Smoking accessories cartridges
By positioning the susceptor member to avoid the central axis and placing at least half of its volume in the outer peripheral region, the smoking device cartridge achieves even heating and efficient aerosol generation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing smoking device cartridges face issues with uneven heating of the filler aggregate, leading to insufficient aerosol generation due to the susceptor member being positioned centrally, which results in the outer peripheral part not being sufficiently heated and taking longer to reach.
The susceptor member is positioned to avoid the central axis of the filling aggregate, with at least half of its volume located in the outer peripheral region, and can occupy 25% to 100% of the total length of the packing material aggregate, ensuring even heating across the entire filler.
This configuration ensures reliable and efficient aerosol generation by uniformly heating the packing material, particularly the outer periphery, thereby enhancing the smoking experience.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a smoking device that is used by being attached to an induction heating type smoking device.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, tobacco products that heat a tobacco cartridge containing tobacco components without using a flame and inhale the vaporized tobacco components are widely known. Also, due to the diversification of preferences, smoking devices using cartridge products for enjoying the aroma and taste of plants that do not contain tobacco components without using a flame, similar to tobacco, have begun to be known.
[0003] In such a smoking device, an aerosol is generated by heating a filler aggregate in which fillers are accumulated. As a method of heating the filler aggregate, it is known to provide a susceptor member made of a magnetic material inside the filler aggregate and heat the filler by inductively heating the susceptor member from the smoking device. As a cartridge for a smoking device in which a susceptor member is provided in the filler aggregate, for example, there is one cited in Patent Document 1.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] In the filler aggregate, the susceptor member is generally arranged at the central part. In this case, the filler aggregate is heated from the central part toward the periphery. Therefore, there is a possibility that the outer peripheral part of the filler aggregate is not sufficiently heated. Also, since it takes time for the heat from the susceptor member to reach the outer peripheral part of the filler aggregate, there is also a possibility that the amount of aerosol generated becomes insufficient.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a cartridge for a smoking device that can evenly heat the entire packing material aggregate using a susceptor member. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the smoking device cartridge according to the present invention is a smoking device cartridge used when attached to an induction heating type smoking device, and comprises a filling aggregate that generates an aerosol when heated, and a susceptor member disposed inside the filling aggregate and inductively heated from the outside, wherein the susceptor member is positioned so as not to be penetrated by the central axis of the filling aggregate, and when the volume of the filling aggregate is divided equally between a central region and an outer peripheral region, at least half of the total volume of the susceptor member is located in the outer peripheral region.
[0008] Furthermore, the smoking device cartridge according to the present invention is a smoking device cartridge used when attached to an induction heating type smoking device, and comprises a filling material aggregate that generates an aerosol when heated, and a susceptor member disposed inside the filling material aggregate and inductively heated from the outside, wherein the susceptor member is positioned so as not to be penetrated by the central axis of the filling material aggregate, and when the filling material aggregate is divided into a central region that shares a central axis with the filling material aggregate and has half the diameter of the filling material aggregate, and an outer peripheral region located outside the central region, at least half of the total volume of the susceptor member is located in the outer peripheral region.
[0009] Furthermore, the smoking device cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that the susceptor member has a length that accounts for 25% or more and 100% or less of the total length of the packing material aggregate.
[0010] Furthermore, the cartridge for smoking devices according to the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of susceptor members are arranged in the outer peripheral region.
[0011] Furthermore, the smoking device cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that the ratio of the total volume of the susceptor member to the volume of the filler aggregate is 20% or more and 50% or less.
[0012] Furthermore, the cartridge for smoking devices according to the present invention is characterized in that the susceptor member is plate-shaped or columnar along the longitudinal direction of the packing material aggregate.
[0013] Furthermore, the cartridge for smoking devices according to the present invention is characterized in that the susceptor member has an uneven surface.
