Smoking cartridges

Abstract

To provide a smoking tool cartridge enabling excellent suction of aerosol.SOLUTION: A smoking tool cartridge (1) comprises: an aerosol formation base material (23) made from raw material of a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant; a mouthpiece (40) formed coaxially with the aerosol formation base material; and a supporting member (30) that is disposed between the aerosol formation base material and the mouthpiece and supports the aerosol formation base material. The supporting member includes: a cylindrical body (31) that is disposed so as to have an axial direction along the central axis (C1) of the smoking tool cartridge and has both opened ends; a partition part (34) disposed inside the cylindrical body; and a gap (32) formed between the cylindrical body's inner peripheral surface and the partition part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a smoking article. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, tobacco products that use a method of heating a tobacco cartridge containing tobacco ingredients without using a flame and inhaling the vaporized tobacco ingredients have become widely known. In addition, due to the diversification of preferences, cartridge products that allow users to enjoy the aroma and flavor of plants that do not contain tobacco ingredients, like cigarettes, without using a flame, are also becoming known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 states that "a smoking article for use in an aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-forming substrate located at the most upstream end of the smoking article and a support element located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The support element abuts the aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-forming substrate is configured to be penetrable by a heating element of the aerosol-generating device having a diameter between about 40 percent and about 70 percent of the diameter of the aerosol-generating substrate without substantially deforming the smoking article. The support element is configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol-forming substrate during insertion of the heating element of the aerosol-generating device into the aerosol-forming substrate" (see Abstract). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-519915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The support element (support member) described in Patent Document 1 is composed of a hollow cylindrical member having a flow path formed therethrough along the axial direction, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path is relatively large. Therefore, there is a possibility that part of the aerosol-forming substrate may enter the flow path. This possibility is particularly high in the case of a granular aerosol-forming substrate. If the aerosol-forming substrate enters the flow path, it will undesirably hinder the aerosol from being sucked in.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a cartridge for a smoking article that allows good inhalation of aerosol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention is a cartridge for a smoking device comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate made from a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant; a mouthpiece arranged coaxially with the aerosol-forming substrate; and a support member arranged between the aerosol-forming substrate and the mouthpiece and supporting the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the support member is arranged so that its axial direction is along the central axis of the smoking device cartridge and includes a cylindrical body with open ends, a partition section arranged inside the cylindrical body, and a gap formed between the inner surface of the cylindrical body and the partition section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge for a smoking article that allows for good inhalation of aerosol. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking article cartridge shown in FIG. 1 inserted into the smoking article. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support member according to Modification 1-1. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support member according to Modification 1-2. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support member according to Modification 1-3. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support member according to Modification 1-4. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] XII-XII cross section of Figure 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking article cartridge 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the smoking article cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a heated body 20, a support member 30, and a mouthpiece 40. The heated body 20, support member 30, and mouthpiece 40 are arranged side by side on a central axis C1. The heated body 20, support member 30, and mouthpiece 40 are integrated by being wrapped around a sheet-like exterior member 10. The exterior member 10 is made of, for example, paper.

[0012] 1 is formed to have a diameter of 6.5 to 7.5 mm and a length of 40 to 60 mm, for example. The heated body 20 has a length of 10 to 25 mm. Of course, the cartridge 1 for a smoking article may be formed to have other dimensions.

[0013] The heated object 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape by wrapping the aerosol-forming substrate 23, which is a filler, in a sheet-like packaging member 25, and the aerosol-forming substrate 23 is exposed at both ends. That is, both ends of the heated object 20 are not covered with a lid member (e.g., paper). The packaging member 25 is made of, for example, paper, but any material may be used as long as it is a sheet-like member. Note that the packaging member 25 may be omitted by directly wrapping the aerosol-forming substrate 23 in the exterior member 10, or the aerosol-forming substrate 23 may be covered with a lid member.

[0014] The aerosol-forming substrate 23 is made of smoking material made from a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant, which will be described in detail later. The aerosol-forming substrate 23 is made, for example, by bundling strip-shaped members, and is arranged so that its axial direction (longitudinal direction) is along the central axis C1.

[0015] When the aerosol-forming substrate 23 is made of a strip-shaped member, the cross section perpendicular to the central axis C1 is substantially rectangular, and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the cross section is preferably, for example, in the range of 1.5:1 to 30:1. Furthermore, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 23 is preferably substantially the same as the length of the heated body 20. An example of the dimensions of the aerosol-forming substrate 23 is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.

