Tobacco filler aggregate

Abstract

To provide a tobacco filler aggregate improving fluidity of an air flow inside the tobacco filler aggregate, while securing a certain level of filling rate for the entire tobacco filler aggregate, facilitating insertion thereof into an electronic cigarette body, and preventing the tobacco filler from easily falling out, and electronic cigarette cartridge.SOLUTION: An electronic cigarette cartridge is formed by arranging, in a longitudinal direction, a tobacco filler aggregate formed by accumulating tobacco filler in a bundle and wrapping an outer periphery with a sheet-like packaging material into a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical support member, a cooling member, and a mouthpiece serving as a mouthpiece, and integrating them by wrapping in a sheet-like wrapping material, where the tobacco filler contains tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants and microcrystalline cellulose, and is formed into a long shape such that in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a dimension in the long side direction is longer than the dimension in the short side direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco filler assembly in which long strips of tobacco filler made from tobacco or non-tobacco plants are accumulated in a bundle, and to an electronic cigarette cartridge having the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in response to the trend toward smoking cessation, electronic cigarette products have become popular, allowing users to enjoy tobacco by heating an electronic cigarette cartridge containing tobacco components without using a flame and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components. One method for manufacturing the tobacco filler to be filled into such electronic cigarette cartridges involves powdering tobacco leaves, forming an aqueous slurry, forming it into a sheet, adding oil or glycerin to the sheet, and drying it (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also disclosed is an article for smoking in which an electronic cigarette cartridge having a tobacco filler assembly at its end is inserted and heated (see Patent Document 2). In the electronic cigarette, a heating element included in the electronic cigarette body is inserted into the tobacco filler assembly to heat the tobacco filler. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [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]

[0005] The tobacco filler is filled at a certain filling rate or higher to generate sufficient inhalable components, including aerosols, when heated. On the other hand, if the tobacco filler filling rate is high, the resistance increases and it becomes difficult to insert the heating element of the electronic cigarette body into the tobacco filler assembly. Furthermore, if the tobacco filler filling rate is too high, the airflow fluidity within the tobacco filler assembly decreases, making it difficult for the user to inhale and reducing the amount of airflow that can be inhaled at one time, which may increase the number of cigarettes smoked per cigarette and exceed the appropriate number of cigarettes. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure a certain filling rate or higher for the entire tobacco filler assembly while improving the airflow fluidity within the tobacco filler assembly.

[0006] Furthermore, when handling a tobacco filler assembly, such as when inserting an electronic cigarette cartridge into an electronic cigarette body or removing the electronic cigarette cartridge from the electronic cigarette body after finishing smoking, there is a possibility that some of the tobacco filler may fall out. This could soil the inside of the electronic cigarette body and ultimately cause malfunctions of the electronic cigarette body. Therefore, it is necessary to load the tobacco filler into a tobacco filler assembly in a way that makes it difficult for the tobacco filler to fall out.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a tobacco filler assembly and electronic cigarette cartridge that ensures a certain level of filling rate for the entire tobacco filler assembly while improving the fluidity of the air flow inside the tobacco filler assembly, is easy to insert into the electronic cigarette body, and prevents the tobacco filler from falling out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the tobacco filler aggregate according to the invention of claim 1 is an aggregate of tobacco fillers in which long strips of tobacco filler are accumulated in a bundle and the outer periphery is wrapped in a sheet-like wrapping material, the tobacco filler is formed so that the dimension in the long side direction is longer than the dimension in the short side direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, The tobacco packings at the outermost periphery in contact with the packaging body have their long sides oriented in a direction roughly parallel to the circumferential direction, or in a direction other than roughly parallel to the circumferential direction, and are characterized in that the number of tobacco packings whose long sides are oriented in a direction roughly parallel to the circumferential direction is greater than the number of tobacco packings whose long sides are oriented in a direction other than roughly parallel to the circumferential direction.

[0009] According to the invention of claim 1, the tobacco filler filling rate can be increased in the outer periphery and relatively decreased in the central portion, making it easier to insert the heating portion of the electronic cigarette body into the tobacco filler accumulation while ensuring a sufficient amount of tobacco filler. This also improves the fluidity of the airflow in the tobacco filler accumulation. Furthermore, because the tobacco filler forms a robust structure in the outer periphery, it is less likely for the tobacco filler to fall out when handling the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0010] In addition, the tobacco filler stack of the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that when the central region and the outer region are divided equally in area in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bundle of tobacco fillers, the central region has a higher void ratio than the outer region.

[0011] According to the invention of claim 2, the heating section of the electronic cigarette body can be easily inserted into the tobacco filler accumulation, and the air flow can be improved.

[0012] Furthermore, the tobacco filler assembly of the invention of claim 3 is characterized in that the number of tobacco fillers contacting the inner side of the tobacco fillers at the outermost periphery that contacts the packaging body, whose long sides are oriented in a direction roughly parallel to the circumferential direction, is greater than the number of tobacco fillers whose long sides are oriented in a direction other than roughly parallel to the circumferential direction.

