Filling element for flavor-absorbing articles, flavor-absorbing articles, and method for manufacturing the filling element.

Abstract

To provide a filling element for flavor-absorbing articles, a flavor-absorbing article, and a method for manufacturing the filling element, which allows for easy and highly accurate control of the filling density while taking marine pollution into consideration. [Solution] A filling element 6 according to one embodiment is used in a flavor-absorbing article 1 containing a flavor element 2. The filling element 6 includes a sheet filling section 36 formed by randomly gathering a sheet 34 in the width direction Z intersecting its longitudinal direction X to reduce its diameter, and a rolled paper 18 wrapped around the sheet filling section 36. The sheet 34 is a dry nonwoven fabric made by bonding plant-derived fibers together with a binder and drying them. The filling element 6 is used in the flavor-absorbing article 1 as a filter provided downstream of the flavor element 2, or as a support segment provided upstream of the flavor element 2 to prevent the flavor raw material 8 filled in the flavor element 2 from spilling out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling element used for a flavor attracting article, a flavor attracting article, and a method for manufacturing the filling element.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a filter used for a cigarette. This filter is formed by overlapping two or more sheets having a filtering function as a filter material with a certain width shift, folding each of the overlapped sheets into an S shape or a Z shape, and then squeezing and winding them up into a cylindrical shape.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The filter can be used for non-combustion heating type flavor attracting articles in addition to combustion heating type cigarettes described in Patent Document 1. The filling density of the filter material filled in the filter greatly affects the ventilation resistance when the user sucks the flavor attracting article, and thus the taste obtained by the user. When the filling density of the filter decreases, gaps and cavities occur in the filter element, and the taste and appearance of the flavor attracting article are greatly impaired. That is, the filling density of the filter element is an important factor in ensuring the quality of the flavor attracting article.

[0005] In the manufacturing method described in Patent Document 1, when changing the specifications of the flavor-inhaling article and the filter used therein, in order to adjust the packing density of the filter, it is necessary to prepare multiple sheets and change the number of each sheet, adjust the offset of each stacked sheet, or change the specifications of the sheet itself. Thus, conventionally, there are many different parameters for managing the packing density of the packing elements used in a filter formed by filling sheets, in other words, a flavor-inhaling article, making it difficult to easily and accurately control the packing density of the packing elements according to the required specifications.

[0006] Furthermore, acetate tow, which has been widely used as a filter material, is made by processing acetate resin fibers, which are derived from cellulose acetate, into a mesh structure, and is defined as a plastic material. Recently, as part of efforts to achieve the 14th goal of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources," there is a demand to reduce the amount of plastic materials used. Therefore, from the perspective of marine pollution, a review of filter materials, or in other words, packing materials, is necessary.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a filling element for flavor-inhaling articles and a method for manufacturing the same, which can easily and accurately control the filling density while taking marine pollution into consideration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, a filling element according to one embodiment is a filling element used in a flavor-inhaling article containing a flavor element, and includes a sheet filling section in which a single sheet is randomly gathered in a width direction intersecting its longitudinal direction to reduce its diameter, and a wrapping paper that wraps the sheet filling section, wherein the sheet is a dry nonwoven fabric made by bonding plant-derived fibers together with a binder and drying it. The filling element is used as a filter provided downstream of the flavor element in a flavor-inhaling article, or as a support segment provided upstream of the flavor element in a flavor-inhaling article to prevent the flavor raw material filled in the flavor element from spilling out.

[0009] A combustion-heated flavor-absorbing article according to one embodiment includes a filling element. The filling element includes a sheet-filling section in which a single sheet is randomly gathered in a width direction intersecting its longitudinal direction to reduce its diameter, and a wrapping paper that wraps around the sheet-filling section. The sheet is a dry-type nonwoven fabric made by bonding plant-derived fibers together with a binder and drying them. The filling element is used as a filter provided downstream of the flavor element in the flavor-absorbing article, or as a support segment provided upstream of the flavor element in the flavor-absorbing article to prevent the flavoring ingredients filled in the flavor element from spilling out.

