E-cigarette cartridges

Abstract

To provide an electronic cigarette filling having an effect of preventing the filling from coming off or falling off from an electronic cigarette cartridge before and after use in handling by a user.SOLUTION: An electronic cigarette cartridge is such that: a lid 170, an aerosol forming substrate 110, a support element 300 as a cylindrical hollow tube, a transfer member as a hollow tubular member, and a mouthpiece 140 are adjacently arranged in this order from an upstream side to a downstream side; the aerosol forming substrate is a filling included by an inclusion member; the filling contains an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose; the filling has a sheet-like shape; the sheet-like shape is formed by wrinkling, pleating, gathering or folding; and a mass average molecular weight of the microcrystalline cellulose is 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filler for an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette cartridge using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in response to the trend toward smoking cessation, electronic cigarette products have become popular, which allow users to enjoy tobacco by heating a cartridge containing tobacco components and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components without using a flame. One method for manufacturing the tobacco filler to be filled into such electronic cigarette cartridges involves powdering tobacco leaves, turning them into an aqueous slurry, forming it into a sheet, adding oil or glycerin to the sheet, and drying it (Patent Document 1). Also disclosed is an article in which smoking is achieved by inserting an electronic cigarette cartridge having a tobacco filler at the end and heating it (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2010-520764 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2015-519915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user handles an electronic cigarette cartridge, such as when inserting it into the electronic cigarette body or when removing the electronic cigarette cartridge from the electronic cigarette body after finishing smoking, the filler may fall out of the electronic cigarette cartridge or part of the filler may fall out, which may soil the inside of the electronic cigarette body and ultimately cause malfunction of the electronic cigarette body.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a filler for an electronic cigarette that is effective in preventing the filler from falling off or dropping out of the electronic cigarette cartridge before and after use when the user handles it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, which contains an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic cigarette filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic cigarette filler has a rod-like or rectangular shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, the length of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is L0; The length when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is L10. If we define The length change rate La (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is La(%)=(L0-L10) / L0×100 When The rate of change La (%) is 92.8% or more.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, the length of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is L0; The length when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is L15. If we define The length change rate Lb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is Lb(%) = (L0-L15) / L0 x 100 When The rate of change Lb (%) is 91.9% or more.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, the volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V0; The volume after drying at 105°C for 10 minutes is V10. If we define The volume change rate Va (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is Va(%)=(V0-V10) / V0×100 When The rate of change Va (%) is 86.9% or more.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette obtained by molding a non-tobacco plant composition, the volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V0; The volume after drying at 105°C for 15 minutes is V15. If we define The volume change rate Vb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition is Vb(%) = (V0-V15) / V0 x 100 is expressed as The rate of change Vb (%) is 85.7% or more.

[0013] To solve this problem, the present invention provides an electronic cigarette cartridge for use in an electronic cigarette body, which uses the above-mentioned electronic cigarette filler at one end and a mouthpiece at the other end.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The length when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is L'10. If we define The length change rate L'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is L'a(%) = (L'0 - L'10) / L'0 × 100 When The rate of change L'a (%) is 95.2% or more.

[0015] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The length of the packing is L'0, The length when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is L'15. If we define The length change rate Lb (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is L'b(%) = (L'0 - L15) / L'0 × 100 When The rate of change L'b (%) is 94.2% or more.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V'0; The volume after drying at 105°C for 10 minutes is V'10. If we define The volume change rate V'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is V'a(%) = (V'0 - V'10) / V'0 x 100 When The rate of change V'a (%) is 88.1% or more.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V'0; The volume after drying at 105°C for 15 minutes is V'15. If we define The volume change rate V'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is V'b(%) = (V'0 - V'15) / V'0 × 100 When The rate of change V'b (%) is 83.1% or more.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. the width of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is W'0; The width when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is W'10. If we define The width change rate W'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is W'a(%) = (W'0 - W'10) / W'0 x 100 When The rate of change W'a (%) is 93.9% or more.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. the width of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is W'0; The width when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is W'15. If we define The width change rate W'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is W'b(%) = (W'0 - W'15) / W'0 × 100 When The rate of change W'b (%) is 99.6% or more.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, An electronic cigarette cartridge for use in an electronic cigarette body, characterized in that the electronic cigarette filler according to any one of claims 9 to 14 is used at one end and a mouthpiece is used at the other end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a filler for an electronic cigarette that has the effect of preventing the filler from falling off or dropping out of the electronic cigarette cartridge before and after use when the user handles it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of use of an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 2]1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a filler manufactured as a filler for an electronic cigarette. [Figure 4] 1A-1C illustrate a method for making an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of electronic cigarette cartridges. [Figure 6] 10A-10C illustrate further modes of use of the electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow chart showing an example of a manufacturing process for electronic cigarette filler. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the percent change in length of a sheet of a non-tobacco plant composition upon drying. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the percentage change in volume of a sheet of a non-tobacco plant composition upon drying. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the rate of change in length when an electronic cigarette filler is dried. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the rate of change in volume when an electronic cigarette filler is dried. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the rate of change in width when the electronic cigarette filler is dried. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for producing a non-tobacco plant composition and a filler for an electronic cigarette in an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[0025] The manufacturing process for electronic cigarette fillers includes a drying and crushing step (A) in which non-tobacco plants that provide the aroma are dried and crushed, and then weighed. This step can be omitted if the raw materials can be used as is. Furthermore, a preparation step (B) is also included in which other materials used in the manufacture of electronic cigarette fillers are pre-treated and weighed as necessary.

[0026] After the drying and grinding step (A) and the preparation step (B), the materials are sent to the mixing step (M) where they are mixed under predetermined conditions to form a non-tobacco plant composition.

[0027] The non-tobacco plant composition can be formed into a desired shape through a filler forming step (F). The non-tobacco plant composition formed into a desired shape is then subjected to an electronic cigarette cartridge manufacturing step (G) as a filler for an electronic cigarette, to form an electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0028] Each step will be explained in order. For the purpose of explaining the invention, the steps have been divided into the above steps, but the invention also includes the simultaneous execution of two or more steps. Details of the non-tobacco plants used as raw materials will be described later.

[0029] First, in the drying and grinding step (A), the parts of non-tobacco plants (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) that are used as raw materials are ground into the desired material to produce a non-tobacco plant composition. In this process, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content so that it is convenient for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other components that will be added later. The drying temperature is preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Within this range, it is easy to achieve the desired moisture content while avoiding the loss of necessary flavor components. Furthermore, if the temperature is 65°C or higher, At a temperature of 75°C or less, the desired moisture content can be easily achieved, and loss of the necessary flavor components can be further prevented.

[0030] The moisture content after drying and pulverization is preferably 5% by mass or less. This facilitates slurrying in the subsequent process. 3% by mass or less is even more preferable. Furthermore, the moisture content is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, so that good compatibility with water and the like can be maintained. Furthermore, the drying and pulverization process (A) can be provided with a sieving process for sieving the dried and pulverized material, and the material can be fed to the mixing process (M) as a product of the desired particle size.

[0031] In the preparation step (B), materials necessary for producing a filler for an electronic cigarette can be prepared.

[0032] Microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of fibrous plants, for example with an acid, and then removing the soluble portion from the cellulose and, if necessary, crystallizing the insoluble portion.

[0033] After extensive investigation, we discovered the following about electronic cigarette fillers containing non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, and microcrystalline cellulose: When electronic cigarette fillers are placed under dry conditions, even if the non-tobacco plants and aerosol formers lose moisture, the cellulose microcrystals maintain the structure of the filler and suppress structural changes such as volumetric shrinkage. This effect is achieved by using microcrystalline cellulose.

[0034] In one example of the present invention, microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation step (B) and then added to the mixing step (M). The microcrystalline cellulose may be in the form of powder, or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water and added as 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.

[0035] The amount of microcrystalline cellulose added in the electronic cigarette filler is generally 1% to 15%, preferably 3% to 12%, and more preferably 5% to 10%.