[0016] Of course, the aerosol-forming substrate 23 is not limited to a strip-shaped member. For example, it may be a rod-shaped member, or a powder-like or paste-like member. The aerosol-forming substrate 23 may also be configured as a combination of a strip-shaped member and a powder-like member, a combination of a strip-shaped member and a rod-shaped member, a combination of a rod-shaped member and a powder-like member, or a combination of a strip-shaped member, a rod-shaped member and a powder-like member. In these cases, it is preferable to use different raw materials for at least some of the components, as this improves the aroma and taste.

[0017] The mouthpiece 40 is a part that constitutes the mouthpiece of the smoking device cartridge 1, and is made of, for example, paper. The mouthpiece 40 may also include a cellulose acetate filter or the like that removes fine particles. Some of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated by the heated object 20 are filtered by the filter of the mouthpiece 40.

[0018] The support member 30 includes a cylindrical body 31 and a partition 34. The cylindrical body 31 is made of a material with high heat resistance, such as a thermoplastic resin such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), a thermosetting resin such as PI (polyimide), silicone rubber, ceramic (including glass), wood, or compressed paper. The partition 34 is also made of a material with high heat resistance, such as a thermoplastic resin such as PPS, a thermosetting resin such as PI, silicone rubber, ceramic (including glass), wood, or compressed paper. The partition 34 is a plate-like member located approximately in the axial (longitudinal) center of the cylindrical body 31 and perpendicular to the central axis C1. Here, the term "approximate center" refers not only to the axial center of the cylindrical body 31 but also to a range offset from the axial center by 2 to 4 times the plate thickness of the partition 34. Of course, the partition 34 can be located anywhere in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 31. Furthermore, it is preferable to dispose the partition part 34 at a predetermined position between the central part in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 31 and one end side of the cylindrical body facing the aerosol-forming substrate 23, since this effectively prevents the aerosol-forming substrate 23 from falling off the heated object 20. Note that the cylindrical body 31 and the partition part 34 may be formed separately and integrated with each other by adhesion or the like, or may be formed integrally using the same material.

[0019] The cylindrical body 31 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with both ends open. The diameter of the cylindrical body 31 is approximately equal to the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 23. Here, "approximately equal" is a concept that encompasses both the case where the diameter of the cylindrical body 31 is equal to the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 23 and the case where the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 23 includes the thickness of the packaging member 25, i.e., the case where the diameter of the heated object 20 is equal to the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 23. The diameter of the cylindrical body 31 may be smaller than the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 23. The cylindrical body 31 is disposed in a position facing the aerosol-forming substrate 23, and one end face of the cylindrical body 31 abuts against the end (end face) of the aerosol-forming substrate 23, and the other end face of the cylindrical body 31 abuts against the mouthpiece 40, thereby restricting the axial movement of the aerosol-forming substrate 23.

[0020] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the partition 34 is formed in a circular shape and is disposed so that its center passes through the central axis C1. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) connecting portions 33 are disposed between the partition 34 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 31. The four connecting portions 33 are disposed at equal intervals (90-degree intervals) along the circumferential direction, and these connecting portions 33 form four gaps 32 between the partition 34 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 31. These four gaps 32 are slits for flow paths through which the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate 23 passes, and the dimension (slit width) of each gap in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C1 is set to a size suitable for the aerosol to flow.

[0021] Here, the cross-sectional shapes of both the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34 are circular, and these two circles are concentric about the central axis C1, so that a gap 32 with a constant slit width can be formed along the circumferential direction between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34. The slit width of the gap 32 can be set to any dimension by changing the length of the connecting portion 33 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis C1.

