Tobacco filler aggregate

Abstract

To provide a tobacco filler accumulated body for making flowability of an air flow inside the tobacco filler accumulated body excellent.SOLUTION: A tobacco filler accumulated body in which long-sized tobacco fillers are accumulated in a bundle form, and the outer peripheral part is cylindrically wound with a sheet-like package is characterized in that: tobacco fillers have a length over the entire length of the tobacco filler accumulated body and are formed so that a shape of a cross section orthogonal to the lengthwise direction is a rectangular shape in which a size in the long side direction is longer than a size in the short side direction in the cross section orthogonal to the lengthwise direction; and when a region at a central side and a region at an outer peripheral side are equally divided by an area in the cross section orthogonal to the lengthwise direction of the bundle of the tobacco fillers, a void ratio of the region at a central side is lower than that of the region at an outer peripheral side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco filler aggregate in which long tobacco fillers made of tobacco or non-tobacco plants are bundled and integrated, and an electronic cigarette cartridge having 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 an electronic cigarette cartridge containing tobacco components without using a flame and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components. As a method for manufacturing a tobacco filler to be filled in 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 (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Further, there is disclosed an article for smoking by inserting and heating an electronic cigarette cartridge having a tobacco filler aggregate in which tobacco fillers are integrated at an end (see Patent Document 2). In an electronic cigarette, a heating element provided in the electronic cigarette body is inserted into the tobacco filler aggregate to heat the tobacco filler.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The tobacco filler is filled at a filling rate equal to or higher than a certain level in order to sufficiently generate a suction component containing an aerosol by heating. On the other hand, when the filling rate of the tobacco filler is increased, when the heating element of the electronic cigarette body is inserted into the tobacco filler assembly, the resistance becomes large and it becomes difficult to insert. Further, if the filling rate of the tobacco filler is too high, the fluidity of the air flow inside the tobacco filler assembly becomes low, so it is difficult for the user to inhale, and the amount of air flow that can be inhaled at one time becomes small, so the number of puffs per stick increases and it may exceed the appropriate number of puffs. For this reason, while ensuring that the filling rate of the entire tobacco filler assembly is equal to or higher than a certain level, it is required to improve the fluidity of the air flow inside the tobacco filler assembly.

[0006] Further, in the tobacco filler assembly, when the electronic cigarette cartridge is inserted into the electronic cigarette body or when the user handles it, such as when ending smoking and removing the electronic cigarette cartridge from the electronic cigarette body, a part of the tobacco filler may fall. This may dirty the inside of the electronic cigarette body and thus cause a malfunction of the electronic cigarette body. Therefore, in the tobacco filler assembly, the tobacco filler is required to be filled so that it is difficult to fall off.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and while ensuring that the filling rate of the entire tobacco filler assembly is equal to or higher than a certain level, it improves the fluidity of the air flow inside the tobacco filler assembly, is easy to insert into the electronic cigarette body, and also provides a tobacco filler assembly and an electronic cigarette cartridge in which the tobacco filler is difficult to fall off.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the tobacco filler assembly according to the invention of claim 1 is a tobacco filler assembly in which long tobacco fillers are bundled and the outer peripheral portion is wound with a sheet-like wrapper, the tobacco filler is formed such that the dimension in the long side direction is longer than the dimension in the short side direction in a cross section orthogonal to the length direction, The tobacco filler at the outermost peripheral part in contact with the package is oriented such that the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction or in a direction other than the direction in which the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction, and the number of tobacco fillers whose long side direction is oriented in the direction substantially along the circumferential direction is larger than the number of tobacco fillers whose long side direction is oriented in a direction other than the direction in which the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction.

[0009] According to the invention according to claim 1, since the filling rate of the tobacco filler in the outer peripheral part can be increased and the filling rate of the tobacco filler in the central part can be relatively decreased, it is possible to easily insert the heating part of the electronic cigarette body into the tobacco filler aggregate while ensuring the amount of the tobacco filler. Further, the fluidity of the airflow in the tobacco filler aggregate can be improved. Furthermore, since the tobacco filler forms a strong structure in the outer peripheral part, it is possible to prevent the tobacco filler from falling off easily during handling of the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0010] Also, in the tobacco filler aggregate according to the invention according to claim 2, when the central region and the outer peripheral region are equally divided by area in a cross section orthogonal to the length direction of the bundle of the tobacco fillers, the central region is configured to have a higher porosity than the outer peripheral region.

[0011] According to the invention according to claim 2, it is possible to easily insert the heating part of the electronic cigarette body into the tobacco filler aggregate and to improve the fluidity of the airflow.

[0012] Furthermore, in the tobacco filler aggregate according to the invention according to claim 3, the tobacco filler in contact with the inner circumferential side of the tobacco filler at the outermost peripheral part in contact with the package is configured such that the number of tobacco fillers whose long side direction is oriented in the direction substantially along the circumferential direction is larger than the number of tobacco fillers whose long side direction is oriented in a direction other than the direction in which the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction.

[0013] According to the invention according to claim 3, for the tobacco filling located on the second circumference from the outermost circumference, by making the long side direction substantially along the circumferential direction, the filling rate in the outer peripheral portion can be increased, the amount of the tobacco filling can be sufficiently ensured, and the structure of the tobacco filling can be made stronger to suppress dropout.

