Cartridge for smoking article

Abstract

To provide a cartridge for a smoking article having a simple structure and provided with a susceptor.SOLUTION: A smoking article cartridge that is used by being attached to an induction heating type smoking article, the smoking article cartridge including a filler assembly that generates an aerosol by being heated, and a susceptor that is disposed inside the filler assembly and is inductively heated from the outside, the smoking article cartridge being formed in a rod shape extending in a longitudinal direction, the susceptor including a plurality of heating bodies extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the filler is in an elongated shape, a granular shape, a dust shape, a paste shape, or a porous shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a smoking article that is attached to an induction-heated smoking article. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, tobacco products that use a method of heating a tobacco cartridge containing tobacco components and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components without using a flame have become widely known. In addition, due to the diversification of preferences, smoking devices that use cartridge products that allow users to enjoy the aroma and flavor of plants that do not contain tobacco components, without using a flame, like cigarettes, are also becoming known.

[0003] In such smoking articles, aerosols are generated by heating a filler accumulation body in which filler is accumulated. A known method for heating a filler accumulation body is to provide a susceptor made of a magnetic material inside the filler accumulation body and heat the filler by induction heating the susceptor from the smoking article. Patent Document 1, for example, describes a smoking article cartridge in which a susceptor is provided in a filler accumulation body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-519493 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the susceptor described in Patent Document 1 is difficult to manufacture because it is made of multiple layers of multiple types of metals. Therefore, providing such a susceptor material in a cartridge for a smoking article increases the manufacturing cost of the cartridge for a smoking article, which is not desirable.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a cartridge for a smoking article that has a simple structure and is provided with a susceptor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the smoking device cartridge of the present invention is a smoking device cartridge that is attached to an induction-heated smoking device and used, and has a filler that generates an aerosol when heated, and a susceptor that is placed inside the filler accumulation and is induction-heated from the outside, and the smoking device cartridge is formed in a rod shape extending in the longitudinal direction, and the susceptor includes a plurality of heating elements extending in the longitudinal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the cartridge for a smoking article of the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge for a smoking article provided with a susceptor with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article having a filler accumulation body in this embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a manner in which a cartridge for a smoking article is used. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of section II in FIG. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a packing accumulation. [Figure 5] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a cartridge for a smoking article filled with a powder or granular filler. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing method of a cartridge for a smoking article filled with a filler formed into a paste-like form. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate explanations will be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation, and may differ from the actual The ratio may differ from the

[0011] (Overall configuration of a smoking article cartridge) An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a smoking article cartridge 1 having a filler accumulation 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the smoking article cartridge 1 is formed by arranging along the longitudinal direction a substantially cylindrical filler accumulation 10 filled with a large amount of filler 20, a support member 12 through which airflow from the filler accumulation 10 can pass, a mouthpiece 14 having a mouthpiece 14a at one end, and a sealing member 18 having an inlet 18a at the other end, and wrapping them together in a sheet-like packaging material 16. The packaging material 16 can be made of paper or the like.

[0012] In this embodiment, the cartridge 1 for a smoking article is formed to have a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm, and a length of 40 mm to 80 mm. If the outer diameter of the cartridge 1 for a smoking article is set in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm, it will fit with an appropriate force into the insertion section 51 provided on the smoking article 2 into which the cartridge 1 for a smoking article is inserted, making it possible to suitably hold the cartridge 1 for a smoking article 2 while facilitating attachment and detachment of the cartridge 1 for a smoking article. If the length of the cartridge 1 for a smoking article is set in the range of 40 to 80 mm, it will be longer than the length of the insertion section 51 provided on the smoking article 2 that receives the cartridge 1 for a smoking article, so that even when the cartridge 1 for a smoking article is inserted into the smoking article 2, the mouthpiece 14a can be exposed from the smoking article 2, ensuring the length necessary for a smoker to smoke.

[0013] (Configuration of support member) The support member 12 inhibits movement of the packing material collection 10 toward the support member 12, and allows the airflow containing the aerosol generated in the packing material collection 10 to flow toward the mouthpiece 14. The support member 12 is provided, for example, in a cylindrical and solid shape, and is disposed between the packing material collection 10 and the mouthpiece 14 so that its axial direction is along the central axis. The support member 12 is formed, for example, with an outer diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or less. Note that the support member 12 may have dimensions different from those described above, as appropriate, depending on its function and configuration.

