Aerosol inhalation cartridge

Abstract

To provide an aerosol inhalation cartridge usable for any heating device of a blade heating type and an induction heating type.SOLUTION: An aerosol inhalation cartridge used for an induction heating device and having a columnar shape as a whole includes an induction heating member 14 disposed inside a filler of an aerosol forming base material 11 that is formed of the filler for generating aerosol. The aerosol inhalation cartridge is characterized in that the induction heating member 14 has a non-linear shape symmetrical to a direction parallel to a diameter of a bottom surface when viewed from the bottom surface side of the columnar shape, while it is disposed inside the filler.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol inhalation cartridge that is attached to a blade heating type or induction heating device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, tobacco products that use a method of heating a tobacco cartridge containing tobacco components and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components without using a flame have become widely known. In addition, due to the diversification of tastes, aerosol inhalation cartridges that use cartridge products for enjoying the aroma and flavor of plants that do not contain tobacco components without using a flame, like tobacco, are also becoming known.

[0003] Such an aerosol suction cartridge generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate in which a filling material is accumulated. Known methods for heating an aerosol-forming substrate include (1) a method in which an aerosol suction cartridge is inserted into a heating blade installed inside a heating device, and the heating blade is electrically heated to heat the filling material (blade heating type) (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and (2) a method in which an induction heating member, which is a component mainly composed of a ferromagnetic material, is provided inside the aerosol-forming substrate in advance, and an alternating magnetic field generated by an induction heating device generates hysteresis loss and Joule heat inside the induction heating member to heat (induction heating), thereby heating the filling material (induction heating type) (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] However, since blade heating type aerosol suction cartridges cannot be used with induction heating type heating devices, and induction heating type aerosol suction cartridges cannot be used with blade heating type heating devices, there was a problem that users could not necessarily select an aerosol suction cartridge that suited their preferences.

[0005] In addition, since the conventional induction heating member had a long and thin flat structure, it did not cover a wide range inside the aerosol-forming substrate, which has a cylindrical shape, making it difficult to effectively heat a wide range inside the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0006] Furthermore, when a flat-shaped induction heating member is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate, the component perpendicular to the alternating magnetic field is determined by the thickness of the flat plate. In this case, eddy currents are difficult to generate, which creates the problem that induction heating by Joule heat cannot be performed effectively.

[0007] On the other hand, simply increasing the size of an induction heating component made of a ferromagnetic material can lead to problems such as excessive heating, depending on the magnetic transition temperature (Curie temperature), causing the heating device to stop or break down, resulting in unstable heating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-519915 [Patent Document 2] JP 2021-175399 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an aerosol inhalation cartridge that can be used with either a blade heating type or an induction heating type heating device.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol inhalation cartridge that can more efficiently perform heating by Joule heat in induction heating.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol suction cartridge which is capable of stabilizing heating by suppressing excessive heating during induction heating and effectively heating a wide range inside the aerosol-forming substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 provides an aerosol inhalation cartridge having a cylindrical shape as a whole, for use in an induction heating device, the aerosol inhalation cartridge comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate made of a filling that generates an aerosol; a mouthpiece for inhaling the aerosol, disposed at one end of the cylindrical shape; an exterior member for packaging the aerosol-forming substrate and the mouthpiece; and an induction heating member disposed inside the filling of the aerosol-forming substrate, the induction heating member having a non-linear shape that is symmetrical with respect to a direction parallel to a diameter axis of the bottom surface when viewed from the side of the bottom surface of the cylindrical shape while disposed inside the filling. The invention described in claim 2 is an aerosol inhalation cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, of the sides that constitute the non-linear shape of the induction heating member, at least one pair of sides that are positioned symmetrically with respect to a direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface have a length that is longer than the radius of the cylindrical circle. The invention described in claim 3 is an aerosol inhalation cartridge described in any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the non-linear shape is any one of V-shape, U-shape, and C-shape, or a combination of these. The invention described in claim 4 is an aerosol inhalation cartridge described in any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the induction heating member has one or more notches arranged along the longitudinal direction in a part of the direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the notches having a depth penetrating the thickness direction of the induction heating member. The invention described in claim 5 is an aerosol inhalation cartridge described in any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the induction heating member has a non-through cut formed in the deformed portion that forms the non-linear shape. The invention described in claim 6 is an aerosol inhalation cartridge having a cylindrical shape as a whole, for use in an induction heating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate made of a filling that generates an aerosol; a mouthpiece for inhaling the aerosol, the mouthpiece being disposed at one end of the cylindrical shape and positioned on the opposite side of the aerosol-forming substrate; an exterior member that packages the aerosol-forming substrate and the mouthpiece; and an induction heating member disposed inside the filling of the aerosol-forming substrate, the induction heating member having a non-linear shape having a component extending in a radial direction of the cylindrical shape when viewed from a side surface of the cylindrical shape while disposed inside the filling. The invention described in claim 7 is an aerosol inhalation cartridge having a cylindrical shape as a whole, for use in an induction heating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate made of a filling that generates an aerosol; a mouthpiece for inhaling the aerosol, which is disposed at one end of the cylindrical shape; an exterior member for packaging the aerosol-forming substrate and the mouthpiece; and an induction heating member disposed inside the filling of the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the induction heating member has a length longer than the sum of the longitudinal direction and diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate, has a bent portion bent by 90° or more in part of the longitudinal direction, and is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate. The invention described in claim 8 is an aerosol inhalation cartridge described in any one of claims 1, 2, 6 or 7, characterized in that a portion of the induction heating member is formed of a non-magnetic material or a paramagnetic material. The invention described in claim 9 is an aerosol inhalation cartridge described in any one of claims 1, 2, 6 or 7, characterized in that one or both ends of the induction heating member are formed at an acute angle with respect to its longitudinal direction. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to this invention, when the induction heating member is viewed from the bottom side of the aerosol-forming substrate, it has a non-linear shape that is symmetrical with respect to a direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface. Therefore, the induction heating member is not positioned near the radial center of the aerosol-forming substrate, so that a space is created through which the heating blade can be inserted, making it possible to use either a blade heating type or an induction heating type heating device.