[0014] Furthermore, the tobacco filling aggregate according to the invention of claim 4 is configured such that the surface in the long side direction of the tobacco filling is in contact with the surface in the long side direction of the adjacent tobacco filling or in contact with the surface in the short side direction of the adjacent tobacco filling, and the number of the tobacco fillings whose surfaces in the long side direction are in contact with the surfaces in the long side direction of the adjacent tobacco fillings is larger than the number of the tobacco fillings whose surfaces in the long side direction are in contact with the surfaces in the short side direction of the adjacent tobacco fillings.

[0015] According to the invention according to claim 4, tobacco fillings can form a group of fillings that overlap each other on the long sides, and voids can be formed between the groups of fillings.

[0016] And the tobacco filling aggregate according to the invention of claim 5 is configured such that the tobacco filling is formed of a non-tobacco plant.

[0017] According to the invention according to claim 5, by not using tobacco for the tobacco filling, an electronic cigarette cartridge that can be enjoyed even during smoking cessation can be formed.

[0018] Also, the electronic cigarette cartridge according to the invention of claim 6 is configured to include any one of the above-described tobacco filling aggregates, a support member that is adjacent to the tobacco filling of the tobacco filling aggregate in the length direction and through which an air flow can pass along the length direction, and a mouthpiece.

[0019] According to the invention according to claim 6, an air flow flowing through the voids of the tobacco filling aggregate can be smoothly flowed to the mouthpiece through the support member, and a user can suck an appropriate amount of air flow.

[0020] Furthermore, in the electronic cigarette cartridge according to the invention of claim 7, the support member has a support portion at least on its outermost peripheral portion, and the support portion is configured such that it is adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the tobacco filler at the outermost peripheral portion in contact with the wrapper.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 7, since the support portion is in contact with the tobacco filler at the outermost peripheral portion, the tobacco filler at the outermost peripheral portion, which forms a strong structure by substantially following the circumferential direction, is supported in the longitudinal direction by the support member, and it is possible to prevent the tobacco filler from collapsing and falling off when the heating portion is inserted or the like.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the tobacco filler assembly of the present invention, since the filling rate at the outer peripheral portion is high, the filling rate of the entire tobacco filler assembly can be increased, so that sufficient aerosol can be generated. Also, since the fluidity at the central portion is good, the airflow easily flows, so that the air flow rate and the number of puffs in the electronic cigarette cartridge can be appropriately set. In addition, since the porosity of the central portion can be increased, it can be easily inserted into the electronic cigarette body. Further, a strong structure is formed by the tobacco filler along the circumferential direction at the outer peripheral portion, and the tobacco filler can be made difficult to fall off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge 1 having a tobacco filler aggregate 10 in the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 includes a substantially cylindrical tobacco filler aggregate 10 filled with a large number of tobacco fillers 20, a cylindrical support member 12, and a mouthpiece 14 serving as a suction port, which are arranged along the length direction and integrated by being wound with a sheet-like packaging member 16.

[0025] The tobacco filler aggregate 10 is formed such that long tobacco fillers 20 are bundled along the length direction and wound with a sheet-like wrapper 25 to form a substantially cylindrical shape. The tobacco filler 20 is formed from a non-tobacco plant. Details of the tobacco filler 20 will be described in detail later.

[0026] The support member 12 has a flow path portion 30 in the central portion in order to allow the airflow containing the aerosol generated in the tobacco filler aggregate 10 to flow toward the mouthpiece 14 side. The support member 12 has a peripheral portion 31 around the flow path portion 30 and can support the inner peripheral side of the packaging member 16. The mouthpiece 14 is a sponge-like porous body and is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is formed to have a diameter of 6.5 to 7.5 mm and a length of 40 to 49 mm. Further, the tobacco filler aggregate 10 has a length of 11 to 13 mm. However, it may have other dimensions.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view representing the usage form of the electronic cigarette cartridge 1. The electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is used when attached to the electronic cigarette body 2. The electronic cigarette body 2 has an insertion part 51 into which the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is inserted. The insertion part 51 is provided with a needle-shaped or blade-shaped heating part 50 that is inserted into the tobacco filling 20 of the inserted electronic cigarette cartridge 1. The heating part 50 can generate an aerosol from the tobacco filling 20 by generating heat while being inserted into the tobacco filling 20. In this state, when the user sucks from the mouthpiece 14, an air current containing the aerosol can be sucked.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a side view (Figure 3(a)) and a front view (Figure 3(b)) of the tobacco filling 20. The tobacco filling 20 is formed in a long shape as described above. Also, the tobacco filling 20 is formed such that the dimension a in the long side direction is longer than the dimension b in the short side direction in a cross-section orthogonal to the length direction. That is, the tobacco filling 20 has a planar form in the shape of a long rectangular parallelepiped.

[0030] The tobacco filling 20 is formed by mixing a dried and pulverized non-tobacco plant with an aerosol former for generating an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, an additive for adding flavor, a preservative, an adhesive, or a thickener, etc., molding it into a sheet shape, and then cutting it to have a predetermined width and length.

[0031] The non-tobacco plant forming the tobacco filling 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is a plant other than tobacco. As the part of the plant to be used, for example, various parts such as roots (including bulbous roots (bulbs), tuberous roots (including potatoes, bulbs, etc.)), stems, tubers, skins (including stem barks, tree barks, etc.), leaves, flowers (including petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks and branches of trees can be used.