[0014] Furthermore, the cartridge for a smoking device according to the present invention is characterized in that the susceptor member has a sharp portion at the tip of the side into which the filling aggregate is inserted into the smoking device. [Effects of the Invention]
[0015] According to the smoking device cartridge of the present invention, since the susceptor member is positioned closer to the outer periphery of the packing aggregate, the packing located on the outer periphery of the packing aggregate is reliably heated, and the entire packing aggregate is heated evenly, thereby enabling efficient aerosol generation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0016] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a smoking device cartridge having a filler aggregate according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the usage configuration of a smoking accessory cartridge. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view of a susceptor member having a plate-like shape. [Figure 4] This is a front view of a cartridge for smoking accessories. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a smoking device with a cartridge inserted into a smoking device that has a heating element for heating a packing material aggregate. [Figure 6] It is a front view of a smoking device cartridge when the susceptor member is arranged closer to the inner circumference than in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a partial perspective view of a susceptor member having a cylindrical form. [Figure 8] It is a front view of a smoking device cartridge having a cylindrical susceptor member. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of a susceptor member according to a modified example, where (a) shows a spherical susceptor member and (b) shows a chain-shaped susceptor member. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of a filler assembly having a susceptor member according to a modified example, showing the cases where (a) has a spherical susceptor member and (b) has a chain-shaped susceptor member, respectively. [Figure 11] It is a side view of a susceptor member having concavo-convex portions. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between a susceptor member having a sharp portion and a heating element inserted into a filler assembly. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of a susceptor member according to another modified example. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of a filler assembly having the susceptor member of FIG. 13(c). [Figure 15] It is a front view of a smoking device cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 16] It is a developed plan view of a sheet member.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0017] (Overall Configuration of Smoking Device Cartridge) Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a smoking device cartridge 1 having a filler aggregate 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the smoking device cartridge 1 is formed by arranging a substantially cylindrical filler aggregate 10 filled with a large number of fillers 20, a support member 12 that can allow airflow from the filler aggregate 10 to pass through, and a filter member 14 having a mouthpiece 14a at one end, along the longitudinal direction and integrating them by winding them with a sheet-like packaging member 16. The packaging member 16 can be made of paper or the like.
[0018] In this embodiment, the smoking device cartridge 1 is formed to have a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm, and a length of 40 mm to 80 mm. Setting the outer diameter of the smoking device cartridge 1 to the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm results in a diameter smaller than the insertion part 51 provided on the smoking device 2 into which the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted, making it easy to insert the smoking device cartridge 1 into the smoking device 2. Setting the length of the smoking device cartridge 1 to the range of 40 to 80 mm results in a length longer than the insertion part 51 provided on the smoking device 2 that receives the smoking device cartridge 1, so that even when the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted into the smoking device 2, the mouthpiece 14a can be exposed from the smoking device 2, ensuring that the necessary length for the smoker to smoke is secured.
[0019] (Configuration of support members) The support member 12 suppresses the movement of the packing aggregate 10 toward the support member 12 and allows the airflow containing aerosols generated in the packing aggregate 10 to flow toward the filter member 14. The support member 12 is provided, for example, in a cylindrical and solid shape, and is positioned between the packing aggregate 10 and the filter member 14 such that its axial direction is along the central axis. The support member 12 is formed, for example, with an outer diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length of 50 mm or less along the central axis. However, the support member 12 may have different dimensions depending on its function and configuration as appropriate.
[0020] The support member 12 is made of a resin material. Examples of resin materials for forming the support member 12 include polypropylene, polylactic acid, and silicone. However, the support member 12 may be made of other resin materials, or materials other than resin materials such as wood or metal (aluminum, etc.) that increase the cooling effect. Note that the support member 12 is not necessarily required; if the packing aggregate 10 is configured not to easily move toward the filter member 14, the support member 12 may not be provided.
[0021] (Configuration of filter components) The filter member 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length of 50 mm or less along the central axis. The filter member 14 is formed using, for example, paper. Alternatively, the filter member 14 may be formed by winding a sheet-like material made of, for example, paper, into a cylindrical shape, or it may include a cellulose acetate filter or the like to remove fine particles. The filter member 14 has the function of filtering out some of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated in the packing aggregate 10.
