Electronic cigarette cartridge

Abstract

This invention provides an e-cigarette filler that prevents the filler from falling out or dropping from the e-cigarette cartridge. [Solution] An electronic cigarette cartridge characterized in that, from upstream to downstream, a lid 170, an aerosol-forming substrate 110, a support element 300 which is a cylindrical hollow tube, a transport member which is a hollow tubular member, and a mouthpiece 140 are arranged adjacent to each other in that order, the aerosol-forming substrate is a filler enclosed by an enclosing member, the filler contains an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose, the shape of the filler is sheet-like, the shape of the sheet is formed by creasing, pleating, gathering or folding, and the mass-average molecular weight of the microcrystalline cellulose is 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to conform to the trend of tobacco smoking bans, electronic cigarette products for enjoying tobacco have begun to spread by heating a cartridge containing tobacco components without using a flame and sucking the vaporized tobacco components. As a method for manufacturing a tobacco filling for filling such an electronic cigarette cartridge, there is a method in which tobacco leaves are pulverized into an aqueous slurry, then sheeted, and oil or glycerin is added to the sheet and dried (Patent Document 1). Also, an article for smoking by inserting an electronic cigarette cartridge having a tobacco filling at an end and heating it is disclosed. (Patent Document 2)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

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

[0006] To solve these problems, the present invention provides an e-cigarette filler made from a non-tobacco plant, the e-cigarette filler containing an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the electronic cigarette filler is rod-shaped or strip-shaped.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the electronic cigarette filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped object with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, An e-cigarette filler obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, Let L0 be the length of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying. L10 is the length when dried at 105℃ for 10 minutes. If defined as follows, The length change rate La (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is La(%) = (L0 - L10) / L0 × 100 In that case, The aforementioned rate of change La(%) is 92.8% or higher.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, An e-cigarette filler obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, Let L0 be the length of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying. The length after drying at 105°C for 15 minutes is L15. If defined as follows, The length change rate Lb(%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is Lb(%)=(L0-L15) / L0×100 When the change rate Lb(%) is 91.9% or more.

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

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

[0013] To solve such problems, the present invention provides an electronic cigarette cartridge used for an electronic cigarette body, which uses the above filling for an electronic cigarette at one end and a mouthpiece at the other end.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, a filling for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The filling for the electronic cigarette contains an aerosol former, and the filling is in the shape of a rod or strip with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm or less. The filling for the electronic cigarette is characterized in that When dried at 105 °C for 10 minutes, the length is L’10, When defined as The length change rate L’a(%) of the filling for the electronic cigarette is L’a(%)=(L’0-L’10) / L’0×100 When The change rate L’a(%) is 95.2% or more.

[0015] A filling for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The filling for the electronic cigarette contains an aerosol former, and the filling is in the shape of a rod or strip with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm or less. The filling for the electronic cigarette is characterized in that The length of the filling is L’0, When dried at 105 °C for 15 minutes, the length is L’15, When defined as The length change rate Lb(%) of the filling for the electronic cigarette is L’b(%)=(L’0-L15) / L’0×100 When The change rate L’b(%) is 94.2% or more.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, A filling for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant, The filling for the electronic cigarette contains an aerosol former, and the filling is in the shape of a rod or strip with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm or less. The filling for the electronic cigarette is characterized in that Before drying, the volume of the non-tobacco plant composition is V’0, V'10 is the volume obtained when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes. If defined as follows, The volume change rate V'a(%) of the e-cigarette filler is, V'a(%)=(V'0-V'10) / V'0×100 In that case, The aforementioned rate of change V'a(%) is 88.1% or higher.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, V'0 is the volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying. The volume after drying at 105°C for 15 minutes is V'15. If defined as follows, The volume change rate V'a(%) of the e-cigarette filler is, V'b(%)=(V'0-V'15) / V'0×100 In that case, The aforementioned rate of change V'b(%) is 83.1% or higher.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, The width of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is W'0, The width when dried at 105℃ for 10 minutes is W'10. If defined as follows, The width change rate W'a(%) of the e-cigarette filling material is, W'a(%)=(W'0-W'10) / W'0×100 In that case, The aforementioned rate of change W'a(%) is 93.9% or higher.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, The width of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is W'0, When dried at 105℃ for 15 minutes, the width is W'15. If defined as follows, The width change rate W'b(%) of the e-cigarette filling material is, W'b(%) = (W'0 - W'15) / W'0 × 100 In that case, The aforementioned rate of change W'b(%) is 99.6% or higher.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, An electronic cigarette cartridge used in an electronic cigarette device, characterized in that one end uses the electronic cigarette filler described in claims 9 to 14 and the other end uses a mouthpiece. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an e-cigarette filler that has the effect of preventing the filler from falling out or dropping from the e-cigarette cartridge before and after use during user handling. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the different ways in which e-cigarette cartridges can be used. [Figure 2]This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an e-cigarette cartridge. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a filler manufactured for use in e-cigarettes. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates how to create an e-cigarette cartridge. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates a variation of an e-cigarette cartridge. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates further uses of e-cigarette cartridges. [Figure 7] This diagram shows another example of the structure of an e-cigarette cartridge. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the manufacturing process for e-cigarette refills. [Figure 9] This graph shows the rate of change in length when a sheet of non-tobacco plant composition is dried. [Figure 10] This graph shows the percentage change in volume when a sheet of non-tobacco plant composition is dried. [Figure 11] This graph shows the rate of change in length when e-cigarette filler is dried. [Figure 12] This graph shows the percentage change in volume when e-cigarette filler is dried. [Figure 13] This graph shows the rate of change in width when e-cigarette filling material is dried. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0024] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing process for a non-tobacco plant composition and an e-cigarette filler in an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[0025] The manufacturing process for e-cigarette fillers includes a drying and grinding step (A) in which non-tobacco plants that provide the aroma are dried, ground, and weighed. This step can be omitted if the raw materials can be used as is. In addition, other materials used in the manufacturing of e-cigarette fillers include a preparation step (B) in which pre-treatment and weighing are performed as needed.

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

[0027] The non-tobacco plant composition can be formed into a desired shape through a filler molding process (F). The non-tobacco plant composition, formed into the desired shape, is then used as a filler for e-cigarettes in an e-cigarette cartridge manufacturing process (G) to become an e-cigarette cartridge.

[0028] Each step will be explained in order. Although the invention has been explained by dividing it into the above steps, it also includes performing two or more steps simultaneously. Details of the non-tobacco plants used as raw materials will be described later.

