Electronic cigarette cartridge

Abstract

To provide an electronic cigarette filling having an effect of preventing the filling from coming off or falling off from an electronic cigarette cartridge before and after use in handling by a user.SOLUTION: An electronic cigarette cartridge is such that: a lid 170, an aerosol forming substrate 110, a support element 300 as a cylindrical hollow tube, a transfer member as a hollow tubular member, and a mouthpiece 140 are adjacently arranged in this order from an upstream side to a downstream side; the aerosol forming substrate is a filling included by an inclusion member; the filling contains an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose; the filling has a sheet-like shape; the sheet-like shape is formed by wrinkling, pleating, gathering or folding; and a mass average molecular weight of the microcrystalline cellulose is 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filler for an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette cartridge using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to comply with the trend towards smoking cessation, electronic cigarette products that allow users to enjoy tobacco by heating a cartridge containing tobacco components without using a flame and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components have become popular. As a method for manufacturing the tobacco filler to be filled into such electronic cigarette cartridges, there is a method in which tobacco leaves are powdered, made into an aqueous slurry, and then formed into a sheet, oil or glycerin is added to the sheet, and the sheet is then dried (Patent Document 1). Also disclosed is an article in which an electronic cigarette cartridge having a tobacco filler at one end is inserted and heated to enable smoking (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2010-520764 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2015-519915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user handles an electronic cigarette cartridge, such as when inserting the electronic cigarette cartridge into the electronic cigarette body or when removing the electronic cigarette cartridge from the electronic cigarette body after finishing smoking, the filler may fall out of the electronic cigarette cartridge or part of the filler may fall out. This may soil the inside of the electronic cigarette body and ultimately cause a malfunction of the electronic cigarette body.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a filler for an electronic cigarette that has the effect of preventing the filler from falling off or dropping out of the electronic cigarette cartridge before and after use when handled by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve such problems, the present invention provides a filler for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, the filler for an electronic cigarette containing an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic cigarette filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic cigarette filler has a rod or strip shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, The length of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is L0; The length when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is L10. If we define The length change rate La (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is La(%)=(L0-L10) / L0×100 When The rate of change La (%) is 92.8% or more.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, The length of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is L0; The length when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is L15. If we define The length change rate Lb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is Lb(%)=(L0-L15) / L0×100 When The rate of change Lb (%) is 91.9% or more.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V0, The volume when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is V10. If we define The volume change rate Va (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is Va(%)=(V0-V10) / V0×100 When The rate of change Va (%) is 86.9% or more.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V0, The volume when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is V15. If we define The volume change rate Vb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is Vb(%)=(V0-V15) / V0×100 It is expressed as The rate of change Vb (%) is 85.7% or more.

[0013] In order to solve such problems, the present invention provides an electronic cigarette cartridge for use in an electronic cigarette body, which uses the above-mentioned electronic cigarette filler at one end and a mouthpiece at the other end.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The length when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is L'10. If we define The length change rate L'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is L'a(%) = (L'0-L'10) / L'0 x 100 When The rate of change L'a (%) is 95.2% or more.

[0015] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The length of the packing is L'0, The length when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is L'15. If we define The length change rate Lb (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is L'b(%)=(L'0-L15) / L'0×100 When The rate of change L'b (%) is 94.2% or more.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V'0, The volume when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is V'10. If we define The volume change rate V'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filling material is V'a(%)=(V'0-V'10) / V'0×100 When The rate of change V'a (%) is 88.1% or more.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V'0, The volume when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is V'15. If we define The volume change rate V'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filling material is V'b(%) = (V'0-V'15) / V'0 x 100 When The rate of change V'b (%) is 83.1% or more.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The width of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is W'0; The width when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is W'10. If we define The width change rate W'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is W'a(%)=(W'0-W'10) / W'0×100 When The rate of change W'a (%) is 93.9% or more.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The width of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is W'0; The width when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is W'15. If we define The width change rate W'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is W'b(%) = (W'0-W'15) / W'0 x 100 When The rate of change W'b (%) is 99.6% or more.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, 15. An electronic cigarette cartridge for use in an electronic cigarette body, comprising an electronic cigarette filler according to any one of claims 9 to 14 at one end and a mouthpiece at the other end. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a filler for an electronic cigarette which has the effect of preventing the filler from falling off or dropping out of the electronic cigarette cartridge before and after use when handled by a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mode of use of an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a filler manufactured as a filler for an electronic cigarette. [Figure 4] 1A-1D are diagrams illustrating a method of making an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 6] 13A-13C are diagrams illustrating further modes of use of the electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 7] A figure showing another example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow chart showing an example of a manufacturing process for electronic cigarette filler. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the percent change in length upon drying of sheets of non-tobacco plant compositions. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the rate of volume change during drying of a sheet of a non-tobacco plant composition. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the rate of change in length when electronic cigarette filler is dried. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the rate of change in volume when an electronic cigarette filler is dried. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the rate of change in width when electronic cigarette filler is dried. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation, and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for producing a non-tobacco plant composition and a filler for electronic cigarettes in an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[0025] The manufacturing process for electronic cigarette filling includes a drying and crushing step (A) in which non-tobacco plants that are the source of aroma are dried and crushed, and weighed. If the raw materials can be used as they are, such steps can be omitted. In addition, for other materials used in the manufacturing of electronic cigarette filling, a preparation step (B) is included in which pretreatment, weighing, etc. are performed as necessary.

[0026] After the drying and grinding step (A) and the preparation step (B), the materials proceed to the mixing step (M) where they are mixed under predetermined conditions to produce a non-tobacco plant composition.

[0027] The non-tobacco plant composition can be formed into a desired shape through a filling material forming step (F). The non-tobacco plant composition formed into a desired shape is subjected to an electronic cigarette cartridge manufacturing step (G) as a filling material for an electronic cigarette, and becomes an electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0028] Each step will be described in order. For the purpose of explaining the invention, the steps have been divided into the above steps, but the invention also includes carrying out two or more steps simultaneously. Details of the non-tobacco plants used as raw materials will be described later.

[0029] First, in the drying and grinding step (A), the parts of the non-tobacco plant that are used as the raw material (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) are processed into the desired ground material to produce a non-tobacco plant composition. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content so that it is convenient for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other components that are added later. The drying temperature is preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Within this range, it is easy to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the dissipation of the necessary flavor components. Furthermore, if the temperature is 65°C or higher, it is even easier to achieve the desired moisture content. At a temperature of 75°C or lower, the desired moisture content can be easily achieved, and loss of the necessary flavor components can be further prevented.

[0030] The moisture content after drying and pulverization is preferably 5% by mass or less. This makes it easier to make a slurry in the subsequent process. It is more preferable that it is 3% by mass or less. Furthermore, the moisture content is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, so that it can maintain a good compatibility with water, etc. Furthermore, the drying and pulverization process (A) can be provided with a sieving process for sieving the dried and pulverized material, so that it can be fed to the mixing process (M) with the desired particle size.

[0031] In the preparation step (B), materials necessary for producing a filling material for an electronic cigarette can be prepared.

[0032] Microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of fibrous plants, for example with an acid, and then removing the soluble parts from the cellulose and, where appropriate, crystallizing the insoluble parts.

[0033] After extensive investigations, the following was discovered about the electronic cigarette filler containing a non-tobacco plant, an aerosol former, and microcrystalline cellulose: When the electronic cigarette filler is placed under dry conditions, even if the filler, which is made of a non-tobacco plant and an aerosol former, loses moisture, the cellulose microcrystals maintain the structure of the filler and suppress structural changes such as volumetric shrinkage. This effect is achieved by using microcrystalline cellulose.

[0034] In the present invention, as one example, microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation step (B) and introduced into the mixing step (M). The microcrystalline cellulose may be in the form of a powder, or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water and introduced as a suspension. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or a high-pressure homogenizer can be used for dispersion in the solvent.

