Tobacco filler aggregate

Abstract

To provide a tobacco filler aggregate improving fluidity of an air flow inside the tobacco filler aggregate, while securing a certain level of filling rate for the entire tobacco filler aggregate, facilitating insertion thereof into an electronic cigarette body, and preventing the tobacco filler from easily falling out, and electronic cigarette cartridge.SOLUTION: An electronic cigarette cartridge is formed by arranging, in a longitudinal direction, a tobacco filler aggregate formed by accumulating tobacco filler in a bundle and wrapping an outer periphery with a sheet-like packaging material into a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical support member, a cooling member, and a mouthpiece serving as a mouthpiece, and integrating them by wrapping in a sheet-like wrapping material, where the tobacco filler contains tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants and microcrystalline cellulose, and is formed into a long shape such that in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a dimension in the long side direction is longer than the dimension in the short side direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco filler aggregate in which long tobacco fillers made of tobacco or non - tobacco plants are bundled and an electronic cigarette cartridge having the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to conform to the trend of tobacco smoking bans, electronic cigarette products for enjoying tobacco have begun to spread. These products heat an electronic cigarette cartridge containing tobacco components without using a flame and inhale the vaporized tobacco components. As a method for manufacturing a tobacco filler to be filled in such an electronic cigarette cartridge, there is a method in which tobacco leaves are powdered into an aqueous slurry, sheeted, and then oil or glycerin is added to the sheet and dried (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, an article for smoking is disclosed by inserting and heating an electronic cigarette cartridge having a tobacco filler aggregate in which tobacco fillers are integrated at an end (see Patent Document 2). In an electronic cigarette, a heating element of the electronic cigarette main body is inserted into the tobacco filler aggregate to heat the tobacco filler.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Tobacco filler is filled to a certain minimum density to generate sufficient inhalable components, including aerosols, through heating. However, if the tobacco filler density is too high, it becomes difficult to insert the heating element of the e-cigarette into the tobacco filler assembly due to increased resistance. Furthermore, if the tobacco filler density is too high, the airflow within the tobacco filler assembly becomes less fluid, making it difficult for the user to inhale and reducing the amount of airflow that can be inhaled at once. This can lead to an increase in the number of puffs per cigarette, potentially exceeding the appropriate number of puffs. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a certain minimum density for the overall tobacco filler assembly while maintaining good airflow within the tobacco filler assembly.

[0006] Furthermore, in the tobacco filler assembly, there is a possibility that some of the tobacco filler may fall out during user handling, such as when inserting the e-cigarette cartridge into the e-cigarette device or when removing the e-cigarette cartridge from the device after smoking. This could contaminate the inside of the e-cigarette device and potentially cause malfunctions. Therefore, the tobacco filler in the tobacco filler assembly must be filled in a way that prevents it from falling out.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a tobacco filler aggregate and an e-cigarette cartridge that ensure a certain level of filling rate for the tobacco filler aggregate as a whole, improve the fluidity of airflow inside the tobacco filler aggregate, are easy to insert into the e-cigarette body, and prevent the tobacco filler from falling out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problem, the tobacco filler aggregate according to claim 1 is a tobacco filler aggregate in which long tobacco fillers are bundled together and the outer periphery is wrapped with a sheet-like packaging, The tobacco filler is formed such that, in a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction, the dimension in the longer side direction is longer than the dimension in the shorter side direction. The tobacco filler in the outermost part that is in contact with the packaging body is configured such that its long side direction is oriented in a direction substantially aligned with the circumferential direction, or its long side direction is oriented in a direction other than substantially aligned with the circumferential direction, and the number of tobacco fillers whose long side direction is oriented in a direction substantially aligned with the circumferential direction is greater than the number of tobacco fillers whose long side direction is oriented in a direction other than substantially aligned with the circumferential direction.

[0009] According to the invention of claim 1, the filling rate of tobacco material in the outer periphery can be increased, and the filling rate of tobacco material in the central part can be relatively decreased, making it easier to insert the heating element of the e-cigarette body into the tobacco material aggregate while ensuring a sufficient amount of tobacco material. Furthermore, the airflow in the tobacco material aggregate can be improved. Moreover, since the tobacco material forms a robust structure in the outer periphery, the tobacco material is less likely to fall out when handling the e-cigarette cartridge.

[0010] Furthermore, the tobacco filler aggregate according to claim 2 is characterized in that, when the area of ​​the central region and the outer region are equally divided in a cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the bundle of tobacco fillers, the central region has a higher void ratio than the outer region.

[0011] According to the invention of claim 2, the heating element of the electronic cigarette body can be easily inserted into the tobacco filler aggregate, and the airflow can be improved.

[0012] Furthermore, the tobacco filler aggregate according to claim 3 is characterized in that, among the tobacco fillers in contact with the inner circumference side of the outermost tobacco fillers in contact with the packaging body, the number of tobacco fillers whose long side direction is oriented substantially along the circumferential direction is greater than the number of tobacco fillers whose long side direction is oriented in a direction other than substantially along the circumferential direction.