[0029] First, the drying and grinding process (A) processes the parts of the non-tobacco plant used as raw material (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) into a desired grind to form a non-tobacco plant composition. At this time, it is also preferable to adjust the moisture content so that it is suitable for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other components to be added later. The drying temperature is preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Within this range, it is easy to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the dissipation of necessary flavor components. If it is 65°C or higher, This makes it easier to reach the desired moisture content, and keeping the temperature below 75°C further prevents the dissipation of necessary flavor components.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferable that the moisture content after drying and grinding be 5% by mass or less. This facilitates slurry formation in subsequent processes. It is even preferable that it be 3% by mass or less. In addition, if the moisture content is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, it is possible to maintain a state in which it mixes well with water, etc. Furthermore, the drying and grinding process (A) can be equipped with a sieving process to separate the dried and ground material, and it can be introduced into the mixing process (M) with the desired particle size.

[0031] In preparation step (B), the materials necessary for creating the refill for e-cigarettes can be prepared.

[0032] Microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from fibrous plant pulp with an acid, in which the soluble portion is removed from cellulose and the insoluble portion is crystallized as appropriate.

[0033] After various studies, the following was found regarding e-cigarette fillers containing non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, and microcrystalline cellulose: When the e-cigarette filler is placed under dry conditions, even if the filler composed of non-tobacco plants and aerosol formers loses water, the microcrystalline cellulose maintains the structure of the filler and suppresses structural changes such as volume shrinkage. This effect is obtained by using microcrystalline cellulose.

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

[0035] The amount of microcrystalline cellulose added should ideally be between 1% and 15% in the e-cigarette filling. Preferably, it should be between 3% and 12%, and more preferably between 5% and 10%.

[0036] The addition of microcrystalline cellulose improves moldability, enhances workability during processes such as kneading with a roll mill, and is particularly effective in suppressing shrinkage and volume changes in e-cigarette fillers, thus contributing to quality control and homogenization of the user experience of e-cigarette cartridges.

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

[0038] When the average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose is 30 μm or more, it has an excellent effect in suppressing the shrinkage of e-cigarette fillers, and when it is 150 μm or less, in addition to the effect of suppressing shrinkage, it can also provide good moldability.

[0039] The average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose is determined by sieving. The above average particle size can be obtained by the method described in JIS K 0069:1992. The average particle size is defined as the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by summing the masses from the largest mesh opening of multiple sieves, for example. Furthermore, preferably, the residue on the sieve with a mesh size of 250 μm is 8% by mass or less, and the residue on the sieve with a mesh size of 75 μm is 45% by mass or more.

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

[0041] The mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of microcrystalline cellulose is preferably between 10,000 and 200,000. A Mw of 10,000 or more provides excellent suppression of shrinkage in e-cigarette fillers, while a Mw of 100,000 or less provides good moldability in addition to the aforementioned shrinkage suppression effect. Particularly preferred is a Mw of 20,000 to 60,000. The molecular weight of cellulose can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For example, a measurement method as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-109715 can be employed, with polyethylene glycol or the like being used as a standard material as appropriate.

[0042] Next, we will explain the mixing process (M).

[0043] The non-tobacco plants used as raw materials undergo drying and grinding processes (A) as needed, are weighed, and then proceed to the mixing process (M).

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

[0045] Examples of bulbs include onions, spider lilies, tulips, hyacinths, garlic, shallots, and lilies. Examples of corms include crocuses, gladiolus, freesias, irises, taro, and konjac. Examples of tubers include cyclamen, anemones, begonias, Chinese artichokes, potatoes, and apios. Examples of rhizomes include cannas, lotus (lotus root), and ginger. Examples of tubers include dahlias, sweet potatoes, cassava, and Jerusalem artichokes. Examples of rhizomes include the genus Dioscorea (Japanese yam, wild yam, Chinese yam, and other yam species), as well as turnips, burdock, carrots, radishes, and kudzu. Examples of stems include konjac, asparagus, bamboo shoots, Japanese angelica tree, radishes, and yacon.

[0046] The above-mentioned tubers or the plants listed below contain carbohydrates and are preferably used as at least a part of the filling material 111. For example, starches include corn starch (corn), potato starch (potato), sweet potato starch (sweet potato), tapioca starch (tapioca), etc., and have been used as thickeners, stabilizers, etc. These starches can be improved by crosslinking to enhance acid resistance, heat resistance, and shear resistance, etc., by esterification and etherification to improve storage stability and accelerate gelatinization, etc., and by oxidation to improve transparency, film properties, and storage stability, etc.

[0047] From plant seeds, tamarind seed gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum can be obtained; from tree sap, gum arabic and karaya gum; from fruits, pectin; and from other plants, konjac mannan (mainly composed of cellulose and agarose) and soybean polysaccharides can be obtained. Furthermore, these can be modified and used, such as cationized guar gum.

[0048] From seaweed, carrageenan, classified into three types (kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, and lambda-carrageenan), agar, and alginic acid can be obtained, and these are also used as salts such as carrageenan metal salts and sodium alginate.

[0049] To give specific examples, plants used as herbs and spices include gardenia fruit, kaffir lime leaves, Japanese ginger, mugwort, wasabi, ajwain seeds, anise, alfalfa, echinacea, shallots, tarragon, everlasting flower, elderflower, allspice, orris root, oregano, orange peel, orange blossom, orange leaf, cayenne chili pepper, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, cardamom, curry leaf, and garlic. Garlic, catnip, caraway, caraway seeds, osmanthus, cumin, cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamom, green pepper, cornflower, saffron, cedar, cinnamon, jasmine, juniper berries, bhut jolokia, ginger, star anise, spearmint, sumac, sage, savory, celery, celery seeds, turmeric, thyme, tamarind, tarragon, chervil, chives, dill, dill seeds Tomato (sun-dried tomato), tonka bean, dried cilantro, nutmeg, hibiscus, habanero, jalapeño, bird's eye, basil, vanilla, cilantro (coriander), parsley, paprika, hyssop, piments despelette, pink pepper, fenugreek seeds, fennel, brown mustard, black cardamom, black cumin, black pepper, vetiver, pennyroyal, peppermint, horseradish, white pepper, white mustard, poppy seeds, porcini, ma You can use ingredients such as joram, mustard seeds, maniguette, marigold, malba flower, mace, yarrow flower, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, linden, red clover, red pepper, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon peel, rose, purple rosebuds, rosehip, rose petals, rosemary, rose red, laurel, long pepper, sesame (raw and roasted), golden chili pepper, Sichuan pepper, Mitaka pepper, Japanese pepper, chili pepper, and yuzu.Additionally, you can use mixed spices (for example, five-spice powder, garam masala, ras el hanout, barigoul, chicken curry masala, tandoori masala, quatre épices, herbes de Provence) or various plant mixtures used in potpourri.

[0050] Additionally, edible fruits (the flesh) and seeds of fruits such as peaches, blueberries, lemons, oranges, apples, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, grapes, kumquats, melons, plums, almonds, cocoa, coffee beans, peanuts, sunflowers, olives, walnuts, and other nuts can be used.

[0051] In addition, various types of tea can be used. These teas differ not only in the plants used to make them, but also in the processing methods used, even from the same plant. Specifically, for example, Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, hydrangea tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, aloe vera tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, evergreen oak 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, mulberry leaf tea, black bean tea, Geranium thunbergii tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, kelp 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, angelica tree tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, houttuynia cordata tea, eucommia 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.

