Packing element, packing element manufacturing device, and packing element manufacturing method

Abstract

This filler element 6 is used in a flavor inhaler 1, and comprises: a folded part 36 in which one sheet 34 composed of a nonwoven fabric has been folded in the width direction Z intersecting the longitudinal direction X thereof, and the diameter thereof has been reduced to a size not greater than the diameter of the filler element 6; and wrapping paper 18 that is wrapped on the folded part 36. A section of the folded part 36 in the circumferential direction thereof has an opening 40 that is open along the axial direction X of the folded part 36, and an additive 42 is placed on the interior of the folded part 36 via the opening 40.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packing element, a packing element manufacturing device, and a packing element manufacturing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a filter element for use in cigarettes. This filter element is formed by stacking two or more sheets having a filtering function as filter material with a certain width offset, folding each of the stacked sheets into an S-shape or a Z-shape, and then squeezing and rolling up into a cylindrical shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 44-3727 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The filter element can be used in flavor inhalation articles including combustion-heating cigarettes as described in Patent Document 1, as well as non-combustion-heating flavor inhalation articles. The packing density of the filter material packed into the filter element significantly affects the airflow resistance when a user inhales the flavor inhalation article, and ultimately the smoking experience experienced by the user. If the packing density of the filter element decreases, gaps and cavities will form in the filter element, significantly impairing the smoking experience and appearance of the flavor inhalation article. In other words, the packing density of the filter element is an important factor in ensuring the quality of the flavor inhalation article.

[0005] In the manufacturing method described in Patent Document 1, when changing the specifications of the flavor inhalation article and the filter element used therein, it is necessary to prepare multiple sheets and change the number of sheets in order to adjust the packing density of the filter element, adjust the offset width of each stacked sheet, or change the specifications of the sheet itself.

[0006] As described above, in the past, since there were a wide variety of parameters for controlling the packing density of a filter element formed by packing a sheet, in other words, a packing element used in a flavor inhalation article, it was difficult to easily and accurately control the packing density of the packing element according to the required specifications. Moreover, in the manufacturing method described in Patent Document 1, no special consideration is given to the placement of an additive in the packing element, so it is difficult to place an additive in an appropriate position on the packing element while optimizing the packing density of the packing element.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a packing element, a packing element manufacturing apparatus, and a packing element manufacturing method that can easily and accurately control the packing density and that can place additives at appropriate positions in the packing element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a filling element according to one embodiment is a filling element used in a flavor inhalation article, and includes a folded portion formed by folding a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric in a width direction intersecting with its longitudinal direction to reduce its diameter to a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the filling element, and a wrapper wrapped around the folded portion, and the folded portion has an opening that opens in a part of its circumferential direction along the axial direction of the folded portion, It has a U-shaped cross section that is connected to the frontage and extends to the center of the fold-in part in the radial direction, Inside the fold-out section through the opening Radial center at Additives or capsules are arranged in this manner.

[0009] A manufacturing apparatus for a filling element according to one embodiment is a manufacturing apparatus for a filling element used in a flavor inhalation article, and includes a sheet processing section that processes a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric while transporting it on a transport path, a folding section that folds the sheet processed in the sheet processing section in a width direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction during the sheet transport process on the transport path to form a folded rod with a diameter reduced to or less than the diameter of the filling element, a wrapping section that wraps the folded rod formed in the folding section with wrapping paper to form a filling rod, and a cutting section that cuts the filling rod formed in the wrapping section into filling elements, and the folding section forms an opening that opens along the axial direction of the folding rod in a part of the circumferential direction of the folding rod during the sheet folding process, A recess having a U-shaped cross section is formed that is connected to the frontage and extends to the radial center of the folding rod, Furthermore, the inside of the folding rod through the opening Radial center at Additives or capsules supply Supply Unit Equipped with.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a filling element according to one embodiment is a method for manufacturing a filling element used in a flavor inhalation article, and includes a sheet processing step of processing a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric while conveying it, a folding step of folding the sheet processed in the sheet processing step in a width direction intersecting with its longitudinal direction during the sheet conveying process to form a folded rod having a diameter reduced to or less than the diameter of the filling element, a wrapping step of wrapping the folded rod formed in the folding step with wrapping paper to form a filling rod, and a cutting step of cutting the filling rod formed in the wrapping step into filling elements, wherein in the folding step, an opening that opens along the axial direction of the folding rod is formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the folding rod during the sheet folding process, A recess having a U-shaped cross section is formed that is connected to the frontage and extends to the radial center of the folding rod, Furthermore, the inside of the folding rod through the opening Radial center at , additives or capsules supply Supply Process Do the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The packing density of the packing elements can be easily and precisely controlled, and the additive can be placed at an appropriate position in the packing elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article according to a modified example. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a combustion heating type flavor inhalation article. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a combustion heating type flavor inhalation article according to a modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a combustion heating type flavor inhalation article according to another modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows an end face of a packing element. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sheet before processing. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet that has been subjected to a stretching process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sheet that has been subjected to a pressing process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the end face of the sheet in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective view of the packing element formed by reducing the diameter from the state of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fold-in portion in which an additive is placed. [Figure 14] 14 is a perspective view of the packing element formed by reducing the diameter from the state of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fold-out portion in which a capsule is placed. [Figure 16] 16 is a perspective view of the packing element formed by reducing the diameter from the state of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for a packing element. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a packing element. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first roller set sandwiching a sheet. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the roller of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first roller set. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second roller set. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the third roller set. [Figure 24] 24 is a diagram showing an end surface of a sheet that has passed through each roller set of FIGS. 21 to 23. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a transport jet. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 illustrates an end face of a transport jet. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the trumpet guide. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a view showing an end face of the trumpet guide. [Figure 30] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] <Flavor suction articles> Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation article 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the article). The article 1 is composed of, in order from the left side (the tip side of the article 1) as viewed in Fig. 1, a flavor element 2, a tubular element 4, and a filling element 6. The flavor element 2 is formed by filling a flavor raw material 8.

[0014] The device (flavor inhaler) used to heat the flavor element 2 includes, for example, a needle-shaped heater 10. Only the heater 10 of the device is shown in FIG. 1. The article 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.