[0013] According to the invention of claim 3, even for the tobacco filler located two laps from the outermost periphery, the long side direction is roughly aligned with the circumferential direction, thereby increasing the filling rate in the outer periphery, ensuring a sufficient amount of tobacco filler, and strengthening the structure of the tobacco filler to prevent it from falling out.

[0014] Furthermore, the tobacco filler stack of the invention of claim 4 is characterized in that the long side surfaces of the tobacco fillers are in contact with the long side surfaces of adjacent tobacco fillers or in contact with the short side surfaces of adjacent tobacco fillers, and the number of tobacco fillers whose long side surfaces are in contact with the long side surfaces of adjacent tobacco fillers is greater than the number of tobacco fillers whose long side surfaces are in contact with the short side surfaces of adjacent tobacco fillers.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 4, the tobacco filler can form filler groups in which the long sides overlap each other, and gaps can be formed between the filler groups.

[0016] The tobacco filler aggregate according to the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the tobacco filler is formed from a non-tobacco plant.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 5, by not using tobacco as the tobacco filler, it is possible to form an electronic cigarette cartridge that can be enjoyed even when quitting smoking.

[0018] In addition, the electronic cigarette cartridge of the invention of claim 6 is characterized by having any of the tobacco filler accumulations described above, a support member that is adjacent to the tobacco filler of the tobacco filler accumulation in the longitudinal direction and allows airflow to pass along the longitudinal direction, and a mouthpiece.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 6, the airflow that flows through the gaps in the tobacco filler accumulation is smoothly directed to the mouthpiece via the support member, allowing the user to inhale the appropriate amount of airflow.

[0020] Furthermore, the electronic cigarette cartridge according to the invention of claim 7 is characterized in that the support member has a support portion at least at the outermost periphery, and the support portion is adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the tobacco filler at the outermost periphery that contacts the packaging body.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 7, since the support portion and the outermost tobacco filler are in contact with each other, the outermost tobacco filler, which forms a strong structure by roughly following the circumferential direction, is supported in the longitudinal direction by the support member, thereby preventing the tobacco filler from collapsing and falling off when the heating portion is inserted, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The tobacco filler assembly of the present invention has a high filling rate in the outer periphery, allowing for a high filling rate for the entire tobacco filler assembly, resulting in sufficient aerosol generation. Furthermore, the good fluidity in the central portion facilitates airflow, allowing for appropriate settings of the airflow rate and number of puffs in the electronic cigarette cartridge. Additionally, the high porosity in the central portion facilitates insertion into the electronic cigarette body. Furthermore, the circumferentially oriented tobacco filler in the outer periphery forms a robust structure, making it less likely for the tobacco filler to fall out. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge having a tobacco filler assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a usage form of an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 3] 3(a) and 3(b) are a side view and a front view, respectively, of a tobacco filler. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tobacco filler stack. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view of another tobacco filler stack. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the process of wrapping a tobacco filler in a wrapping material. [Figure 7] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge 1 having a tobacco filler assembly 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is formed by integrating a substantially cylindrical tobacco filler assembly 10 filled with a large number of tobacco fillers 20, a cylindrical support member 12, and a mouthpiece 14 serving as a mouthpiece, which are arranged along the length and wrapped in a sheet-like packaging member 16.

[0025] The tobacco filler assembly 10 is formed by bundling long strips of tobacco filler 20 along their length and wrapping them in a sheet-like wrapping material 25 to form a substantially cylindrical shape. The tobacco filler 20 is made from a non-tobacco plant. Details of the tobacco filler 20 will be described later.

[0026] Support member 12 has a flow path section 30 in the center to allow the airflow containing the aerosol generated in tobacco filler assembly 10 to flow toward mouthpiece 14. Support member 12 has a peripheral edge section 31 around flow path section 30, and is able to support the inner peripheral side of packaging member 16. Mouthpiece 14 is a sponge-like porous body formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0027] In this embodiment, the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is formed to have a diameter of 6.5 to 7.5 mm and a length of 40 to 49 mm. The tobacco filler assembly 10 has a length of 11 to 13 mm, although other dimensions may be used.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating a usage form of the electronic cigarette cartridge 1. The electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is attached to an electronic cigarette body 2 for use. The electronic cigarette body 2 has an insertion section 51 into which the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is inserted. The insertion section 51 is provided with a needle- or blade-shaped heating section 50 that is inserted into the tobacco filler 20 of the inserted electronic cigarette cartridge 1. The heating section 50 generates heat while inserted into the tobacco filler 20, thereby generating an aerosol from the tobacco filler 20. In this state, the user can inhale an airflow containing the aerosol by inhaling through the mouthpiece 14.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a side view (FIG. 3(a)) and a front view (FIG. 3(b)) of the tobacco filler 20. As described above, the tobacco filler 20 is formed in an elongated shape. Furthermore, the tobacco filler 20 is formed so that the dimension a in the long side direction is longer than the dimension b in the short side direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the tobacco filler 20 has the shape of a noodle, which is an elongated, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0030] The tobacco filler 20 is formed by mixing dried and crushed non-tobacco plants with an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, additives that add flavor, preservatives, adhesives or thickeners, etc., forming the mixture into a sheet, and then cutting it to a specified width and length.