[0013] According to the invention of claim 3, even for the tobacco filler located in the second circle from the outermost circumference, the longer side direction is substantially aligned with the circumferential direction, thereby increasing the filling rate in the outer circumference, ensuring a sufficient amount of tobacco filler, and strengthening the structure of the tobacco filler to prevent it from falling out.

[0014] Furthermore, the tobacco filler aggregate according to claim 4 is characterized in that the long-side surface of the tobacco filler is in contact with the long-side surface of an adjacent tobacco filler, or with the short-side surface of an adjacent tobacco filler, and the number of tobacco fillers whose long-side surface is in contact with the long-side surface of an adjacent tobacco filler is greater than the number of tobacco fillers whose long-side surface is in contact with the short-side surface of an adjacent tobacco filler.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 4, the tobacco fillers can form a group of fillers that overlap each other along their long sides, and a gap can be formed between the groups of fillers.

[0016] Furthermore, the tobacco filler aggregate according to claim 5 is characterized in that the tobacco filler is formed from non-tobacco plants.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 5, by not using tobacco as the tobacco filling, it is possible to form an electronic cigarette cartridge that can be enjoyed even when quitting smoking.

[0018] Furthermore, the electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 6 is characterized by comprising any of the above-mentioned tobacco filler aggregates, a support member adjacent to the tobacco filler of the tobacco filler aggregate in the longitudinal direction and through which airflow can pass along the longitudinal direction, and a mouthpiece.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 6, the airflow that has flowed through the voids of the tobacco filling aggregate is smoothly directed to the mouthpiece via the support member, allowing the user to inhale an appropriate amount of airflow.

[0020] Furthermore, the electronic cigarette cartridge according to the invention of claim 7 is configured such that the support member has a support portion at least at the outermost peripheral portion, and the support portion is adjacent in the length direction to the tobacco filler at the outermost peripheral portion that contacts the package.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 7, since the support portion and the tobacco filler at the outermost peripheral portion are in contact, the tobacco filler at the outermost peripheral portion that forms a strong structure substantially along the circumferential direction is supported in the length direction by the support member, and it is possible to prevent the tobacco filler from collapsing and falling off when the heating portion is inserted or the like.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the tobacco filler assembly of the present invention, since the filling rate in the outer peripheral portion is high, the filling rate of the entire tobacco filler assembly can be increased, so that sufficient aerosol can be generated. In addition, since the fluidity in the central portion is good, the airflow easily flows, so that the amount of airflow and the number of puffs in the electronic cigarette cartridge can be appropriately set. In addition, since the porosity of the central portion can be increased, it can be easily inserted into the electronic cigarette body. Further, a strong structure is formed by the tobacco filler along the circumferential direction in the outer peripheral portion, and the tobacco filler can be made difficult to fall off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge having a tobacco filler assembly in the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing a usage form of the electronic cigarette cartridge. [Figure 3] It is a side view (FIG. 3(a)) and a front view (FIG. 3(b)) of the tobacco filler. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the tobacco filler assembly. [Figure 5] It is a front view of another tobacco filler assembly. [Figure 6] It is a front view showing a step of winding the tobacco filler with a package. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the support member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge 1 having a tobacco filler aggregate 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is formed by arranging a substantially cylindrical tobacco filler aggregate 10 filled with a large number of tobacco fillers 20, a cylindrical support member 12, and a mouthpiece 14 which serves as the mouthpiece, along the length direction and winding them together with a sheet-like packaging member 16.

[0025] The tobacco filler aggregate 10 is formed by bundling elongated tobacco filler 20 along its length and wrapping it in a sheet-like packaging 25 to create a roughly cylindrical shape. The tobacco filler 20 is made from non-tobacco plants. Details of the tobacco filler 20 will be described later.

[0026] The support member 12 has a flow channel 30 in its central part to allow the airflow containing aerosol generated in the tobacco filling aggregate 10 to flow towards the mouthpiece 14. The support member 12 has a peripheral edge 31 around the flow channel 30 and can support the inner circumference of the packaging member 16. The mouthpiece 14 is a sponge-like porous material and is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0027] In this embodiment, the electronic cigarette cartridge 1 is formed to have a diameter of 6.5 to 7.5 mm and a length of 40 to 49 mm. The tobacco filler aggregate 10 has a length of 11 to 13 mm. However, it may have other dimensions.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the usage of the e-cigarette cartridge 1. The e-cigarette cartridge 1 is used by being attached to the e-cigarette body 2. The e-cigarette body 2 has an insertion section 51 into which the e-cigarette cartridge 1 is inserted. The insertion section 51 is provided with a needle-shaped or blade-shaped heating section 50 that is inserted into the tobacco filling 20 of the inserted e-cigarette cartridge 1. The heating section 50 generates heat when inserted into the tobacco filling 20, thereby generating an aerosol from the tobacco filling 20. In this state, the user can inhale an airflow containing the aerosol by inhaling through the mouthpiece 14.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a side view (Figure 3(a)) and a front view (Figure 3(b)) of the tobacco packing 20. As mentioned above, the tobacco packing 20 is formed in an elongated shape. Furthermore, in a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction, the tobacco packing 20 is formed such that the dimension a in the long side direction is longer than the dimension b in the short side direction. In other words, the tobacco packing 20 has a noodle-like form that is an elongated, roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0030] The tobacco filling 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.

