Smoking accessory cartridges

Abstract

This invention provides a cartridge for smoking devices that prevents the contents from falling out while enhancing the aroma and flavor. [Solution] A cartridge for a smoking device comprising a heated body filled with a filler made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, and a mouthpiece arranged coaxially with the heated body, wherein the filler includes a plurality of strip-shaped smoking materials 121 and at least one rod-shaped smoking material 122 arranged in a third gap 151 formed between the plurality of strip-shaped smoking materials, the density of the filler is 500 to 675 mg / cm3, the plurality of strip-shaped smoking materials are formed in a rectangular shape with a first cross-sectional area perpendicular to their respective central axes, and at least one rod-shaped smoking material is formed in a rectangular shape with a second cross-sectional area perpendicular to its central axis, the first cross-sectional area being larger than the second cross-sectional area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a smoking device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, tobacco products that heat a tobacco cartridge containing tobacco components without using a flame and inhale the vaporized tobacco components are widely known. Also, due to the diversification of preferences, cartridge products for enjoying the aroma and taste of plants that do not contain tobacco components, without using a flame like tobacco, have begun to be known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electronic cigarette cartridge having a configuration in which "long tobacco fillers are bundled and the outer peripheral portion is wrapped with a sheet-like wrapper, and the tobacco fillers are formed such that the dimension in the long side direction is longer than the dimension in the short side direction in a cross section orthogonal to the length direction, and the outermost tobacco filler in contact with the wrapper faces in a direction where the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction or in a direction other than the direction where the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction, and the number of tobacco fillers facing in a direction where the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction is larger than the number of tobacco fillers facing in a direction other than the direction where the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction." (See the abstract).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Smokers' preferences are becoming increasingly diverse, and the pursuit of new aromas and flavors is a perpetual challenge in this technological field. While the electronic cigarette cartridge described in Patent Document 1 is said to ensure a sufficient amount of tobacco filler, improve the airflow within the tobacco filler aggregate, and prevent the tobacco filler from falling out, there is still room for improvement in terms of aroma and flavor.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a cartridge for smoking devices that can enhance aroma and flavor while preventing the contents from falling out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge for a smoking device comprising a heated body filled with a filler made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, and a mouthpiece disposed coaxially with the heated body, wherein the filler comprises a plurality of first smoking materials formed in the shape of strips or rods, and at least one second smoking material formed in the shape of powder or granules and disposed in a first gap formed between the plurality of first smoking materials, and the content of the first smoking materials in the filler is 50 to 95% by mass.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, another aspect of the present invention is a cartridge for a smoking device comprising a heated body filled with a filler made of tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, and a mouthpiece disposed coaxially with the heated body, wherein the filler comprises a plurality of strip-shaped smoking materials and at least one rod-shaped smoking material disposed in a third gap formed between the plurality of strip-shaped smoking materials, and the content of the strip-shaped smoking materials in the filler is 50 to 95% by mass. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge for smoking devices that can enhance aroma and flavor while preventing the contents from falling out. Other problems, configurations, and effects will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the external shape of the first smoking material. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the external shape of the second smoking material. [Figure 4] Sectional view IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5A] A diagram showing the manufacturing process of the object to be heated. [Figure 5B] A diagram showing the manufacturing process of the object to be heated. [Figure 5C] A diagram showing the manufacturing process of the object to be heated. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a smoking device cartridge inserted into a smoking device. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the external shape of strip-shaped smoking material. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the external shape of a stick-shaped smoking material. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a cartridge 1 for a smoking device according to the first embodiment includes a heating element 20, a support member 30, a transfer member 39, and a mouthpiece 40. The heating element 20, the support member 30, the transfer member 39, and the mouthpiece 40 are arranged side by side on a central axis C1. The heating element 20, the support member 30, the transfer member 39, and the mouthpiece 40 are wound and integrated by a sheet-like outer member 10. The outer member 10 is made of, for example, paper.

[0013] Here, the cartridge 1 for a smoking device shown in FIG. 1 is formed, for example, with a diameter of 6.5 to 7.5 mm and a length of 40 to 60 mm. The heating element 20 has a length of 10 to 25 mm. Of course, the cartridge 1 for a smoking device may be formed with other dimensions.