[0022] Although the connecting portion 33 is integrally formed on the outer periphery of the partition portion 34, it may be integrally formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical body 31, or may be formed separately from the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34. The number of connecting portions 33 disposed between the inner periphery of the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34 is not limited to four as in the present embodiment, but may be any number other than four, or may be one as long as the connection strength between the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34 is ensured. For example, three connecting portions 33 may be disposed at equal intervals (120-degree intervals) along the circumferential direction, and three gaps 32 may be formed by these three connecting portions 33. Furthermore, when multiple connecting portions 33 are formed, these connecting portions 33 do not necessarily have to be disposed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0023] Furthermore, the space S1 between the partition 34 surrounded by the cylindrical body 31 and the mouthpiece 40 is a flow path through which the aerosol flows. The space S1 functions as an exchange section where the aerosol that has flowed through each gap 32 exchanges with another aerosol, and also functions as a cooling section that cools the aerosol. That is, the support member 30 guides the aerosol generated in the heated body 20 through the gap 32 between the cylindrical body 31 and the partition 34 to the mouthpiece 40. At this time, after passing through each gap 32, the aerosol is exchanged and cooled by the space S1, and is inhaled into the smoker's mouth through the mouthpiece 40.

[0024] As described above, the partition 34 is disposed at approximately the center in the axial direction inside the cylindrical body 31. This is because the strength of the support member 30 can be ensured while the space S1 provides the effect of aerosol exchange and cooling.

[0025] Next, a description will be given of specific examples of raw materials used as the aerosol-forming substrate 23. The aerosol-forming substrate 23 is made of any one or a combination of the following raw materials.

[0026] The aerosol-forming substrate 23 is made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. Examples of tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco. Examples of non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tuberous roots, etc.), stems, tubers, skin (stem bark, bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, and branches.

[0027] In this specification, "plants" refers to a group of organisms, as opposed to animals, and includes not only organisms that have roots and live in a fixed location, such as grass and trees, but also algae such as microalgae and seaweed, and fungi such as mushrooms.

[0028] The aerosol-forming substrate 23 is prepared, for example, by mixing a dried and pulverized non-tobacco plant material with an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, additives that add flavor, preservatives, binders, thickeners, etc., as appropriate, and then pulverizing or classifying the mixture to form powder or granules, or shaping it into a paste. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate 23 may be formed into a sheet, which is then cut into strips or rods of a predetermined width and length.

[0029] For example, when the non-tobacco plant part is a leaf, teas can be preferably used. Not only do different plants produce different teas, but even the same plant can produce different teas depending on the processing method. Specific examples include Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, sweet tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, aloe tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, Quercus salicina tea, Eleuthero tea, plantain tea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, chamomile tea, Kawara Kesseki tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, gymnema tea, guava tea, wolfberry tea, soft leaf tea, black bean tea, Gennoshoko tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, bifu tea, cherry blossom tea, Examples include saffron tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, red pepper tea, Swertia japonica tea, buckwheat tea, elm tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, Houttuynia cordata tea, Eucommia tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, Licorice tea, Job's tears tea, Habu tea, loquat leaf tea, Pu'er tea, safflower tea, pine needle tea, yerba mate tea, barley tea, Megusuri tea, Mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, Monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, and bitter melon tea. Used tea leaves can be used for these teas. Using used tea leaves allows for the effective reuse of expensive teas.

[0030] Furthermore, extracts of the above-mentioned non-tobacco plants, so-called extracts and processed products, can also be used. The extracts may be in the form of liquid, starch syrup, powder, granules, solution, etc.

[0031] Examples of aerosol formers as raw materials for the aerosol-forming substrate 23 include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedionate, and dimethyl tetradecanedione, among which glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred.

[0032] Microcrystalline cellulose as a raw material for the aerosol-forming substrate 23 is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of a fibrous plant with an acid, and is obtained by removing the soluble portion from the cellulose and, if necessary, crystallizing the insoluble portion.

[0033] The microcrystalline cellulose may be in the form of powder or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspension. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or a high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse the microcrystalline cellulose in the solvent.

[0034] Furthermore, if necessary, a flavor additive that adds flavor is also preferably used as a raw material for the aerosol-forming substrate 23. Examples of flavor additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, and black tea extracts, and powder of catechins from tea extracts. Preservatives that are used in food are preferred, and examples include sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

[0035] The aerosol-forming substrate 23 may contain menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone). By combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, sublimation of menthol can be effectively suppressed, and the menthol flavor can be maintained for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, but may also be a synthetic product. Peppermint, mint, peppermint oil, and other menthol-containing substances may also be used.

[0036] The flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 40, for example, by impregnating the wall of the mouthpiece 40. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 40 is not limited to this, and for example, the flavor additive may be provided in the mouthpiece 40 by embedding a capsule in which the flavor additive is encapsulated in the wall of the mouthpiece 40. Alternatively, a capsule in which the flavor additive is encapsulated may be disposed between the mouthpiece 40 and the heated body 20. When the flavor additive is encapsulated in a capsule, the smoker can break the capsule by pressing it with his or her finger, allowing the aromatic components of the flavor additive to volatilize at the desired timing.