[0035] The amount of microcrystalline cellulose added in the electronic cigarette filler is generally 1% to 15%, preferably 3% to 12%, and more preferably 5% to 10%.

[0036] The addition of microcrystalline cellulose is effective in improving moldability and workability during mixing using a roll mill, and is particularly effective in suppressing shrinkage and volumetric changes in electronic cigarette fillers, and is effective in quality control of electronic cigarette cartridges and uniformity of the feel when used.

[0037] The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose used in the present invention is preferably 30 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and more preferably 70 μm or more and 120 μm or less.

[0038] When the average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose is 30 μm or more, it is effective in suppressing the shrinkage of the filling material for electronic cigarettes, and when it is 150 μm or less, it is possible to improve moldability in addition to the effect of suppressing shrinkage.

[0039] The average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose is determined by a sieving method. The average particle size can be obtained by the method described in JIS K 0069:1992. The average particle size refers to the diameter equivalent to 50% of the mass obtained by integrating the mass from the larger mesh size in the test results using multiple sieves. Further, preferably, the amount of the residue on a sieve having an opening of 250 μm is 8% by mass or less, and the amount of the residue on a sieve having an opening of 75 μm is 45% by mass or more.

[0040] When the residue on a 250 μm sieve is 8% by mass or less, the sieved microcrystalline cellulose has the effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the electronic cigarette filler.When the residue on a 75 μm sieve is 45% by mass or more, the moldability of the electronic cigarette filler can be improved.

[0041] The mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 10,000 or more and 200,000 or less. If it is 10,000 or more, it is excellent in the effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the filling material for electronic cigarettes, and if it is 100,000 or less, it can improve moldability in addition to the effect of suppressing the shrinkage. Particularly preferably, it is 20,000 or more and 60,000 or less. The molecular weight of cellulose can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For example, a measurement method such as that described in JP-A-6-109715 is adopted, and polyethylene glycol or the like is appropriately used as a standard material.

[0042] Next, the mixing step (M) will be described.

[0043] The non-tobacco plant raw material is optionally dried and crushed (A), weighed, and then sent to the mixing process (M).

[0044] The non-tobacco plants used as raw materials will now be described. There are no particular limitations on the non-tobacco plants that can be used in this embodiment, as long as they are plants other than tobacco. Various parts of the plant can be used, for example, roots (including bulbs, tuberous roots (tubers), bulbs, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (including stem bark, bark, etc.), leaves, flowers (including petals, pistils, stamens, etc.), tree trunks and branches, etc.

[0045] Bulbs include onion, red spider lily, tulip, hyacinth, garlic, shallot, lily, corms include crocus, gladiolus, freesia, iris, taro, konjac, tubers include cyclamen, anemone, begonia, Chinese burdock, potato, apios, rhizomes include canna, lotus (lotus root), ginger, tuberous roots include dahlia, sweet potato, cassava, Jerusalem artichoke, rhizomes include Dioscorea genus (yams such as Chinese yam, wild yam, and Chinese yam), and others include turnip, burdock, carrot, radish, and kudzu. Stems include konjac, asparagus, bamboo shoots, udo, radish, and yacon.

[0046] The above-mentioned tubers or the plants listed below contain carbohydrates, and are preferably used as at least a part of the material of the filling 111. For example, starch includes corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, tapioca starch, etc., and there are examples of using them as thickeners, stabilizers, etc. These starches can be crosslinked to improve acid resistance, heat resistance, shear resistance, etc., esterified or etherified to improve storage stability and promote gelatinization, etc., and oxidized to improve transparency, film properties, storage stability, etc.

[0047] From plant seeds, tamarind seed gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum can be obtained, from sap, gum arabic and karaya gum can be obtained, from fruits, pectin can be obtained, and from other plants, konjac mannan, which is mainly composed of cellulose and agarose, and soybean polysaccharides can be obtained.Furthermore, they can be used after being modified, such as cationic guar gum.

[0048] Carrageenan, classified into three types - kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, and lambda carrageenan - agar, alginic acid can be obtained from seaweed, and it is also used as salts such as carrageenan metal salts and sodium alginate.

[0049] To give some specific examples, plants used as herbs and spices include gardenia fruit, kaffir lime leaves, myoga, mugwort, wasabi, ajowan seed, anise, alfalfa, echinacea, shallot, estragon, everlasting flower, elder, allspice, orris root, oregano, orange peel, orange flower, orange leaf, cayenne chili pepper, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, cardamom, curry leaf, and garnish. Garlic, catnip, caraway, caraway seeds, osmanthus, cumin, cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamom, green pepper, cornflower, saffron, cedar, cinnamon, jasmine, juniper berries, jolokia, ginger, star anise, spearmint, sumac, sage, savory, celery, celery seeds, turmeric, thyme, tamarind, tarragon, chervil, chives, dill, dill seeds , tomato (dried tomato), tonka bean, dried coriander, nutmeg, hibiscus, habanero, jalapeno, bird's eye, basil, vanilla, coriander, parsley, paprika, hyssop, pimento d'espelette, pink pepper, fenugreek seed, fennel, brown mustard, black cardamom, black cumin, black pepper, vetiver, pennyroyal, peppermint, horseradish, white pepper, white mustard, poppy seed, porcini, ma You can use joram, mustard seed, maniette, marigold, malva flower, mace, yarrow flower, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, linden, red clover, red pepper, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon peel, rose, rose buds (purple), rose hips, rose petals, rosemary, rose red, laurel, long pepper, sesame (raw sesame, roasted sesame), golden chili pepper, Sichuan pepper, Mitaka, Japanese pepper, chili pepper, and yuzu.Also usable are spice mixes (e.g. five-spice powder, garam masala, ras el hanout, barigoule, chicken curry masala, tandoori masala, quatre épices, herbes de Provence) and mixtures of various plants used as potpourri.

[0050] Also usable are edible fruits (flesh) and seeds such as peaches, blueberries, lemons, oranges, apples, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, grapes, kumquats, melons, plums, almonds, cacao, coffee beans, peanuts, sunflowers, olives, walnuts, and other nuts.

[0051] Teas can also be used. Not only do different plants produce different kinds of tea, but even the same plant can produce different kinds of tea depending on the processing method. Specific examples of teas include Japanese tea, black tea, angelica tea, sweet tea, gynostemma tea, aloe tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, salicylic acid tea, Eleuthero tea, plantain tea, kakiodoshi tea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, Kawara Kesmei tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, gymnema tea, guava tea, wolfberry tea, mulberry leaf tea, black bean tea, gennoshoko tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, kelp tea, cherry blossom tea, Examples of teas that can be used include saffron tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, Japanese laurel tea, swertia tea, buckwheat tea, taranoki tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, Houttuynia cordata tea, Eucommia tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, ratwort tea, Job's tears tea, Habu tea, loquat leaf tea, Pu'er tea, safflower tea, pine needle tea, mate tea, barley tea, megusurinoki tea, mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, and bitter melon tea. For these teas, tea leaves after drinking may be used. Using tea leaves allows expensive tea to be reused and put to good use.

[0052] Above, kelp was given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, but other plants that can of course be used include Ulva, Green Laver, Akamoku, Asakusa Nori, Eisenia, Iwanori (rock seaweed), Egonori, Gracilaria, Gagome Kombu, Ecklonia, Ganiashi, Kubirezuta, Kurome, Laminaria, Susabinori, Dulse, Chishimaku Nori, Tsuruarame, Agarwood, Tororo Kombu, Laminaria spp., Nori (seaweed), Habanori, Hijiki, Hitoegusa, Hirome, Funori, Bowaonori, Laminaria japonica, Mekabu, Mozuku, and Wakame.