[0052] As mentioned above, kelp was listed as a specific example of a plant that can be used, but of course, other plants such as sea lettuce, green laver, sea lettuce, asakusa laver, arame, rock laver, egonori, ogonori, gagome kelp, kajime, ganiashi, kubirezuta, kurome, kelp, susabinori, dulse, chishima kuronori, tsuruarame, tengusa, tororo kelp, Nekoashi kelp, nori (seaweed), habanori, hijiki, hitoegusa, hirome, funori, bouaonori, makonbu, mekabu, mozuku, and wakame can also be used.

[0053] As mentioned above, brown rice was listed as a specific example of a plant that can be used, but other varieties of rice such as Indica (Indian type, continental type, long grain), Glaberima (African rice), Sativa (Asian rice), Javanica (Javanese type, tropical island type, large grain), Japonica (Japanese type, temperate island type, short grain), and NERICA (interspecific hybrid of Asian rice and African rice) can also be used, and can be used as flour or bran.

[0054] Furthermore, while wheat was given as a specific example of a usable plant, other examples of grains that can be used include millet, oats (a cultivated variety of wild oats), barley, oats, foxtail millet, cordo millet, wheat, finger millet, teff, pearl millet, hulless barley (a variety of barley), adlay (the fruit, not the seed), barnyard millet, fonio, wild rice, glutinous barley (a glutinous variety of barley), sorghum (sorghum, corn, sorghum), maize, and rye.

[0055] Furthermore, while black beans were given as a specific example of plants that can be used, other examples of legumes (Fabaceae) that can be used include adzuki beans, carob beans, kidney beans, pea beans, cluster beans, grass peas (Lathyrus sativus), black beans, cowpeas, winged beans, zeocarpa beans, broad beans, soybeans, bamboo beans, canavalia beans, tamarind, teparie beans, sword beans, mung beans (Mucuna pruriens), bambara beans, chickpeas, hyacinth beans, safflower beans, horse beans (Macrotyloma uniflorum), moss beans, lima beans, peanuts, mung beans, lupines, lentils, and lentils (Hentou).

[0056] Furthermore, while buckwheat was given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, other examples of plants that can be used include amaranth, quinoa, and Tartary buckwheat.

[0057] Furthermore, while shiitake mushrooms were given as a specific example of plants that can be used, other types of mushrooms include matsutake, shiitake, hatsutake, shimeji, truffle, button mushroom, and agaricus.

[0058] Additionally, the trunks and branches of aromatic trees such as sugarcane (including the molasses residue), sugar beets, cypress, pine, cedar, hinoki cypress, camellia, and sandalwood, as well as their bark, leaves, and roots, can be used. Ferns and mosses can also be used as non-tobacco plants. Furthermore, by-products and residues from the production of fermented alcoholic beverages such as sake and wine (sake lees, grape pomace (consisting of grape skins, seeds, and stalks)) can also be used. Moreover, various plants as described above can be mixed and used. Of course, other plants not listed here can also be used.

[0059] Furthermore, herbs known as traditional Chinese medicines are also favored. For example, the following: Indigo, Madder root, Red-eyed oak, Centrop, Benzoin, Weiling sen, Artemisia capillaris, Fennel, Turmeric, Senna, Oriental sugar, Quercus dentata, Arctium, Bearberry, Corydalis, Corydalis, Astragalus, Scutellaria, Polygonatum, Phellodendron, Coptis, Prunus persica, Hypericum, Polygala, Sophora japonica (Kaika), Gaihaku, Kagosou, Kashi, He Shou Wu, Gajutsu, Kakko, Kakkon, Kamitsure, Karokon, Karonin, Kankyo, Kanzo, Kanto Uka, Gaiyou, Kikyo, Kigushi, Kikoku, Kijitsu, Kikuka, Kippi, Kyokatsu, Kyonin, Kinkan, Kinginka, Kinsensou, Goji berry (Ku) Koshi, Goji berry leaves, Sophora flavescens, Walnut, Bitter neem bark, Black spicebush, Quercus acuta, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Cinnamon bark, Cassia seed, Scutellaria baicalensis, Scrophularia japonica, Maltodendron, Safflower, Albizia julibrissin, Citrus aurantium, Citrus umbellata, Red ginseng, Cyperus rotundus, Non-glutinous rice, Magnolia bark, Strawberry, Acanthopanax septemlobus, Achyranthes bidentata, Evodia rutaecarpa, Polygonum cuspidatum , Burdock root, Schisandra fruit, Bupleurum root, Asarum, Saffron, Smilax china, Hawthorn fruit, Gardenia fruit, Cornus officinalis, Soybean root, Jujube seed, Japanese pepper, Sansho, Sanryo, Dioscorea, Rehmannia glutinosa, Aster, Lithospermum root, Lithospermum root, Perilla seed, Perilla leaf, Ilex crenata, Perilla frutescens, Rhizome, Peony, Snake's head fruit,Adenophora stricta Miq., Plantago asiatica L., Plantago depressa Willd., Amomum villosum Lour., Ten Drugs, Zingiber officinale Rosc., Areca catechu L. fruit, Areca catechu L. leaf, Cimicifuga foetida L., Triticum aestivum L., Acorus calamus L. root, Magnolia liliflora Desr., Ligustrum lucidum Ait., Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance, Aspergillus oryzae (Ahlb.) Cohn, Clematis apiifolia DC., Leonurus japonicus Houtt., Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. seed, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride, Acorus tatarinowii Schott root, Granatum granatum L. pericarp, Dendrobium nobile Lindl., Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn., Cacumen Rhizoma Drynariae, Inula britannica L., Sambucus williamsii Hance, Tsaoko cardamomum Maton, Tsaoko podocarpum Yang et Huang, Taxillus sutchuenensis (Lecomte) Danser, Xanthium sibiricum Patrin ex Widder, Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC., Biota orientalis (L.) Endl. leaf, Dipsacus asperoides C. Y. Cheng et T. M. Ai, Morus alba L. cortex, Caesalpinia sappan L., Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. leaf, Caesalpinia sappan L. pod, Rheum officinale Baill., Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Areca catechu L. pericarp, Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd.) Munro var. henonis (Mitf.) Stapf ex Rendle, Panax japonicus Torr., Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd.) Munro var. henonis (Mitf.) Stapf ex Rendle leaf, Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, Sanguisorba officinalis L., Caryophyllus aromaticus L., Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks., Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, Arisaema heterophyllum Blume, Gastrodia elata Blume, Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. seed, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Sesamum indicum L., Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Juncus effusus L., Prunus persica (L.) Batsch seed, Pericarpium Citri Sinensis, Cuscuta chinensis Lam., Diospyros kaki Thunb. fruit, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., Heracleum hemsleyanum Diels, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. root, Cistanche deserticola Ma, Cistanche salsa (C. A. Mey.) G. Beck, Lonicera japonica Thunb., Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f., Biota orientalis (L.) Endl. seed, Dolichos lablab L., Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl., Psoralea corylifolia L., Mentha haplocalyx Briq., Momordica charantia L., Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit., Agkistrodon acutus (Guenther), Isatis indigotica Fort., Scutellaria barbata D. Don, Lilium brownii F. E. Brown ex Miellez root, Bupleurum falcatum L., Hedyotis diffusa Willd., Stemona japonica (Blume) Miq., Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Areca catechu L. nut, Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. var. major (Nees) C. E. Hubb., Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk., Typha angustata Bory et Chaub., Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. root, Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. pericarp, Ephedra sinica Stapf., Cannabis sativa L. seed, Vitex trifolia L. var. simplicifolia Cham., Pinus massoniana Lamb. oleoresin, Akebia quinata (Thunb.) Decne., Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) KoehneMokkou, Motsuyaku, Mokuzoku, Yakan, Yakuchi, Yakotou, Luo Han Guo, Ranso, Longan fruit, Ryutan, Ryokyo, Reishi, Forsythia, Rensensou, Ren'niku, Rokon.