[0022] (Composition of the packing material aggregate) The filling aggregate 10 is formed by bundling elongated filling material 20 along its length and wrapping it with a sheet-like packaging member 25 to form a substantially cylindrical shape. The filling material 20 is made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. The filling material 20 is not limited to being elongated, but may also be in other forms such as granular or dust-like. The filling aggregate 10 has a length of 10 to 25 mm. Note that the smoking device cartridge 1 may have different dimensions than those described above to match the shape of the smoking device 2.
[0023] The outer diameter of the packing aggregate 10 is equal to the outer diameter of the support member 12 and the filter member 14, and is approximately constant along the central axis. The size of this outer diameter is preferably in the range of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm.
[0024] A susceptor member 30 is provided inside the packing aggregate 10. The susceptor member 30 can be inductively heated by an external magnetic field. For this reason, the susceptor member 30 is made of a metallic material containing a magnetic material. Magnetic materials are broadly classified into ferromagnetic materials, paramagnetic materials, and diamagnetic materials. Among magnetic materials, ferromagnetic materials are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, strongly exhibit magnetism in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and retain strong magnetism even when the external magnetic field is zero. Examples of ferromagnetic materials include iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, or cobalt. The relative permeability of ferromagnetic materials is much greater than 1. For example, it is about 5000 for iron, about 600 for nickel, about 250 for cobalt, and about 1000-1800 for ferritic stainless steel.
[0025] Paramagnetic materials are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, become weakly magnetized in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and become unmagnetized when the external magnetic field is removed. Examples include aluminum, platinum, and manganese. The relative permeability of paramagnetic materials is slightly greater than 1; for example, it is about 1.000021 for aluminum, about 1.000265 for platinum, and about 1.000830 for manganese. Diamagnetic materials are also magnetic materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, become weakly magnetized in the opposite direction to the external magnetic field, and become unmagnetized when the external magnetic field is removed. Examples include copper, graphite, chromium, and bismuth. The relative permeability of diamagnetic materials is slightly less than 1; for example, it is about 0.999990 for copper, about 0.99980 for graphite, and about 0.999834 for bismuth.
[0026] When an alternating magnetic field is generated in a ferromagnetic material, not only does an induced current flow and generate Joule heating, but heat (hysteresis loss) is also generated due to friction and vibration between molecules. Therefore, compared to paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials, ferromagnetic materials can be easily induced to heat up, and the packing aggregate 10 can be sufficiently heated.
[0027] Furthermore, ferromagnetic materials have high Curie temperatures; for example, nickel has a Curie temperature of around 358°C. Therefore, even when heating the smoking device cartridge 1 at a high temperature of, for example, 200°C, the heating temperature does not reach the Curie temperature, allowing the ferromagnetic properties to be maintained and the packing aggregate 10 to be heated stably.
[0028] The susceptor member 30 may be made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, or a combination thereof. For example, a combination of ferritic stainless steel and nickel is one example. The susceptor member 30 may also be made of a metal material that mainly contains a ferromagnetic material. For example, a ferromagnetic alloy containing 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, of a magnetic material may be used. For example, a nickel alloy or nickel-iron alloy is one example, and more preferably, an alloy combining iron, chromium, and aluminum. Even in this case, the packing aggregate 10 can be sufficiently heated by induction heating of the ferromagnetic material. Note that a metal material containing paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials may be used instead of a ferromagnetic material. Induction heating is still possible in this case as well. However, from the viewpoint of shortening the heating time and reducing power consumption, it is preferable to use a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material.
[0029] The susceptor member 30 may be made of a combination of ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic materials. For example, a first susceptor member made of nickel, a ferromagnetic material, and a second susceptor member made of iron, a ferromagnetic material, may be physically attached to each other; or a first susceptor member may be physically attached to a third susceptor member made of aluminum, a paramagnetic material; or the outer surface of the first susceptor member may be covered with the third susceptor member. The arrangement of the susceptor member 30 will be described later.
[0030] The susceptor member 30 occupies 100% of the total length of the packing aggregate 10. That is, the susceptor member 30 has a length that extends across the entire length of the packing aggregate 10. The susceptor member 30 does not have to extend across the entire length of the packing aggregate 10; it is sufficient if its length accounts for 25% or more and 100% or less of the total length of the packing aggregate 10. This ensures that the temperature of the packing 20 can be reliably raised by the susceptor member 30.