[0036] The addition of microcrystalline cellulose improves moldability and workability during mixing using a roll mill, and is particularly effective in suppressing shrinkage and volume change of electronic cigarette fillers, making it effective in quality control of electronic cigarette cartridges and uniforming the feel when used.

[0037] The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose used in the present invention is preferably 30 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and more preferably 70 μm or more and 120 μm or less.

[0038] When the average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose is 30 μm or more, it is effective in suppressing the shrinkage of the filler for electronic cigarettes, and when it is 150 μm or less, it can improve moldability in addition to the effect of suppressing shrinkage.

[0039] The average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose is determined by a sieving method. The average particle size can be obtained by the method described in JIS K 0069:1992. The average particle size refers to the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by integrating the mass of the larger mesh size from the test results using multiple sieves. Furthermore, the residue on a sieve with an opening of 250 μm is preferably 8% by mass or less, and the residue on a sieve with an opening of 75 μm is preferably 45% by mass or more.

[0040] When the residue on a 250 μm sieve is 8% by mass or less, the sieved microcrystalline cellulose has the effect of suppressing shrinkage of the electronic cigarette filler.When the residue on a 75 μm sieve is 45% by mass or more, the formability of the electronic cigarette filler can be improved.

[0041] The mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of the microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 10,000 or more and 200,000 or less. A mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of 10,000 or more is effective in suppressing shrinkage of the electronic cigarette filler, while a mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of 100,000 or less improves moldability in addition to the effect of suppressing shrinkage. A mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of 20,000 or more and 60,000 or less is particularly preferred. The molecular weight of cellulose can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For example, a measurement method such as that described in JP-A-6-109715 is employed, with polyethylene glycol or the like appropriately used as a standard.

[0042] Next, the mixing step (M) will be described.

[0043] The non-tobacco plants used as raw materials are optionally dried and crushed (A), weighed, and then sent to the mixing step (M).

[0044] The non-tobacco plants used as raw materials will now be described. Non-tobacco plants that can be used in this embodiment are not particularly limited as long as they are plants other than tobacco. Various parts of the plant can be used, for example, roots (including bulbs, tuberous roots (potatoes), bulbs, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (including stem bark, bark, etc.), leaves, flowers (including petals, pistils, stamens, etc.), and tree trunks and branches.

[0045] Bulbs include onions, red spider lilies, tulips, hyacinths, garlic, radishes, and lilies; corms include crocuses, gladioli, freesias, irises, taro, and konjac; tubers include cyclamen, anemones, begonias, Chinese artichokes, potatoes, and apios; rhizomes include cannas, lotus roots, and ginger; tuberous roots include dahlias, sweet potatoes, cassava, and Jerusalem artichokes; rhizobis include Dioscorea (yam species such as Japanese yam, wild yam, and Chinese yam); and others include turnips, burdock roots, carrots, radishes, and kudzu. Stems include konjac, asparagus, bamboo shoots, burdock, radishes, and yacon.

[0046] The above-mentioned potatoes and the plants listed below contain carbohydrates and are preferably used as at least a part of the material for the filler 111. For example, starch includes corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, tapioca starch, etc., and examples of use include thickeners, stabilizers, etc. These starches can be crosslinked to improve acid resistance, heat resistance, shear resistance, etc., esterified or etherified to improve storage stability and promote gelatinization, etc., and oxidized to improve transparency, film properties, storage stability, etc.

[0047] Tamarind seed gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum can be obtained from plant seeds, gum arabic and karaya gum from tree sap, pectin from fruits, and konjac mannan and soybean polysaccharides, which are mainly composed of cellulose and agarose, can be obtained from other plants. Furthermore, modified forms such as cationized guar gum can be used.

[0048] Carrageenan, classified into three types: kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, and lambda-carrageenan, agar, and alginic acid can be obtained from seaweed, and they are also used as salts such as carrageenan metal salts and sodium alginate.

[0049] To give specific examples, plants used as herbs and spices include gardenia fruit, kaffir lime leaves, myoga, mugwort, wasabi, ajowan seeds, anise, alfalfa, echinacea, shallot, estragon, everlasting flower, elder, allspice, orris root, oregano, orange peel, orange flower, orange leaf, cayenne chili pepper, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, cardamom, curry leaf, and garlic. Garlic, catnip, caraway, caraway seeds, osmanthus, cumin, cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamom, green pepper, cornflower, saffron, cedar, cinnamon, jasmine, juniper berries, jolokia, ginger, star anise, spearmint, sumac, sage, savory, celery, celery seeds, turmeric, thyme, tamarind, tarragon, chervil, chives, dill, dill seeds , tomato (dried tomato), tonka bean, dried coriander, nutmeg, hibiscus, habanero, jalapeno, bird's eye, basil, vanilla, coriander, parsley, paprika, hyssop, pimento d'espelette, pink pepper, fenugreek seed, fennel, brown mustard, black cardamom, black cumin, black pepper, vetiver, pennyroyal, peppermint, horseradish, white pepper, white mustard, poppy seed, porcini, ma You can use joram, mustard seeds, maniette, marigold, malva flower, mace, yarrow flower, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, linden, red clover, red pepper, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon peel, rose, purple rosebuds, rose hips, rose petals, rosemary, red rose, laurel, long pepper, sesame seeds (raw sesame seeds, roasted sesame seeds), golden chili pepper, Sichuan pepper, Mitaka pepper, Japanese pepper, chili pepper, yuzu, etc.Mixed spices (e.g., five-spice powder, garam masala, ras el hanout, barigoule, chicken curry masala, tandoori masala, quatre épices, herbes de Provence) and mixtures of various plants used in potpourri can also be used.

[0050] Also usable are edible fruits (flesh) and seeds such as peaches, blueberries, lemons, oranges, apples, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, grapes, kumquats, melons, plums, almonds, cacao, coffee beans, peanuts, sunflowers, olives, walnuts, and other nuts.

[0051] Teas can also be used. Not only do different plants produce different types of tea, but even the same plant can produce different types of tea 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, mulberry leaf tea, black bean tea, Gennoshoko tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, kelp 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.

[0052] Above, kelp was mentioned as a specific example of a plant that can be used, but other plants that can also be used include Ulva, Green Laver, Akamoku, Asakusa Nori, Eisenia Brassica, Iwanori (rock seaweed), Stingray, Gracilaria, Gagome Kelp, Ecklonia Cava, Ganiashi, Kubirezuta, Kurome, Laminaria, Susabinori, Dulse, Chishimakuro Porphyra, Tsuruarame, Agar, Tororo Kelp, Laminaria spp., Nori (nori), Habanori, Hijiki, Hitoegusa, Hirome, Funori, Bowaonori, Laminaria Japonica, Laminaria Japonica, Mekabu, Mozuku, and Wakame.

[0053] Brown rice was mentioned above as a specific example of a plant that can be used, but other varieties of rice such as Indica (Indian type, continental type, long grain), Glaberrima (African rice), Sativa (Asian rice), Javanica (Java type, tropical island type, large grain), Japonica (Japanese type, temperate island type, short grain), and NERICA (an interspecific hybrid between Asian rice and African rice) can also be used, and can be used as flour or bran.

[0054] Furthermore, although wheat has been given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, other examples of wheat that can naturally be used include foxtail millet, oats (a cultivated variety of oats, also known as oats), barley, oats, millet, cordon millet, wheat, finger millet, teff, pearl millet, naked barley (a variety of barley), Job's tears (a fruit, not a seed), barnyard millet, fonio, wild rice, glutinous barley (a glutinous variety of barley), sorghum (sorghum millet, kaoliang, sorghum), corn, and rye.