[0010] A non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article according to one embodiment includes a filling element. The filling element includes a sheet filling section in which a single sheet is randomly gathered in a width direction intersecting its longitudinal direction to reduce its diameter, and a wrapping paper that wraps around the sheet filling section. The sheet is a dry nonwoven fabric made by bonding plant-derived fibers together with a binder and drying it. The filling element is used as a filter provided downstream of the flavor element in the flavor inhalation article, or as a support segment provided upstream of the flavor element in the flavor inhalation article to prevent the flavor raw material filled in the flavor element from spilling out.

[0011] A method for manufacturing a filling element according to one embodiment is a method for manufacturing a filling element used in a flavor-inhaling article containing flavor elements, and includes a sheet processing step of processing a series of sheets made of a dry nonwoven fabric obtained by bonding plant-derived fibers together with a binder and drying them, while transporting them; a gathering step of forming a gathering rod by gathering the sheets processed in the sheet processing step in a width direction intersecting its longitudinal direction during the sheet transport process to reduce their diameter; a wrapping step of wrapping the gathering rod formed in the gathering step with a wrapping paper to form a filling rod; and a cutting step of cutting the filling rod formed in the wrapping step into a filling element. The filling element is used as a filter provided downstream of the flavor elements in a flavor-inhaling article, or as a support segment provided upstream of the flavor elements in a flavor-inhaling article to prevent the flavor raw materials filled in the flavor elements from spilling out. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] This allows for easy and highly precise control of the packing density of the packing elements while taking marine pollution into consideration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a modified non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a combustion-heating type flavor inhalation device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a combustion-heating type flavor inhalation article relating to a modified example. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a combustion-heated flavor-inhaling article relating to another modified example. [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal cross-section of the packing element. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the sheet before crimping. [Figure 8] This is a magnified image of the cross-section of the sheet before crimping. [Figure 9]It is a perspective view of a sheet subjected to a curling process. [Figure 10] It is an imaging image obtained by magnifying a cross-section of a sheet subjected to a curling process. [Figure 11] It is an imaging image of a cross-section of a sheet with a greater curling depth than in the case of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for a filling element. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart for explaining a method of manufacturing a filling element. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of a roller set sandwiching a sheet. [Figure 15] It is a table showing sheets of various specifications and the specifications of filling rods manufactured from each sheet. [Figure 16] It is a graph showing the change in the ventilation resistance PD of a filling rod when the curling depth is changed for sheets of different sheet widths. [Figure 17] It is a graph showing the change in the coefficient of variation of the ventilation resistance shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] It is a graph showing the sheet filling rate of filling elements manufactured from sheets of different specifications. [Figure 19] It is an imaging image of the end face of a filling element of Sample A. [Figure 20] It is an image obtained by binarizing the imaging image of FIG. 19. It is an imaging image of the end face of a filling element of Sample A. [Figure 21] It is an imaging image of the end face of a filling element of Sample E. [Figure 22] It is an image obtained by binarizing the imaging image of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] It is an imaging image of the end face of a filling element of Sample C. [Figure 24] It is an image obtained by binarizing the imaging image of FIG. 23.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] <Fragrance attracting article> Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "article"). Article 1 is composed of, in order from left to right (the tip side of Article 1) as seen in Figure 1, a flavor element 2, a tubular element 4, and a filling element 6. The flavor element 2 is formed by filling it with flavor raw material 8.

[0015] The device used to heat the flavor element 2 (flavor aspirator) includes, for example, a needle-shaped heater 10. Figure 1 shows only the heater 10 of the device. The item 1 is placed in the device, and the heater 10 is inserted into the flavor element 2 to heat it. This causes the flavor components of the flavor raw material 8 to volatilize. In addition, conductive members such as metal plates or metal granules may be mixed into the flavor raw material 8 filled in the flavor element 2. These conductive members are heated by an induced current when the device generates a magnetic field, and the heated conductive members heat the flavor element 2, causing the flavor components of the flavor raw material 8 to volatilize.

[0016] The flavoring ingredient 8 may be, for example, shredded tobacco, a tobacco sheet, or a tobacco sheet folded into a gathered shape. The flavoring ingredient 8 may also be a sheet made from wood pulp fibers that do not contain tobacco to which flavorings and tobacco extracts have been added, a sheet made from non-tobacco plants that has been shredded, or these sheets folded into a gathered shape. The outer surface of the flavoring ingredient 8 is wrapped in rolling paper 12.

