Cartridge for smoking tool

Abstract

To provide a cartridge for a smoking tool usable for both a smoking tool with a heating body and a smoking tool with an induction heating body.SOLUTION: The cartridge for a smoking tool is used by being attached to a smoking tool with a heating body or an induction heating body. The cartridge for a smoking tool comprises: a susceptor member induction-heated with a smoking tool with the induction heating body; a housing body for housing the susceptor member; and a package member for packaging the housing body. When attached to the smoking tool with the induction heating body, the housing body is disposed at a position of receiving the induction heating by the induction heating body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a smoking device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, smoking devices that can heat a cartridge for a smoking device containing an aromatic component without using a flame and enjoy the vaporized aromatic component have become widespread. Conventionally, for example, a smoking device provided with a heating element as in Patent Document 1 has been used. In a smoking device provided with a heating element, the cartridge is inserted into the blade of the smoking device, and the cartridge is heated by the high-temperature blade.

[0003] On the other hand, smoking devices provided with an induction heating element, such as in Patent Document 2, have also come to be used. In a smoking device provided with an induction heating element, the susceptor member in the cartridge is induction-heated by the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil, and the cartridge for the smoking device is heated by the high-temperature susceptor member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in a smoking device provided with an induction heating element, since a cartridge for a conventional smoking device provided with a heating element cannot be used, it has been necessary to separately prepare a cartridge corresponding to the smoking device provided with an induction heating element.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge for a smoking device that can be used for both a cartridge for a smoking device provided with a heating element and a smoking device provided with an induction heating element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A typical embodiment of the present invention provides a cartridge for a smoking device that is used by being attached to a smoking device equipped with a heating element or induction heating element. The cartridge for the smoking device comprises a susceptor member that is induction heated by a smoking device equipped with an induction heating element, a housing that houses the susceptor member, and a packaging member that packages the housing. When attached to a smoking device equipped with an induction heating element, the housing is positioned to receive induction heating from the induction heating element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to use it in both smoking devices equipped with a heating element and smoking devices equipped with an induction heating element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a smoking device cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flow chart of the manufacturing method for aerosol-forming substrates. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view showing an example of a plate-shaped susceptor member. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a heated object equipped with a plate-shaped susceptor member. [Figure 5] This figure shows another example of the configuration of the object to be heated. [Figure 6] This is a partial perspective view showing an example of a cylindrical susceptor member. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a heated object equipped with a cylindrical susceptor member. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a granular susceptor component. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a heated object equipped with granular susceptor components. [Figure 10] This figure shows other examples of susceptor components. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing other examples of the susceptor member. [Figure 12] It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the container. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a smoking implement cartridge is inserted into a smoking implement provided with an induction heating body. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a smoking implement cartridge is inserted into a smoking implement provided with a heating element. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a smoking implement cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing other examples of the susceptor member.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same members are generally denoted by the same reference numerals, and the repeated explanations thereof are omitted as appropriate.

[0011] <Configuration of Smoking Implement Cartridge> FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a smoking implement cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the smoking implement cartridge 1 includes a heater 20, a filter 10 through which aerosol generated from the heater 20 passes, and a packaging member 30 that wraps the heater 20 and the filter 10.

[0012] The heater 20 and the filter 10 are arranged along the longitudinal direction and are wound with a sheet-like packaging member 30 such as paper. Thereby, the heater 20, the filter 10, and the packaging member 30 are integrated.

[0013] Note that a transfer space SP for transferring the aerosol may be provided between the heated object 20 and the filter 10. Thereby, the high-temperature aerosol generated by the heated object 20 can be cooled. Further, a support member for supporting the heated object 20 may be provided between the heated object 20 and the filter 10. The support member includes a flow path for transferring the aerosol generated from the aerosol formation base material 201 to the mouthpiece.

[0014] <<Filter>> The filter 10 has a function of filtering a part of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated by the heated object 20 when the aerosol passes through. The filter 10 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or less. The filter 10 is formed using, for example, paper or the like. Further, the filter 10 may be formed by winding a sheet-like member made of paper, for example, into a cylindrical shape, or may include a cellulose acetate filter or the like that removes fine particles.

[0015] Note that the smoking device cartridge 1 may not include the filter 10. However, since the filter 10 also functions as a mouthpiece when the smoking device is used, it is desirable that the smoking device cartridge 1 includes a mouthpiece that replaces the filter 10.

[0016] <<Heated Object>> As shown in FIG. 1, the heated object 20 includes an aerosol formation base material 201 that generates an aerosol when heated, a susceptor member 203 that is inductively heated by a smoking device including an induction heater, and a container 205 that houses the aerosol formation base material 201 and the susceptor member 203.