[0055] Furthermore, although black beans have been given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, other examples of cereals (legumes) that can be used include adzuki beans, carob beans, kidney beans, peas, cluster beans, grass peas (Lathyrus sativus), black gram, cowpeas, winged beans, zeocarpa beans, broad beans, soybeans, bamboo beans, jack beans, tamarind, tepary beans, sword beans, Mucuna pruriens (Mucuna pruriens), bambara groundnuts, chickpeas, hyacinth beans, scarlet beans, horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), moth beans, lima beans, groundnuts, mung beans, lupines, lentils, and lentils (Hento).

[0056] Furthermore, although buckwheat has been given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, other examples of plants that can also be used include amaranth (Amaranthus, Amaranthus globulus), quinoa, and tartary buckwheat.

[0057] Furthermore, although shiitake mushrooms have been given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, examples of mushrooms that can be used include matsutake, shiitake mushroom, hattake mushroom, shimeji mushroom, shiro mushroom, mushroom, and agaric mushroom.

[0058] Other usable plants include the trunks and branches of aromatic trees such as sugarcane (or molasses pomace), sugar beets (beets), cypress, pine, cedar, Japanese cypress, camellia, and sandalwood, as well as the bark, leaves, and roots of these trees. Ferns and mosses can also be used as non-tobacco plants. Other usable plants include by-products and pomace (sake lees and grape pomace (consisting of grape skins, seeds, stalks, etc.)) produced when fermented alcoholic beverages such as sake and wine are produced. Furthermore, the various plants mentioned above may be mixed and used. Of course, plants other than those listed here can also be used.

[0059] Furthermore, those known as herbal medicines are also preferably used, such as the following: indigo plant (Isou), madder root (Akanekon), red-eyed oak (Mallotus japonicus), asparagus root (Acacia serrata), benzoin (Ansokukou), Ireisen (Ireisen), Inchinko (Inchinko), fennel (Fennel), turmeric (Turmeric), Japanese plum (Ubai), Uyaku (Uyaku), Quercus salicina (Quercus salicina), Uva-ursi, Eijitsu (Eijitsu), Corydalis frutescens (Corydalis serrata), Enmeiso (Enmeiso), Astragalus root (Astragalus chinensis), Scutellaria root (Scutellaria chinensis), Phellodendron bark (Oubaku), Coptis chinensis (Coptis chinensis), cherry bark (Ouhi), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), Onji (Onji), and sophora flower. (Kaika), kudzu white (Gaihaku), summer withered grass (Kagosou), oak seed (Kashi), Polygonum multiflorum (Kashu), Atractylodes zedoaria (Zejut), Cuckoo spice (Cuckoo root), Pueraria root (Pueraria sieboldii), Chamomile, Cucurbit root (Karokon), Cucurbit kernel (Caronin), Dried ginger (Kankyo), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Winter jasmine (Kanto) Uka, mugwort leaves, bellflower, kikushi, kikoku, kichijitsu, chrysanthemum, tangerine peel, kyou-katsu, apricot kernel, kumquat, kinjinka, money grass, wolfberry Koshi (gluten-backed wolfberry), Goji leaf (lycium chinense), Walnut (Juglans crenata), Bitter alder bark (Kurempi), Kuromoji (Black linden), Barley (Kubaku), Thorns (Keigai), Cinnamon bark (Kenbihi), Cassia seed (Ketsumeishi), Cowpea seed (Kengoshi), Xanthan gum (Genjin), Glue candy (Koi), Safflower (Kokam), Synthetic berry bark (Gokkanpi), Fragrance (Koukou), Fragrance drum (Koshi), Fragrance (Koju), Red ginseng (Koujin), Ceratoconus fructus (Koubushi), Non-glutinous rice (Kobei), Magnolia officinalis (Koboku), Strawberry (Kohon), Five-leaved pea bark (Gokahi), Oxystem root (Goshitsu), Eujuyu (Welsh berry), Tiger jasmine root (Gojouko) ), Burdock fruit (Goboushi), Schisandra berry (Gomishi), Bupleurum chinensis (Bulb), Asarum spice (Saishin), Saffron, Hawthorn fruit (Cranberry), Gardenia berry (Sanshishi), Cornus officinalis (Cornus chinensis), Wild bean root (Sanzukon), Jujube kernel (Sansonin), Japanese pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum), Sanryo (Sanryo), Chinese yam (Sanyaku), Rehmannia root (Rehmannia rhizome), Asparagus root (Sion), Ground bark (Jikoppi), Lithospermum root (Lithospermum rhizome), Perilla seed (Shisoshi), Perilla leaf (Shisouyou), Siberian lily seed (Sitsurishi), Persimmon stem (Shitei), Ground skin seed (Jifushi), Peony (Paeonia lactiflora), Snake seed (Jashoushi),Shajin (Shrimp), Shazenshi (Plantaria), Shazensou (Plantaria), Shrub, Ten-herb, Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Palm Fruit (Shurojitsu), Palm Leaf (Shuroyo), Citronellol (Citric acid), Wheat (Shoubaku), Iris Root (Sanshobukon), Magnolia (Shin'i), Nasturtium (Jotei-shi), Qinpi (Shinpi), Kiko (Shinkiku), Qingyō (Jingyō), Cranberry Seed (Juishi), Pepper Eye (Shokumoku), Green Bark (Seihi), Acorus Root (Sekishokon), Pomegranate Bark (Sekiryujitsuhi), Dendrobium (Dendrocium), Cnidium (Cnidium), Oriental Husk (Zenko), River bone (Senkotsu), Spiral flower (Senpukuka), Bone wood (Sekkotsubok), Grass fruit (Soka), Sokakushi (Sokakushi), Mulberry parasite (Sokisei), Blue ear fruit (Sojishi), Atractylodes rhizome (Soujutsu), Side oak leaf (Sokuhakuyou), Segmented leaf (Zokudan), Mulberry bark (Sohakuhi), Soboku (Soboku), Soyo (Souyou), Sokyo (Soukyo) pod (Sokyou), Rhubarb (Rhubarb), Jujube (Taiso), Large belly bark (Daifukuhi), Sedge root (Takusha), Red sage (Tanjin), Bamboo root (Chikujo), Bamboo joint ginseng (Chikusetsuninjin), Bamboo leaf (Chikuyou), Anemone rhizome (Zimo), Elm tree (Chiyu), Clove (Chouji), Wisteria Hook, dried orange peel, star anise, tian ma, tian men tang, winter melon seed, angelica tree, sesame seed, rosa canadensis, lamp wick, peach kernel, orange peel, rabbit eye, chestnut, eucommia, angelica tree, angelica root, cinnamon root, nutmeg, honeysuckle, ginseng, Fritillaria muscaria, malt, holly kernel, white pea, Ophiopogon japonicus , broken paper (hakoshi), mint (mentha), banana fruit (banka), pinecone (hange), chinese ginseng (hanbi), isatlantic root (banlankon), chinese ginseng (hanshiren), lily root (lily of the valley), white angelica (byakushi), white snake tongue grass (byakukajazetsuso), hundred-leaf root (hyakubukon), white atractylodes (byakuzu), areca nut (areca), bamboo shoots (boui), reed root (boukon), windbreak (bofu), dandelion root (houeikon), peony bark (bontampi), ephedra (mahuang), hemp seed (masinin), vine thorn (mankeishi), pine resin (matsusani), wood stalk (mokutsu), quince (mokka),Wood fragrant (Mokko), myrrh (Motsuyaku), horse chestnut (Mokzoku), sedge (Yakanto), night-crossing wisteria (Yakoutou), monk fruit (Srakanka), orchid grass (Ransou), longan (Ryugannikku), gentian (Ryutan), ginger (Ryukyou), reishi (Gaishi), forsythia fruit (Forsythia), lotus root (Rensensou), lotus kernel (Lotus stalk), reed root (Lotus Root).

[0060] Furthermore, extracts of the above-mentioned non-tobacco plants, so-called extracts, can also be used. The extracts may be in the form of liquid, starch syrup, powder, granules, solution, or the like.

[0061] Among the above-mentioned examples of non-tobacco plants, those that do not require drying and crushing can be directly introduced into the mixing step (M).

