Seal component of aerosol suction cartridge

Abstract

This invention provides an aerosol suction cartridge equipped with a sealing member that ensures both heat stability and breathability. [Solution] An aerosol inhalation cartridge is characterized in that a sealing member 9, an aerosol forming substrate, a support member, and a mouthpiece are arranged and wrapped with an outer casing to form an elongated cylindrical shape, the sealing member is formed from a sheet-like member into a cylindrical shape including one or more of the following shapes: roll shape 9a, folded shape 9b, or random shape 9c, and has a length of 3.0 to 7.0 mm along the height direction, and the aerosol forming substrate is an elongated cylindrical shape containing a filler that generates an aerosol when heated by a rod-shaped heating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol suction cartridge for induction heating, a seal member used therein, and a seal mechanism.

[0002] In recent years, a tobacco product that heats a tobacco cartridge containing tobacco components without using a flame and sucks the vaporized tobacco components has been widely known. Also, due to the diversification of preferences, aerosol suction cartridges using cartridge products for enjoying the aroma and taste of plants that do not contain tobacco components without using a flame like tobacco have begun to be known.

[0003] Such an aerosol suction cartridge generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate in which a filler is accumulated. As a method of heating the aerosol-forming substrate, in addition to (1) a method of inserting the aerosol suction cartridge into a heating blade installed inside a heating device and heating the filler by electrically heating the heating blade (blade heating type) (see, for example, Patent Document 1), (2) a method of providing an induction heating member, which is a component mainly composed of a ferromagnetic material, inside the aerosol-forming substrate, and heating the filler by generating hysteresis loss and Joule heat inside the induction heating member by an alternating magnetic field generated by an induction heating device D (induction heating) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge 100 for induction heating using a conventional aerosol-forming substrate 101. The aerosol suction cartridge 100 includes a seal member 108, an aerosol-forming substrate 101, a support member 105, and a mouthpiece 106 arranged linearly and wound by an exterior member 107 to form a cylindrical shape.

[0005] The aerosol inhalation cartridge 100 has an overall elongated cylindrical shape and is integrally formed by arranging along its longitudinal direction aerosol-forming substrate 101 containing an aggregate of filling material 104 that generates aerosol when heated, a support member 105 to prevent the aerosol-forming substrate 101 from moving and the outer casing member 107 from bending, a mouthpiece 106 through which airflow from the aerosol-forming substrate 101 passes and the user can inhale the aerosol, and a cylindrical sealing member 108 positioned at the opposite end of the mouthpiece 106, and winding a sheet-like outer casing member 107 into a cylindrical shape. Here, the outer casing member 107 is made of a flexible material such as paper, and the sealing member 108 and support member 105 are made of paper, plastic or other resin, or rubber such as silicone.

[0006] The aerosol-forming substrate 101 has a cylindrical packaging member 103 with an opening in the center, inside which a filling material 104 is housed in a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, an induction heating member 102 for induction heating is inserted into the filling material 104. The induction heating member 102 is positioned along the height direction of the cylinder, and its length is approximately the same as the length of the packaging member 103 in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 101, and is in close physical proximity to the support member 105 and the sealing member 108.

[0007] In the case of induction heating, as shown in Figure 10, the aerosol-forming substrate 101 of the aerosol suction cartridge 100 is inserted into the insertion port D1 of the induction heating device D from the side of the sealing member 108 and heated. The temperature sensor D2 of the induction heating device D is located directly below the insertion port D1, and is positioned directly below the center of the cylinder when the aerosol suction cartridge 100 is inserted. The sealing member 108 appropriately transfers the heat generated by the induction heating member 102, thereby optimizing the operation of the temperature sensor D2. In other words, if the sealing member 108 were absent, or if the induction heating member 133 and the temperature sensor were in close proximity, the heat generated by the induction heating member 102 would be excessively transferred to the temperature sensor, potentially causing the temperature sensor D2 to react and stop the operation of the induction heating device D before sufficient aerosol generation is achieved. On the other hand, if the heat is shielded or the distance is increased more than necessary, the temperature sensor D2 will not react, causing the induction heating device D to operate more than necessary, which could lead to accidents or malfunctions.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to ensure the airflow of the aerosol suction cartridge 100, the sealing member 108 has a vent, which is a through-hole. However, if this hole is too large, the temperature sensor will overreact as described above, and conversely, if there is no hole or if it is too small, the temperature sensor will not react more than necessary or the airflow will be poor. This problem was particularly pronounced in conventional sealing members 108 because the vent was formed mainly near the center of the bottom surface.

[0009] On the other hand, since the sealing member 108 is necessary for the aerosol suction cartridge 100, it is preferable to reduce the production cost per unit as much as possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-519915 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-175399 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a sealing member, a sealing mechanism, and an aerosol suction cartridge using the same, which enable improved heating stability, improved air permeability, or cost reduction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the aforementioned problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a sealing member for an aerosol suction cartridge, comprising a main body that is cylindrical in shape overall, and one or more openings formed perpendicular to the bottom surface of the main body, wherein the circle forming the bottom surface is closed over a portion or the entirety of the main body in the height direction within a radius of at least 0.5 mm from its center. The invention described in claim 2 is a sealing member for an aerosol inhalation cartridge, comprising a main body having a cylindrical shape in which a part of the outer circumference is cut out in the height direction, and when attached to the central hole of the cylindrical tube of the outer casing member of the aerosol inhalation cartridge, it closes off a part or the entirety of the main body in the height direction within a radius of at least 0.5 mm from the center of the bottom surface of the cylinder, and a gap of 1 or more openings is formed between the inner surface of the outer casing member and the outer surface of the sealing member. The invention described in claim 3 is a sealing member for an aerosol suction cartridge, characterized in that a support column is provided on the surface of one bottom surface of the main body portion, which contacts the aerosol forming substrate when installed in the aerosol suction cartridge, and the opening is formed on the bottom surface at a location other than where the support column is provided, as described in claim 1 or 2. The invention described in claim 4 is a sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the aspect ratio of the opening is 24 or less and the opening ratio is 2% or more and 90% or less. The invention described in claim 5 is a sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is made of a material including natural fibers, synthetic fibers, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural resin, natural rubber, plastic, synthetic rubber, metal, paper, wood, bamboo, or ceramics. The invention described in claim 6 is a sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening is formed to surround the closed portion. The invention described in claim 7 is a sealing member for an aerosol suction cartridge, characterized in that it is made of a transparent or translucent material and has one or more ventilation openings formed therein. The invention described in claim 8 is a sealing member for an aerosol inhalation cartridge, characterized in that it is made of a material including natural fibers, synthetic fibers, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural resin, natural rubber, plastic, synthetic rubber, metal, paper, wood, bamboo, or ceramics, has a hollow tube shape overall, and the difference between the outer diameters of the hollow tubes is 1.0 to 3.0 mm. The invention described in claim 9 is a sealing structure for an aerosol inhalation cartridge, characterized in that an open-shaped notch formed on the side surface of the outer casing member of the aerosol inhalation cartridge is bent inward of the outer casing member, with the portion connected to the outer casing member acting as a fulcrum, and the open shape supports an aerosol forming substrate housed in the outer casing member. The invention described in claim 10 is a sealing member for an aerosol suction cartridge, characterized in that it is spherical in shape as a whole, has at least three through holes for ventilation formed in its radial direction, and at least three of the through holes pass through the center of the sphere and intersect each other perpendicularly at the center. The invention described in claim 11 is a sealing member for an aerosol suction cartridge, characterized in that it has a plate-like shape overall, has one or more bent portions formed therein, and is made of a flexible material. The invention described in claim 12 is a sealing member for an aerosol suction cartridge, characterized in that it has the shape of a cone, a frustum of a cone, or a cylinder, and a through hole is formed on its lower base surface or a ventilation groove is formed on its side surface in the height direction of the cone, frustum of a cone, or cylinder. The invention described in claim 13 is the sealing member according to claim 12, characterized in that it has a position-fixing insert member at the center of the upper base surface of the cylinder or the frustum of the cone. The invention described in claim 14 is a sealing member for an aerosol inhalation cartridge, characterized by comprising a main body which is hollow tubular in shape overall, and an airflow control valve at the upstream end of the main body which is on the airflow side. The invention described in claim 15 is a sealing member according to claim 14, characterized in that the airflow control valve is formed by one or more notches formed on the bottom surface that covers one end of the opening of the main body. The invention described in claim 16 is a sealing member for an aerosol inhalation cartridge, comprising a main body that is cylindrical in shape overall, and one or more openings formed perpendicular to the bottom surface of the main body, wherein the main body, when attached to the central hole of the cylindrical tube of the outer casing member of the aerosol inhalation cartridge, has a projection that protrudes radially from the outer casing member when viewed from the side. The invention described in claim 17 is a sealing member according to claim 16, characterized in that the protruding portion is a cylindrical member integrally formed with the main body on the bottom surface of the main body on the upstream side of the airflow, and the outer diameter of the cylindrical member is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the exterior member. The invention described in claim 18 is such that the protruding portion is one or more uneven shapes, groove shapes, or projection shapes formed integrally with the main body on the side surface of the main body on the upstream side of the airflow. The sealing member is as described in feature 16. The invention according to claim 19 is characterized in that one or more openings are formed on the side surface of the exterior member with a predetermined size and arrangement, and the protruding portion is formed on the side surface of the main body portion with a size and arrangement corresponding to the opening, and it is the sealing member according to claim 16.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to this invention, in the sealing member, the vicinity of the center of its bottom surface is blocked, whereby a part of the heat generated by the induction heating member is shielded, and the heat transmitted to the temperature sensor of the induction heating device is suppressed, so that heating stability can be ensured.