[0060] Furthermore, extracts of non-tobacco plants, as exemplified above, can also be used. Examples of extract forms include liquid, syrup, powder, granules, and solution.

[0061] Of the examples of non-tobacco plants described above, those that do not require drying or grinding can be added directly to the mixing process (M).

[0062] Other materials that can be used as fillings for e-cigarettes include the following:

[0063] Suitable aerosol formers 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, but glycerin and propylene glycol are particularly preferred. These are used in amounts of 1% to 80% by mass relative to the e-cigarette filler, and are particularly preferably 10% to 40% by mass.

[0064] Furthermore, flavoring additives are preferably used as needed to enhance the flavor. Examples of flavoring additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, and tea extracts.

[0065] Furthermore, food preservatives may be added as needed, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, or sodium benzoate.

[0066] Other materials used besides those mentioned above include binders or thickeners such as gums like guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia gum, 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 carboxymethylcellulose, caranagin, agar, and pectin (conjugated base salts of organic acids); and combinations thereof.

[0067] The aerosol formers, flavor additives, preservatives, binders, or thickeners exemplified above are prepared in the preparation step (B) shown in Figure 8, and then proceed to the mixing step (M).

[0068] In the mixing process (M), a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a configuration in which the materials in the mixing tank are mixed while applying shear force with stirring blades is preferably used.

[0069] Next is the filling molding process (F), which can be exemplified by a method of forming a rod shape by passing the non-tobacco plant composition through an orifice under pressure, a method of forming it into a thin sheet, or a method of drying and crushing the non-tobacco plant composition to form granules.

[0070] This invention will describe in detail a method of forming a thin sheet and then cutting it. A three-roll mill was prepared to create the thin sheet. Using a three-roll mill is preferable because it allows for kneading and dispersion through compression by pressing the material between the 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 is also preferable to use a press roller or a press machine.

[0071] Furthermore, in the filling molding process (F), non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, etc. may be added as needed, or water may be added.

[0072] In this invention, although the term "water" is used, it is preferable to use water that has been sterilized or from which microorganisms have been removed for use in manufacturing, and it is preferable to use pure water obtained by reverse osmosis or ion exchange.

[0073] In the filling molding process (F), the thickness of the resulting sheet is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The resulting sheet is cut into the desired shape, and examples of cutting methods include cutters and rotary cutters with rotating blades.

[0074] As a specific example of the filler molding process (F), we will take the example of cutting a 0.3 mm thick sheet into a desired shape. For example, cut it into a rectangle with a length of 150 mm and a width of 240 mm. This sheet is fed into a rotary cutter and cut into a shape of 1.5 mm in length and 240 mm in width to obtain sheet cut pieces. 50 of these sheet cut pieces are wrapped in cigarette paper to create a roll with an outer diameter of approximately 6.9 mm. The roll is cut with a cutter to a length of 12.0 mm to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). In this case, the mass of the filler is 0.29 g. If the ratio of the volume of the filler to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is called the volume filling rate, then in the above case the volume filling rate is 0.60. Then, the density of the filler calculated from the volume filling rate and the mass of the filler is 1.07 g / cm3.

[0075] In the above-described filling molding process (F), multiple rod-shaped or strip-shaped fillings are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. Furthermore, these multiple rod-shaped or strip-shaped fillings are enclosed by an enclosing member (151) such as tobacco paper along the axis of the roll height, forming an aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0076] The electronic cigarette cartridge manufacturing process (G) is described below. The aerosol-forming substrate (110) obtained in this way, the support element (300) which will be described in detail below, and the mouthpiece (140) are wrapped in a packaging member (150), or the packaging member (150) is made into a cylindrical shape in advance, and the mouthpiece (140), support element (300), and filling material (111) are inserted into it. Accordingly, an example of a preferred configuration of the present invention is an electronic cigarette cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a support element (300), and a mouthpiece (140) arranged from the upstream side (10) to the downstream side (20).

[0077] When using the electronic cigarette body of the present invention with a heating element inserted, a preferred form is a filler molded to have a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0078] In this invention, the reason for including microcrystalline cellulose in the electronic cigarette filler is that the presence of crystalline cellulose makes it easier to blend with the filler composition, increasing mechanical strength and structural stability, reducing changes in length, width, and thickness over time, and consequently reducing volume changes.

[0079] This is expected to improve the moldability of the filler material and enhance workability during processes such as kneading with a roll mill. In particular, it is effective in suppressing the rate of change in length, width, thickness, and volume due to shrinkage of e-cigarette fillers.

[0080] By adding microcrystalline cellulose of a predetermined particle size to the filler material in this invention, it is possible to suppress the rate of change in length, width, thickness, and volume even when the filler is made into the shape described above, and to suppress the problem of the e-cigarette filler falling out of the e-cigarette cartridge during transportation. Furthermore, by suppressing the aforementioned changes over time after manufacturing, it is possible to homogenize the user experience regardless of the time elapsed since manufacturing, which is also effective in terms of quality maintenance and management.

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

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

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

[0084] The percentage changes in length, width, thickness, and volume of non-tobacco plant compositions or e-cigarette fillers are calculated by subtracting the values ​​of length, width, thickness, and volume after drying for a predetermined time from the values ​​of length, width, thickness, and volume before drying, and then dividing by the values ​​of length, width, thickness, and volume before drying.