[0062] Other materials that can be used as fillers for electronic cigarettes include the following:

[0063] Examples of aerosol formers that can be used include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedione, and dimethyl tetradecanedione, with glycerin and propylene glycol being particularly preferred. These are used in an amount of 1% to 80% by mass, and more preferably 10% to 40% by mass, based on the mass of the electronic cigarette filler.

[0064] Furthermore, flavor additives for adding flavor may also be preferably used as needed, such as mint, cocoa, coffee, and black tea extracts.

[0065] If necessary, food preservatives such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate may be added.

[0066] Materials that can be used as binders or thickeners other than those mentioned above 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.

[0067] The aerosol former, flavor additive, preservative, binder or thickener, etc., exemplified above, are prepared in the preparation step (B) of FIG. 8, and then go to the mixing step (M).

[0068] In the mixing step (M), a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a mixer in which the materials in a mixing tank are mixed while applying shear force with a stirring blade is preferably used.

[0069] Next is the filler forming step (F), which can be exemplified by a method in which the non-tobacco plant composition is passed through an orifice under pressure to form a rod shape, a method in which the non-tobacco plant composition is formed into a thin sheet, or a method in which the non-tobacco plant composition is dried and crushed to form granules.

[0070] In the present invention, a method of forming a thin sheet and then cutting it into a desired shape will be described in detail. A three-roll mill was prepared to form a thin sheet. The use of a three-roll mill is preferable because it allows for kneading and dispersion by compression caused by being forced between the narrow rolls and shearing caused by the difference in roll speed, while also allowing for forming a sheet of the desired thickness using a doctor blade. It is also preferable to form the sheet using a press roller or a press.

[0071] In the filling forming step (F), non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, or water may be added as needed.

[0072] In the present invention, the term "water" is used, but it is preferable to use water that has been sterilized or has had microorganisms removed from it, and it is preferable to use pure water obtained by reverse osmosis membrane or ion exchange, etc.

[0073] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling molding step (F) is preferably 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut into a desired shape, and cutting can be performed using a cutter or a rotary cutter using a rotary blade.

[0074] As a specific example of the filling forming step (F), a 0.3 mm thick sheet is cut into a desired shape. For example, a rectangle measuring 150 mm in length and 240 mm in width is cut. This sheet is fed to a rotary cutter and cut into a shape measuring 1.5 mm in length and 240 mm in width to obtain cut sheet pieces. 50 of the cut sheet pieces are wrapped in cigarette paper to create a roll with an outer diameter of approximately 6.9 mm. The roll is cut into a length of 12.0 mm using a cutter to obtain the aerosol-forming substrate (110). In this case, the mass of the filling is 0.29 g. The ratio of the volume of the filling to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is called the volume filling rate, and in the above case, the volume filling rate is 0.60. Therefore, the density of the filling calculated from the volume filling rate and the mass of the filling is 1.07 g / cm3.

[0075] In the above-mentioned filler forming step (F), a plurality of rod-shaped or strip-shaped fillers are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. The rod-shaped or strip-shaped fillers are wrapped in a wrapping member (151) such as tobacco paper along the axis of the roll height, forming an aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0076] The electronic cigarette cartridge manufacturing process (G) will now be described. The thus obtained aerosol-forming substrate (110), a support element (300) (described in detail below), and a mouthpiece (140) are wrapped in a packaging member (150). Alternatively, the packaging member (150) is pre-formed into a cylindrical shape, and the mouthpiece (140), support element (300), and filler (111) are inserted into the packaging member (150). Accordingly, a preferred configuration of the present invention is an electronic cigarette cartridge that includes, from upstream (10) to downstream (20), an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a support element (300), and a mouthpiece (140).

[0077] When using the electronic cigarette body of the present invention by inserting a heating element therein, the preferred form is a filler molded into a shape having a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0078] In the present invention, the reason for including microcrystalline cellulose in the filler for electronic cigarettes is that the presence of crystalline cellulose makes it more compatible with the filler composition, increases mechanical strength and structural retention, reduces changes in length, width, and thickness over time, and also reduces the accompanying volume change.

[0079] This is expected to improve the moldability of the filler and the workability when kneading with a roll mill, etc. It is particularly effective in suppressing the rate of change in length, width, thickness, and volume due to shrinkage of the filler for electronic cigarettes.

[0080] By adding microcrystalline cellulose of a predetermined particle size to the filler material of the present invention, even when the filler is formed into the above-mentioned shape, the rate of change in length, width, thickness, and volume can be suppressed, and the problem of the filler for electronic cigarettes falling out of the electronic cigarette cartridge during transportation can be suppressed. Furthermore, by suppressing the above-mentioned changes over time after production, the feeling of use can be made uniform regardless of the time elapsed after production, which is also effective in terms of quality maintenance and management.

[0081] The properties of the electronic cigarette filler prepared as described above can be confirmed as follows: The effects of including microcrystalline cellulose can be evaluated by observing the changes in length, thickness, and volume of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler under specified conditions.

[0082] The non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler thus prepared can be dried using a halogen moisture meter, and the length, width, thickness and volume of the filler before and after drying can be measured to evaluate the rate of change.

[0083] In the present invention, the length, width, thickness, and volume of a non-tobacco plant composition sheet or electronic cigarette filler before drying are measured when the moisture content of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet or electronic cigarette filler is 15% by mass or more and 20% by mass. The moisture content can be adjusted to the above range, for example, at 28°C to 30°C and a relative humidity of approximately 40%. The moisture content was measured using an electronic halogen moisture meter, model DHS-50-5 (manufactured by Bangxi Instrument Technology Co., Ltd.). In automatic drying mode, the drying temperature was set to 105°C, and the moisture content (mass%) was calculated from the moisture loss rate at the end of automatic measurement. In automatic measurement mode, the moisture loss rate was calculated by subtracting the sample mass at the end of measurement from the sample weight before measurement, and then dividing the result by the sample mass before measurement. The change in mass was taken as the moisture content.

[0084] The rate of change in the length, width, thickness, and volume of a non-tobacco plant composition or an electronic cigarette filler is calculated by subtracting the length, width, thickness, and volume after drying for a specified period of time from the length, width, thickness, and volume before drying, and dividing the result by the length, width, thickness, and volume before drying.

[0085] Specifically, the length of the non-tobacco plant composition or the electronic cigarette filler before drying is L0, The length of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is L10. The length change rate La (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as follows: La(%)=(L0-L10) / L0×100 Furthermore, if the length of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 15 minutes of drying is L15, the length change rate Lb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Lb(%) = (L0-L15) / L0 x 100

[0086] The width of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler before drying is W0; The width of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is W10, The width change rate Wa (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as follows. Wa(%)=(W0-W10) / W0×100 Furthermore, if the width of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 15 minutes of drying is W15, the width change rate Wb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Wb(%) = (W0-W15) / W0 x 100

[0087] The thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or the electronic cigarette filler before drying is T0; The thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is T10. The thickness change rate Ta (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as follows. Ta(%)=(T0-T10) / T0×100 Furthermore, if the thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 15 minutes of drying is T15, the thickness change rate Tb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Tb(%)=(T0-T15) / T0×100

[0088] The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition or the e-cigarette filler before drying is V0; The volume of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is V10. The volume change rate Va (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Va(%)=(V0-V10) / V0×100 Furthermore, if the volume of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 15 minutes of drying is V15, the volume change rate Vb (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Vb(%) = (V0-V15) / V0 x 100

[0089] In the present invention, if the non-tobacco plant composition has a length change La (%) of 92.8% or more when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes, the dropout of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. It is more preferably 93.0% or more, and even more preferably 93.5% or more. Furthermore, if the non-tobacco plant composition has a length change rate Lb (%) of 91.9% or more when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes, the dropout of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. It is more preferably 92.0% or more, and even more preferably 92.5% or more.

