Electronic cigarette cartridge

Abstract

To provide an electronic cigarette cartridge capable of retaining stable sucking comfort by unifying an air flow at use.SOLUTION: An electronic cigarette cartridge comprises: an aerosol forming substrate; a lid arranged at an upstream side of the aerosol forming substrate; and a support element, a transfer member, and a mouthpiece which are adjacent in this order at a downstream side of the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate includes a cylindrical packaging member 151, and an electronic cigarette filling filled in the inside of the packaging member. The electronic cigarette filling has a sheet-like member. When one direction in which the lid, the aerosol forming substrate, the support element, the transfer member, and the mouthpiece are adjacently arranged is a longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge, the sheet-like member is formed with notches along the longitudinal direction, and is folded in a direciton along the longitudinal direction and filled in the packaging member. Areas of end shapes of sheets observed from a central part B to a peripheral part C of the aerosol forming substrate when viewed from the one end of the aerosol forming substrate are substantially equal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, in order to comply with the trend of smoking cessation, electronic cigarette products that allow the user to enjoy tobacco by heating a cartridge containing tobacco components and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components without using a flame have become popular. As a form of tobacco filler to be filled into such electronic cigarette cartridges, a sheet having an aerosol former is disclosed that is crimped and assembled (Patent Document 1). Also, a smoking article in which a sheet is folded and housed in a cylinder is disclosed (Patent Document 2). Furthermore, an invention of a smoking article rod having a gathered sheet of homogenized tobacco material is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The smoking article rod described in Patent Document 3 is formed by crimping a continuous sheet of homogenized tobacco material, gathering it, and then surrounding it with a wrapper to form a continuous rod. The continuous rod is cut into a plurality of individual rods. The smoking article rod described in Patent Document 3 has a more uniform density than a rod containing fine pieces of homogenized tobacco material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-524368 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. WO2010 / 113702 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2014-515274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a high-quality electronic cigarette filler that can prevent the filler from falling off and maintain a stable smoking experience by making the airflow uniform during use, and an electronic cigarette cartridge that is suitable for an electronic cigarette. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve such problems, the present invention provides a filler for an electronic cigarette which is configured with a sheet-like member, and in which, when the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette is defined as a first direction and an in-plane direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, a cut is formed along the first direction of the sheet-like member.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the cut is formed to a depth that does not penetrate through the sheet member.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the sheet-like member has a plurality of the cuts formed on one side of an entire rectangle.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of cuts include a first cut formed along the first direction from one side of the sheet-like member in the second direction.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of cuts include second cuts formed along the first direction from the other side of the sheet-like member and arranged alternately with the first cuts in the second direction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the cut is disposed such that the length of the first directional component of the cut is longer than the length of the second directional component.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, it is fixed inside the packaging member.

[0012] In a more preferred embodiment, the air is filled in such a way as to form an air passage in the first direction.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the air passage is formed by folding or rolling the sheet-like member.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the areas of the end shapes of the packings as viewed from one end are approximately equal.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the area of ​​the end shape of the packing as viewed from one end becomes smaller and larger from the center to the periphery.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, cut portions are present at predetermined intervals in the second direction, the entire sheet-shaped member is connected by non-cut portions, and when the sheet-shaped member is used to form an aerosol-forming substrate, cuts are present on one end side and the other end side of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0017] In order to solve the above problems, as another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette cartridge having the electronic cigarette filling material of each of the above aspects. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a high-quality electronic cigarette filler, a filler suitable for an electronic cigarette, and an electronic cigarette cartridge. Specifically, it is possible to prevent the filler from falling off, and when the electronic cigarette cartridge is used, the cut portion becomes a uniform air passage that guides the airflow direction, and stabilizes the smoking comfort. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [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 illustrating a filling of an aerosol-forming substrate. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of filling forms of sheets. [Diagram 5]1 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for producing a filler for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment. [Figure 6-1] FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a sheet of a non-tobacco plant composition having cuts formed through its thickness, and FIG. 6B is a schematic plan view of a sheet of a non-tobacco plant composition having cuts formed through its thickness. [Figure 6-2] FIG. 6C is a schematic plan view showing a filler for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 6D and 6E are schematic plan views showing fillers for an electronic cigarette according to modified examples. [Figure 6-3] 6F to 6H are schematic plan views showing modified examples of fillers for electronic cigarettes. [Figure 6-4] 6I and 6J are schematic plan views showing modified examples of electronic cigarette fillers. [Figure 7] 1A-1D are diagrams illustrating a method of making an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 9] 1 is an example of a sheet having cuts formed therein. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the central portion to the peripheral portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. [Figure 11] This is an example in which a cut is formed in the diameter direction from one end side. [Figure 12] In this example, a cut is made from one end of the sheet at a substantially right angle to the ridge line of the folded sheet. [Figure 13] 1 is an example of a sheet having cuts formed therein. [Figure 14] This is an example of cutting a sheet with cut marks. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for producing an aerosol-forming substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] 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 description will be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are merely examples, and are not intended to be limiting. Also, for the convenience of description, some parts may be exaggerated.

[0021] The sheet-like filling material used in this embodiment is prepared, for example, as follows: Materials for forming the aerosol-forming material include a carrier for supporting the aerosol former, the aerosol former, and a flavor additive to be used as needed.

[0022] As a carrier for carrying the aerosol former, various parts of tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants (e.g., roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, skin, seeds, tree trunks, tree branches, etc.) can be used, preferably in a dried and crushed form.

[0023] In addition to the above-mentioned plant parts, the carrier or binder for carrying the aerosol former may also be 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 glucomannan, starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, agar, and conjugate base salts of organic acids such as pectin; and combinations thereof.

[0024] 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, but glycerin and propylene glycol are particularly preferred. These are preferably used in an amount of 1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less relative to the filling material for electronic cigarettes. More preferably, it is 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less.

[0025] In addition to the aerosol former carrier and the aerosol former, flavor additives for adding flavor, as required, are preferably used, such as mint, cocoa, coffee, and black tea extracts.

[0026] Furthermore, when producing an aerosol forming material using the above-mentioned materials, various additives such as water, ethyl alcohol, thickeners, etc. may be added in addition to the above.

[0027] For example, when the filling material is prepared as a sheet, a method of preparing a sheet containing the tobacco material as described above and then adding an aerosol former to the prepared sheet can be used, or a method of combining the aerosol former with cellulose fiber and tobacco powder to form a slurry, which is then formed into a sheet can be used.

[0028] In this embodiment, cellulose fiber, binder, black tea, aerosol former and flavor additive are made into a slurry, which is cast on a metal plate and the cast slurry is dried to prepare a sheet. The thickness is 0.2 mm. The sheet of the present invention is preferably used with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0029] The aerosol-forming substrate used in this embodiment, which is filled with a sheet-like member having cuts, can be prepared as follows.

[0030] As an example of one method, a sheet having a predetermined cut is processed into a desired shape to form a sheet-like member having cuts, and then filled as a filler in a packaging member (151) or the like, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 12. As another method, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, a method is included in which the prepared sheet is processed into a desired shape, cuts are formed, a sheet-like member having cuts is formed, and then filled as a filler in a packaging sheet (150) or the like. As another example of a possible method, a method is included in which the prepared sheet is processed into a desired shape to form a shape for filling, cuts are formed, and the sheet-like filler having cuts is filled into a packaging sheet (150) or the like. As another example of a possible method, a method is included in which the prepared sheet is processed into a desired shape, and then filled as a filler in a packaging sheet (150) or the like, and then cuts are formed, and then a sheet-like filler having cuts is filled into a packaging sheet (150) or the like.

