JP7793169B2 - Smoking cartridges - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge for a smoking device that is attached to an induction-heated smoking device.

In recent years, tobacco products that use a flameless system in which a tobacco cartridge containing tobacco ingredients is heated and the vaporized tobacco ingredients are inhaled have become widely known. Furthermore, as preferences diversify, smoking devices that use cartridge products that allow users to enjoy the aroma and flavor of plants that do not contain tobacco ingredients, without using a flame, just like cigarettes, are also becoming popular.

In such smoking devices, aerosols are generated by heating the filler accumulation. One known method for heating the filler accumulation is to provide a susceptor made of a magnetic material inside the filler accumulation, and then heat the filler by inductively heating the susceptor from the smoking device. An example of a smoking device cartridge with a susceptor provided inside the filler accumulation is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Special Publication No. 2017-519493

However, the susceptor described in Patent Document 1 is difficult to manufacture because it is made of multiple layers of multiple types of metal. Therefore, providing such susceptor material in a smoking article cartridge increases the manufacturing cost of the smoking article cartridge, which is undesirable.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a cartridge for a smoking article that has a simple structure and is equipped with a susceptor.

To solve the above problem, the smoking article cartridge of the present invention is a smoking article cartridge that is attached to an induction-heated smoking article and used, and includes a filler that generates an aerosol when heated, a susceptor that is placed inside the filler and is induction-heated from the outside, and a rod-shaped packaging member that holds the filler at one end, with the susceptor spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the packaging member.

The smoking article cartridge of the present invention can provide a smoking article cartridge equipped with a susceptor with a simple configuration.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article having a filler accumulation body in a first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a manner in which a cartridge for a smoking article is used. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 1 . 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a packing accumulation. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a cartridge for a smoking article filled with a powder or granular filler. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing method of a cartridge for a smoking article filled with a filler formed into a paste-like form. A cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article having a filler accumulation body in a second embodiment.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

(Overall configuration of a cartridge for a smoking article)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a smoking article cartridge 1 having a filler accumulation 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the smoking article cartridge 1 is formed by arranging the following components along the longitudinal direction: a substantially cylindrical filler accumulation 10 filled with a large amount of filler 20; a support member 12 through which airflow from the filler accumulation 10 can pass; a mouthpiece 14 having a mouthpiece 14a at one end; and a sealing member 18 having an inlet 18a at the other end; and the components are wrapped together in a sheet-like packaging material 16. The packaging material 16 can be made of paper or the like.

In the first embodiment, the smoking article cartridge 1 is 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 outer diameter of the smoking article cartridge 1 in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm allows it to fit with a moderate force into the insertion section 51 provided on the smoking article 2 into which the smoking article cartridge 1 is inserted, thereby enabling the smoking article cartridge 1 to be suitably held in the smoking article 2 while facilitating attachment and detachment of the smoking article cartridge 1. Setting the length of the smoking article cartridge 1 in the range of 40 to 80 mm makes it longer than the length of the insertion section 51 provided on the smoking article 2 that receives the smoking article cartridge 1. Therefore, even when the smoking article cartridge 1 is inserted into the smoking article 2, the mouthpiece 14a can be exposed from the smoking article 2, ensuring the length necessary for the smoker to smoke.

(Configuration of Support Member)
The support member 12 inhibits movement of the packing material accumulation 10 toward the support member 12, and allows the airflow containing the aerosol generated in the packing material accumulation 10 to flow toward the mouthpiece 14. The support member 12 is provided, for example, in a cylindrical and solid shape, and is disposed between the packing material accumulation 10 and the mouthpiece 14 so that its axial direction is along the central axis. The support member 12 is formed, for example, with an outer diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or less. Note that the support member 12 may have dimensions different from those described above, as appropriate, depending on its function and configuration.