[0014] The support member 12 is made of a resin material. Examples of resin materials that can be used to form the support member 12 include polypropylene, polylactic acid, and silicone. However, the support member 12 may be made of other resin materials, or materials other than resin materials, such as wood or metal (aluminum, etc.), which have a greater cooling effect. The support member 12 is not necessarily required, and may not be provided if the packing material collection 10 is configured so as not to easily move toward the mouthpiece 14 (for example, if the packing material collection 10 is fixed to the packaging member 16).

[0015] (Mouthpiece configuration) The mouthpiece 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or more. The mouthpiece 14 is formed, for example, from paper. The mouthpiece 14 may also be formed into a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like member made of paper, or may include a cellulose acetate filter or the like that removes fine particles. The mouthpiece 14 is a white filter that functions to filter out some of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated in the filler accumulation 10. Note that, as will be described later, the mouthpiece 14 is not necessarily required because the filler 20 is made from a non-tobacco plant material.

[0016] (Configuration of packing aggregate) The filler assembly 10 is formed by bundling elongated filler 20 along its length and wrapping it in a sheet-like wrapping member 25 to form a generally cylindrical shape. The filler 20 is formed from a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant. The filler assembly 10 has a length of 10 to 25 mm. The filler 20 is not limited to being elongated, and may be in other forms such as granular, dusty, paste-like, or porous. The cartridge 1 for a smoking device may have dimensions different from those described above to match the shape of the smoking device 2.

[0017] The outer diameter of the packing assembly 10 is equal to the outer diameters of the support member 12 and the mouthpiece 14, and is a generally constant value along the central axis. This outer diameter is preferably in the range of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, for example, and more preferably in the range of 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm.

[0018] A susceptor 30 is provided inside the packing assembly 10. The susceptor 30 has, for example, two metal wires 31, which are cylindrical rod-shaped members. The arrangement of the metal wires 31 in the susceptor 30 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The metal wire 31 is made of a metal material containing a magnetic substance. Magnetic substances are broadly classified into ferromagnetic substances, paramagnetic substances, and diamagnetic substances. Among magnetic substances, ferromagnetic substances are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, become strongly magnetized in the same direction as the external magnetic field and retain their strong magnetism even when the external magnetic field is zero. Examples of ferromagnetic substances include iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt. The relative permeability of ferromagnetic substances is significantly greater than 1; for example, iron is approximately 5000, nickel is approximately 600, cobalt is approximately 250, and ferritic stainless steel is approximately 1000 to 1800.

[0020] Among magnetic materials, paramagnetic materials are those that, when an external magnetic field is applied, become weakly magnetized in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and lose their magnetism when the external magnetic field is reduced to zero, such as aluminum, platinum, and manganese.The relative permeability of paramagnetic materials is slightly greater than 1, for example, approximately 1.000021 for aluminum, approximately 1.000265 for platinum, and approximately 1.000830 for manganese.

[0021] Diamagnetic materials, among magnetic materials, are materials that become magnetized in the opposite direction to an external magnetic field when it is applied, and lose their magnetism when the external magnetic field is reduced to zero, such as copper, graphite, bismuth, and chromium. The relative permeability of diamagnetic materials is slightly less than 1, for example, about 0.999990 for copper, about 0.99980 for graphite, and about 0.999834 for bismuth.

[0022] When an AC magnetic field is generated in a ferromagnetic material, not only does an induced current flow and generate Joule heat, but heat (hysteresis loss) is also generated due to friction and vibration between molecules. Therefore, ferromagnetic materials can be easily induction heated compared to paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials, and the filler aggregate 10 can be heated sufficiently.

[0023] Furthermore, ferromagnetic materials have a high Curie temperature, for example, nickel has a Curie temperature of approximately 358° C. Therefore, even when the smoking article cartridge 1 is heated to a high temperature of, for example, 200° C., the heating temperature does not reach the Curie temperature, and the properties of the ferromagnetic material are maintained, allowing the filler assembly 10 to be heated stably.

[0024] The metal wire 31 may be made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, or a combination of these metal materials. For example, a combination of ferritic stainless steel and nickel is used, and more preferably, an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum (iron-chromium-aluminum alloy).