[0015] It is also possible to mix conductive materials such as metal plates or metal particles into the flavor raw material 8 filled in the flavor element 2. This conductive material is heated by an induced current when the device generates a magnetic field, and the heated conductive material heats the flavor element 2, causing the flavor components of the flavor raw material 8 to volatilize.

[0016] The flavor raw material 8 is, for example, shredded tobacco, a tobacco sheet, or a tobacco sheet folded in a gathered shape. The flavor raw material 8 may be a sheet made from tobacco-free pulp to which a flavoring agent has been added, a shredded sheet made from a non-tobacco plant, or any of these sheets folded in a gathered shape. The flavor raw material 8 is wrapped around its periphery in cigarette paper 12.

[0017] The tubular element 4 forms an airflow path in the article 1 and is formed, for example, from a cylindrical cardboard tube 14. The cardboard tube 14 is formed from a single or double paper web. The filling element 6 is a filter body filled with a filling material 16. The filling material 16 is formed by folding a single sheet 34 made of nonwoven fabric. The periphery of the filling element 6 is wrapped with wrapping paper 18.

[0018] The elements 2, 4, and 6 are arranged coaxially in the axial direction X and butted against each other to form a continuous body. The elements 2, 4, and 6 are connected to each other by wrapping tipping paper 20 around the periphery of the continuous body. Air vents 22 are formed in the tubular element 4 and the tipping paper 20 to allow air to be drawn into the article 1 when the article 1 is inhaled. The air drawn into the article 1 from the outside through the air vents 22 cools the flavor components of the flavor elements 2 and the volatile components of the additives described below, facilitating the aerosolization of these components.

[0019] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a non-combustion heating article 1 according to a modified example. This article 1 has a filler element 6 in the same position as in FIG. 1 , and also has a filler element 6 at an adjacent position on the opposite side of the flavor element 2 from the tubular element 4, i.e., at the tip of the article 1. The tip filler element 6 is connected to the flavor element 2 by a wrapping paper 24. The heater 10 is inserted into the flavor element 2, passing through the tip filler element 6.

[0020] At this time, the filling element 6 at the tip prevents the flavor material 8 from spilling from the flavor element 2 onto the base of the heater 10. In other words, the filling element 6 at the tip functions as a support segment that supports the flavor material 8 filled in the flavor element 2 in the article 1 so that it does not spill onto the heater 10 side. This prevents the spilled flavor material 8 from contaminating the area around the base of the heater 10 of the device.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a combustion-heating article 1. This article 1 is composed of, from the distal end, a flavor element 2 and a filling element 6. When the flavor element 2 is ignited and heated, the flavor components of the flavor raw material 8 are volatilized. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a combustion-heating article 1 according to a modified example. This article 1 is composed of, from the distal end, a flavor element 2, a filter element 26, and a filling element 6. The filter element 26 is formed by wrapping a wrapper paper 30 around a filter material 28, such as acetate tow, different from the filling material 16 of the filling element 6. The filter element 26 is connected to the filling element 6 by a wrapper paper 32.

[0022] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another modified combustion-heating article 1. This article 1 is composed of, in order from the tip, a flavor element 2, a filler element 6, and a filter element 26, and is similar in structure to the article 1 in Fig. 4 except for the arrangement of the filter element 26 and the filler element 6.

[0023] <Filling element> FIG. 6 shows an end face of the packing element 6. The packing material 16 of the packing element 6 is a single sheet 34, whose main raw material is a dry nonwoven fabric made of plant pulp bonded together with a water-soluble binder. The plant pulp may be wood pulp from a non-tobacco plant. Alternatively, the sheet 34 may be formed by impregnating the nonwoven fabric with ground tobacco or an extract from a tobacco plant.

[0024] In this case, flavor components derived from tobacco plants can be volatilized not only from the flavor elements 2 but also from the filling elements 6. In other words, the filling elements 6, which use sheets 34 made of nonwoven fabric impregnated with tobacco powder or tobacco extract, function not only as a filter element that serves as a filtering body, but also as the flavor elements 2.

[0025] The sheet 34 is folded in the width direction Z a predetermined number of times, for example, three or four times, to reduce its diameter, thereby forming a folding rod 90, which will be described later, and is then cut to form the folding portion 36. The width direction Z is a direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction X of the sheet 34 (the same direction as the axial direction X).

[0026] The filling element 6 is formed by wrapping the periphery of the fold-in portion 36 with the wrapping paper 18 and gluing and wrapping both ends of the wrapping paper 18. By folding a single sheet 34 to form the fold-in portion 36 and thus the filling element 6, it is not necessary to prepare multiple sheets 34 and change the number of sheets 34, adjust the offset width of the stacked sheets 34, or change the specifications of the sheets 34 themselves, as was done in the past, in order to adjust the packing density of the filling element 6.

[0027] Therefore, compared to conventional methods, it is possible to easily and accurately control the packing density of the packing elements 6. Furthermore, by subjecting the sheet 34 to the treatment described below, the folded portion 36 can further optimize the packing density of the sheet 34 as the packing material 16, and more effectively prevent gaps and cavities from occurring in the packing elements 6.

[0028] 7 shows a perspective view of the sheet 34 before treatment. The sheet 34 is formed from nonwoven fabrics that are intertwined without being woven, and therefore has almost irreversible extensibility in the longitudinal direction X and has raised portions 38 on both the front and back surfaces. The sheet 34 has a thickness t including the raised portions 38.

[0029] <Sheet stretching treatment> FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a sheet 34 that has been stretched. As the sheet 34 is stretched and lengthened in the longitudinal direction X, the thickness t of the sheet 34 decreases to a smaller value t1. Furthermore, as the sheet 34 is lengthened in the longitudinal direction X and the surface area of the sheet 34 increases, the density (raised density) of the raised portions 38 on the front and back surfaces of the sheet 34 decreases. By adjusting the degree of stretching of the sheet 34, the thickness and raised density of the entire sheet 34 can be controlled. Therefore, it is possible to form folded portions 36 with a variety of packing densities, and thus packing elements 6, using a single type of sheet 34.