[0017] <<<Aerosol Formation Base Material>>> The aerosol formation base material 201 is composed of, for example, a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant as a raw material. Specifically, the aerosol formation base material 201 is composed of any one or a combination of the following raw materials.

[0018] Tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco. Non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tubers, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (stem bark, tree bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, and branches.

[0019] In this specification, "plants" refers to a group of organisms distinct from animals, and includes not only organisms with roots that live in a fixed location, such as grass and trees, but also algae such as microalgae and seaweed, fungi such as mushrooms, and so on.

[0020] The aerosol-forming substrate 201 may be obtained by, for example, appropriately mixing dried and pulverized non-tobacco plants with an aerosol-generating aerosol former, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor enhancers, preservatives, binders, or thickeners, and then pulverizing or classifying the mixture to form granules or powder, or by forming the mixture into a sheet and then cutting it into strips of a predetermined width and length.

[0021] For example, if the part of a non-tobacco plant is the leaves, tea can preferably be used. Teas differ not only in the type of plant used to make tea, but also in the processing method, even from the same plant. Examples of teas include Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, hydrangea tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, aloe tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, evergreen oak tea, Eleutherococcus senticosus tea, plantain tea, Glechoma hederacea tea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, Cassia obtusifolia tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, Gymnema sylvestris tea, guava tea, goji berry tea, sedge leaf tea, black bean tea, Geranium thunbergii tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, Bibu tea, cherry blossom tea, Examples include saffron tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, sweet flag tea, gentian tea, buckwheat tea, Japanese angelica tree tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, houttuynia cordata tea, Eucommia ulmoides tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, privet tea, Job's tears tea, senna tea, loquat leaf tea, pu-erh tea, safflower tea, pine needle tea, mate tea, barley tea, Japanese laurel tea, mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, and bitter melon tea. For these teas, the used tea leaves may also be used after brewing. By using used tea leaves, expensive teas can be reused and effectively utilized.

[0022] Furthermore, the aforementioned extracts and processed products of non-tobacco plants can also be used as aerosol-forming substrates 201. Examples of extract forms include liquid, syrup-like, powder, granules, and solutions.

[0023] Examples of aerosol formers used as raw materials for the aerosol-forming substrate 201 include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedione, and dimethyl tetradecanedione. Among these, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred as aerosol formers.

[0024] The microcrystalline cellulose used as a raw material for the aerosol-forming substrate 201 is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from fibrous plant pulp with acid, in which the soluble portion is removed from the cellulose and the insoluble portion is crystallized as appropriate.

[0025] Microcrystalline cellulose can be used in powder form or as a suspended solution dispersed in a solvent such as water. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse the microcrystalline cellulose in the solvent.

[0026] Furthermore, if necessary, flavor additives are preferably used as raw materials for the aerosol-forming substrate 201 to add flavor. Examples of flavor additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, black tea extract, and catechin powder from tea extract. Preservatives used in food are preferred, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0027] The aerosol-forming substrate 201 may contain menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone). By combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, the sublimation of menthol can be effectively suppressed, and the flavor of menthol can be maintained for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, but may also be a synthetic product. In addition, peppermint, mint oil, or other menthol-containing substances may be used.

[0028] The flavor additive is provided on the filter 10, for example, by impregnating the wall of the filter 10. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided on the filter 10 is not limited to this manner; for example, the flavor additive may be provided on the filter 10 by embedding a capsule containing the flavor additive in the wall of the filter 10. Alternatively, the flavor additive may be placed between the filter 10 and the heated object 10. When the flavor additive is enclosed in a capsule, the smoker can break the capsule by pressing it with their finger, allowing the aromatic components of the flavor additive to volatilize at a desired time.

[0029] Furthermore, if the flavor additive is encapsulated in microcapsules, for example, the encapsulated microcapsules may be provided on the heated body 20.

[0030] Examples of binders or thickeners for the aerosol-forming substrate 201 include rubbers such as guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia gum, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, caranagin, agar, and pectin (conjugated base salts of organic acids); and combinations thereof.

[0031] << Here, the method for manufacturing the aerosol-forming substrate 201 will be described. Figure 2 is a flow chart of the method for manufacturing the aerosol-forming substrate. As shown in Figure 2, the manufacturing process for the aerosol-forming substrate 23 includes a drying and grinding step S10 in which tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, which are the main raw materials, are dried and ground and weighed, a preparation step S20 in which other raw materials are pre-treated and weighed, a mixing step S30 in which the raw materials are mixed to form a composition, and a molding step S40 in which the composition is molded.

[0032] In the drying and grinding process S10, the tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant parts (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) that serve as the main raw material are dried and ground to process the tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant into a predetermined pulverized material. At this time, it is preferable that the moisture content of the tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant be adjusted to a moisture content that is suitable for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other components that will be added later. The drying temperature is preferably between 60°C and 80°C. This temperature range makes it easier to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the dissipation of necessary aromatic components.