[0053] Brown rice is given above as a specific example of a plant that can be used, but other varieties of rice such as Indica (Indian type, continental type, long grain), Glaberrima (African rice), Sativa (Asian rice), Javanica (Java type, tropical island type, large grain), Japonica (Japanese type, temperate island type, short grain), and NERICA (interspecific hybrid between Asian rice and African rice) can also be used, and can be used as flour or bran.

[0054] Furthermore, although wheat has been given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, other examples of wheat that can be used include foxtail millet, oats (a cultivated variety of oats, also known as oats), barley, oats, millet, cordon millet, wheat, finger millet, teff, pearl millet, naked barley (a variety of barley), pearl barley (a fruit, not a seed), barnyard millet, fonio, wild rice, glutinous barley (a glutinous variety of barley), sorghum (sorghum, sorghum, sorghum), corn, and rye can of course also be used.

[0055] Furthermore, although black beans have been given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, other examples of cereals (legume family) that can be used include adzuki beans, carob, kidney beans, peas, cluster beans, grass peas (Lathyrus sativus), black gram, cowpeas, winged beans, zeocarpa beans, broad beans, soybeans, bamboo beans, jack beans, tamarind, tepary beans, sword beans, Mucuna pruriens, bambara groundnuts, chickpeas, hyacinth beans, scarlet beans, horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), moth beans, lima beans, groundnuts, mung beans, lupines, lentils, and lentils (Hento).

[0056] Furthermore, although buckwheat has been given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, other examples of plants that can be used include amaranth (Amaranthus arbutus), quinoa, and tartary buckwheat.

[0057] Furthermore, although shiitake mushrooms have been given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, examples of mushrooms that can be used include matsutake, shiitake mushroom, hattake mushroom, shimeji mushroom, shiro mushroom, mushroom, and agaric mushroom.

[0058] Also usable are trunks and branches of aromatic trees such as sugarcane (or molasses pomace), sugar beets (beets), cypress, pine, cedar, Japanese cypress, camellia, and sandalwood, as well as the bark, leaves, and roots of these trees. Ferns and mosses can also be used as non-tobacco plants. Other usable plants include by-products and pomace (sake lees, grape pomace (consisting of grape skins, seeds, stalks, etc.)) produced when fermenting alcoholic beverages such as sake and wine. Furthermore, the various plants mentioned above may be mixed and used. Of course, plants other than those listed here can also be used.

[0059] Furthermore, those known as herbal medicines are also preferably used. For example, the following are listed below: indigo grass, madder root, red-eyed oak, asenyaku, benzoin, ireisen, inchinko, fennel, turmeric, ubai, uyaku, urajirogashi, va-ursi, eijitsu, cordyceps rotundifolia, enmeiso, astragalus, scutellaria, osei, oubaku, ohren, cherry bark, hypericum, onji, and sophora japonica. (Kaika), kaolin, summer withered grass, kashi, polyhedron, gaju, cuckoo, pueraria root, chamomile, cucurbit root, cucurbit kernel, dried ginger, licorice, winter jasmine Uka, mugwort leaf, bellflower, kigushi, kikoku, kijitsu, chrysanthemum, tangerine peel, kyokatsu, apricot kernel, kumquat, kinkan, kinjinka, money grass, goji nut Koshi, Goji leaf, Bitter ginseng, Walnut, Bitter alder bark, Kuromoji, Barley, Thorns, Cinnamon bark, Cassia seed, Cow's sprout, Xanthomonas ginseng, Glue candy, Safflower, Synthetic quince bark, Fragrance, Scented drum, Scented spice, Red ginseng, Corn nut, Japonica rice, Magnolia officinalis, Strawberry, Five-leaved alder bark, Ox-knead radish, Euonymus chinensis, Tiger jasmine root ), burdock fruit, Schisandra berry, Bupleurum chinense, Asarum chinense, saffron, Chinese hawthorn, Chinese gardenia, Chinese yam, wild bean root, sour jujube seed, Japanese pepper, Chinese sage, Chinese yam, Rehmannia glutinosa, Astragalus officinalis, Chinese burdock root, Shiso berry, Shiso leaves, Persimmon pod, Ground skin, Peony root, Snakeslipper fruit,Shajin, Shazenshi, Shazensou, Shukusha, Jyaku, Ginger, Palm Fruit, Palm Leaf, Shouma, Wheat, Iris Root, Magnolia, Jotishi, Qinpi, Shinkiku, Qin Gyo, Juishi, Shokumoku, Green Bark, Acorus Root, Pomegranate Skin, Dendrobium Citrate, Cinnamon, Zenko, Senkotsu (river bone), Senpukuka (spiral flower), Sekkotsuboku (bone wood), Grass, Souka (grass), Soukakushi (sokakushi), Mulberry parasite, Soujishi (blue ear), Soju (blue atractylodes), Side oak leaf, Intermittent cut, Mulberry bark, Soboku (sumac), Soyou (sumac leaf), Sokyo (sokkyo), Rhubarb (daio), Daisou (jujube), Daifukuhi (big belly bark), Sedge, Red sage, Bamboo root, Bamboo joint ginseng, Bamboo leaf, Chikuyou (bamboo leaf), Chimo (chimo), Elm tree, Clove, Wisteria Hook, Dried Citrus Peel, Heavenly Star, Heavenly Hemp, Heavenly Winter Melon Seed, Angelica, Chinese Sesame, Coix Seed, Lamproot, Peach Kernel, Orange Peel, Rabbit Seed, Chestnut, Eucommia, Angelica, Angelica Root, Angelica Root, Cinnamon Root, Nutmeg, Honeysuckle, Carrot, Fritillaria, Malt, Oak Kernel, White Bean, Oat Winter Melon , broken paper, mint, banana fruit, pinecone, scallion, isopod, blue-green root, half-branched thorn, lily root, white pepper, white snake tongue herb, hundred-leaf root, white atractylodes, areca nut, scallion, reed root, windbreaker, dandelion root, peony bark, ephedra, hemp seed, thorn vine, pine resin, wood vine, quince,Wood spice (Mokkou), myrrh (Motsuyaku), Chinese quince (Mokzoku), Chinese quince (Yakantō), Night-crossing wisteria (Yakōto), Monk fruit (Rokkanka), Orchid grass (Ransō), Longan (Ryūgannikku), Gentian (Ryūtan), Good ginger (Ryōkyō), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Forsythia fruit (Forsythia), Lotus seed (Rensenso), Lotus nut (Rennikku), Reed root (Lotus root).

[0060] Furthermore, extracts of the above-mentioned non-tobacco plants, so-called extracts, can also be used. The extracts may be in the form of liquid, starch syrup, powder, granules, solution, etc.

[0061] Among the non-tobacco plants exemplified above, those that do not require drying and grinding can be directly input into the mixing step (M).

[0062] Other examples of materials that can be used as fillers for electronic cigarettes include the following:

[0063] As the aerosol former, 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, dimethyl tetradecanedione, etc. can be used, and in particular, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferably used. These are used in an amount of 1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and in particular, 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less is preferable, based on the electronic cigarette filling material.

[0064] Furthermore, flavor additives for adding flavor, if necessary, are preferably used, such as mint, cocoa, coffee, and black tea extracts.

[0065] If necessary, food preservatives may be added, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0066] Materials that can be used in addition to the above include, as binding agents or thickening agents, gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, caranagin, agar, and conjugate base salts of organic acids such as pectin, and combinations thereof.

[0067] The aerosol former, flavor additive, preservative, binder, thickener, and the like exemplified above are prepared as the preparation step (B) in FIG. 8, and then proceed to the mixing step (M).

[0068] In the mixing step (M), a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a mixing device in which the materials in a mixing tank are mixed while applying a shear force with an agitating blade is preferably used.