[0031] Also, although the sheets have cuts, they are connected by portions without cuts.

[0032] A preferred method for producing the sheet includes the steps of producing the sheet, forming the incisions, forming the sheet into a desired shape, and filling the sheet, which are carried out continuously, or two or more steps are carried out simultaneously, because such steps improve production efficiency.

[0033] Examples of means used to form the incisions include a cutter blade, a razor blade, a rotary cutter, etc., and a method in which these are arranged in parallel to form the required number of incisions all at once is one preferred embodiment.

[0034] Moreover, the interval W (shown in Figs. 9, 13, and 14) at which the slits are formed is preferably larger than the thickness of the sheet, and is preferably, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less. More preferably, if it is 1 mm or more, the area divided by the slits is stable and does not tear, and if it is 5 mm or less, the area divided by the slits can prevent the filler from moving in the insertion direction when the heating element shown in Fig. 1 is inserted, and the effect of the present invention can be more effectively exhibited.

[0035] Regarding the length of the cuts formed in the sheet, for example, referring to Fig. 9, if the cuts are 20% or more of the total length of the sheet in the Y direction, the effect of the present invention can be more effectively exhibited when the heating element (211) shown in Fig. 1 is inserted, and if the cuts are 50% or more, it is even more effective. If the cuts are 90% or less, it is possible to prevent the filler from moving in the insertion direction when the heating element (211) is inserted. If the cuts are 90% or less, it is sufficiently effective in preventing a part of the filler from falling off after use, even when the electronic cigarette cartridge is removed from the electronic cigarette body after use.

[0036] Although the intervals and lengths of the cuts made in the sheet have been described, the intervals W and lengths of the individual cuts may be varied within a single sheet.

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, when the filling material and the packaging member (151) shown in Figures 3, 4, and 10 to 12 are fixed, it is effective in preventing the filling material from falling off after use when the electronic cigarette cartridge is removed from the electronic cigarette body after use. After the electronic cigarette cartridge is used, the filling material deteriorates due to heating, and the filling material may stick to the heating element (211) shown in Figure 1, which may lead to the filling material falling off after use. If such a falling off occurs, the inside of the electronic cigarette body may become dirty, and cleaning may be required more frequently, resulting in a problem in usability.

[0038] 1 illustrates an example of how an electronic cigarette cartridge (100) 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] The heating element (211) generates heat directly or indirectly by power supplied from a battery (not shown) installed 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 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 embodiment, 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 be referred to as one end side, and the downstream side (20) may be referred to as the other end side.

[0041] 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 a plurality of pin-shaped or blade-shaped members.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows an example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge (100). From the side where the heating element (211) shown in Fig. 1 is inserted, i.e., from the upstream side (10) to the downstream side (20), the electronic cigarette cartridge includes an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a support element (300), a transfer member (130), and a mouthpiece (140), and has an external appearance of, for example, a rod-like or cylindrical shape.

[0043] 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 wrapping sheet (150) located at the periphery of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100). The side portion (160) is fixed to the inner surface of the wrapping sheet (150), for example, by an adhesive.

[0044] Additionally, the support element (300) is preferably formed using, for example, silicone, but is not limited to silicone and may be formed using other materials that have excellent heat resistance.

[0045] An aerosol-forming substrate (110) is disposed at the upstream (10) end of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), and a mouthpiece (140) is disposed at the downstream (20) end. The direction connecting the position of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the position of the mouthpiece (140), i.e., the direction in which the four elements, the aerosol-forming substrate (110), the support element (300), the transfer member (130), and the mouthpiece (140), are adjacently disposed, is defined as the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100).

[0046] The aerosol-forming substrate (110), the support element (300), the transfer member (130), and the mouthpiece (140) are packaged in a packaging sheet (150). The longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) and the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) are, for example, parallel to each other. Moreover, the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) and the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) are, for example, parallel to the Y-axis direction in relation to the electronic cigarette filler shown in Figures 6B and 6C.

[0047] The aerosol-forming substrate (110) contains an electronic cigarette filler, and when heated, for example, generates an aerosol containing aromatic components and the like possessed by the plant from which the electronic cigarette filler is made.

[0048] The support element (300) is made of, for example, silicone, and supports the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The sides of the support element (300) are fixed to the inner surface of the packaging sheet (150) by, for example, an adhesive. The support element (300) may be made of any material other than silicone that has excellent heat resistance.

[0049] The illustrated support element (300) has an airflow hole in the center. The aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate (110) passes through the airflow hole and flows toward the mouthpiece (140). Note that the support element (300) may also have an airflow hole or a notch on the side.

[0050] The transport member (130) is constructed using a hollow tubular member or a polymer sheet wound in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), and cools the aerosol flowing, for example, toward the mouthpiece (140).

[0051] The mouthpiece (140) is made of, for example, paper and may include a cellulose acetate filter for removing fine particles. The aromatic components that pass through the filter of the mouthpiece (140) are inhaled by the user.

[0052] The number of components can be reduced by omitting the transport member (130). When the transport member (130) is omitted, the ventilation is improved and the generated aerosol flows more easily to the downstream side (20), making it easier for the user to inhale the aromatic components.

[0053] In one example, the transfer member 130 is omitted, and the mouthpiece 140, which is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge 100, is placed adjacent to the support element 300. In this case, for example, a cellulose acetate filter can also serve as a cooling function.

[0054] Furthermore, the wrapping sheet (150) may also be configured to function as a wrapping member for wrapping the electronic cigarette filler. This stabilizes the airflow of the aerosol, making it easier for the user to inhale the aromatic components.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the filler (111) manufactured as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is, for example, a rolled sheet, and the filler is a sheet wound around the approximate central axis (112) of the cross section of the electronic cigarette cartridge to form a roll. Here, an example is shown in which the filler is filled into a cylindrically shaped packaging member (151). As the packaging member (151), a paper such as tobacco paper formed into a cylindrical shape can be used. The packaging sheet (150) may also serve as the packaging member (151). This stabilizes the airflow, making it easier for the user to inhale the aromatic components from the aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0056] Fig. 4 (1) to (4) are diagrams for explaining examples of the form in which a sheet is filled as a filler. Each of Fig. 4 is a diagram of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) as seen from the upstream side (10). Alternatively, it may be a diagram showing a cross section on a plane perpendicular to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0057] FIG. 4(1) shows an example in which a sheet is rolled up like a nori roll to create a roll shape, and then packed into a packaging member (151) to form a filling (111).

[0058] FIG. 4(2) shows a sheet folded to a dimension approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the packaging material (151), and filled into the packaging material (151) with the fold lines aligned along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge to form the filling (111).

[0059] In Fig. 4 (3), the sheet is folded to a size larger than the inner diameter of the packaging member (151), and then the entire sheet is folded or curved at approximately the center before being packed. The sheet is packed so that the direction of the folding lines is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0060] In Fig. 4(4), the sheet is folded to a width smaller than the inner diameter of the packaging member (151) and packed so that the folding lines are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge, including, for example, the so-called crimping process. Of course, it is also preferable to use the crimped sheet in the form of a roll, a folded sheet, or a folded or curved sheet as shown in Figs. 4(1)-(3), and to use it as a packing material.