[0033] Furthermore, the drying and grinding process S10 may also include a sieving process S15 for separating the ground material. This allows the ground material, adjusted to the desired particle size, to be introduced into the mixing process S30.

[0034] In preparation step S20, the raw materials necessary for producing the aerosol-forming substrate 201 are prepared. The aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in preparation step S20 and added to the mixing step S30.

[0035] In mixing step S30, the raw materials for the aerosol-forming substrate 201 are mixed to produce the composition. A conventional mixer can be used to mix the raw materials. For example, a configuration in which the raw materials in the mixing tank are mixed with shear force applied by stirring blades is preferably used.

[0036] In molding step S40, the composition, which is a mixture of various raw materials, is molded into a desired shape. For example, by molding the composition into a thin sheet and then cutting it, a strip-shaped or rod-shaped aerosol-forming substrate 201 is formed. In this embodiment, multiple roll mills are prepared to make the composition into a thin sheet. Using multiple roll mills is preferable because it is possible to knead, disperse, etc., while the composition is compressed by being pressed between narrow rolls and sheared by the difference in roll speeds, and then form a sheet of the desired thickness with a doctor blade. Alternatively, the sheet can be made using a press roller or a press machine.

[0037] The sheet thickness is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut to a predetermined width using a cutter, a rotary cutter with a rotating blade, or the like.

[0038] Furthermore, in the molding process S40, the aforementioned composition may be appropriately crushed or classified to form a powdered or granular aerosol-forming substrate 201. The average particle size of the granular aerosol-forming substrate 201 is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. This allows the aromatic components of the aerosol-forming substrate 201 to be retained, and prevents the granular aerosol-forming substrate 201 from spilling out of the holes or mesh of the container 205 or from clogging the holes or mesh.

[0039] The average particle size of the aerosol-forming substrate mentioned above can be determined, for example, by the "Test Method for Sieving Chemical Products" described in JIS K 0069-1992. In other words, this average particle size is the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by accumulating the mass of the test results using multiple sieves, starting from the sieve with the largest opening. Alternatively, the particle size at 50% of the accumulated value in the particle size distribution obtained by laser diffraction and scattering may be used as the average particle size.

[0040] Furthermore, in molding step S40, the composition may be molded using other means, such as by passing the composition through an orifice under pressure. Also, in molding step S40, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, etc. may be added as needed, or water may be added.

[0041] Here, when imparting tackiness to the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 201, the means are not particularly limited as long as they can impart tackiness, but it is sufficient to attach the aforementioned binder to at least a portion of it. By imparting tackiness, when combining a strip-shaped or rod-shaped aerosol-forming substrate 201 with a powder-shaped, granular, or paste-shaped aerosol-forming substrate 201, the powder-shaped or rod-shaped filler 201 can be stably held on the surface of the strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler 20.

[0042] <<<Susceptor component>>> Next, the susceptor member 203 will be described. The susceptor member 203 is made of a metallic material containing a magnetic material and is inductively heated by an external magnetic field. Magnetic materials are broadly classified into ferromagnetic materials, paramagnetic materials, and diamagnetic materials.

[0043] Ferromagnetic materials are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, strongly exhibit magnetism in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and retain strong magnetism even when the external magnetic field is removed. Examples of ferromagnetic materials include iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt. The relative permeability of ferromagnetic materials is extremely large, much greater than 1; for example, it is around 5000 for iron, around 600 for nickel, around 250 for cobalt, and around 1000-1800 for ferritic stainless steel.

[0044] Paramagnetic materials are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, become weakly magnetized in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and lose their magnetism when the external magnetic field is removed. Examples of paramagnetic materials include aluminum, platinum, and manganese. The relative permeability of paramagnetic materials is slightly greater than 1; for example, it is about 1.000021 for aluminum, about 1.000265 for platinum, and about 1.000830 for manganese.

[0045] Diamagnetic materials are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, become weakly magnetized in the opposite direction to the external magnetic field, and become unmagnetized when the external magnetic field is removed. Examples of paramagnetic materials include copper, graphite, and bismuth. The relative permeability of diamagnetic materials is slightly less than 1; for example, it is about 0.999990 for copper, about 0.99980 for graphite, and about 0.999834 for bismuth.

[0046] When an alternating magnetic field is generated, ferromagnetic materials not only generate Joule heating due to the flow of induced current, but also generate heat (hysteresis loss) due to friction and vibration between molecules. Therefore, they are more easily inductively heated than paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials, and the aerosol-forming substrate 201 can be sufficiently heated.