[0069] Next is the filling forming step (F), which can be achieved by, for example, passing the non-tobacco plant composition through an orifice under pressure to form it into a rod shape, forming it into a thin sheet, or drying the non-tobacco plant composition and grinding it into granules.

[0070] In the present invention, a method of forming into a thin sheet and then cutting into a thin sheet will be described in detail. A three-roll mill was prepared to form a thin sheet. The use of a three-roll mill is preferable because it is possible to form a sheet of a desired thickness using a doctor blade while performing kneading and dispersion by compression caused by being pressed between narrow rolls and shearing caused by the difference in roll speed. It is also preferable to form the sheet using a press roller or a press machine.

[0071] In the filling forming step (F), non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, water, etc. may be added as necessary.

[0072] In the present invention, the term "water" is used, but it is preferable to use water that has been sterilized or has had microorganisms removed from it in the production, and it is preferable to use pure water obtained by reverse osmosis or ion exchange or the like.

[0073] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling molding step (F) is preferably 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut into a desired shape, and examples of the cutting method include a cutter and a rotary cutter using a rotary blade.

[0074] As a specific example of the filling forming step (F), a sheet with a thickness of 0.3 mm is cut into a desired shape. For example, the sheet is cut into a rectangle with a length of 150 mm and a width of 240 mm. The sheet is fed to a rotary cutter and cut into a shape with a length of 1.5 mm and a width of 240 mm to obtain a cut sheet. 50 pieces of the cut sheet are wrapped in tobacco paper to create a roll with an outer diameter of about 6.9 mm. The roll is cut into a length of 12.0 mm with a cutter to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). At this time, the mass of the filling is 0.29 g. The ratio of the volume of the filling to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is called the volume filling rate, and in the above case, the volume filling rate is 0.60. In this case, the density of the filling calculated from the volume filling rate and the mass of the filling is 1.07 g / cm3.

[0075] In the above-mentioned filler forming step (F), a plurality of rod-shaped or rectangular fillers are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. The rod-shaped or rectangular fillers are wrapped in a wrapping member (151) such as tobacco paper along the axis of the roll height to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0076] The electronic cigarette cartridge manufacturing process (G) will be described below. The thus obtained aerosol-forming substrate (110), the support element (300) described in detail below, and the mouthpiece (140) are wrapped in a packaging member (150), or the packaging member (150) is preliminarily formed into a cylindrical shape, and the mouthpiece (140), the support element (300), and the filler (111) are inserted into the packaging member (150). Accordingly, an example of a suitable configuration of the present invention is an electronic cigarette cartridge that includes, from the upstream side (10) to the downstream side (20), an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a support element (300), and a mouthpiece (140).

[0077] When the heating element of the electronic cigarette body of the present invention is inserted for use, the preferred form is a filler molded into a shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0078] In the present invention, the reason for including microcrystalline cellulose in the electronic cigarette filler is that the presence of crystalline cellulose makes it more compatible with the filling composition, increases mechanical strength and structural retention, reduces changes in length, width and thickness over time, and also reduces the associated volumetric changes.

[0079] This is expected to improve the moldability of the filling material and the workability when kneading with a roll mill, etc. It is particularly effective in suppressing the rate of change in length, width, thickness, and volume due to shrinkage of the filling material for electronic cigarettes.

[0080] By adding the microcrystalline cellulose of a specific particle size in the present invention to the filler material, even when the filler has the above shape, the change rate of length, width, thickness and volume can be suppressed, and the problem of the filler for electronic cigarettes falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge during transportation can be suppressed. In addition, by suppressing the above-mentioned changes over time after production, the feeling of use can be made uniform regardless of the time elapsed after production, which is also effective in terms of quality maintenance and management.

[0081] The properties of the electronic cigarette filler prepared as described above can be confirmed as follows: The effect of including microcrystalline cellulose can be evaluated by observing the change in length, thickness, and volume of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler under given conditions.

[0082] The non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler thus prepared can be dried using a halogen moisture meter, and the length, width, thickness and volume of the filler before and after drying can be measured, and the rate of change can be evaluated.

[0083] In the present invention, the length, width, thickness, and volume of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet or electronic cigarette filler before drying are measured when the moisture content of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet or electronic cigarette filler is 15% by mass or more and 20% by mass. The moisture content can be adjusted to the above-mentioned range, for example, at 28°C to 30°C and a relative humidity of about 40%. The moisture content was measured using an electronic halogen moisture meter, model number DHS-50-5 (manufactured by Bangxi Instrument Technology Co. Ltd.). In the automatic drying mode, the drying temperature is set to 105°C, and the moisture content (mass%) is calculated from the moisture loss rate at the end of the automatic measurement. In the automatic measurement mode, the moisture loss rate is calculated by subtracting the sample mass at the end of the measurement from the sample weight before the measurement, and dividing the result by the sample mass before the measurement. The change in mass is taken as the moisture content.

[0084] The rate of change in the length, width, thickness and volume of a non-tobacco plant composition or an electronic cigarette filler is calculated by subtracting the length, width, thickness and volume after drying for a specified period of time from the length, width, thickness and volume before drying, and dividing the result by the length, width, thickness and volume before drying.

[0085] Specifically, the length of the non-tobacco plant composition or the electronic cigarette filler before drying is L0, The length of the non-tobacco plant composition or the electronic cigarette filling material after 10 minutes of drying is L10; The length change rate La (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as follows. La(%)=(L0-L10) / L0×100 In addition, if the length of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling material after 15 minutes of drying time is L15, the length change rate Lb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling material after 15 minutes of drying time is defined as follows. Lb(%)=(L0-L15) / L0×100

[0086] The width of the non-tobacco plant composition or the electronic cigarette filler before drying is W0; The width of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is W10, The width change rate Wa (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as follows. Wa(%)=(W0-W10) / W0×100 In addition, when the width of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling material after 15 minutes of drying is W15, the width change rate Wb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling material after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Wb(%)=(W0-W15) / W0×100

[0087] The thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or the electronic cigarette filler before drying is T0. The thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or the filling for electronic cigarettes after 10 minutes of drying is T10. The thickness change rate Ta (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as follows. Ta(%)=(T0-T10) / T0×100 In addition, if the thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling material after 15 minutes of drying is T15, the thickness change rate Tb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling material after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows. Tb(%)=(T0-T15) / T0×100

[0088] The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition or the electronic cigarette filling before drying is V0; The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition or the electronic cigarette filling after 10 minutes of drying is V10, The volume change rate Va (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as follows. Va(%)=(V0-V10) / V0×100 In addition, if the volume of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling after 15 minutes of drying is V15, the volume change rate Vb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows. Vb(%)=(V0-V15) / V0×100

[0089] In the present invention, when the non-tobacco plant composition is dried at 105° C. for 10 minutes, if the length change rate La (%) is 92.8% or more, the falling off of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. More preferably, it is 93.0% or more. Even more preferably, it is 93.5% or more. Furthermore, when the non-tobacco plant composition is dried at 105° C. for 15 minutes, if the length change rate Lb (%) is 91.9% or more, the falling off of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. More preferably, it is 92.0% or more. Even more preferably, it is 92.5% or more.

[0090] In the present invention, when the non-tobacco plant composition is dried at 105° C. for 10 minutes, if the volume change rate Va (%) is 86.9% or more, the falling off of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. More preferably, it is 87.0% or more. Even more preferably, it is 87.5% or more. Furthermore, if the volume change rate Vb (%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 85.7% or more, it is possible to prevent the filler from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. More preferably, it is 86.0% or more. Even more preferably, it is 86.5% or more.