[0031] The non-tobacco plants that form the tobacco filler 20 are not particularly limited as long as they are plants other than tobacco. Various parts of the plant can be used, for example, roots (including bulbs, tubers, potatoes, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (including bark, tree bark, etc.), leaves, flowers (including petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), tree trunks and branches, etc.

[0032] Examples of bulbs include onions, spider lilies, tulips, hyacinths, garlic, shallots, and lilies; examples of corms include crocuses, gladiolus, freesias, irises, taro, and konjac; examples of tubers include konjac, cyclamen, anemones, begonias, Chinese artichokes, potatoes, and apios; examples of rhizomes include canna lilies, lotus roots, and ginger; examples of tubers include dahlias, sweet potatoes, cassava, and Jerusalem artichokes; examples of rhizomes include the genus Dioscorea (such as Japanese yam, wild yam, and Chinese yam); and others include turnips, burdock, carrots, radishes, and kudzu. Examples of stems include asparagus, bamboo shoots, Japanese angelica tree, radishes, and yacon.

[0033] The above-mentioned tubers or the plants listed below contain carbohydrates and are preferably used as at least a part of the tobacco filler material 20. For example, starches include corn starch (corn), potato starch (potato), sweet potato starch (sweet potato), tapioca starch (tapioca), etc., and have been used as thickeners, stabilizers, etc. These starches can be improved by crosslinking to improve acid resistance, heat resistance, shear resistance, etc., by esterification and etherification to improve storage stability, accelerate gelatinization, etc., and by oxidation to improve transparency, film properties, and storage stability, etc.

[0034] From plant seeds, tamarind seed gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum can be obtained; from tree sap, gum arabic and karaya gum; from fruits, pectin; and from other plants, konjac mannan (mainly composed of cellulose and agarose) and soybean polysaccharides can be obtained. Furthermore, these can be modified and used, such as cationized guar gum.

[0035] From seaweed, carrageenan, classified into three types (kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, and lambda-carrageenan), agar, and alginic acid can be obtained, and these are also used as salts such as carrageenan metal salts and sodium alginate.

[0036] For example, plants used as herbs and spices include gardenia fruit, kaffir lime leaves, Japanese ginger, mugwort, wasabi, ajwain seeds, anise, alfalfa, echinacea, shallots, tarragon, everlasting flower, elderflower, allspice, orris root, oregano, orange peel, orange blossom, orange leaf, cayenne chili pepper, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, cardamom, curry leaf, and garlic. ), catnip, caraway, caraway seeds, osmanthus, cumin, cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamom, green pepper, cornflower, saffron, cedar, cinnamon, jasmine, juniper berries, jolokia, ginger, star anise, spearmint, sumac, sage, savory, celery, celery seeds, turmeric, thyme, tamarind, tarragon, chervil, chives, dill, dill seeds, tomato ( Dried tomatoes, tonka beans, dried cilantro, nutmeg, hibiscus, habanero, jalapeño, bird's eye pepper, basil, vanilla, coriander, parsley, paprika, hyssop, piments despelette, pink pepper, fenugreek seeds, fennel, brown mustard, black cardamom, black cumin, black pepper, vetiver, pennyroyal, peppermint, horseradish, white pepper, white mustard, poppy seeds, porcini mushrooms, majolica Ingredients such as mustard seeds, maniguette, marigold, malba flower, mace, yarrow flower, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, linden, red clover, red pepper, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon peel, rose, purple rosebuds, rosehip, rose petals, rosemary, rose red, laurel, long pepper, sesame (raw and roasted), golden chili pepper, Sichuan pepper, Mitaka pepper, Japanese pepper, chili pepper, and yuzu can be used.Additionally, you can use mixed spices (for example, five-spice powder, garam masala, ras el hanout, barigoul, chicken curry masala, tandoori masala, quatre épices, herbes de Provence) or various plant mixtures used in potpourri.

[0037] Additionally, edible fruits (the flesh) and seeds of fruits such as peaches, blueberries, lemons, oranges, apples, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, grapes, kumquats, melons, plums, almonds, cocoa, coffee, peanuts, sunflowers, olives, walnuts, and other nuts can be used.