[0061] 5 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for producing a filler for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment, etc. With reference to FIG. 5, a method for producing a filler for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment, etc. will be described.

[0062] In the method for producing an electronic cigarette filler according to the embodiment, materials are prepared in step S101. In step S102, the prepared materials are mixed to form a non-tobacco plant composition. And in step S103, the non-tobacco plant composition formed in step S102 is processed to obtain an electronic cigarette filler.

[0063] The electronic cigarette cartridge can be manufactured using the electronic cigarette filler obtained in step S103. This process is referred to as step S104.

[0064] The step of preparing materials in step S101 includes three steps, step S101a, step S101b, and step S101c. Step S101a is a step of drying and crushing non-tobacco plants and the like that are the source of aroma, step S101b is a step of dissolving menthol, and step S101c is a step of preparing materials such as an aerosol former. The order of steps S101a to S101c does not matter. They can also be performed in parallel.

[0065] The process of drying and pulverizing non-tobacco plants, etc. in step S101a will now be described. After drying, the non-tobacco plants are pulverized. Drying is performed, for example, by heating in an oven. The drying temperature is preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. In this temperature range, it is easy to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding dissipation (sublimation) of the required aromatic components. If the temperature is 65°C or higher, it is even easier to reach the desired moisture content. If the temperature is 75°C or lower, it is even easier to prevent dissipation of the required aromatic components.

[0066] The grinding is carried out, for example, using an agitator grinder. The parts of the non-tobacco plant that are the raw material (leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) are processed into the desired ground material to form the non-tobacco plant composition. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content so that it is convenient for absorbing or carrying the aerosol former and components such as water prepared in step S101c.

[0067] In the case of non-tobacco plants that do not require drying, they can be crushed without drying. Also, if the raw materials can be used as they are and do not require drying or crushing, they can be put into the mixing process in step S102 without step S101a.

[0068] The moisture content of the non-tobacco plant material, etc. after drying and crushing is preferably 5% by mass or less. This makes it easier to turn the material into a slurry in the mixing process in step S102. It is even more preferable that the moisture content is 3% by mass or less. Furthermore, the moisture content of the non-tobacco plant material, etc. after drying and crushing is preferably 0.1% by mass or more. This allows the material to maintain a good compatibility with water, etc.

[0069] The drying and pulverizing step S101a may include a sieving step of sieving the dried and pulverized material. By introducing the sieving step, non-tobacco plants and the like can be fed to the mixing step S102 with the desired particle size.

[0070] In the examples, black tea leaves were dried in an oven at 70° C., then crushed using an agitator type crusher and passed through an 80 mesh sieve. The moisture content was 2% by mass.

[0071] Next, in step S101b, the step of dissolving menthol will be described. In step S101b, menthol, a lower alcohol, and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer are weighed and mixed to dissolve menthol. It is preferable to dissolve menthol in a lower alcohol, and then add and mix the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer. Mixing menthol, a lower alcohol, and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer can provide an effect of suppressing dissipation of menthol.

[0072] Menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural sources, but may be a synthetic product, and may also be peppermint, mint, peppermint oil, or other materials containing menthol.

[0073] The lower alcohol is a solvent that dissolves menthol, and ethyl alcohol is particularly preferably used.

[0074] The water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is intended to be a polymer that is water-soluble and crosslinked, and becomes insoluble in water and swells. Of course, it is preferable that the polymer does not dissolve in lower alcohol and swells, and such a polymer is selected. Such a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer has a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, and it is considered that the hydrophilic portion contributes to swelling, and the hydrophilic portion is oriented toward menthol, thereby suppressing the dissipation of menthol. Preferred examples of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer include polyvinyl polypyrrolidone, which is a crosslinked product of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and crosslinked polysaccharides that are crosslinked to water-insoluble polysaccharides by crosslinking the polysaccharides with epoxy crosslinking, ester crosslinking, and ether crosslinking.

[0075] When ethanol and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone were used together with menthol, the effect of suppressing the dissipation of menthol was significantly obtained.

[0076] Menthol may be added in an amount that achieves a desired flavor. A preferable guideline for menthol flavoring is that the menthol content of the electronic cigarette filling material obtained in step S103 is 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. More preferably, the menthol content is 0.2% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less.

[0077] In forming the electronic cigarette filler, the amount of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer added is preferably in the range of 10 parts by mass to 2000 parts by mass, more preferably 50 parts by mass to 600 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of menthol. In other words, the content of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer in the electronic cigarette filler is preferably 0.1 to 20 times the content of menthol, and more preferably 0.5 to 6 times.

[0078] In order to achieve the effect of suppressing the dissipation of menthol, the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is preferably present in the electronic cigarette filling material at 2% by mass or more, more preferably at 4% by mass or more. By having such an amount, it is possible to store the electronic cigarette filling material for a long time while suppressing the dissipation of menthol, and the refreshing feeling of menthol can be enjoyed even after long-term storage. In addition, the content of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer in the electronic cigarette filling material is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably not exceeding 10% by mass. If it is within 10% by mass, it is possible to maintain the flavor derived from non-plant-derived polyphenols, etc.

[0079] The amount of the lower alcohol used is preferably 50 parts by mass or more relative to 100 parts by mass of menthol. Furthermore, when the amount is 100 parts by mass or more, the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer can be sufficiently mixed while dissolving the menthol, and when the amount is 2000 parts by mass or less, the amount of the lower alcohol remaining in the subsequent steps can be reduced, making it possible to achieve an efficient production process.

[0080] In the embodiment, Menthol 100 parts by weight, 200 parts by weight of ethyl alcohol, Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone 200 parts by mass, The amount of menthol was weighed, and the menthol was dissolved in ethyl alcohol to obtain a menthol ethyl alcohol solution. Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone was then added to the menthol ethyl alcohol solution, and the mixture was stirred to obtain a menthol / ethyl alcohol / polyvinylpolypyrrolidone mixture.

[0081] The process of preparing materials such as an aerosol former in step S101c will be described below. In step S101c, an aerosol former, a flavor additive, a preservative, a binder or a thickener, etc. are prepared.

[0082] If necessary, food preservatives can be added, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0083] As the binder or thickener, there may be used 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, etc. These may also be used in combination.

[0084] In the examples, glycerin, propylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and methylcellulose were prepared. In addition, an aqueous xylitol solution obtained by mixing 100 parts by mass of xylitol and 400 parts by mass of water with stirring, and glucomannan were prepared.

[0085] Next, step S102 will be described. In step S102, the materials prepared in step S101 are weighed and mixed to obtain, for example, a slurry of the non-tobacco plant composition.

[0086] In the mixing step S102, a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a mixer that mixes the materials in a mixing tank while applying shear force with an agitating blade is preferably used.

[0087] A ground and dried non-tobacco plant material, a menthol solution, an aerosol former, a binder or thickener, and water, if necessary, are mixed together to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition.