[0030] <Sheet pressing process> Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a sheet 34 that has been subjected to a pressing process. Fig. 10 shows a partial enlarged view of an end face of the sheet 34 in Fig. 9. The sheet 34 is subjected to a pressing process in which at least a portion of the sheet 34 in the width direction Z is pressed. The sheet 34 shown in Fig. 6, which is an example of a pressed form, has a number of pressed regions A1 each having a width D1 in the width direction Z and a number of non-pressed regions A2 each having a width D2 in the width direction Z formed along the longitudinal direction X, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0031] The non-pressed area A2 is an area of the sheet 34 other than the pressed area A1, and includes an incompletely pressed inclined surface and a completely unpressed flat surface. When the total width D1 of the pressed areas S1 where the sheet 34 is pressed in the width direction Z is defined as the total pressed width Dt1 of the sheet 34, the ratio of the total pressed width Dt1 to the width of the sheet 34 in the width direction Z, i.e., the sheet width Ds, is a predetermined ratio. This predetermined ratio is set to 50% or less.

[0032] In the pressed region A1 of the sheet 34, the thickness t1 is reduced to a smaller thickness t2 by pressing. Furthermore, the raised portion 38 is crushed, so the raised density on the front and back surfaces of the sheet 34 in the pressed region A1 is significantly reduced. On the other hand, the non-pressed region A2 of the sheet maintains the thickness t1 and raised density almost equal to those after the stretching process.

[0033] By adjusting the formation range of the pressed area A1 of the sheet 34 and setting the ratio of the total pressed width Dt1 to the sheet width Ds to a predetermined ratio, that is, by adjusting the degree of pressing the sheet 34, it is possible to control the thickness and raised density of the entire sheet 34. Therefore, using one type and one sheet 34, it is possible to easily form the folded portions 36 having a plurality of different packing densities, and thus the packing elements 6.

[0034] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the folded-in portion 36. Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the packing element 6 formed by reducing the diameter from the state shown in Fig. 11. As a result of folding the sheet 34, an opening 40 is formed in the axial direction X at a part of the circumferential direction of the folded-in portion 36. After reducing the diameter of the folded-in portion 36 with the opening 40 formed therein, the opening 40 is closed by wrapping it with the wrapping paper 18, and the packing element 6 shown in Fig. 12 is formed.

[0035] In this way, by folding one sheet 34 to form the folded portion 36, it is not necessary to prepare multiple sheets 34 and change the number of sheets 34, adjust the offset width of each stacked sheet 34, or change the specifications of the sheets 34 themselves, as was done in the past, in order to adjust the packing density of the packing elements 6.

[0036] Therefore, the packing density of the packing elements 6 can be easily and accurately controlled. In addition, the packing density of the packing elements 6 can be optimized by adjusting the number of times a single sheet 34 is folded, the folding form, or the degree of diameter reduction of the folded portion 36. Therefore, the occurrence of gaps or cavities in the packing elements 6 can be prevented, and the quality of the article 1 can be ensured.

[0037] Furthermore, when stretching and pressing the sheet 34, the only parameters for managing the packing density of the filler elements 6 are the settings of the degree of stretching and the degree of pressing for one sheet 34. This makes it possible to control the packing density of the filler elements 6 even more easily and with higher precision. Furthermore, by further optimizing the packing density of the filler elements 6 through the stretching and pressing of the sheet 34, it is possible to more effectively prevent the occurrence of gaps and cavities in the filler elements 6, thereby improving the reliability of ensuring the quality of the article 1.

[0038] In particular, when pressing the sheet 34, the predetermined ratio of the total pressing width Dt1 to the sheet width Ds is set to 50% or less. This allows the raised portion 38 to remain in the sheet 34 at more than 50% of the sheet width Ds, thereby preventing an extreme decrease in the raised density of the sheet 34 and more reliably preventing gaps and cavities from occurring in the filling elements 6.

[0039] <Placement of additives in the folded part> 13 shows a perspective view of the folding portion 36 in which the additive 42 is arranged. The folding portion 36 has an opening 40 that opens in a part of its circumferential direction along the axial direction X of the folding portion 36, and the additive 42 is arranged inside the folding portion 36 through the opening 40. This allows the additive 42 to be arranged in an appropriate position of the packing element 6 while optimizing the packing density of the packing element 6.

[0040] Furthermore, the folded portion 36 is formed with a U-shaped cross-sectional recess 44 that is continuous with the opening 40 and recessed to the center of the folded portion 36 in the radial direction Y. The additive 42 is arranged in the axial direction X of the recess 44 through the opening 40. This allows the additive 42 to be reliably arranged in the center of the folded portion 36 in the radial direction Y.

[0041] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a filling element 6 formed by reducing the diameter from the state shown in Figure 13. When the folded-in portion 36 is reduced in diameter and wrapped with the wrapping paper 18, the opening 40 is closed. Therefore, the additive 42 does not protrude from the folded-in portion 36, and it is possible to easily and reliably form a filling element 6 in which the additive 42 is disposed inside the folded-in portion 36. Furthermore, when the folded-in portion 36 is reduced in diameter, the recesses 44 in which the additive 42 is disposed are filled with the sheet 34.

[0042] This ensures that the additive 42 is positioned at the center of the folded portion 36 in the radial direction Y. Furthermore, the components of the additive 42 can be uniformly evaporated from the center of the packing element 6 in the radial direction Y in the radial direction Y. This improves the reliability of ensuring the quality of the packing element 6 and, ultimately, the article 1. The additive 42 may be a liquid additive that is sorbed in the grooves 44, or may be threads that are arranged in the grooves 44. When threads are arranged, the threads are impregnated with a liquid additive.

[0043] The additive 42 may also be a conductive member in the form of a thread or a long, thin plate. The filling element 6, which uses a sheet 34 made of a nonwoven fabric impregnated with tobacco grounds or a tobacco extract, functions as the flavor element 2. The conductive member is heated by an induced current when the device generates a magnetic field, and the heated conductive member heats the filling element 6, causing the flavor components derived from the tobacco plant contained in the filling element 6 to volatilize.