[0025] Here, we will explain the relationship between temperature and magnetism for iron and chromium. The Curie temperature of iron, at which it changes from a ferromagnetic substance to a paramagnetic substance, is approximately 770°C, while the Neel temperature of chromium, at which it changes from a ferrodiamagnetic substance to a paramagnetic substance, is approximately 308°C.

[0026] The metal wire 31 may also be made of a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material as a main component. For example, a ferromagnetic alloy containing 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, of a magnetic material may be used. Examples include a nickel alloy or a nickel-iron alloy. Even in this case, the ferromagnetic material can be induction heated to sufficiently heat the packing assembly 10. Note that instead of the ferromagnetic material, a metal material containing a paramagnetic material and a diamagnetic material may be used. In this case, induction heating itself is still possible. However, from the viewpoint of shortening the heating time and reducing power consumption, it is preferable to use a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material.

[0027] Similarly, the susceptor 30 may be combined with a metal wire 31 made of a ferromagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, or a diamagnetic material. For example, a metal wire 31 made of nickel, which is a ferromagnetic material, and a metal wire 31 made of iron, which is a ferromagnetic material, may be physically bonded together, or a metal wire 31 made of aluminum, which is a paramagnetic material, may be physically bonded together, or the outer surface of the metal wire 31 may be coated with the metal wire 31.

[0028] (Configuration of sealing member) The sealing member 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 30 to 70 mm or less. Like the mouthpiece 14, the sealing member 18 may be formed in a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like material made of, for example, paper. The sealing member 18 has the function of allowing air to pass from the introduction portion 18a, i.e., the upstream side, toward the filler accumulation 10. The sealing member 18 can also absorb residual liquid that remains in the filler accumulation 10 and liquefies among the water vapor and aerosols generated in the filler accumulation 10. By making the sealing member 18 a different color (e.g., black) from the mouthpiece 14, it becomes easy to distinguish between the upstream and downstream sides of the smoking article cartridge 1.

[0029] (Usage of smoking cartridges) FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating a usage pattern of the smoking article cartridge 1. The smoking article cartridge 1 is used by attaching the sealing member 18 side to the smoking article 2. The smoking article 2 has an insertion section 51 into which the smoking article cartridge 1 is inserted. The smoking article 2 is provided with an induction heating section 52 that runs along the insertion section 51. The induction heating section 52 includes an induction coil that is inductively coupled to the metal wire 31 of the susceptor 30 included in the filler accumulation 10 inserted into the insertion section 51, thereby heating the susceptor 30. Heating the susceptor 30 heats the surrounding filler 20, generating an aerosol. In this state, the smoker inhales through the mouthpiece 14 to inhale an airflow containing the aerosol.

[0030] Furthermore, the smoking article 2 can detect the temperature of the susceptor 30. As a specific example, the induction heating unit 52 heats the susceptor 30 by a magnetic force supplied to the metal wire 31, while periodically (e.g., once every 1 ms) detecting the apparent ohmic resistance of the susceptor 30, which is determined from the DC power supply voltage of the DC power supply supplied to the induction heating unit 52 and the DC current drawn from the DC power supply, thereby detecting the resistance value of the susceptor 30 at the time of detection. That is, when the metal wire 31 is made of an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, the magnetism of chromium changes from diamagnetic to paramagnetic at 308°C, and the magnetism of iron changes from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic at 770°C. Therefore, the smoking article 2 can detect, based on the apparent ohmic resistance of the metal wire 31, whether the temperature of the susceptor 30 is below 308°C, between 308°C and 770°C, or above 770°C.

[0031] (Filling composition) Filler 20 is formed by mixing dried and crushed non-tobacco plant material 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 predetermined width and length. Note that filler 20 is not limited to a long shape and may have a variety of shapes. For example, it may be formed into a paste or granules.

[0032] When the packing material 20 is configured in a long shape, the cross section perpendicular to the central axis is substantially rectangular, and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the cross section is preferably, for example, in the range of 1:1 to 30:1. The length of the long side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The length of the short side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the length of the packing material 20 is preferably substantially the same as the length of the packing material assembly 10. The length of the packing material 20 is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. An example of the dimensions of such a packing material 20 is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.

[0033] Next, a description will be given of specific examples of raw materials used as the packing 20. The packing 20 is made of any one or a combination of the following raw materials.