[0085] Specifically, L0 is the length of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler before drying. L10 is the length of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 10 minutes. The percentage change in length La (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 10 minutes is defined as follows: La(%) = (L0 - L10) / L0 × 100 Furthermore, when the length of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 15 minutes is defined as L15, the rate of change in length Lb(%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 15 minutes is defined as follows. Lb(%) = (L0 - L15) / L0 × 100

[0086] The width of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler before drying is W0. The width of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 10 minutes is W10. The percentage change in width Wa (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 10 minutes is defined as follows: Wa(%) = (W0 - W10) / W0 × 100 Furthermore, if the width of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 15 minutes is defined as W15, the percentage change in width Wb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 15 minutes is defined as follows. Wb(%) = (W0 - W15) / W0 × 100

[0087] The thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler before drying is T0. The thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 10 minutes is T10. The percentage change in thickness Ta (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 10 minutes is defined as follows. Ta(%) = (T0 - T10) / T0 × 100 Furthermore, when the thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 15 minutes is defined as T15, the percentage change in thickness Tb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or e-cigarette filler after a drying time of 15 minutes is defined as follows. Tb(%) = (T0 - T15) / T0 × 100

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

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

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

[0091] A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, The length of the e-cigarette filler before drying is L'0. L'10 is the length obtained when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes. If defined as follows, The rate of change in length of e-cigarette filler material, L'a(%), is defined as follows: L'a(%)=(L'0-L'10) / L'0×100

[0092] A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, The length of the e-cigarette filler before drying is L'0. The length when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is L'15. If defined as follows, The rate of change in length of e-cigarette filler material, L'b(%), is defined as follows: L'b(%)=(L'0-L'15) / L'0×100

[0093] A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, The width of the e-cigarette filler before drying is W'0. The width when dried at 105℃ for 10 minutes is W'10. If defined as follows, The width change rate W'a(%) of the e-cigarette filler is defined as follows: W'a(%)=(W'0-W'10) / W'0×100

[0094] A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, The width of the e-cigarette filler before drying is W'0. When dried at 105℃ for 15 minutes, the width is W'15. If defined as follows, The width change rate W'b(%) of the e-cigarette filler is defined as follows: W'b(%) = (W'0 - W'15) / W'0 × 100

[0095] A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, The thickness of the e-cigarette filler before drying is T'0. The thickness when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is T'10. If defined as follows, The percentage change in thickness of the e-cigarette filling material, T'a(%), is defined as follows: T'a(%)=(T'0-T'10) / T'0×100

[0096] A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, The thickness of the e-cigarette filler before drying is T'0. The thickness when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is T'15. If defined as follows, The percentage change in thickness of the e-cigarette filling material, T'b(%), is defined as follows: T'b(%)=(T'0-T'15) / T'0×100

[0097] A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, V'0 is the volume of the e-cigarette filler before drying. V'10 is the volume obtained when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes. If defined as follows, The volume change rate V'a(%) of the e-cigarette filler is defined as follows: V'a(%)=(V'0-V'10) / V'0×100

[0098] A refill for e-cigarettes made from non-tobacco plants, The electronic cigarette filler is characterized in that it contains an aerosol former, and the shape of the filler is a rod-shaped or strip-shaped form with a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, V'0 is the volume of the e-cigarette filler before drying. The volume after drying at 105°C for 15 minutes is V'15. If defined as follows, The volume change rate V'b(%) of the e-cigarette filler is defined as follows: V'b(%)=(V'0-T'15) / V'0×100

[0099] In this invention, if the length change rate L'a(%) of the e-cigarette filler, when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes, is 95.2% or higher, the detachment of the filler from the e-cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 95.7% or higher. More preferably, it is 96.2% or higher. Furthermore, if the length change rate L'b(%) of the e-cigarette filler is 94.2% or higher when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes, the detachment of the filler from the e-cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 95.0% or higher. More preferably, it is 95.9% or higher.

[0100] In this invention, the volume change rate V'a(%) when the electronic cigarette filler is dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is 88.1% or more, and the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge The shedding of the material can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 91.1% or more. More preferably, It is over 94.2%. Furthermore, if the volume change rate V'b(%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 83.1% or higher, the detachment of the filling material from the e-cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 87.2% or higher. More preferably, it is 91.4% or higher.

[0101] In this invention, if the width change rate W'a(%) when the e-cigarette filler is dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is 93.9% or more, the detachment of the filler from the e-cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 96.2% or more. More preferably, it is 98.6% or more. Furthermore, if the width change rate W'b(%) after drying at 105°C for 15 minutes is 89.6% or higher, the detachment of the filling material from the e-cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 92.9% or higher. More preferably, it is 96.3% or higher.

[0102] In this invention, if the thickness change rate T'a(%) when the e-cigarette filler is dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is 98.8% or higher, the detachment of the filler from the e-cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 99.0% or higher. More preferably, it is 99.2% or higher. Furthermore, if the thickness change rate T'b(%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 98.5% or higher, the detachment of the filling material from the e-cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 98.6% or higher. More preferably, it is 98.9% or higher.

[0103] Furthermore, in this invention, when an e-cigarette cartridge is molded using a filler containing microcrystalline cellulose, the rate of change such as the decrease in length, width, thickness, and volume over time after manufacturing can be suppressed. This reduces problems such as the detachment of the e-cigarette filler from the e-cigarette cartridge due to the aforementioned changes over time, and is also effective in suppressing changes in aerosol fluidity that affect the user experience of the e-cigarette cartridge, thereby maintaining a suitable user experience and homogenization regardless of the time elapsed since manufacturing.

[0104] Next, we will explain examples of how the manufactured e-cigarette refills can be used.

[0105] Figure 1 illustrates the usage configuration of an e-cigarette cartridge. The e-cigarette cartridge (100) is attached to the e-cigarette device (200) when used by the user. The e-cigarette device (200) is provided with an insertion part (210) for inserting the e-cigarette cartridge (100).

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

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

[0108] Although Figure 1 illustrates a case where the heating element (211) has one pin-shaped or blade-shaped member, another example of a different configuration is one in which the heating element (211) has multiple pin-shaped or blade-shaped members.

[0109] Figure 2 shows an example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge (100). Starting from the side into which the heating element (211) is inserted, that is, from the upstream side (10) to the downstream side (20), the configuration consists of an aerosol forming substrate (110), a support element (300), a transport member (130), and a mouthpiece (140).

[0110] The support element (300) supports the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The support element (300) is positioned adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate (110), and the side portion (160) of the support element (300) is in contact with the packaging member (150) located on the periphery of the e-cigarette cartridge (100). The side portion (160) is fixed to the inner surface of the packaging member (150), for example, by adhesive.

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

[0112] As shown in Figure 3, the filler (111) manufactured as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is preferably shaped like a rod or a strip, and is packed along the longitudinal direction of the filler (111) during filling. Here, an example of filling into a cylindrical encapsulating member (151) is shown. As the encapsulating member (151), paper such as cigarette paper formed into a cylindrical shape can be used. Alternatively, the packaging member (150) may also serve as the encapsulating member (151). This stabilizes the airflow and makes it easier for the user to inhale the aromatic components from the aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0113] Figure 4 shows how the aerosol-forming substrate (110), transport member (130), mouthpiece (140), and support element (300) described below are arranged adjacent to each other in the order of aerosol-forming substrate (110), support element (300), transport member (130), and mouthpiece (140), and a winding rod is formed with packaging material (150) such as cigarette paper. At this time, a small amount of adhesive is applied to the side (160) of the support element, resulting in an electronic cigarette cartridge (100).

