Smoking accessory cartridges

Abstract

We provide a simple design and a cartridge for smoking devices equipped with a susceptor. [Solution] The device comprises a cylindrical skeletal member, a partition member positioned inside it, a filling material that generates water vapor and aerosols, a breathable lid member, and a plurality of metal plates inserted into the filling material. A predetermined space is formed between the upstream end of the skeletal member and the filling material. The lid member is attached to cover the filling material in the predetermined space, which has a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm. The partition member is a support member that suppresses the movement of the filling material and allows the generated aerosol-containing airflow to flow downstream.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a smoking device that is used by being attached to an induction heating type smoking device.

Background Art

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

[0003] In such a smoking device, an aerosol is generated by heating a filler aggregate in which fillers are accumulated. As a method of heating the filler aggregate, it is known to provide a susceptor made of a magnetic material inside the filler aggregate and heat the filler by inductively heating the susceptor from the smoking device. As a cartridge for a smoking device provided with a susceptor in the filler aggregate like this, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the susceptor described in Patent Document 1 is formed by stacking multiple types of metals in multiple layers, it is difficult to manufacture the susceptor. Therefore, providing such a susceptor material in a cartridge for a smoking device increases the manufacturing cost per unit of the cartridge for a smoking device, which is not preferable.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a cartridge for a smoking device equipped with a susceptor in a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the smoking device cartridge according to the present invention is a smoking device cartridge used by being attached to an induction heating type smoking device, and comprises a filling material that generates an aerosol when heated, and a susceptor disposed inside the filling material aggregate and generating heat within a predetermined range when induction heated from the outside, wherein the smoking device cartridge is formed in the shape of a rod extending in the longitudinal direction, and the susceptor includes a flat plate-shaped heating element extending in the longitudinal direction, and the flat plate-shaped heating element has a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 mm and a width of 1.0 to 6.0 mm when viewed in the radial cross-section of the smoking device cartridge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a smoking device cartridge equipped with a susceptor can be provided with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a smoking device cartridge having a filler aggregate according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the usage configuration of a smoking accessory cartridge. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of section II in Figure 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of a packing aggregate. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a smoking device cartridge filled with a powdered or granular filling. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a smoking device cartridge filled with a paste-like filler. [Figure 7]This is a cross-sectional view of section II in Figure 1 according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment 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. Repeated explanations will be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for explanatory purposes and may not reflect actual dimensions. The ratio may differ from that shown.

[0011] (Overall composition of a smoking accessory cartridge) Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a smoking device cartridge 1 having a filler aggregate 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the smoking device cartridge 1 is formed by arranging a substantially cylindrical filler aggregate 10 filled with a large number of fillers 20, a support member 12 that can allow airflow from the filler aggregate 10 to pass through, a mouthpiece 14 having a mouthpiece 14a at one end, and a sealing member 18 having an inlet 18a at the other end, along the longitudinal direction and integrating them by winding them with a sheet-like packaging member 16. The packaging member 16 can be made of paper or the like.

[0012] In this embodiment, the smoking device cartridge 1 is formed to have a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm, and a length of 40 mm to 80 mm. Setting the outer diameter of the smoking device cartridge 1 to the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm allows it to fit with appropriate force into the insertion part 51 provided on the smoking device 2 into which the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted, thus enabling the smoking device cartridge 1 to be held appropriately in the smoking device 2 while also facilitating the attachment and detachment of the smoking device cartridge 1. Setting the length of the smoking device cartridge 1 to the range of 40 to 80 mm makes it longer than the length of the insertion part 51 provided on the smoking device 2 that receives the smoking device cartridge 1, so that even when the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted into the smoking device 2, the mouthpiece 14a can be exposed from the smoking device 2, ensuring the necessary length for the smoker to smoke.

[0013] (Configuration of support members) The support member 12 suppresses the movement of the packing aggregate 10 toward the support member 12 and allows the airflow containing aerosols generated in the packing aggregate 10 to flow toward the mouthpiece 14. The support member 12 is provided, for example, in a cylindrical and solid shape, and is positioned between the packing aggregate 10 and the mouthpiece 14 such that its axial direction is along the central axis. The support member 12 is formed, for example, with an outer diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length of 50 mm or less along the central axis. However, the support member 12 may have different dimensions depending on its function and configuration as appropriate.