[0032] As bulbs, there are onions, lilies, tulips, hyacinths, garlic, Chinese artichokes, lilies; as corms, there are crocuses, gladioli, freesias, irises, taros, konjac; as tubers, there are konjac, cyclamens, anemones, begonias, Chinese taros, potatoes, apios (Japanese arrowroot); as rhizomes, there are cannas, water chestnuts (Chinese water chestnuts), ginger; as tuberous roots, there are dahlias, sweet potatoes, cassavas, elephant yam; as stolons, there are yams (Dioscorea, wild yams, long yams, etc.), and as others, there are turnips, burdocks, carrots, daikons, kudzu. As stems, there are asparagus, bamboo shoots, aralia, daikons, yacon.

[0033] The above-mentioned yams or the plants listed below contain carbohydrates and are preferably used as at least part of the material of the tobacco filler 20. For example, as starches, there are corn starch (corn), potato starch (potato), sweet potato starch (sweet potato), tapioca starch (tapioca), etc., and there are examples of use as thickeners, stabilizers, etc. These starches can improve acid resistance, heat resistance, shear resistance, etc. by crosslinking, improve storage stability, promote gelatinization, etc. by esterification, etherification, and improve transparency, film properties, storage stability, etc. by oxidation.

[0034] From plant seeds, tamarind seed gum, guar gum, locust bean gum can be obtained; from tree saps, gum arabic, karaya gum can be obtained; from fruits, pectin can be obtained; from other plants, cellulose, konjac mannan mainly composed of agarose, and soybean polysaccharides can be obtained. Furthermore, it can be used after being modified like cationized guar gum.

[0035] From seaweeds, carrageenans classified into three types of kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, lambda-carrageenan, agar, and alginic acid can be obtained, and they are also used as salts such as carrageenan metal salts and sodium alginate.

[0036] For example, plants used as herbs or spices include pomegranate fruits, leaves of bitter oranges, ginger, mugwort, wasabi, ajowan seeds, anise, alfalfa, echinacea, shallots, tarragon, everlasting flowers, elder, allspice, orris root, oregano, orange peel, orange flowers, orange leaves, cayenne pepper (cayenne chili pepper), German chamomile, Roman chamomile, cardamom, curry leaves, garlic, catnip, caraway, caraway seeds, mock orange, cumin, cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamom, green pepper, cornflowers, saffron, cider, cinnamon, jasmine, juniper berries, jorokia, ginger, star anise, spearmint, smac, sage, celery (celery), celery, celery seeds, turmeric, thyme, tamarind, tarragon, chervil, chives, dill, dill seeds, tomatoes (dried tomatoes), tonka beans, dried pak choi, nutmeg, hibiscus, habanero, jalapeno, bird's eye, basil, vanilla, pak choi (coriander), parsley, paprika, hyssop, pimentos des perets, pink pepper, fenugreek seeds, fennel, brown mustard, black cardamom, black cumin, black pepper, betony, pennyroyal, peppermint (mint), horseradish, white pepper, white mustard, poppy seeds, porcini, marjoram, mustard seeds, maniget, marigold, mallow flowers, mace, yarrow flowers, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, linden, red clover, red pepper, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon peel, rose, purple rosebuds, rose hips, rose petals, rosemary, red rose, laurel, long pepper, sesame (raw sesame, roasted sesame), yellow pepper, Chinese prickly ash (huajiao), San Ying, Japanese pepper, chili peppers, yuzu, etc. can be used.In addition, various mixtures of plants used as mixed spices (e.g., five-spice powder, garam masala, ras el hanout, berbere, chicken curry masala, tandoori masala, quatre épices, herbes de Provence), and popri can be used.

[0037] Also, for example, edible fruits (pulp part) and seeds such as momo, blueberry, lemon, orange, apple, banana, pineapple, mango, grape, kumquat, melon, ume, almond, cacao, coffee, peanut, sunflower, olive, walnut, and other nuts can be used.

[0038] In addition, teas can be used. Teas not only differ in the plants that become tea, but also different teas can be made from the same plant depending on the processing method. Specifically, for example, Japanese tea, black tea, ashitaba tea, sweet tea, amacha zuru tea, aloe tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, white-back persimmon tea, ezoukogii tea, oobako tea, kaki oshidashi tea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, camomile tea, kawaragemme tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, gymnema tea, guava tea, kukicha tea, yawa no ha tea, black soybean tea, genno shouko tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, hibiscus tea, cherry blossom tea, saffron tea, shiitake tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, mugwort tea, sekkishou tea, senburi tea, buckwheat tea, tara no ki tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, dokudami tea, eucommia tea, nata mame tea, niwato ko tea, nezumi mochi tea, adzuki tea, habu tea, loquat leaf tea, pu-erh tea, red flower tea, pine needle tea, mate tea, barley tea, megusuri no ki tea, mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, bitter melon tea, etc. can be mentioned. For these teas, the tea leaves after drinking can also be used. By using tea leaves or the like, expensive teas and the like can be reused and effectively utilized.

[0039] Other plants such as sea lettuce, green laver, red seaweed, asparagus laver, arame, rock seaweed, egonori, ogonori, gago me kombu, kajime, ganashi, kubirezuta, krome, kombu, susabi nori, darus, chishima kuro nori, tsuru arame, tengusa, tororo kombu, nekojasikonbu genus, nori (seaweed), haba nori, hiziki, hitoe egusa, hiro me, funori, bowao nori, ma kombu, mekabu, mozuku, wakame can of course also be used.

[0040] In addition to brown rice, indica species (Indian type, continental type, long grain species), graberima species (African rice), sativa species (Asian rice), javanica species (Java type, tropical island form, large grain species), japonica species (Japanese type, temperate island type, short grain species), Nerica (interspecific hybrid of Asian rice and African rice) can of course also be used, and can also be used as flour or bran.