[0031] There are no particular limitations on the non-tobacco plant from which the tobacco filler 20 is formed, as long as it is a plant other than tobacco. Various parts of the plant can be used, for example, roots (scale roots (bulbs), tuberous roots (including tubers, bulbs, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (including stem bark, bark, etc.), leaves, flowers (including petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), tree trunks and branches, etc.

[0032] Bulbs include onions, red spider lilies, tulips, hyacinths, garlic, radishes, and lilies; corms include crocuses, gladioli, freesias, irises, taro, and konjac; tubers include konjac, cyclamen, anemones, begonias, Chinese artichokes, potatoes, and apios; rhizomes include cannas, lotus roots, and ginger; tuberous roots include dahlias, sweet potatoes, cassava, and Jerusalem artichokes; rhizopes include the Dioscorea genus (yams such as Japanese yam, wild yam, and Chinese yam); and others include turnips, burdock, carrots, radishes, and kudzu. Stems include asparagus, bamboo shoots, burdock, radishes, and yacon.

[0033] The above-mentioned tubers and the plants listed below contain carbohydrates and are preferably used as at least a portion of the material for the tobacco filler 20. For example, starch includes corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, tapioca starch, etc., and is used as a thickener, stabilizer, 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.

[0034] Tamarind seed gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum can be obtained from plant seeds, gum arabic and karaya gum from tree sap, pectin from fruits, and konjac mannan and soybean polysaccharides, which are mainly composed of cellulose and agarose, can be obtained from other plants. Furthermore, modified forms such as cationized guar gum can be used.

[0035] 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.

[0036] For example, plants used as herbs and spices include gardenia fruit, kaffir lime leaves, myoga, mugwort, wasabi, ajowan seeds, 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 leaves, and 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 ( Sun-dried tomatoes), tonka beans, dried coriander, nutmeg, hibiscus, habanero, jalapeno, bird's eye, basil, vanilla, coriander, parsley, paprika, hyssop, pimento d'espelette, pink pepper, fenugreek seeds, fennel, brown mustard, black cardamom, black cumin, black pepper, vetiver, pennyroyal, peppermint, horseradish, white pepper, white mustard, poppy seeds, porcini, marjoram You can use mustard seeds, maniettes, marigolds, malva flowers, mace, yarrow flowers, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, linden, red clover, red pepper, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon peel, rose, purple rose buds, rose hips, rose pedals, rosemary, red rose, laurel, long pepper, sesame seeds (raw sesame seeds, roasted sesame seeds), golden chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, Mitaka pepper, Japanese pepper, chili peppers, and yuzu.Mixed spices (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 in potpourri can also be used.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 include Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, sweet tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, aloe tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, Quercus salicina tea, Eleuthero tea, plantain tea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, Kawara Kesseki tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, gymnema tea, guava tea, wolfberry tea, soft leaf tea, black bean tea, Gennoshoko tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, bifu tea, cherry blossom tea, Examples include saffron tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, red pepper tea, Swertia japonica tea, buckwheat tea, elm tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, Houttuynia cordata tea, Eucommia tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, Licorice tea, Job's tears tea, Habu tea, loquat leaf tea, Pu'er tea, safflower tea, pine needle tea, yerba mate tea, barley tea, Megusuri tea, Mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, Monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, and bitter melon tea. Used tea leaves can be used for these teas. Using used tea leaves allows for the effective reuse of expensive teas.

[0039] Other plants that can be used include Ulva, Green Laver, Akamoku, Asakusa Nori, Eisenhower, Iwanori (rock seaweed), Stingray, Gracilaria, Gagome Kelp, Ecklonia Cava, Ganashi, Kubirezuta, Kurome, Laminaria, Susabinori, Dulse, Chishimakuro Porphyra, Tsuruarame, Agar, Tororo Kelp, Laminaria spp., Nori (seaweed), Habanori, Hijiki, Hitoegusa, Hirome, Funori, Bowaonori, Laminaria japonica, Mekabu, Mozuku, and Wakame.

[0040] In addition to brown rice, rice from species such as Indica (Indian type, continental type, long grain), Glaberima (African rice), Sativa (Asian rice), Javanica (Java type, tropical island type, large grain), Japonica (Japanese type, temperate island type, short grain), and NERICA (an interspecific hybrid between Asian rice and African rice) can also be used, and can be used as flour or bran.

[0041] In addition to wheat, other crops that can naturally 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), Job's tears (a fruit, not a seed), barnyard millet, fonio, wild rice, glutinous barley (a glutinous variety of barley), sorghum (sorghum, kaoliang, sorghum), corn, and rye.