[0014] In addition, the length of at least one pair of sides of the induction heating member that are symmetrical with respect to the direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface among the sides constituting the nonlinear shape is longer than the radius of the cylindrical circle of the aerosol-forming substrate, so that the induction heating member is not located near the center in the radial direction of the aerosol-forming substrate, and a space is formed through which the heating blade can be inserted, making it possible to use either a blade heating type or an induction heating type heating device. Furthermore, since the induction heating member extends over a wide range inside the aerosol-forming substrate, it becomes possible to effectively heat a wide range.

[0015] In addition, since the induction heating member has a nonlinear shape having a component extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical shape when viewed from the side of the cylindrical shape in a state where it is placed inside the filling, the induction heating member is not located near the center in the radial direction of the aerosol-forming substrate, and a space is created through which the heating blade can be inserted, making it possible to use either a blade heating type or an induction heating type heating device. In addition, in the geometric configuration of the induction heating member, the component in the direction perpendicular to the alternating magnetic field becomes large in induction heating, making it easier for eddy currents to be generated, and heating by Joule heat can be performed more efficiently.

[0016] In addition, the non-magnetic material that constitutes part of the induction heating member contributes less to heat generation than the magnetic material and functions as a thermal conductor, so that excessive heating can be suppressed during induction heating, stabilizing heating and enabling a wide area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate to be effectively heated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol suction cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view (XX) of the aerosol suction cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an induction heating member according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol suction cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view (YY) of an aerosol suction cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are a schematic side view and a schematic perspective view of an induction heating member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 5A and 5B are a schematic front view and a schematic plan view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of an induction heating member according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the size, spacing, number and other details of each component are greatly simplified and exaggerated compared to the actual objects in order to facilitate visibility and understanding.

[0019] First embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol suction cartridge 1 used in the induction heating device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view (XX) of the aerosol suction cartridge 1. As shown in this figure, the aerosol suction cartridge 1 has an elongated cylindrical shape as a whole, and includes an aerosol-forming substrate 11, which is an accumulation of a substantially cylindrical filling material filled with a large number of filling materials, a support member 15 that can pass an airflow from the aerosol-forming substrate 11, a mouthpiece 16 that is disposed at one end of the cylinder and has a mouthpiece at one end, and a seal member 17 that is disposed at the opposite end of the mouthpiece 16, which are arranged along the longitudinal direction and are integrally formed by being wrapped with a sheet-like exterior member 13. The exterior member 13 can be formed of paper or the like. Here, in this patent, "elongated" means that the length direction is greater than its width, thickness, or diameter.

[0020] Here, the aerosol-forming substrate 11 is integrated by wrapping the filler in an approximately cylindrical shape with an inner member 12, and an induction heating member 14 is enclosed inside the aerosol-forming substrate 11.

[0021] The filler is made by mixing dried and ground tobacco or non-tobacco plants with an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, additives that add flavor, preservatives, adhesives or thickeners, etc., forming the mixture into a sheet, and then cutting it to a specified width and length.

[0022] When the filler is configured in a long shape, the cross section perpendicular to the central axis is substantially rectangular, and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the cross section is preferably, for example, in the range of 1:1 to 30:1. The length of the long side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The length of the short side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. In addition, it is preferable that the length of the filler is substantially the same as the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 11. The length of the filler is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. An example of the dimensions of such a filler is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.

[0023] Next, specific examples of materials used as the packing will be described. The packing may be composed of any one or a combination of the following materials:

[0024] The filler is made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. Tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, etc. Non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tuberous roots, etc.), stems, tubers, skin (stem skin, bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, branches, etc.

[0025] In this specification, "plants" refers to a group of animals, and includes not only living organisms that have roots and live in a fixed location, such as grass and trees, but also algae such as microalgae and seaweed, and fungi such as mushrooms.

[0026] The filler is prepared, for example, by mixing aerosol formers that generate aerosols, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor additives that add flavor, preservatives, binders, thickeners, etc. with dried and crushed non-tobacco plants as appropriate, and then crushing or classifying the mixture into powder or granules, or forming the mixture into a paste. The filler may also be formed into a sheet, which is then cut into strips or rods of a given width and length.