[0038] In addition, various types of tea can be used. Tea varieties differ not only in the plants used to make tea, but also in the processing method, even from the same plant. 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, angelica tree tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, houttuynia cordata tea, eucommia 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] Other plants that can be used include, of course, sea lettuce, green laver, red seaweed, asakusa seaweed, arame seaweed, rock seaweed, egonori seaweed, ogonori seaweed, gagome kelp, kajime seaweed, ganiashi seaweed, kubirezuta seaweed, kurome seaweed, konbu seaweed, susabinori seaweed, dulse seaweed, chishima konbu seaweed, tsuruarame seaweed, tengusa seaweed, tororo konbu seaweed, Nekoashi konbu seaweed, nori seaweed, habanori seaweed, hijiki seaweed, monogusa seaweed, hirome seaweed, funori seaweed, bouaonori seaweed, makonbu seaweed, mekabu seaweed, mozuku seaweed, and wakame seaweed.

[0040] In addition to brown rice, other varieties such as Indica (Indian type, continental type, long grain), Glaberima (African rice), Sativa (Asian rice), Javanica (Javanese type, tropical island type, large grain), Japonica (Japanese type, temperate island type, short grain), and NERICA (interspecific hybrid of Asian and African rice) can also be used, and can be used as flour or bran.

[0041] In addition to wheat, millet, oats (a cultivated variety of wild oats), barley, wild oats, foxtail millet, cordoon millet, wheat, finger millet, teff, pearl millet, hulless barley (a variety of barley), adlay (the fruit, not the seed), barnyard millet, fonio, wild rice, glutinous barley (a glutinous variety of barley), sorghum (sorghum, corn, sorghum), maize, and rye can also be used.

[0042] In addition to black beans, other legumes that can be used include adzuki beans, carob beans, kidney beans, pea beans, cluster beans, grass peas, black adzuki beans, cowpeas, winged beans, zeocarpa beans, broad beans, soybeans, bamboo beans, canavalia beans, tamarind, teparie beans, sword beans, rhynchophylla beans, bambara beans, chickpeas, hyacinth beans, red beans, horse beans, moss beans, lima beans, peanuts, mung beans, lupines, lentils, and lentils (hentou).

[0043] In addition to buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, and Tartary buckwheat can also be used.

[0044] In addition to shiitake mushrooms, other types of mushrooms include matsutake, hatsutake, shimeji, truffle, pine mushroom, and agaricus.

[0045] Additionally, the trunks and branches of aromatic trees such as sugarcane (including the molasses residue), sugar beets, cypress, pine, cedar, hinoki cypress, camellia, and sandalwood, as well as their bark, leaves, and roots, can be used. Ferns and mosses can also be used as non-tobacco plants. Furthermore, by-products and residues from the production of fermented alcoholic beverages such as sake and wine (sake lees, grape pomace (consisting of grape skins, seeds, and stalks)) can also be used. Moreover, various plants as described above may be mixed and used. Of course, other plants not listed here can also be used.