[0014] Also, by setting the shape of the sealing member and the size and number of the openings with respect to its bottom surface and height within a certain range, it becomes possible to ensure air permeability while having appropriate heat shielding properties.

[0015] Furthermore, it becomes possible to reduce the production cost per product.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a schematic front view (a) and a side cross-sectional view (X-X) (b) of the sealing member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view of the sealing member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge using the sealing member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic perspective view of the sealing member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic front view (a) and a side cross-sectional view (Y-Y) (b) of an aerosol suction cartridge provided with the sealing member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge using the sealing member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 7]This is a schematic front view of a sealing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic front view of a sealing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge using a conventional sealing member. [Figure 10] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the usage state of an aerosol suction cartridge using a conventional sealing member. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view of a sealing member according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 12] These are schematic front view (a) and side cross-sectional view (XX)(b) of a sealing member according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic perspective view of a sealing member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge equipped with a sealing mechanism according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic side view of an aerosol suction cartridge equipped with a sealing mechanism according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic side view of a sealing member according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge equipped with a sealing member according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 18] These are a schematic front view (a) and a side view (b) of a sealing member according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 19] These are schematic front view (a) and side cross-sectional view (XX)(b) of an aerosol suction cartridge equipped with a sealing member according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a schematic perspective view of a sealing member according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge equipped with a sealing member according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. [Figure 22]This is a schematic front view of a sealing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] These are a schematic front view (a) and a side view (b) of a sealing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol suction cartridge equipped with a sealing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a schematic perspective view of a modified example of the sealing member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 26] These are schematic front view (a) and side cross-sectional view (XX)(b) of a modified example of the sealing member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a schematic front view of another modified example of the sealing member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 28] These are schematic perspective views (a) and side cross-sectional views (b) of modified examples of sealing members according to other embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 29] This is a schematic front view of a modified example of a sealing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] These are schematic perspective views (a) and side cross-sectional views (b) of modified examples of sealing members according to other embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 31] This is a schematic side view of a modified example of an exterior member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the size, spacing, number, and other details of each component in the drawings are significantly simplified or exaggerated compared to the actual objects for the purpose of visual recognition and understanding.

[0018] Embodiment 1 Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol inhalation cartridge 10 using the sealing member 1 according to Embodiment 1. The aerosol inhalation cartridge 10 is formed into an elongated cylindrical shape by arranging the sealing member 1, aerosol forming substrate 13, support member 14, and mouthpiece 15 in a straight line and wrapping them with an outer casing member 16.

[0019] The aerosol inhalation cartridge 10 has an overall elongated cylindrical shape and is integrally formed by arranging along its longitudinal direction a long, cylindrical aerosol-forming substrate 13 containing an aggregate of a filling material 132 that generates an aerosol when heated, a support member 14 to prevent the aerosol-forming substrate 13 from moving and the outer casing member 16 from bending, and a mouthpiece 15 that allows the user to inhale the aerosol through the airflow from the aerosol-forming substrate 13, and wrapping it in a cylindrical shape with a sheet-like outer casing member 16. Here, the outer casing member 16 is made of a flexible material such as paper. In this specification, "elongated" means that in a three-dimensional shape, one direction is longer than the other. In Embodiment 1, "elongated cylindrical shape (tube shape)" means that the height of the cylinder (tube) (i.e., the component perpendicular to the base) is longer than the diameter of the circle that forms the base of the cylinder (tube). The same applies to subsequent embodiments.

[0020] In Embodiment 1, the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is preferably formed with 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 diameter of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 to the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm is preferable because it fits with an appropriate force into the insertion port D1 into which the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is inserted, allowing the aerosol suction cartridge 10 to be held appropriately in the induction heating device D while also facilitating the attachment and detachment of the aerosol suction cartridge 10. Setting the length of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 to 40 mm or more is preferable because it is longer than the length of the insertion port D1 into which the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is received, allowing the suction port to be exposed from the induction heating device even when the aerosol suction cartridge 10 is inserted into the induction heating device D, thus ensuring the necessary length for the user to inhale the aerosol.

[0021] Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sealing member 1 has the function of allowing air to pass from the outside of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 toward the aerosol forming substrate 13, and the function of fixing the aerosol forming substrate 13 so that it does not move. In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, there is a main body 11 which is cylindrical overall, and one or more openings 12 formed penetrating through the bottom surface in a direction perpendicular to it (i.e., in the height direction of the cylinder). The circle forming the bottom surface is closed off over a predetermined range from its center, covering part or the entirety of the main body 11 in the height direction (i.e., when the sealing member 1 is housed in the central hole of the outer casing member 16, it closes off the central hole in a predetermined range from its center). The closed area (closed area) is within a radius of at least 0.5 mm from the center of the bottom surface. A wider area contributes to the stability of induction heating, but if it is too wide, the airflow will be poor, so it is determined to be appropriate after considering the aspect ratio and opening ratio, which will be described later. In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 1, one opening 12 is formed so as to surround the closed area at the center of the circle forming the bottom surface, and the closed area is within a range of 0.5 mm from the center of the bottom surface. In this specification, "closed" is not limited to completely covering or sealing, but also includes a state in which even a part is hidden or blocked. In other words, the sealing member 1 of Embodiment 1 has a shape in which a C-shaped through-hole, the opening 12, is formed in the height direction of the cylindrical main body 11.

[0022] Here, it is preferable that the cylinder forming the sealing member 1 has, for example, a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the height direction of 3.0 mm to 7.0 mm.