[0090] In the present invention, when the non-tobacco plant composition is dried at 105°C for 10 minutes, if the volume change rate Va (%) is 86.9% or more, the dropout of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. More preferably, it is 87.0% or more. Even more preferably, it is 87.5% or more. Furthermore, if the volume change rate Vb (%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 85.7% or more, the falling off of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. More preferably, it is 86.0% or more. Even more preferably, it is 86.5% or more.

[0091] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The length of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is L'0, The length when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is L'10. If we define The length change rate L'a (%) of the filler for an electronic cigarette is defined as follows. L'a(%) = (L'0 - L'10) / L'0 × 100

[0092] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The length of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is L'0, The length when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is L'15. If we define The length change rate L'b (%) of the filler for an electronic cigarette is defined as follows. L'b(%) = (L'0 - L'15) / L'0 × 100

[0093] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The width of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is W'0, The width when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is W'10. If we define The width change rate W'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. W'a(%) = (W'0 - W'10) / W'0 x 100

[0094] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The width of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is W'0, The width when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is W'15. If we define The width change rate W'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. W'b(%) = (W'0 - W'15) / W'0 × 100

[0095] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is T'0, The thickness when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is T'10. If we define The thickness change rate T'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. T'a(%) = (T'0-T'10) / T'0 x 100

[0096] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is T'0, When dried at 105°C for 15 minutes, the thickness is T'15. If we define The thickness change rate T'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. T'b(%) = (T'0 - T'15) / T'0 × 100

[0097] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The volume of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is V'0. The volume after drying at 105°C for 10 minutes is V'10. If we define The volume change rate V'a (%) of the filler for an electronic cigarette is defined as follows. V'a(%) = (V'0 - V'10) / V'0 x 100

[0098] A filler for an electronic cigarette made from a non-tobacco plant, The electronic cigarette filler contains an aerosol former, and the filler has a rod-like or strip-like shape with a length of 10 mm to 20 mm, a width of 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The volume of the electronic cigarette filler before drying is V'0. The volume after drying at 105°C for 15 minutes is V'15. If we define The volume change rate V'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is defined as follows. V'b(%) = (V'0 - T'15) / V'0 × 100

[0099] In the present invention, if the filler for an electronic cigarette has a length change rate L'a (%) of 95.2 or more when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes, the filler can be prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. Preferably, the length change rate L'a (%) is 95.7% or more, and more preferably, the length change rate is 96.2% or more. Furthermore, if the length change rate L'b (%) of the electronic cigarette filler when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 94.2% or more, the filler can be prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. Preferably, it is 95.0% or more, and more preferably, it is 95.9% or more.

[0100] In the present invention, when the volume change rate V'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler is 88.1% or more when the electronic cigarette filler is dried at 105°C for 10 minutes, the electronic cigarette cartridge is considered to have a high volume. The dropout rate can be suppressed by 91.1% or more. It is over 94.2%. Furthermore, if the volume change rate V'b (%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 83.1% or more, the falling off of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 87.2% or more. More preferably, it is 91.4% or more.

[0101] In the present invention, when the filler for an electronic cigarette is dried at 105°C for 10 minutes, if the width change rate W'a (%) is 93.9% or more, the filler can be prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. Preferably, it is 96.2% or more, and more preferably, it is 98.6% or more. Furthermore, if the width change rate W'b (%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 89.6% or more, the falling off of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 92.9% or more, and more preferably, it is 96.3% or more.

[0102] In the present invention, if the thickness change rate T'a (%) of the electronic cigarette filler when dried at 105°C for 10 minutes is 98.8% or more, the filler can be prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge. Preferably, the thickness change rate T'a (%) is 99.0% or more, and more preferably, the thickness change rate T'a (%) is 99.2% or more. Furthermore, if the thickness change rate T'b (%) when dried at 105°C for 15 minutes is 98.5% or more, the falling off of the filler from the electronic cigarette cartridge can be suppressed. Preferably, it is 98.6% or more. More preferably, it is 98.9% or more.

[0103] In the present invention, when an electronic cigarette cartridge is molded using a filler containing microcrystalline cellulose, the rate of change in length, width, thickness, and volume over time after production can be suppressed, which not only reduces problems such as the electronic cigarette filler falling off from the electronic cigarette cartridge due to such changes over time, but also suppresses changes in aerosol fluidity that affect the usability of the electronic cigarette cartridge, thereby maintaining and homogenizing a favorable usability regardless of the time that has passed since production.

[0104] Next, an example of use of the produced electronic cigarette filler will be described.

[0105] Figure 1 illustrates an example of how an electronic cigarette cartridge is used. When a user uses the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), it is attached to an electronic cigarette body (200). The electronic cigarette body (200) is provided with an insertion part (210) into which the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is inserted.

[0106] A heating element (211) is provided in the center of the bottom of the insertion portion (210), and the heating element (211) has a pin-like or blade-like member with a pointed tip, and is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate (110) to heat the aerosol-forming substrate (110). More specifically, the heating element (211) is inserted into the center of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) when the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is inserted into the insertion portion (210) of the electronic cigarette body (200).

[0107] The heating element (211) generates heat directly or indirectly using power supplied from a battery (not shown) installed within the electronic cigarette body (200). The heat from the heating element (211) warms the aerosol-forming substrate (110), generating an aerosol containing aromatic components. The generated aerosol is then transported to the mouthpiece (140) via the support element (300) and the aerosol-transporting member (130), which will be described below. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece (140), the aromatic components reach the user's mouth. Hereinafter, for purposes of describing the present invention, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) side of the electronic cigarette cartridge will be referred to as the upstream side (10), and the mouthpiece side will be referred to as the downstream side (20). The upstream side (10) may also be referred to as one end, and the downstream side (20) as the other end.

[0108] Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the heating element (211) has one pin-shaped or blade-shaped member, an example of another embodiment is a heating element (211) having multiple pin-shaped or blade-shaped members.

[0109] 2 shows an example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge 100. The structure will be described from the side where the heating element 211 is inserted, i.e., from the upstream side 10 to the downstream side 20, including the aerosol-forming substrate 110, the support element 300, the transfer member 130, and the mouthpiece 140.

[0110] The support element 300 supports the aerosol-forming substrate 110. The support element 300 is disposed adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 110, and the side portion 160 of the support element 300 contacts the packaging member 150 located on the periphery of the electronic cigarette cartridge 100. The side portion 160 is fixed to the inner surface of the packaging member 150, for example, by adhesive.

[0111] Furthermore, the support element (300) is preferably made of, for example, silicone, but is not limited to silicone and may be made of other materials that are highly heat resistant.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 3, the filler (111) manufactured as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) preferably has a rod-like or strip-like shape, for example, and is packed so that the shape of the filler (111) is aligned along the longitudinal direction of the shape during packing. Here, an example is shown in which the filler is packed into a cylindrical wrapping member (151). As the wrapping member (151), a cylindrical piece of paper such as cigarette paper can be used. Alternatively, the packaging member (150) may also serve as the wrapping member (151). This stabilizes the airflow, making it easier for the user to inhale the aromatic components from the aerosol-forming substrate (110).

[0113] 4 shows the electronic cigarette cartridge 100, in which the aerosol-forming substrate 110, transfer member 130, mouthpiece 140, and a support element 300 (described below) are arranged adjacent to each other in the order of aerosol-forming substrate 110, support element 300, transfer member 130, and mouthpiece 140, and wrapped around a wrapping element 150 such as tobacco paper to form a wound rod. A small amount of adhesive is applied to the side 160 of the support element.

[0114] Next, an example of use of the electronic cigarette cartridge of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) has, for example, a rod-like or cylindrical appearance.

[0116] As shown in Figure 2, the interior of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) has an aerosol-forming substrate (110) at one end, a support element (300) and a transfer member (130) arranged in this order toward the mouthpiece (140) at the other end, and these are packaged in a packaging member (150).