[0046] Among the ingredients used, those known as Chinese herbal medicines are also favored. For example, the following: Indigo (Aisou), Madder root (Akanekon), Red-eyed oak (Akamegashiwa), Centricum (Asenyaku), Benzoin (Ansokukou), Weilingxian (Ireisen), Buxus umbellatus (Inchinkou), Fennel (Uikyo), Turmeric (Turmeric), Senna (Ubai), Senna (Uyaku), Quercus dentata (Urajirogashi), Bearberry (Uwaurushi), Fruit (Eijitsu), Corydalis (Yangosaku), Longevity grass (Enmeisou), Astragalus (Ougi), Scutellaria (Ougon), Polygonatum sibiricum (Ousei), Phellodendron bark (Oubaku), Coptis (Ouren), Cherry bark (Ouhi), St. John's wort (Otogirisou), Polygala (Onji), Sophora japonica (Kaika), Gaihaku, Kagosou, Kashi, He Shou Wu, Gajutsu, Kakko, Kakkon, Kamitsure, Karokon, Karonin, Kankyo, Kanzo, Kantoka, Gaiyou, Kikyo, Kigushi, Kikoku, Kijitsu, Kikka, Kikuka Pi), Kyōkatsu, Kyonin, Kinkan, Kinginka, Kinsensō, Kukoshi, Kukoyō, Kujin, Kurumi, Kurenpi, Kuromoji, Kubaku, Keigai, Keihi, Ketsumeishi, Kengoshi, Genjin, Koui, Kouka ), Albizia julibrissin (Gokanpi), Citrus fragrant (Koukou), Citrus aurantium (Koushi), Citrus fragrant (Koujiyu), Red ginseng (Kojin), Cyperus rotundus (Koubushi), Non-glutinous rice (Koubei), Magnolia bark (Kouboku), Strawberry (Kohon), Acanthopanax septemlobus (Gokahi), Achyranthes bidentata (Goshitsu), Evodia rutaecarpa (Goshuyu), Polygonatum odoratum root (Gojokon), Burdock seed (Goboshi), Schisandra chinensis (Gomishi), Bupleurum root (Saiko), Asarum sieboldii (Saishin), Saffron, Smilax china (Sankirai), Hawthorn fruit (Sa) (Nzashi), Gardenia fruit (Sanshishi), Cornus officinalis (Sanshuyu), Soybean root (Sanzukon), Jujube seed (Sansonin), Japanese pepper (Sansho), Sanryo (Sanryo), Dioscorea (Sanyaku), Rehmannia glutinosa (Jio), Aster (Shion), Rehmannia glutinosa bark (Jikoppi), Lithospermum root (Shikon), Perilla seed (Shisoshi), Perilla leaf (Shisoyou), Lithospermum erythrorhizon (Shitsurishi), Perilla leaf (Shitsurishi), Perilla leaf (Shitei), Peony root (Shakuyaku), Snake's head fruit (Jashōshi),Adenophora triphylla, Plantago asiatica, Plantago asiatica, Cardamine hirsuta, Houttuynia cordata, Ginger, Palm fruit, Palm leaf, Cimicifuga simplex, Wheat, Sweet flag root, Magnolia bark, Ligustrum lucidum, Qin pea, Dioscorea japonica ( Shinkiku, Jingyo, Juushi, Shokumoku, Seihi, Sekishokon, Sekiryujitsuhi, Sekkoku, Senkyu, Zenko, Senkotsu, Senpukuka, Sekkotsuboku, Soka, Sokakushi Ukakushi), Sangikisei, Soujishi, Sojutsu, Sohakuyou, Zokudan, Sohakuhi, Soboku, Soyou, Sokyo, Daiou, Taisou, Taisou, Daifukuhi, Takusha, Tanshen, Zhuru Chikujo, Chikusetsuninjin, Chikuyo, Chimo, Chiyu, Choji, Chotoko, Chinpi, Tennansho, Tenma, Tenmonto, Togashi, Touki, Tougoma, Tojin, Touji (Toshinsou), Peach kernel, Orange peel, Rabbit seed, Horse chestnut, Eucommia, Angelica root, Cistanche, Nutmeg, Honeysuckle, Ginseng, Fritillaria, Malt, Thuja seed, White burdock, Ophiopogon, Peppermint, Mint, Pinellia, Viper, Banlangen Kon), Hanshiren, Yurine, Byakushi, Byakukajazetsusou, Hyakubukon, Byakujutsu, Binrouji, Boui, Bokon, Bofu, Houou, Houeikon, Houeikoukon, Botanpi, Maou, Mashinin, Mankeishi, Matsuyani, Mokutsu, Mokka, Mokkou,Myrrh, horsetail, iris, yakuchi, night-blooming vine, monk fruit, orchid, longan fruit, gentian, galangal, reishi mushroom, forsythia, lotus seed, lotus seed, reed root.

[0047] In addition, extracts of non-tobacco plants, as exemplified above, can also be used. Examples of extract forms include liquid, syrup, powder, granules, and solution.

[0048] The aerosol former added to the tobacco filler 20 can be 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, dimethyl tetradecanedione, etc., but glycerin and propylene glycol are particularly preferred. These are used in an amount of 1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less relative to the tobacco filler 20, and are particularly preferably 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less.

[0049] Flavoring additives may also be used as needed to enhance the flavor. Examples of flavoring additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, and tea extracts.

[0050] Furthermore, food preservatives may be added as needed, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, or sodium benzoate.

[0051] As binders or thickeners, 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 are also used.

[0052] Microcrystalline cellulose is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of fibrous plants with an acid, in which the soluble portion is removed from the cellulose and the insoluble portion is crystallized as appropriate.

[0053] After various studies, the following was found regarding tobacco filler 20 containing non-tobacco plants, aerosol morphs, and microcrystalline cellulose: When tobacco filler 20 is placed under dry conditions, even if the filler composed of non-tobacco plants and aerosol morphs loses water, the microcrystalline cellulose maintains the structure of the filler and suppresses structural changes such as volume shrinkage. This effect is obtained by using microcrystalline cellulose.

[0054] Microcrystalline cellulose may be used in powder form or dispersed in a solvent such as water and added as a suspension solution. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse it in the solvent.

[0055] The amount of microcrystalline cellulose added should be approximately 1% to 15% of the tobacco filler 20. Preferably, it should be 3% to 12%, and more preferably 5% to 10%.

[0056] The addition of microcrystalline cellulose improves moldability, enhances workability during processes such as kneading with a roll mill, and is particularly effective in suppressing shrinkage and volume changes of the tobacco filler 20, thus contributing to quality control and homogenization of the user experience of the electronic cigarette cartridge 1.

[0057] The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose used in the present invention is preferably 30 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 150 μm, and more preferably 70 μm to 120 μm.

[0058] When the average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose is 30 μm or more, it has an excellent effect in suppressing the shrinkage of the tobacco filler 20, and when it is 150 μm or less, in addition to the effect of suppressing shrinkage, it can also provide good moldability.

[0059] The average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose is determined by sieving. The above average particle size can be obtained by the method described in JIS K 0069:1992. The average particle size is calculated by summing the masses from the largest sieve openings, for example, and the diameter corresponding to 50% of that mass. Furthermore, preferably, the residue on the sieve with a 250 μm opening is 8% by mass or less, and the residue on the sieve with a 75 μm opening is 45% by mass or more.