[0017] The tubular element 4 forms an airflow path in the article 1 and is formed, for example, from a cylindrical paper tube 14. The paper tube 14 is formed from single or double layers of paper web. The filling element 6 is a filter filled with filling material 16. The filling material 16 is made by gathering, or in other words, bundling together, a single sheet 34 made of nonwoven fabric. The circumferential surface of the filling element 6 is wrapped with a roll of paper 18.

[0018] A continuum is formed by arranging elements 2, 4, and 6 coaxially in the axial direction X and butting them together. Elements 2, 4, and 6 are connected to each other by wrapping chip paper 20 around the circumferential surface of the continuum. Ventilation holes 22 are formed in the tubular element 4 and the chip paper 20 to draw air into the article 1 when the article 1 is sucked. The air drawn into the article 1 from the outside through the ventilation holes 22 cools the flavor components of the flavor element 2 and the volatile components of the additives described later, promoting the aerosolization of these components.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a modified non-combustion heating type article 1. This article 1 has a filling element 6 in the same position as in Figure 1, and also has a filling element 6 adjacent to the tubular element 4 of the flavoring element 2, i.e., at the tip of article 1. The filling element 6 at the tip is connected to the flavoring element 2 by a wrapping paper 24. The heater 10 is inserted into the flavoring element 2 by passing through the filling element 6 at the tip.

[0020] In this case, the filling element 6 at the tip prevents the flavoring raw material 8 from spilling from the flavoring element 2 to the base of the heater 10. That is, in article 1, the filling element 6 at the tip functions as a support segment that prevents the flavoring raw material 8 filled in the flavoring element 2 from spilling onto the heater 10 side. This prevents the area around the base of the heater 10 of the device from being soiled by spilled flavoring raw material 8.

[0021] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a combustion-heated article 1. This article 1 consists of a flavoring element 2 and a filling element 6, in that order from the tip. By igniting and heating the flavoring element 2, the flavor components of the flavoring raw material 8 are volatilized. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a combustion-heated article 1 according to a modified example. This article 1 consists of a flavoring element 2, a filter element 26, and a filling element 6, in that order from the tip. The filter element 26 is formed by wrapping a paper 30 around a filter material 28, such as acetate tow, which is different from the filling material 16 of the filling element 6. The filter element 26 is connected to the filling element 6 by a paper 32.

[0022] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a combustion-heated article 1 according to another modified example. This article 1 consists of a flavoring element 2, a filling element 6, and a filter element 26, in that order from the tip side. It is a variation of the article 1 in Figure 4, with the arrangement of the filter element 26 and the filling element 6 changed, and the other components are the same as those of article 1 in Figure 4.

[0023] <Filling element> Figure 6 shows the end face of the packing element 6. The packing element 6 has a diameter D of 5.2 mm to 8.2 mm. The diameter D of the packing element 6 was measured using a filter rod measuring instrument (SODIM-D diameter (laser) from the "SODILINE series" manufactured by SODIM Corporation). The packing material 16 of the packing element 6 is a single sheet 34.

[0024] Sheet 34 is a dry nonwoven fabric made by bonding plant-derived fibers, such as wood pulp fibers, together with a water-soluble binder and then drying them. The binder can be starch, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl acetate acrylic copolymer, guar gum, gellan gum, etc. One of these binders may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0025] Furthermore, the sheet 34 has numerous crimped sections 40, which will be described later. The sheet 34 may also contain additives such as adsorbents like activated carbon, fragrance components, carriers supporting fragrance components, crushed herb plants, crushed tobacco plants, or tobacco plant extracts. In this case, heating by the heater 10 or conductive member mentioned above can cause the fragrance components contained in the additives to volatilize not only from the flavor elements 2 but also from the filling element 6. That is, the filling element 6 using the sheet 34 made of nonwoven fabric containing the additives mentioned above has not only the function of a filter element that acts as a filter body, but also the function of a flavor element 2. The sheet 34 is gathered randomly in the width direction Z to reduce its diameter.

[0026] This forms the gathering rod 84, which will be described later, and after further cutting, the sheet filling section 36 is formed. The width direction Z is in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction X (the same direction as the axial direction X) of the sheet 34, and is in a part the same direction as the radial direction Y of the filling element 6 shown in Figure 6. Also, Figure 6 schematically shows an example in which the sheet 34 is gathered in a spiral shape, but since gathering is performed randomly, the gathering form of the sheet 34 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 6.