[0034] The filler 20 is made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. Tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, etc. Non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tuberous roots, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (stem bark, bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, branches, etc.

[0035] In this specification, "plants" refers to a group of organisms, as opposed to animals, and includes not only organisms that have roots and live in a fixed location, such as grass and trees, but also algae such as microalgae and seaweed, and fungi such as mushrooms.

[0036] Filler 20 is prepared, for example, by mixing a dried and crushed non-tobacco plant material with an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor additives, preservatives, binders, thickeners, etc., as appropriate, and then crushing or classifying the mixture to form powder or granules, or shaping it into a paste. Furthermore, aerosol-forming substrate 23 is formed into a sheet, which is then cut into strips or rods of a predetermined width and length.

[0037] For example, when the part of a non-tobacco plant is a leaf, tea can be preferably used. Not only do different plants produce different teas, but even the same plant can produce different teas 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, chamomile tea, Kawara Kakemyo 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.

[0038] Furthermore, extracts of the above-mentioned non-tobacco plants, so-called extracts and processed products, can also be used. The extracts may be in the form of liquid, starch syrup, powder, granules, solution, etc.

[0039] Examples of aerosol formers used as raw materials for the 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. Of these, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred.

[0040] The microcrystalline cellulose used as the raw material for the filler 20 is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of a fibrous plant with an acid, and is obtained by removing the soluble portion from the cellulose and, if necessary, crystallizing the insoluble portion.

[0041] The microcrystalline cellulose may be in the form of powder or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspension. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or a high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse the microcrystalline cellulose in the solvent.

[0042] Furthermore, if necessary, a flavor additive that adds flavor may also be preferably used as an ingredient of the filling 20. Examples of flavor additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, and black tea extracts, and powdered catechins from tea extracts. Preservatives that are used in food products are preferred, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0043] The filler 20 may contain menthol and a water-insoluble cross-linked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone). Combining menthol with a water-insoluble cross-linked polymer can effectively prevent menthol from sublimating, allowing the menthol flavor to be maintained for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, but may also be a synthetic product. Peppermint, mint, peppermint oil, and other menthol-containing substances may also be used.

[0044] The flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 14, for example, by impregnating the wall of the mouthpiece 14. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 14 is not limited to this, and for example, the flavor additive may be provided in the mouthpiece 14 by embedding a capsule containing the flavor additive in the wall of the mouthpiece 14. Alternatively, a capsule containing the flavor additive may be disposed between the mouthpiece 14 and the packing accumulation 20. When the flavor additive is encapsulated in a capsule, the smoker can break the capsule by pressing it with his or her finger, allowing the aromatic components of the flavor additive to volatilize at the desired time.

[0045] Furthermore, when the flavor additive is encapsulated in, for example, microcapsules, the encapsulated microcapsules may be provided in the filler accumulation 10. Of course, the microcapsules may also be provided in the support member 12.

[0046] Binders or thickeners as ingredients of the filling 20 include 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, caramel, agar, and conjugate base salts of organic acids such as pectin; and combinations thereof.

[0047] (Filling manufacturing process) The manufacturing process for filler 20 includes a drying and grinding process in which the main raw material, tobacco or non-tobacco plant, is dried and ground and weighed, etc.; a preparation process in which other raw materials are pre-treated 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.

[0048] In the drying and grinding process, the main raw material, tobacco or non-tobacco plant parts (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruit, stems, bark, roots, etc.), 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 easy to achieve the desired moisture content while avoiding the loss of essential flavor components. Furthermore, the drying and grinding process can also include a sieving process to sieve the ground material, allowing it to be adjusted to the desired particle size before being introduced into the mixing process.

[0049] In the preparation step, it is possible to prepare the raw materials necessary for producing the filling 20. The microcrystalline cellulose described above is weighed in the preparation step and then put into the mixing step.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In the filler molding process, a composition containing various raw materials is molded into a thin sheet and then cut to form strip- or rod-shaped fillers 20. In this embodiment, multiple roll mills are used to create thin sheets. The use of multiple roll mills is preferable because it allows for compression by forcing the material between narrow rolls and shearing due to the difference in roll speeds, allowing for mixing and dispersion, while also allowing for a doctor blade to create a sheet of the desired thickness. Alternatively, a press roller or a press machine can be used to create the filler.