[0027] For example, tea leaves can be used when non-tobacco plants are used as raw materials. Not only do tea leaves come from different plants, but even the same plant can be made into different tea leaves depending on the processing method. Specific examples include Japanese tea, black tea, and oolong tea.

[0028] As the aerosol former, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, etc. are preferably used.

[0029] Next, microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of a fibrous plant with an acid, and is obtained by removing the soluble portion from the cellulose and, if necessary, crystallizing the insoluble portion.

[0030] The microcrystalline cellulose may be in the form of a powder or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspension. In this case, dispersion in the solvent can be performed using a high-speed stirrer or a high-pressure homogenizer.

[0031] Furthermore, flavor additives that add flavor are also used as ingredients of the filling material as needed. Examples of flavor additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, black tea extract, and tea extract catechin powder. Preservatives that are used in food are preferred, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0032] Binding or thickening agents include gums such as guar gum, cellulosic binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, polysaccharides such as conjugate base salts of organic acids such as starch, and combinations thereof.

[0033] Next, the aerosol suction cartridge 1 in the present embodiment 1 is formed to have a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm, and a length of 40 mm to 80 mm. If the outer diameter of the aerosol suction cartridge 1 is set in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm, the aerosol suction cartridge 1 is fitted with an insertion part for inserting the aerosol suction cartridge 1 provided in the aerosol generating device with an appropriate force, so that the aerosol suction cartridge 1 can be easily attached and detached while allowing the aerosol suction cartridge 1 to be suitably held in the aerosol generating device. If the length of the aerosol suction cartridge 1 is set in the range of 40 to 80 mm, it becomes longer than the length of the insertion part for receiving the aerosol suction cartridge 1 provided in the aerosol generating device, so that even if the aerosol suction cartridge 1 is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the mouth can be exposed from the aerosol generating device, and the length required for the user to inhale the aerosol can be secured.

[0034] The support member 15 suppresses the movement of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 toward the support member 15 side, and allows the airflow containing the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate 11 to flow toward the mouthpiece 16 side. The support member 15 is provided, for example, in a cylindrical and solid shape, and is disposed between the aerosol-forming substrate 11 and the mouthpiece 16 so that its axial direction is along the central axis. The support member 15 is formed, for example, with an outer diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or less. The support member 15 may have dimensions different from those described above depending on the appropriate function and configuration.

[0035] In the present embodiment 1, the support member 15 has a support member body 15-1 made of a resin material and an insertion hole 15-2 serving as an air flow path formed in the support member body 15-1. Examples of the resin material forming the support member 15 include polypropylene, polylactic acid, and silicone.

[0036] The mouthpiece 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or more. The mouthpiece 16 is formed, for example, using paper. The mouthpiece 16 may be formed in a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like member made of paper, or may include a cellulose acetate filter or the like for removing fine particles. The mouthpiece 16 is a white filter having a function of filtering out part of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate 11. When the filling is made from a non-tobacco plant, it is not necessarily necessary to provide the mouthpiece 16 with a filtering function, and for example, the inside of the exterior member 13 may be used as it is, or a hollow tube may be used (i.e., the area where the mouthpiece 16 is disposed is used as a cavity).

[0037] The aerosol-forming substrate 11 is formed by bundling a long-shaped filler along the length direction and wrapping it with a sheet-like interior member 12 to form a substantially cylindrical shape. The filler is formed from a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant. The aerosol-forming substrate 11 has a length of 10 to 25 mm. The filler is not limited to a long shape, and may be in other forms such as a strip, a rod, a sheet, a granule, a dust, a paste, or a porous form. The aerosol suction cartridge 1 may have dimensions different from those described above in accordance with the shape of the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 is equal to the outer diameters of the support member 15 and the mouthpiece 16, and is generally constant along the central axis. The size of this outer diameter is preferably in the range of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, for example, and more preferably in the range of 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm.

[0039] As described above, the induction heating member 14 is provided inside the aerosol-forming substrate 11. In the present embodiment 1, the induction heating member 14 is a processed flat-plate material. Here, the material of the induction heating member 14 is formed of a metal material including a ferromagnetic material. A ferromagnetic material is a material that is strongly magnetized in the same direction as the external magnetic field when an external magnetic field is applied, and has a property of being attracted to a magnet in particular. For example, ferromagnetic materials include iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel (e.g., SUS430), nickel, nickel-iron alloy (e.g., 42 alloy, 36 invar), and cobalt. The relative magnetic permeability of a ferromagnetic material is significantly larger than 1, for example, about 5000 for iron, about 600 for nickel, about 250 for cobalt, and about 1000 to 1800 for ferritic stainless steel.

[0040] Among magnetic bodies, paramagnetic bodies are materials that become weakly magnetized in the same direction as an external magnetic field when it is applied, and lose magnetism when the external magnetic field is reduced to zero, examples of which include aluminum, platinum, manganese, etc. The relative permeability of paramagnetic bodies is slightly greater than 1, for example, about 1.000021 for aluminum, about 1.000265 for platinum, and about 1.000830 for manganese.