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

[0015] (Mouthpiece construction) The mouthpiece 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or more. The mouthpiece 14 is formed using, for example, paper or the like. Also, the mouthpiece 14 may be provided in a cylindrical shape by winding a sheet-like member made of, for example, paper, or may contain a cellulose acetate filter or the like for removing fine particles. The mouthpiece 14 is a white filter having a function of filtering a part of the fine particles in the water vapor or aerosol generated by the filler assembly 10. Note that since the filler 20 uses a non-tobacco plant as a raw material as described later, the mouthpiece 14 is not necessarily required.

[0016] (Configuration of the filler assembly) The filler assembly 10 is formed such that a long filler 20 is bundled along the length direction and wound by a sheet-like wrapping member 25 to become substantially cylindrical. The filler 20 is formed from a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant. The filler assembly 10 has a length of 10 to 25 mm. Note that the filler 20 is not limited to a long shape and may be in other forms such as granular, dust-like, paste-like, porous, etc. Also, the cartridge 1 for a smoking device may have dimensions different from those described above according to the shape of the smoking device 2.

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

[0018] A susceptor 30 is provided inside the filler assembly 10. The susceptor 30 has a metal plate 31 which is a flat plate member. The arrangement of the metal plate 31 in the susceptor 30 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The metal plate 31 is made of a metallic material containing a magnetic material. Magnetic materials are broadly classified into ferromagnetic materials, paramagnetic materials, and diamagnetic materials. Among magnetic materials, ferromagnetic materials are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, strongly exhibit magnetism in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and retain strong magnetism even when the external magnetic field is zero. Examples of ferromagnetic materials include iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, or cobalt. The relative permeability of ferromagnetic materials is much greater than 1. For example, it is about 5000 for iron, about 600 for nickel, about 250 for cobalt, and about 1000-1800 for ferritic stainless steel.

[0020] Paramagnetic materials are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, become weakly magnetized in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and become unmagnetized when the external magnetic field is removed. Examples include aluminum, platinum, and manganese. The relative permeability of paramagnetic materials is slightly greater than 1; for example, it is about 1.000021 for aluminum, about 1.000265 for platinum, and about 1.000830 for manganese.

[0021] Furthermore, diamagnetic materials are a type of magnetic material that, when an external magnetic field is applied, becomes magnetized in the opposite direction to the external magnetic field, and loses its magnetism when the external magnetic field is removed. Examples include copper, graphite, bismuth, and chromium. The relative permeability of diamagnetic materials is slightly less than 1; for example, it is approximately 0.999990 for copper, approximately 0.99980 for graphite, and approximately 0.999834 for bismuth.

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

[0023] Furthermore, ferromagnetic materials have high Curie temperatures; for example, nickel has a Curie temperature of around 358°C. Therefore, even when heating the smoking device cartridge 1 at a high temperature of, for example, 200°C, the heating temperature does not reach the Curie temperature, allowing the ferromagnetic properties to be maintained and the packing aggregate 10 to be heated stably.

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

[0025] To explain the relationship between temperature and magnetism for iron and chromium, the Curie temperature of iron, which is the temperature at which it changes from a ferromagnetic material to a paramagnetic material, is approximately 770°C, while the Néel temperature of chromium, which is the temperature at which it changes from a ferrodiamagnetic material to a paramagnetic material, is approximately 308°C.

[0026] Furthermore, the metal plate 31 may be made of a metallic material that mainly contains a ferromagnetic material. For example, a ferromagnetic alloy containing 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, of the magnetic material may be used. Examples include nickel alloys and nickel-iron alloys. In this case as well, the ferromagnetic material is induction heated, which allows the filler aggregate 10 to be sufficiently heated. Note that a metallic material containing paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials may be used instead of a ferromagnetic material. Induction heating is still possible in this case as well. However, it is preferable to use a metallic material containing a ferromagnetic material from the viewpoint of shortening the heating time and reducing power consumption.

[0027] Similarly, the susceptor 30 may be combined with a ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic metal plate 31. For example, a metal plate 31 made of nickel, a ferromagnetic material, and a metal plate 31 made of iron, a ferromagnetic material, may be physically attached to each other, or a metal plate 31 may be physically attached to a metal plate 31 made of aluminum, a paramagnetic material, or the outer surface of the metal plate 31 may be covered with another metal plate 31.