[0114] Next, we will describe in detail examples of how to use the electronic cigarette cartridge of the present invention.

[0115] The electronic cigarette cartridge (100) has an appearance such as a rod or cylindrical shape, as shown in Figure 2.

[0116] The inside of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is arranged in the following order, for example, as shown in Figure 2: an aerosol-forming substrate (110) is provided at one end, and a support element (300) and a transport member (130) are arranged toward the mouthpiece (140) at the other end. These are then packaged by a packaging member (150).

[0117] The aerosol-forming substrate (110) has a filling material for electronic cigarettes. The aerosol-forming substrate (110) generates an aerosol containing aromatic components from the plant that formed the filling material when heated.

[0118] As shown in Figure 3, when the filler material used as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is in the form of a piece, strip, or rod, where the long side is approximately 2 to 20 times the short side, the filler material (111) should be packed so that its long side is aligned with the long side of the cartridge. This improves airflow and makes inhalation easier. Figure 3 is a view from the end of the e-cigarette cartridge where the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is located, and is partially a perspective view so that the filler material (111) inside the cartridge is visible. However, it is preferable that the maximum length of the filler material be approximately 1 to 20 mm. This is because if the maximum length is too large, it may become too large and difficult to handle when filling the cartridge. Of course, other types of filler material are also acceptable; for example, a flat plate with a nearly uniform shape can be rolled up and packed, making it easier to handle.

[0119] As for other aerosol-forming substrates, it is also preferable to use those formed in the shape of a sheet by creasing, pleating, gathering, or folding.

[0120] Similar to rod-shaped materials, fibrous fillers are packed so that the length of the fibers aligns with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, thereby improving the airflow of the inhaled air.

[0121] Porous fillers are a preferred form because their porous nature improves airflow when suctioned after being packed into a cartridge. Porous properties can be created, for example, by repeatedly puncturing a dry sheet with multiple needles, but other methods may also be used.

[0122] The filling material can be in the form of a flat plate such as a flake, square, rectangle, or rhombus, or it can be powder, granules, or pellets, and can be easily packed into the cartridge opening by dropping them in. Furthermore, it is preferable because the amount packed into the cartridge (filling amount) can be easily adjusted, and the airflow when suctioned can be easily adjusted by changing the amount packed. It can be used even more favorably by taking measures to prevent the material from falling out, such as by covering the cartridge opening.

[0123] Block-shaped fillers have good thermal conductivity and easily extract aromatic components. This is one of the preferred forms. The size of the blocks can also be increased for easier storage. In that case, the blocks can be reshaped into smaller blocks, rods, granules, or other forms during filling.

[0124] The support element (300) supports the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The support element (300) is positioned adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and has airflow holes or notches in its center or side so that the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate (110) can be directed toward the mouthpiece (140).

[0125] The mouthpiece (140) is adjacent to the transport member (130) and positioned at the other end of the e-cigarette cartridge (100). The mouthpiece (140) may include a filter for removing particulate matter, such as a cellulose acetate filter. The fragrance components that pass through the filter of the mouthpiece (140) are inhaled by the user.

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

[0127] As the transfer member (130), a hollow tubular member can be used, such as one in which a crimped polymer sheet is wound in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0128] Figure 5(1) shows a configuration in which the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300) are in contact. This is a preferred configuration because it allows for stable support of the aerosol-forming substrate (110). Furthermore, its simple structure offers significant manufacturing advantages.

[0129] Figure 5(2) shows a configuration in which a partition member (180) is provided between the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300), and the two are in contact via the partition member (180). The partition member (180) can be made of, for example, a breathable filter or paper, and it is preferable that it is designed to break when the heating element (211) is inserted. Providing such a partition member is effective in preventing the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from moving around in the e-cigarette cartridge due to the effects of logistics such as transportation.

[0130] Figure 5(3) also shows a configuration in which a lid (170) is placed on the side of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) into which the heating element (211) is inserted. This is effective in preventing the dissipation of the aroma of the aerosol-forming substrate (110). Furthermore, it has the effect of preventing the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from falling out of the e-cigarette cartridge due to the effects of logistics such as transportation. The material of the lid (170) can be a filter, paper, or sponge. When a heating element is inserted, it is also preferable to make one or more slits in the lid (170), or to provide a circular or polygonal guide hole in the place where the heating element is inserted.

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

[0132] One preferred specific form of an electronic cigarette cartridge is as follows: The aerosol-forming substrate (110) is a substantially cylindrical shape in which the filler is enclosed in tobacco paper or the like, with the diameter of the bottom or top surface of the substantially cylindrical being 6.5 mm or more and 7.5 mm or less, and the height of the substantially cylindrical being 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less. Furthermore, it is preferable that the filler is in the shape of a rod or strip and is filled along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge, and that the length of the filler is approximately equal to the height of the substantially cylindrical. That is, it is preferable that it is 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less. Furthermore, in the case of the support element (300), the outer diameter is preferably approximately equal to the diameter of the bottom or top surface of the roughly cylindrical aerosol-forming substrate (110). Also, its length is 9.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm or less. Furthermore, the mouthpiece (140) has a length exceeding 20.0 mm, preferably 21.0 mm or more, and preferably 25.0 mm or less. Furthermore, it is preferable that the volume filling rate of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.55 or more and 0.65 or less.

[0133] Figure 6 illustrates further uses of the e-cigarette cartridge. Since it differs in specific configuration from the aforementioned e-cigarette cartridge (100), it will be referred to as e-cigarette cartridge (101) and described below. The e-cigarette device used also differs from the aforementioned e-cigarette device (200), so it will be referred to as e-cigarette device (201) and described below. The electronic cigarette cartridge (101) is attached to the electronic cigarette body (201) when used by the user. The electronic cigarette body (201) is provided with an insertion section (450) for inserting the electronic cigarette cartridge (101). The electronic cigarette body (101) has an outer casing (410), and a heating section (440) surrounding the electronic cigarette cartridge heats the aerosol-forming substrate (110) of the electronic cigarette cartridge, generating an aerosol for smoking. When smoking from the other end (20), air flows in from the vent hole (431), and the generated aerosol passes through the hollow cylindrical member (530), the transport member (130), and the mouthpiece (140) for smoking. The control unit (420) contains a battery or a control device for the heating section, etc. The opening / closing cover (430) is opened when smoking is finished and the inside of the electronic cigarette body is cleaned.

[0134] Figure 7 shows another example of the structure of an e-cigarette cartridge. From one end (10) to the other end (20), there is an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a hollow cylindrical member (530), a transport member (130), and a mouthpiece (140), all encased in a packaging member (150). The aerosol-forming substrate (110) is heated by the e-cigarette body, so the hollow cylindrical member (530) is placed there for insulation. The transport member (130) can also serve as a cooling member.