[0014] The heating element 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape by winding a filler 23 with a sheet-like packaging member 25, and the filler 23 is exposed at both ends thereof. That is, both ends of the heating element 20 are not covered with a lid member (for example, paper). The packaging member 25 is made of, for example, paper, but any sheet-like member may be used regardless of the material.

[0015] The filler 23 is configured by filling a number of members made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, which will be described in detail later, and includes a plurality of first smoking materials 21 and a plurality of second smoking materials 22. The second smoking material 22 only needs to be included at least one in the filler 23.

[0016] As will be described in detail later, the first smoking material 21 is composed of strip-shaped or rod-shaped members, and the second smoking material 22 is composed of powdery or granular members (see FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3). The plurality of first smoking materials 21 are arranged in a bundle such that their longitudinal directions are along the central axis C1, and the plurality of second smoking materials 22 are arranged in a first gap 51 formed between the plurality of first smoking materials 21 and / or a second gap 52 formed between the first smoking material 21 and the packaging member 25 (see FIG. 4).

[0017] The mouthpiece 40 constitutes the suction port of the smoking implement cartridge 1 and is formed using, for example, paper or the like. Further, the mouthpiece 40 may include a cellulose acetate filter or the like that removes fine particles. Some of the fine particles in the water vapor or aerosol generated by the heating element 20 are filtered by the filter of this mouthpiece 40.

[0018] The support member 30 is a columnar member formed using, for example, silicone, and a flow path 35 penetrating along the longitudinal direction is formed inside thereof. In the present embodiment, one flow path 35 is provided in the center, but the number and the location where the flow path 35 is formed are not limited, and the space between the outer peripheral portion of the support member 30 and the packaging member 25 can be used as the flow path 35. The support member 30 is disposed between the heating element 20 and the mouthpiece 40 and restricts the axial movement of the heating element 20. Further, the support member 30 guides the aerosol generated by the heating element 20 to the mouthpiece 40 through the flow path 35. The aerosol is cooled in the process of flowing through the flow path 35 and is sucked into the smoker's mouth through the mouthpiece 40. The support member 30 is not limited to a columnar member and can be in various forms. For example, a sheet of paper or polymer formed into a sheet and wound, or a material made of a sponge-like porous body can be used instead.

[0019] Also, in the present embodiment, a partition member 50 is provided between the heating element 20 and the support member 30, and the heating element 20 and the support member 30 are configured to be in contact with each other through the partition member 50. Examples of the partition member 50 include a highly breathable filter, paper, and the like. By providing such a partition member 50, it is possible to prevent the heating element 20 from moving within the smoking implement cartridge 1 due to the influence of logistics during transportation or the like. Of course, a configuration without the partition member 50 may also be adopted.

[0020] The transfer member 39 cools the aerosol flowing toward the mouthpiece 40. The transfer member 39 can be made of rolled paper or a crimped polymer sheet. The transfer member 39 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction aligns with the longitudinal direction of the smoking device cartridge 1. The transfer member 39 can be omitted to reduce the number of components. If the transfer member 39 is omitted, airflow is improved, and the generated aerosol flows more easily downstream, making it easier for the smoker to inhale the aromatic components.

[0021] In the configuration where the transfer member 39 is omitted, the mouthpiece 40, which is longer in the longitudinal direction of the smoking device cartridge 1, can be positioned adjacent to the support member 30. In that case, for example, the cellulose acetate filter of the mouthpiece 40 can also serve as a cooling function.

[0022] As another example, the transfer member 39 can be omitted, and a gap can be provided between the support member 30 and the mouthpiece 40. In this case, the aerosol flow can circulate in the gap, and the aerosol can be convected temporally and spatially in the gap before being homogenized and flowed to the mouthpiece 40.

[0023] Furthermore, since the exterior member 10 is configured to cover the heated body 20, the partition member 50, the support member 30, the transport member 39, and the mouthpiece 40 from the outside, the aerosol airflow is stabilized, making it easier for the smoker to inhale the aromatic components.