The support member 12 is made of a resin material. Examples of resin materials that can be used to form the support member 12 include polypropylene, polylactic acid, and silicone. However, the support member 12 may also be made of other resin materials, or materials other than resin, such as wood or metal (aluminum, etc.), which have a greater cooling effect. The support member 12 is not necessarily required, and if the filler collection 10 is configured so that it does not easily move toward the mouthpiece 14 (for example, if the filler collection 10 is fixed to the packaging member 16), the support member 12 may not be provided.

(Mouthpiece configuration)
The mouthpiece 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 50 mm or more. The mouthpiece 14 is formed, for example, from paper. The mouthpiece 14 may also be formed into a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like material made of paper, or may include a cellulose acetate filter or the like for removing fine particles. The mouthpiece 14 is a white filter that functions to filter out some of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated in the filler accumulation 10. Note that, as will be described later, the mouthpiece 14 is not necessarily required because the filler 20 is made from a non-tobacco plant material.

(Configuration of packing accumulation)
The filler accumulation 10 is formed by bundling elongated filler 20 along its length and wrapping it in a sheet-like wrapping member 25 to form a generally cylindrical shape. The filler 20 is formed from a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant. The filler accumulation 10 has a length of 10 to 25 mm. Note that the filler 20 is not limited to being elongated, and may be in other forms such as granular, dusty, paste-like, or porous. The smoking article cartridge 1 may also have dimensions different from those described above to match the shape of the smoking article 2.

The outer diameter of the packing assembly 10 is equal to the outer diameter of the support member 12 and the mouthpiece 14, and is generally constant along the central axis. This outer diameter is preferably in the range of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm.

A susceptor 30 is provided inside the packing assembly 10. The susceptor 30 has, for example, two metal wires 31, which are cylindrical rod-shaped members. The arrangement of the metal wires 31 in the susceptor 30 will be explained in detail later.

The metal wire 31 is made of a metallic material containing a magnetic substance. Magnetic substances are broadly classified into ferromagnetic substances, paramagnetic substances, and diamagnetic substances. Among magnetic substances, ferromagnetic substances are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, acquire strong magnetism in the same direction as the external magnetic field and retain their strong magnetism even when the external magnetic field is zero. Examples of ferromagnetic substances include iron, ferrite iron, ferrite powder, ferrite particles, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt. The relative permeability of ferromagnetic substances is significantly greater than 1; for example, iron is approximately 5000, nickel is approximately 600, cobalt is approximately 250, and ferritic stainless steel is approximately 1000 to 1800.

Among magnetic materials, 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 lose their magnetism when the external magnetic field is reduced to zero. Examples of paramagnetic materials include aluminum, platinum, and manganese. The relative permeability of paramagnetic materials is slightly greater than 1; for example, aluminum is approximately 1.000021, platinum is approximately 1.000265, and manganese is approximately 1.000830.

Diamagnetic materials are magnetic materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, become magnetized in the opposite direction to the external magnetic field, and lose their magnetism when the external magnetic field is reduced to zero. Examples of such materials include copper, graphite, bismuth, and chromium. The relative permeability of diamagnetic materials is slightly less than 1; for example, copper is approximately 0.999990, graphite is approximately 0.99980, and bismuth is approximately 0.999834.

When an AC magnetic field is generated in a ferromagnetic material, not only does an induced current flow and generate Joule heat, but heat (hysteresis loss) is also generated due to friction and vibration between molecules. Therefore, compared to paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials, ferromagnetic materials can be easily induction heated, and the filler assembly 10 can be sufficiently heated.

Ferromagnetic materials also have a high Curie temperature; for example, nickel has a Curie temperature of approximately 358°C. Therefore, even when the smoking article cartridge 1 is heated to a high temperature, such as 200°C, the heating temperature does not reach the Curie temperature, and the ferromagnetic properties are maintained, allowing the filler assembly 10 to be heated stably.

The metal wire 31 may be made of a ferromagnetic material such as the above-mentioned 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 used, and more preferably, an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum (iron-chromium-aluminum alloy).