[0027] The filling element 6 is formed by wrapping the circumferential surface of the sheet filling section 36 with wrapping paper 18 and gluing both ends of the wrapping paper 18 together. By gathering a single sheet 34 to form the sheet filling section 36 and thus the filling element 6, it is not necessary to prepare multiple sheets 34 and change the number of each sheet 34, adjust the offset of each stacked sheet 34, or change the specifications of the sheet 34 itself, as in the conventional method, in order to adjust the filling density of the filling element 6. Furthermore, by applying a crimping process to the sheet 34 to form a crimped section 40, it is possible to optimize the filling density of the sheet 34 in the sheet filling section 36.

[0028] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of sheet 34 before crimping, and Figure 8 shows a magnified image of the cross-section of sheet 34 before crimping. Sheet 34 has a basis weight of 30 g / m². 2 From 100g / m 2 The thickness t ranges from 0.7 mm to 2.0 mm, and the sheet width Ws in the width direction Z ranges from 40 mm to 350 mm. The basis weight was measured according to ISO 9073-1:1989, Textiles - Test methods for nonwovens - Part 1: Determination of mass per unit area. The thickness t was measured according to ISO 9073-2:1995, Textiles - Test methods for nonwovens - Part 2: Determination of thickness.

[0029] Furthermore, since the sheet 34 is formed from a web-like nonwoven fabric that is intertwined without being woven, it has almost irreversible stretchability in the longitudinal direction X and has numerous napped areas 38 on its front and back surfaces.

[0030] <Sheet crimping process> Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a crimped sheet 34, and Figure 10 shows an enlarged image of a cross-section of the crimped sheet 34. A predetermined number of crimped sections 40 are formed on the sheet 34, arranged in the width direction Y and extending in the longitudinal direction X. The depth of the crimped sections 40 (crepe depth) d is 1.2 mm or less. The crimping process is a crepe-making process in which the sheet 34 is molded with interlocking grooves.

[0031] The crimped portion 40 is an uneven surface formed on the sheet 34, defined as recesses of various shapes or protrusions of various shapes relative to the flat surface of the sheet 34. In the case shown in Figure 10, the crimping depth d of the crimped portion 40 formed on the sheet 34 is 0.3 mm, and as the fibers of the sheet 34 are stretched and defibrated, the napped portion 38 is more pronounced on the sheet 34 compared to the case shown in Figure 8.

[0032] Figure 11 shows an image of a cross-section of sheet 34 with a greater crimping depth d than in Figure 10. In the case shown in Figure 11, the crimping depth d of the crimped portion 40 formed on sheet 34 is 1.0 mm, and the stretching, defibration, and formation of the napped portion 38 of the sheet 34 become even more pronounced. The crimped portion 40 formed on sheet 34, and the stretching, defibration, and napped portion 38 of the fibers that occur as a result of the formation of the crimped portion 40, increase the surface area of ​​sheet 34.

[0033] Furthermore, by forming crimped portions 40 in the sheet 34, the entanglement of the fibers of the sheet 34 when the sheet filling portion 36 is formed is promoted. Also, by adjusting the crimping depth d of the crimped portions 40, it is possible to form sheet filling portions 36, and thus filling elements 6, with multiple filling densities using one type and one sheet 34. Therefore, the filling density of the filling elements 6 can be controlled easily and with high precision compared to the conventional method. In addition, the occurrence of gaps and voids in the filling elements 6 can be effectively suppressed, and the appearance of the end faces of the filling elements 6 can be improved.

[0034] <Manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for filling elements> Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the manufacturing apparatus 50 for the filling element 6, and Figure 13 shows a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the filling element 6. The manufacturing apparatus 50 includes a sheet supply section 52, a sheet processing section 54, a gathering section 56, a wrapping section 58, and a cutting section 60, etc. When the manufacturing of the filling element 6 is started, the sheet supply section 52 supplies a series of sheets 34 to the conveying path 62 (S1: sheet supply step).

[0035] The sheet supply section 52 includes a bobbin 64 around which the sheet 34 is wound, and an S-shaped roller set 66. The S-shaped roller set 66 has a pair of rollers 66a and 66b spaced apart vertically. The rollers 66a and 66b each have knurling on their outer surfaces, allowing them to grip the sheet 34 and feed it out of the bobbin 64 without slipping. In the sheet supply step S1, the sheet 34 fed out of the bobbin 64 is wrapped in an S-shape between the pair of rollers 66a and 66b and supplied to the transport path 62 (P1: S-shaped feed process).