[0023] For the sealing member 1 to allow air to pass through smoothly, the size and number of openings 12 relative to the bottom surface and height of the sealing member 1 are important factors. Considering the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the area of ​​the opening side surface to the area of ​​the opening 12 (opening side surface area / opening area), and the opening ratio, which is the ratio of the area of ​​the opening 12 to the total area of ​​the bottom surface (area of ​​the circles constituting the bottom surface when no openings 12 are formed) (opening area / bottom surface area), it is desirable that the aspect ratio is 24 or less and the opening ratio is 2% or more, and it is even more desirable that the opening ratio is 20% or more and the aspect ratio is 12 or less. Furthermore, considering the blocked areas, it is preferable that the opening ratio is at most 90%.

[0024] The material used for the sealing member 1 may be natural fibers such as cotton or silk, synthetic fibers such as nylon (registered trademark), polyester, acrylic, or polyurethane, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural resin, natural rubber, plastics such as polyacetal, polyethylene, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride, PTFE, or polyamide, synthetic rubber such as silicone, metals such as stainless steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or copper, paper, glass, carbon fiber, wood, bamboo, or ceramics. In Embodiment 1, silicone was used. In the case of metals, non-ferromagnetic materials such as aluminum or non-magnetic materials such as copper are preferred from the viewpoint of preventing overheating. Furthermore, when using plastics or rubber, it is preferable to use materials with high heat resistance, considering their proximity to the induction heating member 133. Specifically, for plastics, it is preferable that the heat resistance temperature (the temperature at which the material does not deform when no force is applied) is 100°C or higher. For example, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyamide, PET, ABS, glass epoxy resin, PTFE, PVDF, and PEEK are preferred, and for rubbers, silicone rubber is preferred.

[0025] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the aerosol-forming substrate 13 has a cylindrical packaging member 131 with an opening in the center, and the filling material 132, which is the aerosol generation source, is accumulated and housed inside the central hole of the packaging member 131. Furthermore, an induction heating member 133 that generates heat in response to an alternating magnetic field is arranged inside the filling material 132. The length along the height direction is preferably set to, for example, 10 to 30 mm.

[0026] The diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 is approximately equal to the diameter of the mouthpiece 15 and is generally constant along the central axis. The size of this 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.

[0027] The packaging member 131 is a cylindrical member made of a flexible and flammable material such as paper, and the size of the cylindrical member is preferably the same as that of the aerosol-forming substrate 13, that is, the outer diameter is preferably set to 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably to 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm, and the length along the height direction is preferably set to 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0028] <Regarding filling material 132> The filling material 132 is formed by mixing dried and crushed tobacco plants or 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 132 may have various shapes. For example, it may be formed into strips or paste, or into granules.

[0029] When the filler 132 is made up of strips, the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis is 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. The length of the filler 132 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 132 is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.

[0030] Next, specific examples of raw materials used as the filler 132 will be described. The filler 132 is composed of any one or more combinations of the raw materials shown below.

[0031] The filling material 132 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The filling material 132 is prepared, for example, by appropriately mixing dried and crushed non-tobacco plants with an aerosol former that generates aerosols, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor additives to add flavor, preservatives, binders or thickeners, and then crushing or classifying it to form a powder or granules, or forming it into a paste. Alternatively, the filling material 132 may be formed into a sheet and then cut into strips or rods of a predetermined width and length.

[0034] For example, if the raw material is a non-tobacco plant, tea leaves can be used. Tea leaves differ not only depending on the plant used to produce tea, but also depending on the processing method, even from the same plant. Specifically, examples include Japanese green tea, black tea, and oolong tea.

[0035] For example, glycerin, propylene glycol, and the like are preferably used as aerosol formers.

[0036] Next, microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from pulp of fibrous plants with acid. It is obtained by removing the soluble portion from cellulose and crystallizing the insoluble portion as appropriate.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Furthermore, flavoring additives may be used as ingredients in the filling 132 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.

[0039] Examples of binding agents or thickeners include rubbers such as guar gum, cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, polysaccharides such as conjugated base salts of organic acids like starch, and combinations thereof.

[0040] <Regarding the induction heating element 133> The induction heating element 133 is made from a flat plate-shaped material. This plate has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm. Its length is approximately the same as the height of the aerosol-forming substrate 13, but it may differ by ±1 to 3 mm from the aerosol-forming substrate 13 to an extent that does not hinder aerosol formation. The induction heating element 13 does not necessarily have to be flat; it can be polygonal, rod-shaped, columnar, cylindrical, granular, spherical, porous, sheet-shaped, L-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, U-shaped, or any other diverse shape or combination thereof.

[0041] The induction heating element 133 is made of a metallic material containing a ferromagnetic material. A ferromagnetic material is a material that, when an external magnetic field is applied, exhibits strong magnetism in the same direction as the external magnetic field, and is particularly attracted to magnets. Examples of ferromagnetic materials include iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel (e.g., SUS430), nickel, nickel-iron alloys (e.g., 42 alloy, 36 Invar), or cobalt. The relative permeability of a ferromagnetic material 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Furthermore, diamagnetic materials are a type of magnetic material that, when an external magnetic field is applied, becomes magnetized in the opposite direction to the external magnetic field, and loses its magnetism when the external magnetic field is removed. Examples include copper, graphite, and bismuth. The relative permeability of diamagnetic materials is slightly less than 1; for example, it is approximately 0.999990 for copper, approximately 0.99980 for graphite, and approximately 0.999834 for bismuth.

[0044] When a ferromagnetic material is placed inside a magnetic field (alternating magnetic field) whose direction and magnitude change over time, not only is Joule heating generated by eddy currents flowing due to electromagnetic induction, but heat is also generated due to energy loss (hysteresis loss) that occurs when the direction of magnetization inside the ferromagnetic material changes. Therefore, compared to paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials, induction heating is easier, and the packing material 132 can be sufficiently heated.

[0045] Furthermore, the Curie temperature, which is the temperature at which a ferromagnetic material loses its magnetic order and transitions to a paramagnetic state, is approximately 358°C for nickel, for example. Therefore, even when the filler 132 is heated to 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 filler 132 to be heated stably.

[0046] The material of the induction heating element 133 may be a ferromagnetic material such as iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, or a combination of these metal materials. For example, a combination of ferritic stainless steel and nickel is one example, and more preferably, an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum (iron-chromium-aluminum alloy) is used.

[0047] Here, we will explain the relationship between temperature and magnetism for iron and chromium. The Curie temperature of iron is approximately 770°C, and the Néel temperature of chromium, which is the temperature at which it changes from an antiferromagnetic material to a paramagnetic material, is approximately 35°C.

[0048] Furthermore, the induction heating member 133 may be made of a metallic material mainly composed of a ferromagnetic material. For example, a ferromagnetic alloy, which is an alloy containing preferably 60% or more, and more preferably 80% or more, of a ferromagnetic material, may be used. Examples include nickel alloys and nickel-iron alloys. In this case as well, the ferromagnetic material is induction heated, allowing the filler 132 to be sufficiently heated. Note that a metallic material containing paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials may be used instead of a ferromagnetic material. Induction heating itself is still possible in this case. However, from the viewpoint of shortening the heating time and reducing power consumption, it is preferable to use a metallic material containing a ferromagnetic material.

[0049] The support member 14 suppresses the movement of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 toward the support member 14 and the bending of the outer casing member 16, while also allowing the airflow containing the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate 13 to flow toward the mouthpiece 15. The support member 14 is provided in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a through hole in the height direction, and is positioned between the aerosol-forming substrate 13 and the mouthpiece 15 such that its height axis aligns with the central axis of the aerosol inhalation cartridge 10. The support member 14 is formed, 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 support member 14 may have different dimensions depending on its function and configuration. In Embodiment 1, the support member body is made of a resin material and has an insertion hole that serves as an air passage. Examples of materials for forming the support member 14 include polypropylene, polylactic acid, silicone, and paper.

