34). The size of each tongue portion (33) along the longitudinal direction and the size of each tongue portion (33) along the width direction are adjusted based on the desired diameter and length of the rod of the filter segment (20).

[0040] The open-less region (34) of the sheet material (30) is formed as a closed region (section) without an opening penetrating in the Z-axis direction at any location within the region defined by the longitudinal and width directions of the sheet material (30).

[0041] The through-cut portions (32) form through-cut portions within the sheet material (30) in the Z-axis direction. For example, the through-cut portions (32) are formed with the same shape and size and are spaced apart in the width direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of through-cut portions (32) are formed in a substantially U-shape having the same shape and size and are spaced evenly apart in the width direction. The shape of the through-cut portions (32) will be described below, but can be appropriately formed not only in a substantially U-shape, but also, for example, in a substantially V-shape, C-shape, L-shape, T-shape, or X-shape (see FIGS. 13 to 23).

[0042] A portion of the through-cut portion (32) may be formed at both ends of the sheet material (30) in the width direction, but it should be noted that, preferably, the through-cut portion (32) is not formed at both ends of the sheet material (30) in the width direction to prevent the sheet material (30) from getting stuck on the bundling guide (74) (see FIG. 5) of the rod manufacturing device (50) when the sheet material (30) is formed as a rod. Additionally, a portion of the through-cut portion (32) may be formed at both ends of the sheet material (30) in the longitudinal direction, but when the sheet material (30) is used as a filter segment (20), a random indentation may be created on the end surface acting as a mouthpiece for the flavor-generating article (10). For this reason, when through-cut portions (32) are formed at both ends of the sheet material (30) in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that these through-cut portions (32) are cut off and not used, or that through-cut portions (32) are not formed at both ends of the sheet material (30) in the longitudinal direction.

[0043] The size of the through-cut portion (32) within each through-cut portion (32) of the sheet material (30) (the area defined by the through-cut portion (32) and the connecting portion (33a)) is arbitrary. However, if the size of each through-cut portion (32) is too large, or if there are too many through-cut portions (32), the strength of the sheet material (30) may be reduced, and thus the suitability for manufacturing during production may be reduced when the sheet material (30) is manufactured into a rod of filter segment (20).

[0044] The internal size of each through-cut portion (32) of the sheet material (30) is suitably about 5% to 70% of the area defined by the longitudinal and width directions of the sheet material (30), and preferably about 10% to 50%. The lower limit of the internal size of each through-cut portion (32) (regardless of whether the through-cut portion (32) leaves a large area of ​​solid part of the sheet material (30)) may vary depending on how low the filtration characteristics are required by the manufacturer of the filter segment (20). The upper limit of the size of each through-cut portion (32) (regardless of whether the through-cut portion (32) leaves a small area of ​​solid part of the sheet material (30)) may vary depending on the degree of filtration of the filter segment (20) required by the manufacturer of the filter segment (20), and also depending on suitability for manufacturing.

[0045] The length ratio of the non-opening area (34) and the through-cut portion (32) in the longitudinal direction of the rod of the filter segment (20) is appropriately adjusted to a range of 1:5 to 5:1, or a range of 2:3 to 3:2, etc. The non-opening area (34) and the through-cut portion (32) may have a length ratio of 1:1 (i.e., they may have the same length). The length ratio of the non-opening area (34) and the through-cut portion (32) may be appropriately set by the manufacturer of the flavor-generating article (10).

[0046] An example of a manufacturing device (50) for manufacturing a filter segment (20) and a manufacturing method using the manufacturing device (50) will be described later.

[0047] A segment (S) of the sheet material (30) forms the filter material (22) of the filter segment (20). For example, one segment (S) of the sheet material (30) is folded in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the sheet material, so that the longitudinal direction of the rod of the filter segment (20) follows the direction in which the through-cut portion (32) and the open-less area (34) are placed adjacently, and a creping process (pressing) such as a folding process is performed (i.e., a cylindrical rod is formed from the filter material (22) by folding). At this point, a plurality of lines (31) (valley-fold portions (fold lines) (31a) and mountain-fold portions (31b)) (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 9a) spaced at appropriate intervals along the Y-axis are formed along the X-axis direction, and when these lines are actually folded by the mountain fold and valley fold to form a cylindrical rod from the filter material (22), the width of one segment (S) of the sheet material (30) is reduced, and the length of one segment (S) in the longitudinal direction is maintained. Then, the outer perimeter of the cylindrical filter material (22) is wrapped with a wrapping paper (24), thereby forming the filter segment (20) as a cylindrical rod or rod segment. It should be noted that the spacing of the plurality of lines (31) (valley-fold portions (31a) and mountain-fold portions (31b)) may be constant or random.

[0048] Additionally, each penetrating cut portion (32) has a portion that intersects at least two points with a virtual line segment extending along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod.

[0049] It should be noted that among the plurality of tongue portions (33), such a tongue portion (33) provided in such a manner that it protrudes from the sheet material (30) in a direction intersecting the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod includes a closed shape defined by a through cut portion (32) and a virtual fold line (mounted fold line (31b) in FIG. 3). Additionally, when defining a virtual rectangle (frame (F)) circumscribed with the tongue portion (33) including such closed shape, one side (S1) of the rectangle (frame (F)) is parallel to the fold line and is parallel or substantially parallel to the axial direction of the rod.

[0050] Because the flow path within the rod is increased within the through-cut section (32) compared to the non-opening area (34), the through-cut section (32) is formed along the axial direction as a low air flow resistance area within the rod of the filter segment (20). That is, because the flow path within the rod is restricted within the non-opening area (34) compared to the through-cut section (32), the non-opening area (34) is formed along the axial direction as a high air flow resistance area within the rod of the filter segment (20). Thus, by arranging the through-cut section (32) and the non-opening area (34) adjacently along the axial direction of the rod of the filter segment (20), a relatively low air flow resistance area and a relatively high air flow resistance area are formed by the filter material (22) within one segment (S) of one sheet material (30). Consequently, the outer perimeter of the sheet material (30) can be wrapped with a single wrapping paper (24) to maintain the shape of the rod of the filter segment (20), and a plurality (e.g., two) of different filtration functions, etc., are formed along the axial direction of the rod of the filter segment (20) by a single filter material (22). Thus, when the rod of the filter segment (20) is formed, it is possible to omit the step of connecting a plurality (e.g., two) of filter segments, each wrapped with a wrapping paper, to form a region having a different filtration function, and it is also possible to omit the manufacturing process of wrapping the outer perimeter of the plurality of filter segments with a wrapping paper.

[0051] The airflow resistance at a location along the longitudinal direction of the filter segment (20) can be adjusted by one member (the filter material (22) of one segment (S) of the sheet material (30)), and due to the presence of the through-cut portion (32), a region of low airflow resistance can be formed. Accordingly, this embodiment enables the provision of a flavor generating article (10) having such a filter segment (20).

[0052] The airflow resistance of the filter material (22) of the filter segment (20) is not only determined by the selection of the sheet material (30), but is also adjusted by setting the creping depth (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 6b) provided by a pair of creping rollers (64a, 64b) of the creping unit (pressing unit) (64) of the manufacturing device (50) (see FIG. 5) described later, for example.

[0053] The difference in air flow resistance per 1 mm of the rod of the filter segment (20) between the first segment (through-cut portion) (32) and the second segment (open-less area) (34) is suitably 0.5 mmH2O / mm to 10 mmH2O / mm, and preferably 1 mmH2O / mm to 5 mmH2O / mm.

[0054] Any wrapping paper may be used for the wrapping paper (24). To maintain the appropriate hardness of the filter segment (20), a wrapping paper having a larger basis weight (thicker paper) may be used. The basis weight of the wrapping paper (24) is preferably 30 gsm or more, preferably 50 gsm, and more preferably 100 gsm or less. The tipping paper (16) may be thickened to maintain the hardness of the filter segment (20) of the flavor-generating article (10).

[0055] A manufacturing device (50) for manufacturing such filter segments (20) will be described below through FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0056] The XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is limited to FIG. 5 in the same way as for the sheet material (30) shown in FIG. 2. Note that the X-axis direction is the direction in which the sheet material (30) is transported from the transport unit (62), which will be described later, toward the cutting unit (58).

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a manufacturing device (50) for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article (10) comprises a supply unit (52) for supplying a sheet material (30), a processing unit (54) for processing the sheet material (30), a rod forming unit (rod rolling unit) (56), a rod cutting unit (58), and a rod optical inspection device (inspection unit) (60). The supply unit (52), processing unit (54), rod forming unit (56), rod cutting unit (58), and optical inspection device (60) are controlled by a control unit not illustrated. Additionally, preferably, the control device for controlling the manufacturing device (50) performs appropriate control, such as feedback control of the supply unit (52), processing unit (54), rod forming unit (56), and rod cutting unit (58), based on information from the control unit (60c) (described later) of the optical inspection device (60). Additionally, preferably, a control device for controlling the manufacturing device (50) controls, based on information from the control unit (60c) (described later) of the optical inspection device (60), for example, the supply of the sheet material (30) by the supply unit (52), the compression of the sheet material (30) by the creping unit (compressing unit) (64) (described later) of the processing unit (54), the penetrating cut of the sheet material (30) by the cutting unit (slit forming unit) (66) to be described later, the formation of the rod by the rod forming unit (56), and the cutting of the rod by the rod cutting unit (58).

[0058] The supply unit (52) supplies a sheet material (30) or a sheet material (30) having a pre-formed open area (34) and a through-cut portion (32) to be transported in a predetermined direction. The supply unit (52) includes a bobbin (52a), a dancer unit (52b), and an auxiliary roller (52c).

[0059] In this embodiment, an open sheet material (30) formed without a through-cut portion (32) is wound onto a bobbin (52a) around a shaft (52a1) parallel to the Y-axis direction, for example. The original length of the sheet material (30) (the length of the sheet material (30) wound onto the bobbin (52a)) is set to an appropriate length, such as 50 m to 100 m or more. The sheet material (30) is transported in a predetermined direction (to the dancer unit (52b)) from a bobbin (paper roller) (52a) that rotates as the shaft (52a1) rotates. The sheet material (30) is transported in the longitudinal direction of the sheet material (30) while the longitudinal movement is controlled, for example, by controlling the sheet material (30) at a constant speed and constant tension.

[0060] A dancer unit (52b) is provided on the downstream side of the bobbin (52a) of the supply unit (52) and on the upstream side of the transfer unit (62) (described later) of the processing unit (54). The dancer unit (52b) adjusts the sheet material (30) to reduce changes in tension of the sheet material (30) caused by changes in the diameter of the bobbin (52a) and changes in the transfer speed of the sheet material (30). The dancer unit (52b) includes a plurality of upper rollers (52b1) and a plurality of lower rollers (52b2). The sheet material (30) passes in a zigzag pattern between the upper and lower rollers (52b1, 52b2) of the dancer unit (52b).

[0061] An auxiliary roller (52c) is provided on the downstream side of the dancer unit (52b). The auxiliary roller (52c) changes the direction of the sheet material (30) passed through the dancer unit (52b) toward the transfer unit (62) to be described later.

[0062] The processing unit (54) performs preliminary work to form the sheet material (30) into a rod, while also forming an area to vary the air flow resistance within one segment (S). The processing unit (54) includes, for example, a conveying unit (62), a creping unit (64), a cutting unit (66), an auxiliary roller (54a), and an additional unit (68) along the flow of the paper sheet material (30).