[0041] Diamagnetic materials, among magnetic materials, are materials that become magnetized in the opposite direction to the external magnetic field when an external magnetic field is applied, and lose their magnetism when the external magnetic field is reduced to zero, examples of which include copper, graphite, bismuth, etc. The relative permeability of diamagnetic materials is slightly smaller than 1, for example, about 0.999990 for copper, about 0.99980 for graphite, and about 0.999834 for bismuth.

[0042] When a ferromagnetic material is placed in a magnetic field (alternating magnetic field) whose direction and magnitude change over time, not only does it generate Joule heat due to eddy currents flowing due to electromagnetic induction, but it also generates heat due to energy loss (hysteresis loss) that occurs when the direction of magnetization inside the ferromagnetic material changes. Therefore, it can be easily induced heated compared to paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials, and the aerosol-forming substrate 11 can be heated sufficiently.

[0043] Furthermore, the Curie temperature, which is the temperature at which a ferromagnetic material loses its magnetic order and transitions to a paramagnetic material, is, for example, about 358° C. for nickel. Therefore, even when the aerosol suction cartridge 1 is heated at a high temperature, for example, at 200° C., the heating temperature does not reach the Curie temperature, and the properties of the ferromagnetic material can be maintained, allowing the aerosol-forming substrate 11 to be stably heated.

[0044] The material of the induction heating member 14 may be a ferromagnetic material such as iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, or a combination of these metal materials. For example, a combination of ferritic stainless steel and nickel is exemplified, and an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum (iron-chromium-aluminum alloy) is more preferred.

[0045] Here, we will explain the relationship between temperature and magnetism of iron and chromium. The Curie temperature of iron is about 770°C, and the Neel temperature of chromium, which is the temperature at which it changes from an antiferromagnetic material to a paramagnetic material, is about 35°C.

[0046] The induction heating member 14 may be made of a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material as a main component, and may be, for example, a ferromagnetic alloy, which is an alloy containing preferably 60% or more, more preferably 80% or more, of a ferromagnetic material. For example, a nickel alloy or a nickel-iron alloy may be used. Even in this case, the aerosol-forming substrate 11 can be sufficiently heated by inductively heating the ferromagnetic material. Note that, instead of the ferromagnetic material, a metal material containing a paramagnetic material and a diamagnetic material may be used. In this case, induction heating itself is 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.

[0047] Next, the shape and arrangement of the induction heating member 14 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the induction heating member 14.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the induction heating member 14 is formed by bending a flat plate-shaped material as a whole, and when viewed from the bottom surface side of the cylindrical shape in a state where it is placed inside the filling, it has a non-linear shape that is symmetrical with respect to a direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface. In the present embodiment 1, it is V-shaped. Here, in the present embodiment 1, "symmetrical with respect to a direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface" means that, when the diameter of the circle formed by the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 is taken as an axis, it is symmetrical with respect to the axis and a direction parallel to it. The same applies to the following embodiments. Also, when viewed from the side of the cylinder, it has an elongated shape as shown in Fig. 3. Here, the induction heating member 14 is V-shaped and has a non-linear shape that is symmetrical with respect to a direction parallel to the diameter direction of the bottom surface (dash line in the figure). In addition, it is preferable that the length of at least one pair of sides among the pairs of sides at symmetric positions is longer than the radius of the cylindrical circle of the aerosol-forming substrate 11. In the first embodiment, the length of each of the left and right sides of the V shape is longer than the radius of the cylindrical circle of the aerosol-forming substrate 11.

[0049] The flat plate serving as the material of the induction heating member 14 has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, and a length that is approximately the same as but may be different from that of the aerosol-forming substrate 11. The width is set to a dimension such that when a V-shape is formed as described above, the length of each of the left and right sides is larger than the radius of the cylindrical circle of the aerosol-forming substrate 11.

[0050] Since the flat plate constituting the induction heating member 14 has a thickness, strictly speaking, the length of the sides is not determined as in a linear figure, but in this embodiment 1, the length of the sides is defined based on a line (dotted line in the enlarged view of FIG. 2) passing through the midpoints (a), (b), and (c) in the thickness direction, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 2. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0051] In addition, the bending angle of the V-shape of the induction heating member 14 is set to an appropriate angle in consideration of the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 and the width of the flat plate that is the material, so that a part of the induction heating member 14 is not disposed in the center of the cylinder that constitutes the aerosol-forming substrate 11, and a sufficient space is provided for the heating blade of the heating device to be inserted. In the V-shape of the present embodiment 1, for example, the inner angle is preferably 20° or more. In the present embodiment 1, it is set to 30°±10°.

[0052] The induction heating member 14 is disposed inside the aerosol-forming substrate 11 such that its longitudinal direction is oriented substantially in agreement with the direction of the central axis of the cylinder that forms the aerosol-forming substrate 11. With such a configuration and arrangement, the induction heating member 14 is positioned near the center of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 in the radial direction.