[0024] Next, the shapes of the first smoking material 21 and the second smoking material 22 that constitute the packing material 23 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows the external shape of the first smoking material 21, and Figure 3 shows the external shape of the second smoking material 22.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the first smoking material 21 consists of a strip-shaped member with a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2 that is approximately rectangular. The ratio of the long side a to the short side b is preferably in the range of 1.5:1 to 30:1. Furthermore, the length c is preferably approximately the same as the length of the heated object 20. An example of the dimensions of the first smoking material 21 is that the long side a is 1.5 mm, the short side b is 0.3 mm, and the length c is 12 mm. When the first smoking material 21 is formed from a rod-shaped member, the ratio of the long side a to the short side b of the cross-section is preferably in the range of 1:1 to 1.5:1, for example, the long side a is 0.6 mm, the short side b is 0.4 mm, and the length c is 12 mm. The first smoking material 21 has a binder or the like attached to its surface, as will be described later, making it adhesive.

[0026] On the other hand, the second smoking material 22 is formed in powder or granular form. The average particle diameter d of the multiple second smoking materials 22 is less than or equal to the long side a of the first smoking material 21, and in this embodiment, it is, for example, 0.5 mm.

[0027] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 1, that is, a cross-sectional view of the filler 23 taken from a plane perpendicular to the central axis C1. As shown in Figure 4, the second smoking material 22 is placed in the first gap 51 formed between the first smoking material 21. The second smoking material 22 is also placed in the second gap 52 formed between the packaging member 25 and the first smoking material 21. In other words, in this embodiment, a large number of first smoking materials 21 are filled inside the packaging member 25, and a large number of second smoking materials 22 are filled in the first gap 51 and the second gap 52.

[0028] In this embodiment, the content of the first smoking material 21 in the filler 23 is 50 to 95% by mass, preferably 65 to 75% by mass. The density of the filler 23 is 295 to 675 mg / cm³, preferably 500 to 675 mg / cm³. The reasons for setting the content of the first smoking material 21 and the density of the filler 23 within the above numerical ranges will be explained below.

[0029] For example, if the content of the first smoking material 21 is 100% by mass and the density of the filler 23 is less than 295 mg / cm3 (in this case, since the content of the first smoking material 21 is 100% by mass, the density of the filler 23 is equal to the density of the first smoking material 21), the density of the first smoking material 21 is low, so the first gap 51 and the second gap 52 become larger, and there is a high possibility that the first smoking material 21 will fall out of the filler 23. If the smoking device cartridge 1 is held with the heated body 20 facing downwards, the first smoking material 21 may fall out. Furthermore, the amount of the first smoking material 21 filled is significantly reduced, resulting in inferiority in terms of aroma and taste.

[0030] On the other hand, if the content of the first smoking material 21 is 100% by mass and the density of the filler 23 exceeds 675 mg / cm3, the high density of the first smoking material 21 may cause the first gap 51 and the second gap 52 to become smaller, potentially resulting in poor airflow in the heated object 20. Furthermore, it may become difficult to insert the heating element 75 (see Figure 6) into the heated object 20.

[0031] If the filler 23 contains only the first smoking material 21, the reason the density of the filler 23 is less than 295 mg / cm³ is that the first smoking material 21 is either too thick or too wide. When a thick and wide first smoking material 21 is filled into the heated object 20, if the long sides are in contact with each other, the gaps will not be large. However, if many pieces are in contact with each other's long and short sides, large gaps will form, making it impossible to increase the density. Therefore, to increase the density of the filler 23 above 295 mg / cm³, the first smoking material 21 can be made thinner or narrower. However, thinning the thickness or narrowing the width presents a manufacturing problem as it is not easy to process.

[0032] Furthermore, even if it is possible to process the first smoking material 21 to make it thinner and narrower, when filling the first smoking material 21, there is a possibility that the first smoking material 21 will be in close contact with each other with almost no gaps, in which case the density of the filler 23 will become too high.

[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to achieve an appropriate packing density without changing the shape of the first smoking material 21 from the conventional method, a means is employed to insert a second smoking material 22, which is different from the first smoking material 21, into the first gap 51 or the second gap 52.

[0034] If the amount of the first smoking material 21 is small and the amount of the second smoking material 22 is large, the first smoking material 21 may fall out of the filler 23. This possibility tends to increase, especially when the amount of the first smoking material 21 is less than 50% by mass.