[0063] The transfer unit (62) allows the sheet material (30) to be moved downstream while the sheet material (30) is held with appropriate tension in the X-axis direction. The transfer unit (62) includes, for example, a pair of transfer rollers (62a, 62b). For example, the upper roller (62a) of the transfer unit (62) is formed by two rubber rollers arranged side by side on the left and right sides in the depth direction of the page of FIG. 5. The lower roller (62b) is formed by, for example, a metal roller having a flat surface. A spiral shape is formed on the surface of each of the two rubber rollers of the upper roller (62a), and when the transfer rollers (62a, 62b) rotate, the two width-direction ends of the sheet material (30) are further spaced apart and spread out in the transverse direction (Y-axis direction), preventing the formation of unintended wrinkles at this point.

[0064] A creping unit (pressing unit) (64) for performing creping treatment on a sheet material (30) is provided on the downstream side of a transfer unit (62). The creping unit (64) presses the sheet material (30) transferred from the supply unit (52). The creping unit (64) includes a pair of creping rollers (64a, 64b). The creping rollers (64a, 64b) are used to form longitudinal wrinkles within the sheet material (30) along the X-axis direction, thereby making it easier to form the filter segment (20) as a rod. That is, when the sheet material (30) is formed as a rod, the creping unit (64) forms linear wrinkles along the longitudinal direction to facilitate folding of the sheet material (30).

[0065] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a pair of creping rollers (64A, 64B) comprise a rotary shaft (6411, 6421) parallel to each other in the Y-axis direction; and a plurality of protrusions (disk-shaped members) (6412, 6422). It will be assumed that the upper rotary shaft (6411) is a first rotary shaft and the lower rotary shaft (6421) is a second rotary shaft. A plurality of first protrusions (6412) are provided on the first rotary shaft (6411), and a plurality of second protrusions (6422) are provided on the second rotary shaft (6421). A plurality of protrusions (6412, 6422) are each appropriately formed as disk-shaped members having the same diameter. For example, it should be noted that adjacent protrusions (6412, 6422) are separated at predetermined intervals in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the sheet material (30).

[0066] The first rotary shaft (6411) and the second rotary shaft (6421) can move together closer and further apart while remaining parallel to each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the sheet material (30). A plurality of first protrusions (6412) protrude from the first rotary shaft (6411) by approximately equal amounts. A plurality of first protrusions (6412) are separated by a predetermined interval in the width direction. A plurality of second protrusions (6422) protrude from the second rotary shaft (6421) by approximately equal amounts. A plurality of second protrusions (6422) are separated by a predetermined interval in the width direction. When the first rotary shaft (6411) and the second rotary shaft (6421) move together closer, the first protrusions (6412) and the second protrusions (6422) are positioned apart from each other. The distance (reference numeral D1 in FIG. 6a and reference numeral D2 in FIG. 6b) between the upper portion (6412a) of the first protrusion (6412) and the upper portion (6422a) of the second protrusion (6422) along the approach and separation directions of the first rotary shaft (6411) and the second rotary shaft (6421) will be assumed to form a bonding amount. The distance (D1 and D2) is suitably, for example, about 1 mm or less. By adjusting the bonding amount (distance (D1, D2)) within the creping unit (64), it is possible to adjust the creping depth of the paper sheet material (30) when the rod of the filter segment (20) is formed within the rod forming unit (56) to be described later. The creping depth is interchangeable with the distance in the Z-axis direction between the upper portions (6412a, 6422a) of the protrusions (6412, 6422) of a pair of creping rollers (64a, 64b). A comparison of the distance (D1) in FIG. 6a and the distance (D2) in FIG. 6b indicates that the distance (D2) is greater. In this case, the creping depth of the sheet material (30) is greater in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6b than in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a.The gap between the first rotary shaft (6411) and the second rotary shaft (6421) of the creping unit (64) has a fixed positional relationship while performing creping treatment on the sheet material (30).

[0067] Accordingly, when the positional relationship of the rotary shafts (6411, 6421) shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b is adjusted, the connection depth (distance (D1, D2)) between the protrusions (6412, 6422) is adjusted, and the depth of the longitudinal fold along the X-axis direction formed within the sheet material (30), or the degree of elongation of the sheet material (30), is varied. Then, by adjusting the connection depth between the protrusions (6412, 6422), it is possible to adjust the air flow resistance within one segment (S) of the filter material (22).

[0068] It should be noted that when the sheet material (13) is smoothly moved downstream between the upper part (6412a) of the first protrusion (6412) and the upper part (6422a) of the second protrusion (6422), the pair of creping rollers (64a, 64b) do not need to be rotated around the rotary shaft (6411, 6421). Accordingly, the pair of creping rollers (64a, 64b) of the creping unit (64) must each be formed as a creping mechanism.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a cutting unit (slit forming unit) (66) is positioned on the downstream side of the creping unit (64). The cutting unit (66) forms a through-cut section (i.e., a through-slit) within a portion of the sheet material (30) being transported (supplied) from the supply unit (52). The cutting unit (66) forms a plurality of through-cut sections (32) by forming a cutting section (slit) through the sheet material (30) within a portion of the sheet material (30), thereby forming a connecting section (33a) that is integral with the sheet material (30) and a tongue section (33) that protrudes from the sheet material (30). This embodiment describes the case where the cutting unit (66) is positioned on the downstream side of the creping unit (64) along the transport direction of the sheet material (30). It is also suitable for the cutting unit (66) to be positioned on the upstream side of the creping unit (64). The cutting unit (66) and the creping unit (64) may have a positional relationship such that they are positioned on the upstream or downstream side, but the creping unit (64) is preferably positioned on the upstream side and the cutting unit (66) is preferably positioned on the downstream side. As the sheet material (30) passes through the creping unit (64), the sheet material (30) is stretched. Therefore, after the sheet material (30) is stretched, it is easy to control the through-cut position by forming a cut portion within the sheet material (30) through the cutting unit (66). Meanwhile, if the cutting unit (66) is positioned upstream of the creping unit (64), sufficient tension is applied to the sheet material (30) during transport, so it is easy to form a through-cut portion (32) by through-cutting.

[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7a, the cutting unit (66) has, for example, an upper roller (first roller) (66a) and a lower roller (second roller) (66b). The cutting unit (66) forms a plurality of through-cut sections (32) having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size within the sheet material (30) when the sheet material (30) passes between the upper and lower rollers (66a, 66b). That is, the sheet material (30) having a connecting section (33a) and a tongue section (33) (see FIG. 2) is formed by forming a plurality of through-cut sections (32) having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size within the sheet material (30) without an opening.

[0071] The upper roller (66a) has a blade (see FIG. 7c) for properly cutting the sheet material (30). The lower roller (66b) is formed, for example, as a metal roll having a non-uniform portion. For example, as the transfer speed of the sheet material (30) is controlled by the transfer unit (62), the sheet material (30) is transferred between the upper roller (66a) and the lower roller (66b), and a through-cut portion (32) is formed within the sheet material (30) when it is sandwiched between the upper roller (66a) and the lower roller (66b) so that a predetermined through-cut portion (32) is continuously formed. That is, a plurality of through-cut portions (32) are repeatedly formed within the sheet material (30).

[0072] The blade is formed to form a through-cut portion within the sheet material (30) so that the through-cut portion (32) does not have corners. That is, the blade is formed in a shape such that the through-cut portion (32) is cut in an annular shape without corners. Accordingly, the blade of the cutting unit (66) prevents a portion of the through-cut portion (32), other than the connecting portion (33a), from being continuously connected to the sheet material (30).

[0073] Two embodiments of the cutting unit (66) will be described here. FIG. 7a illustrates a first embodiment (a method using a flexible die (66c)). FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment (a method using a rotary die).

[0074] The cutting unit (66) illustrated in FIG. 7a includes, for example, a metal upper roller (cutting roller) (66a) to which a flexible die (66c) (see FIG. 7b) is magnetically attached, and a lower roller (anvil roller) (66b).

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 7c, the flexible die (66c) comprises, for example, a thin metal sheet of about 0.45 mm that is etched or machined, and a cutting blade (slit-forming blade) (66d) formed in the shape of a through-cut portion (32) is provided on the surface of the metal sheet to cut through the through-cut portion (32). When the through-cut portion is formed within the through-cut portion (32) of the sheet material (30), the flexible die (66c) is magnetically attached to a magnetic upper roller (66a). Two flexible dies (66c) are typically attached to the upper roller (66a). For example, two flexible dies (66c) are used adjacently in the circumferential or axial direction of the upper roller (66a). In this case, the entire upper roller (66a) is covered by the flexible die (66c). Here, the flexible die (66c) must be positioned on the upper roller (66a) in such a way that the through-cut portion (32) and the open-less area (34) are repeatedly formed in the same shape along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material (30).

[0076] Using the upper roller (66a) and flexible die (66c) shown in FIG. 7a is less expensive than using the upper roller (66a) in the form of a rotary die shown in FIG. 8. When the flexible die (66c) shown in FIG. 7a is used, it is difficult to manufacture a through-cut section with relatively thick material. For example, it may not be possible to properly through-cut a sheet material (30) having a thickness of 0.5 mm or more, but this also depends on the material, and the through-cut section of the paper may not be separated from the cutting blade of the flexible die (66c).

[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the upper roller (66a) is formed as a rotary die. A predetermined cutting blade (slit-forming blade) (66f) for forming a through-cut portion (32) within the sheet material (30) is formed within the upper roller (rotary die) (66a), for example, by machining a metal roll. Accordingly, the upper roller (66a) can generally be used for relatively thick sheet material (30). If the cutting blade (66f) becomes less sharp, the cutting blade (66f) can be re-sharpened so that the upper roller (rotary die) (66a) can be reused.

[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, a plurality of lines (31) (i.e., valley fold portions (31a) and mountain fold portions (31b)) are each extended along the axial direction of the rod of the sheet material (30) and arranged parallel to each other in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod. That is, the valley fold portions (31a) and mountain fold portions (31b) are provided within the sheet material (30) spaced apart in the width direction and parallel to the axial direction of the rod.

[0079] Additionally, it is preferable that the distance between the valley fold portion (31a) and the mountain fold portion (31b) closest to each other in the width direction is less than the distance between the through cut portions (32) closest to each other in the width direction. In this case, the through cut portions (32) closest to each other in the width direction are more likely to intersect with the line (31) (valley fold portion (31a), mountain fold portion (31b)).

[0080] Additionally, it is preferable that the distance between the valley fold portion (31a) and the mountain fold portion (31b) adjacent to each other in the width direction is less than the length of the other opposing pair of faces (S2) of the virtual frame (F) (see FIG. 3). In this case, there is a single through cut portion (32) between the valley fold portion (31a) and the mountain fold portion (31b). Accordingly, at least a portion of the plurality of tongue portions (33) are spaced apart or arranged adjacent to each other in the direction along the axial direction of the rod and are formed to cross the line (fold line) (31). It should be noted that the distance between the valley fold portion (31a) and the mountain fold portion (31b) (the distance between the lines (31) adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction) may all be the same, partially the same, or all different. Consequently, at least a portion of the plurality of tongue portions (33) rises away from the surface of the sheet material (30) to form an opening within the sheet material (30).

[0081] Consequently, while the sheet material (30) is folded so as to pivot around the fold lines (31a, 31b), the tongue portion (33) containing the fold lines (31a, 31b) is not curved as much as the sheet material (30) due to the elasticity of the tongue portion (33), thus causing a portion that does not follow the sheet material (30). Thus, an opening in the shape of part or all of the tongue portion (33) is formed within the sheet material (30).

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the additional unit (68) is installed on the downstream side of the cutting unit (66). In this embodiment, the additional unit (68) includes a liquid addition unit (68a) and a granule addition unit (68b). For example, if the filter material (22) is subjected to creping treatment and formed into a cylindrical rod, the additional unit (68) may add an additive to the filter material (22) of the sheet material (30). A liquid may be added, granules (solids) may be added, or both may be added as additives. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the additional unit (68) is not used. Therefore, it will be assumed that the sheet material (30) passes through the liquid addition unit (68a) and the granule addition unit (68b) of the additional unit (68) without interruption.