[0037] Furthermore, when the flavor additive is encapsulated in a microcapsule, for example, the encapsulated microcapsule may be provided on the heated body 20. Of course, the microcapsule may be provided on the support member 30.

[0038] Binders or thickeners as raw materials for the aerosol-forming substrate 23 include 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; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, caranagin, agar, and conjugate base salts of organic acids such as pectin; and combinations thereof.

[0039] (Method of manufacturing an aerosol-forming substrate) Each step of the manufacturing method of the aerosol-forming substrate 23 will be described below. The manufacturing process of the aerosol-forming substrate 23 includes a drying and grinding step in which a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant, which is the main raw material, is dried and ground and weighed, etc., a preparation step in which other raw materials are pretreated and weighed, etc., a mixing step in which the raw materials are mixed to form a composition, and a filler molding step in which the composition is molded.

[0040] In the drying and grinding process, the main raw material, tobacco or non-tobacco plant parts (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruit, stems, bark, roots, etc.), are ground into a specific powder to create a composition. It is preferable to adjust the moisture content to a level suitable for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other ingredients that will be added later. The drying temperature is preferably between 60°C and 80°C. This range makes it easy to achieve the desired moisture content while avoiding the loss of essential flavor components. Furthermore, the drying and grinding process can also include a sieving process to sieve the ground material, allowing it to be adjusted to the desired particle size before being introduced into the mixing process.

[0041] In the preparation step, it is possible to prepare raw materials necessary for producing the aerosol-forming base material 23. The above-mentioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation step and then put into the mixing step.

[0042] In the mixing step, a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a preferred mode is to mix the raw materials in a mixing vessel while applying shear force with a stirring blade.

[0043] In the filler forming step, a composition containing various raw materials is formed into a thin sheet and then cut to form a strip-shaped or rod-shaped aerosol-forming substrate 23. In this embodiment, multiple roll mills are prepared to form thin sheets. The use of multiple roll mills is preferable because it allows for kneading, dispersion, and the like to be performed by compressing the material by forcing it between the narrow rolls and shearing due to the difference in roll speed, while a doctor blade can be used to form a sheet of the desired thickness. Alternatively, a press roller or a press machine can be used to form the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0044] To obtain a powdered or granular aerosol-forming substrate 23, the composition is preferably pulverized or classified as appropriate. The average particle diameter of the powdered or granular aerosol-forming substrate 23 is preferably, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. The average particle diameter is determined, for example, by the sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. Specifically, the average particle diameter is determined by integrating the masses of the particles with the largest openings in a test using multiple sieves, and the diameter corresponds to 50% of the mass. Alternatively, the particle diameter at 50% of the integrated value in the particle size distribution determined by laser diffraction / scattering may be used as the average particle diameter.

[0045] The filling may be formed by other means, such as forcing the composition through an orifice under pressure. Furthermore, in the filling, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, or water may be added as needed.

[0046] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling molding 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 to a predetermined width using a cutter, a rotary cutter using a rotary blade, or the like.

[0047] Here, when providing adhesion to the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 23, any means capable of providing adhesion may be used, but it is sufficient to attach the above-mentioned binder to at least a portion of the surface. By providing adhesion, when a strip- or rod-shaped aerosol-forming substrate 23 is combined with a powdery, granular, or pasty aerosol-forming substrate 23, the powdery, granular, or pasty aerosol-forming substrate 23 can be stably held on the surface of the strip- or rod-shaped aerosol-forming substrate 23.

[0048] (How to use smoking cartridges) A method of using the smoking article cartridge 1 will now be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking article cartridge 1 inserted into the smoking article 70. The smoking article cartridge 1 is attached to the heated smoking article 70 for use. The smoking article 70 has an insertion section 72 into which the smoking article cartridge 1 is inserted. The insertion section 72 is provided with a needle-shaped or blade-shaped heating section 75. When the smoking article cartridge 1 is inserted into the insertion section 72, the heating section 75 generates heat, causing an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-forming substrate 23. When the smoker holds the mouthpiece 40 between their lips and inhales in this state, the aerosol flows through the space S1 and then the mouthpiece 40, and into the smoker's mouth.