[0035] On the other hand, if the content of the first smoking material 21 is high and the content of the second smoking material 22 is low, the second smoking material 22 may not be able to adequately fill the first gap 51 and the second gap 52, and the second smoking material 22 may fall out of the filler 23. In addition, because the content of the second smoking material 22 is significantly low, it will be inferior in terms of aroma and taste. This possibility tends to increase in particular when the amount of the first smoking material 21 (filler) is greater than 95% by mass.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, considering both the viewpoint of preventing the first smoking material 21 from falling out and the viewpoint of aroma and taste, the content of the first smoking material 21 in the filling material 23 is set to within the range of 50 to 95% by mass. More preferably, if the content of the first smoking material 21 is set to within the range of 65 to 75% by mass, it is possible to prevent it from falling out and to increase the content of the second smoking material 22, thereby significantly improving the aroma and taste.

[0037] Next, specific examples of raw materials used as the filling material 23 (first smoking material 21, second smoking material 22) will be described. The first smoking material 21 and the second smoking material 22 are each composed of any one or more combinations of the raw materials shown below. However, in this embodiment, in order to improve the aroma and taste, the first smoking material 21 and the second smoking material 22 have at least some differences in their raw materials.

[0038] The filling material 23 is made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. Examples of tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, etc. Examples of non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tubers, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (stem bark, tree bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, branches, etc.

[0039] In this specification, "plants" refers to a group of organisms distinct from animals, and includes not only organisms with roots that live in a fixed location, such as grass and trees, but also algae such as microalgae and seaweed, fungi such as mushrooms, and so on.

[0040] The filling material 23 is prepared by, for example, appropriately mixing dried and crushed non-tobacco plants with an aerosol-generating aerosol former, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor enhancers, preservatives, binders, or thickeners, then crushing or classifying it into a powder or granules, or forming it into a sheet, and then cutting it into strips or rods having a predetermined width and length.

[0041] For example, if the part of a non-tobacco plant is the leaf, tea can preferably be used. Teas differ not only in the type of plant used to make tea, but also in the processing method, even if they are from the same plant. Specifically, for example, Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, hydrangea tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, aloe tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, Quercus glauca tea, Eleutherococcus senticosus tea, plantain tea, Glechoma hederacea tea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, Cassia obtusifolia tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, Gymnema sylvestris tea, guava tea, goji berry tea, sedge leaf tea, black bean tea, Geranium thunbergii tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, Bibu tea, cherry blossom tea, Examples include saffron tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, sweet pepper tea, gentian tea, buckwheat tea, Japanese angelica tree tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, houttuynia cordata tea, Eucommia ulmoides tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, privet tea, Job's tears tea, senna tea, loquat leaf tea, pu-erh tea, safflower tea, pine needle tea, mate tea, barley tea, Japanese laurel tea, mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, and bitter melon tea. For these teas, the used tea leaves can also be used after brewing. Using used tea leaves allows for the effective reuse of expensive teas.

[0042] Furthermore, extracts and processed products of non-tobacco plants, as exemplified above, can also be used. Examples of extract forms include liquid, syrup, powder, granules, and solutions.

[0043] Examples of aerosol formers used as raw materials for the filler 23 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. Among these, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred.

[0044] The microcrystalline cellulose used as a raw material for the filler 23 is, for example, obtained by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from fibrous plant pulp with acid, in which the soluble portion is removed from the cellulose and the insoluble portion is crystallized as appropriate.

[0045] Microcrystalline cellulose can be used in powder form or dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspended solution. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse it in the solvent.

[0046] Furthermore, flavoring additives are preferably used as ingredients of the filling 23 as needed to add flavor. Examples of flavoring additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, black tea extract, and catechin powder from tea extract. Preservatives used in food are preferred, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0047] The filling material 23 (especially the second smoking material 22) may contain menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone). By combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, the sublimation of menthol can be effectively suppressed, and the flavor of menthol can be maintained for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, but may also be a synthetic product. In addition, peppermint, mint oil, or other menthol-containing substances may be used.