[0117] The aerosol-forming substrate (110) contains a filling material for an electronic cigarette. When heated, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) generates an aerosol containing aromatic components of the plant from which the filling material is derived.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 3, when the filler serving as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) has a shape such as a flake, a strip, or a rod, with the long side approximately 2 to 20 times the short side, the filler (111) is packed so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge during filling. This improves the airflow and facilitates inhalation. Note that FIG. 3 is a view of the electronic cigarette cartridge from the end where the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is located, with a partial perspective view to allow the filler (111) inside the cartridge to be seen. However, in both cases, it is preferable that the maximum length be approximately 1 to 20 mm. This is because if the maximum length is too large, the filler may be too large when filling the cartridge, making it difficult to handle. Of course, other fillers, such as flat, uniformly shaped fillers, can be easily handled by rolling them up.

[0119] As another preferred form of the aerosol-forming substrate, a sheet formed by crinkling, pleating, gathering or folding can also be used.

[0120] Like rod-shaped fillers, fibrous fillers are packed so that the length of the fibers is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, improving the flow of sucked air.

[0121] A porous filler is one of the preferred forms because it is porous when packed into the cartridge, which improves the flow of air when sucked in. Porosity can be achieved, for example, by piercing the dried sheet with multiple needles several times, but other methods are also possible.

[0122] The cartridges can be flat, such as flakes, squares, rectangles, or diamonds, and powder, granule, or pellet fillers can be easily dropped into the cartridge opening. This is also preferable because it is easy to precisely adjust the amount of material to be filled into the cartridge (filling amount), and the air flow during inhalation can be easily adjusted depending on the amount of material filled. Taking measures to prevent the cartridge opening from falling out, such as by covering it with a lid, makes the cartridge even more suitable for use.

[0123] Block-shaped fillings have good thermal conductivity and are easy to extract aromatic components, making them a preferred form. The blocks may also be made larger to facilitate storage. In this case, the blocks can be reshaped into smaller blocks, rods, granules, or other shapes during filling.

[0124] The support element (300) supports the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The support element (300) is disposed adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and has an airflow hole or notch in the center or on the side, allowing the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate (110) to flow toward the mouthpiece (140).

[0125] The mouthpiece 140 is located adjacent to the transfer member 130 and at the other end of the electronic cigarette cartridge 100. The mouthpiece 140 may include a filter, such as a cellulose acetate filter, to remove particulates. The aroma components that pass through the filter of the mouthpiece 140 are inhaled by the user.

[0126] Comparing the presence or absence of the transfer member (130), the absence of the transfer member (130) results in better breathability and makes it easier to inhale the generated aromatic components. On the other hand, it is also preferable to include the transfer member (130) and add the function of cooling the generated aerosol. Instead of adding the transfer member (130), it is also preferable to extend the mouthpiece so that it is adjacent to or in contact with the support element (300). This is because the filter used in the mouthpiece can also serve as a cooling function, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0127] The transfer member (130) may be a hollow tubular member with a crimped polymer sheet wound in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0128] 5(1) shows a configuration in which the aerosol-forming substrate 110 and the support element 300 are in contact with each other, which is a preferred configuration because it can stably support the aerosol-forming substrate 110. In addition, the simple configuration offers great advantages in terms of manufacturing.

[0129] 5(2) shows a configuration in which a partition member (180) is provided between the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300), and the aerosol-forming substrate and the support element (300) are in contact with each other via the partition member (180). The partition member (180) is preferably made of a breathable material such as a filter or paper, and is preferably one that breaks when the heating element (211) is inserted. Providing such a partition member is effective in preventing the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from moving in the electronic cigarette cartridge due to logistics such as transportation.

[0130] As shown in Figure 5(3), a configuration in which a lid (170) is placed on the side of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) where the heating element (211) is inserted is also preferred. This is effective in preventing the aroma of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from dissipating. Furthermore, it is effective in preventing the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from falling out of the electronic cigarette cartridge due to logistics such as transportation. Examples of materials for the lid (170) include filters, paper, and sponge. When a heating element is inserted, it is also preferred to cut one or more slits in the lid (170) or to provide a circular or polygonal guide hole at the location where the heating element is inserted.

[0131] In particular, when the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is in the form of particles such as powder, granules, flakes, or pellets, it is preferable to provide the partition member (180) or the lid (170), and more preferably to provide both. The manufacturing process using black tea etc. will be described in detail below, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to black tea etc. and can be applied to the non-tobacco plants described in this specification.

[0132] A specific preferred form of an electronic cigarette cartridge is as follows: The aerosol-forming substrate (110) has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the filler is enclosed in cigarette paper or the like, and the diameter of the bottom or top of the substantially cylindrical shape is 6.5 mm or more and 7.5 mm or less, and the height of the substantially cylindrical shape is 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less. Furthermore, it is preferable that the filler is rod-shaped or strip-shaped and is filled along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge, and that the length of the filler is substantially equal to the height of the substantially cylindrical shape. In other words, it is preferable that the length is 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less. Moreover, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the support element 300 is substantially equal to the diameter of the bottom or top surface of the substantially cylindrical aerosol-forming substrate 110. Moreover, the length thereof is 9.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm or less. Additionally, the mouthpiece (140) preferably has a length exceeding 20.0 mm, preferably 21.0 mm or more and 25.0 mm or less. Furthermore, the volume filling rate of the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably 0.55 or more and 0.65 or less.

[0133] Figure 6 illustrates another example of how an electronic cigarette cartridge can be used. Because the specific configuration differs from the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) described above, it will be described below as an electronic cigarette cartridge (101). The electronic cigarette body used also differs from the electronic cigarette body (200) described above in some respects, so it will be described below as an electronic cigarette body (201). When used by a user, the electronic cigarette is attached to the electronic cigarette body (201). The electronic cigarette body (201) is provided with an insertion section (450) for inserting the electronic cigarette cartridge (101). The electronic cigarette body (101) has an exterior section (410), and the aerosol-forming substrate (110) of the electronic cigarette cartridge is heated by a heating section (440) surrounding the electronic cigarette cartridge, generating aerosol, which is then smoked. When smoking from the other end (20), air flows in through the ventilation hole (431), and the generated aerosol passes through the hollow tubular member (530), the transfer member (130), and the mouthpiece (140) before being smoked. The control section (420) houses a battery or a control device for the heating section. The open / close lid (430) is opened to clean the inside of the electronic cigarette body after smoking is finished.

[0134] Figure 7 shows another example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. From one end (10) to the other end (20), there is an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a hollow tubular member (530), a transfer member (130), and a mouthpiece (140), all of which are enclosed in a packaging member (150). Because the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is heated by the electronic cigarette body, the hollow tubular member (530) is provided for thermal insulation. The transfer member (130) can also serve as a cooling member.

[0135] The preferred shapes of the electronic cigarette cartridge of Fig. 7 are an outer diameter of 4 mm to 6 mm, a longitudinal dimension of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) of 30 mm to 70 mm, a longitudinal dimension of the hollow tubular member (530) of 20 mm to 30 mm, a longitudinal dimension of the transfer member (130) of 5 mm to 15 mm, and a longitudinal dimension of the mouthpiece (140) of 10 mm to 25 mm.

[0136] The present invention will be described below with reference to Production Examples and Examples.

[0137] (Production Example 1) Black tea leaves were dried at 70°C, crushed, and passed through an 80-mesh sieve. The moisture content was 2% by mass.

[0138] Dried and crushed black tea leaves 100 parts by weight Glycerin 30 parts by mass Propylene glycol 30 parts by mass Menthol 5 parts by mass Microcrystalline cellulose 15 parts by mass Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone 10 parts by mass Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 4 parts by mass Xylitol 1.5 parts by mass Glucomannan 1 part by mass The ingredients were placed in a mixer and mixed for 15 minutes to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition.

[0139] The microcrystalline cellulose used in Production Example 1 had an average particle size of 90 μm and a mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of 36,000. The residue on a sieve with a mesh size of 75 μm was 52% by mass, and the residue on a sieve with a mesh size of 250 μm was 1% by mass.