[0028] (Configuration of sealing member) The sealing member 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length of 30 to 70 mm or less along its central axis. The sealing member 18, like the mouthpiece 14, may be formed in a cylindrical shape by winding a sheet-like material, such as paper. The sealing member 18 has the function of allowing air to pass from the introduction portion 18a, i.e., the upstream side, toward the packing aggregate 10. The sealing member 18 can also absorb residual liquid that remains in the packing aggregate 10 and liquefies from the water vapor and aerosol generated in the packing aggregate 10. By making the sealing member 18 a different color from the mouthpiece 14 (for example, black), it is possible to easily distinguish between the upstream and downstream sides of the smoking device cartridge 1.

[0029] (How to use smoking accessory cartridges) Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the usage configuration of the smoking device cartridge 1. The smoking device cartridge 1 is used by attaching the sealing member 18 side to the smoking device 2. The smoking device 2 has an insertion part 51 into which the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted. The smoking device 2 is provided with an induction heating part 52 along the insertion part 51. The induction heating part 52 includes an induction coil and can inductively couple with the metal plate 31 of the susceptor 30 contained in the packing aggregate 10 inserted into the insertion part 51, thereby heating the susceptor 30. When the susceptor 30 is heated, the surrounding packing material 20 is heated, and an aerosol can be generated. In this state, when a smoker inhales through the mouthpiece 14, they can inhale an airflow containing the aerosol.

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

[0031] (Composition of the filling) The filling material 20 is formed by mixing dried and crushed non-tobacco plants with an aerosol former that generates aerosols, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor enhancers, preservatives, adhesives or thickeners, etc., forming it into a sheet, and then cutting it to have a predetermined width and length. The filling material 20 is not limited to being elongated and may have various shapes. For example, it may be formed into a paste or granules.

[0032] When the filler 20 is constructed in an elongated shape, the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis is preferably approximately rectangular, and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the cross-section is preferably in the range of 1:1 to 30:1. The length of the long side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 7.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The length of the short side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the filler 20 is approximately the same as the length of the filler aggregate 10. The length of the filler 20 is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, and more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. An example of such dimensions for the filler 20 is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.

[0033] Next, specific examples of raw materials used as the filler 20 will be described. The filler 20 is composed of any one or more combinations of the raw materials shown below.

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

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

[0036] The filling material 20 is prepared by, for example, appropriately mixing dried and pulverized non-tobacco plants with an aerosol-generating aerosol former, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor enhancers, preservatives, binders, or thickeners, and then pulverizing or classifying it to form a powder or granules, or molding it into a paste. The aerosol-forming base material 23 is formed into a sheet and then cut into strips or rods having predetermined widths and lengths.

[0037] For example, if the part of a non-tobacco plant is the leaf, tea can preferably be used. Teas differ not only in the type of plant used to make tea, but also in the processing method, even if the same plant is used. Specifically, for example, Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, hydrangea tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, aloe 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, sedge leaf tea, black bean tea, Geranium thunbergii tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, Bibu tea, cherry blossom tea, Examples include saffron tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, sweet pepper tea, gentian tea, buckwheat tea, Japanese angelica tree tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, houttuynia cordata tea, Eucommia ulmoides tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, privet tea, Job's tears tea, senna tea, loquat leaf tea, pu-erh tea, safflower tea, pine needle tea, mate tea, barley tea, Japanese laurel tea, mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, and bitter melon tea. For these teas, the used tea leaves can also be used after brewing. Using used tea leaves allows for the effective reuse of expensive teas.

[0038] Furthermore, extracts and processed products of non-tobacco plants, as exemplified above, can also be used. Examples of extract forms include liquid, syrup, powder, granules, and solutions.

[0039] Examples of aerosol formers used as raw materials for the filler 20 include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedione, and dimethyl tetradecanedione. Among these, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred.

[0040] The microcrystalline cellulose used as a raw material for the filler 20 is, for example, obtained by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from fibrous plant pulp with acid, in which the soluble portion is removed from the cellulose and the insoluble portion is crystallized as appropriate.

[0041] Microcrystalline cellulose can be used in powder form or dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspended solution. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse it in the solvent.