[0042] In addition to black beans, other examples of legumes that can be used include adzuki beans, carob beans, kidney beans, peas, cluster beans, grass peas, black gram beans, cowpeas, winged beans, zeocarpa beans, broad beans, soybeans, bamboo beans, jack beans, tamarind, tepary beans, sword beans, peas, bambara beans, chickpeas, hyacinth beans, scarlet beans, horse gram, moth beans, lima beans, groundnuts, mung beans, lupines, lentils, and lentils (hento).

[0043] In addition to buckwheat, amaranth (Amaranthus globulus), quinoa, and tartary buckwheat can also be used.

[0044] In addition to shiitake mushrooms, other mushrooms include matsutake, hattake, shimeji, shōro, matsumushroom, and agaric.

[0045] Other usable plants include the 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 and grape pomace (consisting of grape skins, seeds, stalks, etc.)) produced when fermented alcoholic beverages such as sake and wine are produced. Furthermore, the various plants mentioned above may be mixed and used. Of course, plants other than those listed here can also be used.

[0046] Those known as herbal medicines are also preferably used. For example, the following are available: indigo plant (Isou), madder root (Akanekon), red-eyed oak (Mallotus japonicus), asparagus root (Acacia japonica), benzoin (Ansokukou), lily of the valley (Ireisen), cinnamon (Fennel), turmeric (Turmeric), Japanese plum (Ubai), trumpet root (Uyaku), white oak (Urajirogashi), Uva-ursi, fermenting fruit (Eijitsu), Corydalis rotundifolia (Corydalis chinensis), longevity herb (Enmeisou), Astragalus root (Astragalus chinensis), Scutellaria root (Scutellaria chinensis), Yellow bark (Phellodendron bark), Coptis chinensis (Oren), cherry bark (Ouhi), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), Zhizhi (Onji), and sophora japonica. (Kaika), kudzu white (Gaihaku), summer withered grass (Kagosou), kusatsu seed (Kashi), Polygonum multiflorum (Kashu), Atractylodes zedoaria (Zejutsu), Cuckoo fragrans (Cuckoo), Kudzu root (Pueraria sieboldii), Chamomile, Cucurbit root (Karokon), Cucurbit kernel (Karonin), Dried ginger (Kankyo), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza sieboldii), Winter jasmine (Kantouka), Mugwort leaf (Gaiyo), Platycodon grandiflorum (Platycodon grandiflorum), Citrus nut (Kigushi), Citrus husk (Kikoku), Citrus fruit (Kijits), Chrysanthemum flower (Kikuka), Citrus peel (Kikko) Pi), Kyokatsu (apricot kernel), Kumquat (kinkan), Goldfinch (golden flower), Money grass (calendar), Goji berry (lycium bark), Goji leaf (lycium bark), Sophora ginseng (soybean), Walnut (walnut), Bitter ridge bark (kurenpi), Kuromoji (black ginger), Barley (kubaku), Mustard greens (keigai), Cinnamon bark (cinnamon), Cassia seed (ketsumameishi), Cowpea seed (kengoshi), Genjin (shrimp), Glue candy, Safflower (kouka) ), Hemerocallis bark, Fragrance root, Xianggu (Chinese drum), Xiangxu (Chinese ginseng), Ceratoconus fructus (Chinese ginseng), Non-glutinous rice, Magnolia officinalis (Makgeolus vulgaris), Strawberry root, Five-leaved bark, Kneaded radish root, Euonymus chinensis (Euonymus chinensis), Tiger stalk root, Burdock fruit, Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra chinensis), Bupleurum chinense (Bulb root), Asarum chinense (Asarum chinense), Saffron, Mountain ginger root, Chinese hawthorn fruit (Schisandra chinensis) Gardenia berry, Cornus officinalis, Wild Bean Root, Jujube Seed, Japanese Pepper, Sansho, Sanryo, Chinese Yam, Rehmannia Root, Asparagus Root, Perilla Root, Lithospermum Root, Shiso Fruit, Perilla Root, Shiso Leaves, Perilla Fruit, Peony, Snake Skin Fruit,Shajin (Shajin), Shazenshi (Shazenshi), Shazensou (Shazensou), Shrinking sand (Shuksha), Juyaku (Juyaku), Ginger (Shokyo), Palm fruit (Shurojitsu), Palm leaf (Shuryo), Shouma (Cinnamon), Wheat (Shobaku), Iris root (Shobukon), Magnolia (Shin'i), Jotishi (Joteisi), Qinpi (Shinpi), God koji ( Chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum, cinnamon root, pepper, green bark, iris root, pomegranate bark, Dendrobium, Cnidium, chinquapin, chinquapin, chinquapin, chinquapin, chinquapin, chinquapin, chinquapin tree, chinquapin, chinquapin fruit, chinquapin ... Ukakushi, mulberry parasite (sokisei), blue-eared zi (sojishi), Atractylodes chinensis (soujutsu), lateral oak leaf (sokuhakuyou), intermittent cut (zokudan), mulberry bark (sohakuhi), Sobok, Soybean leaf (soyo), Soybean pod (sokkyo), Rhubarb (rhubarb), Jujube (taiso), large belly bark (daifukuhi), sedge (takushiya), Danshen (danjin), bamboo grass (zhuru) Chikujo, Bamboo joint ginseng, Bamboo leaves, Anemone numbream, Elm tree, Clove, Hanging hook, Dried orange peel, Tiannansho, Tianma, Tianmen winter ginseng, Winter melon seed, Angelica acutiloba, Sesame, Codonopsis radix, Lampwick grass (Peach kernel), Peach kernel, Orange peel, Rabbit seed, Horse chestnut, Eucommia, Angelica sinensis, Melon root, Cistanche, Myristica fragrans, Honeysuckle, Ginseng, Fritillaria muscaria, Malt, Pine kernel, White pea, Ophiopogon chinensis, Peppermint, Peppermint, Pinellia japonica, Pinellia chinensis, and Banlan root Root), Half-branched jasmine (Hansiren), Lily root (Lilium lily), White angelica (Angelica sinensis), White snake tongue grass (Byakukajazetsuso), Hundred-leaved root (Zyakubukon), White atractylodes (Byakuzu), Areca nut (Betel nut), Boui (Bou-i), Reed root (Boukon), Wind-proofing root (Bofu), Poria columbine (Hoou), Dandelion root (Houeikon), Peony bark (Meonpi), Ephedra (Mahuang), Hemp seed (Masinin), Vine thorn (Mankeishi), Pine resin (Mokutsu), Mokko (Mokka), Wood incense (Mokko),Myrrh (Motsuyaku), Horse chestnut (Mokzoku), Shoot dry herb (Yakkan), Yakuchi (Yakuchi), Night-crossing wisteria (Yakoutou), Monk fruit (Srakanka), Orchid grass (Ransou), Longan (Ryugannikku), Gentian (Ryutan), Good ginger (Ryukyou), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Forsythia fruit (Forsythia), Lotus seed (Lotus stalk), Reed root (Lotus root).