[0047] Furthermore, ferromagnetic materials have high Curie temperatures, for example, nickel has a Curie temperature of around 358°C. Therefore, even when heating the smoking device cartridge 1 to a high temperature of, for example, 200°C, the ferromagnetic material does not reach its Curie temperature and can maintain its properties as a ferromagnetic material, allowing the aerosol-forming substrate 201 to be heated stably.

[0048] The susceptor member 203 may be made of a ferromagnetic material such as the aforementioned iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, or a combination thereof. Examples of combinations of metal materials include a combination of ferritic stainless steel and nickel, and more preferably an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum.

[0049] Furthermore, the susceptor member 203 may be made of a metallic material mainly composed of a ferromagnetic material. For example, a ferromagnetic alloy containing 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, of the magnetic material may be used. Examples of ferromagnetic alloys include nickel alloys and nickel-iron alloys. Even in this case, the aerosol-forming substrate 201 can be sufficiently heated by induction heating of the ferromagnetic material.

[0050] Alternatively, a metal material containing paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials may be used as the susceptor member 203 instead of a ferromagnetic material. In this case as well, induction heating of the susceptor member 203, and consequently heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 201, is still possible. However, from the viewpoint of shortening the heating time and reducing power consumption, it is preferable to use a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material for the susceptor member 203.

[0051] The shape of the susceptor member 203 can be, for example, plate-shaped, columnar, or granular. Furthermore, susceptor members 203 having these shapes may be combined in any way. Specific examples of the susceptor member 203 will be described later.

[0052] The containment body 205 may contain multiple susceptor members 203. This allows the aerosol-forming substrate 201 to be heated while suppressing temperature unevenness.

[0053] The susceptor member 203 may be composed of a combination of ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic materials. For example, a first susceptor member made of nickel, a ferromagnetic material, and a second susceptor member made of iron, a ferromagnetic material, are physically attached to each other; a first susceptor member and a third susceptor member made of aluminum, a paramagnetic material, are physically attached to each other; or the outer surface of the first susceptor member is covered with the third susceptor member.

[0054] Preferably, the plate-shaped or columnar susceptor member 203 occupies 100% of the total length of the aerosol-forming substrate 201. In this case, the susceptor member 203 will have a length that extends across the entire length of the aerosol-forming substrate 201 in the direction from the heated object 20 to the filter 10 (or mouthpiece). However, the susceptor member 203 does not necessarily have to extend across the entire length of the aerosol-forming substrate 201; its length may be such that it accounts for, for example, 25% to 100% of the total length of the aerosol-forming substrate 201. This ensures that the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 201 can be reliably increased by the susceptor member 203.

[0055] <<<<Specific example of a susceptor component (1)>>>> Next, an example of a susceptor member will be described. Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a plate-shaped susceptor member. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heated object equipped with a plate-shaped susceptor member. In Figure 4, an example of the arrangement of the susceptor member 203 in the direction from the heated object 20 toward the filter 10 (or mouthpiece) is shown. Note that the aerosol-forming substrate 201 is omitted in Figure 4.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 3, the susceptor member 203 is formed in the shape of an elongated plate. The susceptor member 203 has a similar rectangular cross-sectional shape along its entire length. In this case, the susceptor member 203 has a width in the range of 0.1 mm to 6.0 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm, and a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4, multiple (five in Figure 4) susceptor members 203 are provided inside the housing 205. The susceptor members 203 are arranged such that, when the internal space of the housing 205 is divided equally into a central region α1 and an outer peripheral region β1, at least half of the total volume of the susceptor members 203 is located in the outer peripheral region β1. The dashed line in Figure 4 is the boundary line between the central region α1 and the outer peripheral region β1.

[0058] Furthermore, the susceptor member 203 is positioned so that the central axis C of the housing 205, which is aligned in the direction from the housing 205 to the filter 201, does not penetrate it. In Figure 4, the susceptor member 203 is positioned in the outer peripheral region β1 in terms of its overall volume. Therefore, the susceptor member 203 is positioned closer to the outer periphery in the radial direction of the housing 205 where it intersects with the central axis C. This ensures that the susceptor member 203 reliably heats the aerosol-forming substrate 201 located on the outer periphery of the housing 205, and that the aerosol-forming substrate 201 inside the housing 205 is heated evenly throughout, thus enabling efficient aerosol generation.

[0059] Furthermore, as will be described later, the smoking device cartridge 1 of this embodiment can also be used in a smoking device 80 equipped with a heating element (see Figure 14). Even if the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted into such a smoking device 80, the susceptor member 203, which is arranged as shown in Figure 4, does not overlap the central axis C of the housing 205. In addition, the susceptor member 203 is positioned in the outer peripheral region β1. This prevents damage to the blade (heating element) 82 and the susceptor member 203.