Here, to explain the relationship between temperature and magnetism for iron and chromium, iron has a Curie temperature of approximately 770°C, at which it changes from a ferromagnetic to a paramagnetic state, and chromium has a Neel temperature of approximately 308°C, at which it changes from a ferrodiamagnetic to a paramagnetic state.

The metal wire 31 may also be made of a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material as its main component. For example, a ferromagnetic alloy containing 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, of a magnetic material may be used. Examples include nickel alloys and nickel-iron alloys. Even in this case, the ferromagnetic material can be inductively heated to sufficiently heat the packing assembly 10. Note that instead of the ferromagnetic material, a metal material containing a paramagnetic material and a diamagnetic material may be used. In this case, induction heating itself is still possible. However, from the standpoint of shortening the heating time and reducing power consumption, it is preferable to use a metal material containing a ferromagnetic material.

Similarly, the susceptor 30 may be combined with a metal wire 31 made of a ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic material. For example, a metal wire 31 made of nickel, a ferromagnetic material, and a metal wire 31 made of iron, a ferromagnetic material, may be physically bonded together, or a metal wire 31 made of aluminum, a paramagnetic material, may be physically bonded together, or the outer surface of the metal wire 31 may be coated with metal wire 31.

(Configuration of sealing member)
The sealing member 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 30 to 70 mm or less. Similar to the mouthpiece 14, the sealing member 18 may be formed in a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like material made of, for example, paper. The sealing member 18 has the function of allowing air to pass from the introduction portion 18a, i.e., the upstream side, toward the filler accumulation 10. The sealing member 18 can also absorb residual liquid that remains in the filler accumulation 10 and liquefies among the water vapor and aerosols generated in the filler accumulation 10. By making the sealing member 18 a different color (e.g., black) from the mouthpiece 14, it is possible to easily distinguish between the upstream and downstream sides of the smoking article cartridge 1.

(Usage of the smoking article cartridge)
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating a usage pattern of the smoking article cartridge 1. The smoking article cartridge 1 is used by attaching the sealing member 18 side to the smoking article 2. The smoking article 2 has an insertion section 51 into which the smoking article cartridge 1 is inserted. The smoking article 2 is provided with an induction heating section 52 that runs along the insertion section 51. The induction heating section 52 includes an induction coil, and is capable of inductively coupling with the metal wire 31 of the susceptor 30 included in the filler accumulation 10 inserted into the insertion section 51 to heat the susceptor 30. Heating the susceptor 30 heats the surrounding filler 20, generating an aerosol. In this state, the smoker inhales through the mouthpiece 14 to inhale an airflow containing the aerosol.

Furthermore, the smoking device 2 can detect the temperature of the susceptor 30. Specifically, while the induction heating unit 52 heats the susceptor 30 by applying magnetic force to the metal wire 31, it periodically (e.g., once every 1 ms) detects the apparent ohmic resistance of the susceptor 30, which is determined from the DC power supply voltage of the DC power supply supplied to the induction heating unit 52 and the DC current drawn from the DC power supply, thereby detecting the resistance value of the susceptor 30 at the time of detection. Specifically, if the metal wire 31 is made of an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, the magnetic properties of chromium change from diamagnetic to paramagnetic at 308°C, and the magnetic properties of iron change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic at 770°C. Therefore, the smoking device 2 can detect the temperature of the susceptor 30 based on the apparent ohmic resistance of the metal wire 31, i.e., whether the temperature is below 308°C, between 308°C and 770°C, or above 770°C.

(Filling Composition)
The filler 20 is formed by mixing a dried and crushed non-tobacco plant material with an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor additives, preservatives, adhesives or thickeners, etc., forming the mixture into a sheet, and then cutting the sheet to a predetermined width and length. Note that the filler 20 is not limited to a long strip, and may have a variety of shapes. For example, it may be formed into a paste or granules.

When the packing material 20 is configured in a long shape, 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, for example. The length of the long side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 7.5 mm, 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, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the packing material 20 is approximately the same as the length of the packing material assembly 10. The length of the packing material 20 is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. An example of the dimensions of such a packing material 20 is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.