[0044] <Capsule placement in the fold-in section> 15 shows a perspective view of the folding section 36 in which a capsule 46 is placed. The capsule 46 has an outer shell formed from an easily breakable material, and the outer shell encapsulates an additive. An opening 40 is formed in the folding section 36, so that the capsule 46 can be placed at a predetermined position inside the folding section 36 through the opening 40. The capsule 46 is placed, for example, at the center of the folding section 36 in the axial direction X.

[0045] 16 is a perspective view of the filling element 6 formed by reducing the diameter from the state shown in FIG. 15. When the folded-in portion 36 is reduced in diameter and wrapped with the wrapping paper 18, the opening 40 is closed. Therefore, the capsule 46 does not protrude from the folded-in portion 36, and the filling element 6 with the capsule 46 disposed inside the folded-in portion 36 can be easily and reliably formed. Furthermore, when the folded-in portion 36 is reduced in diameter, the recessed ribs 44 are filled with the sheet 34, and the sheet 34 is tightly attached to the periphery of the capsule 46.

[0046] This allows the capsule 46 to be reliably fixed at a predetermined position in the axial direction X, at the center of the folded-in portion 36 in the radial direction Y. Furthermore, the additive components released from the capsule 46 can be uniformly vaporized in the radial direction Y from the center of the filling element 6 in the radial direction Y. This ensures the quality of the filling element 6 and, ultimately, the article 1.

[0047] Furthermore, since the capsule 46 is fixed in close contact with the sheet 34 at the center of the folded portion 36 in the radial direction Y, it becomes easier for the user to crush the capsule 46 with their fingers to release the additive, improving user convenience. Note that the additives constituting the additive 42 sorbed in the grooves 44, the additives impregnated in the threads, and the additives encapsulated in the capsules 46 are, for example, flavoring agents such as menthol, and may further include activated carbon, an aerosol bulking agent, etc.

[0048] Instead of capsule 46, a substantially spherical conductive member may be used. One or more of these conductive members are arranged in filling element 6. Filling element 6, which uses a sheet 34 made of nonwoven fabric impregnated with tobacco grounds or tobacco extract, functions as flavor element 2. The conductive member is heated by an induced current when the device generates a magnetic field, and the heated conductive member heats filling element 6, causing flavor components derived from tobacco plants contained in filling element 6 to volatilize.

[0049] <Filling element manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method> 17 shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing apparatus 50 for the packing element 6, and FIG. 18 shows a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method for the packing element 6. The manufacturing apparatus 50 includes a sheet supply section 52, a sheet processing section 54, a folding section 56, a wrapping section 58, and a cutting section 60.

[0050] When the production of the filling element 6 starts, the sheet supply section 52 supplies one continuous sheet 34 made of nonwoven fabric to the conveying path 62 (S1: sheet supply step). Next, the sheet processing section 54 processes the sheet 34 while conveying it on the conveying path 62 (S2: sheet processing step).

[0051] The sheet processing section 54 includes a first roller set 64, a second roller set 66, and a third roller set 68, and a control unit 70. Each of the roller sets 64, 66, and 68 is composed of a pair of rollers Ra and Rb, and each pair of rollers Ra and Rb sandwiches and transports the sheet 34 on the transport path 62.

[0052] At least one rotation shaft of a pair of rollers Ra, Rb constituting each roller set 64, 66, 68 is connected to the drive shaft of a motor (not shown) and is rotated and driven individually by each motor. Each motor is electrically connected to a control unit 70. The rotation speed of each roller set 64, 66, 68 is controlled via each motor by a signal from the control unit 70.

[0053] The control unit 70 adjusts the difference in rotation speed between the roller sets 64, 66, and 68, thereby adjusting the difference in conveying speed of the sheet 34 between the roller sets 64, 66, and 68. As a result, in the sheet processing step, the sheet 34 is subjected to the stretching process shown in FIG. 8 (P1: stretching process).

[0054] Specifically, the rotation speed of a downstream roller set (second roller set 66 or third roller set 68) is made higher than the rotation speed of an upstream roller set (for example, first roller set 64) in the conveying path 62. As a result, the conveying speed of the sheet 34 in the downstream roller set is made higher than the conveying speed of the sheet 34 in the upstream roller set, and the sheet 34 is stretched in the longitudinal direction X between the upstream roller set and the downstream roller set.

[0055] 19 is a perspective view of the first roller set 64 sandwiching the sheet 34. The roller Ra has a number of ridges 72 formed on the entire outer periphery of the roller Ra. Each ridge 72 forms a pressed area A1 on the sheet 34. In association with the formation of each ridge 72, a number of grooves 74 are formed on the outer periphery of the roller Ra. Each groove 74 forms a non-pressed area A2 on the sheet 34.

[0056] In the process of conveying the sheet 34, the ridges 72 bite into the surface of the sheet 34 and press the sheet 34, in other words, grip the sheet 34, thereby feeding the sheet 34 from the first roller set 64 toward the second roller set 66. As a result, in the sheet processing step, the pressing process shown in FIG. 9 is performed on the sheet 34 (P2: pressing process).

[0057] Figure 20 shows an enlarged cross section of the roller Ra of Figure 19. A pressing surface 76 is formed at the tip of the ridge 72. The pressing surface 76 has a width D3 in the width direction Z of the roller Ra (the same as the axial direction of the roller Ra). A bottom surface 78 is formed in the groove 74. The groove 74 has a width D4 in the width direction Z. The width D3 of the pressing surface 76 is equal to the width D1 of the pressing area A1 of the sheet 34 shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, the width D4 of the groove 74 of the roller Ra is equal to the width D2 of the pressing area A2 of the sheet 34 shown in Figure 10.

[0058] 21 to 23 show examples of combinations of rollers Ra and Rb that make up each roller set 64, 66, 68. FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the first roller set 64. In this first roller set 64, as shown in FIG. 19, numerous ridges 72 are formed across the entire width direction Z of the roller Ra and around the entire outer periphery of the roller Ra. FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the second roller set 66. In this second roller set 66, ridges 72 that are wider than those in FIG. 21 are formed on both ends of the roller Ra in the width direction Z and around the entire outer periphery of the roller Ra.