[0053] Next, the sealing member 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is formed, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 30 to 70 mm or less. The sealing member 17 may be formed in a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like member made of, for example, paper, like the mouthpiece 16. The sealing member 17 has a function of passing air from the outside of the cartridge toward the aerosol-forming substrate 11. In addition, the sealing member 17 can absorb the residual liquid that remains in the aerosol-forming substrate 11 and liquefies among the water vapor and aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate 11. By making the sealing member 17 a color different from that of the mouthpiece 16 (for example, black), it is possible to easily determine the upstream side and the downstream side of the aerosol inhalation cartridge 1. In addition, one or more through holes for ventilation may be provided in the height direction of the cylinder, or the sealing member 17 may be formed of a porous body having air permeability.

[0054] Next, a description will be given of a manufacturing process of the aerosol suction cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment 1. The manufacturing process is roughly divided into a manufacturing process of a filling material, a manufacturing process of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, and an assembly process, which are performed in this order.

[0055] <Filling manufacturing process> First, the manufacturing process of the filler will be described. The manufacturing process of the filler further includes, as internal processes, a drying and crushing process in which the main raw material, tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, is dried and crushed and weighed, a preparation process in which other raw materials are pretreated and weighed, a mixing process in which the raw materials are mixed to form a composition, and a filler molding process in which the composition is molded.

[0056] In the drying and grinding process, the parts of the tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant that are the main raw material (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) that are used are processed into a specific ground material to make a composition. At that time, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content to a level that is convenient for absorbing or carrying the aerosol former, water, and other components that are added later. In drying, the temperature is preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. By setting it in this range, it is easy to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the dissipation of the required flavor components. Furthermore, the drying and grinding process can also be provided with a sieving process to sieve the ground material, and it can be adjusted to the desired particle size before being fed into the mixing process.

[0057] In the preparation step, the raw materials required for producing the filling can be prepared. The microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation step and then fed into the mixing step.

[0058] In the mixing step, a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a mixing device in which the raw materials in a mixing vessel are mixed while applying a shear force with an agitating blade is preferably used.

[0059] In the filling molding process, a composition in which various raw materials are mixed is formed into a thin sheet, which is then cut to form a rectangular or rod-shaped filling. In this embodiment, multiple roll mills are prepared to make a thin sheet. When multiple roll mills are used, it is possible to form a sheet of a desired thickness using a doctor blade while kneading and dispersing by compression caused by being pressed between narrow rolls and shearing caused by the roll speed difference. It is also possible to prepare the filling using a press roller or a press machine.

[0060] In addition, to obtain a powdered or granular filler, it is preferable to pulverize or classify the composition appropriately. The average particle size of the powdered or granular filler is preferably, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. The average particle size is determined, for example, by the sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. In other words, this average particle size refers to the diameter equivalent to 50% of the mass obtained by integrating the mass from the larger opening of the test results using multiple sieves. In addition, the particle size at 50% of the integrated value in the particle size distribution determined by the laser diffraction / scattering method may be used as the average particle size.

[0061] In the filling forming step, other means may be used, such as passing the composition through an orifice under pressure to form the composition. In addition, in the filling forming step, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, water, etc. may be added as necessary.

[0062] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling molding step is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut to a predetermined width by a cutter, a rotary cutter using a rotary blade, or the like.

[0063] Here, when the surface of the filler is given adhesiveness, there is no particular limitation as long as it is a means capable of giving adhesiveness, but it is sufficient to attach the above-mentioned binder to at least a part of the surface. By giving adhesiveness, when a strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler is combined with a powdery, granular or pasty filler, the powdery, granular or pasty filler can be stably held on the surface of the strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler.

[0064] <Step of forming aerosol-forming substrate> Next, a description will be given of a manufacturing process of the aerosol-forming substrate 11. The manufacturing process of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 includes, as internal processes, the above-mentioned filler forming process, converging process, enclosing process, and cutting process.

[0065] In the converging step, the extending filler after the above-mentioned filler forming step is converged to match the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 11. In this converging step, the extending induction heating member 14 is positioned so that the metal plate that is the material thereof is disposed at a predetermined position, and the extending filler is disposed along the induction heating member 14, and the induction heating member 14 is covered with the filler and converged.

[0066] The metal plate that is the material of the induction heating member 14 is a long, ribbon-like metal flat plate that is processed into a predetermined shape such as a V-shape and is prepared separately in advance. The processing is a bending process, which is performed by pressing using a die.

[0067] In the enclosing step, the filling converged in the converging step is wrapped in the extending interior member 12 to form an extending aerosol-forming substrate 11. Then, in the cutting step, the extended aerosol-forming substrate 11 produced in the enveloping step is cut to a predetermined length (10 to 25 mm) using, for example, a roller cutter (not shown), to form the aerosol-forming substrate 11.

[0068] Therefore, by setting the thickness of the induction heating member 14 to 0.1 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, it is possible to increase the heat storage capacity and the heating capacity by the induction magnetic field, while reducing the force required to cut the extended aerosol-forming substrate 11 in the cutting process and reducing wear on the roller cutter.

[0069] <Assembly process> Next, the assembly process will be described. In the assembly process, the sealing member 16, the aerosol-forming substrate 11, the support member 15, and the mouthpiece 16 are arranged in a line in this order, and then wrapped in the exterior member 13, thereby completing the aerosol inhalation cartridge 1.