[0060] If the residue on a sieve with a mesh size of 250 μm is 8% by mass or less, the sieved microcrystalline cellulose has the effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the tobacco filler 20. If the residue on a sieve with a mesh size of 75 μm is 45% by mass or more, the moldability of the tobacco filler 20 can be improved.

[0061] The mass-average molecular weight (Mw) of microcrystalline cellulose is preferably 10,000 to 200,000. More preferably, it is 10,000 to 100,000. A value of 10,000 or more provides excellent suppression of the shrinkage of the tobacco filler 20, while a value of 100,000 or less provides good moldability in addition to the aforementioned shrinkage suppression effect. Particularly preferably, it is 20,000 to 60,000. The molecular weight of cellulose can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For example, a measurement method such as that described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-109715 can be used, and polyethylene glycol or the like can be used as a standard material as appropriate.

[0062] The manufacturing process for tobacco filler 20 will now be described. The manufacturing process for tobacco filler 20 includes a drying and grinding process in which non-tobacco plants, which are the main raw materials, are 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.

[0063] In the drying and grinding process, the parts of non-tobacco plants that serve as the main raw materials (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) 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. If the temperature is above 65°C, it is even easier to reach the desired moisture content, and if it is below 75°C, the loss of necessary flavor components can be further prevented.

[0064] The moisture content after drying and grinding should preferably be 5% by mass or less. This facilitates slurry formation in subsequent processes. A moisture content of 3% by mass or less is even more preferable. Furthermore, a moisture content of 0.1% by mass or more allows the material to maintain good compatibility with water and other liquids. In addition, a sieving step can be included in the drying and grinding process to separate the ground material, allowing it to be adjusted to the desired particle size before being added to the mixing process.

[0065] In the preparation process, the raw materials necessary for creating the tobacco filler 20 can be prepared. The aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation process and added to the mixing process.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In the filling molding process, the tobacco filling 20 is formed by molding a composition of various raw materials into a thin sheet and then cutting it. In this embodiment, a three-roll mill is prepared to make a thin sheet. Using a three-roll mill is preferable because it is possible to knead and disperse the material through compression by pressing it between the 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.

[0068] In the filling molding process, other means may be used, such as molding the composition by passing it through an orifice under pressure. Furthermore, 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.

[0069] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use water that has been sterilized or from which microorganisms have been removed, and it is preferable to use pure water obtained by reverse osmosis or ion exchange.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In this embodiment, the cutting of a 0.3 mm thick sheet will be described as an example. First, the molded sheet is cut into a rectangle, for example, 150 mm long and 240 mm wide. This rectangular sheet is fed into a rotary cutter and cut into pieces 1.5 mm long and 240 mm wide to obtain sheet cuts. As a result, the dimension a in the long side direction of the tobacco filler 20 is 1.5 mm, and the dimension b in the short side direction is 0.3 mm. Fifty of these sheet cuts are wrapped in a packaging body 25 to create a roll with an outer diameter of approximately 6.9 mm. This roll is cut to a length of 12.0 mm with a cutter to obtain a tobacco filler aggregate 10. The mass of this tobacco filler aggregate 10 is 0.29 g. If the ratio of the volume of tobacco filler 20 to the volume of tobacco filler aggregate 10 is defined as the volume filling rate, then the volume filling rate of the tobacco filler aggregate 10 in this embodiment is approximately 0.60. Furthermore, the density of the tobacco filler aggregate 10 is 1.07 g / cm³.

[0072] As a result, the tobacco filler aggregate 10 is formed by accumulating long, noodle-shaped tobacco fillers 20 in bundles along their length.

[0073] The arrangement of tobacco fillers 20 in the tobacco filler aggregate 10 will be described in detail. Figure 4 shows a front view of the tobacco filler aggregate 10. Figure 4 shows a typical arrangement example of tobacco fillers 20. In the tobacco filler aggregate 10, the tobacco fillers 20 are densely packed together in contact with the packaging 25 or other tobacco fillers 20.

[0074] Of the tobacco packing materials 20, the outermost tobacco packing materials 20 that are in contact with the packaging 25 have their long sides oriented in a direction that substantially aligns with the circumferential direction. In Figure 4, one entire long side of tobacco packing material 20a is in contact with the packaging 25. In addition, both short sides of tobacco packing material 20a are in contact with the circumferentially adjacent tobacco packing materials 20b and 20c, respectively. Tobacco packing materials 20b and 20c also have their long sides in contact with the packaging 25. Similarly, the tobacco packing materials 20 located on the outermost periphery all have their long sides oriented in a direction that substantially aligns with the circumferential direction and are in contact with each other on their short sides. As a result, the filling rate of the tobacco packing materials 20 is high at the outermost periphery, and because the tobacco packing materials 20 are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction, their position is less likely to shift.