[0049] The cartridge 1 for a smoking article according to the first embodiment configured as described above can achieve the following effects.

[0050] Since the support member 30 is composed of a hollow cylindrical body 31 and a partition portion 34 arranged inside the body 31 so as to be perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the smoking device cartridge 1, the structure of the support member 30 can be simplified compared to conventional methods, and the manufacturing costs of the support member 30 can be reduced.

[0051] Furthermore, because the support member 30 is interposed between the aerosol-forming substrate 23 and the mouthpiece 40 and restricts axial movement of the aerosol-forming substrate 23, the aerosol-forming substrate 23 is prevented from shifting position when the cartridge 1 for a smoking device is inserted into the smoking device 70. This ensures stable heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 23 by the heating unit 75, resulting in the generation of a good aerosol. Furthermore, because the outer peripheral surface of the hollow cylindrical body 31 is in sufficient contact with the inner peripheral surface of the exterior member 10, the frictional force between the body 31 and the exterior member 10 effectively prevents the aerosol-forming substrate 23 from shifting position when the heating unit 75 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 23. Furthermore, because the cylindrical body 31 is in sufficient contact with the exterior member 10, the shape of the cartridge 1 for a smoking device is well maintained, resulting in a beautiful appearance of the cartridge 1 for a smoking device.

[0052] Furthermore, because the partition 34 is disposed approximately in the center of the axial direction (longitudinal direction) inside the cylindrical body 31, the strength of the support member 30 can be ensured. Furthermore, because the outer peripheral surface of the support member 30 supports the exterior member 10, radial deformation when the smoking article cartridge 1 is grasped with fingers can be prevented. Even if the aerosol-forming substrate 23 falls off the heated object 20, the partition 34 prevents the aerosol-forming substrate 23 from moving, preventing the aerosol-forming substrate 23 from blocking the space S1. This ensures the aerosol's ability to flow freely, maintaining a favorable aroma and flavor. Furthermore, the inclusion of the support member 30 can prevent axial deformation when the smoking article cartridge 1 is inserted into the smoking article 70.

[0053] Furthermore, a plurality of gaps 32 are formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the partition 34, and the aerosol that passes through each of these gaps 32 is cooled while being exchanged by the space S1, improving the aroma and taste of the aerosol. Therefore, the strength of the support member 30 can be ensured while maintaining the effect of exchanging and cooling the aerosol by the space S1.

[0054] Furthermore, since the cross-sectional shapes of both the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34 are circular and these two circles are concentric about the central axis C1, a gap 32 with a constant slit width can be formed along the circumferential direction between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34. Furthermore, by changing the length of the connecting portion 33 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis C1, the slit width of the gap 32 can be set to any dimension.

[0055] Next, a modified example of the cartridge 1 for a smoking article according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0056] (Variation 1-1) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a support member 30 according to Modification 1-1. Note that FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same line as line II-II in FIG. 1. In the support member 30 shown in FIG. 4, a square-shaped partition 34-1 is disposed inside a hollow cylindrical body 31. Each vertex of the partition 34-1 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the body 31 via a connecting portion 33, and four gaps 32-1 are formed between each side of the partition 34-1 and the inner circumferential surface of the body 31. These four gaps 32-1 are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction, forming slits through which the aerosol passes. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Note that the shape of the partition 34-1 is not limited to a square, and may be any other polygonal shape. The number of connecting portions 33 and gaps 32-1 can be increased or decreased depending on the shape of the partition portion 34-1. For example, if the partition portion 34-1 is a regular hexagon, the six vertices of the partition portion 34-1 can be connected to the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31 via the connecting portions 33, and six gaps 32 can be formed at 60-degree intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0057] (Variation 1-2) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a support member 30 according to Modification 1-2. Note that FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same line as line II-II in FIG. 1. In the support member 30 shown in FIG. 5, the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34-2 both have circular cross-sectional shapes, but these two circles are not concentric. That is, the center C2 of the partition portion 34-2 is eccentric with respect to the central axis C1, and the outer periphery of the partition portion 34-2 is connected to the inner periphery of the cylindrical body 31 via multiple connecting portions 33 of different lengths. This allows multiple (e.g., four) gaps 32 with different slit widths to be formed along the circumferential direction between the inner periphery of the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Note that the number of gaps 32 may be one or more than four, and the outer shape of the partition portion 34-2 may be a polygon other than a circle (e.g., a square).