[0083] A rod forming unit (56) is positioned downstream of an additional unit (68). That is, the rod forming unit (56) is provided downstream of a creping unit (64) and a cutting unit (66). The rod forming unit (56) forms the sheet material (30) into a rod having a substantially circular cross-section (i.e., a rod having a substantially cylindrical appearance), and through-cut portions (32) and open-less areas (34) are alternately arranged along the axial direction. The rod forming unit (56) includes a wrapping paper feeding mechanism (72), a bundling guide (74), a wrapping glue gun (76), and a tong (78).

[0084] The packaging material supply mechanism (72) supplies the sheet-type member (24a), supplied from the bobbin (72a) on which the sheet-type member (24a) is wound, to the bundling guide (74) together with the sheet material (30). It should be noted that when the filter segment (20) is formed, the sheet-type member (24a) forms a packaging material (24) that is wound around the filter material (22).

[0085] The bundling guide (74) is formed in such a way that its passage becomes narrower from upstream toward downstream. As the sheet material (30) passes through the bundling guide (74), the bundling guide (74) causes the sheet material (30) to approach the shape of a cylindrical rod. While the width of the bundling guide (74) through which the sheet material (30) passes becomes narrower from upstream toward downstream, the sheet material (30) is deformed into a nearly bellows shape corresponding to the longitudinal folds (lines (31)) (valley fold portion (31a), mountain fold portion (31b)) formed by the creping unit (64). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4a, a portion of the tongue portion (33) inside the plurality of through cut portions (32) rises away from the surface of the open-less area (34) of the sheet material (30) due to the elasticity of the sheet material (30) itself. When a portion of the tongue portion (33) inside the plurality of through cut portions (32) rises away from the surface of the open-less area (34) of the sheet material (30), the raised portion becomes an opening. The shape of the opening is to be the same as the shape of the tongue portion (33) or the shape of a portion of the tongue portion (33). It is expected. In any case, the state of the sheet material (30) will be nearly the same as the state in which a portion of the tongue portion (33) is displaced to form an opening of the same size as or smaller than the tongue portion (33). The sheet material (30) is substantially deformed into a bellows shape while the tongue portion (33) adopts this state.

[0086] Additionally, the sheet material (30) narrows in a regular or random manner, and the shape of the sheet material (30) approximates the shape of a cylindrical rod. As the sheet material (30) narrows into a cylindrical shape from upstream to downstream by the bundling guide (74), due to the elasticity of the sheet material (30) itself, a portion of the tongue portion (33) inside the plurality of through cut portions (32) rises away from the surface of the open area (34) of the sheet material (30), as shown in FIG. 4a.

[0087] The bundling guide (74) surrounds the outer circumference of the sheet material (30), which is close to the shape of a rod, with a sheet-shaped member (24a) as the sheet material (30) moves from the upstream side toward the downstream side. That is, the bundling guide (74) surrounds the outer circumference of the narrowed sheet material (30) (filter material (22)) with a sheet-shaped member (24a) that forms a wrapping paper (24), causing the sheet material (30) to become close to the shape of a cylindrical rod.

[0088] Next, the widthwise end surface of the sheet-type member (24a) that has passed through the bundling guide (74) is coated with adhesive from the packaging glue gun (76).

[0089] Additionally, a tube (78) is provided on the downstream side of the packaging glue gun (76). The tube (78) joins the end surfaces of the sheet-shaped member (24a) that form the packaging paper (24) together using adhesive. Thus, the shape of the filter assembly (18) that can be formed as a filter segment (20) is maintained by the tube (78). That is, as shown in FIG. 4b, the rod forming unit (56) of the manufacturing device (50) can wind up the sheet material (30) into the form of a filter assembly (rod assembly) through the sheet-shaped member (24a) that forms the packaging paper (24).

[0090] Next, the cutting unit (58) continuously cuts the continuous rod wound by the tube (78) to a predetermined length. At this point, the cutting unit (58) cuts the rod having at least one of a through-cut section (32) and an open-less area (34), respectively. Thus, the manufacturing device (50) can manufacture a filter assembly (18) having a predetermined length. This embodiment describes an example in which the cutting unit (58) manufactures a filter assembly (18) having a predetermined length, such as a length that is, for example, four or six times the length of the filter segment (20), but it should be noted that the filter segment (20) can be directly manufactured from a continuous rod-shaped member wound by the tube (78) without the filter assembly (18) being manufactured.

[0091] The cutting unit (58) cuts the rod such that the cutting portion is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod. FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a cutting end (virtual line) (CE) when the rod is spread out as a sheet material (30). As schematically illustrated in FIG. 9a, there is a possibility that the rod may be cut at a cutting end (CE) that intersects the through-cut portion (32). Even if the rod is cut at a cutting end (CE) that intersects the through-cut portion (32), the tongue portion (33) does not form an annular closed shape. That is, when a virtual line (cutting end (CE)) is illustrated perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod within the through-cut portion (32), the virtual line and the through-cut portion (32) do not form a closed shape. That is, when the tongue portion (33) is cut perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod, the tongue portion (33) remains connected to the sheet material (30) at the connecting portion (33a). Accordingly, one or both of the parts of the tongue portion (33) cut at the cutting end (CE) (i.e., at least one of the parts) remain connected to the sheet material (30) and are prevented from being separated. Thus, when using the sheet material (30) according to this embodiment, this configuration prevents the scrap portion from being separated from the sheet material (30) and becoming waste when the sheet material (30) is cut by the cutting unit (58) to form a rod of a predetermined length.

[0092] Meanwhile, in FIG. 9b, the connecting portion (33a) of the through-cut portion (32), formed in a direction rotated 90° relative to the sheet material (30) from the direction of FIG. 9a, is assumed to be parallel to the Y-axis. At this point, for example, when the rod is cut at the cutting end (CE) that intersects the unilateral through-cut portion (32), a portion of the diagonally indicated tongue portion (33) forms an annular closed shape. Consequently, the diagonally indicated portion is separated from the sheet material (30). For this reason, it is more preferable that the through-cut portion (32) be formed in the direction indicated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 9a relative to the sheet material (30).

[0093] Conversely, for example, if a through-cut portion (32) formed in the direction shown in FIG. 9b is used with respect to the sheet material (30), when the rod is cut at the cut end (CE), more openings can be reliably formed, but these will be on the end surface of the rod.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 5, an optical inspection device (60) for optical inspection of the rod of the filter assembly (18) is provided on the downstream side of the cutting unit (58).

[0095] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 10, the optical inspection device (60) includes: a light-emitting unit (60a); a light-receiving unit (60b) for receiving light emitted from the light-emitting unit (60a) and passed through a filter assembly (rod) (18); and a control unit (60c) for controlling the light-emitting unit (60a) and the light-receiving unit (60b).

[0096] The light-emitting unit (60a) is a light source, for example, such as an LED light source. The light-receiving unit (60b) is a detector for detecting light, for example, such as a photodiode, or an imaging element of a camera.

[0097] The control unit (60c) is a computer that includes, in physical condition, memory such as RAM or ROM, a processor (arithmetic circuit) such as a CPU, a communication interface, and an information storage unit such as a hard disk. Examples of the control unit (60c) that may be mentioned include personal computers, cloud servers, and tablet terminals, etc. The control unit (60c) functions by causing the processor to execute a program stored in memory.

[0098] When a camera is used as a light receiving unit (60b), the control unit (60c) outputs a pixel value (light intensity) for each pixel based on light information (received light information) received by the light receiving unit (60b), for example. As shown in FIG. 11, in the filter assembly (18), the state of the sheet material (30) differs between the through-cut portion (32) and the non-opening area (34) along the longitudinal direction due to curvature of the through-cut portion (32), etc., thereby causing a difference in transmitted light intensity or scattered light intensity. That is, each filter assembly (18) repeatedly includes a first light-transmitting portion (18a) and a second light-transmitting portion (18b) having a lower light transmittance than the first light-transmitting portion (18a). The first light-transmitting portion (18a) corresponds to the through-cut portion (32), and the second light-transmitting portion (18b) corresponds to the open-less area (34). Accordingly, the control unit (60c) can identify the boundary between the open-less area (34) and the through-cut portion (32) of the filter material (22) within the filter assembly (18) based on the intensity of light (received light information) received by the light-receiving unit (60b) from the light-emitting unit (60a) through the filter assembly (18). The filter assembly (18) can be inspected by an optical inspection device (60) that verifies the intensity of light transmitted in this manner. Accordingly, the control unit (60c) can output the position and length of the first light-transmitting portion (18a) (through-cut portion (32)) and the position and length of the second light-transmitting portion (18b) (open-free area (34)) between one end and the other end of the filter assembly (18). The control unit (60c) outputs whether the plurality of through-cut portions (32) and the plurality of open-free areas (34) are each set to a desired preset length.For example, when the control unit (60c) detects that a plurality of through-cut sections (32) and a plurality of non-opening areas (34) each have a desired preset length, the control unit of the manufacturing device (50) performs control (feedback control) to maintain the control state of each device of the manufacturing device (50) (supply unit (52), processing unit (54), rod forming unit (56), rod cutting unit (58), etc.). On the other hand, when the control unit (60c) detects that a plurality of through-cut sections (32) and a plurality of non-opening areas (34) deviate from the desired preset length, the control unit of the manufacturing device (50) controls the control state of each device of the manufacturing device (50) so that a plurality of through-cut sections (32) and a plurality of non-opening areas (34) each have a desired preset length. Accordingly, the control unit (60c) controls the supply of the sheet material (30) by the supply unit (52) for supplying the sheet material (30) and the through-cutting of the sheet material (30) by the cutting unit (66) based on the signal transmitted from the light receiving unit (60b) to the control unit (60c).

[0099] Light emitted from the light-emitting unit (60a) and received by the light-receiving unit (60b) through the sheet-type member (24a) within the through-cut portion (32) which is wound in a rod shape with the sheet-type member (24a) forming the sheet-type member (24a), rod-shaped filter material (22), and packaging paper (24), has a higher transmittance in the first light-transmitting portion (18a) (through-cut portion (32)) than in the second light-transmitting portion (18b) (open-less area (34)). By comparing the light transmittance at multiple locations of the first light-transmitting portion (18a) and the second light-transmitting portion (18b), the control unit (60c) can not only determine the location and length of multiple through-cut portions (32) and multiple open-less areas (34) within the filter assembly (18), but also perform quality control on the filter material (22) (sheet material (30)) formed in a cylindrical shape. If the deviation in light transmittance of a plurality of first light-transmitting portions (18a) (through-cut portions (32)) is maintained within a predetermined threshold range, the control unit (60c) may provide an output indicating that the substantially cylindrical filter material (22) within the filter assembly (18) is held inside the sheet-type member (24a) forming the packaging (24) with substantially constant quality. Similarly, if the deviation in light transmittance of a plurality of second light-transmitting portions (18b) (open-less regions (34)) is maintained within a predetermined threshold range, the control unit (60c) may provide an output indicating that the filter material (22) within the filter assembly (18) is held inside the sheet-type member (24a) forming the packaging (24) with substantially constant quality. Conversely, if the deviation in the light transmittance of a plurality of first light-transmitting parts (18a) and / or a plurality of second light-transmitting parts (18b) exceeds a predetermined threshold range, a deviation in filtration performance may occur when the filter segment (20) is used.Accordingly, the control unit (60c) provides an output indicating that the filter material (22) in the filter assembly (18) is held inside the sheet-type member (24a) forming the packaging (24) with poor quality.