[0059] Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the third roller set 68. In this third roller set 68, three ridges 72 having the same width as in Figure 21 are formed at three locations in the center and both ends in the width direction Z of the roller Ra, and all around the outer circumferential surface of the roller Ra. In this third roller set 68, three ridges 72 having the same width as in Figure 22 are formed at three locations in the center and both ends in the width direction Z of the roller Rb, and all around the outer circumferential surface of the roller Rb.

[0060] In this way, at least one of the pair of rollers Ra, Rb constituting each of the roller sets 64, 66, 68 has a protruding rib 72 formed around the entire outer periphery of the roller to grip and convey the sheet 34. Each of the protruding ribs 72 performs a pressing process to press at least a portion of the sheet 34 in the width direction Z, thereby carrying out the pressing process described above.

[0061] Figure 24 shows the edge surface of the sheet 34 that has passed through each of the roller sets 64, 66, and 68 shown in Figures 21 to 23. When the total width D1 of the pressing areas A1 where the sheet 34 is pressed by the ridges 72 in the width direction Z is defined as the total pressing width Dt1 of the sheet 34, the ratio of the total pressing width Dt1 to the sheet width Ds is adjusted to a predetermined ratio. As mentioned above, this predetermined ratio is 50% or less. Here, as shown in Figure 24, the pressing area A1 is formed in the center of the back surface of the sheet 34 in the width direction Z by being pressed by the ridges 72 of the roller Rb of the third roller set 68.

[0062] Meanwhile, a pressing area A1 is formed at the center of the surface of the sheet 34 in the width direction Z by the ridges 72 of the rollers Ra of the first roller set 64 and the rollers Ra of the third roller set 68. The width D1 of the pressing area A1 formed by the ridges 72 of the rollers Rb of the third roller set 68 is larger than the width D1 of the pressing area A1 formed by the ridges 72 of the rollers Ra of the first roller set 64 and the rollers Ra of the third roller set 68.

[0063] 24, the width D1 of the pressing area A1 formed by the ridges 72 of the rollers Rb of the third roller set 68 is added to the total pressing width Dt1, and the widths D1 of the pressing areas A1 formed by the ridges 72 of the rollers Ra of the first roller set 64 and the rollers Ra of the third roller set 68 are not added to the total pressing width Dt1. In other words, when the pressing areas A1 formed by the roller sets 64, 66, and 68 overlap in the width direction Z, the width D1 of the larger pressing area A1 is used as a representative and added to the total pressing width Dt1.

[0064] The ratio of the total pressing width Dt1 to the sheet width Ds can be set to a desired predetermined ratio by previously adjusting the area of the pressing surfaces 76 of the ridges 72 formed on each roller set 64, 66, 68, the number of ridges 72, the formation range of the ridges 72, etc. More specifically, in each roller set 64, 66, 68, the area of the pressing surfaces 76 of the ridges 72, the number of ridges 72, the formation range of the ridges 72, etc. that contribute to the total pressing width Dt1 of the sheet 34 are adjusted, taking into account the formation range of the overlapping ridges 72 in the width direction Z of the sheet 34.

[0065] This makes it possible to adjust the ratio of the total pressing width Dt1 to the sheet width Ds. The gripping force of the ridges 72 on the sheet 34 can be adjusted by changing the gap between the pair of rollers Ra and Rb, the protruding height of the ridges 72, the area of the pressing surface 76 of the ridges 72, the number of ridges 72, etc. Optimizing the gripping force of the ridges 72 on the sheet 34 improves the accuracy of the stretching process.

[0066] Next, in the folding section 56, during the conveyance of the sheet 34 in the conveying path 62, the sheet 34 processed in the sheet processing section 54 is folded in the width direction Z to form a folding rod 90 whose diameter is reduced to the diameter of the filling element 6 or less (S3: folding step). The folding rod 90 becomes the folding portion 36 when the filling rod 98 formed in a later step is cut into the filling element 6.

[0067] Furthermore, during the folding process of the sheet 34, the folding section 56 forms an opening 40 that opens in the axial direction X of the folding rod 90 at a portion of the circumferential direction of the folding rod 90. Furthermore, the folding section 56 forms a recessed rib 44 that is continuous with the opening 40 and has a U-shaped cross section that is recessed all the way to the center of the folding rod 90 in the radial direction Y. Specifically, the folding section 56 includes, in order from the upstream side of the conveying path 62, a preliminary folding guide 80, a transport jet 82, a trumpet guide 84, and a tongue 86.

[0068] 25 shows a front view of the preliminary folding guide 80. The preliminary folding guide 80 includes a guide roller 80a and a rotation shaft 80b that rotatably supports the guide roller 80a. During the conveyance of the sheet 34 in the conveyance path 62, the guide roller 80a contacts the center of the sheet 34 in the width direction Z from below. This causes the sheet 34 to curve upward in a convex shape in its thickness direction.

[0069] Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of transport jet 82, and Figure 27 shows the upstream end face of transport jet 82 in transfer path 62. Transport jet 82 is cylindrical and has a large diameter section 82a on the upstream side of transfer path 62 and a small diameter section 82b continuing from large diameter section 82a. The diameter of inner circumferential surface 82c of transport jet 82 is reduced in a stepped manner from large diameter section 82a to small diameter section 82b.

[0070] A baffle plate 88 is erected inside the transport jet 82 from the inner circumferential surface 82c toward the center in the radial direction. The transport jet 82 uses air accompanied by wind pressure to draw in the curved sheet 34 that has passed through the preliminary folding guide 80, folding the sheet a predetermined number of times in the width direction Z across the baffle plate 88, and then reducing its diameter as it is transported from the large diameter portion 82a to the small diameter portion 82b. This forms a folding rod 90.

[0071] Figure 28 shows a cross-sectional view of the trumpet guide 84, and Figure 29 shows the upstream end face of the trumpet guide 84 in the transport path 62. The trumpet guide 84 is cylindrical and has an inner circumferential surface 84a whose diameter gradually decreases from the upstream side of the transport path 62. Inside the trumpet guide 84, a baffle plate 92 is erected from the inner circumferential surface 84a toward the center in the radial direction. Each baffle plate 88, 92 is installed inside the transport jet 82 and the trumpet guide 84, extending along the axial direction thereof.