[0047] In addition, 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.

[0048] Examples of aerosol formers that can be added to the tobacco filler 20 include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedione, and dimethyl tetradecanedione, with glycerin and propylene glycol being particularly preferred. These are used in an amount of 1% to 80% by weight of the tobacco filler 20, and preferably 10% to 40% by weight.

[0049] If necessary, flavor additives for enhancing flavor may be preferably used, such as mint, cocoa, coffee, and black tea extracts.

[0050] If necessary, food preservatives such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate may be added.

[0051] As binders or thickeners, 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 may also be used.

[0052] Microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of fibrous plants, for example with an acid, and is obtained by removing the soluble portion from the cellulose and, if necessary, crystallizing the insoluble portion.

[0053] After extensive investigation, the following was discovered about tobacco filler 20 containing a non-tobacco plant, aerosol formula, and microcrystalline cellulose: When tobacco filler 20 is placed under dry conditions, even if the filler, which is made of a non-tobacco plant and aerosol formula, 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.

[0054] The microcrystalline cellulose may be in the form of powder or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water and added as a suspension. In this case, dispersion into the solvent can be carried out using a high-speed stirrer or a high-pressure homogenizer.

[0055] The amount of microcrystalline cellulose added is approximately 1% to 15% of the content in the tobacco filler 20. Preferably, it is 3% to 12%, and more preferably, it is 5% to 10%.

[0056] 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 volume change of the tobacco filler 20, which is effective in quality control of the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 and uniformity of the feel when used.

[0057] The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose used in the present invention is preferably 30 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 150 μm, and more preferably 70 μm to 120 μm.

[0058] When the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose is 30 μm or more, it is effective in suppressing the shrinkage of the tobacco filler 20, and when it is 150 μm or less, it is possible to improve moldability in addition to the effect of suppressing shrinkage.

[0059] The average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose is determined by sieving. The average particle size can be obtained by the method described in JIS K 0069:1992. The average particle size refers to the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass of the sieve, obtained by integrating the mass of the sieve with the largest openings, based on the test results using multiple sieves. Furthermore, preferably, the residue on a sieve with an opening of 250 μm is 8% by mass or less, and the residue on a sieve with an opening of 75 μm is 45% by mass or more.

[0060] When the residue on the 250 μm sieve is 8% by mass or less, the sieved microcrystalline cellulose has the effect of suppressing shrinkage of the tobacco filler 20. When the residue on the 75 μm sieve is 45% by mass or more, the tobacco filler 20 can have good moldability.

[0061] The mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 10,000 or more and 200,000 or less. It is more preferably 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less. A mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of 10,000 or more is excellent in suppressing the shrinkage of the tobacco filler 20, while a mass-average molecular weight of 100,000 or less can improve moldability in addition to the effect of suppressing shrinkage. A mass-average molecular weight of 20,000 or more and 60,000 or less is particularly preferable. 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 employed, with polyethylene glycol or the like being used as a standard.