[0100] Additionally, the control unit (60c) can compare the deviation in light intensity between a plurality of filter assemblies (18) based on the light information from the light-emitting unit (60a) received by the light-receiving unit (60b) (light transmittance of the first light-transmitting portion (18a) and / or the second light-transmitting portion (18b)). At this point, the control unit (60c) can compare the quality between the plurality of filter assemblies (18).

[0101] It should be noted that the measurement using light emission by the light emission unit (60a) and light reception by the light reception unit (60b) can be performed by imaging that is periodically performed at appropriate time intervals by the imaging element of a camera, and then by image processing, or by continuous measurement of changes in light intensity.

[0102] Accordingly, the control unit (60c) can output whether the filter assembly (18) is formed in a desired state based on the signal transmitted from the light receiving unit (60b). That is, the optical inspection device (60) can output whether the filter assembly (18) is formed in a desired state.

[0103] The devices (supply unit (52), processing unit (54), rod forming unit (56), rod cutting unit (58), etc.) within the manufacturing device (50) are feedback controlled based on this output from the control unit (60c), thereby maintaining stable quality. Accordingly, the manufacturing device (50) according to this embodiment can manufacture a filter assembly (18) of stable quality.

[0104] This embodiment describes an example in which an optical inspection device (60) is positioned on the downstream side of a rod cutting unit (58), and a filter assembly (18) cut to a predetermined length, such as four or six times the length of a filter segment (20), is verified. The optical inspection device (60) may be positioned on the upstream side of the rod cutting unit (58) in the same manner. In this case, the optical inspection above may be performed with the filter material (22) formed by the tube (78) surrounded by a sheet-type member (24a) that forms a packaging sheet (24).

[0105] Each filter assembly (18) is further cut to form a filter segment (20) for a flavor-generating article (10). Thus, the filter assembly (18) is cut to form a filter segment (20) before the filter segment (20) is joined to the flavor-generating segment (12) through the tipping paper (16). For example, based on the inspection results performed by an optical inspection device (60), the optical inspection device (60) may apply a marking of the cutting position on the outer circumferential surface of the sheet-type member (24a) of the filter assembly (18) indicating the boundary between the through-cut portion (32) and the open area (34). In this case, the device for cutting the filter assembly (18) can easily identify the cutting position on the filter assembly (18) (i.e., can easily identify the location where the filter assembly (18) must be cut to obtain a plurality of filter segments (20). Therefore, by using the inspection result of the optical inspection device (60), the task of detecting the position for cutting the filter assembly (18) by the device for cutting the filter assembly (18) can be reduced.

[0106] Accordingly, by appropriately cutting the filter assembly (18), a filter segment (20) having at least one through-cut portion (32) and an open-less area (34) can be obtained. Here, it is possible to form areas with multiple different functions through a single member (sheet material (30)), for example, a filter segment (20) for a flavor-generating article (10) capable of adjusting the amount of fluid filtered is formed.

[0107] One end of the filter segment (20) is formed as a mouthpiece end (14b) of the flavor generating article (10) and is formed as an open area (34). The tip end surface (14a) of the filter segment (20) is positioned to be in contact with the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12) of the flavor generating article (10), and the area including the tip end surface (14a) of the filter segment (20) and the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12) is wrapped with tipping paper (16) to form the flavor generating article (10).

[0108] Accordingly, this embodiment enables the provision of a filter segment (20) and a flavor generating article (10) for a flavor generating article (10) that can adjust the amount of fluid filtered, etc. by a region having a different function (a through-cut portion (32) and a region without an opening (34)) formed from a single member (filter material (22)).

[0109] This embodiment describes an example in which a bobbin (52a) is formed by winding a sheet material (30) without openings, and a through-cut portion (32) is formed by a manufacturing device (50). The bobbin (52a) can be formed in the same way by winding a sheet material (30) in which the through-cut portion (32) and the open-free area (34) are pre-formed. The filter segment (20) can also be formed using such a sheet material (30) in which the through-cut portion (32) and the open-free area (34) are pre-formed. In this case, the cutting unit (66) does not need to be present in the manufacturing device (50), or the upper and lower rollers (66a, 66b) can be removed.

[0110] This embodiment describes an example in which a filter assembly (18) including a filter segment (20) is manufactured using a manufacturing device (50). The manufacturing device (50) may also manufacture a rod assembly or rod segment for a flavor-generating article (10) in addition to the filter segment (20). For example, when a cigarette sheet material is used as the sheet material (30), a cigarette rod including a through-cut portion (32) and an open area (34) is manufactured. At this point, a cigarette rod having a plurality of segments (S) can be manufactured from the sheet material (30). Creping and folding processes are performed on the cigarette sheet material in the same manner as with the aforementioned sheet material (30), and the rod of the flavor-generating segment (12) is formed by wrapping it with a wrapping paper instead of the wrapping paper (24). When a cigarette sheet material that has undergone creping and folding processes in the same manner as the aforementioned sheet material (30) is used as a filling material for the rod of the flavor generating segment (12), instead of using the processed sheet material (30), for example, an acetate tow filter may be used as the filter material (22) of the filter segment (20).

[0111] In addition, similar to the additive in the filter material (22) added by the additional unit (68), an additive suitable for the cigarette sheet material acting as the sheet material (30) may be added (see FIG. 5).

[0112] The cooling segment (46) may be manufactured using a cooling sheet material (30), but this will be described later in the third embodiment (see FIG. 30).

[0113] According to this embodiment, for example, a manufacturing apparatus (50) capable of manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article (10) (a rod segment (20) and a rod assembly (18) obtained by cutting the rod assembly (18)) capable of adjusting the state of a fluid flowing from upstream to downstream by a region having different functions formed by a single member, may be provided, and a method for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article (10) (a rod segment (20) and a rod assembly (18) obtained by cutting the rod assembly (18)) may also be provided. At this point, the manufacturing apparatus (50) can prevent scrap from being generated from the sheet material (30) by appropriately setting the shape of the tongue portion (33).

[0114] In the described embodiment, the through-cut portions (32) are formed at equal intervals in the width direction. The through-cut portions (32) may be formed randomly and equally in the width direction. When the filter segment (20) is formed as a cylindrical rod segment, the arrangement of the through-cut portions (32) should be appropriately uniform and should not be excessively uneven.

[0115] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a sheet material (30) is subjected to a creping process to form a plurality of lines (31), and an embodiment is described in which the sheet material (30) is folded along the plurality of lines (31) by a folding process (see FIGS. 4a and 4b). The sheet material (30) may be subjected to a folding process to form a spiral shape without undergoing a creping process, for example, as shown in FIG. 12a or FIG. 12b. That is, it is also preferable that the sheet material (30) be formed into a spiral shape around an axis following the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod by the folding process. In this case as well, the tongue portion (33) formed by the through-cut portion (32) protrudes from the surface of the non-opening area (34) of the sheet material (30) to form an opening. Additionally, when the sheet material (30) is formed into a spiral shape, it may be formed into an Archimedes spiral shape as shown in FIG. 12a, for example, or into a Fermat spiral shape consisting of two spirals that are smoothly connected to the origin as shown in FIG. 12b. Then, the sheet material (30) (filter material (22)) that has been folded into a spiral shape is wrapped in a wrapping paper (24) to form a rod of a filter segment (20).

[0116] It should be noted that, as described later in the third embodiment (see FIG. 30), it is also possible to manufacture a cooling segment (46) by using a sheet material (30) for cooling that has been folded into a spiral shape.

[0117] Various shapes are allowed for the shape of the through-cut portion (32) shown in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3. Although not shown, the through-cut portion (32) may be formed with a surface (S2) longer than the surface (S1) within the virtual frame (F) shown in FIG. 3, and the through-cut portion (32) may be formed with a surface (S2) shorter than the surface (S1). Additionally, the through-cut portion (32) may be formed with surfaces (S1) and (S2) having the same length.

[0118] Now, other shapes of the through-cut portion (32) will be illustrated using FIGS. 13 through 23. When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) protrudes from the sheet material (30) to form an opening within the sheet material (30), shapes other than those illustrated are also acceptable as shapes of the through-cut portion (32) (see FIGS. 4a, 4b, 12a, and 12b).

[0119] Now, FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which the through-cut portions of the unicornical through-cut portion (32) intersect. In this case, the through-cut portion (32) is formed within the sheet material (30) using, for example, the cutting unit (66) shown in FIG. 7a through 8. At this point, a portion indicated by the diagonal line in FIG. 13 falls off as scrap. For this reason, it is preferable that the through-cut portions of the unicornical through-cut portion (32) do not intersect. Conversely, when the through-cut portions of the unicornical through-cut portion (32) intersect, the amount of scrap can be reliably suppressed compared to when the annular through-cut portion is formed within the sheet material (30) in the shape of the tongue portion (33), and an opening can be reliably formed within the sheet material (30).

[0120] The through-cut portion (32) may be substantially U-shaped as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, or substantially V-shaped as shown in FIG. 14. In this case, the vertex (corner) portion is not pointed, but is preferably formed, for example, as part of an arc. Here, within the rectangular frame (F), the length (S1) along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod is greater than the length (S2) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction). Within the rectangular frame (F), the length (S1) along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod may be less than the length (S2) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction). Additionally, the length (S1) of the rectangular frame (F) along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod may be nearly equal to the length (S2) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction).

[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the through-cut portion (32) may be substantially C-shaped. In this case, the connecting portion (33a) along the X-axis is formed to connect a pair of end portions (32a, 32b) together. The length (width) of the connecting portion (33a) along the X-axis is relatively small compared to the maximum width along the X-axis of the tongue portion (33). Consequently, the tongue portion moves more easily from the surface of the sheet material (30) during folding, and the opening is formed more easily.

[0122] Each end portion (32a, 32b) as described herein is assumed to have an appropriate length along an inclined plane from face (S1) to face (S2) of a virtual frame (F). For example, when a rod is cut by a cutting unit (58) within a through-cut portion (32) along the X-axis, if the area including the connecting portion (33a) between a pair of end portions (32a, 32b) is cut, scrap from the sheet material (30) is prevented. For example, when a rod is cut by a cutting unit (58) within a through-cut portion (32) along the X-axis, if the end portion (32a) of a pair of end portions (32a, 32b) is cut at the cutting end (CE), a closed shape may be formed between the cutting portion along the X-axis, the cutting portion along the Y-axis, and the cutting unit (58). In this case, even if scrap is generated, the area of ​​the scrap (amount of scrap) can be greatly reduced compared to when the entire tongue (33) is open.

[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the through-cut portion (32) may be in the shape of an arc. In this case, it is preferable that a pair of endpoints (32a and 32b) of the arc be aligned in the width direction (coordinates on the Y-axis), but they do not necessarily need to be aligned. That is, the through-cut portion (32) does not need to be symmetric with respect to the Y-axis that intersects the appropriate coordinates on the X-axis. Also, the through-cut portion (32) does not need to be symmetric with respect to the X-axis that intersects the appropriate coordinates on the Y-axis. Additionally, by the through-cut portion (32), a connecting portion (33a) inclined with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis is formed within the sheet material (30) to connect a pair of endpoints (32a and 32b). When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) of the sheet material (30) having such a through-cut portion (32) may be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30).

[0124] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the through-cut portion (32) is formed substantially in an L-shape, for example, by a through-cut portion (321) along the X-axis and a through-cut portion (322) along the Y-axis. The connecting portion (33a) is formed to connect together the ends (32a, 32b) that are far from the intersection (32c) of the through-cut portion (321) along the X-axis and the through-cut portion (322) along the Y-axis. The through-cut portion (32) can be formed in this manner. When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) of the sheet material (30) having these through-cut portions (32) can be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30).

[0125] In addition, when the rod is cut by the cutting unit (58), a closed shape is not formed. Accordingly, the generation of scrap is prevented.