[0031] (How to use smoking accessory cartridges) Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the usage configuration of the smoking device cartridge 1. The smoking device cartridge 1 is used by being attached to the smoking device 2. The smoking device 2 has an insertion section 51 into which the smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted. The smoking device 2 is provided with an induction heating section 52 along the insertion section 51. The induction heating section 52 includes an induction coil and can inductively couple with the susceptor member 30 contained in the packing aggregate 10 inserted into the insertion section 51, thereby heating the susceptor member 30. When the susceptor member 30 is heated, the surrounding packing material 20 is heated, and an aerosol can be generated. In this state, the smoker can inhale an airflow containing the aerosol by inhaling through the filter member 14.
[0032] (Composition of the filling) The filling material 20 is formed by mixing dried and crushed non-tobacco plants with an aerosol former that generates aerosols, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor enhancers, preservatives, adhesives or thickeners, etc., forming it into a sheet, and then cutting it to have a predetermined width and length. The filling material 20 is not limited to being elongated and may have various shapes. For example, it may be formed into a paste or granules.
[0033] When the filler 20 is constructed in an elongated shape, the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis is preferably approximately rectangular, and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the cross-section is preferably in the range of 1:1 to 30:1. The length of the long side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 7.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The length of the short side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the filler 20 is approximately the same as the length of the filler aggregate 10. The length of the filler 20 is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, and more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. An example of such dimensions for the filler 20 is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.
[0034] Next, specific examples of raw materials used as the filler 20 will be described. The filler 20 is composed of any one or more combinations of the raw materials shown below.
[0035] The filling material 20 is made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. Examples of tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, etc. Examples of non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tubers, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (stem bark, tree bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, branches, etc.
[0036] In this specification, "plants" refers to a group of organisms distinct from animals, and includes not only organisms with roots that live in a fixed location, such as grass and trees, but also algae such as microalgae and seaweed, fungi such as mushrooms, and so on.
[0037] The filling material 20 is prepared by, for example, appropriately mixing dried and pulverized non-tobacco plants with an aerosol-generating aerosol former, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor enhancers, preservatives, binders, or thickeners, and then pulverizing or classifying it to form a powder or granules, or molding it into a paste. The aerosol-forming base material 23 is formed into a sheet and then cut into strips or rods having predetermined widths and lengths.
[0038] For example, if the part of a non-tobacco plant is the leaf, tea can preferably be used. Teas differ not only in the type of plant used to make tea, but also in the processing method, even if the same plant is used. Specifically, for example, Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, hydrangea tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, aloe tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, evergreen oak tea, Eleutherococcus senticosus tea, plantain tea, Glechoma hederacea tea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, Cassia obtusifolia tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, Gymnema sylvestris tea, guava tea, goji berry tea, sedge leaf tea, black bean tea, Geranium thunbergii tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, Bibu tea, cherry blossom tea, Examples include saffron tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, sweet pepper tea, gentian tea, buckwheat tea, Japanese angelica tree tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, houttuynia cordata tea, Eucommia ulmoides tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, privet tea, Job's tears tea, senna tea, loquat leaf tea, pu-erh tea, safflower tea, pine needle tea, mate tea, barley tea, Japanese laurel tea, mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, and bitter melon tea. For these teas, the used tea leaves can also be used after brewing. Using used tea leaves allows for the effective reuse of expensive teas.
[0039] Furthermore, extracts and processed products of non-tobacco plants, as exemplified above, can also be used. Examples of extract forms include liquid, syrup, powder, granules, and solutions.
[0040] Examples of aerosol formers used as raw materials for the filler 20 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. Among these, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred.
[0041] The microcrystalline cellulose used as a raw material for the filler 20 is, for example, obtained by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from fibrous plant pulp with acid, in which the soluble portion is removed from the cellulose and the insoluble portion is crystallized as appropriate.
[0042] Microcrystalline cellulose can be used in powder form or dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspended solution. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse it in the solvent.
[0043] Furthermore, flavoring additives are preferably used as ingredients for the filling 20 as needed to add flavor. Examples of flavoring additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, black tea extract, and catechin powder from tea extract. Preservatives used in food are preferred, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.