[0041] In addition to wheat, other examples include foxtail millet, emmer (cultivated variety of crow wheat, also known as oats), barley, crow wheat, millet, cordoba (cordon vie), common wheat, shikoku vie, teff, toujin vie, naked barley (variety of barley), adzuki bean (the fruit rather than the seed), panicum miliaceum, fonio, makomo, glutinous barley (waxy variety of barley), sorghum (sorghum vulgare, sorghum bicolor, kaoliang), maize, rye can of course also be used.

[0042] In addition to black beans, other examples of legumes include azuki beans, locust beans, kidney beans, broad beans, cluster beans, grass peas, velvet beans, sword beans, winged beans, lima beans, soybeans, snake beans, winged beans, tamarind, tepary beans, field beans, hyacinth beans, bambara beans, chickpeas, fujimame, red kidney beans, horse gram, mung beans, rice beans, peanuts, adzuki beans, lentils, lentils (honto) can of course also be used.

[0043] In addition to buckwheat, amaranth (amaranthus, sennenkoku), quinoa, dattan buckwheat can of course also be used.

[0044] In addition to shiitake mushrooms, other mushrooms include matsutake, hatsutake, shimeji, shoro, matsushroom, and hiratake.

[0045] Also, sugarcane (molasses residue is also acceptable), beets, cypress, pine, cedar, hinoki cypress, camellia, sandalwood, etc. The trunks and branches of aromatic trees, their barks, leaves, roots, etc. can also be used. Ferns, mosses, etc. can also be used as non-tobacco plants. As plants, for example, by-products and squeezed residues when producing fermented liquors such as Japanese sake and wine (sake lees, grape squeezed residues (consisting of grape skins, seeds, fruit stalks, etc.)) can also be used. Furthermore, various plants mentioned above can be mixed and used. Of course, plants other than those listed here can also be used.

[0046] Among the officials, those known as traditional Chinese medicines are also preferably used. For example, the following are: Isatis tinctoria, Rubia cordifolia, Thuja sutchuenensis, Acenyaaku, Benzoin, Clematis chinensis, Artemisia capillaris, Foeniculum vulgare, Curcuma longa, Prunus mume, Lindera aggregata, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Toxicodendron vernix, Rosa multiflora, Corydalis yanhusuo, Sedum aizoon, Astragalus membranaceus, Scutellaria baicalensis, Polygonatum sibiricum, Phellodendron amurense, Coptis chinensis, Prunus serrulata, Dianthus superbus, Polygala tenuifolia, Sophora japonica, Allium macrostemon, Prunella vulgaris, Terminalia chebula, Fallopia multiflora, Curcuma zedoaria, Pogostemon cablin, Pueraria lobata, Chamomilla recutita, Trichosanthes kirilowii, Trichosanthes kirilowii seed, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Tussilago farfara, Artemisia argyi, Platycodon grandiflorum, Hovenia dulcis, Poncirus trifoliata, Citrus aurantium, Chrysanthemum morifolium, Citrus reticulata, Ligusticum wallichii, Prunus armeniaca, Fortunella margarita, Lonicera japonica, Lysimachia christinae, Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense, Sophora flavescens, Juglans regia, Melia azedarach, Cinnamomum cassia, Cassia obtusifolia, Pharbitis nil, Scrophularia ningpoensis, Maltose, Carthamus tinctorius, Albizia julibrissin, Dalbergia odorifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mosla chinensis, Panax ginseng, Cyperus rotundus, Oryza sativa, Magnolia officinalis, Ligusticum sinense, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Achyranthes bidentata, Evodia rutaecarpa, Reynoutria japonica, Arctium lappa, Schisandra chinensis, Bupleurum chinense, Asarum sieboldii, Crocus sativus, Oenanthe javanica, Crataegus pinnatifida, Gardenia jasminoides, Cornus officinalis, Euchresta japonica, Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa, Zanthoxylum piperitum, Sparganium stoloniferum, Dioscorea opposita, Rehmannia glutinosa, Aster tataricus, Lycium chinense, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Perilla frutescens var. acuta, Prunus mume, Diospyros kaki, Kochia scoparia, Paeonia lactiflora, Cnidium monnieriGlehnia Root (Shajin), Asiatic Plantain Seed (Shazenshi), Asiatic Plantain Herb (Shazensou), Amomum Fruit (Shukusha), Ten Herbs (Juyaku), Ginger (Shoukyou), Palm Fruit (Shurojitsu), Palm Leaf (Shuroyou), Cimicifuga Rhizome (Shouma), Wheat (Shoubaku), Acorus Root (Shoubukon), Magnolia Flower Bud (Shin'i), Glossy Privet Fruit (Joteishi), Ash Bark (Shimpi), Medicated Leaven (Shinkiku), Jingiao (Jingyou), Leonurus Fruit (Jyuishi), Pepper Seed (Shokumoku), Green Tangerine Peel (Seihi), Acorus Root (Sekishoukon), Pomegranate Peel (Sekiryujitsuhi), Dendrobium Stem (Sekkok), Chuanxiong Rhizome (Senkyu), Peucedanum Root (Zenko), Sichuan Bone (Senkotsu), Inula Flower (Senpuka), Elder Twig (Sekkotsuboku), Tsaoko Fruit (Souka), Gleditsia Thorn (Soukakushi), Taxillus Twig (Soukisei), Xanthium Fruit (Soujishi), Atractylodes Rhizome (Soujutsu), Oriental Arborvitae Leaf (Sokuhakuyou), Teasel Root (Zokudan), Mulberry Bark (Souhakuhi), Sappan Wood (Soboku), Perilla Leaf (Soyou), Soyou Pod (Soyoukyou), Rhubarb (Daiou), Chinese Date (Taisou), Areca Peel (Daifukuhi), Alisma Rhizome (Takushiya), Salvia Root (Tanjin), Phyllostachys Nigra (Chikuji), Panax Japonicus Torr. (Chiketsuninjin), Bamboo Leaf (Chikuyou), Anemarrhena Rhizome (Chimo), Sanguisorba Root (Chiyu), Clove (Chouji), Fishing Hook (Choutoukou), Tangerine Peel (Chimpi), Jackinthepulpit Tuber (Tennanshou), Gastrodia Tuber (Tennma), Asparagus Root (Tenmontou), Winter Melon Seed (Tougashi), Angelica Root (Touki), Sesame (Tougoma), Codonopsis Root (Toujin), Juncus Effusus (Toushinsou), Peach Kernel (Tounin), Orange Peel (Touhi), Chinese Dodder Seed (Toshishi), Persimmon Fruit (Tichinomi), Eucommia Bark (Tichuu), Angelica Pubescens (Dokkatsu), Trichosanthes Root (Dokakou), Cistanche Deserticola (Nikujuyou), Nikuzuku, Honeysuckle (Nindou), Ginseng (Ninjin), Fritillaria Thunbergii (Baimo), Malt (Bakuga), Biota Seed (Hakushinin), White Hyacinth Bean (Hakhenzu), Ophiopogon Root (Bakmontou), Psoralea Fruit (Hakoshi), Peppermint (Hakka), Banca Fruit (Banka), Pinellia Tuber (Hange), Agkistrodon (Hanbi), Isatis Root (Banwonkon), Scutellaria Barbata (Hansiren), Lily Root (Yurine), Baizhi Root (Byakushi), Hedyotis Diffusa (Byakkajazetsusou), Stemona Root (Hyakubukon), Atractylodes Macrocephala (Byakujutsu), Betel Nut (Binrouji), Stephania Root (Bouei), Imperata Root (Boukon), Saposhnikovia Root (Boufuu), Cattail Pollen (Houou), Dandelion Root (Houeikon), Tree Peony Bark (Botanpi), Ephedra (Maoou), Cannabis Seed (Mashinin), Vitex Fruit (Mankeshi), Pine Resin (Matsyani), Mokutsu, Chaenomeles Fruit (Mokka), Aucklandia Root (Mokkou)Motsuyaku, Mokuzoku, Yakkan, Yakuchi, YakoUTOu, Rakanka, Ransou, RyuuganniKu, Ryutan, Ryoukyou, Reishi, Rengyou, Rensensou, Renniku, Rokon.,