[0058] (Variation 1-3) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a support member 30 according to Modification 1-3. Note that FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same line as line II-II in FIG. 1. In the support member 30 shown in FIG. 6, the outer shape of the cylindrical body 31-2 as viewed from the axial direction is formed as a regular octagon, and a square partition portion 34-3 is disposed inside the cylindrical body 31-2. Each vertex of the partition portion 34-3 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 31 via a connecting portion 33, and four first gaps 32-1 are formed between each side of the partition portion 34-3 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 31. Meanwhile, each vertex of the cylindrical body 31-2 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the exterior member 10, and eight second gaps 32-2 are formed between the exterior member 10 and the cylindrical body 31-2. Each first gap 32-1 on the inside of the cylindrical body 31-2 and each second gap 32-2 on the outside form a slit for a flow path through which the aerosol passes. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved. The outer shape of the cylindrical body 31-2 may be a polygon other than a regular hexagon, and the outer shape of the partition portion 34-3 may be a polygon other than a square or a circle.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a support member 30 according to Modification 1-4. Note that FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same line as line II-II in FIG. 1. In the support member 30 shown in FIG. 7, numerous gear-shaped grooves G1 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 31-4. The number of grooves G1 is, for example, 15 to 150. A minute gap 32-4 is formed between the groove G1 and the inner peripheral surface of the exterior member 10. This minute gap 32-4 is large enough to prevent aerosols from passing through. Therefore, aerosols do not pass between the cylindrical body 31-4 and the exterior member 10, but pass only through the gap 32. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. That is, the cylindrical body of the support member according to the present invention is preferably cylindrical and has a smooth outer peripheral surface (see FIG. 2) as in the first embodiment. However, it may also have numerous grooves formed on the outer peripheral surface as in Modification 1-4.

[0060] (Second embodiment) Next, a cartridge for a smoking article according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0061] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking article cartridge 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the smoking article cartridge 2 according to the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as the smoking article cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in that the support member 30 has a cylindrical body 31 and two partitions 36, 37. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on this difference, and overlapping explanations with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0062] If one of the partitions 36 is referred to as the first partition and the other partition 37 is referred to as the second partition, the first partition 36 and the second partition 37 are disposed at positions separated from each other along the central axis C1 within the cylindrical body 31. Similar to the partition 34 of the first embodiment, the first partition 36 and the second partition 37 are both formed in a circular shape. Furthermore, although not shown, gaps are formed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the first partition 36, and between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the second partition 37.

[0063] The space S2 between the first partition 36 and the second partition 37 in the cylindrical body 31, and the space S3 between the second partition 37 and the mouthpiece 40, are both flow paths through which the aerosol flows. The space S2 functions as an exchange area where the aerosol that has passed through the gap (not shown) outside the first partition 36 flows, and also functions as a cooling area where the aerosol flows. The space S3 functions as an exchange area where the aerosol that has passed through the gap (not shown) outside the second partition 37 flows, and also functions as a cooling area where the aerosol flows. That is, the support member 30 guides the aerosol generated in the heated body 20 through the gaps between the cylindrical body 31 and the two partitions 36, 37 to the mouthpiece 40. At this time, the aerosol flows and is cooled by the two spaces S2, S3, and is inhaled into the smoker's mouth through the mouthpiece 40.

[0064] The cartridge 2 for a smoking article according to the second embodiment configured in this manner can provide the following effects.

[0065] Since the support member 30 is composed of a hollow cylindrical body 31 and two partitions 36, 37 arranged inside the body 31 so as to be perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the cartridge 1 for smoking devices, the structure of the support member 30 can be simplified compared to conventional methods, and the manufacturing costs of the support member 30 can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, since the first partition 36 and the second partition 37 are disposed at positions spaced apart along the central axis C1 within the cylindrical body 31, it is possible to ensure the strength of the support member 30. Furthermore, since the exterior member 10 is supported by the outer circumferential surface of such a support member 30, radial deformation when the cartridge 2 for a smoking article is grasped with the fingers can be prevented.