[0042] Furthermore, flavoring additives are preferably used as ingredients for the filling 20 as needed to add flavor. Examples of flavoring additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, black tea extract, and catechin powder from tea extract. Preservatives used in food are preferred, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0043] The filling material 20 may contain menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone). Combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer effectively suppresses the sublimation of menthol and allows the menthol flavor to be preserved for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, but may also be a synthetic product. In addition, peppermint, mint oil, or other menthol-containing substances may be used.

[0044] The flavor additive is provided on the mouthpiece 14, for example, by impregnating the wall of the mouthpiece 14. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided on the mouthpiece 14 is not limited to this embodiment; for example, the flavor additive may be provided on the mouthpiece 14 by embedding a capsule containing the flavor additive into the wall of the mouthpiece 14. Alternatively, a capsule containing the flavor additive may be placed between the mouthpiece 14 and the filling aggregate 20. When the flavor additive is enclosed in a capsule, the smoker can break the capsule by pressing it with their finger, allowing the aromatic components of the flavor additive to volatilize at a desired time.

[0045] Furthermore, if the flavor additive is encapsulated in microcapsules, for example, the encapsulated microcapsules may be provided on the packing aggregate 10. Of course, the microcapsules may also be provided on the support member 12.

[0046] Examples of binders or thickeners used as raw materials for the filling 20 include gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia gum, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, caranagin, agar, and pectin (conjugated base salts of organic acids); and combinations thereof.

[0047] (Manufacturing process for fillings) The manufacturing process for the filler 20 includes a drying and grinding step in which tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, which are the main raw materials, are dried and ground and weighed; a preparation step in which other raw materials are pre-treated and weighed; a mixing step in which the raw materials are mixed to form a composition; and a filler molding step in which the composition is molded.

[0048] In the drying and grinding process, the tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant parts (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) that serve as the main raw material are processed into a predetermined pulverized material to form the composition. At this time, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content to a level that is suitable for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other components to be added later. In drying, the temperature is preferably between 60°C and 80°C. This range makes it easier to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the loss of necessary flavor components. Furthermore, the drying and grinding process may also include a sieving step to separate the pulverized material, allowing it to be adjusted to the desired particle size before being added to the mixing step.

[0049] In the preparation process, the raw materials necessary for producing the filler 20 can be prepared. The aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation process and added to the mixing process.

[0050] In the mixing process, a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a configuration in which the raw materials in the mixing tank are mixed while applying shear force with stirring blades is preferably used.

[0051] In the filling molding process, a composition of various raw materials is formed into a thin sheet, and then cut to form strip-shaped or rod-shaped fillings 20. In this embodiment, multiple roll mills are prepared to make a thin sheet. Using multiple roll mills is preferable because it is possible to knead and disperse the material through compression by pressing it between narrow rolls and shearing due to the difference in roll speeds, while simultaneously forming a sheet of the desired thickness with a doctor blade. Alternatively, it can be produced using a press roller or a press machine.

[0052] Furthermore, in order to obtain a powdery or granular packing material 20, it is preferable to appropriately crush or classify the above composition. The average particle diameter of the powdery or granular packing material 20 is preferably, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. This average particle diameter can be determined, for example, by the sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. In other words, this average particle diameter is the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by accumulating the mass from the largest mesh opening of the test results using multiple sieves. Alternatively, the particle size at 50% of the accumulated value in the particle size distribution obtained by laser diffraction and scattering may be used as the average particle diameter.

[0053] In the filling molding process, other means may be used, such as molding the composition by passing it through an orifice under pressure. In addition, in the filling molding process, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, etc. may be added as needed, or water may be added.

[0054] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling molding process is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut to a predetermined width using a cutter, a rotary cutter with a rotating blade, or the like.

[0055] Here, when imparting tackiness to the surface of the filler 20, there are no particular limitations as long as the means for imparting tackiness are available, but it is sufficient to attach the aforementioned binder to at least a portion of it. By imparting tackiness, when the strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler 20 is combined with the powder, granular, or paste-like filler 20, the powder, granular, or paste-like filler 20 can be stably held on the surface of the strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler 20.

[0056] (Suscepter morphology and arrangement) Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of section II in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the metal plate 31 is formed in an elongated flat shape overall. This metal plate 31 is formed to have a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 mm and a width of 1.0 to 6.0 mm, preferably a thickness of 0.1 to 0.3 mm and a width of 1.0 to 4.0 mm.