[0050] The mouthpiece 15 is a component that the user holds in their mouth. It is cylindrical in shape, and its length along the central axis is set to 10-50 mm. Its diameter is approximately the same as that of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 and the support member 14. The material of the mouthpiece 15 is, for example, paper. Alternatively, it may be formed by rolling up a sheet-like component made of paper to create a cylindrical shape, or it may contain a cellulose acetate filter to remove fine particles. It may also be made of a porous material containing silicone. In Embodiment 1, the mouthpiece 15 is a white filter that has the function of filtering out some of the water vapor and fine particles in the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate 13. If the filling material 132 is made from non-tobacco plants, the mouthpiece 15 does not need to be a filter. In this case, the mouthpiece may be made up of part of the outer casing member 16, or a hollow component may be attached.

[0051] Next, the manufacturing process of the filler 132 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0052] The manufacturing process for the filler 132 further includes, as internal processes, a drying and grinding process in which the main raw material, tobacco or non-tobacco plant, is dried, ground, and weighed; a preparation process in which other raw materials are pre-treated and weighed; a mixing process in which the raw materials are mixed to form a composition; and a filler molding process in which the composition is molded.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In the preparation process, the raw materials necessary for producing the packing material 132 can be prepared. The aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation process and added to the mixing process.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In the filling molding process, when the filling is to be in the shape of strips or rods, the composition of various raw materials is formed into a thin sheet using multiple roll mills, and then cut to form the filling 132. Using multiple roll mills is preferable because it is possible to knead and disperse the material through compression by being pressed between narrow rolls and shearing due to the difference in roll speeds, while forming a sheet of the desired thickness with a doctor blade. Alternatively, it can also be manufactured using a press roller or a press machine.

[0057] In this case, the sheet thickness 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.

[0058] Furthermore, when the filling material 132 is in the form of a powder or granules, it is preferable to crush or classify the above composition as appropriate. The average particle size of the powder or granule filling material 132 is preferably, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. This average particle size can be determined, for example, by the sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. In other words, this average particle size is the diameter corresponding to 50% of the mass obtained by accumulating the mass from the largest opening of multiple sieves. Alternatively, the particle size at 50% of the accumulated value in the particle size distribution obtained by laser diffraction / scattering may be used as the average particle size. In addition, the filling material 132 may be formed into a fluid paste by adding an appropriate amount of thickener, water, etc. to the powder or granule composition and kneading it.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Here, when imparting tackiness to the surface of the filler 132, 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 combining the strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler 132 with the powder-shaped, granular, or paste-shaped filler 132, the powder-shaped, granular, or paste-shaped filler 132 can be stably held on the surface of the strip-shaped or rod-shaped filler 132.

[0061] <Manufacturing process for aerosol-forming substrates> The aerosol-forming substrate 13 encloses the filler 132 and the induction heating member 133 in a cylindrical shape with the packaging member 131 and converges them to match the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 13. This process includes, as an internal step, the filler molding step described above, a convergence step in which the sheet-like filler 132, which is the aerosol source, and the material of the elongated ribbon-shaped induction heating member 133 are flowed linearly in the same direction at a predetermined speed and converged, an enclosing step in which this is wrapped in an elongated tape-like packaging paper to form a cylindrical shape, and a cutting step in which this is cut at predetermined intervals with a cutter.

[0062] <Assembly Process> The assembly process involves arranging the sealing member 1, the aerosol forming substrate 13, the support member 14, and the mouthpiece 15 in that order in a line, and then wrapping them with the outer casing member 16 to complete the aerosol inhalation cartridge 10. It is preferable to form the sealing member 1 from a transparent or translucent material so that it is possible to confirm whether the induction heating member 133 is properly positioned after the assembly process.

[0063] Embodiment 2 Based on Figures 4 to 6, the sealing member 2 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Here, parts common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the illustration and description as appropriate. Also, when referring to configurations that correspond across multiple embodiments, they will be expressed as "sealing member 1, etc." The same applies to other configurations.

[0064] The sealing member 2 of Embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 4, has a main body portion 21 in which a part of the outer circumference of a cylinder is cut out in the height direction. In Embodiment 2, the main body portion 21 has an X shape with four cutouts in the height direction on its outer circumference. Here, the sealing member 1 of Embodiment 1 has a cylindrical outline, whereas the sealing member 2 of Embodiment 2 differs in that at least one part of its outer circumference is missing. Also, the sealing member 1 of Embodiment 1 had an opening 12 which is a through hole, but the sealing member 2 of Embodiment 2 does not necessarily have one.

[0065] Figure 5 shows a schematic front view (a) and a side cross-sectional view (b) of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 equipped with the sealing member 2. As shown here, when attached to the central hole of the outer casing member 16, the sealing member 1 closes the central hole within a predetermined range from the center of the cylindrical bottom surface. The gap between the inner surface of the central hole of the outer casing member 16 and the outer surface of the sealing member 1 forms an opening 22 of 1 or more. In this case, four openings 22 are formed. The circle forming the bottom surface is closed over a predetermined range from its center, covering part or the entirety of the height direction of the main body 21. The closed area is within a radius of at least 0.5 mm from the center of the bottom surface and is determined considering the aspect ratio and opening ratio, which will be described later. In Embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 5, four openings 22 are formed surrounding the closed area, and the closed area is within a radius of approximately 1 mm from the center of the bottom surface.

[0066] Furthermore, in the sealing member 2 of Embodiment 2, the size of the opening 22 relative to the bottom surface and height of the sealing member 2 is an important factor in order to allow air to pass through smoothly. Here, considering the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the area of ​​the opening side surface (the outer surface of the main body portion 21 that forms the opening 22 and the inner surface of the central hole of the exterior member 16) to the area of ​​the opening 22 (opening side surface area / opening area), and the opening ratio, which is the ratio of the area of ​​the opening 22 to the total area of ​​the bottom surface (the area of ​​the circle that constitutes the bottom surface when no notch is formed) (opening area / bottom surface area), it is desirable that the aspect ratio is 24 or less and the opening ratio is 2% or more, and it is even more desirable that the opening ratio is 20% or more and the aspect ratio is 12 or less. Also, considering the installation of a closure point, it is preferable that the opening ratio is at most 90%. Furthermore, when considering the opening side surface in Embodiment 2, the inner surface of the central hole of the exterior member 16 is considered only in the region corresponding to the height of the sealing member 2, and the region where the sealing member 2 does not exist (for example, the region where the aerosol forming substrate 13 in Figure 5(b) exists) is not considered.

[0067] According to this invention, the sealing member 1, etc., is closed near the center of its bottom surface, thereby shielding a portion of the heat generated by the induction heating member 133, and suppressing the heat transmitted to the temperature sensor D2 of the induction heating device D, thereby ensuring heating stability.

[0068] Furthermore, by setting the size and number of openings 12 (22) relative to the bottom surface and height of the sealing member 1, etc., within a certain range, it becomes possible to ensure ventilation while maintaining appropriate heat shielding properties.

[0069] Embodiment 3 Based on Figures 11 and 12, the sealing members 1-2 and 2-2 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Here, parts common to Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted from the illustrations and descriptions as appropriate.

[0070] The sealing member 1-2 comprises a cylindrical main body 11-2 and a support column 13-2 located within the plane of one bottom surface of the main body 11-2, which contacts the aerosol forming substrate 13 when installed in the aerosol suction cartridge 10. The main body 11-2 also has one or more openings 12-2 that penetrate in the height direction of the cylinder. Here, the main body 11-2 may be a thinner version (shorter in height) of the sealing member 1 of Embodiment 1. Here, the height of the main body 11-2 is preferably in the range of 20-90% of the total height of the sealing member 1-2, and more preferably in the range of 30-80%. If it is too long, the space of the AC space S described later becomes too narrow and sufficient effect cannot be obtained, and if it is too short, the main body 11-2 becomes too thin, resulting in poor stability when placed in the central hole of the outer casing member 16.