[0072] The folding rods 90 that have passed through the transport jets 82 are released together with air accompanied by wind pressure from the trumpet guide 84, and the dispersion of air accompanying this release loosens and opens the fibers of the folding rods 90. The folding rods 90 formed by the transport jets 82 also pass through the trumpet guide 84 while sandwiching the baffle plates 92. This allows the folded state of the folding rods 90 formed by the transport jets 82 to be maintained in the trumpet guide 84.

[0073] In this way, the transport jet 82 and the trumpet guide 84 have baffles 88 and 92 extending radially from their inner circumferential surfaces 82c and 84a, respectively. The curved sheet 34 passing through the preliminary folding guide 80 is subjected to air accompanied by wind pressure and is folded between the baffles 88 and 92 to form a folding rod 90. When the sheet 34 is folded between the baffles 88 and 92, the opening 40 and the grooves 44 described above are formed in a portion of the circumferential direction of the folding rod 90.

[0074] 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the tongue 86. The tongue 86 is cylindrical and has an inner peripheral surface 86a that is smaller than the diameter of the filler element 6. After passing through the trumpet guide 84, the folding rod 90 is reduced in diameter in the tongue 86 to be smaller than the diameter of the filler element 6, the opening 40 is closed, and the recessed ribs 44 are filled with the sheet 34.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 17, the folding section 56 includes an additive supply unit 94. The additive supply unit 94 has a nozzle 94a for supplying the additive 42. The nozzle 94a is inserted into both the transport jet 82 and the trumpet guide 84. The additive supply unit 94 supplies the additive 42 from the nozzle 94a into the inside of the folding rod 90 through the opening 40 at least before the folding rod 90 is transported to the tongs 86 (P3: additive supply process). More specifically, the additive supply unit 94 supplies the additive 42 through the opening 40 along the axial direction X of the groove 44.

[0076] The folding section 56 also includes a capsule supply unit 96. The capsule supply unit 96 includes a cylindrical rotating holder 96a, which holds the capsules 46. At least before the folding rod 90 is conveyed to the tongs 86, the capsule supply unit 96 rotates the rotating holder 96a and intermittently drops the capsules 46 held by the rotating holder 96a into the folding rod 90 through the opening 40 to supply them (P4: capsule supply process). More specifically, the capsule supply unit 96 supplies the capsules 46 through the opening 40 to a predetermined position in the axial direction X of the recessed rib 44, for example, to the center position in the axial direction X when the folding section 36 is reached.

[0077] 17, the wrapping section 58 supplies wrapping paper 18 and wraps the folded rod 90 formed in the folding section 56 with the wrapping paper 18 to form a stuffing rod 98 (S4: wrapping step). Next, the cutting section 60 cuts the stuffing rod 98 formed in the wrapping section 58 into stuffing elements 6 (S5: cutting step), thereby completing the production of the stuffing elements 6.

[0078] As described above, the stuffing element 6 of the embodiment includes the folding portion 36 and the wrapping paper 18 wrapped in the folding portion 36. The folding portion 36 is formed by folding a single sheet 34 made of nonwoven fabric in the width direction Z and reducing the diameter to equal to or less than the diameter of the stuffing element 6. By forming the folding portion 36 by folding a single sheet 34, it is no longer necessary to prepare multiple sheets 34 and change the number of sheets 34, adjust the offset width of the stacked sheets 34, or change the specifications of the sheets 34 themselves, as has been done in the past, in order to adjust the packing density of the stuffing element 6.

[0079] Therefore, compared to conventional cases, the packing density of the packing elements 6 can be controlled more easily and with higher precision. Also, by adjusting the number of times a single sheet 34 is folded, the folding form, or the degree of diameter reduction of the folded portion 36, it is possible to optimize the packing density of the packing elements 6. Therefore, it is possible to prevent gaps and cavities from occurring in the packing elements 6, thereby ensuring the quality of the article 1.

[0080] Furthermore, the folded portion 36 has an opening 40 that opens in a part of its circumferential direction along the axial direction X of the folded portion 36. The additive 42 is disposed inside the folded portion 36 through the opening 40. This makes it possible to place the additive 42 at an appropriate position on the packing element 6 while optimizing the packing density of the packing element 6.

[0081] The folded-in portion 36 also has a recessed rib 44 that is continuous with the opening 40 and has a U-shaped cross section that is recessed to the center of the folded-in portion 36 in the radial direction Y. The additive 42 is arranged along the axial direction X of the recessed rib 44. This allows the additive 42 to be reliably arranged in the center of the folded-in portion 36 in the radial direction Y.

[0082] Furthermore, the components of the additive 42 can be uniformly volatilized from the center of the packing element 6 in the radial direction Y in the radial direction Y. This improves the reliability of ensuring the quality of the packing element 6 and, ultimately, the article 1. The additive 42 may be a liquid additive sorbed in the grooves 44, or may be threads arranged in the grooves 44. When threads are arranged, the threads are impregnated with the liquid additive.

[0083] The folding section 56 provided in the manufacturing apparatus 50 of the embodiment forms the opening 40 during the folding process of the sheet 34, and also includes an additive supply unit 94. The additive supply unit 94 supplies the additive 42 into the inside of the folding rod 90 through the opening 40. The supply of the additive 42 by the additive supply unit 94 through the opening 40 is performed during the additive supply process of the folding step. This makes it possible to easily place the additive 42 in the appropriate position of the filling element 6 while folding the sheet 34 during the folding process of the sheet 34.

[0084] The folding section 56 also forms a recessed line 44 that is connected to the opening 40 and has a U-shaped cross section, extending to the center of the folding rod 90 in the radial direction Y. The additive supply unit 94 supplies the additive 42 through the opening 40 along the axial direction X of the recessed line 44. The supply of the additive 42 by the additive supply unit 94 to the recessed line 44 through the opening 40 is performed during the additive supply process of the folding step. This ensures that the additive 42 is positioned at the center of the folding section 36 in the radial direction Y.

[0085] The folding section 56 also includes a preliminary folding guide 80, a transport jet 82, a trumpet guide 84, and tongues 86. As the sheet 34 passes through these parts of the folding section 56 during the conveying process, the desired folding rod 90, and thus the desired filling element 6, can be reliably formed.