[0126] In FIG. 17, there is an intersection point (32c) where a cutting section (321) including the end point (32a) of a through-cut section (32) and a cutting section (322) including the end point (32b) intersect. If the intersection point (32c) is formed as a corner, it may be difficult to cut the intersection point (32c) from the sheet material (30) when the through-cut section (32) is formed by the cutting unit (66). Therefore, it is preferable that the intersection point (32c) is not formed as a corner, but rather as a smooth curved cutting section connecting the cutting section (321) including the end point (32a) and the cutting section (322) including the end point (32b).

[0127] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the through-cut portion (32) is formed substantially in a T-shape, for example, by a through-cut portion (321) along the X-axis and a through-cut portion (322) along the Y-axis. That is, within the through-cut portion (32), the through-cut portion (321) along the X-axis intersects the through-cut portion (322) along the Y-axis near its center. Thus, the through-cut portion (32) is not formed in a unicyclic shape. The connecting portion (33a) is formed to connect together the ends (32a and 32b1) and the ends (32a and 32b2) located far from the intersection (32c) of the through-cut portion (321) along the X-axis and the through-cut portion (322) along the Y-axis. The through-cut portion (32) can be formed in this manner. When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) of the sheet material (30) having such a through-cut portion (32) can be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30).

[0128] In addition, when the rod is cut by the cutting unit (58), a closed shape is not formed. Accordingly, the generation of scrap is prevented.

[0129] Within the rectangular frame (F), the length (S1) along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod is less than the length (S2) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction). Within the rectangular frame (F), the length (S1) along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod may be greater than the length (S2) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction). Additionally, the length (S1) of the rectangular frame (F) along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod may be nearly equal to the length (S2) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction).

[0130] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the through-cut portion (32) includes another through-cut portion (323) along the X-axis, in addition to the through-cut portion (32) illustrated in FIG. 18. Consequently, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the through-cut portion (32) is formed substantially in an F-shape. The through-cut portion (32) can be formed in this manner. When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) of the sheet material (30) having this through-cut portion (32) can be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30). It should be noted that when the rod is cut by the cutting unit (58), a closed shape may be formed. In this case, scrap is generated from the sheet material (30), but the area of ​​the scrap (amount of scrap) can be significantly reduced compared to the case where the entire tongue portion (33) is open.

[0131] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, another through-cut portion (36) may be additionally formed inwardly with respect to the outer edge of the tongue portion (33) formed by the unicornical through-cut portion (32).

[0132] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, another through-cut portion (36) is formed within the substantially U-shaped tongue portion (33) of the through-cut portion (32) illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Here, the other through-cut portion (36) comprises, for example, a straight through-cut portion (361) along the Y-axis, and a plurality (for example, a pair) of through-cut portions (362) along the Y-axis spaced apart from the through-cut portion (361) in the X-axis direction. The through-cut portion (361) is provided between the pair of through-cut portions (362). Additionally, the through-cut portion (361) is formed to intersect with the connecting portion (33a). For this reason, a portion of this other through-cut portion (36) may be located outside the tongue portion (33) of the through-cut portion (32). Thus, the other through-cut portion (36) may be formed within the through-cut portion (32). When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) of the sheet material (30) having such a through-cut portion (32) can be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30).

[0133] For example, it should be noted that the length of the connecting portion (33a) along the X-axis formed by the through-cut portion (362) and the through-cut portion (32), and the connecting portion (33a) inclined from the X-axis and Y-axis directions formed by the through-cut portions (361 and 362) and the through-cut portion (32), are each formed to be shorter than the connecting portion (33a) of the through-cut portion (32) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Consequently, when a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), a portion of the tongue portion (33) easily separates from the surface of the sheet material (30) to form an opening.

[0134] Even if the rod is cut by the cutting unit (58) within the through-cut section (32), the connecting section (33a) maintains the cut portion of the tongue section (33) connected to one of the rods. Thus, even if the tongue section (33) includes the through-cut sections (361, 362) of other through-cut sections (36), the cut portion of the tongue section (33) remains connected to one of the rods. Accordingly, when cut by the cutting unit (58), the scrap is prevented from falling off the sheet material (30) and becoming waste.

[0135] For example, when the through-cut portions (32 and 36) shown in FIG. 20 are formed, they are formed simultaneously using a cutting blade (66d) parallel to a portion of the cutting blade (66d) shown in FIG. 7c. This is also the case when forming the through-cut portions (32 and 36) shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 described below.

[0136] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21, another through-cut portion (36) is formed within a substantially U-shaped tongue portion (33). Here, the other through-cut portion (36) is formed by arranging a through-cut portion (363) which is a reduced version of the through-cut portion (32). Here, a total of 16 through-cut portions (363) of the other through-cut portion (36) are formed in a 4×4 configuration. It should be noted that each through-cut portion (363) of the other through-cut portion (36) is formed parallel to, for example, the through-cut portion of the through-cut portion (32). Thus, the other through-cut portion (36) can be formed within the through-cut portion (32). When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) of the sheet material (30) having such through-cut portion (32) can be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30). Additionally, when a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue (37) of the other through-cut portion (36) can be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30).

[0137] Even if the rod is cut by the cutting unit (58) within the through-cut section (32), the connecting part (33a) of the through-cut section (32) and the connecting part (363) of the through-cut section (36) of another through-cut section (36) retain the cutting part connected to one of the rods.

[0138] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, another through-cut portion (36) is formed within a substantially U-shaped tongue portion (33). Here, within the other through-cut portion (36), a plurality of parallel lines along the X-axis intersect with one parallel line along the Y-axis. Thus, the other through-cut portion (36) can be formed within the through-cut portion (32). When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) of the sheet material (30) having this through-cut portion (32) can be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30).

[0139] For example, when a rod is cut by a cutting unit (58) within a through-cut section (32) along the X-axis, the connecting section (33a) of the through-cut section (32) maintains the cut section connected to one of the rods. Meanwhile, a closed shape may be formed within another through-cut section (32) between the cutting section along the X-axis, the cutting section along the Y-axis, and the cutting unit. In this case, even if scrap is generated, the area of ​​the scrap (amount of scrap) can be significantly reduced compared to the case where the entire tongue section (33) is open.

[0140] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, a through-cut section (32) comprising a pair of through-cut sections that are inclined with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis and intersect each other is formed within the sheet material (30). Thus, for example, the through-cut section (32) may be substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped, or for example, substantially X-shaped. The longest portion of the unicornial portion of the through-cut section (32) of the sheet material (30) is formed to have a length equal to the length of one diagonal of the virtual frame (F). Thus, the length of the unicornial portion of the various through-cut sections (32) is formed to be equal to or greater than the length of one diagonal of the virtual frame (F).

[0141] The through-cut portion (32) includes a pair of connecting portions (33a) along the X-axis and a pair of connecting portions (33b) along the Y-axis. When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30) using a line (31) (see FIG. 4a), a portion of each tongue portion (33) is opened to the sheet material (30) through a pair of connecting portions (33a) along the X-axis as a pivot axis. Thus, the through-cut portion (32) can be formed substantially in an "X" shape. When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), the tongue portion (33) of the sheet material (30) having these through-cut portions (32) can be raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30).

[0142] For example, when the through-cut portion (32) is substantially in the shape of an "X," and when a virtual cut end (CE) parallel to the Y-axis of the through-cut portion (32) is defined, if the cut end (CE) is defined between the intersection portion with the connecting portion (33a), a closed shape is formed between the cut end (CE) and the through-cut portion (32). In this case, even if scrap is generated, the area of ​​the scrap (amount of scrap) can be significantly reduced compared to the case where the entire tongue portion (33) is open.

[0143] It should be noted that when the through-cut portion (32) shown in FIG. 23 is substantially "X" shaped, one substantially V-shaped through-cut portion and another substantially V-shaped through-cut portion can be considered as being integrally formed symmetrically with respect to the X-axis or symmetrically with respect to the Y-axis. Thus, a plurality of through-cut portions (32) can be formed to be connected to each other.

[0144] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, a through-cut portion (32) of the same shape and size may be formed within the sheet material (30), or as shown in FIG. 24, a through-cut portion (32) of a different shape may be formed within the sheet material (30). In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the virtual frame (F) that encircles the through-cut portion (32) may have the same size or a different size.

[0145] It should be noted that the direction in which the tongue portion (33), formed by a plurality of through-cut portions (32) formed within the sheet material (30), can pivot around the connecting portion (33a) may be in the +Y axis direction with respect to the position of the connecting portion (33a), as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and may be aligned in the ±Z axis direction. Alternatively, the direction in which the tongue portion (33), formed by a plurality of through-cut portions (32) formed within the sheet material (30), can pivot around the connecting portion (33a) may be in the +Y axis direction with respect to the position of the connecting portion (33a), as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, or likewise in the -Y axis direction. In both the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the direction in which the tongue portion (33) can pivot around the connecting portion (33a) with the connecting portion (33a) as the pivot axis is the ±Z axis direction.

[0146] In relation to the aforementioned embodiments, it may be mentioned as follows.

[0147] Accordingly, the rod for the flavor-generating article (10) according to the present embodiment comprises: a sheet material (30) formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process from a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod; and a plurality of tongue portions (flaps) (33) provided within the sheet material (30) and each formed by a non-circular through-cut portion (32).

[0148] That is, the rod for the flavor-generating article (10) according to the present embodiment comprises: a sheet material (30) formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process from a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod; and a plurality of tongue portions (flaps) (33) that are at least partially removed from the surface of the sheet material (30) by a through-cut portion (32) having a portion that remains integral with the sheet material (30) when the folding process is performed on the sheet material (30).

[0149] Consequently, at least a portion of each of the multiple tongue portions (flaps) is removed from the surface of the sheet material (30), and the removed portion creates an opening. Thus, a rod for a flavor-generating article is provided, through which the amount of fluid filtration, etc., can be adjusted by the opening.

[0150] When a folding process is performed on the sheet material (30), it is suitable to provide at least some tongue portions (33) so as to protrude in a direction intersecting the sheet material (30) in the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod.

[0151] Among a plurality of tongue portions (33) provided to protrude from the sheet material (30) in a direction intersecting the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod, it is suitable for the closed shape to be defined by virtual folding lines (31a, 31b) within such tongue portions (33). Consequently, as the sheet material (30) is folded so as to pivot around the folding lines (31a, 31b), the tongue portions (33) are not curved as much as the sheet material (30) due to the elasticity of the tongue portions (33), thus causing a portion that does not follow the sheet material (30). Thus, an opening of the shape of part or all of the tongue portions (33) is formed within the sheet material (30).

[0152] When defining a virtual rectangle (F) that encloses a through-cut section (32) including a closed shape, one side (S1) of the rectangle (F) is suitable to be parallel to the fold line (31a, 31b) and parallel to or substantially parallel to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod.

[0153] Within the rectangle (F), the length (S1) along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod is suitable to be greater than the length (S2) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction).

[0154] Within the rectangle (F), the length along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod is suitable to be less than the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction).

[0155] When defining a virtual rectangle (F) with a minimum area that encircles the tongue portion (33), a pair of faces (S1) of the rectangle (F) are defined to be parallel to the axial direction (X-axis direction), and a connecting portion (33a) of the tongue portion (33) connected to the sheet material (30) is formed along one of the pair of faces (S1) of the rectangle (F).

[0156] Each penetrating cut portion (32) is suitable for having a portion that intersects at least two points with a virtual line segment extending along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod.

[0157] In each through-cut section (32), if a virtual line (CE) is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod within the through-cut section (32), it is suitable that a closed shape is not formed by the through-cut section (32) and the virtual line (CE).