[0071] The opening 12-2 is formed on the bottom surface of the main body 11-2 in a location other than where the support column 13-2 is provided. That is, the support column 13-2 is positioned at or near the center of the circle forming the bottom surface of the sealing member 1 so as not to cover or block the entire opening 12-2.

[0072] Figure 12 shows a front view (a) of the sealing member 1-2 and a side cross-sectional view (b) of the area near the tip when attached to the aerosol suction cartridge 10. In this state, the sealing member 1-2 forms an exchange space S within a certain range, surrounded by the inner wall of the outer casing member 16, the bottom surface of the aerosol forming substrate 13, and the support column 13-2. It is preferable that the exchange space S is formed integrally rather than being divided into multiple parts.

[0073] In this configuration, outside air entering through the opening 12-2 is mixed in the exchange space S and enters the filling material 132 from the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 13, except where the support column 13-2 is in contact with the ground, thus improving air permeability. Furthermore, heat buildup at the tip is reduced, and the heat transmitted to the temperature sensor D2 of the induction heating device D is suppressed, making it possible to ensure heating stability.

[0074] Furthermore, the same effect can be obtained by shortening the height of the sealing member 2 of Embodiment 2 and using that as the main body 2-2. Moreover, the main body 1-2 and 2-2 do not necessarily need to be formed according to the same design rules as the sealing members 1 and 2; any shape can be used as long as the support columns 13-2 and 23-2 do not completely block the opening 12-2.

[0075] Embodiment 4 Based on Figure 13, the sealing member 4 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Here, parts common to Embodiments 1 to 3 will be omitted from the illustration and description as appropriate.

[0076] The sealing member 4 has a thin-walled, hollow tube shape, and its outer diameter is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the outer casing member 16. It is set to fit and be fixed when inserted into the inside of the outer casing member 16. Here, "thin-walled" means that the difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter (i.e., twice the wall thickness) is less than or equal to the inner diameter. Furthermore, the inner diameter is set to be as large as possible while ensuring sufficient wall thickness without compromising the overall structural strength and while being able to support the aerosol-forming substrate 13. Specifically, the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter is preferably 1 to 3 mm, and more preferably 1.2 to 1.5 mm.

[0077] Furthermore, considering structural strength, materials such as natural fibers, synthetic fibers, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural resin, natural rubber, plastic, synthetic rubber, metal, paper, wood, bamboo, or ceramics are preferably used.

[0078] Variation Figures 25, 26, and 27 are schematic diagrams of modified examples of the sealing member 4 according to Embodiment 4 (the dotted line in Figure 25 represents an internal opening). First, the sealing member 4b in Figures 25 and 26 comprises a main body portion 4b1 which is hollow tube-shaped overall, one or more openings 4b2 formed in the height direction of the hollow tube of the main body portion, and an airflow control valve 4b3 at the upstream end of the main body portion 4b1 in the state where the main body portion 4b1 is attached to the central hole of the circular tube of the outer casing member 16 of the aerosol suction cartridge 10. Here, the hollow tube of the main body portion 4b1 has a bottom surface that covers one end of the opening, and the airflow control valve 4b3 is formed by a notch 4b4 formed in the bottom surface.

[0079] In Figures 25 and 26, four airflow control valves 4b3 are formed by X-shaped notches 4b4 formed on the bottom surface. Preferably, the point where the X-shaped lines intersect is located at the radial center of the hollow tube. When the user inhales an aerosol, the airflow control valves 4b3 deform toward the downstream side of the aerosol (inside the opening of the main body 4b1), adjusting the aerosol flow rate. Therefore, it is preferable that the bottom surface of the main body 4b1 be made of an elastic material that can be elastically deformed by suction force, such as an elastomer material containing silicone rubber. Furthermore, it may be molded integrally with the main body 4b1, or it may be molded as a separate part and then joined.

[0080] The thickness of the airflow control valve 4b3 is not particularly limited as long as it is a thickness that can be elastically deformed by the suction force, but a thickness of 0.05 to 1.0 mm is preferably used. In addition, the airflow control valve 4b3 can be appropriately designed with a thinner center to allow for elastic deformation by the suction force.

[0081] Furthermore, the length of the notch 4b4 is preferably such that the airflow control valve 4b3 can undergo elastic deformation due to the suction force. Specifically, the distance between the point where the X-shaped lines intersect and the endpoint of the lines is preferably 20% or more of the inner diameter of the hollow tube, and more preferably 40% or more.

[0082] Figure 27 illustrates other shapes. Figure (a) shows a U-shaped notch 4c4, Figure (b) shows a V-shaped notch 4d4, Figure (c) shows a W-shaped notch 4e4, and Figure (d) shows four L-shaped notches 4f4. In addition to these, any shape is possible as long as the notch is not closed, such as a U-shape or an Ω-shape. Here as well, the length of the notches 4c4, etc., is preferably such that the airflow control valve 4b3 can be elastically deformed by the suction force. Specifically, the distance from one end of the non-closed shape to its intersection and bending point is preferably 20% or more of the inner diameter of the hollow tube, and more preferably 40% or more. The non-closed shape will be described in Embodiment 5.

[0083] According to this, the sealing member 4 can be formed with a simple structure, which is effective in reducing manufacturing costs, and the large inner diameter allows for improved air permeability. In addition, by ensuring a sufficient distance from the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 to the bottom surface of the outer casing member 16, the heat transmitted to the temperature sensor D2 can be suppressed, thereby ensuring heating stability.

[0084] Embodiment 5 Based on Figures 14 and 15, the seal structure according to Embodiment 5 will be described. Here, parts common to Embodiments 1 to 4 will be omitted from illustration and description as appropriate.

[0085] The aerosol suction cartridge 20 according to Embodiment 5 has an open-shaped notch 16-1 formed on the side surface of the outer casing member 16. Here, an open-shaped form refers to a shape in which, when drawn with a continuous single line including curves or polylines (so-called single-stroke drawing), the lines do not intersect and have no intersection points, and furthermore, it does not have a partially closed shape, or, when drawn with two or more lines, a shape in which part or all does not include a closed shape. Examples of open-shaped forms include V-shapes, U-shapes, W-shapes, U-shapes, Ω-shapes, and X-shapes, while an open-shaped form refers to a shape in which part or all of the shape includes a figure that is closed, such as O-shapes, Q-shapes, and square shapes.

[0086] Using the portion connected to the exterior member 16 (dotted line in Figure 15) as a fulcrum, the portion formed by the non-closed cutout 16-1 is bent inward into the exterior member 16, thereby supporting the aerosol-forming substrate 13 housed within the exterior member 16, and thus a sealing structure is obtained. At this time, an opening 16-2 is formed in the non-closed cutout portion.

[0087] The size of the non-closed notch 16-1 is set to an appropriate size, as if it is too small, it will not adequately support the aerosol-forming substrate 13, but if it is too large, it will block the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 and impair ventilation. Specifically, when bent inward into the outer casing member 16, the length of the fold line is preferably 2 to 3 mm, and the length of the part that supports the aerosol-forming substrate 13 (the length parallel to the radial direction of the outer casing member 16) is preferably a maximum of 2 to 3 mm or 30 to 50% of the inner diameter of the outer casing member 16. Furthermore, it is preferable that there be 2 to 4 notches, and that the fold lines are positioned on the circumference at the same position relative to the height direction of the outer casing member 16.

[0088] According to this, by processing the exterior member 16 and utilizing a part of it, a seal structure that can replace the sealing member can be obtained with a simple configuration without requiring other members, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since outside air can be taken in not only from the tip of the cylinder of the exterior member 16 but also from the opening 16-2, it is also effective in improving ventilation. Moreover, the seal structure of this embodiment can also replace the support member 14. In addition, since the part formed by the non-closed notch 16-1, etc., absorbs heat, it is possible to ensure heating stability.