[0088] In the embodiment, 100 parts by weight of dried and ground black tea leaves, 25 parts by weight of menthol / ethyl alcohol / polyvinyl polypyrrolidone mixture, Glycerin 30 parts by weight, Propylene glycol 30 parts by mass, Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 4 parts by weight, Methylcellulose 15 parts by weight, Xylitol aqueous solution 8 parts by mass, 1 part by weight of glucomannan, were added to a mixer and mixed for 15 minutes to form a non-tobacco plant composition.

[0089] Step S103 will now be described. In step S103, the non-tobacco plant composition formed in step S102 is processed to obtain a filling material for an electronic cigarette.

[0090] In step S103, the non-tobacco plant composition obtained in step S102 is first formed into a sheet. The planar shape of the sheet is not limited.

[0091] In the examples, a three-roll mill (see Example 7) was used to form the non-tobacco plant composition into a sheet. When a three-roll mill is used, the composition can be compressed by being forced between the narrow rolls, and kneaded and dispersed by shearing due to the difference in roll speed, while being formed into a sheet of the desired thickness by a doctor blade. In addition to the three-roll mill, a press roller or a press machine can also be suitably used to form the non-tobacco plant composition into a sheet.

[0092] In the process of forming the non-tobacco plant composition into a sheet, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, flavor additives, preservatives, binders or thickeners, water, and the like may be added as necessary.

[0093] In addition, the water used in the production of electronic cigarette fillers is preferably sterilized or decontaminated with microorganisms. It is also preferable to use pure water obtained by reverse osmosis or ion exchange.

[0094] In the examples, the non-tobacco plant composition was placed in a three-roll mill, 20 parts by weight of pure water was added while monitoring the condition of the sheet, and a doctor blade was pressed against the rolls to obtain a sheet-like material. This process was repeated eight times to obtain the final sheet-like non-tobacco plant composition.

[0095] In the step of forming the non-tobacco plant composition into a sheet, the thickness of the resulting sheet is preferably from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. In the examples, the non-tobacco plant composition was formed into a sheet having a thickness of about 0.3 mm.

[0096] As an example of one method, as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 10 to 12, there is a method of filling a packaging member (151) or the like. As another method, as shown in Figs. 2 and 7, there is a method of processing a sheet having a predetermined cut into a desired shape to form a sheet-like member having a cut, and then processing the sheet prepared as a filling material (111) into a desired shape, forming a cut, forming a sheet-like member having a cut, and filling a packaging sheet (150) or the like as a filling material (111). As another example of a possible method, there is a method of processing a prepared sheet into a desired shape to form a shape for filling, forming a cut, and filling a packaging sheet (150) or the like as a sheet-like filling material having a cut. As another example of a possible method, there is a method of processing a prepared sheet into a desired shape, filling a packaging sheet (150) or the like as a filling material, forming a cut, and forming a sheet-like filling material having a cut. In addition, although the sheet has a cut, it is connected by a portion without the cut.

[0097] Next, the non-tobacco plant composition formed into a sheet is incised. The incisions are formed in the thickness direction of the sheet to a depth that does not penetrate the sheet, for example, to a depth of about half the thickness of the sheet. The incisions can be formed using, for example, a cutter, for example, a rotary cutter using a rotary blade system.

[0098] The formation of the incisions may be carried out simultaneously with the step of forming the non-tobacco plant composition into a sheet.

[0099] Fig. 6A is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of a sheet of a non-tobacco plant composition in which incisions are formed in the thickness direction. In the example shown in Fig. 6A, the thickness direction of the sheet is parallel to the Z-axis direction, and multiple incisions (F) are formed in the sheet from the surface on the positive Z-axis side to near the center in the thickness direction. Each incision (F) extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0100] 6B shows a schematic plan view of a sheet of a non-tobacco plant composition with incisions formed in the thickness direction. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, multiple incisions (F) with a length of about 12 mm along the Y-axis direction are formed from the surface on the positive Z-axis side in a manner that the ends are adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction.

[0101] The electronic cigarette filler according to the embodiment can be obtained by cutting a sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition, for example, along the dotted and dashed lines shown in Figure 6B. A cutter, for example a rotary cutter using a rotating blade, is used for cutting.

[0102] FIG. 6C is a schematic plan view showing an electronic cigarette filler according to an embodiment. The electronic cigarette filler shown in FIG. 6C is a sheet with a length along the Z-axis direction, i.e., a thickness of about 0.3 mm, and has a generally rectangular planar shape with a length along the X-axis direction of about 75 mm and a length along the Y-axis direction of about 12 mm. The electronic cigarette filler according to the embodiment has a plurality of cuts (F) with a depth of about 0.15 mm in the thickness direction from the surface on the positive side of the Z-axis. Each cut (F) is formed with a length of about 6 mm from one long side of the rectangular electronic cigarette filler, i.e., a side along the X-axis direction, in the extension direction of the short side, i.e., in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of cuts (F) are arranged at regular intervals in the X-axis direction.

[0103] The shape and size of the electronic cigarette filler can be changed in various ways. For example, it can be a rectangular planar shape whose long sides are about 2 to 20 times larger than their short sides.

[0104] 6D to 6J are schematic plan views of modified electronic cigarette fillers.

[0105] The example shown in FIG. 6D differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C in that each notch (F) is formed along the Y-axis direction from one long side of the rectangular electronic cigarette filler to the other long side.

[0106] The example shown in Figure 6E differs from the example shown in Figure 6C in that in the half of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet on the negative X-axis side, each notch (F) is formed at a length of approximately 6 mm in the negative Y-axis direction from one long side, i.e., the long side on the positive Y-axis side, and in the half of the sheet on the positive X-axis side, each notch (F) is formed at a length of approximately 6 mm in the positive Y-axis direction from the other long side, i.e., the long side on the negative Y-axis side.

[0107] The example shown in Figure 6F is an electronic cigarette filler in which a notch (F) formed approximately 6 mm in the negative Y-axis direction from one long side, i.e., the long side on the positive Y-axis side, and a notch (F) formed approximately 6 mm in the positive Y-axis direction from the other long side, i.e., the long side on the negative Y-axis side, are arranged alternately in the X-axis direction.

[0108] The example shown in FIG. 6G is a filler for an electronic cigarette in which a cut (F) along the Y-axis direction is arranged along a diagonal direction intersecting both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0109] The example shown in Fig. 6H is different from the examples shown in Fig. 6C to Fig. 6G in that it is an electronic cigarette filler having slits (F) formed along a diagonal direction rather than parallel to the Y-axis direction. Note that the length of each slit (F) in the Y-axis direction component is longer than its length in the X-axis direction component.

[0110] In the example shown in FIGS. 6C to 6H, the cut (F) is formed in the thickness direction from the surface on the positive side of the Z axis, but it may be formed in the thickness direction from the surface (rear surface) on the negative side of the Z axis.

[0111] 6I and 6J show an example in which a cut (F) is formed from both the positive Z-axis direction and the negative Z-axis direction. In both figures, the cut (F) formed from the positive Z-axis direction is shown by a solid line, and the cut (F) formed from the negative Z-axis direction is shown by a dotted line.

[0112] In the example shown in Fig. 6I, the notch (F) extending from one long side, i.e., the long side on the positive Y-axis side, is formed on the surface on the positive Z-axis side, and the notch (F) extending from the other long side, i.e., the long side on the negative Y-axis side, is formed on the surface on the negative Z-axis side. This differs from the example shown in Fig. 6F in that the notch (F) extending from the other long side is formed on the surface on the negative Z-axis side (lower side with respect to the vertical axis).