[0086] More specifically, baffles 88, 92 are provided upright from the inner peripheral surfaces 82c, 84a of the transport jet 82 and the trumpet guide 84 toward the radial center, respectively. The curved sheet 34 passing through the transport jet 82 and the trumpet guide 84 is folded by air accompanied by wind pressure, sandwiching the baffles 88, 92 between them, and is formed into a folding rod 90 having an opening 40 and grooves 44.

[0087] That is, when folding the sheet 34, each of the baffles 88, 92 starts folding the sheet 34 and functions as a portion that maintains the folded state of the sheet 34. Therefore, by providing each of the baffles 88, 92, the folding rod 90 on which the additive 42 is arranged, and further the filling element 6 on which the additive 42 is arranged, can be formed more reliably.

[0088] This concludes the description of the embodiment, but the above embodiment is not limited to the present invention and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the number, shape, and formation area of the ridges 72 are not limited to the described embodiment and various modifications are possible. The ridges 72 may be formed on both the rollers Ra and Rb, or may be formed on only the roller Ra or only the roller Rb.

[0089] The number of roller sets provided in the sheet processing section 54 need only be at least plural in order to perform the stretching process, and is not limited to the three roller sets 64, 66, and 68. The ratio of the total pressing width Dt1 to the sheet width Ds is preferably 50% or less, but may exceed 50% depending on the specifications of the sheet 34 and the required specifications of the filling element 6.

[0090] Furthermore, it is not necessary to subject the sheet 34 to both the stretching treatment and the pressing treatment, and the sheet 34 may be subjected to only one of the stretching treatment and the pressing treatment depending on the specifications of the sheet 34 and the required specifications of the filling element 6. Furthermore, depending on the specifications of the sheet 34 and the required specifications of the filling element 6, it may not be necessary to subject the sheet 34 to both the stretching treatment and the pressing treatment.

[0091] In addition, it is not necessary to place both the additive 42 and the capsule 46 inside the fold-in portion 36, and only one of the additive 42 and the capsule 46 may be placed depending on the specifications of the filling element 6. Also, as shown in Figures 6 and 12, depending on the specifications of the filling element 6, there may be cases where nothing is placed inside the fold-in portion 36.

[0092] Furthermore, the folding section 56 is not limited to the above-described configuration as long as it can form the folding rod 90. Furthermore, the additive supply unit 94 is not limited to the above-described configuration as long as it can perform the additive supply process. Furthermore, the capsule supply unit 96 is not limited to the above-described configuration as long as it can perform the capsule supply process. Furthermore, the configuration of the article 1 and the positions and number of the filling elements 6 in the article 1 are not limited to the forms described above. The claims of this application as filed are set forth below. [Appendix 1] A filling element for use in a flavor inhalation article, comprising: A folded portion in which a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric is folded in a width direction intersecting with its longitudinal direction to reduce its diameter to less than the diameter of the filling element; a wrapping paper wrapped around the folded portion; Equipped with The folding portion has an opening that opens in the axial direction of the folding portion in a part of its circumferential direction, and an additive is placed inside the folding portion through the opening. A filling element. [Appendix 2] The folding portion has a recessed stripe having a U-shaped cross section that is connected to the opening and recessed to the center of the folding portion in the radial direction, The packing element according to claim 1, wherein the additive is arranged along the axial direction of the groove. [Appendix 3] 3. The packing element according to claim 2, wherein the additive is a liquid additive that is sorbed into the grooves. [Appendix 4] the additive is a thread disposed in the groove; 4. The packing element of claim 2 or 3, wherein the thread is impregnated with a liquid additive. [Appendix 5] An apparatus for manufacturing a filling element for use in a flavor inhalation article, comprising: a sheet processing section that processes a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric while transporting it along a transport path; a folding section that folds the sheet processed in the sheet processing section in a width direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction thereof during the sheet conveyance process in the conveying path to form a folding rod having a diameter reduced to a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the filling element; a wrapping section for wrapping the folded rod formed in the folding section with a wrapping paper to form a filled rod; a cutting section for cutting the filler rod formed in the wrapping section into the filler elements; Equipped with The folding section forms an opening that opens in the axial direction of the folding rod in a portion of the circumferential direction of the folding rod during the sheet folding process, and further includes an additive supply unit that supplies additives to the inside of the folding rod through the opening. [Appendix 6] The folding section forms a recessed line having a U-shaped cross section that is connected to the opening and reaches the radial center of the folding rod during the folding process of the sheet, The filling element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the additive supply unit supplies the additive through the opening along the axial direction of the groove. [Appendix 7] The fold-in section comprises: a preliminary folding guide that bends the sheet in its thickness direction during the sheet conveyance process in the conveyance path; a cylindrical transport jet that uses air with wind pressure to draw in the curved sheet that has passed through the preliminary folding guide and folds it a predetermined number of times in the width direction to form the folding rod; a cylindrical trumpet guide through which the folding rods that have passed through the transport jet are released together with the air accompanied by the wind pressure, and the fibers of the folding rods are unraveled and opened by the dissipation of the air accompanying this release; a cylindrical tongue that reduces the diameter of the folding rod that has passed through the trumpet guide to a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the filling element; 7. An apparatus for manufacturing a packing element according to claim 6, comprising: [Appendix 8] the transport jet and the trumpet guide each have a baffle plate extending from an inner peripheral surface thereof toward a radial center thereof, The curved sheet passing through the transport jet and the trumpet guide is subjected to air accompanied by the wind pressure and folded between the baffles to form the folding rod having the opening and the grooves. [Appendix 9] A method for manufacturing a filling element for use in a flavor inhalation article, comprising: a sheet processing step of processing a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric while conveying it; a folding step in which, during the sheet conveying process, the sheet processed in the sheet processing step is folded in a width direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction thereof to form a folding rod having a diameter reduced to or less than the diameter of the filling element; a wrapping step of wrapping the folded rod formed in the folding step with a wrapping paper to form a stuffed rod; a cutting step of cutting the filler rod formed in the wrapping step into the filler elements; Including, In the folding step, during the folding process of the sheet, an opening is formed in a portion of the circumferential direction of the folding rod that opens in the axial direction of the folding rod, and further, an additive supply process is performed to supply additives into the inside of the folding rod through the opening. A method for manufacturing a filling element. [Appendix 10] In the folding step, a recess having a U-shaped cross section is formed in the folding process of the sheet, the recess being connected to the opening and extending to the radial center of the folding rod, A method for manufacturing a packing element as described in Appendix 9, wherein the additive supply process supplies the additive through the opening along the axial direction of the groove. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Flavor suction article 6 Filling Elements 18 Rolling Paper 34 seats 36 Fold-in section 40 Frontage 42 Additives (additives, threads) 44 Concave stripe 50 Manufacturing equipment 54 Sheet Processing Section 56 Fold-in Section 58 Wrapping Section 60 Cutting Sections 62 Transport Route 80 Extra folding guide 82 Transport Jet 84 Trumpet Guide 86 Tongs 88, 92 Baffle board 90 Folding Rod 94 Additive Supply Unit 98 Filling Rod X-axis direction Y radial direction Z width direction