[0057] The longitudinal length of the susceptor 30 is 100% of the total length of the packing aggregate 10. In other words, the susceptor 30 has a length that extends across the entire length of the packing aggregate 10.

[0058] Furthermore, the susceptor 30 does not necessarily extend over the entire length of the packing aggregate 10; its length in the longitudinal direction can be 25% or more and 100% or less of the total length of the packing aggregate 10.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the susceptor 30 is positioned approximately in the center of the packing aggregate 10 when viewed in the radial direction. This allows the packing aggregate 10 to efficiently generate aerosols by ensuring that the entire packing material 20 is heated uniformly and evenly from the radial center of the packing aggregate 10.

[0060] (Method for manufacturing a packing aggregate) Referring to Figure 4, an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the filler aggregate 10 is shown. The manufacturing method of the filler aggregate 10 is broadly divided into the above-mentioned filler material formation step (not shown), convergence step S1, inclusion step S2, and cutting step S3.

[0061] In the convergence process S1, the extended filler material 20A, formed after the filler material formation process described above, is converged to match the diameter of the filler material aggregate 10. In this convergence process S1, the extended metal plate 31A is positioned so as to be placed in a predetermined location, and the extended filler material 20A is placed along the metal plate 31A, while the filler material 20A covers the metal plate 31A and converges.

[0062] In the inclusion process S2, the packing material 20B that was converged in the convergence process S1 is wrapped by an extended inclusion member 25B to form an extended packing material aggregate 10C. Then, in the cutting step S3, the extended packing aggregate 10C created in the inclusion step S2 is cut to a predetermined length (10 to 25 mm) using, for example, a roller cutter (not shown) to form the packing aggregate 10.

[0063] Therefore, by setting the thickness of the metal plate 31 to 0.1 to 1.0 mm and the width to 1.0 to 6.0 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm and 1.0 to 4.0 mm, it is possible to enhance heat storage and heating by the induced magnetic field, while reducing the force required to cut the extended filler aggregate 10C in the cutting process S3 and reducing wear on the roller cutter.

[0064] Referring to Figure 5, an explanatory diagram is shown illustrating a method for manufacturing a smoking device cartridge 101 filled with a powdered or granular filler. The method for manufacturing a smoking device cartridge 101 filled with a powdered or granular filler (hereinafter referred to as filler 120 to distinguish it from the sheet-shaped filler 20) (hereinafter referred to as smoking device cartridge 101 to distinguish it from smoking device cartridge 1 filled with filler 20) will be described below.

[0065] The manufacturing method for the smoking device cartridge 101 includes a partition member placement step (not shown), a filler filling step S11, a susceptor filling step S12, a lid attachment step S13, and a filter attachment step and a packaging step (not shown). First, in the partition member placement step, a partition member 112 is placed inside a skeletal member 116 formed from cardboard (for example, about 0.3 to 0.7 mm thick) into a cylindrical shape. Next, in the filler filling step S11, the filler 120 is filled from the upstream end of the skeletal member 116.

[0066] Next, in the susceptor filling process S12, the metal plate 31 is inserted into the filler 120 that was filled into the skeletal member 116 in the filler filling process S11. At this time, a predetermined space C is formed between the upstream end of the skeletal member 116 and the filler 120. This space C is similar in shape to the outer shape of the sealing member 18 of the smoking device cartridge 1, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length of 30 to 70 mm along the central axis.

[0067] Next, in the lid attachment step S13, a breathable lid member 118, for example made of paper, is attached inside the skeletal member 116 so as to cover the upstream side of the filling material 120. Then, in the filter attachment step, the filter 14 is inserted and attached to the downstream end of the skeletal member 116, and in the packaging step, the radial circumference of the skeletal member 116 is wrapped with label paper (not shown). Before inserting the filter 14, a capsule containing a sealed fragrance component may be optionally inserted, and the order of each step may be changed as appropriate.

[0068] In a smoking device cartridge 101 manufactured using this method, the powdered or granular filler 120 is positioned upstream of the smoking device cartridge 101, while the filler 120 and the metal plate 31 are positioned downstream by the length of the space C.

[0069] Referring to Figure 6, an explanatory diagram is shown illustrating the manufacturing method of a smoking device cartridge 201 filled with a paste-like filler. The manufacturing method of a smoking device cartridge 201 filled with a paste-like filler (hereinafter referred to as filler 220 to distinguish it from the sheet-shaped filler 20) (hereinafter referred to as smoking device cartridge 201 to distinguish it from smoking device cartridge 1 filled with filler 20) will be described below.