[0052] To obtain powdered or granular filler 20, the composition is preferably pulverized or classified as appropriate. The average particle diameter of powdered or granular filler 20 is preferably, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. The average particle diameter is determined, for example, by the sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. Specifically, this average particle diameter refers to the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by integrating the mass of the particles with the largest openings in a test using multiple sieves. Alternatively, the particle diameter at 50% of the integrated value in the particle size distribution determined by laser diffraction / scattering may be used as the average particle diameter.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Here, when providing adhesiveness to the surface of the filler 20, any means capable of providing adhesiveness may be used, but it is sufficient to attach the aforementioned binder to at least a portion of the surface. By providing adhesiveness, when strip- or rod-shaped filler 20 is combined with powder-, granular-, or pasty-type filler 20, the powder-, granular-, or pasty-type filler 20 can be stably held on the surface of the strip- or rod-shaped filler 20.

[0056] (Susceptor shape and arrangement) Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of section II in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the metal wire 31 is formed into a long, thin rod shape as a whole. Specifically, the susceptor 30 is formed by, for example, two iron-chromium-aluminum alloy metal wires 31 spaced a predetermined distance apart.

[0057] The length of the susceptor 30 in the longitudinal direction is 100% of the total length of the packing assembly 10. In other words, the susceptor 30 has a length that spans the entire length of the packing assembly 10.

[0058] The susceptor 30 does not have to extend over the entire length of the packing assembly 10, and its longitudinal length can be 25% or more and 100% or less of the ratio of the total length of the packing assembly 10 to the total length of the packing assembly 10. In addition, in this embodiment, all of the metal wires 31 are described as being made of iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, but the susceptor may be made of a combination of multiple types of magnetic materials, such as some of the multiple metal wires being ferromagnetic, some being paramagnetic, and the rest being diamagnetic, and the number of metal wires 31 may be two, three, or more. In addition, the multiple metal wires 31 may be welded together with an adhesive or welding material, as long as the multiple metal wires 31 are thermally or electrically connected to each other.

[0059] 3, the susceptor 30 is disposed at approximately the center of the packing assembly 10 when viewed in the radial direction. Specifically, the distance L1 from one metal wire 31 to the containing member 25, the distance L2 from one metal wire 31 to the other metal wire 31, and the distance L3 from the other metal wire 31 to the containing member 25 are all approximately the same, and the midpoint P between the one metal wire 31 and the other metal wire 31 is approximately the center of the packing assembly 10. This allows the packing assembly 10 to heat the entire packing 20 uniformly and evenly from the radial center of the packing assembly 10, thereby enabling efficient generation of aerosol.

[0060] Although the distances L1, L2, and L3 have been described as being approximately the same, it is sufficient that the difference between these distances is within a range of at most 50% (first range). Furthermore, although the midpoint P has been described as being located approximately at the center of the packing assembly 10, it is sufficient that the difference is within a range of 1 / 3 of the diameter R of the packaging member 25 (second range). Therefore, the distance L1 (L3) of the metal wire 31 to the packaging member 25 is 1 / 6 or more of the diameter R1 of the packaging member 25, which prevents contact between the metal wire 31 and the packaging member 25 and reduces the transfer of heat generated from the metal wire 31 to the packaging member 25 and, ultimately, the insertion portion 51. Furthermore, since the midpoint P is located within the second range of the packing assembly 10, it is possible to prevent the metal wire 31 from being biased to one side.

[0061] (Method of manufacturing a packing body) 4, there is shown an explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing method of the packing assembly 10. The manufacturing method of the packing assembly 10 is roughly divided into the above-mentioned packing material forming step (not shown), the converging step S1, the enclosing step S2, and the cutting step S3.

[0062] In the converging step S1, the extending filler 20A after the above-described filler forming step is converged to fit the diameter of the filler assembly 10. In this converging step S1, the extending metal wire 31A is positioned so as to be disposed at a predetermined position, and the extending filler 20A is disposed along the metal wire 31A, and the metal wire 31A is covered and converged with the filler 20A.

[0063] In the enclosing step S2, the packing material 20B converged in the converging step S1 is enclosed by the extending enclosing member 25B to form an extending packing material accumulation 10C. Then, in the cutting step S3, the elongated packing material assembly 10C produced in the enclosing step S2 is cut to a predetermined length (10 to 25 mm) using, for example, a roller cutter (not shown) to form the packing material assembly 10.