[0070] According to this invention, when viewed from the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, the induction heating member 14 has a non-linear shape that is symmetrical with respect to a direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface. Therefore, the induction heating member 14 is not positioned near the radial center of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, so that a space is created through which a heating blade can be inserted, making it possible to use either a blade heating type or an induction heating type heating device.

[0071] Furthermore, the length of at least one pair of sides of the induction heating member 14 that are symmetrical with respect to the direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface among the sides constituting the nonlinear shape is longer than the radius of the cylindrical circle of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, so that the induction heating member 14 is not positioned near the center in the radial direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, and a space is formed through which the heating blade can be inserted, making it possible to use either a blade heating type or an induction heating type heating device. Furthermore, since the induction heating member 14 extends over a wide range inside the aerosol-forming substrate 11, it becomes possible to effectively heat a wide range.

[0072] Embodiment 2 4 to 6, an aerosol suction cartridge 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. Here, illustrations and descriptions of configurations and functions common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0073] The induction heating member 24 has a non-linear shape having a component extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical shape when viewed from the side of the cylindrical shape in a state in which it is disposed inside the filling of the aerosol-forming substrate 21 as shown in Fig. 4. In the present embodiment 2, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the induction heating member 24 has a shape of three connected inverted T shapes, which are composed of a component (parallel component 24-1) parallel to the direction of the central axis of the cylinder forming the aerosol-forming substrate 21 and a component (vertical component 24-2) perpendicular thereto.

[0074] The induction heating member 24, like the induction heating member 14, is obtained by cutting and bending a long ribbon-shaped metal flat plate as a material. Similarly, the size and arrangement of the vertical component 24-2 when bending are set to a dimension and angle such that the induction heating member 24 is not placed at the center of the cylinder constituting the aerosol-forming substrate 211 and a sufficient space is provided for the heating blade to be inserted, taking into consideration the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 21 and the width of the flat plate as a material. In the present embodiment 2, the vertical component 24-2 is set to be longer than the radius of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 in the longitudinal direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 5) and shorter than the radius in the lateral direction (the horizontal direction in the same). Specifically, it is a substantially rectangular shape with a longitudinal side of 5 mm and a lateral side of 2 mm. With such a configuration and arrangement, the induction heating member 24 is not located near the center of the aerosol-forming substrate 21 in the radial direction.

[0075] According to this invention, when the induction heating member 24 is placed inside the filling and viewed from the side of the cylindrical shape, it has a non-linear shape having a component extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical shape, and since the induction heating member 24 is not located near the center in the radial direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 21, a space is created through which the heating blade can be inserted, which makes it possible to use either a blade heating type or an induction heating type heating device. Also, in the geometric configuration of the induction heating member 24, the component in the direction perpendicular to the alternating magnetic field becomes large, which makes it easier for eddy currents to be generated in induction heating, and makes it possible to perform heating by Joule heat more efficiently.

[0076] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but extends to other embodiments that can be regarded as equivalent thereto.

[0077] For example, in the first embodiment, the induction heating member 14 has a V-shape when viewed from the bottom side of the cylinder when placed inside the filling, but is not limited to this, and other shapes may be used as long as the shape is a non-linear shape symmetrical with respect to a direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface of the cylinder. For example, it may be a U-shape as shown in FIG. 7(a), a W-shape as shown in FIG. 7(b), or a U-shape, or a combination of these. Here, in the case of a curved shape without a clear corner such as a U-shape, the length of the side is determined based on the virtual center line (the dashed line in the figure) that is the reference for determining symmetry, as described above, and is determined by the length to the intersection of the line passing through the center in the thickness direction and the virtual line. In this case, the dimensions and angle are set so that a part of the induction heating member 14 is not placed at the center of the cylinder constituting the aerosol-forming substrate 11, and a sufficient space is provided for the heating blade of the heating device to be inserted. In this case, by setting the length of at least one pair of sides among the pairs of sides located symmetrically with respect to the direction parallel to the diameter axis of the circle to a dimension greater than the radius of the cylindrical circle of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, it becomes easier to prevent a part of the induction heating member 14 from being located at the center of the cylinder. For example, in the case of the W-shape of (b), the lengths of two pairs of sides (two sides at both ends and two sides in the middle) are set to be longer than the radius.

[0078] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the induction heating member 14 may be made of a material containing ferromagnetism, and may be made up of a heat generating part 54 for induction heating and a heat conducting part 55. Here, the heat conducting part 55 is made of a material (e.g., SUS304, aluminum) that does not generate heat due to hysteresis loss, as in non-magnetic or paramagnetic materials, and contributes less to induction heating than ferromagnetic materials. In FIG. 8(a), both the heat generating part 54 and the heat conducting part 55 are V-shaped, and the heat conducting part 55 is formed larger than the heat generating part 54. Here, the heat generating part 54 is placed inside the V-shape of the heat conducting part 55 while ensuring thermal contact. The heat generated by the heat generating part 54 during induction heating is transferred to a wide range of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 via the heat conducting part 55, making it possible to effectively heat a wide range of the aerosol-forming substrate, and making it possible to generate aerosol more efficiently. Furthermore, since the heat conducting part 55 does not generate heat due to hysteresis loss, it is possible to perform stable heating without excessive heat generation. On the other hand, in (b), the heat generating portion 64 is used in a flat plate shape without being subjected to any special bending process or the like, but even with such a shape, it is possible to obtain the same effect.