[0140] The obtained non-tobacco plant composition was placed in the filling molding step (F). The non-tobacco plant composition was kneaded and dispersed in a three-roll mill to form a sheet of the desired thickness. In this example, the non-tobacco plant composition was placed in the three-roll mill, and while observing the state of the sheet, 20 parts by mass of pure water was added, and a doctor blade was pressed against the roll to collect a sheet-like material. This process was repeated eight times to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition sheet.

[0141] The non-tobacco plant composition sheet thus obtained had a thickness of 0.3 mm. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle measuring 150 mm in length and 240 mm in width. The non-tobacco plant composition sheet was further processed into a shape having a width of 15 mm, a length of 50 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm, with a mass of approximately 0.30 g.

[0142] (Production Example 2) In the same manner as in Production Example 1, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a filler shape with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm. 50 of the fillers were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m² and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volume filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0143] (Production Example 3) In the same manner as in Production Example 1, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a filler having a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. 50 of the fillers were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m² and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0144] (Production Example 4) In the same manner as in Production Example 1, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a filler shape with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm. 50 of the fillers were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m² and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volume filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0145] (Production Example 5) A tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the microcrystalline cellulose was not used in place of the non-tobacco plant composition in Production Example 1.

[0146] (Production Example 6) In the same manner as in Production Example 5, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a filler shape with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm. 50 of the fillers were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m² and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volume filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0147] (Production Example 7) In the same manner as in Production Example 5, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a filler having a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. 50 of the fillers were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m² and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0148] (Production Example 8) In the same manner as in Production Example 5, a non-tobacco plant composition sheet was obtained. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a filler shape with a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm. 50 of the fillers were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m² and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volume filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0149] (Production Example 9) A tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that methylcellulose was used in place of the microcrystalline cellulose in the non-tobacco plant composition. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a filler having a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. 50 of the fillers were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m² and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0150] (Production Example 10) A non-tobacco plant composition sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the amount of microcrystalline cellulose in the non-tobacco plant composition in Production Example 1 was changed to 4 parts by mass. The resulting material was then fed to a rotary cutter and processed into a filler having a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. 50 of the fillers were bundled together and aligned in the longitudinal direction, then wrapped in paper with a basis weight of 34 g / m² and glued to form a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. The cylindrical processed material was cut to a length of 12.0 mm to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.29 g, and the volumetric filling rate of the filler relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate was 0.60.

[0151] Example 1 The aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 2, a cylindrical hollow tube support element (300), and a mouthpiece filter (140) were prepared. The support element (300) had a bottom and top diameter (i.e., an outer diameter) of 6.9 mm, and a 4 mm through-hole in the hollow portion. The mouthpiece filter (140) was 23 mm long. The packaging material was made of paper with a basis weight of 38 g / m², wrapped two and a half times and glued to an inner diameter of 6.9 mm. In this way, a paper tube with a basis weight of 32 g / m² to 45 g / m² was wrapped two and a half times to form a packaging material, which is suitable for use as an electronic cigarette cartridge for an electronic cigarette main body in which a heating element is inserted.

[0152] An adhesive was applied to the inside of the paper tube, and a filter was inserted from the other end (20) to form a mouthpiece (140), and a support element (300) was inserted from one end (10), followed by an aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, paper with a basis weight of 40 g / m2 was wrapped around the mouthpiece portion so that it almost overlapped with the mouthpiece (140). In this way, an electronic cigarette cartridge was created.

[0153] Example 2 An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 3 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 2.

[0154] Example 3 An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 4 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 2.

[0155] Example 4 An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 10 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 2.

[0156] (Comparative Example 1) An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 6 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 2 in Example 1.

[0157] (Comparative Example 2) In Comparative Example 1, an electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 7 was used instead of the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 6.

[0158] (Comparative Example 3) In Comparative Example 1, an electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, except that the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 8 was used in place of the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 6.

[0159] The non-tobacco plant compositions and electronic cigarette cartridges obtained by the above methods were evaluated as follows.

[0160] (Rating 1) The length, width, thickness and volume of the sheets prepared using the non-tobacco plant compositions prepared in Production Examples 1, 5, 9 and 10 were measured before and after drying under halogen lamp irradiation, and the amount of change was quantitatively measured.

[0161] The amount of change was measured using a halogen moisture meter (manufactured by Bangxi Instrument Technology Co. Ltd., model number: DHS-50-5).

[0162] The non-tobacco plant composition sheet was placed on the sample tray of a halogen moisture meter, and heated from above the sample tray by a halogen lamp installed inside the heater cover. The heating temperature was set to 105°C, and the length, width, and thickness of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet were measured after a predetermined drying time had elapsed to determine the volume change. The drying time was set to 0, 10, and 15 minutes, and the measurements were taken at each time point.

[0163] The volume change rate value is calculated by subtracting the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after drying for a specified period of time from the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition before drying, and dividing the result by the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition before drying.

[0164] In the present invention, the length of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is L0, When the length of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 10 minutes of drying is defined as L10, the length change rate La (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition is defined as follows. La(%)=(L0-L10) / L0×100 Furthermore, if the length of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is L15, the length change rate Lb (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Lb(%) = (L0-L15) / L0 x 100

[0165] In the present invention, the width of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition before drying is defined as W0, When the width of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 10 minutes of drying is defined as W10, the width change rate Wa (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition is defined as follows. Wa(%)=(W0-W10) / W0×100 Furthermore, if the width of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is W15, the width change rate Wb (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Wb(%) = (W0-W15) / W0 x 100

[0166] In the present invention, the thickness of the sheet of the non-tobacco plant composition before drying is defined as TO, When the thickness of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 10 minutes of drying is defined as T10, the thickness change rate Ta (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition is defined as follows. Ta(%)=(T0-T10) / T0×100 Furthermore, if the thickness of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is T15, the thickness change rate Tb (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Tb(%)=(T0-T15) / T0×100

[0167] In the present invention, the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition before drying is V0, When the volume of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet after 10 minutes of drying is defined as V10, the volume change rate Va (%) of the non-tobacco plant composition sheet is defined as follows. Va(%)=(V0-V10) / V0×100 Furthermore, if the volume of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is V15, the volume change rate Vb (%) of the sheet of non-tobacco plant composition after 15 minutes of drying is defined as follows: Vb(%) = (V0-V15) / V0 x 100

[0168] In (Evaluation 1), the length, width, thickness and volume were measured and the results obtained are as follows: The graph showing the rate of change in length is shown in Figure 9. The graph showing the rate of change in volume is shown in Figure 10.

[0169] After 10 minutes of drying, the volume change rate Va (%) was 86.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, while it was 89.4% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose, and 86.9% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the volume change rate Vb (%) was 85.5% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, while it was 88.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose, and 85.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10.

[0170] After 10 minutes of drying, the percent change in length La (%) was 92.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared with 93.6% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose, and 92.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the percent change in length Lb (%) was 91.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared with 92.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose, and 91.9% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10.

[0171] After 10 minutes of drying, the percent change in width Wa (%) was 94.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared with 96.2% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose, and 95.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10.

[0172] After 15 minutes of drying, the percent change in width Wb (%) was 94.7% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared with 96.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose, and 94.9% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10.

[0173] After 10 minutes of drying, the percent change in thickness Ta (%) was 98.6% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, while it was 99.3% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose, and 98.8% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the percent change in thickness Tb (%) was 98.3% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 5, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, compared with 99.0% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 1, which contained microcrystalline cellulose, and 98.5% for the non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10.