[0091] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The length of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is L'0. The length when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is L'10. If we define The length change rate L'a (%) of the filler for an electronic cigarette is defined as follows. L'a(%) = (L'0-L'10) / L'0 x 100

[0092] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The length of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is L'0. The length when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is L'15. If we define The length change rate L'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. L'b(%) = (L'0 - L'15) / L'0 × 100

[0093] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The width of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is W'0. The width when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is W'10. If we define The width change rate W'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. W'a(%)=(W'0-W'10) / W'0×100

[0094] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The width of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is W'0. The width when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is W'15. If we define The width change rate W'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. W'b(%) = (W'0-W'15) / W'0 x 100

[0095] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is T'0. The thickness when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is T'10. If we define The thickness change rate T'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. T'a(%)=(T'0-T'10) / T'0×100

[0096] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is T'0. The thickness when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is T'15. If we define The thickness change rate T'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. T'b(%) = (T'0-T'15) / T'0 x 100

[0097] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The volume of the electronic cigarette filling before drying is V'0. The volume when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is V'10. If we define The volume change rate V'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. V'a(%)=(V'0-V'10) / V'0×100

[0098] A filling material for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The volume of the electronic cigarette filling before drying is V'0. The volume when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is V'15. If we define The volume change rate V'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. V'b(%) = (V'0-T'15) / V'0 x 100

[0099] In the present invention, when the filler for an electronic cigarette has a length change rate L'a (%) of 95.2 or more when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes, the filler can be prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. The length change rate L'a (%) is preferably 95.7% or more, and more preferably 96.2% or more. Furthermore, if the length change rate L'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 94.2% or more, the filler can be prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. It is preferably 95.0% or more, and more preferably 95.9% or more.

[0100] In the present invention, when the filler for an electronic cigarette is dried at 105° C. for 10 minutes, the volume change rate V′a (%) is 88.1% or more, and the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge is removed. The dropout rate can be suppressed by 91.1% or more. More preferably, It is over 94.2%. Furthermore, if the volume change rate V'b (%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 83.1% or more, it is possible to prevent the filler from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. It is preferably 87.2% or more, and more preferably 91.4% or more.

[0101] In the present invention, when the filler for an electronic cigarette is dried at 105° C. for 10 minutes, if the width change rate W'a (%) is 93.9% or more, the filler can be prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. The width change rate W'a (%) is preferably 96.2% or more, and more preferably 98.6% or more. Furthermore, if the width change rate W'b (%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 89.6% or more, it is possible to prevent the filler from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. It is preferably 92.9% or more, and more preferably 96.3% or more.

[0102] In the present invention, when the filler for an electronic cigarette is dried at 105° C. for 10 minutes, if the thickness change rate T′a (%) is 98.8% or more, the filler can be prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. The thickness change rate T′a (%) is preferably 99.0% or more, and more preferably 99.2% or more. Furthermore, if the thickness change rate T'b (%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 98.5% or more, it is possible to prevent the filler from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. It is preferably 98.6% or more, and more preferably 98.9% or more.

[0103] In addition, in the present invention, when the electronic cigarette cartridge is molded using a filler containing microcrystalline cellulose, the rate of change in length, width, thickness, volume, etc. over time after production can be suppressed. This not only reduces problems such as the electronic cigarette filler falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge due to the above-mentioned changes over time, but also suppresses changes in aerosol fluidity that affect the usability of the electronic cigarette cartridge, and is effective in maintaining and homogenizing a favorable usability regardless of the time that has passed since production.

[0104] Next, examples of use of the produced electronic cigarette filler will be described.

[0105] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of how an electronic cigarette cartridge is used. When a user uses the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is attached to an electronic cigarette body (200). The electronic cigarette body (200) is provided with an insertion part (210) into which the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is inserted.

[0106] A heating element (211) is provided in the center of the bottom of the insertion portion (210), and the heating element (211) has a pin-shaped or blade-shaped member with a pointed tip, and is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate (110) to heat the aerosol-forming substrate (110). More specifically, the heating element (211) is inserted into the center of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) when the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is inserted into the insertion portion (210) of the electronic cigarette body (200).

[0107] The heating element (211) generates heat directly or indirectly by power supplied from a battery (not shown) provided in the electronic cigarette body (200). The heat from the heating element (211) warms the aerosol-forming substrate (110), generating an aerosol containing aromatic components. The generated aerosol is transferred to the mouthpiece (140) via the support element (300) and the aerosol transfer member (130) described below, and the aromatic components reach the user's mouth when the user inhales from the mouthpiece (140). Hereinafter, for the purpose of explaining the present invention, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) side of the electronic cigarette cartridge is referred to as the upstream side (10), and the mouthpiece side is referred to as the downstream side (20). The upstream side (10) may also be referred to as one end side, and the downstream side (20) may also be referred to as the other end side.

[0108] Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the heating element (211) has one pin-shaped or blade-shaped member, an example of another embodiment is a heating element (211) having multiple pin-shaped or blade-shaped members.

[0109] 2 shows an example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge (100). The structure will be described taking the aerosol-forming substrate (110), the support element (300), the transfer member (130), and the mouthpiece (140) from the side where the heating element (211) is inserted, i.e., from the upstream side (10) to the downstream side (20).

[0110] The support element (300) supports the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The support element (300) is disposed adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate (110), and a side portion (160) of the support element (300) contacts the packaging member (150) located at the periphery of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100). The side portion (160) is fixed to the inner surface of the packaging member (150), for example, by an adhesive.

[0111] Additionally, the support element (300) is preferably formed using, for example, silicone, but is not limited to silicone and other materials having excellent heat resistance may be used.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 3, the filler (111) manufactured as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is preferably shaped like a rod or a strip, and is packed so as to be aligned along the longitudinal direction of the filler (111) during packing. Here, an example is shown in which the filler is packed into a cylindrical wrapping member (151). The wrapping member (151) may be a paper such as tobacco paper shaped into a cylindrical shape. The wrapping member (150) may also serve as the wrapping member (151). This stabilizes the airflow, making it easier for the user to inhale the aromatic components from the aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0113] 4 shows how the aerosol-forming substrate (110), transfer member (130), mouthpiece (140) and a support element (300) are arranged adjacent to each other in the order of aerosol-forming substrate (110), support element (300), transfer member (130) and mouthpiece (140) to form a wound rod with a wrapping element (150) such as tobacco paper. At this time, a small amount of adhesive is applied to the side portion (160) of the support element to form an electronic cigarette cartridge (100).

[0114] Next, examples of use of the electronic cigarette cartridge of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0115] The electronic cigarette cartridge (100) has, for example, a rod-like or cylindrical appearance, as shown in FIG.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 2, the inside of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is provided with an aerosol-forming substrate (110) at one end, and a support element (300) and a transfer member (130) are arranged in this order toward a mouthpiece (140) at the other end. These are then packaged in a packaging member (150).

[0117] The aerosol-forming substrate (110) contains a filling material for an electronic cigarette. When heated, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) generates an aerosol containing aromatic components of the plant that is the source of the filling material.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 3, when the filler as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) has a shape such as a piece, a strip, or a rod, for example, in which the long side is about 2 to 20 times the short side, the filler (111) is packed so that the longitudinal direction of the shape is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. This improves the air flow and makes it easier to inhale. Note that FIG. 3 is a view seen from the end of the electronic cigarette cartridge on the side where the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is located, and is partially see-through so that the filler (111) inside the cartridge can be seen. However, in both cases, the maximum length is preferably about 1 to 20 mm. This is because if the maximum length is too large, it may be too large when filling the cartridge, making it difficult to handle. Of course, other than this, for example, if the filler has a flat shape and a nearly uniform shape, it can be rolled up and packed, making it easy to handle.

[0119] Other preferred forms of the aerosol-forming substrate include those in the form of a sheet that is wrinkled, pleated, gathered or folded.

[0120] Like rod-shaped fillers, fibrous fillers are packed so that the length of the fibers runs along the length of the cartridge, improving the flow of sucked-in air.