[0135] The preferred shape for the electronic cigarette cartridge shown in Figure 7 is an outer diameter of 4 mm to 6 mm, with the aerosol-forming substrate (110) being 30 mm to 70 mm in length, and the hollow cylindrical member (530) being 20 mm to 30 mm. The transport member (130) is 5 mm to 15 mm, and the mouthpiece (140) is 10 mm to 25 mm.

[0136] The present invention will be described below with reference to manufacturing examples and embodiments.

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

[0138] 100 parts by mass of dried and ground black tea leaves Glycerin 30 parts by mass Propylene glycol 30 parts by mass Menthol 5 parts by mass Microcrystalline cellulose 15 parts by mass Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone 10 parts by mass 4 parts by mass of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Xylitol 1.5 parts by mass Glucomannan 1 part by mass The mixture was placed in a mixer and mixed for 15 minutes to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition.

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

[0140] The obtained non-tobacco plant composition was introduced into the filler molding process (F). The non-tobacco plant composition was kneaded and dispersed in a three-roll mill to form a sheet of the desired thickness. In this example, the process of introducing the non-tobacco plant composition into a three-roll mill, adding 20 parts by mass of pure water while observing the state of the sheet, and pressing a doctor blade against the rolls to collect the sheet-like material was repeated eight times to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition sheet.

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

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

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

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

[0145] (Manufacturing example 5) For the non-tobacco plant composition in Production Example 1, a tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, but without using microcrystalline cellulose.

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

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

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

[0149] (Manufacturing example 9) For the non-tobacco plant composition in Production Example 1, a tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, using methylcellulose instead of microcrystalline cellulose. Subsequently, the material was fed into a rotary cutter and processed into a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. Fifty of these fillers were bundled together, aligned longitudinally, wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2, and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volume filling ratio of the filler to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0150] (Manufacturing example 10) For the non-tobacco plant composition in Production Example 1, 4 parts by mass of microcrystalline cellulose were used, and a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1 in all other respects. Subsequently, the material was fed into a rotary cutter and processed into a filler with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. Fifty of these fillers were bundled together, aligned longitudinally, wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m2, and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volume filling ratio of the filler to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0151] (Example 1) In Manufacturing Example 2, an aerosol-forming substrate, a cylindrical hollow tube support element (300), and a filter (140) to serve as a mouthpiece were prepared. The support element (300) had a bottom and top diameter, i.e., an outer diameter of 6.9 mm, and a 4 mm through-hole in the hollow portion. A 23 mm long filter (140) was used to serve as the mouthpiece. As a packaging material, paper with a basis weight of 38 g / m2 was used, wound two and a half times to achieve an inner diameter of 6.9 mm, and then glued. Thus, creating a paper tube by winding paper with a basis weight of 32 g / m2 to 45 g / m2 two and a half times and using it as a packaging material makes it suitable as an e-cigarette cartridge for use in an e-cigarette body into which a heating element is inserted.

[0152] Adhesive was applied to the inside of the paper tube, a filter was inserted from the other end (20) to form a mouthpiece (140), a support element (300) was inserted from the one end (10), and then an aerosol-forming substrate was inserted. Furthermore, paper with a basis weight of 40 g / m2 was wrapped around the mouthpiece portion so as to overlap the mouthpiece (140) almost completely. This is how I created the e-cigarette cartridge.

[0153] (Example 2) In Example 1, an e-cigarette cartridge was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, using the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 3 instead of the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 2.

[0154] (Example 3) In Example 1, an e-cigarette cartridge was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, using the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 4 instead of the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 2.

[0155] (Example 4) In Example 1, an e-cigarette cartridge was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, using the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 10 instead of the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 2.

[0156] (Comparative Example 1) In Example 1, instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Manufacturing Example 2, an e-cigarette cartridge was prepared using the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Manufacturing Example 6, in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0157] (Comparative Example 2) In Comparative Example 1, an e-cigarette cartridge was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, using the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 7 instead of the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 6.

[0158] (Comparative Example 3) In Comparative Example 1, an e-cigarette cartridge was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, using the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 8 instead of the aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 6.

[0159] The non-tobacco plant compositions and e-cigarette cartridges obtained by the above method were evaluated as follows.

[0160] (Rating 1) For sheets prepared using the non-tobacco plant compositions created in Production Example 1, Production Example 5, Production Example 9, and Production Example 10, the length, width, thickness, and volume of each sheet were measured before and after drying by halogen lamp irradiation, and the changes were quantitatively measured.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0168] In (Evaluation 1), the results obtained by measuring the length, width, thickness, and volume are as follows: Figure 9 shows a graph illustrating the rate of change in length. Figure 10 shows a graph illustrating the rate of change in volume.

[0169] After a drying time of 10 minutes, the percentage change in volume Va (%) was 86.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 (which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose), compared to 89.4% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 (which contained microcrystalline cellulose). Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 had a volume change of 86.9%. After a 15-minute drying time, the percentage change in volume Vb (%) was 85.5% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 (which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose), compared to 88.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 (which contained microcrystalline cellulose). Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 had a volume change of 85.7%.

[0170] After a drying time of 10 minutes, the percentage change in length (La(%)) was 92.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 93.6% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 had a percentage change of 92.8%. After a 15-minute drying time, the percentage change in length (Lb) was 91.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 (which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose), compared to 92.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 (which contained microcrystalline cellulose). Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 had a change in length of 91.9%.

[0171] After a drying time of 10 minutes, the percentage change in width Wa (%) was 94.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 96.2% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 had a percentage change of 95.0%.

[0172] After a 15-minute drying time, the percentage change in width (Wb) was 94.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 (which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose), compared to 96.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 (which contained microcrystalline cellulose). Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 showed a change in width of 94.9%.

[0173] After a drying time of 10 minutes, the percentage change in thickness (Ta) was 98.6% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 99.3% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 had a thickness of 98.8%. After a 15-minute drying time, the percentage change in thickness Tb (%) was 98.3% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5 (which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose), compared to 99.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1 (which contained microcrystalline cellulose). Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 had a thickness of 98.5%.

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

[0175] (Rating 2) The following evaluations were conducted on e-cigarette cartridges. The following describes the general specifications of the e-cigarette device used. The e-cigarette device used was the IQOS® heated tobacco product manufactured by Philip Morris. The general specifications of the e-cigarette are as follows: The heating element (211) is 4.5 mm wide, 12 mm long to the tip, and 0.4 mm thick. The inner diameter of the insertion part (210) is 7 mm, which is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the e-cigarette cartridge. The heating element (211) is heated by power supplied from a battery (not shown) located inside the e-cigarette device (200), reaching a temperature of approximately 370°C. The built-in control system ensures that one e-cigarette cartridge is consumed after 14 puffs. When the e-cigarette cartridge of this embodiment is inserted, the portion of the e-cigarette cartridge that appears to the outside from the downstream side of the e-cigarette device is approximately 20 mm.