[0158] It is suitable for at least a portion of each through-cut section (32) to be formed in a unicorn shape.

[0159] At least one of the plurality of tongue portions (33) is suitable for having a second through-cut portion (36) in which a closed shape is not formed between the through-cut portion (32) and the second through-cut portion (36).

[0160] In the sheet material (30), a plurality of lines (31) that extend along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod and are arranged in parallel in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod (Y-axis direction) are bent by folding from the direction intersecting the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod, and at least some of the plurality of tongue portions (33) are formed to be spaced apart or arranged adjacent to each other in a direction along the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod and cross the lines (31).

[0161] It is suitable for the sheet material (30) to be formed into a spiral shape around an axis that follows the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod by folding treatment.

[0162] Additionally, it is preferable that the flavor generating article (10) includes the aforementioned rod. It should be noted that the rod is not limited to being used as a filter material (22) for the mouthpiece segment (14), but can also be used as a rod for the flavor generating segment (12). Furthermore, the rod can also be used for the tip end plug (42), cooling segment (46), etc., as described in the third embodiment described below.

[0163] Additionally, a method for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article (10) comprises the steps of: forming a plurality of non-annular through-cut portions (32) within a sheet material (30) that forms the rod; and performing a folding process on the sheet material (30) in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod to form the sheet material (30) into a rod, wherein when performing the folding process, at least a portion of the plurality of through-cut portions (32) rises from the surface of the sheet material (32) and moves away from the surface of the sheet material (30).

[0164] Consequently, at least a portion of each of the multiple tongue portions (flaps) is removed from the surface of the sheet material (30) formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process, and the removed portion creates an opening. Thus, a method for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article is provided in which the amount of fluid filtration, etc., can be adjusted by the opening.

[0165] The formation of the through-cut portion (32) is suitable to include the step of forming the cut portion in such a way that the connection portion (33a) with the sheet material (30) is left as a non-cut portion along the axial direction of the rod.

[0166] It is suitable to include a step of forming the through-cut portion (32) in such a way that when a virtual line (CE) is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod, a closed shape is not formed by the virtual line (CE) and the through-cut portion (32). Accordingly, there is less likelihood of scrap being generated when forming the through-cut portion (32).

[0167] The formation of a plurality of through-cut portions (32) is suitable for including the step of forming a unicorn portion of each of the plurality of through-cut portions (32) that do not intersect each other.

[0168] Formation of a plurality of penetrating cut portions (32) is suitable to include the step of forming a unicornered portion and another penetrating cut portion (36) within an internal area defined by the unicornered portion.

[0169] It is suitable to include a step of forming another through-cut portion (36) in such a way that when a virtual line (CE) is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod, a closed shape is not formed by the virtual line (CE) and the other through-cut portion (36).

[0170] A method for manufacturing a rod is suitable for including the step of forming a plurality of lines (31a, 31b) within a sheet material (30) that extend in the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod and are arranged in parallel in a direction intersecting the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod (Y-axis direction), and a folding process of the sheet material (30) is suitable for including the step of bending the sheet material (30) along the plurality of lines (31a, 31b).

[0171] In a method for manufacturing a rod, the formation of a plurality of non-circular through-cut portions (32) within the sheet material (30) and the formation of a plurality of lines (31a, 31b) within the sheet material (30) are suitable to be performed in any order.

[0172] Formation of a plurality of through-cut sections (32) is suitable to include a step of having a plurality of lines (31a, 31b) intersect with a plurality of through-cut sections (32).

[0173] The folding process is suitable for including the step of forming a sheet material (30) in a spiral shape around an axis that follows the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rod.

[0174] (1st variation)

[0175] Next, for example, one embodiment in which a segment (S) of a sheet material (30) for a filter segment (20) has two mutually different through-cut portions (32, 38) and an open area (34) will be described as a first variation through FIG. 25.

[0176] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the above first embodiment describes an embodiment in which an open area (34) is formed both upstream and downstream adjacent to a through-cut portion (32) in the longitudinal direction of the sheet material (30).

[0177] As illustrated in FIG. 25, a second through-cut portion (38) having a tongue portion (39) that differs in shape or size from the first through-cut portion (32) may be formed, for example, upstream of the first through-cut portion (32) along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material (30). That is, one segment (S) of the sheet material (30) further comprises, suitably, a first through-cut portion (32), a non-opening area (34), and a second through-cut portion (38).

[0178] Accordingly, this variation enables the provision of a filter segment (20) for a flavor generating article (10) and a flavor generating article (10) that can adjust the amount of fluid filtered by regions having different functions (through-cut portions (32, 38) and open-less regions (34)) formed from a single member (sheet material (30)). Additionally, this variation enables the provision of a manufacturing apparatus (50) capable of manufacturing a rod segment (rod) (20) for the flavor generating article (10), and a method for manufacturing a rod segment (rod) (20) for the flavor generating article (10).

[0179] (2nd variation)

[0180] Next, a second variation related to the configuration of the filter segment (20) will be explained through FIG. 26.

[0181] In the filter material (22) of the filter segment (20) illustrated in FIG. 26, the second through-cut portion (38), the first through-cut portion (32), and the open-less area (34) are arranged in such order from the upstream side to the downstream side (mouthpiece end (14b) side) of the filter segment (20), for example, as described in the first variation above (see FIG. 26). The second through-cut portion (38) and the first through-cut portion (32) are arranged adjacently, and the first through-cut portion (32) and the open-less area (34) are arranged adjacently along the axial direction of the filter segment (20).

[0182] In this variant, a capsule (seamless capsule) (40) that is ruptured by the user's finger or teeth at the user's desired timing is injected into the first through-cut section (32). For example, the area ratio when the tongue portion (39) of the second through-cut section (38) is open is set to 30%, and the area ratio when the tongue portion (33) of the first through-cut section (32) is open is set to 70%, and these areas (38, 32) are continuous along the longitudinal direction of the rod of the filter segment (20). Here, for example, when the tongue portion (33) of the first through-cut section (32) has the largest opening among the three areas (38, 32, and 34), one capsule (40) is appropriately placed within the first through-cut section (32).

[0183] The capsule (40) is formed, for example, by a dropping method. For example, the diameter of the capsule (40) is suitably 3 mm to 6 mm. The capsule (40) can be injected when the filter segment (20) is manufactured.

[0184] The capsule (40) has a structure in which a liquid content, which is one embodiment of the content, is encapsulated within a membrane. The capsule (40) is formed, for example, substantially as a sphere. The membrane-forming material includes, for example, starch and a gelling agent. For example, gellan gum or gelatin is used as the gelling agent. The membrane-forming material may further include a gelling aid. For example, calcium chloride is used as the gelling aid. The membrane-forming material may further include a plasticizer. Glycerol and / or sorbitol are used as the plasticizer. The membrane-forming material may further include a coloring agent. Additionally, the capsule (40) may further include solid contents, such as granules, instead of or in addition to the liquid.

[0185] Examples of flavoring agents included in the liquid contents of the capsule (40) that can be used include menthol and plant essential oils. For example, medium-chain fatty acid triglycerides (MCTs) can be used as a solvent for the flavoring agent included in the liquid contents. The liquid contents may further include other additives such as pigments, emulsifiers, and thickeners.

[0186] For example, when a capsule (40) is injected into a filter material (22) using a manufacturing device (50), the capsule (40) is introduced into the through-cut portion (32) of the filter material (22) at a measured timing between the end of the bundling guide (74) shown in FIG. 5 and the position where the sheet-shaped member (24a) forming the packaging (24) is coated with adhesive from the packaging glue gun (76). For example, an optical inspection device (60) may be used to check whether the capsule (40) has been introduced into the desired position (i.e., into the through-cut portion (32) of the filter material (22). If the capsule (40) has not been introduced into the through-cut portion (32) of the filter material (22), the timing for the introduction of the capsule (40) into the through-cut portion (32) of the filter material (22) may be adjusted. Alternatively, whenever the filter assembly (18) is verified using an optical inspection device (60), the timing for the introduction of the capsule (40) into the through-cut portion (32) of the filter material (22) can be adjusted by feedback control.

[0187] Accordingly, the filter segment (20) of the flavor-generating article (10) may include a capsule (40).

[0188] Accordingly, this variation enables the provision of a rod segment (filter segment) (20) for a flavor generating article (10) and a flavor generating article (10) that can adjust the amount of fluid filtered, etc. by regions having different functions (through-cut portions (32, 38) and regions without openings (34)) formed from a single member (sheet material (30)). In addition, this variation enables the provision of a manufacturing apparatus (50) capable of manufacturing a rod segment (rod) (20) for the flavor generating article (10), and a method for manufacturing a rod segment (rod) (20) for the flavor generating article (10).

[0189] This variation describes an embodiment in which the filter material (22) includes a through-cut portion (38), but the through-cut portion (38) is not necessarily required within the structure in which the capsule (40) is injected into the filter material (22).

[0190] (Third Variation Example)

[0191] Next, a third variation related to the configuration of the filter segment (20) will be described through FIGS. 26a and FIGS. 26b. This variation is an additional variation of the second variation.

[0192] As illustrated in FIG. 26a, instead of the capsule (40) being injected into the filter material (22) of the filter segment (20), the capsule (40) is also appropriately provided inside the segment (26), which is a paper tube or acetate tow wrapped in a wrapping paper (28), separately from the filter segment (20) formed by the filter material (22). That is, the segment (26) comprises, in order from inside to outside, the capsule (40), an intermediate member (26a) such as a paper tube or acetate tow, and a wrapping paper (26b). In this case, the segment (26) is appropriately positioned on the side of the flavor generating segment (12) opposite the mouthpiece end (14b). Thus, the tip end surface of the segment (26) constitutes the tip end surface (14a) of the mouthpiece segment (14) adjacent to the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12). Next, the rear end surface of the segment (26) is positioned to be in contact with the tip end surface of the filter segment (20). Additionally, the rear end surface of the filter segment (20) forms the mouthpiece end (14b) of the mouthpiece segment (14).

[0193] The segment (26) and the filter segment (20) are additionally wrapped in a wrapping paper (28) to form a mouthpiece segment (14).

[0194] The outer perimeter of the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12) and the tip end surface (14a) of the mouthpiece segment (14) is surrounded by tipping paper (16) in such a way that the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12) and the tip end surface (14a) of the mouthpiece segment (14) are in contact with each other. As a result, a flavor generating article (10) is formed.

[0195] Accordingly, this modification enables the provision of a rod segment (filter segment) (20) for a flavor-generating article (10) and a flavor-generating article (10), which can adjust the amount of fluid filtered by regions having different functions (a through-cut portion (32) and a non-opening region (34)) formed from a single member (sheet material (30)). Furthermore, this modification enables the provision of a manufacturing apparatus (50) capable of manufacturing the rod segment (rod) (20) for the flavor-generating article (10), and a method for manufacturing the rod segment (rod) (20) for the flavor-generating article (10).

[0196] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 26b, a segment (26) containing a capsule (40) is also appropriately provided on the mouthpiece end (14b) side of the filter segment (20). In this case, the filter material (22) of the filter segment (20) is not visible to the user. Thus, the positional relationship between the open area (34) and the through-cut portion (32) of the filter segment (20) is such that they can be placed on the flavor generating segment (12) side.

[0197] The filter segment (26) illustrated in FIG. 26b can be used as a means to prevent "voids" from being placed on the mouthpiece (14b) side. Thus, by additionally providing a separate segment (26) on the rear end surface (mouthpiece end (14b) side) of the filter segment (20) and wrapping the segments (20, 26) with a wrapping paper (molding paper) (28), it is possible to form the mouthpiece segment (14) as a multi-segment filter.