[0047] Officials can also use the extracts of the non-tobacco plants exemplified above, so-called extracts. Examples of the form of the extract include liquid, water candy-like, powder, granule, solution, etc.

[0048] The aerosol former added to the tobacco filler 20 can be glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedionate, dimethyl tetradecanedionate, etc. Among them, glycerin and propylene glycol are particularly preferably used. These are used in an amount of 1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, particularly preferably 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, based on the tobacco filler 20.

[0049] Flavor additives for adding flavor as needed are also preferably used. Examples of the flavor additives include extracts of peppermint, cocoa, coffee, black tea, etc.

[0050] Also, a food preservative may be added as needed, for example, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, etc. may be added.

[0051] As binders or thickeners, etc., gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic and locust bean gum, cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose, organic acids such as starch and alginic acid, and polysaccharides such as conjugate base salts of organic acids such as sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, agar and pectin, and combinations thereof are also used.

[0052] Microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of fibrous plants with an acid, removing the soluble portion from the cellulose, and appropriately crystallizing the insoluble portion.

[0053] After various studies, the following was found regarding the tobacco filler 20 containing a non-tobacco plant, an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose. When the tobacco filler 20 is placed under dry conditions, even when the filler composed of the non-tobacco plant and the aerosol former loses water, the microcrystals of cellulose maintain the structure of the filler and suppress structural changes such as volume shrinkage. Such an effect is obtained by using microcrystalline cellulose.

[0054] Microcrystalline cellulose may remain in powder form or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water and introduced as a suspension. In this case, for dispersion in the solvent, a high-speed stirrer or a high-pressure homogenizer, etc. can be used.

[0055] The addition amount of microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 1% or more and 15% or less by content in the tobacco filler 20. Preferably it is 3% or more and 12% or less, and more preferably 5% or more and 10% or less.

[0056] The addition of microcrystalline cellulose is effective in improving the moldability, improving the workability during kneading with a roll mill, etc., and particularly in suppressing the shrinkage and volume change of the tobacco filler 20, and is effective in the quality control of the e-cigarette cartridge 1 and the homogenization of the usability.

[0057] The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose used in the present invention is preferably 30 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 150 μm, and even more preferably 70 μm to 120 μm.

[0058] When the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose is 30 μm or more, the effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the tobacco filler 20 is excellent. When it is 150 μm or less, in addition to the effect of suppressing the shrinkage, the moldability can be improved.

[0059] The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose is determined by a sieving method. The above average particle size can be obtained by the method described in JIS K 0069:1992. The average particle size refers to the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by integrating the mass from the sieve with the larger mesh size for the test results using a plurality of sieves. Further, preferably, the residue on a sieve with a mesh size of 250 μm is 8% by mass or less, and the residue on a sieve with a mesh size of 75 μm is 45% by mass or more.