[0113] Fig. 6J shows an example in which a cut (F) formed diagonally from the positive Z-axis direction and a cut (F) formed diagonally from the negative Z-axis direction cross each other in a plan view. In the example shown in Fig. 6J, the length of the Y-axis component of each cut (F) is longer than the length of the X-axis component.

[0114] The process of manufacturing the electronic cigarette cartridge in step S104 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows how the aerosol-forming substrate (110), the transfer member (130), the mouthpiece (140) and the support element (300) illustrated below are arranged adjacent to each other in the order of the aerosol-forming substrate (110), the support element (300), the transfer member (130) and the mouthpiece (140), and how the rod is wound with a wrapping sheet (150) such as tobacco paper. At this time, the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) has a small amount of adhesive applied to the side portion (160) of the support element. Alternatively, an adhesive may be applied to the side portion of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) to fix it to the wrapping sheet (150).

[0115] When manufacturing an electronic cigarette cartridge, for example, a sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition is cut in the Y-axis direction along the dotted line in Figure 6B, and one or more cut sheets are wrapped in tobacco paper, which is a packaging material, to prepare a roll having an outer diameter of about 6.9 mm and long in the Y-axis direction. The roll is then cut to a length of 12 mm with a cutter to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The roll is cut along the dashed line in Figure 6B.

[0116] The aerosol-forming substrate (110) is, for example, an electronic cigarette filler according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, specifically, a sheet of a non-tobacco plant composition having a rectangular short side of 12 mm and a cut (F) formed in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the short side, disposed inside a cylindrical packaging member. Inside the packaging member, for example, the electronic cigarette filler shown in FIG. 6C is disposed from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the 12 mm long aerosol-forming substrate (110). The extension direction of the rectangular short side of the electronic cigarette filler is, for example, approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0117] In addition, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) can also be formed by arranging a sheet of electronic cigarette filler having a rectangular shape with a short side of less than 12 mm adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate (110) in the longitudinal direction, or by arranging the sheet so as to overlap partially.

[0118] The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is, for example, about 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the electronic cigarette filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is about 0.60. The filling rate of the electronic cigarette filler can be determined taking into consideration the strength of the aroma given to the user, the ease of inhalation by the user, and the like. The volumetric filling rate of the electronic cigarette filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is preferably 0.55 or more and 0.65 or less.

[0119] In addition to the aerosol-forming substrate (110), a support element (300), a transfer member (130), and a mouthpiece (140) are prepared. These four elements are then arranged adjacent to each other in this order in one direction and wrapped in a packaging sheet (150) such as tobacco paper to manufacture an electronic cigarette cartridge. At this time, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is arranged so that the long side on which the slits (F) for the electronic cigarette filler are formed is the end side of the electronic cigarette cartridge, i.e., the opposite side to the support element (300). A small amount of adhesive is also placed on the side of the support element (300). The four elements may be inserted in order into a packaging sheet (150) that has been formed into a cylindrical shape in advance.

[0120] In this manner, the electronic cigarette cartridge according to the embodiment is manufactured.

[0121] The filler for electronic cigarettes according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 6-1 to 6-4 is in the form of a sheet, and cuts (F) are formed in the thickness direction of the sheet to a depth that does not penetrate the sheet.

[0122] The aerosol-forming substrate (110) of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) according to the embodiment is formed using the electronic cigarette filler according to the embodiment. In the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) according to the embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), i.e., the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate (110), and the extension direction of the cut (F) formed in the electronic cigarette filler are, for example, approximately parallel to each other.

[0123] In addition, in the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) according to the embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is arranged so that the side on which the notch (F) for the electronic cigarette filler is formed is located on the upstream side (10) of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), i.e., on the side where the heating element (211) is inserted when the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is attached to the electronic cigarette body (200) and used.

[0124] Therefore, when the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) according to the embodiment is attached to the electronic cigarette body (200), the heating element (211) can be smoothly introduced into the aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0125] In addition, the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is more likely to flow toward the mouthpiece (140).

[0126] The electronic cigarette filler and electronic cigarette cartridge according to the embodiment are high quality electronic cigarette fillers and electronic cigarette cartridges.

[0127] When constructing an electronic cigarette cartridge (100) using the electronic cigarette filler according to the modified example shown in Figures 6H and 6J, i.e., an electronic cigarette filler in which a cut (F) is formed in a diagonal direction in which the length of the Y-axis component is longer than the length of the X-axis component, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is prepared and the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is manufactured so that, for example, the Y-axis direction of the electronic cigarette filler is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100).

[0128] In the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) manufactured using the electronic cigarette filler according to the modified example, the heating element (211) is also smoothly introduced into the aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0129] In the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), the electronic cigarette filler may be arranged so that the length of the longitudinal direction component of the cartridge of the notch (F) is longer than the length of the in-plane direction component perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0130] Although the present invention has been described above based on the examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0131] For example, in the examples, the cut (F) is formed in a straight line, but it may be formed in a curved line. As in the examples, the length of the Y-axis component of the cut (F) is made longer than the length of the X-axis component.

[0132] In addition, in the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) according to the embodiment, a lid may be disposed on the upstream side (10) of the aerosol-forming substrate (110). This can suppress the dissipation of the aroma of the electronic cigarette filler, and can also prevent the electronic cigarette filler from falling out of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), for example, when the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is transported.

[0133] The lid can be made of filter, paper, sponge, etc. For example, the lid can have one or more cuts to facilitate the insertion of the heating element 211. A guide hole, such as a circle or a polygon, can be provided at the location where the heating element 211 is inserted.

[0134] Furthermore, in the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) according to the embodiment, a partition member may be provided between the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300). The partition member may be formed of, for example, a breathable filter, paper, or the like. It is preferable that the partition member be broken when the heating element (211) is inserted. By providing the partition member, it is possible to prevent the electronic cigarette filler from moving within the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) during transportation of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), etc.

[0135] In addition, the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) according to the embodiment can also be used by being attached to an electronic cigarette body that does not have a heating element.

[0136] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the use of the electronic cigarette cartridge of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) has, for example, a rod-like or cylindrical appearance. Inside the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), an aerosol-forming substrate (110) is provided 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. Then, as shown in Figs. 2 and 7, these are packaged in a packaging sheet (150).

[0137] 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.

[0138] The filling material as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is used in the form of a rolled or folded sheet. When the sheets are assembled, the state of being rolled, folded, compressed or shrunk is included in the form of being rolled or folded. It is also preferable that the sheet is treated by wrinkles, pleats, or the like.

[0139] 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).

[0140] The mouthpiece 140 is disposed adjacent to the transport member 130 and on the downstream side 20 of the electronic cigarette cartridge 100. The mouthpiece 140 may include a filter, such as a cellulose acetate filter, to remove fine particles. The aroma components that pass through the filter of the mouthpiece 140 are inhaled by the user.

[0141] Comparing the presence or absence of the transfer member (130), the absence of the transfer member (130) provides better ventilation and makes it easier to inhale the generated aromatic components. On the other hand, it is also preferable to add a function of cooling the generated aerosol by inserting the transfer member (130). Instead of adding the transfer 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. As the transfer member (130), a hollow tubular member can be used, and a crimped polymer sheet can be wound in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0142] 8(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.