[0121] A porous filler is one of the preferred forms because it is porous when filled into the cartridge and improves the flow of air when sucked in. Porosity can be achieved, for example, by piercing the dried sheet with multiple needles several times, but other methods are also possible.

[0122] The cartridge can be shaped like a sheet, such as a square, a rectangle, or a diamond, and the powder, granules, or pellets can be easily filled by dropping them into the cartridge opening. This is also preferable because it is easy to finely adjust the amount of material to be filled into the cartridge (filling amount), and it is easy to adjust the air flow when inhaled depending on the amount of material filled. It can be used more preferably by taking measures to prevent the material from falling out, such as by covering the cartridge opening.

[0123] Block-shaped fillings have good thermal conductivity and are easy to extract aromatic components, so they are one of the preferred forms. The size of the blocks may be made larger to make them easier to store. In that case, the blocks can be reshaped into smaller blocks, rods, granules, or other shapes when filling.

[0124] The support element (300) supports the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The support element (300) is disposed adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and has an airflow hole or notch in the center or on the side, so that the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate (110) can flow toward the mouthpiece (140).

[0125] The mouthpiece 140 is disposed adjacent to the transfer member 130 at the other end of the electronic cigarette cartridge 100. The mouthpiece 140 may include a filter, such as a cellulose acetate filter, to remove particulate matter. The aroma components that pass through the filter of the mouthpiece 140 are inhaled by the user.

[0126] Comparing the presence or absence of the transport member (130), the absence of the transport member (130) results in better ventilation and makes it easier to inhale the generated aromatic components. On the other hand, it is also preferable to add the function of cooling the generated aerosol by including the transport member (130). Instead of adding the transport member (130), it is also preferable to extend the mouthpiece so that it is adjacent to or in contact with the support element (300). This is because the filter used in the mouthpiece can also serve as a cooling function, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0127] The transfer member 130 may be a hollow tubular member having a crimped polymer sheet wound in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0128] 5(1) shows a configuration in which the aerosol-forming substrate 110 and the support element 300 are in contact with each other, which is a preferred embodiment since it can stably support the aerosol-forming substrate 110. In addition, the simple configuration is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0129] In Fig. 5 (2), a partition member (180) is provided between the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300), and the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300) are in contact with each other via the partition member (180). The partition member (180) is preferably made of a material such as a filter or paper that has good breathability and is broken when the heating element (211) is inserted. Providing such a partition member is effective in preventing the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from moving in the electronic cigarette cartridge due to the influence of logistics such as transportation.

[0130] FIG. 5(3) is also preferable to have a configuration in which a lid (170) is placed on the side of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) where the heating element (211) is inserted. This is effective in preventing the aroma of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from dissipating. Furthermore, it is effective in preventing the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from falling out of the electronic cigarette cartridge due to the influence of logistics such as during transportation. Examples of materials for the lid (170) include filters, paper, and sponges. In addition, when a heating element is inserted, it is also preferable to make one or more slits in the lid (170) or to provide a circular or polygonal guide hole at the place where the heating element is inserted.

[0131] In particular, when the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is in the form of particles such as powder, granules, flakes, or pellets, it is preferable to provide the partition member (180) or the lid (170). It is even more preferable to provide both. The manufacturing process when using black tea or the like will be described in detail below, but it goes without saying that these are not limited to black tea or the like and can be applied to the non-tobacco plants described in this specification.

[0132] A specific embodiment of the electronic cigarette cartridge is as follows. The aerosol-forming substrate (110) has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the filling is enclosed by tobacco paper or the like, and the diameter of the bottom or top of the substantially cylindrical shape is 6.5 mm or more and 7.5 mm or less, and the height of the substantially cylindrical shape is 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less. Furthermore, it is preferable that the filling is rod-shaped or rectangular, is filled along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge, and the length of the filling is substantially equal to the height of the substantially cylindrical shape. In other words, it is preferable that the length is 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less. Moreover, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the supporting element 300 is substantially equal to the diameter of the bottom or top surface of the substantially cylindrical aerosol-forming substrate 110. Moreover, the length of the supporting element 300 is 9.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm or less. Additionally, the length of mouthpiece (140) is greater than 20.0 mm, preferably greater than 21.0 mm, and less than 25.0 mm. Furthermore, the volume filling rate of the aerosol-forming base material is preferably 0.55 or more and 0.65 or less.

[0133] Fig. 6 illustrates another form of use of the electronic cigarette cartridge. Since there are some differences in the specific configuration from the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) described above, it will be described below as an electronic cigarette cartridge (101). The electronic cigarette body used also has some differences from the electronic cigarette body (200) described above, so it will be described below as an electronic cigarette body (201). When used by a user, the electronic cigarette is attached to the electronic cigarette body (201). The electronic cigarette body (201) is provided with an insertion section (450) for inserting the electronic cigarette cartridge (101). The electronic cigarette body (101) has an exterior section (410), and the aerosol-forming base material (110) of the electronic cigarette cartridge is heated by a heating section (440) surrounding the electronic cigarette cartridge, generating aerosol, which is then smoked. When smoking from the other end side (20), air flows in through the ventilation hole (431), and the generated aerosol passes through the hollow tubular member (530), the transfer member (130), and the mouthpiece (140) and is smoked. The control section (420) has a built-in battery or a control device for the heating section. The open / close lid (430) is opened when the user finishes smoking and the inside of the electronic cigarette body is cleaned.

[0134] Fig. 7 shows another example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. From one end (10) to the other end (20), there are an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a hollow tubular member (530), a transfer member (130), and a mouthpiece (140), which are wrapped in a packaging member (150). Since the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is heated by the electronic cigarette body, the hollow tubular member (530) is arranged for thermal insulation. The transfer member (130) can also serve as a cooling member.

[0135] A preferred shape for the electronic cigarette cartridge of Fig. 7 is an outer diameter of 4 mm to 6 mm, a longitudinal dimension of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) of 30 mm to 70 mm, a longitudinal dimension of the hollow tubular member (530) of 20 mm to 30 mm, a longitudinal dimension of the transfer member (130) of 5 mm to 15 mm, and a longitudinal dimension of the mouthpiece (140) of 10 mm to 25 mm.

[0136] The present invention will be described below with reference to Production Examples and Examples.

[0137] (Production Example 1) Black tea leaves were dried at 70° C., crushed, and passed through an 80-mesh sieve. The moisture content was 2% by mass.

[0138] Dried and ground black tea leaves 100 parts by weight Glycerin 30 parts by weight Propylene glycol 30 parts by weight Menthol 5 parts by weight Microcrystalline cellulose 15 parts by weight Polyvinyl polypyrrolidone 10 parts by weight Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 4 parts by weight Xylitol 1.5 parts by weight Glucomannan 1 part by weight The above ingredients were placed in a mixer and mixed for 15 minutes to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition.

[0139] The microcrystalline cellulose used in Production Example 1 had an average particle size of 90 μm and a mass average molecular weight (Mw) of 36,000. The residue on a sieve with an opening of 75 μm was 52% by mass, and the residue on a sieve with an opening of 250 μm was 1% by mass.

[0140] The obtained non-tobacco plant composition was put into the filling molding step (F). The non-tobacco plant composition was kneaded and dispersed in a three-roll mill to form a sheet of desired thickness. In this example, the non-tobacco plant composition was put into the three-roll mill, and 20 parts by mass of pure water was added while observing the state of the sheet, and a doctor blade was pressed against the roll to obtain a sheet-like material. This step was repeated eight times to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition sheet.

[0141] The thus obtained non-tobacco plant composition sheet had a thickness of 0.3 mm. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle having a length of 150 mm and a width of 240 mm. The non-tobacco plant composition sheet was further processed into a shape with a width of 15 mm, a length of 50 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. The mass of the processed composition sheet was about 0.30 g.