[0070] The manufacturing method for the smoking device cartridge 201 includes a susceptor mounting step S21, a skeletal member mounting step S22, a filler filling step S23, a drying step (not shown), and a filter mounting step and packaging step (not shown). Note that the filter mounting step and packaging step are the same as those described in the manufacturing method for the smoking device cartridge 101, and therefore their explanation is omitted here.

[0071] First, in the susceptor mounting process S21, the metal plate 31 is inserted into the jig 241. Here, the jig 241 is a base with a cylindrical projection 241a formed thereon, which has a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length of 30 to 70 mm along its central axis, similar to the outer shape of the sealing member 18 of the smoking device cartridge 1. As a result, the jig 241 can support the skeletal member 116 by fitting the projection 241a to the upstream end of the skeletal member 116, which is similar to that of the smoking device cartridge 101. The jig 241 is also provided with a susceptor mounting hole 241b. Specifically, the susceptor mounting hole 241b is a hole that can support the metal plate 31 so that when the skeletal member 116 is fitted onto the projection 241a, the metal plate 31, i.e., the susceptor 30, is positioned in the same position as the susceptor 30 in the smoking device cartridge 1.

[0072] Next, in the frame member attachment process S22, the frame member 116 is attached to and supported by fitting the projection 241a of the jig 241 onto the upstream end of the frame member 116. Next, in the filler filling process S23, the filler nozzle 243 is inserted from the downstream end of the frame member 116, and the paste-like filler material is filled in.

[0073] Next, in the drying process, the filler 220 that was filled into the skeletal member 116 in the filler filling process S23 is heated and dried at 30 to 50°C. As a result, the filler material, which was formed into a paste-like state, becomes a porous filler 220 as the internal moisture evaporates.

[0074] In a smoking device cartridge 201 manufactured using this method, the paste-like filler 220 is positioned upstream of the smoking device cartridge 201, while the filler 220 and the metal plate 31 are positioned downstream by the length of the space C.

[0075] Alternatively, instead of the frame member mounting process S22, the filler filling process S23, and the filler filling process S23 described above, a pre-formed porous filler may be fitted to one end of the frame member 116 and positioned at the downstream end of the frame member 116. The metal plate 31 may then be inserted while adjusting the position of the filler by pressing the downstream end of the frame member 116 against the projection 241a of the jig 241. This process eliminates the need to use the jig 241 during the drying process, thereby reducing equipment costs.

[0076] Within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, any addition, deletion, or design change of components, or addition, omission, or modification of processing conditions, made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the gist of the present invention.

[0077] As described above, the smoking device according to the first embodiment is a smoking device cartridge 1 used attached to an induction heating type smoking device 2, and comprises a filling aggregate 10 that generates an aerosol when heated, and a susceptor 30 that is placed inside the filling aggregate 10 and is induction heated from the outside, the smoking device cartridge 1 is formed in the shape of a rod extending in the longitudinal direction, and the susceptor 30 includes a flat metal plate 31 extending in the longitudinal direction, the flat metal plate 31 has a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 mm and a width of 1.0 to 6.0 mm when viewed in the radial cross-section of the smoking device cartridge 1.

[0078] Therefore, by using a susceptor 30 that includes multiple metal plates 31 extending in the longitudinal direction, the heat storage capacity of the metal plates 31 can be improved. Furthermore, by using a susceptor 30 that includes multiple metal plates 31, the susceptor 30 can be cut with relatively less force during manufacturing compared to cutting a single susceptor containing the same amount of metal as the susceptor 30, i.e., a metal component larger than the metal plates 31, thereby reducing wear on tools such as roller cutters used to cut the susceptor 30. Moreover, compared to, for example, a cylindrical susceptor material, the metal plates 31 have a larger surface area than the cylindrical susceptor material, thus increasing friction with the filler aggregate 10, allowing the position of the metal plates 31 relative to the filler aggregate 10 to be suitably maintained, and consequently preventing the metal plates 31 from falling off the filler aggregate 10 during smoking and suppressing displacement of the metal plates 31 during the cutting process S3.