[0064] Therefore, by using multiple metal wires 31 (for example, two), the diameter per wire can be made smaller compared to when using a single metal wire with the same volume, thereby reducing the force required to cut the extended filler accumulation 10C in the cutting process S3 and reducing wear on the roller cutter.

[0065] 5, there is shown an explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing method for a smoking article cartridge 101 filled with a powdered or granular filler. Below, a description will be given of a manufacturing method for a smoking article cartridge 101 (hereinafter referred to as a smoking article cartridge 101 to distinguish it from a smoking article cartridge 1 filled with a filler 20) filled with a powdered or granular filler (hereinafter referred to as a filler 120 to distinguish it from a filler 20 formed in a sheet shape).

[0066] The manufacturing method of the cartridge 101 for a smoking article includes a partition member disposing step (not shown), a filler filling step S11, a susceptor filling step S12, a lid attaching step S13, and a filter attaching step and a packaging step (not shown). First, in the partition member disposing step, the partition member 112 is placed inside a skeleton member 116 made by forming cardboard (for example, about 0.3 to 0.7 mm) into a cylindrical shape. Next, in the filler filling step S11, the filler 120 is filled into the skeleton member 116 from the upstream end.

[0067] Next, in the susceptor filling step S12, two metal wires 31 are inserted into the filler 120 filled in the skeletal member 116 in the filler filling step S11. At this time, a predetermined space C is formed between the upstream end of the skeletal member 116 and the filler 120. This space C is a space with a diameter of, for example, 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 30 to 70 mm, similar to the outer shape of the seal member 18 of the cartridge 1 for a smoking article.

[0068] Next, in a lid attachment step S13, a breathable lid member 118 made of, for example, paper is attached to the inside of the skeleton member 116 so as to cover the upstream side of the filler 120. Then, in a filter attachment step, a filter 14 is inserted into the downstream end of the skeleton member 116 and attached, and in a packaging step, the radial periphery of the skeleton member 116 is wrapped with label paper (not shown). Note that before inserting the filter 14, a capsule containing a sealed aromatic ingredient may be inserted as desired, and the order of the steps may be reversed as appropriate.

[0069] The cartridge 101 for a smoking article manufactured by this manufacturing method can have the filler 120 formed into a powder or granules arranged on the upstream side of the cartridge 101 for a smoking article, while the filler 120 and the metal wire 31 can be positioned downstream by the length of the space C.

[0070] 6, there is shown an explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing method for a smoking article cartridge 201 filled with a filler formed into a paste-like substance. Below, a manufacturing method for a smoking article cartridge 201 (hereinafter referred to as a smoking article cartridge 201 to distinguish it from a smoking article cartridge 1 filled with a filler 20) filled with a filler formed into a paste-like substance (hereinafter referred to as a filler 220 to distinguish it from a filler 20 formed into a sheet-like substance) will be described.

[0071] The manufacturing method of the cartridge 201 for a smoking article includes a susceptor attachment step S21, a framework member attachment step S22, a filler filling step S23, a drying step (not shown), and a filter attachment step and packaging step (not shown). Note that the filter attachment step and packaging step are the same as those in the manufacturing method of the cartridge 101 for a smoking article, and therefore will not be described here.

[0072] First, in the susceptor attachment step S21, two metal wires 31 are inserted into a jig 241. Here, the jig 241 is a base on which a cylindrical protrusion 241a is formed, the protrusion 241a having a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 30 to 70 mm, similar to the outer shape of the seal member 18 of the smoking article cartridge 1, for example. This allows the jig 241 to support a skeletal member 116 similar to that of the smoking article cartridge 101 by fitting the protrusion 241a into the upstream end of the skeletal member 116. The jig 241 also has a susceptor attachment hole 241b. Specifically, the susceptor attachment hole 241b is a hole that can support the metal wire 31 so that the metal wire 31 is positioned in the same position as the susceptor 30 in the smoking article cartridge 1 when the skeletal member 116 is fitted into the protrusion 241a.

[0073] Next, in a framework member attachment process S22, the upstream end of framework member 116 is fitted into protrusion 241a of jig 241, thereby attaching and supporting framework member 116 to jig 241. Next, in a filler filling process S23, a filling nozzle filler 243 is inserted from the downstream end of framework member 116, and a filler material formed into a paste form is filled.