[0036] By performing the S-shaped feed process P1, the sheet 34 can be conveyed to the sheet processing section 54 while maintaining its thickness t, without crushing the fibers, including the napped portion 38 of the sheet 34. Alternatively, if it is possible to convey the sheet 34 to the sheet processing section 54 while maintaining its thickness t, a single roller with knurling on its outer surface may be used instead of the pair of rollers 66a and 66b. Three or more such rollers may also be used. In any case, when using multiple rollers, it is important to prevent the sheet 34 from nipping between the rollers in order to maintain its thickness t.

[0037] Next, the sheet processing section 54 processes the sheet 34 while it is being transported along the transport path 62 (S2: sheet processing step). The sheet processing section 54 includes a roller set 68 and a control unit 70. The roller set 68 consists of a first roller 72 and a second roller 74, and the first and second rollers 72 and 74 sandwich and transport the sheet 34 along the transport path 62.

[0038] At least one of the rotation axes of the first and second rollers 72, 74 is connected to the drive shaft of a motor (not shown) and is rotationally driven by the motor. The motor is electrically connected to a control unit 70. The rotational speed of the first and second rollers 72, 74 is controlled via the motor based on signals from the control unit 70.

[0039] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the roller set 68 with a sheet 34 in between. The first roller 72 has a protruding ridge (protrusion) 76 extending circumferentially along its outer surface. The second roller 74 has a recessed ridge (recess) 78 extending circumferentially along its outer surface that engages with the protrusion ridge 76. When the roller set 68 transports the sheet 34, the first and second rollers 72 and 74 rotate in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 5, causing the protrusion ridge 76 and the recessed ridge 78 to engage via the sheet 34, forming an engagement portion 80 on the roller set 68.

[0040] The roller set 68 has a meshing region 82 formed in the circumferential region of the outer surfaces of the first and second rollers 72 and 74, where a predetermined number of meshing portions 80 are formed. The meshing region 82 applies a crimping process to the sheet 34 in the longitudinal direction X by each meshing portion 80. As a result, a predetermined number of crimped portions 40 corresponding to the number of meshing portions 80 are formed on the sheet 34 (P2: crimping process). The crimping depth d of the crimped portions 40 can be adjusted by changing the height of the convex ridges 76 and the depth of the concave ridges 78 in the meshing portions 80.

[0041] Next, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, in the gathering section 56, during the conveying process of the sheets 34 in the conveying path 62, the sheets 34 that have been crimped in the crimping process P2 of the sheet processing step S2 are gathered in the width direction Y to form gathering rods 84 with reduced diameter (S3: gathering step). In a later step, the gathering rods 84 are formed into filling rods 94 and then cut to become filling elements 6, forming the sheet filling section 36.

[0042] More specifically, the gathering section 56 includes, in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the conveying path 62, a liquid addition booth 86, a granule addition unit 88, a trumpet guide 90, and tongs 92. The liquid addition booth 86 sprays a liquid additive onto the sheet 34 before gathering (P3: liquid addition process). The additive is a liquid containing, for example, plasticizers and fragrances. The granule addition unit 88 includes a hopper 88a and a spray roller 88b.

[0043] The hopper 88a stores granules, and the spreading roller 88b spreads the granules supplied from the hopper 88a onto the sheet 34 before gathering. The granules are granular additives, including, for example, activated carbon and fragrance particles. The trumpet guide 90 and the tongs 92 are both cylindrical. The inner circumferential surface of the trumpet guide 90 gradually narrows in diameter from the upstream side of the conveying path 62.

[0044] The trumpet guide 90 randomly gathers the sheets 34 being transported along the transport path 62, reducing their diameter into a rod shape and releasing them toward the tongs 92. As the gathered rod-shaped sheets 34 pass through the tongs 92, they are further reduced in diameter to less than or equal to the diameter of the filling element 6, forming a gathering rod 84.

[0045] Next, the wrapping section 58 wraps the gathering rod 84 with the supplied roll paper 18 to form a filling rod 94 (S4: wrapping step). Next, the cutting section 60 cuts the filling rod 94 to a predetermined length to form a filling element 6 (S5: cutting step).