[0089] Embodiment 6 Based on Figures 16 and 17, the sealing member 6 according to Embodiment 6 will be described. Here, parts common to Embodiments 1 to 5 will be omitted from the illustration and description as appropriate.

[0090] As shown in Figure 16, the sealing member 6 is spherical overall, and at least three through holes 61 for ventilation are formed in its radial direction. The diameter of the sphere is preferably about the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter so that it can fit into the central hole of the outer casing member 16. Specifically, it is preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mm larger, and more preferably 0.05 to 0.2 mm larger. In Figure 16, the dotted lines indicate that through holes 61 are formed inside.

[0091] The material of the sealing member 6 can be the same as that of the sealing member 1 in Embodiment 1, but considering that it will be fitted into the central hole of the exterior member 16, it is preferable to use an elastic material such as plastic or an elastomer resin containing rubber (natural or synthetic).

[0092] The size of the through-holes 61 should not be too small, as this would impair airflow; therefore, a diameter of 0.2 mm or more is preferable. Furthermore, it is preferable that at least three of the through-holes 61 pass through the center of the sphere and intersect perpendicularly at the center.

[0093] Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the tip of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 with the sealing member 6 attached. When the sealing member 6 is made of an elastic material as described above, it is fixed to the inside of the outer casing member 16 by its elastic force and the rigidity of the outer casing member 16. Figure (a) shows the case where one of the through holes 61 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol suction cartridge 10, and Figure (b) shows the case where it is arranged at an angle. In either case, at least one of the through holes 61 connects the outside and inside of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 so that air can flow through, and acts as an air channel for taking in outside air, thus ensuring breathability. Furthermore, in the manufacturing process, if the sealing member has a cylindrical shape like the sealing member 1, it must be installed in the outer casing member 16 in the correct orientation (the height shape of the cylinder facing the longitudinal direction of the aerosol suction cartridge 10). If it is installed sideways, for example, it will cause a problem. On the other hand, the sealing member 6 in embodiment 6 can be arranged in any orientation, and there is no need to pay attention to its direction, which is effective in reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since the sealing member 6 shields the heat generated by the induction heating member 133 to some extent, it is possible to ensure heating stability.

[0094] Embodiment 7 Based on Figures 18 and 19, the sealing member 7 according to Embodiment 7 will be described. Here, parts common to Embodiments 1 to 6 will be omitted from the illustration and description as appropriate.

[0095] The sealing member 7, as shown in Figure 18, has an overall plate-like shape with one or more bent portions 71 formed therein, and is characterized by being made of a flexible material. In Embodiment 7, the sealing member 7 is U-shaped, but it may also be V-shaped, U-shaped, W-shaped, L-shaped, etc. The bent portion may be folded like a U or W shape, or curved like a U shape. Furthermore, if the plate material is too thick, processing and elastic deformation will be difficult, on the other hand, if it is too thin, the strength will be low and shape stability will be lost, so an appropriate thickness is preferable. The preferred thickness depends on the material, but for metal it is preferably 0.05 to 0.2 mm, and for plastic it is preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0096] As mentioned above, it is preferable to use a flexible material that can elastically deform in response to external forces. Specifically, plastics, rubbers, and metals are preferred. Furthermore, as with the previous embodiments, it is preferable to use materials with high heat resistance in the case of plastics and rubbers.

[0097] Furthermore, the sealing member 7 may be formed by processing a flat plate-shaped material to create a bent portion, or it may be molded into a predetermined shape from the beginning.

[0098] Figure 19 shows a schematic front view (a) and a schematic side cross-sectional view (b) of an aerosol suction cartridge 10 equipped with a sealing member 7. Here, a U-shaped central portion 72 is positioned inside the outer casing member 16, facing the aerosol forming substrate 13. In this case, it is preferable to set the dimensions of the central portion 72 so that it can be housed in a slightly bent state. In this case, the elastic force of the material of the central portion 72 causes the two adjacent portions to press against the inner wall of the outer casing member 16, thereby fixing the sealing member 7 inside the outer casing member 16. Even if the sealing member 7 has a different shape, such as a W-shape, V-shape, or U-shape, the sealing member 7 can be fixed inside the outer casing member 16 for the same reason.

[0099] Furthermore, the flexing of the central portion 72 partially separates it from the aerosol-forming substrate 13, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the sealing member 7 and improving its breathability. In addition, since the central portion 72 shields to some extent from the heat generated by the induction heating member 133, it is possible to ensure heating stability.

[0100] Embodiment 8 Based on Figures 20 and 21, the sealing member 8 according to Embodiment 8 will be described. Here, parts common to Embodiments 1 to 7 will be omitted from the illustration and description as appropriate.

[0101] As shown in Figure 20, the sealing member 8 has the shapes of a frustoconical 8a (Figure (a)), a cylindrical 8b (Figure (b)), and a cone 8c (Figure (c)). In the height direction of the frustoconical 8a-1, cylindrical 8b-1, and cone 8c-1, ventilation grooves 8a-2, 8b-2, and 8c-2 are formed on its side surface, and through holes 8a-3, 8b-3, and 8c-3 are formed on its lower bottom surface.

[0102] Furthermore, in the frustoconical 8a and cylindrical 8b shapes, insert members 8a-4 and 8b-4 are provided on the upper base surfaces of the frustoconical 8a-1 and cylindrical 8b-1, respectively, for inserting into the aerosol-forming substrate 13 to fix the position of the sealing member 8. Preferably, the insert members 8a-4 and 8b-4 are formed near the center of the upper base surfaces of the frustoconical 8a-1 and cylindrical 8b-1.

[0103] When the sealing member 8 is frustoconical 8a, the ventilation groove 8a-2 is formed by cutting out a part of its side surface, extending from the upper base to the lower base. The same applies to the cylindrical 8b. In the case of a cone 8c, it is preferable that the groove is formed from the base towards the apex.

[0104] Furthermore, if the sealing member 8 is frustoconical 8a, the through hole 8a-3 is preferably formed from the bottom surface toward the side surface, and the same applies to the through hole 8c-3 of a cone-shaped 8c. On the other hand, if the sealing member 8b is cylindrical 8b, the through hole 8b-3 is preferably formed from the top surface toward the bottom surface.

[0105] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide insert members 8a-4 and 8b-4 in the case of a frustoconical shape 8a and a cylindrical shape 8b, as this allows the position of the sealing member 8 to be fixed. In the case of the conical shape 8c, the tip shape itself has the function of the insert members 8a-4 and 8b-4.

[0106] Furthermore, although Figure 20 shows the insert members 8a-4 and 8b-4 as having sharp conical tips, they are not limited to this shape. Any shape is acceptable as long as its tip can be inserted into the filler 132 of the aerosol-forming substrate 13, such as a rod, plate, pyramidal shape, or prismatic shape, however, it is preferable to form the tip into a sharp shape.

[0107] Figure 21 shows a schematic front view (a) and a schematic side cross-sectional view (b) of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 equipped with a sealing member 8. Preferably, in the case of a frustoconical shape 8a, the diameter of the lower base is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the outer casing member 16, or in the case of a cylindrical shape 8b or a cone shape 8c, the diameter of the base is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the outer casing member 16, in other words, it is sized to fit into the central hole of the outer casing member 16.