[0079] Furthermore, if the flat metal plate 31 has a thickness of 0.1 to 0.3 mm and a width of 1.0 to 4.0 mm when viewed in the radial cross-section of the smoking device cartridge 1, the balance of heat retention, manufacturability, and frictional properties described above can be optimized.

[0080] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Note that the configurations common to the first embodiment described above will not be explained, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described here. Referring to Figure 7, a cross-sectional view of section II in Figure 1 is shown according to the second embodiment. The susceptor 330 according to the second embodiment has four metal plates 331, 331.

[0081] The susceptor 330 has four thinner metal plates 331 compared to the metal plate 31 in the first embodiment, arranged at positions shifted by 90° in phase with respect to point P, i.e., at equal intervals.

[0082] Specifically, the metal plate 331 is formed with a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 mm and a width of 0.25 to 2 mm, preferably with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.3 mm and a width of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Furthermore, the metal plate 331 is arranged such that, if distance L1 is defined as the distance from the radial center of the filler 20 (corresponding to point P) to the cross-sectional center of the metal plate 31 (corresponding to point Q), and distance L2 is defined as the distance from the enclosing member 25 to the metal plate 31, then distance L1:distance L2 = 1:3 to 1:1, preferably 1:2 to 2:3.

[0083] In this way, by using four metal plates 331 in the susceptor 330, the susceptor 330 can use narrower metal plates 331 compared to the metal plate 31 of the susceptor 30 in the first embodiment, while achieving the same heating temperature by induction heating as the susceptor 30 using one metal plate 31. Furthermore, by using thinner metal plates 331 compared to the metal plate 31, the force required for cutting the filler aggregate 10C, such as in the cutting step S3 of the method for manufacturing the filler aggregate, can be further reduced.

[0084] Considering the cross-sectional area, or thickness, of the metal plate 331, when the metal plate 331 is cut by a roller cutter (not shown) in the cutting process S3, the thicker the metal plate 331, the higher its rigidity, thus suppressing bending. On the other hand, when the metal plate 331 is cut, the thinner it is cut, thus suppressing deformation of the filler 20 as the metal plate 331 is pressed by the roller cutter. Furthermore, the thicker the metal plate 331, the greater the amount of heat generated by Joule heating, and the thinner the metal plate 331, the greater the amount of heat generated by Joule heating.

[0085] Therefore, when the metal plate 331 is formed in a flat shape, if the thickness is 0.1 to 1.0 mm and the width is 0.25 to 2 mm, the filler aggregate 10C can achieve the above advantages when cut by a roller cutter (not shown) in the cutting process S3. Furthermore, if the thickness is 0.1 to 0.3 mm and the width is 0.5 to 1.5 mm, the filler aggregate 10C can maintain an appropriate amount of heat generation due to Joule heating.

[0086] In each embodiment of the present invention, an example is shown in which a support member 12 is provided in the smoking device cartridge 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The packing aggregate 10 of the smoking device cartridge 1 does not need to have a support member 12, as long as it is fixed between the inner circumferential surface of the smoking device cartridge 1 and the packing aggregate 10 in such a way that it is prevented from moving toward the mouthpiece 14, even without a support member 12, as in the smoking device cartridge 201.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the susceptor 30 is positioned in the center when viewed in the radial direction of the packing aggregate 10, but it may also be positioned outside the radial center of the packing aggregate 10. Also, in this embodiment, a cylindrical metal plate 31 was used for the explanation, but it may also be a complex shape such as a strip, or a spirally wound shape. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1, 101, 201 Smoking accessory cartridges 2. Smoking accessories 10. Packing aggregate 12 Support members 14 mouthpieces 14a Mouthpiece 16 Packaging components 18 sealing member 18a Introduction 20 fillings 25 Inclusion Member 30, 330 susceptors 31 Metal plate (heating body) 51 Insertion part 52 Induction heating section

Claims

[Claim 1] A tubular skeletal member, The skeletal member comprises a partition member, a filling material that generates water vapor or aerosols, a breathable lid member, and a plurality of metal plates inserted into the filling material, A predetermined space is formed between the upstream end of the skeletal member and the filler, and the lid member is attached to the predetermined space so as to cover the filler. The specified space in the first phase has a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm. The partition member is a support member that suppresses the movement of the filling material and allows the generated aerosol-containing airflow to flow downstream. A cartridge for smoking accessories characterized by the following features.

Images