[0067] Furthermore, spaces S2 and S3 are formed in two locations inside the cylindrical body 31, and the aerosol that passes through the gap between the first partition 36 and the second partition 37 is cooled while being exchanged between these two spaces S2 and S3, thereby improving the aroma and taste of the aerosol. Therefore, the strength of the support member 30 can be ensured while maintaining the effect of exchanging and cooling the aerosol through the two spaces S2 and S3.

[0068] In the second embodiment, the number of partitions arranged inside the cylindrical body 31 is not limited to two, but may be three or more. In addition, the outer shape of these partitions is not limited to a circle, but may be a polygon (see FIG. 4).

[0069] (Third embodiment) Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking article cartridge 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 9, the smoking article cartridge 3 according to the third embodiment has basically the same configuration as the smoking article cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in that a space S is provided between the support member 30 and the mouthpiece 40.

[0070] The support member 30 is composed of a cylindrical body 31 and a partition portion 34, and although not shown, a gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the partition portion 34. One end face of the cylindrical body 31 abuts against the end of the aerosol-forming substrate 23, but the other end face of the cylindrical body 31 does not abut against the mouthpiece 40, and the cylindrical body 31 and the mouthpiece 40 are separated by a space S. In other words, the support member 30 is not sandwiched between the aerosol-forming substrate 23 and the mouthpiece 40, but the inner peripheral surface of the exterior member 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 31 are in close contact with each other, thereby restricting the axial movement of the aerosol-forming substrate 23.

[0071] The space S1 between the partition 34 and the other end face of the cylindrical body 31, and the space S between the other end face of the cylindrical body 31 and the mouthpiece 40 are both flow paths through which the aerosol flows. The space S1 functions as an exchange section where the aerosol that has passed through a gap (not shown) on the outside of the partition 34 exchanges with another aerosol, and also functions as a cooling section that cools the aerosol. The space S functions as an exchange section where the aerosol that has passed through the space S1 further exchanges with another aerosol, and also functions as a cooling section that cools the aerosol.

[0072] The smoking article cartridge 3 according to the third embodiment configured in this manner also achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment. The partition 34 may be disposed not only at the axial center of the cylindrical body 31 but also at one end of the cylindrical body 31 facing the aerosol-forming substrate 23 or at the other end of the cylindrical body 31 facing the mouthpiece 40. That is, the partition 34 can be disposed at any axial position of the cylindrical body 31. However, it is preferable to dispose the partition 34 at a predetermined position between the axial center of the cylindrical body 31 and the one end of the cylindrical body facing the aerosol-forming substrate 23, since this effectively prevents the aerosol-forming substrate 23 from falling off the heated object 20. The axial length of the cylindrical body 31 can be set arbitrarily; for example, the axial length of the cylindrical body 31 may be shorter than the diameter of the heated object 20.

[0073] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking article cartridge 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 10, the smoking article cartridge 4 according to the fourth embodiment has basically the same configuration as the smoking article cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in that the partition section 38 is not plate-shaped.

[0074] That is, the support member 30 includes a hollow cylindrical body 31 and a spherical partition portion 38 disposed inside the body 31. The outer peripheral surface of the partition portion 38 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the body 31 via a plurality of connecting portions 33, and a gap (not shown) is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the body 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the partition portion 34.

[0075] The cartridge 4 for a smoking article according to the fourth embodiment configured in this manner also achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment. The partition 38 may be a non-plate-shaped body other than a sphere, and the location of the partition 38 inside the cylindrical body 31 may be other than the center.

[0076] (Fifth embodiment) Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking article cartridge 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, the smoking article cartridge 5 according to the fifth embodiment has basically the same configuration as the smoking article cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in that a plurality of ridges 39 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the support member 30.

[0077] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , four ridges 39 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the support member 30, closer to the aerosol-forming substrate 23 than the partition 34. These four ridges 39 extend along the axial direction of the support member 30 and are spaced 90 degrees apart from one another. The length of each ridge 39 is approximately half the length of the support member 30, and its height is approximately one-quarter the inner diameter of the support member 30. Of course, the shape (length, height) of the ridges 39 does not have to be within these numerical ranges. It may be determined appropriately as long as the aerosol cooling effect is exerted and the aerosol flow is not obstructed. The number of ridges 39 is also arbitrary. However, considering a high aerosol cooling effect and not obstructing the aerosol flow, a range of three to eight ridges is preferable.