[0048] The flavor additive is provided on the mouthpiece 40, for example, by impregnating the wall of the mouthpiece 40. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided on the mouthpiece 40 is not limited to this embodiment; for example, the flavor additive may be provided on the mouthpiece 40 by embedding a capsule containing the flavor additive in the wall of the mouthpiece 40. Alternatively, the flavor additive may be placed between the mouthpiece 40 and the heated body 20. When the flavor additive is enclosed in a capsule, the smoker can break the capsule by pressing it with their finger, allowing the aromatic components of the flavor additive to volatilize at a desired time.

[0049] Furthermore, if the flavor additive is encapsulated in microcapsules, for example, the encapsulated microcapsules may be placed on the heated body 20.

[0050] Examples of binders or thickeners used as raw materials for the filling 23 include gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia gum, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, caranagin, agar, and pectin (conjugated base salts of organic acids); and combinations thereof.

[0051] (Method of manufacturing the filling material) The manufacturing method for the filler 23 described above will now be explained in detail for each step. The manufacturing process for the filler 23 includes a drying and grinding step in which tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, which are the main raw materials, are dried and ground and weighed; a preparation step in which other raw materials are pre-treated and weighed; a mixing step in which the raw materials are mixed to form a composition; and a filler molding step in which the composition is molded.

[0052] In the drying and grinding process, the tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant parts (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) that serve as the main raw material are processed into a predetermined pulverized material to form the composition. At this time, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content to a level that is suitable for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other components to be added later. In drying, the 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. Furthermore, the drying and grinding process may also include a sieving step to separate the pulverized material, allowing it to be adjusted to the desired particle size before being added to the mixing step.

[0053] In the preparation process, the raw materials necessary for producing the packing material 23 can be prepared. The aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation process and added to the mixing process.

[0054] In the mixing process, a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a configuration in which the raw materials in the mixing tank are mixed while applying shear force with stirring blades is preferably used.

[0055] In the filling molding process, a composition of various raw materials is formed into a thin sheet, and then cut to form strip-shaped or rod-shaped fillings 23 (first smoking material 21). In this embodiment, a three-roll mill is prepared to make a thin sheet. Using a three-roll mill is preferable because it is possible to knead and disperse the material through compression by pressing it between narrow rolls and shearing due to the difference in roll speeds, while simultaneously forming a sheet of the desired thickness with a doctor blade. Alternatively, it can be produced using a press roller or a press machine.

[0056] Furthermore, in order to obtain a powdery or granular packing material 23 (second smoking material 22), it is preferable to appropriately crush or classify the above composition. The average particle size of the powdery or granular packing material 23 is preferably, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. This average particle size can be determined, for example, by the sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. In other words, this average particle size is the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by accumulating the mass from the largest mesh opening of the test results using multiple sieves. Alternatively, the particle size at 50% of the accumulated value in the particle size distribution obtained by laser diffraction and scattering may be used as the average particle size.

[0057] In the filling molding process, other means may be used, such as molding the composition by passing it through an orifice under pressure. In addition, in the filling molding process, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, etc. may be added as needed, or water may be added.

[0058] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling molding process is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and 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 with a rotating blade, or the like.

[0059] Here, if the filling material 23 is a first smoking material 21 formed in the shape of strips or rods, and adhesiveness is to be imparted to its surface, the means of imparting adhesiveness are not particularly limited as long as they can be used, but it is sufficient to attach the aforementioned binder to at least a part of it. By imparting adhesiveness, the powdery or granular filling material 23 can be held stably and its function can be maintained well.

[0060] (Method of manufacturing the object to be heated) Next, a method for manufacturing the heated object 20 by wrapping the filling material 23 produced by the above process with a packaging material 25 will be described. Figures 5A to 5C show the manufacturing process of the heated object 20.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5A, the packaging member 25 is placed on the opening / closing section 61 of the base 60, and a predetermined amount of filling material 23 (first smoking material 21, second smoking material 22) is placed on the packaging member 25. For example, about 50 first smoking materials 21 are placed. At this time, the second smoking material 22 is distributed and placed on the packaging member 25 so that it fits into the first gap 51. The pair of opening / closing sections 61 provided on the base 60 are configured to be movable in directions away from each other.