[0060] The blade 82 is positioned so as to be inserted into the housing 205, including the central axis C (see Figure 4), when the smoking device cartridge 1 is installed. The width of the blade 82 in the radial direction of the housing 205 is approximately 5 mm. For this reason, in Figure 4, it is desirable that the susceptor member 203 be positioned at least 2.5 mm away from the central axis C.

[0061] Figure 5 shows another example of the configuration of the heated object. Since Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4, the differences will be explained mainly. In the example of Figure 5, when the internal space of the housing 205 is divided into a central region α2 that shares the central axis C with the housing 205 and has half the diameter of the housing 205, and an outer peripheral region β2 located outside the central region α2, the susceptor member 203 is arranged such that at least half of the total volume of the susceptor member 203 is located in the outer peripheral region β2. The dashed line in Figure 5 is the boundary line between the central region α2 and the outer peripheral region β2. In Figure 5, the entire volume of the susceptor member 205 is located in the outer peripheral region β2. In this case as well, since the susceptor member 203 is positioned closer to the outer periphery in the radial direction of the housing 205, the aerosol-forming substrate 201 located on the outer periphery of the housing 205 can be reliably heated.

[0062] <<<<Specific Examples of Susceptor Components (2)>>>> Next, other examples of susceptor members will be described. Figure 6 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a cylindrical susceptor member. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heated object equipped with a cylindrical susceptor member.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the susceptor member 203 may be cylindrical. In this case, the susceptor member 203 has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and its length can be 25% to 100% of the total length of the aerosol-forming substrate 201. Note that the columnar susceptor member 203 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may also be prismatic, such as a triangular prism or a rectangular prism.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the cylindrical susceptor member 203 is positioned such that more than half of the total volume of the housing 205 is located in the outer peripheral region β1. Furthermore, the susceptor member 203 is positioned so that the central axis C of the housing 205 does not penetrate it.

[0065] Here, we will explain the test results when a plate-shaped susceptor member 203 as shown in Figure 3 and a cylindrical susceptor member 203 as shown in Figure 6 are provided inside a housing 205 with a diameter of 7 mm and a length of 12 mm.

[0066] Specifically, the experiment tested whether the aerosol-forming substrate 201 was sufficiently heated when the susceptor member 203 was inductively heated using the smoking device 70 (see Figure 13). The frequency of the alternating current used for inductive heating of the susceptor member 203 was 450 kHz.

[0067] In the plate-shaped susceptor member 203, the aerosol-forming substrate 201 was sufficiently heated when its volume was 7.2 mm³ or more. In the cylindrical susceptor member 203, the aerosol-forming substrate 201 was sufficiently heated when its volume was 5.7 mm³ or more. From these results, it was found that the ratio of the volume of the susceptor member 203 to the volume of the containment body 205 can be arbitrarily set within the range of 1 to 50%.

[0068] <<<<Specific Examples of Susceptor Components (3)>>>> Next, we will describe yet another example of a susceptor component. Figure 8 shows an example of a granular susceptor component. Figure 9 shows an example of a heated object configuration with a granular susceptor component.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8(a), the susceptor member 203 may be spherical granules. In this case, the diameter of the susceptor member 203 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm. Also, as shown in Figure 8(b), the susceptor member 203 may be in the form of a chain in which multiple spheres are connected along a certain direction.

[0070] If the chain-shaped susceptor member 203 is arranged along the length of the housing 205, that is, along the direction from the heated object 20 to the filter 10 (or mouthpiece), the length of the susceptor member 203 can be set to be between 25% and 100% of the total length of the aerosol-forming substrate 201.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9(a), the granular susceptor members 203 are dispersed and arranged within the internal space of the containment body 205. In particular, the granular susceptor members 203 are easy to arrange within the internal space of the containment body 205 when the aerosol-forming substrate 201 is molded into granules. Also, as shown in Figure 9(b), the chain-shaped susceptor members 203 can be arranged along the length of the containment body 205.

[0072] In the cases shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the susceptor member 203 is positioned such that, when the internal space of the housing 205 is divided equally into a central region α1 and an outer peripheral region β1, at least half of its total volume occupies the outer peripheral region β1. Alternatively, when the housing 205 is divided into a central region α2 that shares a central axis C with the housing 205 and has half the diameter of the housing 205, and an outer peripheral region β2 located outside the central region α2, the susceptor member 203 is positioned such that at least half of its total volume occupies the outer peripheral region β2.

[0073] <<<<Specific Examples of Susceptor Components (4)>>>> Next, other examples of susceptor members will be described. Figures 10 and 11 show other examples of susceptor members. In Figure 10, a surface with irregularities 203a is formed on the surface of the susceptor member 203. Multiple irregularities 203a may be formed along the length of the susceptor member 203. This effectively prevents the susceptor member 203 from falling out of the containment 205 because the irregularities 203a catch on the aerosol-forming substrate 201.