[0060] When 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 tobacco filler 20. When the residue on a sieve with a mesh size of 75 μm is 45% by mass or more, the moldability of the tobacco filler 20 can be improved.

[0061] The mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 10,000 or more and 200,000 or less. More preferably, it is 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less. When it is 10,000 or more, the effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the tobacco filler 20 is excellent, and when it is 100,000 or less, in addition to the effect of suppressing the shrinkage, the moldability can be improved. Particularly preferably, it is 20,000 or more and 60,000 or less. The molecular weight of the cellulose can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For example, a measurement method as described in JP-A-6-109715 is adopted, and polyethylene glycol or the like is appropriately used as a standard material.

[0062] The manufacturing process of the tobacco filler 20 will be described. The manufacturing process of the tobacco filler 20 includes a drying and pulverizing process of drying and pulverizing a non-tobacco plant as a main raw material and performing weighing etc., a preparation process of performing pretreatment, weighing etc. of other raw materials, a mixing process of mixing the raw materials to form a composition, and a filler forming process of forming the composition.

[0063] In the drying and pulverizing process, in order to use the part of the non-tobacco plant as the main raw material (for example, leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, barks, roots, etc.) as a composition, it is processed into a predetermined pulverized product. At that time, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content to a convenient amount for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water and other components to be added later. In drying, the temperature is preferably 60°C or more and 80°C or less. By setting it within this range, it is easy to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the dissipation of the required flavor components. Note that when it is 65°C or more, it is even easier to reach the desired moisture content, and when it is 75°C or less, the dissipation of the required flavor components can be further prevented.

[0064] The water content after drying and pulverization is preferably 5% by mass or less. By doing so, slurrying becomes easier in the subsequent process. It is more preferable that the water content is 3% by mass or less. Also, when the water content is 0.1% by mass or more, a state of good compatibility with water or the like can be maintained. Furthermore, in the drying and pulverization process, a sieving process for sieving the pulverized material can also be provided, and it can be adjusted to a desired particle size and fed into the mixing process.

[0065] In the preparation process, the raw materials necessary for creating the tobacco filler 20 can be prepared. The aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation process and fed into the mixing process.

[0066] In the mixing process, a normal mixer can be used. For example, a form in which the raw materials in the mixing tank are mixed while applying shear force with stirring blades is preferably used.

[0067] In the filler forming process, the tobacco filler 20 is formed by forming the composition in which various raw materials are mixed into a thin sheet shape and then cutting it. In this embodiment, three roll mills are prepared to make a thin sheet. When using three roll mills, it is possible to form a sheet of a desired thickness with a doctor blade while performing kneading, dispersion, etc. by compression due to being pushed into the narrow space between the rolls and shear due to the roll speed difference, which is preferable. Also, it can be created using a press roller or a press machine.

[0068] In the filler forming process, other means such as passing the composition through an orifice by pressurization for forming may be used. Also, in the filler forming process, if necessary, flavor additives such as non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, preservatives may be further added, or water or the like may be added.

[0069] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use water that has been sterilized or has had microorganisms removed, and it is preferable to use pure water obtained by reverse osmosis membrane or ion exchange or the like.

[0070] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling material forming step is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut into a predetermined width by a cutter, a rotary cutter of a rotary blade type, or the like.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the cutting of a sheet having a thickness of 0.3 mm will be described as an example. First, the formed sheet is cut into a rectangle having, for example, a length of 150 mm and a width of 240 mm. This rectangular sheet is supplied to a rotary cutter and cut into a shape having a length of 1.5 mm and a width of 240 mm to obtain a sheet cut product. As a result, the dimension a in the long side direction of the tobacco filling 20 is 1.5 mm, and the dimension b in the short side direction is 0.3 mm. Fifty pieces of this sheet cut product are wound with a wrapper 25 to create a roll having an outer shape of about 6.9 mm. This roll is cut by a cutter to a length of 12.0 mm to obtain a tobacco filling aggregate 10. The mass of this tobacco filling aggregate 10 is 0.29 g. When the ratio of the volume of the tobacco filling 20 to the volume of the tobacco filling aggregate 10 is defined as the volume filling rate, the volume filling rate of the tobacco filling aggregate 10 in the present embodiment is about 0.60. Further, the density of the tobacco filling aggregate 10 is 1.07 g / cm3.

[0072] As a result, in the tobacco filling aggregate 10, the tobacco fillings 20 having a long noodle-like form are bundled and integrated along the length direction.

[0073] The arrangement state of the tobacco fillings 20 in the tobacco filling aggregate 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the tobacco filling aggregate 10. FIG. 4 shows a typical arrangement example of the tobacco fillings 20. In the tobacco filling aggregate 10, the tobacco fillings 20 are in a densely packed state in contact with the wrapper 25 or other tobacco fillings 20.

[0074] Among the tobacco fillers 20, the outermost peripheral tobacco fillers 20 in contact with the package 25 are oriented such that the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction. In FIG. 4, for the tobacco filler 20a, the entire one side of the long side is in contact with the package 25. Also, for the tobacco filler 20a, both short sides are in contact with the tobacco fillers 20b and 20c adjacent in the circumferential direction, respectively. For the tobacco fillers 20b and 20c as well, their long sides are in contact with the package 25. Similarly, all of the tobacco fillers 20 located in the outermost peripheral portion are oriented such that the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction and are in contact with each other at the short sides. As a result, in the outermost peripheral portion, the filling rate of the tobacco fillers 20 is high, and since the tobacco fillers 20 are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction, they are less likely to be displaced.