Claims

1. A filling element for use in a flavor inhalation article, comprising: A folded portion in which a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric is folded in a width direction intersecting with its longitudinal direction to reduce its diameter to less than the diameter of the filling element; a wrapping paper wrapped around the folded portion; Equipped with The folding portion has an opening in a part of its circumferential direction that opens in the axial direction of the folding portion, and has a recessed groove that is connected to the opening and has a U-shaped cross section that is recessed up to the radial center of the folding portion, and an additive or capsule is placed in the radial center inside the folding portion through the opening.

2. A filling element as described in claim 1, wherein the folded portion has the additive disposed inside the folded portion.

3. A filling element as described in claim 1, wherein the folding portion has the capsule arranged inside the folding portion.

4. A filling element as described in claim 1, wherein the single sheet is folded so that the folded portion overlaps along the radial direction of the folded portion and extends along the circumferential direction of the folded portion.

5. A filling element as described in claim 1, wherein the folded portion has the additives or capsules arranged along the axial direction of the grooves.

6. 6. The packing element according to claim 5, wherein the additive is a liquid additive that is sorbed into the grooves.

7. the additive is a thread disposed in the groove; 7. A packing element according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the thread is impregnated with a liquid additive.

8. An apparatus for manufacturing a filling element for use in a flavor inhalation article, comprising: a sheet processing section that processes a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric while transporting it along a transport path; a folding section that folds the sheet processed in the sheet processing section in a width direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction thereof during the sheet conveyance process in the conveying path to form a folding rod having a diameter reduced to a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the filling element; a wrapping section for wrapping the folded rod formed in the folding section with a wrapping paper to form a filled rod; a cutting section for cutting the filler rod formed in the wrapping section into the filler elements; Equipped with The folding section forms an opening that opens in the axial direction of the folding rod in a portion of the circumferential direction of the folding rod during the sheet folding process, and forms a recessed rib that is connected to the opening and has a U-shaped cross section that is recessed and extends to the radial center of the folding rod, and further includes a supply unit that supplies additives or capsules to the radial center inside the folding rod through the opening.

9. A filling element manufacturing apparatus as described in Claim 8, wherein the supply unit supplies the additive to the inside of the folding rod.

10. A filling element manufacturing apparatus as described in Claim 8, wherein the supply unit supplies the capsule inside the folding rod.

11. A filling element manufacturing apparatus as described in Claim 8, wherein the folding section forms the folding rod by folding the single sheet so that the folding section overlaps along the radial direction of the folding portion and extends along the circumferential direction of the folding portion during the sheet folding process.

12. A filling element manufacturing apparatus as described in Claim 8, wherein the supply unit supplies the additives or capsules along the axial direction of the grooves through the opening.

13. The fold-in section comprises: a preliminary folding guide that bends the sheet in its thickness direction during the sheet conveyance process in the conveyance path; a cylindrical transport jet that uses air with wind pressure to draw in the curved sheet that has passed through the preliminary folding guide and folds it a predetermined number of times in the width direction to form the folding rod; a cylindrical trumpet guide through which the folding rods that have passed through the transport jet are released together with the air accompanied by the wind pressure, and the fibers of the folding rods are unraveled and opened by the dissipation of the air accompanying this release; a cylindrical tongue that reduces the diameter of the folding rod that has passed through the trumpet guide to a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the filling element; 13. The apparatus for manufacturing a packing element according to claim 12, comprising:

14. the transport jet and the trumpet guide each have a baffle plate extending from an inner peripheral surface thereof toward a radial center thereof, The curved sheet passing through the transport jet and the trumpet guide is subjected to air accompanied by the wind pressure and folded between the baffles to form the folding rod having the opening and the grooves, according to the manufacturing apparatus for a filling element of claim 13.

15. A method for manufacturing a filling element for use in a flavor inhalation article, comprising: a sheet processing step of processing a single sheet made of nonwoven fabric while conveying it; a folding step in which, during the sheet conveying process, the sheet processed in the sheet processing step is folded in a width direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction thereof to form a folding rod having a diameter reduced to or less than the diameter of the filling element; a wrapping step of wrapping the folded rod formed in the folding step with a wrapping paper to form a stuffed rod; a cutting step of cutting the filler rod formed in the wrapping step into the filler elements; Including, In the folding step, during the folding process of the sheet, an opening is formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the folding rod that opens in the axial direction of the folding rod, a recessed groove with a U-shaped cross section is formed that is connected to the opening and extends to the radial center of the folding rod, and further, a supply process is performed to supply additives or capsules to the radial center inside the folding rod through the opening.

16. A method for manufacturing a filling element as described in Claim 15, wherein the supply process supplies the additive inside the folding rod.

17. A method for manufacturing a filling element as described in claim 15, wherein the supply process supplies the capsule inside the folding rod.

18. A method for manufacturing a filling element as described in claim 15, wherein the folding step involves folding the single sheet so that it overlaps along the radial direction of the folding portion and extends along the circumferential direction of the folding portion during the folding process to form the folding rod.

19. A method for manufacturing a filling element as described in claim 15, wherein the supply process supplies the additive or capsule through the opening along the axial direction of the groove.

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