[0079] Furthermore, the induction heating member 24 in the second embodiment is formed by cutting and bending a long ribbon-shaped metal flat plate as a material, but the corners of the vertical component 74-2 may be rounded as shown in Fig. 9(a). Also, instead of cutting, the vertical component 84-2 may be formed by simply bending as shown in Fig. 9(b). In this case, an opening 84-3 of a size corresponding to the length and width of the heating blade is formed in the vertical component 84-2 so as not to interfere with the heating blade during use.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the induction heating member 14 may be rectangular as shown in Fig. 10, or may be polygonal or circular, as long as it is non-linear. Even when the induction heating member 14 is polygonal or circular, it may not be a closed shape, but may be partially open, for example, C-shaped.

[0081] In addition, the U-shaped induction heating member 34 in FIG. 11(a) has one or more cuts 34-1 arranged along the longitudinal direction in a part of the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the cuts 34-1 having a depth penetrating the induction heating member 34 in the thickness direction. The cuts 34-1 are formed in a range that does not completely divide the induction heating member 34. Here, the cuts 34-1 are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction so as not to cut off both ends (corresponding to the longitudinal sides of the induction heating member 34). By doing so, it is possible to minimize deformation caused by the pressure of the roller cutter when the induction heating member 34 is cut in the above-mentioned cutting step. In addition, the cuts 34-1 penetrating the induction heating member 34 serve as ventilation holes, making it possible to improve the ventilation of the generated aerosol. This may be applied to the V-shaped induction heating member 14 as shown in FIG. 11(b), or may have other shapes, such as a U-shape.

[0082] Also, as in the induction heating member 14 of Fig. 12, a non-penetrating cut 14-2 may be formed. In this way, when forming a non-linear shape by using the cut 14-2 as a deformation part, it becomes possible to easily deform. In Fig. 12, the cut 14-2 is a single straight line, which is a V-shape, but this is not limited thereto, and by adjusting the number and intervals of the cuts 14-2, a variety of shapes such as a W-shape or a U-shape can be formed.

[0083] 13, the induction heating member 104 may be elongated as a whole, the entire length (total length) of which is longer than the sum of the longitudinal length and the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, have a bent portion bent by 90° or more in a part of the longitudinal direction, and be disposed along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the induction heating member 104a may be U-shaped and have a bent portion 104a1 bent by about 180°, or as shown in FIG. 14(b), the induction heating member 104b may be V-shaped and have a bent portion 104b1 bent by 90° to 180°. In addition, the induction heating member 104 may be W-shaped, U-shaped, a combination of these, or other shapes.

[0084] Since the induction heating member 104 has such a shape, its position is stabilized within the filling material, and it is possible to prevent the induction heating member 104 from shifting out of position within the aerosol-forming substrate 11 or falling off. In addition, since the total length is longer than the sum of the longitudinal and diametric lengths of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, the contact area with the filling material increases, so that the heating range can be widened and the amount of aerosol generated can be increased.

[0085] Also, unlike the above manufacturing process, in the case where the induction heating member 114 is inserted into the filling of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 later, it is preferable that the induction heating member 114 is elongated and one or both ends are formed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, as in the aerosol suction cartridge 3 of FIG. 15. FIG. 15(a) shows the case where the induction heating member 114a is U-shaped, and FIG. 15(b) shows the case where the induction heating member 114b is V-shaped. Also, other shapes such as W-shape, U-shape, and combinations thereof may be used. Also, an acute angle may be formed in a simple shape such as a flat plate.

[0086] Here, the acute angle refers to the smaller of the interior angles θ formed by the longitudinal direction of the induction heating member 114 and the end when viewed from the side as shown in Fig. 16, and an acute angle is one in which θ is less than 90°. Specifically, an acute angle is preferably 30 to 70°, and more preferably 40 to 60°. If it is smaller than this, the tip becomes too thin and structurally weak, and if it is too large, it cannot be smoothly inserted into the filling. Acute angles may be formed at both ends.

[0087] According to this, unlike the above-mentioned manufacturing process, when the induction heating member 114 is inserted later into the filling of the aerosol-forming substrate 11, the pointed tip allows the induction heating member 114 to be smoothly inserted into the filling, which is effective in improving productivity. When the induction heating member 114 has a flat plate shape as described above, in order to be able to use either the blade heating type or the induction heating type, it is preferable that the induction heating member 114 is offset from the center of the bottom surface when viewed from the side of the cylindrical bottom surface (i.e., offset from the diameter axis passing through the center).

[0088] In addition to the tea leaves mentioned in the embodiment, all commonly used tea leaves can be used as the raw material for the filling. In addition, used tea leaves may be used for these tea leaves. If used tea leaves are used, expensive tea leaves can be reused and put to good use.