[0075] Among the tobacco fillers 20, many of the tobacco fillers 20 in contact with the inner circumferential side of the outermost peripheral tobacco fillers 20 are oriented such that the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction. In FIG. 4, for the tobacco filler 20d, one side on the outer peripheral side of the long side is in contact with the tobacco filler 20a in the outermost peripheral portion and the long side direction is substantially along the circumferential direction. Although some, such as the tobacco filler 20e, have the long side direction along the radial direction, among the tobacco fillers 20 in contact with the inner circumferential side of the outermost peripheral tobacco fillers 20, the number of tobacco fillers 20 with the long side direction substantially along the circumferential direction is larger than the number of tobacco fillers 20 with the long side direction along a direction other than the circumferential direction. For this reason, even in the region near the outermost peripheral portion, the filling rate of the tobacco fillers 20 is high, and the positions of the tobacco fillers 20 are less likely to be displaced.

[0076] The tobacco fillers 20 are in contact with the long side direction surfaces of the adjacent tobacco fillers 20 or with the short side direction surfaces of the adjacent tobacco fillers 20. As described above, in the outer peripheral portion, many of the tobacco fillers 20 are in contact with the short side direction surfaces of the adjacent tobacco fillers 20 at the long side direction surfaces, but overall, many are in contact with the long side direction surfaces of the adjacent tobacco fillers 20 at the long side direction surfaces. For this reason, many of the tobacco fillers 20 in the central portion of the tobacco filler assembly 10 form a filler group 21 in which the long side direction surfaces are in contact with each other.

[0077] A plurality of filler groups 21 are formed within the tobacco filler aggregate 10, and in each filler group 21, the tobacco fillers 20 are in contact with the long sides of the adjacent tobacco fillers 20 with their long sides. Since the tobacco fillers 20 within the filler group 21 are in contact with each other along their long sides, there are not many gaps between them. However, void portions 22 are likely to be formed between the filler groups 21. At the outer peripheral portion of the tobacco filler aggregate 10, since the tobacco fillers 20 are substantially along the circumferential direction as described above, void portions 22 are less likely to be formed. On the other hand, at the central portion of the tobacco filler aggregate 10, void portions 22 are likely to be formed between the filler groups 21. In a cross-section orthogonal to the length direction of the tobacco filler aggregate 10, the central region α, which is the region on the center side that is equally divided in area in the radial direction, has a higher porosity than the outer peripheral region β, which is the region on the outer peripheral side.

[0078] Since the tobacco filler 20 has a form having a long side direction and a short side direction in a cross-section orthogonal to the length direction, it is easy to achieve both the arrangement along the circumferential direction of the tobacco fillers 20 at the outermost peripheral portion and the arrangement having the filler groups 21 and the void portions 22 of the tobacco fillers 20 at the central portion.

[0079] Since the central region α has a high porosity, it is easy to insert the heating portion 50 of the electronic cigarette body 2 into the tobacco filler aggregate 10. Also, the airflow containing the aerosol generated by heating with the heating portion 50 can be made to flow easily within the tobacco filler aggregate 10. On the other hand, since the outer peripheral region β has a low porosity, the filling rate of the entire tobacco filler aggregate 10 can be increased, and a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated.

[0080] Also, since the filling rate in the outer peripheral region β is high, the tobacco filler aggregate 10 can structurally hold the tobacco fillers 20 firmly. For this reason, during handling by the user, the dropping of the tobacco fillers 20 can be reduced.

[0081] Since the arrangement of the tobacco fillers 20 changes each time they are wrapped with the wrapper 25, they will be different for each stick. Fig. 5 shows a front view of another tobacco filler assembly 10. As shown in this figure, among the tobacco fillers 20 arranged on the outermost peripheral portion, some may face directions other than the circumferential direction. However, even in this case, at the outermost peripheral portion, the number of tobacco fillers 20 whose long side faces a direction substantially along the circumferential direction is larger than the number of tobacco fillers 20 whose long side faces a direction other than the direction substantially along the circumferential direction, and the same effect as in the case of Fig. 4 can be obtained. The same applies to the tobacco fillers 20 in contact with the inner circumferential side of the tobacco fillers 20 on the outermost peripheral portion. Also, although the arrangement itself of the tobacco fillers 20 arranged closer to the center is different from that in Fig. 4, many of them form filler groups 21, and void portions 22 are formed between the filler groups 21, which is the same as in Fig. 4. Thereby, also in the aspect of Fig. 5, the porosity of the central region α is relatively higher than the porosity of the outer peripheral region β.

[0082] When the user inhales while the tobacco filler assembly 10 is heated by the heating unit 50, the airflow containing aerosol flows toward the mouthpiece 14 side. As described so far, since the central region α has a higher porosity than the outer peripheral region β, the airflow converges from the outer peripheral side to the central side and flows in the length direction. In this case, a large amount of aerosol is generated from the outer peripheral portion with a high filling rate, and this can flow smoothly.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows a front view representing the process of wrapping the tobacco filler 20 with the wrapper 25. As shown in Fig. 6(a), when wrapping the tobacco filler 20, first, the tobacco filler 20 is placed on the wrapper 25. The wrapper 25 is placed on the opening / closing portion 41 provided on the pedestal 40. The opening / closing portion 41 can move in a direction away from each other. At this time, it is desirable to place the tobacco filler 20 so that the long side thereof contacts the wrapper 25 as much as possible.