[0143] In Fig. 8 (3), a partition member (180) is provided between the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300), and they 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 inside the electronic cigarette cartridge due to the influence of logistics such as transportation.

[0144] FIG. 8(3) shows a preferred 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 transportation. Examples of materials for the lid (170) include filters, paper, and sponges. When a heating element is inserted, it is also preferred to make one or more cuts in the lid (170) or to provide a circular or polygonal guide hole at the place where the heating element is inserted.

[0145] A specific embodiment of an electronic cigarette cartridge is as follows.

[0146] The aerosol-forming substrate (110) has an approximately cylindrical shape in which the filling material is wrapped in tobacco paper or the like, and the diameter of the bottom or top surface of the approximately cylinder is 6.5 mm or more and 7.5 mm or less, and the height of the approximately cylinder is 10.0 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less, preferably 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less.

[0147] Furthermore, it is preferable that the filler is rod-shaped or strip-shaped, is filled along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge, and has a length that is approximately equal to the height of the cylinder, i.e., 10.0 mm to 15.0 mm, and preferably 11.0 mm to 13.0 mm.

[0148] 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.

[0149] Additionally, the length of mouthpiece (140) is greater than 20.0 mm, preferably greater than 21.0 mm, and less than 25.0 mm.

[0150] Further, the volume filling rate of the aerosol-forming base material is preferably 0.55 or more and 0.65 or less.

[0151] Non-tobacco plants that can be used as aerosol-forming substrates in the present invention include the following:

[0152] 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, such as 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.

[0153] Bulbs include onion, red spider lily, tulip, hyacinth, garlic, shallot, lily, corms include crocus, gladiolus, freesia, iris, taro, konjac, tubers include konjac, 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 asparagus, bamboo shoots, udo, radish, and yacon.

[0154] The above-mentioned tubers and the following plants contain carbohydrates, and are preferably used as at least a part of the material for the filling (111). For example, starch includes corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, tapioca starch, etc., and are used 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, and oxidized to improve transparency, film properties, storage stability, etc.

[0155] 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.

[0156] Carrageenan, classified into three types, kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, and lambda-carrageenan, agar, and alginic acid can be obtained from seaweed, and they are also used as salts such as carrageenan metal salts and sodium alginate.

[0157] To give 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, and chamomile. Le roman, cardamom, curry leaves, 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, tomatoes, tonka beans, dried coriander, nutmeg, hibiscus, habanero, Jalapeno, Bird's Eye, Basil, Vanilla, Coriander, Parsley, Paprika, Hyssop, Piment despelette, Pink Pepper, Fenugreek Seed, Fennel, Prawn Mustard, Black Cardamom, Black Cumin, Black Pepper, Vetiver, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Horse Radish, White Pepper, White Mustard, Poppy Seed, Porcini, Marjoram, Mustard Seed, Maniette, Mari -Gold, 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, yuzu, etc. can be used.Also, 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 can be used.

[0158] 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, peanuts, sunflowers, olives, walnuts, and other nuts.

[0159] Teas can also be used. Not only do different plants produce different types of tea, but even the same plant can produce different types 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, and sakura tea. Examples include flan tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, sekisho tea, swertia tea, buckwheat tea, taranoki tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, dokudami tea, eucommia tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, nelumbo gracilis tea, pearl barley tea, hub tea, loquat leaf tea, pu-erh 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.

[0160] 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, Eisen, Iwanori (rock seaweed), Egonori, Gracilaria, Gagome Kombu, Ecklonia, Ganiashi, Kubirezuyu, Kurome, Laminaria, Susabinori, Dulse, Chishimaku Nori, Tsuruarame, Agar, Tororo Kombu, Laminaria spp., Nori (seaweed), Habanori, Hijiki, Hitoegusa, Hirome, Funori, Bowaonori, Laminaria japonica, Mekabu, Mozuku, and Wakame.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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 beans, 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).

[0164] 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 gracilis), quinoa, and tartary buckwheat.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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 (made 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.

[0167] 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, ohhi, otogirisou, otojika, 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, Joteishi, Qinpi, Shinkiku, Qin Gyo, Juishi, Shokumoku, Green Bark, Acorus Root, Pomegranate Skin, Dendrobium Citrate, Cinnamon, Zenko, Zenko, River Bone (Sekkotsu), Spiraea japonica, Setsukotsuboku, Grass, Souka, Soukakushi, Mulberry Parasite, Soujishi, Soju, Side Oak Leaf, Intermittent, Mulberry Bark, Soboku, Soyou, Sokyo, Rhubarb, Daiso, Daifukuhi, Sedge, Red Sage, Bamboo Root, Bamboo Joint Ginseng, Bamboo Leaf, Bamboo Leaves, Chimo, Elm, Clove, Wisteria Claw Licorice, dried tangerine peel, Chinese laurel, Tianma, Chinese laurel, winter melon seed, Angelica, Chinese sesame, Coix seed, Lamproot, Peach kernel, Orange peel, Rabbit seed, Chestnut, Eucommia, Angelica ulmoides, Angelica juncea, Earth melon root, Cinnamon root, Myrtle root, Honeysuckle, Carrot, Fritillaria muscaria, Malt, Oak kernel, White bean, Ocimum persica, Broken paper Koshi (rice), peppermint, banana fruit, pinecone, scallion, isopod, isopod root, lily root, white pepper, white snake tongue herb, one hundred root, white atractylodes, areca nut, scallion, reed root, windbreaker, dandelion root, peony bark, ephedra, hemp seed, pine resin, wood stalk, quince, wood spice, wood incense,Myrrh (Motsuyaku), Japanese bark chestnut (Mokzoku), Chinese radish (Yakanthus), Chinese radish (Yakuchi), Night-crossing wisteria (Yakoutou), Monk fruit (Sangha), Orchid grass (Ranso), Longan (Ryugannikku), Gentian (Ryutan), Good ginger (Ryokyou), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Forsythia fruit (Forsythia), Lotus seed (Rensenso), Lotus nut (Rennikku), Reed root (Lotus root).

[0168] 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.

[0169] The present invention will be described in detail below. The electronic cigarette cartridges prepared in the following examples are evaluated in an electronic cigarette body as shown in Figure 1. The electronic cigarette body used will be outlined.

[0170] The heating element (211) is 4.5 mm wide, 12 mm long to the tip, and 0.4 mm thick. The inside diameter of the insertion part (210) is 7 mm, which is almost equal to the outside diameter of the electronic cigarette cartridge. The heating element (211) generates heat by power supplied from a battery (not shown) installed in the electronic cigarette body (200), and the temperature reaches approximately 370°C. The built-in control system ensures that one electronic cigarette cartridge is consumed after 14 puffs. When the electronic cigarette cartridge of this embodiment is inserted, the part of the electronic cigarette cartridge that appears outside from the downstream side of the electronic cigarette body is approximately 20 mm.

[0171] Example 1 Cellulose fiber, binder, black tea, aerosol former and flavor additive were made into a slurry, which was cast on a metal plate, and the cast slurry was dried to produce a sheet. The thickness was 0.2 mm. The sheet obtained above was cut into a length of 12 mm and a width of 120 mm. The mass was 0.29 g. As shown in FIG. 9, from a position (A) two-thirds of the way in the vertical direction (Y direction), cutouts (F) of 8 mm in length corresponding to two-thirds were made at intervals of W4 mm using a paper cutting cutter. This cutout (F) was repeatedly made in the horizontal direction (X direction).