[0198] In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26b, the segment (20) forms a region with different characteristics along the longitudinal direction, and it is common practice to wrap each segment with a specific characteristic with a wrapping paper. In contrast, the segment (20) according to this variation can form a region with different characteristics along the longitudinal direction by simply using a single wrapping paper (24). Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of turns of the wrapping paper compared to the general case. Consequently, even if a separate segment (26) is connected to the filter segment (20), it is possible to prevent the outer circumference of the mouthpiece segment (14) from becoming thickened due to the wrapping paper (28).

[0199] Accordingly, according to this variation, a separate segment (26) may be placed upstream or downstream of a filter segment (20) manufactured by using a sheet material (30) having a through-cut portion (32), and the mouthpiece segment (14) may be formed as a multi-segment filter.

[0200] (Second embodiment)

[0201] Next, for example, the sheet material (30) of the filter segment (20) will be described through FIGS. 27 to 29. These embodiments are variations of the first embodiment, each including a variation, and the same reference numerals as possible are assigned to members having the same function as the members described in the first embodiment or to the same members, and will not be described again in detail.

[0202] FIG. 27 illustrates a flavor-generating article (10) according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 28a and FIG. 28b, the sheet material (30) of the filter segment (20) of the flavor-generating article (10) according to this embodiment is formed into a portion indicated by reference numeral P. That is, the sheet material (30) includes a portion (P). As illustrated in FIG. 28a, the portion (P) of the sheet material (30) illustrated in FIG. 28b is repeatedly formed along the respective X-axis direction and Y-axis direction.

[0203] In the sheet material (30) illustrated in FIG. 28a, the number of through-cut portions (32) per unit area is appropriately set, for example, to be nearly equal to, several times, or a fraction of the number of embodiments described in the first embodiment.

[0204] In this case, one filter segment (20) includes one or more portions (P) along the X-axis direction. Therefore, although the filter segment (20) includes a through-cut portion (32), unlike the flavor-generating article (10) described in the first embodiment, it is difficult to separate the area including the through-cut portion (32) from the area without an opening (34) along the X-axis.

[0205] FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic diagram of a filter segment (20) as shown from the direction indicated by arrow XXIX in FIG. 27. Due to a plurality of through-cut portions (32), some of the plurality of tongue portions (33) are raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30) and remain in this state. Consequently, the tongue portions (33) raised away from the surface of the sheet material (30) by the through-cut portions (32) form an opening within the sheet material (30). Thus, by using the sheet material (30) according to this embodiment within the filter segment (20), the amount of fluid filtration can be adjusted.

[0206] A sheet material (30) can be formed such that a plurality of such tongue portions (33) are formed by the cutting unit (66) (see FIG. 5) of the manufacturing device (50) described above. Alternatively, a sheet material (30) with a pre-formed through-cut portion (32) shown in FIG. 28a can be wound onto a bobbin (52a).

[0207] Accordingly, the location, size, and shape of the through-cut portion (32) of the sheet material (30) are appropriately set according to the filter segment (20) of the flavor-generating article (10) to be manufactured.

[0208] Accordingly, this embodiment enables the provision of a rod segment (filter segment) (20) for a flavor-generating article (10) and a flavor-generating article (10) that can adjust the amount of fluid filtered by performing a folding process so that a portion of the tongue (33) of a plurality of through-cut portions (33) is removed from the surface of the sheet material (30) to form an opening. In addition, this embodiment enables the provision of a manufacturing apparatus (50) capable of manufacturing a rod segment (rod) (20) for such a flavor-generating article (10), and a method for manufacturing a rod segment (rod) (20) for a flavor-generating article (10).

[0209] As described in the first embodiment, any suitable shape is allowed as the shape of the through-cut portion (32) (i.e., the shape of the tongue portion (33)).

[0210] It should be noted that the sheet material (30) illustrated in FIG. 29 is a single sheet. For example, a plurality of sheet materials (30) can each be folded and then formed into a single rod.

[0211] This embodiment describes an example in which a filter assembly (18) including a filter segment (20) is manufactured using a manufacturing device (50). The manufacturing device (50) may also manufacture a rod assembly or rod segment for a flavor-generating article (10) in addition to the filter segment (20). For example, when a tobacco sheet material is used as the sheet material (30), a tobacco rod having a portion (P) (i.e., a through-cut portion (32)) is manufactured. The tobacco sheet material is subjected to appropriate folding treatment in the same manner as the aforementioned sheet material (30), and the rod of the flavor-generating segment (12) is formed by wrapping it with a wrapping paper instead of the wrapping paper (24). When the tobacco sheet material subjected to folding treatment in the same manner as the aforementioned sheet material (30) is used as the filling material for the rod of the flavor-generating segment (12), for example, instead of using the treated sheet material (30), an acetate tow filter may be used as the filter material (22) of the filter segment (20). In particular, aerosol generation is promoted by using a tobacco rod having a penetrating cut portion (32) as a rod of the flavor generating segment (12) of a non-combustible heated product.

[0212] (Third embodiment)

[0213] A third embodiment will be described through FIG. 30. This embodiment primarily describes an embodiment of a non-combustion heating type flavor generating article (10). Here, an embodiment will be described in which a tip end plug (42) is formed as a rod segment using the sheet material (30) described in the first embodiment, including a variation example, but the sheet material (30) described in the second embodiment may also be used.

[0214] As illustrated in FIG. 30, the flavor generating segment (12) according to this embodiment includes a tip end plug (42) and a flavor generating portion (44).

[0215] The flavor generating portion (44) of this embodiment is formed in the same way as the flavor generating segment (12) described in, for example, the first and second embodiments.

[0216] A tip end plug (42) is provided on the upstream side of the flavor generating portion (44). For example, the tip end plug (42) is used to prevent tobacco material from falling out.

[0217] The tip end plug (42) of this embodiment is formed in the same manner as the filter segment (20) described in the first and second embodiments. That is, the tip end plug (42) comprises a cylindrical filter material (22) and a wrapping paper (24) covering the outer perimeter of the filter material (22). Additionally, a through-cut portion (32) and an area without an opening (34) are arranged adjacently within the tip end plug (42). An area including the tip end surface (12a) is formed by the through-cut portion (32). The size of the through-cut portion of the sheet material (30) forming the filter material (22) of this embodiment may be such that the area of ​​the opening (33) within the through-cut portion (32) is larger or smaller than when the filter material (22) is used as a filter segment (20). Additionally, liquid additives in liquid form and granular additives may or may not be added, for example.

[0218] The region including the tip end surface (12a) of the tip end plug (42) is used in the same direction as the sheet material (30) described in the first embodiment and is formed by a through-cut portion (32). In this embodiment, the open-less region (34) and the flavor-generating portion (44) are combined. The tip end plug (42) may be formed using the sheet material (30) described in the second embodiment.

[0219] Additionally, the mouthpiece segment (14) is provided on the rear end surface of the flavor generating portion (44). The mouthpiece segment (14) of this embodiment includes a cooling segment (46) and a filter segment (48).

[0220] The filter segment (48) according to this embodiment may use the filter segment (20) described in the first or second embodiment, or, for example, a filter segment formed in a rod shape such as acetate tow and having its outer circumference surrounded by a wrapping paper (24).

[0221] When a non-combustion heated flavor generating article (10) is used, the mouthpiece segment (14) appropriately includes a cooling segment (46) between the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12) and the tip end surface of the filter segment (20). That is, the cooling segment (46) is appropriately positioned on the downstream side of the flavor generating segment (12).

[0222] When heated and vaporized from the flavor source or aerosol substrate, the vapor is cooled and condensed (formed into an aerosol) when introduced into the cooling segment (46). Preferably, the cooling segment (46) cools the vapor of the flavor source or aerosol substrate generated by the flavor generating segment (12) without removing a large amount of it. For example, during inhalation, there may be a difference of more than 20°C between the internal temperature of the segment at the inlet of the cooling segment (46) (near the rear end surface (12b) of the flavor generating segment (12)) and the internal temperature of the segment at the outlet of the cooling segment (46) (near the tip end surface of the filter segment (20).

[0223] In one method, the cooling segment (46) is a hollow member formed with an external air inlet opening within a paper tube processed into a cylindrical shape. In another method, the interior of the paper tube processed into a cylindrical shape is also preferably filled with a cooling sheet material. The cooling sheet material used within the cooling segment (46) is a sheet material that can be manufactured in nearly the same manner as the filter segment (20) is manufactured with the sheet material (30) described in the first or second embodiment, for example. The aforementioned additional unit (68) may not be required if the cooling segment (46) is manufactured by the manufacturing device (50).

[0224] In this case, one or more air circulation channels are provided in the flow direction of the cooling segment (46) so that low-level filtration of the components can be achieved, and at the same time, cooling by the cooling sheet material can also be provided. When filled with such cooling sheet material, the air flow resistance of the cooling segment (46) is preferably 0 mmH2O / mm to 30 mmH2O / mm.

[0225] The total surface area of ​​the cooling sheet material is 300 mm² 2 / mm to 1000 mm 2 It can be / mm. This surface area is the surface area per length (mm) of the cooling sheet material in the direction of airflow. The total surface area of ​​the cooling sheet material is preferably 400 mm 2 / mm or more, and more preferably 450 mm 2 / mm or more, preferably 600 mm 2 / mm or less, and more preferably 550 mm 2 It is less than / mm.

[0226] The cooling segment (46) preferably has a suitably large surface area to come into contact with the aerosol. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling sheet material may be formed as a sheet, which is a thin material that is wrinkled, then longitudinally grooved, and then folded and folded to form channels in the flow direction. The more folds or longitudinal grooves there are within a given volume of the element, the larger the total surface area of ​​the cooling sheet material.

[0227] In one embodiment, the thickness of the cooling sheet material may be 5 μm to 500 μm, and for example, 10 μm to 250 μm.

[0228] The cooling sheet material is 10 mm 2 / mg to 100 mm 2 It is suitably formed from a material having a specific surface area of ​​ / mg. In one embodiment, the specific surface area of ​​the constituent material is about 35 mm 2 It can be / mg.

[0229] The specific surface area can be determined by considering the material of the cooling sheet having a known width and thickness. For example, the material of the cooling sheet may be polylactic acid having an average thickness of 50 μm and a deviation of ±2 μm. If the material of the cooling sheet is already known to have a width of, for example, 200 mm to 250 mm, the specific surface area and density can be calculated in the same way.

[0230] In addition, from the perspective of reducing environmental burden, it is also desirable to use paper as the material for the cooling sheet. The paper acting as the cooling sheet material is preferably 30 g / m² 2 Up to 100 g / m² 2It has a basis weight and a thickness of 20 μm to 100 μm. In terms of reducing the removal of aerosol base components and flavor source components within the cooling segment (46), the paper acting as the cooling sheet material preferably has a low air permeability, and an air permeability of 10 CORESTA units or less is preferred. The cooling effect may be enhanced by coating the paper acting as the cooling sheet material with a polymer coating such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide coating such as pectin, thereby utilizing the heat of the solution associated with the heat absorption or phase change of the coating.

[0231] Accordingly, this embodiment enables the provision of a filter segment (20) for a flavor-generating article (10) and a flavor-generating article (10) that can adjust the amount of fluid filtered, etc. by regions having different functions (a through-cut portion (32) and a non-opening portion (34)) formed from a single member (sheet material (30)). Furthermore, this embodiment enables the provision of a manufacturing apparatus (50) capable of manufacturing a rod segment (rod) (20) for the flavor-generating article (10), and a method for manufacturing a rod segment (rod) (20) for the flavor-generating article (10).

[0232] The cooling segment (cooling rod segment) (46) of the mouthpiece segment (14) can be formed by using the manufacturing device (50) described in the first embodiment to perform a folding process (including creping and spiral forming processes, etc.) on the cooling sheet material and forming the cooling sheet material into a cylindrical rod shape.