[0044] The filling material 20 may contain menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone). Combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer effectively suppresses the sublimation of menthol and allows the menthol flavor to be preserved for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, but may also be a synthetic product. In addition, peppermint, mint oil, or other menthol-containing substances may be used.
[0045] The flavor additive is provided on the filter member 14, for example, by impregnating the wall portion of the filter member 14. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided on the filter member 14 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the flavor additive may be provided on the filter member 14 by embedding a capsule containing the flavor additive in the wall portion of the filter member 14. Alternatively, a capsule containing the flavor additive may be placed between the filter member 14 and the packing aggregate 20. When the flavor additive is enclosed in a capsule, the smoker can break the capsule by pressing it with their finger, allowing the aromatic components of the flavor additive to volatilize at a desired time.
[0046] Furthermore, if the flavor additive is encapsulated in microcapsules, for example, the encapsulated microcapsules may be provided on the packing aggregate 10. Of course, the microcapsules may also be provided on the support member 12.
[0047] Examples of binders or thickeners used as raw materials for the filling 20 include gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia gum, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and ethylcellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, caranagin, agar, and pectin (conjugated base salts of organic acids); and combinations thereof.
[0048] (Manufacturing process for fillings) The manufacturing process for the filler 20 includes a drying and grinding step in which tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, which are the main raw materials, are dried and ground and weighed; a preparation step in which other raw materials are pre-treated and weighed; a mixing step in which the raw materials are mixed to form a composition; and a filler molding step in which the composition is molded.
[0049] In the drying and grinding process, the tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant parts (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) that serve as the main raw material are processed into a predetermined pulverized material to form the composition. At this time, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content to a level that is suitable for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water, and other components to be added later. In drying, the temperature is preferably between 60°C and 80°C. This range makes it easier to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the loss of necessary flavor components. Furthermore, the drying and grinding process may also include a sieving step to separate the pulverized material, allowing it to be adjusted to the desired particle size before being added to the mixing step.
[0050] In the preparation process, the raw materials necessary for producing the filler 20 can be prepared. The aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation process and added to the mixing process.
[0051] In the mixing process, a conventional mixer can be used. For example, a configuration in which the raw materials in the mixing tank are mixed while applying shear force with stirring blades is preferably used.
[0052] In the filling molding process, a composition of various raw materials is formed into a thin sheet, and then cut to form strip-shaped or rod-shaped fillings 20. In this embodiment, multiple roll mills are prepared to make a thin sheet. Using multiple roll mills is preferable because it is possible to knead and disperse the material through compression by pressing it between narrow rolls and shearing due to the difference in roll speeds, while simultaneously forming a sheet of the desired thickness with a doctor blade. Alternatively, it can be produced using a press roller or a press machine.
[0053] Furthermore, in order to obtain a powdery or granular packing material 20, it is preferable to appropriately crush or classify the above composition. The average particle diameter of the powdery or granular packing material 20 is preferably, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. This average particle diameter can be determined, for example, by the sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. In other words, this average particle diameter is the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by accumulating the mass from the largest mesh opening of the test results using multiple sieves. Alternatively, the particle size at 50% of the accumulated value in the particle size distribution obtained by laser diffraction and scattering may be used as the average particle diameter.
[0054] In the filling molding process, other means may be used, such as molding the composition by passing it through an orifice under pressure. In addition, in the filling molding process, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, etc. may be added as needed, or water may be added.
[0055] The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling molding process is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The obtained sheet is cut to a predetermined width using a cutter, a rotary cutter with a rotating blade, or the like.
[0056] Here, when imparting tackiness to the surface of the filler 20, there are no particular limitations as long as the means for imparting tackiness are available, but it is sufficient to attach the aforementioned binder to at least a portion of it. By imparting tackiness, when the strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler 20 is combined with the powder, granular, or paste-like filler 20, the powder, granular, or paste-like filler 20 can be stably held on the surface of the strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler 20.