[0172] The electronic cigarette cartridge is an aerosol-forming substrate (110) having a configuration as shown in Figs. 2 and 7, which is formed by filling a cylindrical packaging member (151) with a diameter of 7 mm and a height of 12 mm. A hollow tube having a through hole at its center is used as the support element (300). The diameter of the bottom of the tube is 7 mm, the diameter of the through hole forming the hollow part is 3 mm, and the material is cellulose acetate. The support element (300) has a function of supporting the aerosol-forming substrate (110) against the insertion force when the heating element (211) is inserted, and has a through hole as a function of guiding the generated aerosol from the upstream side (10) to the downstream side (20) so that the aerosol reaches the user's mouth.

[0173] The transfer member (130) is a gathered polymer sheet wrapped in paper to form a cylinder with a bottom diameter of 7 mm and a height of 18 mm. The transfer member (130) has a function of guiding the generated aerosol from the upstream side (10) to the downstream side (20) so that it reaches the user's mouth, and also has a function of maintaining the aerosol at an appropriate temperature.

[0174] The mouthpiece (140) used was a paper-wrapped filter in a cylindrical shape with a bottom diameter of 7 mm and a height of 7 mm. The above was wrapped in a wrapping sheet (150) to form an electronic cigarette cartridge, as shown in Figures 2 and 7.

[0175] The filler (111) with the slit (F) as described above was rolled up into a roll, and the filler was filled into the packaging member (151) to form the aerosol-forming substrate (110). In the aerosol-forming substrate (110) thus formed, the gaps between the sheets serve as air passages, and the air passages are formed in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. When filling, an adhesive is applied to the side of the filler, so that the filler is adhered to the packaging member (151). The filler is filled so that the side with the slit (F) is the upstream side (10). In this manner, an electronic cigarette cartridge was obtained.

[0176] In this embodiment, the end shape of the sheet that appears at one end is a substantially rectangular surface with a long side of 4 mm and a short side of 0.2 mm that is deformed and slightly curved. However, as shown in Fig. 10, the area of ​​the end shape of the sheet observed from the center (B) to the peripheral part (C) of the aerosol-forming substrate as viewed from each end is characterized in that it is substantially equal.

[0177] With these characteristics, when the heating element (211) is inserted, it can be attached with a certain resistance regardless of the direction of insertion. In addition, the aerosol generated by heating is stable in inhalation because the air passage formed is uniform. Furthermore, no part of the filling fell off after use, and no filling fell off.

[0178] Example 2 A filler (111) with a cut similar to that of Example 1 was prepared. The sheet with the cut (F) was folded and filled into the packaging member (151) to obtain a filler. The filler thus formed has air passages between the sheets, and the air passages are formed in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. When filling, adhesive is applied to the side of the filler, so that it is adhered to the packaging member (151). The filler is filled so that the side with the cut is the upstream side. In this manner, an electronic cigarette cartridge was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0179] In the present embodiment, the end shape of the sheet appearing at one end is a deformed rectangular surface with a long side of 4 mm and a short side of 0.2 mm. However, as shown in Fig. 10, the area of ​​the end shape of the sheet observed from the center (B) to the peripheral part (C) of the aerosol-forming substrate as viewed from each end is characterized in that it is almost equal.

[0180] With these characteristics, when the heating element (211) is inserted, it can be attached with a certain resistance regardless of the direction of insertion. In addition, the aerosol generated by heating is stable in inhalation because the air passage formed is uniform. Furthermore, no part of the filling fell off after use, and no filling fell off.

[0181] Example 3 Cellulose fiber, binder, black tea, aerosol former and flavor additive were made into a slurry, which was cast on a metal plate, and the cast slurry was dried to form a sheet. The thickness was 0.2 mm. The cut sheet was rolled into a roll, which was then filled into the packaging member (151) to form a filling. The filling thus formed has air passages between the sheets, and the air passages are formed in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. Note that when filling, adhesive is applied to the side of the filling, so that it is adhered to the packaging member (151).

[0182] After that, cuts (D1, D2, D3) were made in the diameter direction from one end using a paper cutting cutter. The cuts (D1, D2, D3) were made so that they were evenly spaced in the diameter direction, as shown in FIG. 11. The cut depth was about 8 mm. In this manner, an electronic cigarette cartridge was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0183] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the edge shape of the sheet observed from the center (B) of the aerosol-forming substrate toward the peripheral portion (C) of each end is characterized by changing from small to large. In such a structure, when inserting the heating element (211), the resistance at the center is small, which is an effect unique to this configuration. In addition, after use, no part of the filling material fell off, and no filling material fell off.

[0184] Example 4 Cellulose fiber, binder, black tea, aerosol former and flavor additive were made into a slurry, which was cast on a metal plate, and the cast slurry was dried to prepare a sheet. The thickness was set to 0.2 mm. The sheet obtained above was cut into a length of 12 mm and a width of 120 mm. The cut sheet was folded and filled into the packaging member (151) to obtain a filling. The filling thus formed has air passages between the sheets, and the air passages are formed in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. Note that when filling, adhesive is applied to the side of the filling, so that it is adhered to the packaging member (151).

[0185] Then, cuts were made from one end using a cutter. As shown in FIG. 12, three cuts (G1, G2, G3) were made at approximately right angles to the ridge of the folded filler (111). The depth of the cuts was approximately 8 mm. In this manner, an electronic cigarette cartridge was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. Furthermore, no part of the filler fell off after use, and no filler fell off at all.

[0186] Example 5 Cellulose fiber, binder, black tea, aerosol former and flavor additive were made into a slurry, which was cast on a metal plate, and the cast slurry was dried to prepare a sheet. The thickness was 0.2 mm. The sheet obtained above was cut into a length of 12 mm and a width of 120 mm, and crimped so as to have a wave shape substantially parallel to the short direction (Y direction). One period of the wave shape was 4 mm. The crimped sheet was rolled up into a roll, which was then filled into the packaging member (151) to obtain a filling. The filling thus formed has an air passage between the sheets, and the air passage is formed in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. Note that when filling, an adhesive is applied to the side of the filling, so that it is adhered to the packaging member (151).

[0187] Cuts (D1, D2, D3) were made in the diameter direction from one end using a paper cutting cutter. The cuts (D1, D2, D3) were made so that they were evenly spaced in the diameter direction as shown in Figure 11. The cut depth was approximately 8 mm. The cut depth was approximately 8 mm. In this manner, an electronic cigarette cartridge was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0188] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the edge shape of the sheet observed from the center (B) of the aerosol-forming substrate toward the peripheral portion (C) of the aerosol-forming substrate when viewed from one end of each sheet is characterized by a change from small to large. In such a structure, when inserting the heating element (211), the resistance of the center portion is small, which is an effect unique to this configuration.

[0189] In addition, after use, no part of the filling fell out, and no filling fell out. This is thought to be due to the crimping process, but when the heating element (211) is inserted, it can be attached with a certain resistance regardless of the insertion direction, and the smoking comfort is stable.