[0046] Figure 15 shows the specifications of sheets 34 of various specifications and the specifications of the filled rods 94 manufactured from each sheet 34. Sheets 34 of samples No. 1 to No. 4 were prepared by bonding fibers of NBSK (Nordic Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp) or SBSK (Southern Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp) as wood pulp with a binder of A (EVA / PVAc (a mixture of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinyl acetate)) or B (poly vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymer) and drying them.

[0047] As shown in Figure 15, in each sample, the weight ratio of wood pulp to binder constituting the sheet 34 was varied, while the length in the longitudinal direction X and the sheet width Ws (length × width) of the sheet 34 were kept constant. Then, the thickness t, density, and air permeability of the sheet 34 in the uncrimped state were measured, and each sheet 34 was supplied to the manufacturing apparatus 50 to produce a filled rod 94.

[0048] Furthermore, multiple filling rods 94 of a predetermined length were prepared for each sample, and the weight, circumference, filling density, roundness, PD (air permeability resistance), and hardness of each filling rod 94 were measured. The average value of each of these measurements was then calculated. The coefficient of variation (CV) of PD was also calculated from the average value and standard deviation of PD. As a result of confirming these calculated values ​​shown in Figure 15, it was found that even when using sheets 34 of various specifications, it is possible to manufacture filling rods 94 with specifications not significantly different from conventional ones by using the manufacturing apparatus 50 of the embodiment. It was also found that when using the manufacturing apparatus 50, the specifications of the filling rods 94 and, consequently, the filling elements 6 can be controlled by pre-setting the specifications of the sheets 34.

[0049] Figure 16 shows the change in the air permeability resistance PD of the packing rod 94 when the crimping depth d is changed in sheets 34 of different sheet widths Ws. Sheet 34 is made by bonding SBSK fibers together with EVA / PVAc and drying, with a basis weight of 53 g / m². 2 The thickness t was set to 1.3 mm. The length of the manufactured filling rod 94 was set to 120 mm and the circumference to 24.2 mm. Furthermore, five types of the above sheet 34 were prepared with a sheet width Ws ranging from 100 mm to 150 mm, and the crimping depth d of each sheet 34 was changed within the range of 0 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0050] As a result, it was found that when the diameter D of the filling rod 94 is constant, a larger sheet width Ws of the sheet 34 increases the sheet filling rate of the filling rod 94, and the air permeability resistance PD also increases. Furthermore, it was found that when the sheet 34 is crimped, the air permeability resistance PD is lower compared to when it is not crimped. In addition, it was found that increasing the crimping depth d also increases the air permeability resistance PD.

[0051] Figure 17 shows the change in the coefficient of variation CV of the air permeability resistance PD shown in Figure 16. Multiple filling rods 94 manufactured using sheets 34 with different sheet widths Ws were prepared, and the air permeability resistance PD of each filling rod 94 was measured. The standard deviation and mean value of the obtained air permeability resistance PD were calculated, and consequently, the coefficient of variation CV was calculated. As a result, it was found that regardless of the size of the sheet width Ws, increasing the crimping depth d reduces the coefficient of variation CV of the air permeability resistance PD. In other words, it was found that increasing the crimping depth d reduces the variation in the air permeability resistance PD in the filling rod 94.

[0052] Figure 18 shows the sheet filling rate of the filling elements 6 manufactured from sheets 34 of different specifications. Sheet 34 was made by bonding SBSK fibers together with EVA / PVAc and drying, with a basis weight of 53 g / m². 2 The thickness t was set to 1.3 mm. Furthermore, sheet widths Ws were set to 100 mm, 110 mm, 120 mm, and 128 mm, and crimp depths d were set to 0 mm or 0.5 mm. Filling elements 6 with a constant diameter D were manufactured from sheets 34 of samples A to D. In addition, a filling element 6 with acetate tow as the filling material was prepared as sample E.

[0053] The end face of each sample filling element 6 (or the cross-section of the filling rod 94) was imaged with a camera, and the sheet filling rate was calculated by image analysis after binarizing the captured images. As a result, it was found that increasing the crimping depth d brought the sheet filling rate closer to 100%, effectively suppressing the occurrence of gaps and voids in the filling element 6, and further improving the appearance of the end face of the filling element 6.