[0062] The following describes the manufacturing process for the tobacco filler 20. The manufacturing process for the tobacco filler 20 includes a drying and grinding process in which non-tobacco plants, which are the main raw materials, are dried and ground and weighed, etc., a preparation process in which other raw materials are pretreated and weighed, etc., a mixing process in which the raw materials are mixed to form a composition, and a filler molding process in which the composition is molded.

[0063] In the drying and grinding process, the non-tobacco plant parts (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruit, stems, bark, roots, etc.) that serve as the main raw material are ground into a specific powder to create a composition. It is preferable to adjust the moisture content to a level suitable for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other ingredients that will be added later. The drying temperature is preferably between 60°C and 80°C. This range makes it easier to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the loss of necessary flavor components. A temperature of 65°C or higher makes it even easier to reach the desired moisture content, while a temperature of 75°C or lower further prevents the loss of necessary flavor components.

[0064] The moisture content after drying and pulverization is preferably 5% by mass or less. This makes it easier to turn the material into a slurry in the subsequent process. A moisture content of 3% by mass or less is even more preferable. Furthermore, a moisture content of 0.1% by mass or more allows the material to maintain good compatibility with water, etc. Furthermore, the drying and pulverization process can also include a sieving process to sieve the pulverized material, allowing it to be adjusted to the desired particle size before being introduced into the mixing process.

[0065] In the preparation step, it is possible to prepare the raw materials necessary for producing the tobacco filler 20. The microcrystalline cellulose described above is weighed in the preparation step and then put into the mixing step.

[0066] In the mixing step, a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a preferred mode is to mix the raw materials in a mixing vessel while applying shear force with a stirring blade.

[0067] In the filler molding process, a composition containing various raw materials is formed into a thin sheet, which is then cut to form the tobacco filler 20. In this embodiment, a three-roll mill is used to create a thin sheet. The use of a three-roll mill is preferable because it allows the material to be compressed by being forced between the narrow rolls, and sheared by the difference in roll speeds to perform kneading and dispersion, while also allowing the material to be formed into a sheet of the desired thickness using a doctor blade. Alternatively, a press roller or a press machine can be used to create the filler.

[0068] The filling may be formed by other means, such as forcing the composition through an orifice under pressure. Furthermore, in the filling, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, or water may be added as needed.

[0069] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use water that has been sterilized or from which microorganisms have been removed, and it is preferable to use pure water obtained by reverse osmosis membrane or ion exchange.

[0070] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling molding step is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut to a predetermined width using a cutter, a rotary cutter using a rotary blade, or the like.

[0071] In this embodiment, cutting of a 0.3 mm thick sheet will be described as an example. First, the formed sheet is cut into a rectangle, for example, 150 mm long and 240 mm wide. This rectangular sheet is fed to a rotary cutter and cut into a shape 1.5 mm long and 240 mm wide, to obtain a sheet cut piece. As a result, the tobacco filler 20 has a long side dimension a of 1.5 mm and a short side dimension b of 0.3 mm. Fifty of these sheet cut pieces are wrapped in a packaging body 25 to create a roll with an outer diameter of approximately 6.9 mm. This roll is cut into a length of 12.0 mm using a cutter to obtain a tobacco filler aggregate 10. The mass of this tobacco filler aggregate 10 is 0.29 g. If the ratio of the volume of the tobacco filler 20 to the volume of the tobacco filler aggregate 10 is defined as the volume filling ratio, the volume filling ratio of the tobacco filler aggregate 10 of this embodiment is approximately 0.60. The density of the tobacco filler mass 10 is 1.07 g / cm 3 .

[0072] As a result, the tobacco filler aggregate 10 is formed by accumulating the tobacco filler 20 in the form of long noodles in a bundle along the length direction.

[0073] The arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 in the tobacco filler collection 10 will be described in detail below. Fig. 4 shows a front view of the tobacco filler collection 10. Fig. 4 shows a typical arrangement example of the tobacco filler 20. In the tobacco filler collection 10, the tobacco filler 20 is densely packed in contact with the wrappings 25 or other tobacco filler 20.

[0074] Of the tobacco filler 20, the tobacco filler 20 at the outermost periphery that contacts the packing body 25 has its long side oriented substantially along the circumferential direction. In Figure 4, one of the long sides of the tobacco filler 20a is in contact with the packing body 25 in its entirety. Furthermore, both short sides of the tobacco filler 20a are in contact with the tobacco fillers 20b and 20c that are adjacent to it in the circumferential direction. The tobacco fillers 20b and 20c also each have their long sides in contact with the packing body 25. Similarly, the tobacco filler 20 located at the outermost periphery all have their long sides oriented substantially along the circumferential direction, and are in contact with each other at their short sides. This results in a high filling rate of the tobacco filler 20 at the outermost periphery, and the tobacco fillers 20 are less likely to become misaligned because they are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction.