[0174] In addition, the length, width, thickness and volume of a sheet of non-tobacco plant composition prepared in Example 9, in which methylcellulose was added instead of microcrystalline cellulose, were measured before and after drying under similar halogen lamp irradiation, and the changes were the same as in Example 5. It should be noted that methylcellulose does not have a microcrystalline structure. The results of Evaluation 1 above are summarized in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0175] (Rating 2) The electronic cigarette cartridges were evaluated as follows. The electronic cigarette body used will now be outlined. The electronic cigarette body used was an IQOS (registered trademark) heated electronic cigarette manufactured by Philip Morris. The electronic cigarette body is outlined as follows: The heating element (211) is 4.5 mm wide, 12 mm long to the tip, and 0.4 mm thick. The inner diameter of the insertion portion (210) is 7 mm, approximately the same as the outer diameter of the electronic cigarette cartridge. The heating element (211) generates heat using power supplied from a battery (not shown) installed inside the electronic cigarette body (200), reaching a temperature of approximately 370°C. The built-in control system then ensures that one electronic cigarette cartridge is consumed after 14 puffs. When the electronic cigarette cartridge of this example is inserted, the portion of the electronic cigarette cartridge that appears outside the downstream side of the electronic cigarette body is approximately 20 mm.

[0176] The electronic cigarette cartridges manufactured in the present examples and comparative examples were used to smoke with the electronic cigarette main body, and then a drop test of the filling material was carried out. The filler drop test after smoking was evaluated as follows: After smoking, one end (10) of the electronic cigarette cartridge was pointed vertically downward and shook up and down to check whether the filler had popped out or fallen. The evaluation criteria are as follows: Rank A: No jumping out or falling observed Rank B: Jumping out or falling The test results obtained by the method of (Evaluation 2) are shown in Table 1 below.

[0177] (Rating 3) The dropping of the contents after storage at room temperature for a predetermined period was evaluated as follows. The prepared electronic cigarette cartridge was packed into a paper box measuring 70 mm in length, 14 mm in width, and 45 mm in height, with the aerosol-forming substrate facing the bottom. The box containing the prepared electronic cigarette cartridge was left in an environment of 45°C for two weeks. Then, the following evaluations are carried out: The electronic cigarette cartridge was removed from the paper box, and one end (10) of the electronic cigarette cartridge was pointed vertically downward to check whether the contents had popped out or fallen. The evaluation criteria are as follows: Rank A: No jumping out or falling observed Rank B: Jumping out or falling The test results obtained by the method of (Evaluation 3) are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0178] (Rating 5) The length, width, thickness and volume of the packings produced in Production Examples 3, 7 and 10 were measured before and after drying by halogen lamp irradiation, and the amount of change was quantitatively measured. The moisture content was measured using the same halogen moisture meter (manufactured by Bangxi Instrument Technology Co. Ltd., model number: DHS-50-5) as in (Evaluation 1) and in the same manner as in (Evaluation 1).

[0179] In the present invention, the length of the packing before drying is L'0, If the length of the filler after 10 minutes of drying is defined as L'10, The length change rate L'a (%) of the packing is defined as follows. L'a(%) = (L'0 - L'10) / L'0 × 100 Furthermore, when the length of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is L'15, the length change rate L'b (%) of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as follows. L'b(%) = (L'0 - L15) / L'0 × 100

[0180] In the present invention, the width of the packing before drying is W'0, If the width of the filling after 10 minutes of drying is defined as W'10, The width change rate W'a (%) of the packing is defined as follows. W'a(%) = (W'0 - W'10) / W'0 x 100 Furthermore, when the width of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is W'15, the width change rate W'b (%) of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as follows. W'b(%) = (W'0 - W'15) / W'0 × 100

[0181] In the present invention, the thickness of the packing before drying is T'0, If the thickness of the filling after 10 minutes of drying is defined as T'10, The thickness change rate T'a (%) of the packing is defined as follows. T'a(%) = (T'0-T'10) / T'0 x 100 Furthermore, when the thickness of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is T'15, the thickness change rate T'b (%) of the packing after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as follows. T'b(%) = (T'0 - T'15) / T'0 × 100

[0182] In the present invention, the volume of the packing before drying is V'0, If the volume of the packed material after 10 minutes of drying is defined as V'10, The volume change rate V'a (%) of the packing is defined as follows. V'a(%) = (V'0 - V'10) / V'0 x 100 Furthermore, when the volume of the packed material after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is V'15, the volume change rate V'b (%) of the packed material after 15 minutes of drying time has elapsed is defined as follows. V'b(%) = (V'0 - V15) / V'0 × 100

[0183] In (Evaluation 4), the length, width, thickness and volume were measured and the results obtained are as follows: A graph showing the rate of change in length is shown in Figure 11. A graph showing the rate of change in volume is shown in Figure 12. A graph showing the rate of change in width is shown in Figure 13.

[0184] After 10 minutes of drying, the volume change rate V'a (%) was 87.9% for the filling of Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, and 94.3% for the filling of Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. It was also 88.1% for the filling of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the volume change rate V'b (%) was 82.9% for the filling of Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, and 91.5% for the filling of Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. It was also 83.1% for the filling of Production Example 10.

[0185] After 10 minutes of drying, the length change rate L'a (%) was 95.0% for the filling of Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, and 96.3% for the filling of Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. It was also 95.2% for the filling of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the length change rate L'b (%) was 94.1% for the filling of Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, and 96.0% for the filling of Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. It was also 94.2% for the filling of Production Example 10.

[0186] After 10 minutes of drying, the width change rate W'a (%) was 93.7% for the filling of Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, and 98.7% for the filling of Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. It was also 93.9% for the filling of Production Example 10. After 15 minutes of drying, the width change rate W'b (%) was 89.4% for the filling of Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, and 96.4% for the filling of Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. It was also 89.6% for the filling of Production Example 10.

[0187] After 10 minutes of drying, the thickness change rate T'a (%) was 98.6% for the filler of Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, and 99.3% for the filler of Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. The non-tobacco plant composition sheet of Production Example 10 was 98.8%. After 15 minutes of drying, the thickness change rate T'b (%) was 98.3% for the filler of Production Example 7, which did not contain microcrystalline cellulose, and 99.0% for the filler of Production Example 3, which contained microcrystalline cellulose. The filler of Production Example 10 was 98.5%.

[0188] In addition, when the length, width, thickness and volume of the filling material prepared in Production Example 9, in which methylcellulose was added instead of microcrystalline cellulose, were measured by irradiating it with a halogen lamp in the same manner, the changes were the same as in Production Example 7. It should be noted that methylcellulose does not have a microcrystalline structure. The results of Evaluation 4 are summarized in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0189] The present embodiment described above provides the following advantages. The electronic cigarette filler using the non-tobacco plant composition of the present invention and the electronic cigarette cartridge comprising the filler can reduce shrinkage and volume change of the electronic cigarette filler during manufacturing and storage. By reducing shrinkage and volume change of the electronic cigarette filler, it is possible to reduce the tendency of the electronic cigarette filler to fall off from the electronic cigarette cartridge, and it is possible to maintain a constant size of the voids in the electronic cigarette filler through which the aerosol passes, regardless of the storage period or temperature conditions after manufacturing, thereby maintaining a favorable usability.

[0190] Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be modified in various ways based on the configurations described in the claims, and these modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0191] 10 Upstream side (one end) 20 Downstream side (other end side) 100 e-cigarette cartridges 110 Aerosol-forming substrate 111 Filling 130 Transfer member 140 mouthpiece 150 Packaging materials 151 Enclosure 170 Lid 180 Partition member 200 e-cigarettes 210 Insertion part 211 Heating Element 300 Support Elements 201 Electronic cigarette body 410 Exterior part 420 Control Unit 430 Opening and Closing Lid 431 Ventilation hole 440 Heating section 450 Insertion section 101 E-cigarette cartridges 530 Hollow cylindrical member

Claims

[Claim 1] The cap, the aerosol-forming substrate, the support element which is a cylindrical hollow tube, the transfer member which is a hollow tubular member, and the mouthpiece are adjacent to each other in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side, the aerosol-forming substrate is a filler enclosed by an enclosing member, The filler contains an aerosol former and microcrystalline cellulose, The filling material is in a sheet shape, and the sheet shape is formed by crinkling, pleating, gathering, or folding; The mass average molecular weight of the microcrystalline cellulose is 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less. An electronic cigarette cartridge characterized by:

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