[0057] (Shape and arrangement of susceptor components) Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the susceptor member 30, and Figure 4 shows a front view of the smoking device cartridge 1. As shown in Figure 3, the susceptor member 30 is formed in an elongated plate shape. The susceptor member 30 has the same rectangular cross-sectional shape along its entire length. In this case, the susceptor member 30 has a width greater than 0.1 mm and 6.0 mm or less, preferably in the range of 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm, and a thickness greater than 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm or less, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm. The length of the susceptor member 30 can be 25% to 100% of the total length of the packing aggregate 10.
[0058] As shown in Figure 4, multiple susceptor members 30, five in this example, are provided inside the packing aggregate 10. The susceptor members 30 are positioned such that, when the volume of the packing aggregate 10 is divided equally between the central region α and the outer peripheral region β, at least half of the total volume of the susceptor members 30 is located in the outer peripheral region β. In Figure 4, the dashed line represents the boundary line between the central region α and the outer peripheral region β. Furthermore, the susceptor members 30 are positioned so that the central axis C of the packing aggregate 10 does not penetrate them. In Figure 4, the total volume of the susceptor members 30 is located in the outer peripheral region β. Therefore, the susceptor members 30 are positioned closer to the outer periphery in the radial direction of the packing aggregate 10. This ensures that the packing 20 located on the outer periphery of the packing aggregate 10 is reliably heated, and the entire packing aggregate 10 is heated evenly, thereby efficiently generating aerosols.
[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, some smoking devices 3 have a heating element 60 in the insertion part 61 for heating the packing material aggregate 10. Even if a smoking device cartridge 1 is inserted into such a smoking device 3, the susceptor member 30 does not overlap the central axis of the packing material aggregate 10, and the susceptor member 30 is positioned in the outer peripheral region β, thereby preventing damage to the heating element 60 and the susceptor member 30, and allowing the heating element 60 to heat the packing material aggregate 10 and generate an aerosol. As an example of the heating element 60, since it includes the central axis of the packing material aggregate 10 and has a width of 5 mm, it is desirable that the susceptor member 30 be positioned at a distance of 2.5 mm or more from the central axis of the packing material aggregate 10.
[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the susceptor member 30 may be positioned such that, when the packing aggregate 10 is divided into a central region α2 that shares a central axis C with the packing aggregate 10 and has half the diameter of the packing aggregate 10, and an outer peripheral region β2 located outside the central region α2, at least half of the total volume of the susceptor member 30 is located in the outer peripheral region β2. In Figure 6, the dashed line is the boundary line between the central region α2 and the outer peripheral region β2. In Figure 6, the total volume of the susceptor member 30 is located in the outer peripheral region β2. In this case as well, since the susceptor member 30 is positioned closer to the outer periphery in the radial direction of the packing aggregate 10, the packing 20 located on the outer periphery of the packing aggregate 10 can be reliably heated.
[0061] The susceptor member may be in a form other than a plate. As shown in Figure 7, the susceptor member 31 may be cylindrical. In this case, the susceptor member 31 may have a diameter greater than 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm or less, preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and its length may be 25% to 100% of the total length of the packing aggregate 10.
[0062] As shown in Figure 8, the cylindrical susceptor member 31 is positioned such that more than half of its total volume occupies the outer peripheral region β within the packing aggregate 10. Furthermore, the susceptor member 31 is positioned so that it does not pass through the central axis C of the packing aggregate 10.
[0063] A plate-shaped susceptor member 30, as shown in Figure 3, and a cylindrical susceptor member 31, as shown in Figure 7, were placed inside a packing aggregate 10 with a diameter of 7 mm and a length of 12 mm. The packing aggregate 20 was then inductively heated using a smoking device 2 to test whether it was sufficiently heated. The frequency used for induction heating with the smoking device 2 was 450 kHz. The plate-shaped susceptor member 30 had a volume of 7.2 mm³. 3 The filling material 20 has now been sufficiently heated. In the cylindrical susceptor member 31, the volume is 5.7 mm 3 The packing material 20 has now been sufficiently heated. From this result, the ratio of the volume of the susceptor members 30 and 31 to the volume of the packing material aggregate 10 can be arbitrarily set within the range of 1 to 50%.