[0075] Of the tobacco filler 20, most of the tobacco filler 20 that contact the inner peripheral side of the outermost tobacco filler 20 have their long sides oriented approximately along the circumferential direction. In Figure 4, tobacco filler 20d has one of its long sides on the outer peripheral side contacting the outermost tobacco filler 20a, and its long side direction is approximately along the circumferential direction. Like tobacco filler 20e, some have their long sides oriented in the radial direction, but of the tobacco filler 20 that contact the inner peripheral side of the outermost tobacco filler 20, the number of tobacco filler 20 whose long sides are oriented approximately along the circumferential direction is greater than the number of tobacco filler 20 whose long sides are oriented in a direction other than the circumferential direction. Therefore, even in the region close to the outermost peripheral part, the filling rate of the tobacco filler 20 is high, and the tobacco filler 20 is less likely to shift position.

[0076] The long side surfaces of the tobacco filler 20 are in contact with the long side surfaces of adjacent tobacco filler materials 20, or the long side surfaces are in contact with the short side surfaces of adjacent tobacco filler materials 20. As mentioned above, in the outer periphery, many of the tobacco filler materials 20 have their long side surfaces in contact with the short side surfaces of adjacent tobacco filler materials 20, but overall, many of the tobacco filler materials 20 have their long side surfaces in contact with the long side surfaces of adjacent tobacco filler materials 20. For this reason, in the central part of the tobacco filler aggregate 10, many of the tobacco filler materials 20 form a filler group 21 in which their long side surfaces are in contact with each other.

[0077] A plurality of filler groups 21 are formed within the tobacco filler aggregate 10, and in each filler group 21, the tobacco filler 20 has its long sides in contact with the long sides of adjacent tobacco fillers 20. Because the tobacco fillers 20 within a filler group 21 are in contact with each other at their long sides, there are not many gaps between them, but voids 22 are likely to form between the filler groups 21. In the outer periphery of the tobacco filler aggregate 10, as described above, the tobacco filler 20 is arranged roughly along the circumferential direction, so voids 22 are unlikely to form, whereas in the central part of the tobacco filler aggregate 10, voids 22 are likely to form between the filler groups 21. In a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tobacco filler aggregate 10, a central region α, which is a region toward the center when divided equally in area in the radial direction, has a higher void ratio than an outer periphery region β, which is a region toward the outer periphery.

[0078] Since the tobacco filler 20 has a shape having a long side direction and a short side direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, it is easy to achieve both an arrangement along the circumferential direction of the tobacco filler 20 at the outermost periphery and an arrangement having a filler group 21 and a void portion 22 of the tobacco filler 20 at the central portion.

[0079] The central region α has a high void ratio, which makes it easy to insert the heating unit 50 of the electronic cigarette body 2 into the tobacco packing assembly 10. It also makes it easier for the airflow containing the aerosol generated by heating in the heating unit 50 to flow within the tobacco packing assembly 10. On the other hand, the peripheral region β has a low void ratio, which makes it possible to increase the filling rate of the entire tobacco packing assembly 10 and generate a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0080] Furthermore, because the filling rate in the outer peripheral region β is high, the tobacco filler assembly 10 can structurally firmly hold the tobacco filler 20. This reduces the likelihood of the tobacco filler 20 falling off when handled by a user.

[0081] The arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 changes each time the tobacco is wrapped in the wrapping body 25, and therefore varies from one tobacco pack to another. Figure 5 shows a front view of another tobacco packing assembly 10. As shown in this figure, some of the tobacco filler 20 arranged in the outermost peripheral portion may face in a direction other than the circumferential direction. However, even in this case, the number of tobacco filler 20 whose long sides face in a direction generally parallel to the circumferential direction is greater than the number of tobacco filler 20 whose long sides face in a direction other than the circumferential direction in the outermost peripheral portion, thereby achieving the same effect as in Figure 4. The same applies to the tobacco filler 20 that contacts the inner peripheral side of the tobacco filler 20 in the outermost peripheral portion. Furthermore, although the arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 arranged more centrally is different from that in Figure 4, it is similar to Figure 4 in that many of them form filler groups 21, and voids 22 are formed between the filler groups 21. As a result, even in the embodiment of Figure 5, the porosity of the central region α is relatively higher than the porosity of the outer peripheral region β.

[0082] When the user inhales while the tobacco filler assembly 10 is heated by the heating section 50, the airflow containing the aerosol flows toward the mouthpiece 14. As explained above, the central region α has a higher porosity than the peripheral region β, so the airflow flows in the longitudinal direction while concentrating from the peripheral side toward the center. In this case, a large amount of aerosol is generated from the peripheral portion with a high filling rate, allowing this to flow smoothly.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows a front view illustrating the process of wrapping the tobacco filler 20 in the packing body 25. As shown in Fig. 6(a), when wrapping the tobacco filler 20, the tobacco filler 20 is first placed on the packing body 25. The packing body 25 is placed on opening and closing parts 41 provided on a base 40. The opening and closing parts 41 can move in directions separating them from each other. At this time, it is desirable to place the tobacco filler 20 so that the long sides of the tobacco filler 20 come into contact with the packing body 25 as closely as possible.