[0108] Furthermore, in the case of a frustoconical shape 8a, it is preferable to insert the insert member 8a-4 until the upper base surface contacts the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 13, as shown in Figure (a). At this time, it is preferable that the lower base surface is located on the same plane as the bottom surface of the outer casing member 16 without any step difference, that is, that the height of the frustoconical 8a-1 is the same length as the distance from the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 to the bottom surface of the outer casing member 16. In this state, a certain space is formed in the gap between the inner surface of the outer casing member 16 and the side surface of the frustoconical 8a-1, and the air taken in from the ventilation groove 8a-2 and through hole 8a-3 spreads throughout the entire space and is drawn into the interior of the aerosol-forming substrate 13. This has the effect of improving air permeability. In addition, since the frustoconical 8a-1 shields the heat generated by the induction heating member 133 to some extent, it is possible to ensure heating stability.

[0109] Furthermore, in the case of the cylindrical 8b, as shown in Figure (b), it is preferable that the bottom surface on the side facing the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 does not come into contact with the bottom surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 13, thus forming a gap. Also, it is preferable that the other bottom surface of the cylinder 8b-2 is located on the same plane as the bottom surface of the exterior member 16, as described above. In this state, the air taken in through the ventilation groove 8b-2 and the through hole 8b-3 spreads throughout the entire space of the gap and is drawn into the interior of the aerosol-forming substrate 13. This has the effect of improving air permeability. The frustum 8b-1 shields the heat generated by the induction heating member 133 to some extent, making it possible to ensure heating stability.

[0110] Furthermore, in the case of a conical shape 8c, it is preferable to insert the insert member 8c-4 until the bottom surface of the cone 8c-1 is on the same plane as the bottom surface of the exterior member 16 without any step difference, as shown in Figure (c). In this state, a certain space is formed in the gap between the inner surface of the exterior member 16 and the side surface of the cone 8c-1, and the air taken in from the ventilation groove 8c-2 and through hole 8c-3 spreads throughout this space and is drawn into the interior of the aerosol forming substrate 13. This has the effect of improving air permeability. In addition, since the cone 8c-1 shields the heat generated by the induction heating member 133 to some extent, it is possible to ensure heating stability.

[0111] In Embodiment 8, the induction heating member 133 is located off-center from the radial center of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 due to the influence of the insert member 8a-4, etc.

[0112] Furthermore, if the frustum 8a-1, cylinder 8b-1, and cone 8c-1 are securely fitted into the central hole of the exterior member 16, then insert members 8a-4, etc., are not necessarily required. Conversely, if insert members 8a-4, etc., are provided, then the frustum 8a-1, etc., do not necessarily need to be securely fitted into the central hole of the exterior member 16; for example, the diameter of the lower base may be smaller than the inner diameter of the central hole of the exterior member 16.

[0113] Furthermore, the ventilation grooves 8a-2 and through holes 8a-3 do not necessarily need to be both formed; either one is sufficient as long as it allows outside air to be taken in. Also, it is preferable that screw threads are formed on the side surface of the insert member 8a-4, as this makes it easier to insert into the aerosol-forming substrate 13.

[0114] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but also extends to other forms that can be considered equivalent thereto, and combinations thereof.

[0115] First, by making the sealing member 1 a different color (for example, black) from the mouthpiece 15, it becomes easy to distinguish between the upstream and downstream sides of the aerosol inhalation cartridge 10.

[0116] Furthermore, the sealing member 1, etc., does not necessarily have to be placed inside the central hole of the outer casing member 16. It may be used by adhering it to the tip of the outer casing member 16 or by placing only a part of it inside the central hole. In this case, a shape like the sealing member 2 of Embodiment 2, in particular, can be used to further improve breathability.

[0117] Furthermore, the outer casing member 16 does not necessarily have to be a single unit; it may be formed by joining two or more outer casing elements. For example, a sealing member 1, an aerosol-forming substrate 13, and a support member 14 may be housed in a cylindrical outer casing element, and a mouthpiece 15 may be wrapped around it with a sheet-like outer casing element to form a cylindrical shape. In this case, the cylindrical outer casing element and the sheet-like outer casing element together constitute the outer casing member 16. On the other hand, it is not necessarily required that the packaging member 131 and the outer casing member 16 be separate components. It is also possible to form an aerosol inhalation cartridge 10 by housing a filler 132 or induction heating member 133 in the central hole of the outer casing member 16 to serve as the aerosol-forming substrate 13, and then housing a sealing member 1, a support member 14, and a mouthpiece 15 within it. This makes it possible to further simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs. In this case, the support member 14 and mouthpiece 15 may be placed in the central hole of the outer casing member 16, then the filler material 132 may be filled, the induction heating member 133 may be inserted, and the sealing member 1 etc. may be attached; or the support member 14 and mouthpiece 15 may be placed after the filler material 132 has been filled.

[0118] Furthermore, the shape of the sealing member 1 and the opening 12(22) can take various forms, as long as the size of the opening 12(22) is appropriate to the bottom surface and height of the sealing member 1, and the circle forming the bottom surface is closed off within a predetermined range from its center. For example, in Embodiment 1, the sealing member 1 had a single opening 12, but it is not limited to this, and there may be multiple openings 12. Figure 7 shows examples of other shapes of the sealing member 1, such as (a) where four openings 32 are arranged inside the main body 31 to surround the closed area, forming an X shape, or as (b) where multiple small openings 32 are arranged to surround the closed area. Also, the opening 12(22) does not necessarily have to surround the closed area. For example, the sealing member 4 in Figure 8(a) is an example of another shape of the sealing member 2, such as cutting out two opposite sides of a cylinder to form a straight line shape. In this case, the opening formed when the sealing member 4 is attached to the central hole of the exterior member 16 does not surround the closed area, but the same effects as in embodiments 1 and 2 can be obtained.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(b), the sealing member 5 may have both an opening 52, like the sealing member 1 of Embodiment 1, and a notch, like the sealing member 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0120] Furthermore, the support member 14 is not necessarily required if the aerosol-forming substrate 13 does not move toward the support member 14, or if the outer casing member 16 does not bend. For example, the mouthpiece 15 may be placed adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 13, or the space where the support member 14 was located may be left empty. In this case, the space between the aerosol-forming substrate 13 and the mouthpiece 15 will expose the inner surface of the outer casing member 16 inside the cylindrical tube, which reduces the number of parts and is therefore effective in reducing costs. In particular, providing a space is effective in improving ventilation.

[0121] Furthermore, a cooling member may be provided between the support member 14 and the mouthpiece 15 to cool the aerosol. This effectively cools the heat of the aerosol, allowing the user to inhale without difficulty. Here, the cooling member is preferably made of a material such as paper, resin, or metal, and is formed from a material that has a large surface area, such as a porous or crimped material. Alternatively, the support member 14 may also serve as the cooling member.

[0122] Furthermore, the sealing member may be formed in a cylindrical shape by creating a thin sheet-like material, such as paper, in a roll shape 9a (Figure (a)), a folded shape 9b (Figure (b)), or a random shape 9c (Figure (c)), as shown in Figure 22. In this case, it is preferable that the winding diameter in the case of the roll shape 9a, and the width of the sheet being folded or bent in the cases of the folded shape 9b and random shape 9c, are smaller than the inner diameter of the outer casing member 16. It is also preferable that the winding axis in the case of the roll shape 9a, and the folding lines in the cases of the folded shape 9b and random shape 9c, are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 as a whole, as this facilitates the formation of air channels. Furthermore, forming multiple holes in the sheet is also effective in ensuring breathability. In addition, the roll shape 9a, folded shape 9b, and random shape 9c may be mixed together.

[0123] Furthermore, in Embodiment 6, the sealing member 6 may not be spherical, but rather a cylindrical shape turned on its side, as shown in the sealing member 6b in Figure 23. The sealing member 6b preferably has two or more through holes 6b1 formed on its cylindrical side surface, and these holes intersect at the center when viewed from the bottom of the cylinder. In Figure 23, three sets of six holes are formed, with two intersecting holes forming one set.