[0075] Of the tobacco fillers 20, most of the tobacco fillers 20 that are in contact with the inner circumference of the outermost tobacco filler 20 have their long sides oriented in a direction that substantially aligns with the circumferential direction. In Figure 4, tobacco filler 20d has one of its long sides on the outer side in contact with the outermost tobacco filler 20a, and its long side oriented substantially aligns with the circumferential direction. Some, like tobacco filler 20e, have their long sides oriented radially, but the number of tobacco fillers 20 that are in contact with the inner circumference of the outermost tobacco filler 20 and have their long sides oriented substantially aligning with the circumferential direction is greater than the number of tobacco fillers 20 whose long sides oriented in a direction other than the circumferential direction. Therefore, even in areas close to the outermost circumference, the filling rate of the tobacco fillers 20 is high, and the position of the tobacco fillers 20 is less likely to shift.

[0076] The tobacco packing material 20 has either a long-side surface in contact with the long-side surface of an adjacent tobacco packing material 20, or a long-side surface in contact with the short-side surface of an adjacent tobacco packing material 20. As mentioned above, in the outer periphery, many tobacco packing materials 20 have long-side surfaces in contact with the short-side surfaces of adjacent tobacco packing materials 20, but overall, many tobacco packing materials 20 have long-side surfaces in contact with the long-side surfaces of adjacent tobacco packing materials 20. For this reason, in the central part of the tobacco packing material aggregate 10, most of the tobacco packing materials 20 form a packing group 21 where the long-side surfaces are in contact with each other.

[0077] Multiple packing groups 21 are formed within the tobacco packing aggregate 10, and in each packing group 21, the long sides of the tobacco packing 20 are in contact with the long sides of adjacent tobacco packing 20. Since the tobacco packing 20 within each packing group 21 are in contact with each other along their long sides, there are not many gaps between them, but voids 22 are easily formed between the packing groups 21. In the outer periphery of the tobacco packing aggregate 10, as described above, the tobacco packing 20 are roughly aligned in the circumferential direction, so voids 22 are less likely to form, whereas in the central part of the tobacco packing aggregate 10, voids 22 are easily formed between the packing groups 21. In a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the tobacco packing aggregate 10, the central region α, which is the area on the central side when the area is divided equally in the radial direction, has a higher porosity than the outer periphery region β, which is the area on the outer side.

[0078] Because the tobacco filler 20 has a shape with a long side direction and a short side direction in a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction, it is easy to achieve both an arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 along the circumferential direction at the outermost periphery and an arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 having a group of fillers 21 and voids 22 at the central part.

[0079] Because the central region α has a high porosity, the heating element 50 of the e-cigarette body 2 can be easily inserted into the tobacco filler aggregate 10. In addition, the airflow containing aerosols generated by heating in the heating element 50 can flow easily within the tobacco filler aggregate 10. On the other hand, because the outer peripheral region β has a low porosity, the overall filling density of the tobacco filler aggregate 10 can be increased, and a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated.

[0080] Furthermore, because the packing density in the outer peripheral region β is high, the tobacco packing aggregate 10 can structurally firmly hold the tobacco packing 20. Therefore, the likelihood of the tobacco packing 20 falling out during user handling can be reduced.

[0081] The arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 changes each time it is rolled in the packaging 25, so it is different for each cigarette. Figure 5 shows a front view of another tobacco filler aggregate 10. As shown in this figure, some of the tobacco filler 20 arranged on the outermost periphery may be oriented in directions other than the circumferential direction. However, even in this case, at the outermost periphery, the number of tobacco filler 20 whose long side direction is oriented in a direction substantially aligned with the circumferential direction is greater than the number of tobacco filler 20 whose long side direction is oriented in a direction other than substantially aligned with the circumferential direction, and the same effect as in Figure 4 can be obtained. The same applies to the tobacco filler 20 that are in contact with the inner circumferential side of the tobacco filler 20 at the outermost periphery. Furthermore, although the arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 arranged further towards the center is different from that in Figure 4, many of them form filler groups 21, and voids 22 are formed between the filler groups 21, which is the same as in Figure 4. As a result, in the embodiment of Figure 5 as well, the porosity of the central region α is relatively higher than that of the outermost region β.

[0082] When the tobacco filler aggregate 10 is heated in the heating section 50 and inhaled by the user, the airflow containing aerosols flows toward the mouthpiece 14. As explained above, the central region α has a higher porosity than the outer peripheral region β, so the airflow flows from the outer peripheral side toward the center while flowing in the longitudinal direction. In this case, a large amount of aerosol is generated from the outer peripheral area with a high filling density, and this can flow smoothly.

[0083] Figure 6 shows a front view illustrating the process of wrapping the tobacco product 20 in the packaging 25. As shown in Figure 6(a), when wrapping the tobacco product 20, first the tobacco product 20 is placed on the packaging 25. The packaging 25 is placed on an opening / closing section 41 provided on a base 40. The opening / closing sections 41 can move in directions away from each other. At this time, it is desirable to place the tobacco product 20 so that its long side is in contact with the packaging 25 as much as possible.