[0084] Next, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the opening / closing portions 41 are moved so as to be separated from each other to form a recess 42 into which the package 25 drops. The tobacco filler 20 is wrapped with the package 25 that has dropped into the recess 42, and finally the package 25 is closed as shown in FIG. 6(c) to form the tobacco filler assembly 10. In the process of wrapping with the package 25, by adjusting the speed or the like, many of the tobacco fillers 20 in the outermost peripheral portion can be arranged substantially along the circumferential direction. Further, by adjusting the force for pushing the tobacco filler 20 into the inside of the package 25 until the package 25 wraps and closes the tobacco filler 20, the porosity in the central region α can be set within an appropriate range.

[0085] The arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 described so far is brought about by the fact that the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 formed in a long noodle shape is a substantially rectangular shape having a long side direction and a short side direction, and many of the tobacco fillers 20 in the outermost peripheral portion and the tobacco fillers 20 adjacent thereto are arranged substantially along the circumferential direction. The applicant of the present application confirmed experimentally the amount of aerosol that can be inhaled in one inhalation and the number of inhalations possible by changing the shape and arrangement of the tobacco filler 20. The conditions and results are as shown in Table 1. Condition 1 has a square cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 (longitudinal 0.60 ± 0.10 mm, transverse 0.60 ± 0.10 mm). Conditions 2 to 6 have a rectangular cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 (longitudinal 1.50 ± 0.10 mm, transverse 0.28 ± 0.02 mm). Condition 2 is the aspect of the present embodiment.

[0086]

Table 1

[0087] From the viewpoints of the amount of aerosol and the number of inhalations possible, Conditions 2, 3, and 5 are preferable. Further, the ease of insertion of the heating portion 50 of the electronic cigarette body 2 into the tobacco filler 20 is good for Conditions 2 and 3.

[0088] In Conditions 2 to 6, the arrangement mode of the tobacco filler 20 varies depending on the arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 before being wound by the wrapper 25 and the way of winding the tobacco filler 20 by the wrapper 25. In Condition 2 which is an aspect of the present embodiment, the tobacco filler 20 is the easiest to wind, and then Conditions 3 and 5 are modes in which the tobacco filler 20 is easy to wind. Conditions 4 and 6 are modes in which the tobacco filler 20 is difficult to wind. Therefore, from the viewpoint of manufacturing ease, Conditions 2, 3, and 5 are preferable, and particularly Condition 2 is more preferable.

[0089] In Condition 1 where the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 is square, it is difficult to form the shape of the tobacco filler 20 in this way, and the tobacco filler 20 is more likely to fall off than in the case where the cross-sectional shape is rectangular. In addition, the amount of air flow generated during heating is also small.

[0090] From the above, it can be said that Condition 2 which is an aspect of the present embodiment is the most preferable form from both the viewpoints of manufacturing ease and the amount of air flow and the number of inhalations possible.

[0091] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the support member 12. As shown in FIG. 7(a), in the present embodiment, the support member 12 has a substantially circular shape in a front view, and a flow path portion 30 for allowing air flow to pass through is formed in the central portion. The periphery of the flow path portion 30 is a peripheral edge portion 31 that contacts the packaging member 16 on the outer peripheral surface and contacts the tobacco filler 20 on the end surface.

[0092] The support member 12 may have other shapes. As shown in FIG. 7(b), it may have four peripheral edge portions 34 protruding in the circumferential direction from the central portion in the radial direction, and a flow path portion 35 may be formed between the peripheral edge portions 34. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(c), a flow path portion 37 may be formed on the central side of the peripheral edge portion 38, and this flow path portion 37 may have a shape divided into two by a partition portion 39. In any case, the peripheral edge portion of the support member 12 can contact the packaging member 16 on the outer peripheral surface and contact the tobacco filler 20 in the length direction on the end surface.

[0093] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be variously applied within the scope of its technical idea. For example, in this embodiment, only the support member 12 is provided between the tobacco filler assembly 10 and the mouthpiece 14, but a cooling member may be provided between the support member 12 and the mouthpiece 14. Further, the dimension a of the long side and the dimension b of the short side in the cross section of the tobacco filler 20 are not limited to the above example and can be set to any dimensions and ratios.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 1 Electronic cigarette cartridge 2 Electronic cigarette main body 10 Tobacco filler assembly 12 Support member 14 Mouthpiece 16 Packaging member 20 Tobacco filler 21 Filler group 22 Void portion 25 Package 30 Flow path portion 31 Peripheral portion 50 Heating portion 51 Insertion portion

Claims

【Claim 1】 A tobacco filler aggregate in which long tobacco fillers are bundled and the outer peripheral portion is wound cylindrically with a sheet-like wrapper, wherein the tobacco filler has a length extending over the entire length of the tobacco filler aggregate, and the shape of a cross-section orthogonal to the length direction is formed to be rectangular such that the dimension in the long-side direction is longer than the dimension in the short-side direction in a cross-section orthogonal to the length direction, the outermost peripheral tobacco filler in contact with the wrapper faces a direction substantially along the circumferential direction or a direction other than the direction substantially along the circumferential direction, the number of the tobacco fillers facing the direction substantially along the circumferential direction is larger than the number of the tobacco fillers facing a direction other than the direction substantially along the circumferential direction, the tobacco fillers arranged on the center side form a filler group in which the long sides are in contact with the long sides of the adjacent tobacco fillers, and a void portion is formed between the filler groups, when the central region and the outer peripheral region are equally divided by area in a cross-section orthogonal to the length direction of the bundle of the tobacco fillers, the central region has a higher porosity than the outer peripheral region, characterized in that it is a tobacco filler aggregate.

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