[0124] The length of the sealing member 6b in the height direction is preferably set to a size that allows it to fit into the central hole of the outer casing member 16 when it is attached to the outer casing member 16 so that it is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol suction cartridge 10. Furthermore, it is preferable to set the diameter of the bottom surface of the cylinder to be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer casing member 16 so that it will not fall out if the cylinder is positioned with its height direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol suction cartridge 10, thus preventing malfunctions. On the other hand, if through holes 6b1 are also formed in the height direction through the bottom surface (i.e., as in Embodiment 6, three holes form a set and intersect), it is more preferable because it can be used even if it is positioned with the bottom surface exposed. In this case, it is preferable that the diameter of the bottom surface is set to a size that allows it to fit into the central hole of the outer casing member 16, similar to the sealing member 6 in Embodiment 6.

[0125] Figure 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the tip of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 with the sealing member 6b attached. When the sealing member 6b is made of an elastic material as described above, it is fixed to the inside of the outer casing member 16 by its elastic force and the rigidity of the outer casing member 16. This figure shows the case where one of the through holes 6b1 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol suction cartridge 10. However, even if it is at an angle, as in Figure 17(b) described in Embodiment 6, at least one of the through holes 6b1 connects the outside and inside of the aerosol suction cartridge 10 so that air can flow through, and it becomes an air channel for taking in outside air, thus ensuring ventilation. This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as in Embodiment 6.

[0126] Furthermore, in other embodiments, such as the sealing member 9d shown in Figure 28, the main body portion 9d1 has an overall cylindrical shape, and one or more openings 9d2 formed perpendicular to its bottom surface. In this case, the main body portion 9d1, when attached to the central hole of the cylindrical tube of the outer casing member 16 of the aerosol suction cartridge 10, has a projection 9d3 that protrudes radially from the outer casing member 16 in a side view.

[0127] Here, the protruding portion 9d3 is a cylindrical member integrally formed with the main body portion 9d1 on the bottom surface of the main body portion 9d1 on the upstream side of the aerosol airflow, while the main body portion 9d1 is attached to the central hole of the cylindrical tube of the outer casing member 16 of the aerosol suction cartridge 10. Its outer diameter is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the outer casing member 16. Alternatively, the protruding portion 9d3 may be molded as a separate part from the main body portion 9d1 and then joined together.

[0128] Furthermore, to prevent the aerosol suction cartridge 10 from coming out during use, the outer diameter of the protrusion 9d3 is preferably approximately the same as the inner diameter of the insertion port D1 of the induction heating device D, and more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 mm larger. In addition, the material of the protrusion 9d3 is preferably an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomer containing silicone rubber, so that it can be elastically deformed inside the insertion port D1.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, the protrusion may be one or more uneven shapes formed integrally with the main body 9e1 on the side surface of the main body 9e1 on the airflow side (protrusion 9e3 in Figure (a)), one or more groove shapes (protrusion 9f3 in Figure (b)), or one or more protruding shapes (protrusion 9g3 in Figure (c)).

[0130] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, one or more openings 16a1 may be formed on the side surface of the exterior member 16 with a predetermined size and arrangement, and the protrusions 9h3 may be formed on the side surface of the main body 9h1 with a size and arrangement corresponding to the openings 16a1. In Figure 30, the protrusions 9h3 are semi-cylindrical in shape and are installed on the side surface of the main body 9h1 slightly downstream (preferably 0.5 to 2 mm) from the upstream end of the aerosol. Here, it is preferable that the protrusions 9h3 are installed at equal intervals on the side surface of the main body 9h1.

[0131] With the sealing member 9h attached to the central hole of the cylindrical tube of the outer casing member 16 of the aerosol suction cartridge 10, in a side view, the protruding portion 9h3 penetrates the opening 16a1 and is exposed to the outside, protruding radially from the outer casing member 16.

[0132] Furthermore, the shape is not limited to a window shape like opening 16a1, but may also be a notched shape like opening 16b1.

[0133] In this configuration, the protruding part 9d3 etc. make tight contact with the insertion port D1, which prevents the aerosol suction cartridge 10 from coming out during use.

[0134] Furthermore, although the filler 132 was used in the form of a sheet formed into strips, it is not limited to this, and may be formed into a powder or granules, or into a paste, or a mixture of these.

[0135] Furthermore, the tea leaves used as the raw material for the filling 132 can be any type of tea leaf commonly used, in addition to those listed in the embodiment. Used tea leaves may also be used. Using used tea leaves allows for the effective reuse of expensive tea leaves.

[0136] Furthermore, extracts of non-tobacco plants, so-called extracts or processed products, as exemplified above, can also be used. Examples of extract forms include liquid, syrup, powder, granules, and solution.

[0137] In addition to those listed in the embodiments, other aerosol formers that can be used as raw materials for the filler 132 include 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.

[0138] Furthermore, menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) may be included as flavor additives. By combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, the sublimation of menthol can be effectively suppressed, and the menthol flavor can be maintained for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, but may also be a synthetic product. In addition, peppermint, mint oil, or other menthol-containing substances may be used.

[0139] Furthermore, the flavor additive is provided on the mouthpiece 15, for example, by impregnating the wall of the mouthpiece 15. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided on the mouthpiece 15 is not limited to this manner; for example, the flavor additive may be provided on the mouthpiece 15 by embedding a capsule containing the flavor additive in the wall of the mouthpiece 15. Alternatively, a capsule containing the flavor additive may be placed between the mouthpiece 15 and the aerosol inhalation cartridge 10. When the flavor additive is enclosed in a capsule, the user can break the capsule by pressing it with their finger, allowing the aromatic components of the flavor additive to volatilize at a desired time.

[0140] Furthermore, if the flavor additive is encapsulated in microcapsules, for example, the encapsulated microcapsules may be provided on the aerosol inhalation cartridge 10. Of course, the microcapsules may also be provided on the support member 14.

[0141] In addition to those listed in the embodiments, other examples of binders or thickeners used as raw materials for the filler 132 include rubbers such as xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and ethylcellulose; organic acids such as alginic acid; polysaccharides such as sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, carranagin, agar, and pectin; and combinations thereof.

[0142] Furthermore, when using nicotine-free raw materials such as non-tobacco plants, substances that provide a nicotine-like sensation, or so-called "kick," may be added. For example, plants of the genus Piper in the family Piperaceae (such as black pepper, long pepper, false long pepper, and turban vine), black pepper, white pepper, piperine, loberine, cabicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, glucosinolate, and allyl isothiocyanate are preferred.

[0143] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the sealing member 1 had a shape in which a C-shaped through-hole opening 12 was formed in the height direction of the cylindrical main body 11, but it is not limited to this, and an open-shaped through-hole such as a V-shape, U-shape, or U-shape may be formed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Sealing members 11, 21, 31 Main body 12, 22, 32 openings 13 Aerosol-forming substrate 131 Packaging components 132 Filling 133 Induction heating element 14 Support Member 15 Mouthpieces 16 Exterior components

Claims

1. Aerosol inhalation cartridge, The aerosol suction cartridge comprises a sealing member, an aerosol forming substrate, and a support member. Then, the mouthpieces are arranged and wrapped with an outer material to form an elongated cylindrical shape. And, The sealing member is formed from a sheet-like material into a cylindrical shape, including one or more of the following shapes: roll, folded, or random, and has a length of 3.0 to 7.0 mm along the height direction. The aerosol-forming substrate has an elongated cylindrical shape and contains a filler that generates an aerosol when heated by a rod-shaped heating element. An aerosol inhalation cartridge characterized by the following features.

2. In the case of the roll shape, the winding axis is formed so that it is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol suction cartridge, and in the case of the folded shape and the random shape, the bending lines are formed so that they are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol suction cartridge as a whole. An aerosol suction cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that...

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