[0062] Next, as shown in Figure 5B, the pair of opening and closing parts 61 are moved in a direction that separates them from each other to form a recess 62 into which the packaging member 25 falls, and the packaging member 25 that has fallen into the recess 62 wraps around the filler 23. Then, as shown in Figure 5C, both ends of the packaging member 25 are bonded together to fill the inside of the packaging member 25 with the filler 23. In this way, the heated object 20 is completed.

[0063] (How to use smoking accessory cartridges) The method of using the smoking device cartridge 1 will now be explained. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking device cartridge 1 inserted into the smoking device 70. The smoking device cartridge 1 is used by being attached to a heated smoking device 70. The smoking device 70 has an insertion part 72 for inserting the smoking device cartridge 1. The insertion part 72 is provided with a needle-shaped or blade-shaped heating part 75. When the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted into the insertion part 72, the heating part 75 generates heat, and an aerosol is generated from the filling material 23. In this state, when a smoker puts the mouthpiece 40 in their mouth and inhales, the aerosol flows through the flow path 35, the transfer member 39, and the mouthpiece 40 in that order, and enters the smoker's mouth.

[0064] The smoking device cartridge 1 configured in this manner according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0065] By placing the second smoking material 22 in the first gap 51 formed between the first smoking material 21 and the second gap 52 formed between the first smoking material 21 and the packaging member 25, the filling material 23 contains both the first smoking material 21 and the second smoking material 22, thus improving the aroma and taste. In other words, since the second smoking material 22 is filled into the parts that were previously gaps, the amount of smoking material in the filling material 23 can be increased and the density can be increased compared to the conventional method. As a result, the aroma and taste are improved compared to the conventional method.

[0066] Furthermore, the first smoking material 21 is formed from strip-shaped or rod-shaped members, and the second smoking material 22 is formed from powder-like or granular members. The average particle size of the second smoking material 22 is less than or equal to the long side of the rectangular cross-section of the first smoking material 21, so the second smoking material 22 easily enters the gaps 51 and 52. As a result, when wrapping the filling material 23 with the packaging member 25, no special process is required to position the second smoking material 22 in the gaps 51 and 52. In other words, according to the first embodiment, by simply preparing the first smoking material 21 and the second smoking material 22 in advance, a smoking device cartridge 1 that can easily improve direction and flavor can be provided without changing the conventional manufacturing process.

[0067] Furthermore, by setting the content of the first smoking material 21 to a range of 50-95% by mass (preferably 65-75% by mass) and the density of the first smoking material 21 to a range of 295-675 mg / cm³ (preferably 500-675 mg / cm³), it is possible to prevent the first smoking material 21 from falling off the heated object 20. As a result, the heated object 20 can be handled even with the first smoking material 21 exposed at both ends. In other words, there is no need to provide a lid member to cover both ends of the heated object 20. Therefore, the cost of the smoking device cartridge 1 can be reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, because the surface of the first smoking material 21 is made adhesive, there is little concern that the second smoking material 22 will separate from the first smoking material 21 and fall off the heated object 20.

[0069] Furthermore, since at least a portion of the raw materials of the first smoking material 21 and the second smoking material 22 are different from each other, the aroma and taste are further improved. Also, even if the first smoking material 21 and the second smoking material 22 use the same raw materials, by changing at least a portion of the raw materials of the second smoking material 22, it is possible to achieve aromas and tastes that suit the smoker's preferences, thus easily increasing the variety of cartridges for smoking devices.

[0070] (Second Embodiment) Next, a cartridge for a smoking device according to the second embodiment will be described. The cartridge for a smoking device according to the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as the cartridge 1 for a smoking device according to the first embodiment, but the internal configuration of the filler 23 is different. Specifically, the shape of the smoking material is different. Therefore, the following description will focus on this difference, and descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the packing material 23 includes strip-shaped smoking material 121 and stick-shaped smoking material 122. Figure 7 shows the external shape of the strip-shaped smoking material 121, and Figure 8 shows the external shape of the stick-shaped smoking material 122.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the strip-shaped smoking material 121 consists of strip-shaped members whose cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C3 is approximately rectangular. The ratio of the long side a1 to the short side b1 is, for example, in the range of 1.5:1 to 30:1, and the length c1 is approximately the same as the length of the heated object 20. An example of the dimensions of the strip-shaped smoking material 121 is that the long side a1 is 1.5 mm, the short side b1 is 0.3 mm, and the length c1 is 12 mm. A binder or the like is attached to the surface of the strip-shaped smoking material 121.