[0074] The shape, number, dimensions, and arrangement of the protrusions 203a are not limited to the example in Figure 10 and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the protrusions 203a can be set so that the distance from the surface of the susceptor member 203 to the highest protruding apex is 1.0 mm or less, and the distance from the surface of the susceptor member 203 toward the center to the deepest point is 1.0 mm or less.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the susceptor member 203 may have a sharp portion 203b at the tip of the side where the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted into the smoking device 80 (see Figure 14) equipped with a heating element. This makes it easier to insert the heating element blade 82 (see Figure 14) into the heated object 20, even if the susceptor member 203 is positioned near the center of the internal space of the housing 205. Note that the shape, dimensions, and angle of the sharp portion 203b are not limited to the example in Figure 11 and can be set arbitrarily.

[0076] <<<Containment>>> Next, the containment body 205 will be described. As already mentioned, the containment body 205 contains the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and the susceptor member 203. As shown in Figure 1, the containment body 205 has a shape that protrudes on the side opposite to the filter 10. Note that Figure 1 illustrates a capsule-shaped containment body 205 that also has a shape that protrudes on the side of the filter 10.

[0077] The portion of the housing 205 that protrudes on the side opposite the filter 10 is the part into which the heating element, the blade 82 (see Figure 14), is inserted when used in the smoking device 80 (see Figure 14), which will be described later. In this way, the housing 205 is configured to accommodate the insertion of the heating element.

[0078] This configuration improves the strength of the housing 205, preventing damage to the housing 205 when the blade 82 is inserted, and reducing the detachment of the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and susceptor member 203 from damaged areas. Furthermore, it also reduces the detachment of the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and susceptor member 203 after use when removing the cartridge from the smoking device.

[0079] The containment 205 is composed of plant-derived raw materials and natural ingredients, such as gelatin or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. More specifically, the containment 205 may be composed of materials used in food or materials that do not affect the aromatic components contained in the aerosol. The color of the containment 205 is not particularly limited and may be colorless and transparent or colored in any color.

[0080] The dimensions of the containment body 205 are set to a range that can accommodate the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and the susceptor member 203 and can be wrapped with the packaging member 30. The diameter of the containment body 205 is, for example, 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, and the length along the central axis of the containment body 205 is, for example, 50 mm or less. This allows the dimensions of the smoking device cartridge 1 to be kept down while the containment body 205 functions properly.

[0081] The thickness of the housing 205 is preferably, for example, 100 μm or more. However, the thickness of the housing 205 can be changed as appropriate, as long as the housing 205 is not damaged when the blade 82 is inserted.

[0082] The container 205 has holes 205a formed in it. The holes 205a only need to be formed at both ends of the container 205, or they may be formed throughout the entire container 205. The number and arrangement of the holes 205a are not particularly limited. For example, multiple holes 205a may be formed in a mesh-like pattern. However, the size of the holes 205a is smaller than the particle size and length of the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and the susceptor member 203. This prevents the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and the susceptor member 203 from spilling out of the holes 205a or becoming clogged in the holes 205a.

[0083] At the holes 205a on the filter 10 side, aerosols generated in the internal space of the housing 205 move toward the filter 10. At the holes 205a on the opposite side of the filter 10, air moves from the outside toward the internal space of the housing 205. In this way, the provision of holes 205a ensures ventilation within the smoking device cartridge 1. This prevents the temperature of the susceptor member 203 from rising too high. Furthermore, by providing multiple holes 205a at each end of the housing 205, ventilation within the smoking device cartridge 1 is further improved, and the temperature of the susceptor member 203 can be further prevented from rising too high.

[0084] As shown in Figure 1, the end of the container 205 opposite to the filter 10 may be exposed from the packaging member 30. This eliminates the gap between the end of the container 205 opposite to the filter 10 and the packaging member 30, thereby reducing damage to the packaging member 30 during installation and use.

[0085] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a housing. As shown in Figure 12, the housing 205 comprises a first housing section 2051 and a second housing section 2052. The first housing section 2051 has a first opening 2051a at one end and a first bottom section 2051b, for example, hemispherical, at the other end. Similarly, the second housing section 2052 has a second opening 2052a at one end and a second bottom section 2052b, for example, hemispherical, at the other end.

[0086] After housing the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and the susceptor member 203 in at least one of the first housing section 2051 and the second housing section 2052, the first opening 2051a of the first housing section 2051 and the second opening 2052a of the second housing section 2052 are fitted together and integrated to produce a capsule-shaped housing 205, and consequently, the heated object 20. With this method, there is no need to provide a special process for housing the susceptor member 203 inside the housing 205, and the heated object 20 can be easily manufactured.