[0064] (Modified example of a susceptor component) Another form of the susceptor member will be described. As shown in Figure 9(a), the susceptor member 32 may be spherical. In this case, the diameter of the susceptor member 32 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm. Also, as shown in Figure 9(b), the susceptor member 33 may be in the form of a chain of spheres connected along a certain direction. When the chain-shaped susceptor member 33 is arranged along the length direction of the packing aggregate 10, the length of the susceptor member 33 can be set to be between 25% and 100% of the total length of the packing aggregate 10.
[0065] As shown in Figure 10(a), the spherical susceptor members 32 can be dispersed and arranged inside the filler aggregate 10. In particular, the spherical susceptor members 32 are easy to arrange inside the filler aggregate 10 when the filler 20 is molded into granules. Also, as shown in Figure 10(b), the chain-shaped susceptor members 33 can be arranged along the length direction of the filler aggregate 10. In these cases as well, when the filler aggregate 10 is divided equally into a central region α and an outer peripheral region β, the susceptor members 32 and 33 are arranged such that at least half of the total volume is located in the outer peripheral region β, or when the filler aggregate 10 is divided into a central region α2 that shares a central axis C with the filler aggregate 10 and has half the diameter of the filler aggregate 10, and an outer peripheral region β2 that is located outside the central region α2, at least half of the total volume is located in the outer peripheral region β2. In the case of a chain-shaped susceptor member 33, the length of the susceptor member 33 can be set to be between 25% and 100% of the total length of the packing aggregate 10.
[0066] As shown in Figure 11, the surface of the susceptor member 34 may have irregularities 34a. Multiple irregularities 34a are formed along the length of the susceptor member 34. The irregularities 34a cause the filler 20 to catch on the irregularities 34a within the filler aggregate 10, effectively preventing the susceptor member 34 from falling out of the filler aggregate 10. The shape, number, dimensions, and arrangement of the irregularities 34a are not limited to the example in Figure 11 and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the distance from the surface of the susceptor 34 to the highest protruding top of the irregularities 34a can be 1.0 mm or less, and the distance from the surface of the susceptor 34 to the deepest point toward the center can be 1.0 mm or less.
[0067] As shown in Figure 12, the susceptor member 35 may have a sharp portion 35a at the tip of the filling aggregate 10 that is inserted into the smoking device 2. This makes it easier to insert the heating element 60 into the filling aggregate 10 when at least one of the susceptor members 35 is positioned in a region close to the center of the filling aggregate 10. Note that the shape, dimensions, and angle of the sharp portion 35a are not limited to the example in Figure 12 and can be set arbitrarily.
[0068] The susceptor member may be in the shape of a thin plate. As shown in Figure 13(a), the susceptor member 40 in another modified example may be a square-shaped thin plate. Also, as shown in Figure 13(b), the susceptor member 41 may be a triangular-shaped thin plate. Also, as shown in Figure 13(c), the susceptor member 42 may be a circular-shaped thin plate. Also, as shown in Figure 13(d), the susceptor member 43 may be a star-shaped thin plate. The thin plate-shaped susceptor member can also be in the shape of a polygon, ellipse, figure, or other shapes.
[0069] As shown in Figure 14, the thin plate-shaped susceptor members 42 are randomly dispersed within the filler aggregate 10. The filler aggregate 10 is manufactured by mixing the filler 20 and the susceptor members 42, forming a long cylindrical member, and then cutting it. Because the susceptor members 42 are fine, they can be mixed into the filler 20 at a constant density. Therefore, during manufacturing, the susceptor members 42 can be distributed at a constant density in each filler aggregate 10. This makes it easy to manufacture filler aggregates 10 with a consistent quality. Although Figure 14 shows the circular susceptor member 42 shown in Figure 13(c), the same applies to thin plate-shaped susceptor members of other shapes. Furthermore, multiple shapes of susceptor members may be embedded within the filler aggregate 10. In addition, the susceptor members may have a three-dimensional shape with more thickness than a thin plate, for example, they can be conical, polygonal pyramidal, or rectangular parallelepiped.