[0142] (Production Example 2) In the same manner as in Production Example 1, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a shape of a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm. 50 pieces of the filler were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2 and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0143] (Production Example 3) In the same manner as in Production Example 1, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a shape of a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. 50 pieces of the filler were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2 and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0144] (Production Example 4) In the same manner as in Production Example 1, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a shape of a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm. 50 pieces of the filler were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2 and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0145] (Production Example 5) Regarding the non-tobacco plant composition in Production Example 1, a tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that microcrystalline cellulose was not used.

[0146] (Production Example 6) In the same manner as in Production Example 5, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a shape of a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm. 50 pieces of the filler were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2 and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0147] (Production Example 7) In the same manner as in Production Example 5, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a shape of a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. 50 pieces of the filler were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2 and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0148] (Production Example 8) In the same manner as in Production Example 5, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a shape of a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm. 50 pieces of the filler were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2 and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0149] (Production Example 9) A tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that for the non-tobacco plant composition in Production Example 1, methyl cellulose was used in place of the microcrystalline cellulose. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a shape of a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. 50 pieces of the filler were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2 and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0150] (Production Example 10) A non-tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the amount of microcrystalline cellulose in the non-tobacco plant composition in Production Example 1 was changed to 4 parts by mass. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a shape of a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. 50 pieces of the filler were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2 and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0151] Example 1 The aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 2, a support element (300) which is a cylindrical hollow tube, and a filter (140) which serves as a mouthpiece were prepared. The support element (300) had a bottom and top diameter, i.e., an outer diameter, of 6.9 mm, and a 4 mm through hole in the hollow portion. The filter (140) which serves as a mouthpiece was used which had a length of 23 mm. In addition, a paper with a basis weight of 38 g / m2 was used as a packaging member, which was wrapped two and a half times so that the inner diameter was 6.9 mm and glued. In this way, a paper tube with a basis weight of 32 g / m2 to 45 g / m2 was wrapped two and a half times to create a packaging member, which is suitable as an electronic cigarette cartridge to be used in an electronic cigarette main body in which a heating element is inserted.

[0152] An adhesive was applied to the inside of the paper cylinder, a filter was inserted from the other end (20) to form a mouthpiece (140), and a support element (300) was inserted from one end (10), followed by an aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, paper with a basis weight of 40 g / m2 was wrapped around the mouthpiece portion so as to overlap the mouthpiece (140). In this manner, an electronic cigarette cartridge was created.

[0153] Example 2 An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 3 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate in Production Example 2.

[0154] Example 3 An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 4 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate in Production Example 2.

[0155] Example 4 An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 10 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate in Production Example 2.

[0156] Comparative Example 1 An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 6 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 2 in Example 1.

[0157] Comparative Example 2 In Comparative Example 1, the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 7 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 6, and an electronic cigarette cartridge was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2.

[0158] Comparative Example 3 In Comparative Example 1, the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 8 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 6, and an electronic cigarette cartridge was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2.

[0159] The non-tobacco plant compositions and electronic cigarette cartridges obtained by the above methods were subjected to the following evaluations.

[0160] (Rating 1) For sheets prepared using the non-tobacco plant compositions prepared in Production Examples 1, 5, 9 and 10, the length, width, thickness and volume of the sheets were measured before and after drying under halogen lamp irradiation, and the amount of change was quantitatively measured.

[0161] The change was measured using a halogen moisture meter (manufactured by Bangxi Instrument Technology Co. Ltd., model number: DHS-50-5).

[0162] The non-tobacco plant composition sheet was placed on the sample plate of a halogen moisture meter, and the non-tobacco plant composition sheet was heated from above the sample plate by a halogen lamp installed in a heater cover. The heating temperature was set to 105°C, and the length, width, and thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet were measured after a predetermined drying time to measure the volume change. The drying time was set to 0 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes, and the measurements were performed at each time point.

[0163] The volume change rate is calculated by subtracting the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after drying for a specified period of time from the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition before drying, and dividing the result by the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition before drying.

[0164] In the present invention, the length of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is L0, When the length of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition after 10 minutes of drying is defined as L10, the length change rate La (%) of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition is defined as follows. La(%)=(L0-L10) / L0×100 Furthermore, when the length of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is L15, the length change rate Lb (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows. Lb(%)=(L0-L15) / L0×100

[0165] In the present invention, the width of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is W0, When the width of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition after 10 minutes of drying is defined as W10, the width change rate Wa (%) of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition is defined as follows. Wa(%)=(W0-W10) / W0×100 Furthermore, when the width of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is W15, the width change rate Wb (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Wb(%)=(W0-W15) / W0×100

[0166] In the present invention, the thickness of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is T0, When the thickness of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition after 10 minutes of drying is defined as T10, the thickness change rate Ta (%) of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition is defined as follows. Ta(%)=(T0-T10) / T0×100 Furthermore, when the thickness of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is T15, the thickness change rate Tb (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Tb(%)=(T0-T15) / T0×100

[0167] In the present invention, the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V0, When the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 10 minutes of drying is defined as V10, the volume change rate Va (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition is defined as follows. Va(%)=(V0-V10) / V0×100 Furthermore, when the volume of a sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as V15, the volume change rate Vb (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Vb(%)=(V0-V15) / V0×100

[0168] In (Evaluation 1), the results obtained by measuring the length, width, thickness and volume are as follows: Moreover, a graph showing the rate of change in length is shown in Fig. 9. A graph showing the rate of change in volume is shown in Fig. 10.

[0169] The volume change rate Va (%) after 10 minutes of drying was 86.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, whereas the volume change rate Va (%) was 89.4% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 containing microcrystalline cellulose, and 86.9% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the volume change rate Vb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 not containing microcrystalline cellulose was 85.5%, while the volume change rate Vb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 containing microcrystalline cellulose was 88.0%. Also, the volume change rate Vb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 was 85.7%.

[0170] The length change rate La (%) after 10 minutes of drying was 92.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, 93.6% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 containing microcrystalline cellulose, and 92.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the length change rate Lb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 not containing microcrystalline cellulose was 91.8%, while the length change rate Lb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 containing microcrystalline cellulose was 92.7%, and the length change rate Lb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 was 91.9%.

[0171] The percent change in width Wa (%) after 10 minutes of drying was 94.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, 96.2% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 containing microcrystalline cellulose, and 95.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10.

[0172] After 15 minutes of drying, the percent change in width Wb (%) was 94.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, whereas the percent change in width Wb (%) was 96.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 containing microcrystalline cellulose, and 94.9% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10.

[0173] The percent change in thickness Ta (%) after 10 minutes of drying was 98.6% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, whereas the percent change in thickness Ta (%) was 99.3% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 containing microcrystalline cellulose, and 98.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the thickness change rate Tb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 not containing microcrystalline cellulose was 98.3%, while the thickness change rate Tb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 containing microcrystalline cellulose was 99.0%, and the thickness change rate Tb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 was 98.5%.

[0174] In addition, the length, width, thickness and volume of a sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition prepared in Example 9, in which methylcellulose was added instead of microcrystalline cellulose, were measured before and after drying under similar halogen lamp irradiation, and the changes were similar to those in Example 5. Incidentally, methylcellulose does not have a microcrystalline structure. The results of Evaluation 1 above are summarized in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0175] (Rating 2) The electronic cigarette cartridges were evaluated as follows. The electronic cigarette body used will be outlined. The electronic cigarette body used was IQOS (registered trademark), a heated electronic cigarette manufactured by Philip Morris. The outline of the electronic cigarette is as follows. The heating element (211) is 4.5 mm wide, 12 mm long to the tip, and 0.4 mm thick. The inner diameter of the insertion part (210) is 7 mm, which is almost equal to the outer diameter of the electronic cigarette cartridge. The heating element (211) generates heat by power supplied from a battery (not shown) provided in the electronic cigarette body (200), and reaches approximately 370°C. Then, the built-in control system completes the consumption of one electronic cigarette cartridge after 14 puffs. When the electronic cigarette cartridge of this embodiment is inserted, the electronic cigarette cartridge part that appears from the downstream side of the electronic cigarette body to the outside is approximately 20 mm.