[0054] Figure 19 shows an image of the end face of the packing element 6 of sample A, and Figure 20 shows the image obtained by binarizing the image in Figure 19. Since sample A uses a sheet 34 with a relatively small sheet width Ws of 100 mm and a crimping depth d of 0 mm, as is clear from Figure 20, many gaps 96 occur in the packing element 6. On the other hand, Figure 21 shows an image of the end face of the packing element 6 of sample E, and Figure 22 shows the image obtained by binarizing the image in Figure 20.

[0055] As is clear from Figure 22, sample E, using acetate tow as the filling material, achieves a sheet filling rate of almost 100%. In contrast, Figure 23 shows an image of the end face of the filling element 6 of sample C, and Figure 24 shows the image obtained by binarizing the image in Figure 23. Since sample C uses a sheet 34 with a relatively large sheet width Ws of 120 mm and a crimping depth d of 0.5 mm, as is clear from Figure 23, there are not many gaps 96 in the filling element 6.

[0056] In other words, by setting the sheet width Ws to a predetermined size and further forming a crimped portion 40 with a predetermined crimping depth d in the sheet 34, it was found that even when the filling material is sheet 34, it is possible to achieve a sheet filling rate close to that of the filling element 6, which uses acetate toe as the filling material. Also, as shown in Figure 18, sample D has a lower sheet filling rate compared to sample C.

[0057] This is thought to be because, when manufacturing a filling element 6 with a constant diameter D, if the sheet width Ws is too large, gaps 96 are likely to occur even if the sheet 34 is crimped. Therefore, it was found that there is an optimal sheet width Ws and an optimal crimping depth d depending on the diameter D of the filling element 6.

[0058] As described above, the filling element 6 of the embodiment includes a sheet filling section 36 formed by randomly gathering a single sheet 34 in the width direction Z to reduce its diameter, and a rolled paper 18 wrapped around the sheet filling section 36. The sheet 34 is a dry nonwoven fabric made by bonding plant-derived fibers such as wood pulp together with a binder and drying them. The sheet 34, made of wood pulp fiber nonwoven fabric, is formed into a gathering rod 84 in the gathering step S3 after the sheet processing step S2, and then becomes a filling element 6 that does not use plastic material after going through the wrapping step S4 and the cutting step S5 in order.

[0059] This will enable us to achieve the 14th goal of the SDGs, "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources," and contribute to preventing marine pollution caused by plastic materials. Furthermore, using only one type and one sheet 34, it is possible to form sheet filling sections 36, and thus filling elements 6, with multiple filling densities. Therefore, the filling density of the filling elements 6 can be easily and precisely controlled and optimized.

[0060] Furthermore, by optimizing the filling density of the filling element 6, the occurrence of gaps and cavities in the filling element 6 can be suppressed, and the airflow resistance PD of the filling element 6 can be optimized, thereby improving the taste of the article 1. In addition, the appearance of the end face of the filling element 6 can be improved. Therefore, the quality of the article 1 can be ensured.

[0061] More specifically, the filling element 6 has a diameter D of 5.2 mm to 8.2 mm, and the sheet 34 has a basis weight of 30 g / m². 2 From 100g / m 2 The thickness t is 0.7 mm to 2.0 mm, and the sheet width Ws is 40 mm to 350 mm. From the measurement results shown in Figures 15 to 18, by specifying the above specifications for the sheet 34 and the filling element 6, the occurrence of gaps and voids in the filling element 6 can be effectively suppressed. In addition, the appearance of the end face of the filling element 6 can be further improved.

[0062] Furthermore, the sheet 34 has crimped portions 40 that are arranged along the width direction Z and extend along the longitudinal direction X. The crimped portions 40 are formed during the sheet conveying process in the crimping process P2 of the sheet processing step S2. This increases the surface area of ​​the sheet 34 and promotes the entanglement of the fibers of the sheet 34 when the sheet filling portion 36 is formed. Therefore, the occurrence of gaps and voids in the filling element 6 can be suppressed more effectively, and the appearance of the end face of the filling element 6 can be further improved.

[0063] Furthermore, the crimping depth d of the crimped portion 40 is 1.2 mm or less. In particular, the measurement results shown in Figures 16 and 18 indicate that by specifying the above specifications for the sheet 34 and the filling element 6, the air permeability resistance PD of the filling element 6 can be further optimized, and variations in air permeability resistance PD can be suppressed. Therefore, the quality of article 1 is further improved.