[0070] A modified example of the smoking device cartridge 1 will now be described. As shown in Figure 15, the susceptor member 30 may be held in a sheet member 36. The sheet member 36 is made of a non-magnetic material formed into a sheet. Non-magnetic metals such as aluminum or stainless steel can be used as the material for the sheet member 36. However, the material for the sheet member 36 may be other than these.
[0071] As shown in Figure 16, the susceptor members 30 are arranged at regular intervals on the surface of the sheet member 36 and are attached and fixed. When manufacturing the smoking cartridge 1, the sheet member 36 having the susceptor members 30 is placed on the packaging member 16 in a flat state and deforms into a cylindrical shape when rolled together with the filling 20. When rolled, there is a gap between both ends of the sheet member 36, and the sheet member 36 is positioned in an open state.
[0072] Because the susceptor member 30 is held by the sheet member 36, when the susceptor member 30 is heated, the temperature of the sheet member 36 rises due to heat conduction, and the sheet member 36 can continuously heat the filling material 20 along the circumferential direction of the smoking device cartridge 1. As a result, the filling material 20 can be heated more uniformly.
[0073] Within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, any addition, deletion, or design change of components, or addition, omission, or modification of processing conditions, made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the gist of the present invention.
[0074] In each embodiment of the present invention, an example has been shown in which a support member 12 is provided in the smoking device cartridge 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The packing aggregate 10 of the smoking device cartridge 1 does not need to have a support member 12, as long as it is fixed between the inner circumferential surface of the smoking device cartridge 1 and the packing aggregate 10 so as to prevent it from moving toward the filter member 14 even without the support member 12. [Explanation of symbols]
[0075] 1. Smoking accessory cartridge 2. Smoking accessories 3. Smoking accessories 10. Packing aggregate 12 Support members 12a Through hole 14 Filter component 14a Mouthpiece 16 Packaging components 20 fillings 25 Packaging materials 30 Susceptor component 31 Susceptor component 32 Susceptor component 33 Susceptor component 34 Susceptor component 34a Uneven part 35 Susceptor component 35a Sharp part 51 Insertion part 52 Induction heating section 60 Heating element 61 Insertion part
Claims
1. A cartridge for a smoking device that is used attached to an induction heating type smoking device, A packing aggregate that generates an aerosol when heated, The packing aggregate comprises a susceptor member that is disposed inside the packing aggregate and is inductively heated from the outside, The susceptor member is positioned so that the central axis of the packing aggregate does not pass through it. When the volume of the packing aggregate is divided equally between the central region and the outer peripheral region, at least half of the total volume of the susceptor member is located in the outer peripheral region. The susceptor members are arranged at regular intervals on the surface of the sheet member and are attached and fixed thereto. A cartridge for smoking accessories that features [specific characteristics].
2. A cartridge for a smoking device that is used attached to an induction heating type smoking device, A cylindrical packing aggregate that generates an aerosol when heated, The packing aggregate comprises a susceptor member that is disposed inside the packing aggregate and is inductively heated from the outside, The susceptor member is positioned so that the central axis of the packing aggregate does not pass through it. When the packing aggregate is divided into a central region that shares a central axis with the packing aggregate and has half the diameter of the packing aggregate, and an outer peripheral region located outside the central region, at least half of the total volume of the susceptor member is located in the outer peripheral region. The susceptor members are arranged at regular intervals on the surface of the sheet member and are attached and fixed thereto. A cartridge for smoking accessories characterized by the following features.
3. The cartridge for a smoking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the susceptor member has a length that accounts for 25% or more and 100% or less of the total length of the packing aggregate.
4. The cartridge for a smoking device according to claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of susceptor members are arranged in the outer peripheral region.
5. The cartridge for a smoking device according to claim 3, characterized in that the ratio of the total volume of the susceptor member to the volume of the filler aggregate is 20% or more and 50% or less.
6. The cartridge for a smoking device according to claim 3, characterized in that the susceptor member is plate-shaped or columnar along the length direction of the packing material aggregate.
7. The cartridge for a smoking device according to claim 3, characterized in that the susceptor member has an uneven surface.
8. The cartridge for a smoking device according to claim 3, characterized in that the susceptor member has a sharp portion at the tip on the side where the packing aggregate is inserted into the smoking device.
Citation Information
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