[0089] In addition, extracts of the above-mentioned non-tobacco plants, so-called extracts and processed products, can also be used. The extracts may be in the form of liquid, starch syrup, powder, granules, solution, etc.

[0090] In addition to those mentioned in the embodiments, the aerosol formers used as raw materials for the filling material may include 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.

[0091] In addition, menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) may be contained as flavor additives. By combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, 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, and may be a synthetic product. In addition, peppermint, mint, peppermint oil, and other menthol-containing substances may be used.

[0092] Also, the flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 16, for example, by impregnating the wall of the mouthpiece 16. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 16 is not limited to this manner, and for example, the flavor additive may be provided in the mouthpiece 16 by embedding a capsule in which the flavor additive is encapsulated in the wall of the mouthpiece 16. Alternatively, a capsule in which the flavor additive is encapsulated may be disposed between the mouthpiece 16 and the aerosol-forming substrate 11. When the flavor additive is encapsulated in a capsule, the user can break the capsule by pressing the capsule with a finger, and the aromatic component of the flavor additive can be volatilized at a desired timing.

[0093] Furthermore, when the flavor additive is, for example, encapsulated in a microcapsule, the encapsulated microcapsule may be provided on the aerosol-forming substrate 11. Of course, the microcapsule may be provided on the support member 15.

[0094] In addition, examples of binders or thickeners used as raw materials for the filling include, in addition to those mentioned in the embodiments, gums such as xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides such as organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, caranagin, agar, and conjugate base salts of organic acids such as pectin; and combinations thereof.

[0095] When using raw materials that do not contain nicotine, such as non-tobacco plants, substances that provide a similar feeling of use to nicotine, i.e., a so-called kick, may be added. For example, preferred are plants of the genus Piperaceae (pepper, long pepper, pseudo-piper, amplexicaule, etc.), black pepper, white pepper, piperine, lobeline, cavicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, glucosinolate, allyl isothiocyanate, etc.

[0096] The support member 15 may be made of a resin material other than those mentioned in the embodiment, or a material other than a resin material, such as wood or metal (aluminum, etc.) that enhances the cooling effect. Furthermore, the support member 15 is not necessarily required as long as the aerosol-forming substrate 11 is configured not to easily move toward the mouthpiece 16 (e.g., the aerosol-forming substrate 11 is fixed to the exterior member 13).

[0097] Similarly, the induction heating member 14 may be a combination of a ferromagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, or a diamagnetic material. For example, it may be a combination of a flat plate made of nickel, which is a ferromagnetic material, and a flat plate made of iron, which is a ferromagnetic material, which are physically bonded together, or a flat plate made of a ferromagnetic material and a flat plate made of aluminum, which is a paramagnetic material, which are physically bonded together, or the outer surface of a ferromagnetic material may be coated with a paramagnetic material.

[0098] Moreover, the induction heating member 14 does not necessarily have to be made of a metal material alone, and may be made of a composite material of metal and nonmetal, etc., as long as it has magnetic properties as a whole.

[0099] The filler may be formed into a powder or granule form, or into a paste form.

[0100] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method, the filling material may be enclosed in the interior member 12 in advance to form the aerosol-forming base material 11, and then the induction heating member 14 may be inserted. In this case, wear of the roller cutter in the cutting process can be further reduced.

[0101] Also, if a means is taken to ensure the shape and position of the filling in the aerosol-forming base material 11, the support member 15 is not necessarily required. In this case, it is possible to improve the breathability and reduce the cost by reducing the number of parts. The means in this case is, for example, that the filling is formed into a paste, or that a partition such as a seal member 17 is provided on the mouthpiece 16 side.

[0102] A cooling member for cooling the aerosol may be provided between the support member 15 and the mouthpiece 16. This effectively cools the heat of the aerosol, allowing the user to inhale it without hindrance. Here, the cooling member is preferably made of a material with a large surface area, such as a porous material or a crimped material, made of paper, resin, metal, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1, 2, 3 Aerosol Inhalation Cartridge 11, 21 Aerosol-forming substrate 12 Interior materials 13 Exterior materials 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104, 114 Induction heating components 15 Support member 16 Mouthpiece 17 Sealing material

Claims

[Claim 1] An aerosol suction cartridge, which is cylindrical in shape overall and used in induction heating devices, an aerosol-forming substrate consisting of a filler that generates aerosols, In the aforementioned cylindrical shape, a mouthpiece for inhaling the aerosol is provided at one end thereof. The aerosol-forming substrate and the outer packaging member for packaging the mouthpiece, The aerosol-forming substrate comprises an elongated induction heating member disposed inside the filler, The induction heating member, when viewed from the side of the cylindrical bottom surface while positioned inside the filling, has a non-linear shape consisting of a V-shape, U-shape, or U-shape, or a combination thereof, symmetrical with respect to a direction parallel to the diameter axis of the bottom surface; the induction heating member is positioned inside the aerosol-forming substrate such that its longitudinal direction substantially coincides with the direction of the central axis of the cylinder forming the aerosol-forming substrate; and is not located near the radial center of the aerosol-forming substrate. A cartridge for aerosol inhalation, characterized by the following features.

Images