[0064] Furthermore, in the sheet supply step S2, an S-shaped feed process P1 is performed in which the sheet 34 unwound from the bobbin 64 is wrapped in an S-shape between a pair of rollers 66a and 66b spaced apart vertically and supplied to the transport path 62. This allows the sheet 34 to be transported to the sheet processing section 54 while maintaining its thickness t without crushing the fibers, including the napped portion 38 of the sheet 34. Therefore, when adjusting the crimping depth d of the crimping section 40, it is not necessary to strictly control factors other than the crimping depth d, such as the degree of pressure and stretching of the sheet 34. Consequently, the filling density of the filling element 6 can be controlled more easily and with greater precision.

[0065] This concludes the description of the embodiments. However, the above embodiments are not limiting, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the meshing portion 80 of the roller set 68 can be formed by the meshing of protrusions and recesses of shapes other than the protrusions 76 and recesses 78. As a result, the formation area, crimping pattern, and shape of the crimped portion 40 formed on the sheet 34 are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are permitted. This increases the degree of freedom in the crimping process of the sheet 34, making it easier and more accurate to control the filling density of the filling element 6.

[0066] Furthermore, depending on the specifications of the sheet 34, it may not be possible to crimp the sheet 34 (crimp depth d=0mm). Also, the configuration of article 1, and the position and number of filling elements 6 in article 1 are not limited to the described form. Since the filling elements 6 of the embodiment can be used as various elements of article 1, a wide variety of variations of article 1 can be realized. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1 Flavor suction article 6 Filling elements 18 rolled paper 34 sheets (nonwoven fabric) 36 Sheet filling section 40 Crimp part 64 bobbins 66a, 66b A pair of rollers X Longitudinal direction Z width direction d. crimp depth

Claims

1. A filling element used in a flavor-inhaling article containing flavor elements, A sheet filling section in which a single sheet is randomly gathered in the width direction intersecting its longitudinal direction to reduce its diameter, The wrapping paper that is wrapped around the sheet filling section Includes, The aforementioned sheet is a dry-type nonwoven fabric made by bonding plant-derived fibers together with a binder and then drying it. The filling element is used as a filter provided downstream of the flavor element in the flavor-absorbing article, or as a support segment provided upstream of the flavor element in the flavor-absorbing article to prevent the flavoring raw material filled in the flavor element from spilling out.

2. The aforementioned filling element has a diameter of 5.2 mm to 8.2 mm. The aforementioned sheet has a basis weight of 30 g / m². ２ From 100g / m ２ The filling element according to claim 1, wherein the thickness is 0.7 mm to 2.0 mm and the sheet width in the width direction is 40 mm to 350 mm.

3. The filling element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet has crimped portions arranged in the width direction and extending in the longitudinal direction.

4. The filling element according to claim 3, wherein the crimping depth of the crimped portion is 1.2 mm or less.

5. The aforementioned binder is water-soluble. The filling element according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned plant-derived fiber is wood pulp fiber. The filling element according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned sheet contains an additive, The additive is an adsorbent, a fragrance component, a carrier supporting a fragrance component, a pulverized herb plant, a pulverized tobacco plant, or an extract of a tobacco plant. The filling element according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned sheet has a napped portion, The filling element according to claim 1.

9. A combustion-heated flavor-absorbing article comprising the filling element described in claim 1.

10. A non-combustion heating type flavor-absorbing article comprising the filling element described in claim 1.

11. A method for manufacturing a filling element used in a flavor-inhaling article containing flavor elements, A sheet processing step involves transporting and processing a series of sheets made of dry nonwoven fabric, which is formed by bonding plant-derived fibers together with a binder and then drying them. In the sheet transport process, a gathering step is performed to form a gathering rod by gathering the sheet processed in the sheet processing step in a width direction intersecting its longitudinal direction to reduce its diameter, A wrapping step in which the gathering rod formed in the gathering step is wrapped with wrapping paper to form a filling rod, A cutting step in which the filling rod formed in the wrapping step is cut into the filling element, Includes, The filling element is used as a filter provided downstream of the flavor element in the flavor-absorbing article, or as a support segment provided upstream of the flavor element in the flavor-absorbing article to prevent the flavoring ingredients filled in the flavor element from spilling out. A method for manufacturing filling elements.

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