[0176] After smoking the e-cigarette cartridges manufactured in this embodiment and comparative example using the e-cigarette device, a drop test of the contents was performed. The post-smoking filler drop test was evaluated as follows: After smoking, one end (10) of the e-cigarette cartridge was pointed vertically downwards and shaken up and down to check for any ejection or fall of the filler. The evaluation criteria are as follows: Rank A: No instances of jumping out or falling observed. Rank B: May involve sudden jumps or falls. The test results obtained using method (Evaluation 2) are shown in Table 1 below.

[0177] (Rating 3) The shedding of the filling material after storage at room temperature for a specified period was evaluated as follows. The prepared e-cigarette cartridges were placed in a cardboard box measuring 70mm (long side), 14mm (short side), and 45mm (height), with the aerosol-forming substrate facing the bottom. The prepared boxes containing the e-cigarette cartridges were then left in a 45°C environment for two weeks. The following evaluation will then be conducted. The e-cigarette cartridge was removed from the cardboard box, and one end of the e-cigarette cartridge (10) was pointed vertically downwards to check for any leakage or dropping of the contents. The evaluation criteria are as follows: Rank A: No instances of jumping out or falling observed. Rank B: May involve sudden jumps or falls. The test results obtained using method (Evaluation 3) are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0178] (Rating 5) For the fillers prepared in Manufacturing Examples 3, 7, and 10, the length, width, thickness, and volume of the fillers were measured before and after drying by halogen lamp irradiation, and the changes were quantitatively measured. Furthermore, the moisture content was measured using the same type of halogen moisture meter (manufactured by Bangxi Instrument Technology Co. Ltd., model number: DHS-50-5) as in (Evaluation 1), and the measurement method was carried out in the same manner as in (Evaluation 1).

[0179] In this invention, the length of the filler before drying is L'0, If we define L'10 as the length of the filling after a drying time of 10 minutes, The rate of change in length of the packing material, L'a(%), is defined as follows: L'a(%)=(L'0-L'10) / L'0×100 Furthermore, if the length of the filling material after a drying time of 15 minutes is L'15, the rate of change in length of the filling material after a drying time of 15 minutes, L'b(%), is defined as follows. L'b(%)=(L'0-L15) / L'0×100

[0180] In this invention, the width of the filler before drying is W'0, When the width of the filler after 10 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as W’10, The width change rate W’a(%) of the filler is defined as follows. W’a(%)=(W’0 - W’10) / W’0×100 Also, when the width of the filler after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is W’15, the width change rate W’b(%) of the filler after 15 minutes of drying time is defined as follows. W’b(%)=(W’0 - W’15) / W’0×100

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

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

[0183] In (Evaluation 4), the results obtained by measuring the length, width, thickness, and volume are as follows: Furthermore, Figure 11 shows a graph illustrating the rate of change in length. Figure 12 shows a graph illustrating the rate of change in volume. Figure 13 shows a graph illustrating the rate of change in width.

[0184] After 10 minutes of drying, the percentage change in volume V'a (%) was 87.9% for the filler in Production Example 7, which does not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 94.3% for the filler in Production Example 3, which contains microcrystalline cellulose. The filler in Production Example 10 was 88.1%. After 15 minutes of drying, the percentage change in volume V'b (%) was 82.9% for the filler in Production Example 7, which does not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 91.5% for the filler in Production Example 3, which contains microcrystalline cellulose. The filler in Production Example 10 was 83.1%.

[0185] After 10 minutes of drying, the percentage change in length L'a (%) was 95.0% for the filler in Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 96.3% for the filler in Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. The filler in Production Example 10 was 95.2%. After 15 minutes of drying, the percentage change in length L'b (%) was 94.1% for the filler in Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 96.0% for the filler in Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. The filler in Production Example 10 was 94.2%.

[0186] After 10 minutes of drying, the percentage change in width W'a (%) was 93.7% for the filler in Production Example 7 (without microcrystalline cellulose), compared to 98.7% for the filler in Production Example 3 (with microcrystalline cellulose). The filler in Production Example 10 was 93.9%. After 15 minutes of drying, the percentage change in width W'b (%) was 89.4% for the filler in Production Example 7 (without microcrystalline cellulose), compared to 96.4% for the filler in Production Example 3 (with microcrystalline cellulose). The filler in Production Example 10 was 89.6%.

[0187] After a drying time of 10 minutes, the percentage change in thickness T'a (%) was 98.6% for the filler in Production Example 7, which does not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 99.3% for the filler in Production Example 3, which contains microcrystalline cellulose. Furthermore, the non-tobacco plant composition sheet in Production Example 10 had a percentage change of 98.8%. After a drying time of 15 minutes, the percentage change in thickness T'b (%) was 98.3% for the filler in Production Example 7, which does not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared to 99.0% for the filler in Production Example 3, which contains microcrystalline cellulose. Furthermore, the filler in Production Example 10 had a percentage change of 98.5%.

[0188] Furthermore, when the length, width, thickness, and volume of the filler prepared in Production Example 9, in which methylcellulose was added instead of microcrystalline cellulose, were measured under the same halogen lamp irradiation conditions, the changes were the same as in Production Example 7. Furthermore, methylcellulose does not have a microcrystalline structure. The results for a rating of 4 are summarized in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0189] The embodiment described above provides the following effects. The electronic cigarette filler and electronic cigarette cartridge made from the non-tobacco plant composition of the present invention can reduce shrinkage and volume changes of the electronic cigarette filler during manufacturing and storage. By reducing shrinkage and volume changes of the electronic cigarette filler, the tendency for the electronic cigarette filler to fall out of the electronic cigarette cartridge can be reduced, and the voids in the electronic cigarette filler through which aerosols pass can be maintained at a constant size regardless of the storage period and temperature conditions after manufacturing, thereby maintaining a suitable user experience.

[0190] As described above, embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been explained, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be variously modified based on the configurations described in the claims, and those are also within the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0191] 10 Upstream side (one end side) 20 Downstream side (the other end side) 100 Electronic cigarette cartridge 110 Aerosol forming base material 111 Filling 130 Transfer member 140 Mouthpiece 150 Packaging member 151 Absorbing member 170 Lid 180 Partition member 200 Electronic cigarette body 210 Insertion part 211 Heating element 300 Support element 201 Electronic cigarette body 410 Exterior part 420 Control part 430 Opening / closing lid 431 Vent hole 440 Heating part 450 Insertion part 101 Electronic cigarette cartridge 530 Hollow cylindrical member

Claims

[Claim 1] From upstream to downstream, the components are arranged in the following order: lid, aerosol-forming substrate, support element (a cylindrical hollow tube), transport member (a hollow tubular member), and mouthpiece. The aerosol-forming substrate is a filler enclosed by an enclosing member, The aforementioned filler contains an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose. The shape of the filling is sheet-like, and the shape of the sheet is formed by creasing, pleating, gathering, or folding. The mass-average molecular weight of the microcrystalline cellulose is 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less. An electronic cigarette cartridge characterized by the following features.

Images