[0084] Next, as shown in Figure 6(b), the opening and closing parts 41 are moved apart to form a recess 42 into which the packaging body 25 falls. The packaging body 25 that has fallen into the recess 42 then wraps around the tobacco filler 20, and finally, as shown in Figure 6(c), the packaging body 25 is closed to form the tobacco filler aggregate 10. During the wrapping process with the packaging body 25, by adjusting the speed and other factors, most of the tobacco filler 20 on the outermost periphery can be arranged to be substantially aligned in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, by adjusting the force that pushes the tobacco filler 20 into the packaging body 25 until the tobacco filler 20 is wrapped and closed, the void ratio in the central region α can be kept within an appropriate range.

[0085] The arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 described above is achieved because the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20, which is formed in the shape of a long noodle, is substantially rectangular with a long side direction and a short side direction, and because most of the tobacco filler 20 on the outermost periphery and the tobacco filler 20 adjacent to it are arranged substantially along the circumferential direction. The applicant experimentally confirmed the amount of aerosol that can be inhaled in one puff and the number of puffs that can be inhaled by changing the shape and arrangement of the tobacco filler 20. The conditions and results are shown in Table 1. Condition 1 is when the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 is square (vertical 0.60 ± 0.10 mm, horizontal 0.60 ± 0.10 mm). Conditions 2 to 6 are when the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 is rectangular (vertical 1.50 ± 0.10 mm, horizontal 0.28 ± 0.02 mm). Condition 2 is the embodiment of this present invention.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] From the viewpoint of aerosol volume and the number of puffs possible, conditions 2, 3, and 5 are preferred. In addition, conditions 2 and 3 are better in terms of ease of insertion of the heating element 50 of the e-cigarette body 2 into the tobacco filler 20.

[0088] In conditions 2 to 6, the arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 differs depending on the arrangement of the tobacco filler 20 before wrapping with the packaging 25 and the way the packaging 25 wraps the tobacco filler 20. In condition 2, which is the configuration of this embodiment, the tobacco filler 20 is easiest to wrap, followed by conditions 3 and 5, which are the configurations that make it easiest to wrap the tobacco filler 20. Conditions 4 and 6 are configurations that make it difficult to wrap the tobacco filler 20. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture, conditions 2, 3, and 5 are preferred, and condition 2 is particularly preferred.

[0089] Condition 1, where the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco filler 20 is square, is problematic because it is difficult to shape the tobacco filler 20 in this way, and the tobacco filler 20 is more likely to fall out than when the cross-sectional shape is rectangular. In addition, the amount of airflow generated during heating is also small.

[0090] Based on the above, condition 2, which is an embodiment of this design, can be said to be the most preferred form from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture and from the viewpoint of airflow rate and the number of objects that can be aspirated.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a front view of the support member 12. As shown in Figure 7(a), in this embodiment, the support member 12 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front, and a flow channel 30 for circulating air is formed in the center. The area surrounding the flow channel 30 is a peripheral edge 31 that is in contact with the packaging member 16 on its outer surface and in contact with the tobacco filler 20 at its end surface.

[0092] The support member 12 may have other shapes. As shown in Figure 7(b), it may have four circumferential peripheral portions 34 projecting radially from the central portion, with flow channels 35 formed between the peripheral portions 34. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7(c), it may have a shape in which a flow channel 37 is formed on the central side of a peripheral portion 38, and this flow channel 37 is divided into two by a partition wall 39. In any case, the peripheral portion of the support member 12 can contact the packaging member 16 on its outer circumferential surface and can contact the tobacco filler 20 in the longitudinal direction at its end surface.

[0093] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the application of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in this embodiment, only a support member 12 is provided between the tobacco filler aggregate 10 and the mouthpiece 14, but a cooling member may be provided between the support member 12 and the mouthpiece 14. Furthermore, the dimensions a of the long side and b of the short side in the cross-section of the tobacco filler 20 are not limited to the above example and can be set to any dimensions and ratios. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Electronic cigarette cartridge 2. Electronic cigarette device 10 Tobacco Fillings 12 Support members 14 mouthpieces 16 Packaging components 20 Tobacco Fillings 21 Filling group 22 Cavity 25 Packaging 30 Flow channel section 31 Peripheral area 50 Heating section 51 Insertion part

Claims

[Claim 1] A tobacco filler assembly, in which tobacco filler is bundled together and its outer circumference is wrapped in a sheet-like packaging material to form a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical support member, a cooling member, and a mouthpiece are arranged along the length and integrated by being wrapped in the sheet-like packaging material. The support member has a flow channel in its central part, The aforementioned flow channel section has a partition wall section, The tobacco filler comprises tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, microcrystalline cellulose, is formed in an elongated shape, and is formed such that the dimension in the long side direction is longer than the dimension in the short side direction in a cross section perpendicular to the length direction. An electronic cigarette cartridge characterized by the following features.

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