[0074] Next, in the drying step, the filler 220 filled in the skeletal member 116 in the filler filling step S23 is heated and dried at 30 to 50° C. As a result, the water inside the filler material formed into a paste state evaporates, turning it into a porous filler 220.

[0075] In the cartridge 201 for a smoking article manufactured by this manufacturing method, the filler 220 formed into a paste form is arranged on the upstream side of the cartridge 201 for a smoking article, while the filler 220 and the metal wire 31 can be positioned downstream by the length of the space C.

[0076] It should be noted that instead of the above-described skeletal member attaching step S22, filler filling step S23, and filler filling step S23, a filler formed in advance to be porous may be fitted into one end of skeletal member 116 and disposed at the downstream end of skeletal member 116, and metal wire 31 may be inserted while adjusting the position of the filler by pressing the downstream end of skeletal member 116 against protrusion 241a of jig 241. By adopting such a process, it becomes unnecessary to use jig 241 during the drying step, and equipment costs can be reduced.

[0077] Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, to the above-described embodiments, a person skilled in the art may appropriately add, delete, or modify components, or add, omit, or change conditions of processing, and these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0078] As described above, the smoking device of the present invention is a smoking device cartridge 1 that is attached to an induction-heated smoking device 2 and used, and includes a filler accumulation body 10 that generates an aerosol when heated, and a susceptor 30 that is placed inside the filler accumulation body 10 and is induction-heated from the outside, and the smoking device cartridge 1 is formed in the shape of a rod extending in the longitudinal direction, and the susceptor 30 includes a plurality of metal wires 31 extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0079] Therefore, because the susceptor 30 includes a plurality of metal wires 31 extending in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to adjust the number of metal wires 31 to adjust the temperature of the susceptor 30 that is induction heated by the smoking article 2. Furthermore, by using the susceptor 30 including a plurality of metal wires 31, it is possible to cut the susceptor 30 during manufacturing with a relatively small force compared to cutting a single susceptor that includes the same amount of metal as the susceptor 30, i.e., a metal member that is larger than the metal wires 31, and this reduces wear on, for example, a roller cutter used to cut the susceptor 30.

[0080] Furthermore, the multiple metal wires 31 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (distance L2) when viewed in the radial direction of the smoking article cartridge 1, thereby preventing the metal wires 31 from becoming biased and allowing the filler 30 to be heated uniformly. Furthermore, since the metal wire 31 is spaced a specified distance (distances L1, L3) from the outer side of the packed material accumulation body 10 when viewed radially, the metal wire 31 can be prevented from coming into contact with the enclosing member 25, the packaging member 16, or the skeletal member 116.

[0081] Furthermore, since the center of the susceptor 30, as viewed in the radial direction of the cartridge 1 for a smoking article, is within a certain distance from the radial center of the filler accumulation 10, the filler 30 can be heated more uniformly.

[0082] In each embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge 1 for a smoking article is provided with a support member 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The filler accumulation body 10 of the cartridge 1 for a smoking article does not need to have a support member 12, as long as it is fixed between the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge 1 for a smoking article and the filler accumulation body 10 so as to prevent movement toward the mouthpiece 14 even without the support member 12, as in the case of the cartridge 201 for a smoking article, for example.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, the susceptor 30 is disposed at the center when viewed in the radial direction of the packing assembly 10, but it may be disposed outside the radial center of the packing assembly 10. In addition, in this embodiment, a cylindrical metal wire 31 is used, but it may have a complex shape such as a strip shape, or may be spirally wound. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1, 101, 201 Smoking equipment cartridges 2. Smoking accessories 10. Packing accumulation 12 Support member 14 Mouthpiece 14a Mouthpiece 16 Packaging materials 18 Sealing material 18a Introduction 20 fillings 25 Enclosure 30 susceptor 31 Metal Wire 51 Insertion section 52 Induction heating section

Claims

[Claim 1] A cartridge for a smoking device that is attached to an induction heating smoking device and used, A filling that generates an aerosol when heated; a susceptor disposed inside the packing assembly and inductively heated from the outside, The cartridge for a smoking article is formed in a rod shape extending in a longitudinal direction, the susceptor includes a plurality of heating elements extending in the longitudinal direction, The filler is elongated, granular, dusty, paste-like or porous. A cartridge for a smoking article.

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