[0190] Example 6 Cellulose fiber, binder, black tea, aerosol former and flavor additive were made into a slurry, which was cast on a metal plate, and the cast slurry was dried to prepare a sheet. The thickness was 0.2 mm. The sheet obtained above was cut into a length of 12 mm and a width of 120 mm, and crimped so as to have a wave shape substantially parallel to the short direction (Y direction). One period of the wave shape was 4 mm. The crimped sheet was folded and filled into the packaging member (151) to obtain a filling. The filling thus formed has an air passage between the sheets, and the air passage is formed in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. In addition, when filling, an adhesive is applied to the side of the filling, so that it is adhered to the packaging member (151).

[0191] After that, cuts were made from one end using a cutter. As shown in FIG. 12, three cuts (G1, G2, G3) were made at approximately right angles to the folded filler (111). The depth of the cuts was approximately 8 mm. In this manner, an electronic cigarette cartridge was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. Furthermore, after use, no part of the filler fell off, and no filler fell off at all. This is probably due to the crimping process, but when the heating element (211) was inserted, it could be attached with a certain resistance regardless of the direction of insertion, and the smoking comfort was stable.

[0192] Example 7 In this example, a configuration particularly suited for the continuous production of sheets with a notch at one end is described. Cellulose fibres, binder, black tea, aerosol former and flavour additives were made into a slurry, which was cast onto a metal plate and the cast slurry was dried to produce a sheet. The sheet obtained was made into a continuous sheet with a width of 120 mm and wound into a roll. From the roll, the continuous sheet was fed to a roll rotary cutter, which made a partial notch.

[0193] The method of making the cuts in this embodiment is shown in Figure 13. Cuts are made in the sheet of 120 mm in the X direction at intervals W in the X direction. Uncut portions H1 and cut portions H2 are periodically formed in the Y direction at a period of length H. Adjacent cuts are also offset by H3. An example of cutting a sheet formed in this way into a period of length H is shown in Figure 14.

[0194] In FIG. 14, in the X direction, there are cut portions and non-cut portions at intervals of width W, and the entire formed sheet is connected by the non-cut portions. Furthermore, in the Y direction, there are two sides in the X direction, and the two sides have cuts. That is, if the sheet with cuts of this embodiment is used to fill a packaging member (151) to form an aerosol-forming substrate, both the upper and lower surfaces will be filled with a filler having cuts. This method of forming an aerosol-forming substrate is suitable for continuous production. In other words, either direction can be used for the aerosol-forming substrate, making it suitable for automatic assembly of electronic cigarette cartridges.

[0195] In this embodiment, the specific example has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to such a method. In order to make the entire formed sheet connected by the non-cut portion in continuous production, the length H2 of the cut must be smaller than the width of the sheet in the Y direction. This can be achieved by arranging the cuts so that the cuts are made on both one end side and the other end side. That is, a sheet-like member having cut portions at predetermined intervals in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette cartridge, which is connected by the non-cut portion throughout the entire sheet-like member, and when the sheet-like member is used to make an aerosol-forming substrate, a cut can be made on one end side and the other end side of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0196] Here, the interval W is 4 mm, the length H is 12 mm, H1 is 4 mm, H2 is 8 mm, and H3 is 2 mm. In this embodiment, the length H is 12 mm to align the longitudinal length of the electronic cigarette cartridge of the aerosol-forming substrate with the longitudinal length of the filling. In this manner, an electronic cigarette cartridge was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. In addition, after use, no part of the filling fell off, and no filling fell off. This is probably due to the crimping, but when the heating element (211) is inserted, it can be attached with a certain resistance regardless of the direction of insertion, and the smoking comfort is stable.

[0197] A manufacturing method preferable for the embodiment of Example 7 will be described. As an example, a manufacturing device (600) for an aerosol-forming substrate is outlined in FIG. 15. A sheet is supplied from a sheet supplying device (610) equipped with a rotatable bobbin, and a predetermined cut is made in the supplied sheet. A cut-making device (620) such as a rotary cutter creates a predetermined cut. The sheets with the desired cuts are then guided to a collecting device (630) such as a funnel, which collects the sheets, and the sheets are rolled, folded, compressed, or shrunk to collect them. The collected sheets thus prepared have air passages between the sheets, and it is preferable that the air passage is formed along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. On the other hand, in order to fill the sheets into the packaging member (151), packaging paper is supplied from a packaging member supplying device (670) equipped with a roll of packaging paper to be the packaging member, and the collected sheets are packaged in the collecting device (630). This packaging process is performed by a packaging device (640). In the wrapping device (640), the assembled sheets are wrapped in the wrapping sheet, and adhesive is applied to the overlapping end portions of the wrapping paper for thermal welding, followed by heating and cooling, so that the assembled sheets wrapped in the wrapping paper are continuously formed, and cut into individual aerosol-forming substrates (110) by the cutting device (650). Although not shown, a three-roll mill is used upstream of the sheet supply device (610) to form the non-tobacco plant composition into a sheet.

[0198] The assembled sheet produced by the collecting device (630) or the packaging device (640) and wrapped with the packaging material is guided from the collecting device (630) to the cutting device (650) by the belt driving device (660). A garniture belt is preferably used as the belt used in the belt driving device (660). The aerosol-forming substrate (110) thus formed has cuts at one end and the other end, and the formed sheet is connected by a non-cut portion throughout.

[0199] As described above, the present invention provides the following advantages. The heating element (211) can be inserted stably into the electronic cigarette cartridge, which leads to a stable puff feeling and prevents damage to the electronic cigarette cartridge and, in turn, damage to the heating element (211).

[0200] In addition, it is possible to prevent the filling material from falling off the aerosol-forming substrate after use of the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0201] Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications of the present invention are possible based on the configurations described in the claims, and these modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible. [Industrial Applicability]

[0202] For example, the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) according to the embodiment is suitably used as a cartridge for an electronic cigarette equipped with a heating element. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 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 Sheets 151 Packaging materials 170 Lid 180 Partition member 200 Electronic cigarette body 210 Insertion part 211 Heating Element 300 Supporting Elements 600 Aerosol-forming substrate manufacturing equipment 610 Sheet Feeder 620 Cutting device 630 Collection device 640 Encapsulating Device 650 Cutting device 660 Belt Drive 670 Packaging material supply device 160 Side 112 Approximately central axis F Cutting depth W Cutting interval D1~D3 Cutting depth G1~G3 Cutting depth B. Center of aerosol-forming substrate C. Periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate

Claims

[Claim 1] An electronic cigarette cartridge having a rod-like or cylindrical appearance, an aerosol-forming substrate; a lid is disposed on the upstream side of the aerosol-forming substrate; and a support element, a transfer member, and a mouthpiece are disposed adjacent to the downstream side of the aerosol-forming substrate in this order; The aerosol-forming substrate includes a cylindrical packaging member and an electronic cigarette filler filled inside the packaging member, The electronic cigarette filler is configured to have a sheet-like member, and when a direction in which the lid, the aerosol-forming substrate, the support element, the transfer member, and the mouthpiece are adjacently arranged is defined as a longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge, the sheet-like member is formed with a cut along the longitudinal direction, and is folded in a direction along the longitudinal direction and filled into the packaging member, The areas of the end shapes of the sheet observed from the center to the peripheral part of the aerosol-forming substrate as viewed from one end of the aerosol-forming substrate are approximately equal. An electronic cigarette cartridge comprising:

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