[0073] On the other hand, the rod-shaped smoking material 122, as shown in Figure 8, consists of a rod-shaped member whose cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C4 is formed in a substantially square (rectangular) shape. The ratio of the long side a2 to the short side b2 is, for example, in the range of 1:1 to 1.5:1, and the length c2 is substantially the same as the length of the heated object 20. An example of the dimensions of the rod-shaped smoking material 122 is that the long side a2 is 0.6 mm, the short side b2 is 0.4 mm, and the length c2 is 12 mm. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the strip-shaped smoking material 121 (first cross-sectional area) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rod-shaped smoking material 122 (second cross-sectional area). Note that the cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped smoking material 122 may also be circular. That is, the rod-shaped smoking material 122 may be either a square rod-shaped member or a round rod-shaped member.

[0074] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking device cartridge according to the second embodiment, taken along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 9, the stick-shaped smoking material 122 is placed in a third gap 151 formed between the strip-shaped smoking material 121. The stick-shaped smoking material 122 is also placed in a fourth gap 152 formed between the packaging member 25 and the strip-shaped smoking material 121. In other words, in this embodiment, a large number of strip-shaped smoking material 121 is filled inside the packaging member 25, and a large number of stick-shaped smoking material 122 is filled in the third gap 151 and the fourth gap 152.

[0075] In this embodiment, the content of the strip-shaped smoking material 121 in the filling material 23 is 50 to 95% by mass, preferably 65 to 75% by mass. The density of the filling material 23 is 295 to 675 mg / cm³, preferably 500 to 675 mg / cm³. The reason for this numerical range is the same as that for the first embodiment described above.

[0076] The second embodiment of the smoking device cartridge, configured in this way, can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the rod-shaped smoking material 122 fits into the third gap 151 and the fourth gap 152, and the density of the filler 23 increases, which can achieve the remarkable effect of preventing the strip-shaped smoking material 121 and the rod-shaped smoking material 122 from falling out of the filler 23.

[0077] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. All technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are subject to the present invention. The embodiments described above are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed herein, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

[0078] Furthermore, various raw materials other than those exemplified above can be used for the raw materials of the first smoking material 21, the second smoking material 22, the strip-shaped smoking material 121, and the stick-shaped smoking material 122. For example, the raw materials disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6516907) can also be applied to the present invention.

[0079] The shape of the strip-shaped or rod-shaped packing material 23 (first smoking material 21) may be, for example, a strand or a porous form. To make it porous, for example, a dry sheet can be punctured several times with multiple needles (other methods may also be used).

[0080] The shape of the powdery or granular filling 23 (second smoking material 22) may be, for example, granules, pellets, or the like.

[0081] The powdered or granular filling 23 (second smoking material 22) may be formed into a block, or it may be made into a paste by adding a small amount of water or oil. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Smoking accessory cartridge 10 Exterior components 20 Heated object 21. The first smoking material 22 Second smoking material 23 Filling 25 Packaging materials 30 Support member 35 channels 40 mouthpieces 51 The first gap 52 The second gap 121 Strip-shaped smoking material 122 Stick-shaped smoking material 151 The Third Gap 152 The Fourth Gap

Claims

[Claim 1] A cartridge for a smoking device comprising a heated body filled with a material made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, and a mouthpiece positioned coaxially with the heated body, The filler includes a plurality of strip-shaped smoking materials and at least one rod-shaped smoking material placed in a third gap formed between the plurality of strip-shaped smoking materials. The density of the aforementioned filler is 500 to 675 mg / cm³. The plurality of strip-shaped smoking materials are formed in a rectangular shape, with each cross-section perpendicular to its central axis having a first cross-sectional area. The at least one stick-shaped smoking material is formed in a rectangular shape with a cross section perpendicular to its central axis having a second cross-sectional area, The first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area. A cartridge for smoking accessories characterized by the following features.

Images