[0176] After smoking the electronic cigarette cartridges produced in the present examples and comparative examples with the electronic cigarette main body, a drop test of the filling material was performed. The filler drop test after smoking was evaluated as follows: After smoking, one end side (10) of the electronic cigarette cartridge was pointed vertically downward and shook up and down to check whether the filler had popped out or fallen. The evaluation criteria are as follows. Rank A: No jumping out or falling observed Rank B: Jumping out or falling The test results obtained by the method of (Evaluation 2) are shown in Table 1 below.

[0177] (Rating 3) The dropping of the filling after storage at room temperature for a given period was evaluated as follows. The electronic cigarette cartridge was packed in a paper box with a long side of 70 mm, a short side of 14 mm, and a height of 45 mm, with the aerosol-forming substrate facing the bottom. The box containing the electronic cigarette cartridge was left in an environment of 45° C. for two weeks. Then, the following evaluation is carried out: The electronic cigarette cartridge was removed from the paper box, and one end side (10) of the electronic cigarette cartridge was pointed vertically downward to check whether the contents had popped out or fallen. The evaluation criteria are as follows. Rank A: No jumping out or falling observed Rank B: Jumping out or falling The test results obtained by the method of (Evaluation 3) are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0178] (Rating 5) The length, width, thickness and volume of the packings produced in Production Examples 3, 7 and 10 were measured before and after drying by halogen lamp irradiation, and the amount of change was quantitatively measured. The moisture content was measured using the same type of halogen moisture meter (manufactured by Bangxi Instrument Technology Co. Ltd., model number: DHS-50-5) as in (Evaluation 1) and in the same manner as in (Evaluation 1).

[0179] In the present invention, the length of the packing before drying is L'0, If the length of the filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as L'10, The length change rate L'a (%) of the packing is defined as follows. L'a(%) = (L'0-L'10) / L'0 x 100 Furthermore, when the length of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is L'15, the length change rate L'b (%) of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as follows. L'b(%)=(L'0-L15) / L'0×100

[0180] In the present invention, the width of the packing before drying is W'0, If the width of the filling after 10 minutes of drying is defined as W'10, The width change rate W'a (%) of the packing is defined as follows. W'a(%)=(W'0-W'10) / W'0×100 In addition, when the width of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is W'15, the width change rate W'b (%) of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as follows. W'b(%) = (W'0-W'15) / W'0 x 100

[0181] In the present invention, the thickness of the packing before drying is T'0, If the thickness of the filling after 10 minutes of drying is defined as T'10, The thickness change rate T'a (%) of the packing is defined as follows. T'a(%)=(T'0-T'10) / T'0×100 Furthermore, when the thickness of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is T'15, the thickness change rate T'b (%) of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as follows. T'b(%) = (T'0-T'15) / T'0 x 100

[0182] In the present invention, the volume of the packing before drying is V'0, If the volume of the packed material after 10 minutes of drying is defined as V'10, The volume change rate V'a (%) of the packing is defined as follows. V'a(%)=(V'0-V'10) / V'0×100 Furthermore, when the volume of the packed material after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is V'15, the volume change rate V'b (%) of the packed material after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as follows. V'b(%)=(V'0-V15) / V'0×100

[0183] In (Evaluation 4), the results obtained by measuring the length, width, thickness and volume are as follows: Moreover, a graph showing the rate of change in length is shown in Fig. 11. A graph showing the rate of change in volume is shown in Fig. 12. A graph showing the rate of change in width is shown in Fig. 13.

[0184] After 10 minutes of drying, the volume change rate V'a (%) of the filling of Production Example 7 not containing microcrystalline cellulose was 87.9%, while the filling of Production Example 3 containing microcrystalline cellulose was 94.3%. Also, the filling of Production Example 10 was 88.1%. After 15 minutes of drying, the volume change rate V'b (%) of the filling of Production Example 7 not containing microcrystalline cellulose was 82.9%, while the filling of Production Example 3 containing microcrystalline cellulose was 91.5%. Also, the filling of Production Example 10 was 83.1%.

[0185] After 10 minutes of drying, the length change rate L'a (%) was 95.0% for the filling of Production Example 7 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, while it was 96.3% for the filling of Production Example 3 containing microcrystalline cellulose. Also, it was 95.2% for the filling of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the length change rate L'b (%) was 94.1% for the filling of Production Example 7 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, while it was 96.0% for the filling of Production Example 3 containing microcrystalline cellulose. Also, it was 94.2% for the filling of Production Example 10.

[0186] After 10 minutes of drying, the width change rate W'a (%) was 93.7% for the filling of Production Example 7 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, while it was 98.7% for the filling of Production Example 3 containing microcrystalline cellulose. Also, it was 93.9% for the filling of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the width change rate W'b (%) was 89.4% for the filling of Production Example 7 not containing microcrystalline cellulose, while it was 96.4% for the filling of Production Example 3 containing microcrystalline cellulose. Also, it was 89.6% for the filling of Production Example 10.

[0187] After 10 minutes of drying, the thickness change rate T'a (%) of the filling of Production Example 7 not containing microcrystalline cellulose was 98.6%, while the filling of Production Example 3 containing microcrystalline cellulose was 99.3%. Also, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 was 98.8%. After 15 minutes of drying, the thickness change rate T'b (%) of the filling of Production Example 7 not containing microcrystalline cellulose was 98.3%, while the filling of Production Example 3 containing microcrystalline cellulose was 99.0%. Also, the filling of Production Example 10 was 98.5%.

[0188] In addition, when the length, width, thickness and volume of the filling material prepared in Production Example 9, in which methylcellulose was added instead of microcrystalline cellulose, were measured by irradiating it with a halogen lamp in the same manner, the changes were the same as in Production Example 7. Incidentally, methylcellulose does not have a microcrystalline structure. The results of Evaluation 4 are summarized in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0189] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. According to the electronic cigarette filler using the non-tobacco plant composition of the present invention and the electronic cigarette cartridge comprising the filler, the shrinkage and volume change of the electronic cigarette filler during production and storage can be reduced. By reducing the shrinkage and volume change of the electronic cigarette filler, the tendency of the electronic cigarette filler to fall off from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be reduced, and the gaps in the electronic cigarette filler through which the aerosol passes can be maintained at a constant size regardless of the storage period and temperature conditions after production, thereby maintaining a suitable usability.

[0190] Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be modified in various ways based on the configurations described in the claims, and these modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0191] 10 Upstream side (one end) 20 Downstream side (other end side) 100 E-Cigarette Cartridges 110 Aerosol-forming substrate 111 Filling 130 Transfer member 140 Mouthpiece 150 Packaging materials 151 Enclosure material 170 Lid 180 Partition member 200 Electronic cigarette body 210 Insertion part 211 Heating Element 300 Supporting Elements 201 Electronic cigarette body 410 Exterior part 420 Control section 430 Opening and closing lid 431 Vent 440 Heating section 450 Insertion Part 101 E-Cigarette Cartridge 530 Hollow tubular member

Claims

[Claim 1] The cap, the aerosol-forming substrate, the support element which is a cylindrical hollow tube, the transfer member which is a hollow tubular member, and the mouthpiece are adjacent to each other in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side, The aerosol-forming substrate is a filler enclosed by an enclosing member, The filling material contains an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose, The filling is in a sheet shape, and the sheet shape is formed by crinkling, pleating, gathering or folding; The mass average molecular weight of the microcrystalline cellulose is 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less. An electronic cigarette cartridge.

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