[0078] The smoking article cartridge 5 according to the fifth embodiment configured in this manner also achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the ribs 39 are expected to cool and straighten the aerosol. In particular, the ribs 39 stabilize the flow of the aerosol, making it easier for the aerosol to pass through the gaps 32, further improving the smoking experience. Furthermore, the ribs 39 prevent the aerosol-forming substrate 23 from moving axially (falling off). While the ribs 39 and the connecting portion 33 are circumferentially offset by 45 degrees in FIG. 12 , they may be attached at the same circumferential position. When the ribs 39 and the connecting portion 33 are located at the same position, they may be integrated. That is, the partition portion 34 may be provided at the end of the ribs 39. The ribs 39 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the support member 30, closer to the mouthpiece 40 than the partition portion 34, or they may be provided along the entire inner circumferential surface of the support member 30.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

[0080] For example, in addition to the above-mentioned examples, various other raw materials can be used for the raw material of the aerosol-forming substrate 23. For example, the raw materials disclosed in Japanese Patent Nos. 6371927, 6371928, and 6516907 can also be applied to the present invention.

[0081] Examples of the shape of the aerosol-forming substrate 23 include rods, granules, powder, strips, rolled sheets, folded sheets, fibers, crimped sheets, crimped fibers, lumps, flakes, viscous materials, highly viscous clay-like materials, gels, slime, tablets, pastes, etc. These shapes can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0082] The aerosol-forming substrate 23 may be in the form of, for example, a strand, a porous shape, etc. Porosity can be achieved, for example, by piercing a dried sheet with multiple needles several times (other methods may also be used).

[0083] The powdery or particulate aerosol-forming base material 23 may be in the form of, for example, granules or pellets.

[0084] The powdery or granular aerosol-forming base material 23 may be solidified into a block, or may be made into a paste by adding a small amount of water or oil. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1,2,3,4,5 Smoking Cartridges 10 Exterior materials 20 Heated object 23 Aerosol-forming substrate 25 Packaging materials 30 Support member 31,31-2,31-4 Cylindrical body 32, 32-1, 32-2, 32-3 gap 32-4 Minute Gap 33 Connecting part 34, 34-1, 34-2, 36, 37, 38 Partition 40 mouthpiece C1 center axis G1 groove S,S1,S2,S3 space

Claims

1. A cartridge for a smoking device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate made from a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant; a mouthpiece arranged coaxially with the aerosol-forming substrate; and a support member arranged between the aerosol-forming substrate and the mouthpiece, the support member supporting the aerosol-forming substrate, The support member is a cylindrical body whose axial direction is aligned with the central axis of the cartridge for a smoking article and whose both ends are open; a partition portion disposed inside the cylindrical body; a gap formed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and the partition portion, the partition portion is made of a plate-like member that is arranged so that a surface perpendicular to the thickness direction is perpendicular to the central axis, A space is formed between the partition portion surrounded by the cylindrical body and the mouthpiece, a plurality of ridges are provided on an inner circumferential surface of the support member on a side closer to the aerosol-forming substrate than the partition portion, and the ridges extend along an axial direction of the support member; A cartridge for a smoking article.

2. The cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 1, A cartridge for a smoking article, wherein the partition portion is circular.

3. The cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 1, A cartridge for a smoking article, wherein the partition portion is polygonal.

4. The cartridge for a smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cartridge for a smoking article, characterized in that a connecting portion is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and the partition portion.

5. The cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 4, A cartridge for a smoking device, characterized in that the connecting portions are arranged in multiple positions between the inner surface of the cylindrical body and the partition portion, and the gap is formed between each of these connecting portions along the circumferential direction.

6. The cartridge for a smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A cartridge for a smoking article, characterized in that the partition portion is positioned at any position between the axial center of the cylindrical body and the end portion of the cylindrical body facing the aerosol-forming substrate.

7. The cartridge for a smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A cartridge for a smoking article, wherein the cylinder is cylindrical.

8. The cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 7, the aerosol-forming substrate, the support member, and the mouthpiece are integrated by being wrapped with an exterior member; The cylindrical body has a number of grooves on its outer circumferential surface, and minute gaps are formed between the number of grooves and the inner circumferential surface of the exterior member, A cartridge for a smoking article, wherein the minute gap is formed to a size that prevents the passage of an aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

9. The cartridge for a smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A cartridge for a smoking article, wherein the cylindrical body is a square cylindrical body.

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