[0084] Next, as shown in Figure 6(b), the opening and closing portions 41 are moved apart to form a recess 42 into which the packaging body 25 falls, and the packaging body 25 that has fallen into the recess 42 wraps the tobacco filler 20, and finally, as shown in Figure 6(c), the packaging body 25 is closed to form the tobacco filler assembly 10. By adjusting the speed and other factors in the wrapping process with the packaging body 25, it is possible to arrange most of the tobacco filler 20 at the outermost periphery so that it is aligned substantially circumferentially. Furthermore, by adjusting the force that presses the tobacco filler 20 into the packaging body 25 until the tobacco filler 20 is wrapped and closed in the packaging body 25, it is possible to keep the void ratio in the central region α within an appropriate range.

[0085] The arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 described so far is achieved by the fact that the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 formed in the shape of a long noodle is a substantially rectangular shape having a long side direction and a short side direction, and that the tobacco filler 20 at the outermost periphery and most of the tobacco filler 20 adjacent to it are arranged substantially along the circumferential direction. The present applicant conducted experiments to confirm the amount of aerosol that can be inhaled in one puff and the number of puffs that can be inhaled by changing the shape and arrangement of the tobacco filler 20. The conditions and results are shown in Table 1. In condition 1, the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 is square (length 0.60±0.10 mm, width 0.60±0.10 mm). In conditions 2 to 6, the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 is rectangular (length 1.50±0.10 mm, width 0.28±0.02 mm). Condition 2 is the aspect of this embodiment.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] From the viewpoint of the aerosol amount and the number of inhalable puffs, conditions 2, 3, and 5 are preferable. Furthermore, conditions 2 and 3 are favorable in terms of ease of insertion of the heating section 50 of the electronic cigarette body 2 into the tobacco filler 20.

[0088] The arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 under conditions 2 to 6 differs depending on the position of the tobacco filler 20 before wrapping in the wrapping body 25 and the way the tobacco filler 20 is wrapped in the wrapping body 25. Condition 2, which is the mode of this embodiment, is the mode in which it is easiest to wrap the tobacco filler 20, followed by conditions 3 and 5, which are modes in which it is easiest to wrap the tobacco filler 20. Conditions 4 and 6 are modes in which it is difficult to wrap the tobacco filler 20. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ease of production, conditions 2, 3 and 5 are preferred, and condition 2 is particularly more preferred.

[0089] Condition 1, in which the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 is square, is difficult to form into such a shape, and the tobacco filler 20 is more likely to fall off than when the cross-sectional shape is rectangular. In addition, the amount of airflow generated during heating is small.

[0090] From the above, it can be said that condition 2, which is an aspect of this embodiment, is the most preferable form from the viewpoints of both ease of manufacturing and air flow rate and number of suctions possible.

[0091] Fig. 7 shows a front view of the support member 12. As shown in Fig. 7(a), in this embodiment, the support member 12 has a generally circular shape when viewed from the front, and has a flow path 30 formed in the center to allow airflow to circulate. The flow path 30 is surrounded by a peripheral edge 31 that contacts the packaging member 16 on its outer circumferential surface and contacts the tobacco filler 20 on its end surface.

[0092] The support member 12 may have other shapes. As shown in Figure 7(b), it may have four peripheral edge portions 34 in the circumferential direction that protrude radially from the central portion, and a flow path portion 35 is formed between the peripheral edge portions 34. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7(c), it may have a shape in which a flow path portion 37 is formed on the central side of a peripheral edge portion 38, and this flow path portion 37 is divided into two by a partition portion 39. In either case, the peripheral edge portions of the support member 12 can contact the packaging member 16 at their outer peripheral surface and can contact the tobacco filler 20 in the longitudinal direction at their end surfaces.

[0093] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the application of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be applied in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in this embodiment, only the support member 12 is provided between the tobacco filler assembly 10 and the mouthpiece 14, but a cooling member may be provided between the support member 12 and the mouthpiece 14. Furthermore, the dimension a of the long side and the dimension b of the short side in the cross section of the tobacco filler 20 are not limited to the above example and can be set to any dimensions and ratios. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 e-cigarette cartridge 2. Electronic cigarette body 10 Tobacco filler aggregate 12 Support member 14 Mouthpiece 16 Packaging materials 20 Tobacco Filler 21 Filling group 22 Cavity 25 Packaging 30 Flow path section 31 Periphery 50 Heating section 51 Insertion section

Claims

[Claim 1] The tobacco packing assembly is formed by accumulating tobacco packing in a bundle and wrapping the outer periphery of the packing in a cylindrical shape with a sheet-like wrapping material, and a cylindrical support member, a cooling member, and a mouthpiece serving as a mouthpiece are arranged along the length direction and integrally formed by wrapping the tobacco packing in a sheet-like wrapping material, The tobacco filler contains a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant and microcrystalline cellulose, and is formed into an elongated shape such that the dimension in the long side direction is longer than the dimension in the short side direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. An electronic cigarette cartridge characterized by:

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