[0087] <How to use smoking accessory cartridges> Next, we will explain how to use the smoking device cartridge 1. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the smoking device cartridge inserted into a smoking device equipped with an induction heating element.

[0088] As shown in Figure 13, the smoking device cartridge 1 is used when attached to a smoking device 70 equipped with a coil 72, which is an induction heating element. The smoking device 70 includes an insertion section 71 for inserting the smoking device cartridge 1, a coil 72 built in so as to be wound cylindrically around the insertion section 71, and a circuit board (not shown) including a controller (e.g., a CPU) that controls the flow of alternating current through the coil 72. When the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted into the insertion section 71, the heated element 20 is positioned inside the coil 72. That is, when the housing 205 is attached to the smoking device 70, it is positioned to receive induction heating from the coil 72. Note that in Figure 13, for the sake of explanation, a small gap is shown between the smoking device cartridge 1 and the insertion section 71, but in reality, there is almost no such gap.

[0089] In this state, when the smoking device 70 is switched on, an alternating current flows through the coil 72 under the control of the controller, generating an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the heated object 20. As a result, an induced current flows through the susceptor member 203, generating Joule heat, and heat is also generated due to hysteresis loss, causing the susceptor member 203 to be inductively heated and generate heat. Then, heat is transferred from the susceptor member 203 to each aerosol-forming substrate 201, heating each aerosol-forming substrate 201 and generating aerosols from the aerosol-forming substrates 201. At this time, since the multiple aerosol-forming substrates 201 are completely covered by the housing 205, the heat transferred from the susceptor member 205 is evenly distributed throughout the entire internal space of the housing 205. In this state, when the smoker puts the mouthpiece in their mouth and inhales, the aerosol flows from the heated object 20 towards the mouthpiece and into the smoker's mouth.

[0090] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a smoking device cartridge inserted into a smoking device equipped with a heating element. As shown in Figure 14, the smoking device cartridge 1 is used when attached to a smoking device 80 equipped with a heating element blade 82. The smoking device 80 includes an insertion section 81 for inserting the smoking device cartridge 1, a blade 82 provided to protrude from the bottom surface 81a of the insertion section 81 toward the opening 81b of the insertion section 81, and a circuit board (not shown) including a controller (e.g., a CPU) that controls the flow of current to the blade 82. When the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted into the insertion section 81, the blade 82 is inserted from the end of the housing 205. In Figure 14, for the sake of explanation, a small space is provided between the smoking device cartridge 1 and the insertion section 81, but in reality, there is almost no such gap.

[0091] In this state, when the smoking device 80 is switched on, current flows to the blade 82 under the control of the controller, generating Joule heat. This heat is then transferred from the blade 82 to each aerosol-forming substrate 201, heating each aerosol-forming substrate 201 and generating aerosols from them. Since heat transfer occurs via the metal susceptor member 203, the aerosol-forming substrates 201 can be heated in a shorter time than with conventional cartridges that do not include a susceptor member. From this point onward, the procedure is the same as when using the smoking device 70.

[0092] <Main effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, the housing 205 houses the aerosol-forming substrate 201 and the susceptor member 203, and when attached to a smoking device 80 equipped with a blade 82, the blade 82 is inserted into it. Furthermore, when attached to a smoking device 70 equipped with a coil 72, the housing 205 is positioned to receive induction heating from the coil 72. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a smoking device cartridge 1 that can be used with both a smoking device 80 equipped with a blade 82 and a smoking device 70 equipped with a coil 72. This eliminates the need to prepare a dedicated cartridge for each type of smoking device.

[0093] (Embodiment 2) Next, another example of a cartridge for a smoking device will be described. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a cartridge for a smoking device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 15, the cartridge 1 for a smoking device according to this embodiment has a configuration in which a support member 40 and a sealing member 50 are added to the cartridge 1 for a smoking device according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 15, the filter 10, the support member 40, the heated object 20, and the sealing member 50 are arranged sequentially in a linear manner and are packaged by a packaging member 30.

[0094] <<Support Member>> The support member 40 is positioned so that one end is in contact with the filter 10 and the other end is in contact with the non-heated body 20, thereby supporting the heated body 20. This allows the support member 40 to suppress the movement of the heated body 20 toward the mouthpiece side (i.e., the filter 10 side) and the bending of the packaging member 30, while also allowing the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate 201 to flow toward the filter 10 side.

[0095] The support member 40 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape and is positioned between the heated object 20 and the filter 10 such that its axis in the height direction (horizontal direction in Figure 15) aligns with the central axis of the smoking device cartridge 1. The support member 40 is formed, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length of 50 mm or less along its central axis. However, the support member 40 may have different dimensions as appropriate, depending on its function and configuration.