[0233] Additionally, the manufacturing device (50) described in the first embodiment can roll various types of sheet materials used for the cooling segment (46) described in this embodiment or for the flavor generating segment (tobacco sheet material) (12), together with the sheet-shaped member (24a) that forms the packaging paper (24) to form the sheet material into a cylindrical rod segment.

[0234] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified in various ways during the implementation phase without departing from the essentials of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects are achieved. Embodiments may further include various inventions, and various inventions may be derived using combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed components. For example, if the effect can still be achieved and the problem still be solved even when some components are deleted from the components disclosed in the embodiment, the configuration with such components deleted may be derived as an invention.

[0235] supplement

[0236] [1]

[0237] As a rod for a flavor-generating product, the rod is,

[0238] A sheet material formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the above rod; and

[0239] A rod for a flavor-generating article comprising a plurality of tongue portions, each formed by a non-circular through-cut portion and provided within the above sheet material.

[0240] [2]

[0241] As a rod for a flavor-generating product, the rod is,

[0242] A sheet material formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the above rod; and

[0243] A rod for a flavor-generating article comprising a plurality of tongue portions that are at least partially detached from the surface of the sheet material by a through-cut portion having a portion that is maintained integrally with the sheet material when the folding process is performed on the sheet material.

[0244] [3]

[0245] In Appendix [1] or Appendix [2], when the folding process is performed on the sheet material, at least some of the tongue portions are provided to protrude in a direction intersecting the sheet material along the axial direction of the rod.

[0246] [4]

[0247] In Appendix [3], a rod in which a closed shape is defined by a virtual fold line within the plurality of tongue portions provided to protrude from the sheet material in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod.

[0248] [5]

[0249] In Appendix [4], when defining a virtual rectangle circumscribed with the through-cut portion including such a closed shape, one side of the rectangle is parallel to the fold line and is parallel or substantially parallel to the axial direction of the rod.

[0250] [6]

[0251] In Appendix [5], within the above rectangle, the length along the axial direction of the rod is greater than the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod.

[0252] [7]

[0253] In Appendix [5], within the rectangle, the length along the axial direction of the rod is less than the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod.

[0254] [8]

[0255] In any one of Appendices [1] to [7], when defining the virtual rectangle having a minimum area circumscribed with the tongue portion, a pair of faces of the rectangle are defined to be parallel to the axial direction, and

[0256] A rod in which the connecting portion of the tongue connected to the sheet material is formed along one of the pair of faces of the rectangle.

[0257] [9]

[0258] A rod, wherein in any one of Appendix [1] to Appendix [8], each penetrating cut portion has a portion that intersects at least two points with a virtual line segment extending along the axial direction of the rod.

[0259]

[10]

[0260] A rod in which, in any one of Appendix [1] to Appendix [9], a virtual line is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod within the through-cut portion, and the virtual line and the through-cut portion do not form a closed shape.

[0261]

[11]

[0262] A rod in which at least a portion of each penetrating cut portion is formed in a unicorn shape, in any one of Appendix [1] to Appendix

[10] .

[0263]

[12]

[0264] A rod having, in any one of Appendix [1] to Appendix

[11] , at least one of the plurality of tongue portions, the second through-cut portion having a closed shape not formed between the through-cut portion and the second through-cut portion.

[0265]

[13]

[0266] In any one of Appendix [1] to Appendix

[12] , a plurality of lines extending in the axial direction of the rod and arranged parallel to the direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod within the sheet material are bent by folding from the direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod, and

[0267] A rod, wherein at least some of the plurality of tongue portions are spaced apart or arranged adjacently along the axial direction of the rod and formed to cross the line.

[0268]

[14]

[0269] In any one of Appendix [1] to Appendix

[12] , the sheet material is formed into a spiral shape around an axis following the axial direction of the rod by the folding process.

[0270]

[15]

[0271] A flavor-generating article comprising the above rod for a flavor-generating article according to any one of Appendix [1] to Appendix

[14] .

[0272]

[16]

[0273] As a method for manufacturing a rod for flavor-generating articles,

[0274] A step of forming a plurality of non-circular through-cut portions within a sheet material forming a rod; and

[0275] A method for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article, comprising the step of performing a folding process on the sheet material from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod to form the sheet material into a rod, and, when performing the folding process, causing at least a portion of the plurality of through-cut portions to rise from the surface of the sheet material and deviate from the surface of the sheet material.

[0276]

[17]

[0277] In Appendix

[16] , the formation of the through-cut portion comprises the step of forming the cut portion in such a way that the portion connected to the sheet material is left as a non-cut portion along the axial direction of the rod.

[0278]

[18]

[0279] A manufacturing method comprising the step of forming the through-cut portion in Appendix

[16] or Appendix

[17] such that when a virtual line is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod, the virtual line and the through-cut portion do not form a closed shape.

[0280]

[19]

[0281] A manufacturing method comprising, in any one of Appendix

[16] to Appendix

[18] , the formation of the plurality of through-cut portions, the step of forming a unicorn portion of each of the plurality of through-cut portions that do not intersect each other.

[0282]

[20]

[0283] In Appendix

[19] , the formation of the plurality of through-cut portions comprises the step of forming a unicorner portion and another through-cut portion within an internal region defined by the unicorner portion.

[0284]

[21]

[0285] A manufacturing method according to Appendix

[20] , wherein the formation of the other through-cut portion is formed in such a way that a closed shape is not formed by the virtual line and the other through-cut portion when a virtual line is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod.

[0286]

[22]

[0287] In any one of Appendix

[16] to Appendix

[21] , the method comprises the step of forming a plurality of lines within the sheet material that extend in the axial direction of the rod and are arranged parallel to each other in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the rod, and

[0288] A manufacturing method in which the folding treatment of the sheet material comprises the step of bending the sheet material along the plurality of lines.

[0289]

[23]

[0290] In Appendix

[22] , the formation of the plurality of non-circular through-cut portions within the sheet material and the formation of the plurality of lines within the sheet material are performed in any order, a manufacturing method.

[0291]

[24]

[0292] A manufacturing method according to Appendix

[22] or Appendix

[23] , wherein the formation of the plurality of through-cut portions comprises the step of the plurality of lines intersecting the plurality of through-cut portions.

[0293]

[25]

[0294] A manufacturing method comprising, in any one of Appendix

[16] to Appendix

[21] , the folding process comprising the step of forming the sheet material in a spiral shape around an axis following the axial direction of the rod.

[0295] List of reference symbols

[0296] 100: Flavor generating article; 12: Flavor generating segment; 12a: Tip end surface; 12b: Rear end surface; 14: Mouthpiece segment; 14a: Tip end surface; 14b: Mouthpiece end (Rear end surface); 16: Tipping paper; 18: Filter assembly; 20: Filter segment (Rod segment); 22: Filter material; 24: Wrapper (Wrapping paper); 24a: Sheet-type member; 30: Sheet material; 31: Line; 31a: Valley fold; 31b: Mountain fold; 32: Through cut section; 33: Tongue section; 33a: Connecting section; 34: Opening-free area; 50: Rod manufacturing device; 52: Feeding unit; 52a: Bobbin; 52b: Dancer unit; 54: Processing unit; 56: Rod forming unit; 58: Rod cutting unit; 64: Creping unit; 64a, 64b: Creping rollers; 66: Cutting unit; 66c: Flexible die; 66d, 66f: Cutting blades; 68b: Granule adding unit; 72: Packaging material feeding mechanism; 72a: Bobbin; 75: Bundling guide; 76: Packaging gun; 78: Container.

Claims

Claim 1 A rod for a flavor-generating article, wherein the rod comprises: a sheet material formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod; and a plurality of tongue portions provided within the sheet material and each formed by a non-annular through-cut portion. Claim 2 A rod for a flavor-generating article, wherein the rod comprises: a sheet material formed into a rod shape by performing a folding process from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod; and a plurality of tongue portions that are at least partially detached from the surface of the sheet material by a through-cut portion having a portion that is maintained integrally with the sheet material when the folding process is performed on the sheet material. Claim 3 A rod according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the folding process is performed on the sheet material, at least a portion of the tongue portion is provided to protrude in a direction intersecting the sheet material along the axial direction of the rod. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, a rod in which a closed shape is defined by a virtual fold line within the plurality of tongue portions provided to protrude from the sheet material in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, when defining a virtual rectangle circumscribed with the through-cut portion including such a closed shape, one face of the rectangle is parallel to the fold line and is parallel or substantially parallel to the axial direction of the rod. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, a rod in which, within the rectangle, the length along the axial direction of the rod is greater than the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod. Claim 7 In paragraph 5, a rod in which, within the rectangle, the length along the axial direction of the rod is less than the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod. Claim 8 A rod according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, when defining a virtual rectangle having a minimum area circumscribed with the tongue portion, a pair of faces of the rectangle are defined to be parallel to the axial direction, and a connecting portion of the tongue portion connected to the sheet material is formed along one of the pair of faces of the rectangle. Claim 9 A rod according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each penetrating cut portion has a portion that intersects at least two points with a virtual line segment extending along the axial direction of the rod. Claim 10 A rod according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when a virtual line is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod within the through-cut portion, the virtual line and the through-cut portion do not form a closed shape. Claim 11 A rod according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least a portion of each through-cut portion is formed in a unicornial shape. Claim 12 A rod according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of tongue portions has the second through-cut portion in which a closed shape is not formed between the through-cut portion and the second through-cut portion. Claim 13 A rod according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, within the sheet material, a plurality of lines extending in the axial direction of the rod and arranged parallel to each other in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod are curved by a folding process from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod, and at least some of the plurality of tongue portions are spaced apart or arranged adjacently in a direction along the axial direction of the rod and formed to cross the lines. Claim 14 A flavor-generating article comprising the above rod for a flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Claim 15 A method for manufacturing a rod for a flavor-generating article, comprising: a step of forming a plurality of non-annular through-cut portions within a sheet material forming a rod; and a step of performing a folding process on the sheet material from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod to form the sheet material into a rod, wherein when the folding process is performed, at least a portion of the plurality of through-cut portions is raised from the surface of the sheet material and removed from the surface of the sheet material. Claim 16 A manufacturing method according to claim 15, wherein the formation of the through-cut portion comprises the step of forming a cut portion in such a manner that the portion connected to the sheet material is left as a non-cut portion along the axial direction of the rod. Claim 17 A manufacturing method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the formation of the through-cut portion comprises the step of forming the through-cut portion in such a manner that, when a virtual line is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod, a closed shape is not formed by the virtual line and the through-cut portion. Claim 18 A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the formation of the plurality of through-cut portions comprises the step of forming a unicornical portion of each of the plurality of through-cut portions that do not intersect each other. Claim 19 A manufacturing method according to claim 18, wherein the formation of the plurality of through-cut portions comprises the step of forming a unicornial portion and another through-cut portion within an internal region defined by the unicornial portion. Claim 20 A manufacturing method according to claim 19, wherein the formation of the other through-cut portion comprises the step of forming it in such a manner that, when a virtual line is drawn perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod, a closed shape is not formed by the virtual line and the other through-cut portion. Claim 21 A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, comprising the step of forming a plurality of lines within the sheet material that are arranged parallel to each other in a direction extending in the axial direction of the rod and intersecting the axial direction of the rod, wherein the folding treatment of the sheet material comprises the step of bending the sheet material along the plurality of lines. Claim 22 A manufacturing method according to claim 21, wherein the formation of the plurality of non-circular through-cut portions within the sheet material and the formation of the plurality of lines within the sheet material are performed in any order. Claim 23 A manufacturing method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the formation of the plurality of through-cut portions comprises the step of causing the plurality of lines to intersect the plurality of through-cut portions.

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