[0096] As shown in Figure 15, for example, the support member 40 has a support member body 401 made of resin material, with through holes 402 formed therein that serve as passages for air or aerosols. The through holes 402 correspond to the transfer space SP described in Embodiment 1. There may be one or more through holes 402. Examples of materials for forming the support member 40 include polypropylene, polylactic acid, silicone, and metal. The support member 40 may also be made of crimped paper.

[0097] <<Sealing material>> The sealing member 50 is provided at the end of the heated object 20 opposite to the filter 10 and the support member 40. Specifically, the sealing member 50 is positioned so that one end is in contact with the unheated object 20.

[0098] The sealing member 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the dimensions of the sealing member 50 are set to, for example, a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length in the height direction (horizontal direction in Figure 15) of 3.0 mm to 7.0 mm. Examples of materials for the sealing member 50 include polypropylene, polylactic acid, silicone, and metal.

[0099] Furthermore, the sealing member 50, like the filter 10, may be made of, for example, a sheet of paper that has been wound into a cylindrical or spiral shape, folded, or crimped. Alternatively, the sealing member 50 may be made by attaching breathable paper to the end of the packaging member 30.

[0100] The sealing member 50 has the function of allowing air to pass from the outside of the smoking device cartridge 1 toward the heated object 20. The sealing member 50 also has the function of absorbing residual liquid that remains on the heated object 20 and liquefies from the water vapor and aerosol generated by the aerosol forming substrate 201. The sealing member 50 also has the function of suppressing the movement of the heated object 20 toward the sealing member 50.

[0101] The sealing member 50 may have a different color (for example, black) than the filter 10. This makes it easy to distinguish between the upstream and downstream sides of the smoking device cartridge 1. In addition, the sealing member 50 may be provided with one or more through holes 50a that serve as passages for aerosols in order to improve airflow.

[0102] Furthermore, the support member 40 and the sealing member 50 do not necessarily need to be installed if the aerosol forming member 1 does not move. For example, the filter 10 and the heated object 20 may be placed adjacent to each other. This reduces the number of parts, which is effective in reducing costs.

[0103] <<Specific Examples of Susceptor Components (5)>> Next, other examples of susceptor members will be described. Figure 16 shows other examples of susceptor members. Figure 16(a) shows an example in which a susceptor member 203 has multiple through holes 2031 formed in a grid pattern that penetrate between the front and back surfaces. Figure 16(b) shows an example in which a susceptor member 203 has through holes 2031 with larger openings than those in Figure 16(a). One or more through holes 2031 may be formed on the surface of the susceptor member 203.

[0104] The susceptor member 203 is provided with through holes 2031, allowing an airflow containing aerosols to pass through the through holes 2031 and 2032. This increases the opportunities for the airflow heated by the susceptor member 203 to come into contact with the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 201, allowing the aerosol-forming substrate 201 to be heated more efficiently and promoting aerosol generation from the aerosol-forming substrate 201.

[0105] Furthermore, the configuration of the susceptor member 203 shown in Figure 16 is also applicable to Embodiment 1. Additionally, the configuration of the susceptor member 203 described in Embodiment 1 is also applicable to this embodiment.

[0106] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are explained in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and it is not necessary to have all of the described configurations. Also, the sizes of each element and the relative sizes between elements shown in the drawings are simplified and idealized for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and may be more complex in reality. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1... Smoking device cartridge, 10... Filter, 20... Heating element, 30... Packaging material, 40... Support material, 50... Sealing material, 70, 80... Smoking device, 72... Coil (induction heating element), 82... Blade (heating element), 201... Aerosol forming substrate, 203... Suscepter material, 205... Container.

Claims

1. A cartridge for a smoking device, which is used by being attached to a smoking device equipped with a heating element or induction heating element, The aforementioned smoking device cartridge is Susceptor member, A housing for housing the susceptor member, A packaging member for packaging the aforementioned container, Equipped with, The housing is positioned to receive induction heating from the induction heating element when attached to the smoking device equipped with the induction heating element, and is configured to receive induction heating from the induction heating element when attached to the smoking device equipped with the heating element, Smoking accessory cartridges.

2. In the smoking device cartridge according to claim 1, The aforementioned container houses an aerosol-forming substrate that generates an aerosol when heated. Smoking accessory cartridges.

3. In the smoking device cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, The end of the container is exposed from the packaging member. Smoking accessory cartridges.

4. In the smoking device cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, The housing contains a plurality of the susceptor members. Smoking accessory cartridges.

5. In the smoking device cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, The susceptor member is positioned so as not to penetrate the central axis extending from the housing to the filter. When the internal space of the housing is divided equally along the central axis into a central region and an outer peripheral region outside the central region, more than half of the total volume of the susceptor member is allocated to the outer peripheral region. Smoking accessory cartridges.

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