Next, specific examples of ingredients used as the filler 20 will be described. The filler 20 is composed of any one or more combinations of the ingredients listed below.

The filler 20 is made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. Examples of tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco. Examples of non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tuberous roots, etc.), stems, tubers, bark (stem bark, bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, and branches.

In this specification, "plants" refers to a group of organisms, as opposed to animals, and includes not only organisms with roots and fixed locations, such as grass and trees, but also algae such as microalgae and seaweed, and fungi such as mushrooms.

The filler 20 is made, for example, by mixing dried and crushed non-tobacco plants with an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavor additives, preservatives, binders, thickeners, etc., as appropriate, and then crushing or classifying the mixture into powder or granules, or forming it into a paste. The aerosol-forming substrate 23 is formed into a sheet, which is then cut to a specified width and length to form strips or rods.

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

In addition, extracts of non-tobacco plants, such as those listed above, or processed products, can also be used. Extracts may be in the form of liquid, syrup, powder, granules, solution, etc.

Aerosol formers used as raw materials for the filler 20 include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedione, and dimethyl tetradecanedione. Of these, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred.

The microcrystalline cellulose used as the raw material for the filler 20 is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of fibrous plants with acid, and is obtained by removing the soluble portion from the cellulose and, if necessary, crystallizing the insoluble portion.

Microcrystalline cellulose can be in powder form, or dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspension. In this case, a high-speed mixer or high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse it into the solvent.

Flavor additives that add flavor to the filling 20 can also be used as ingredients, if necessary. Flavor additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, and black tea extracts, as well as tea extract catechin powder. Preservatives that are used in food products are preferred, such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.

The filler 20 may contain menthol and a water-insoluble cross-linked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone). Combining menthol with a water-insoluble cross-linked polymer effectively prevents menthol from sublimating, allowing the menthol flavor to be maintained for a long period of time. Menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural sources; it can also be a synthetic product. Peppermint, mint, peppermint oil, and other menthol-containing substances may also be used.

The flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 14, for example, by impregnating the wall of the mouthpiece 14. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 14 is not limited to this; for example, the flavor additive may be provided in the mouthpiece 14 by embedding a capsule containing the flavor additive in the wall of the mouthpiece 14. Alternatively, a capsule containing the flavor additive may be disposed between the mouthpiece 14 and the packing accumulation 20. When the flavor additive is encapsulated in a capsule, the smoker can break the capsule by pressing it with their finger, allowing the aromatic components of the flavor additive to volatilize at the desired time.

Furthermore, if the flavor additive is, for example, encapsulated in microcapsules, the encapsulated microcapsules may be provided in the filler assembly 10. Of course, the microcapsules may also be provided in the support member 12.

Binders or thickeners that can be used as ingredients of the filling 20 include gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, caramel, agar, and conjugate base salts of organic acids such as pectin; and combinations thereof.

(Filling manufacturing process)
The manufacturing process for filler 20 includes a drying and grinding process in which the main raw material, tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, is dried and ground and weighed, etc.; a preparation process in which other raw materials are pre-treated and weighed, etc.; 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.

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

In the preparation process, the raw materials necessary to produce the filling 20 can be prepared. The aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose is weighed in the preparation process and then added to the mixing process.

A conventional mixer can be used in the mixing process. For example, a mixing device that applies shear force to the raw materials in a mixing tank using a stirring blade is preferably used.

In the filler molding process, a composition containing various raw materials is molded into a thin sheet and then cut to form strip- or rod-shaped fillers 20. In the first embodiment, multiple roll mills are used to create thin sheets. Using multiple roll mills is preferable because it allows the material to be compressed by being forced between narrow rolls and sheared by the difference in roll speeds, allowing for mixing and dispersion, while a doctor blade can be used to create a sheet of the desired thickness. It can also be made using a press roller or press.

To produce powdered or granular filler 20, the composition is preferably pulverized or classified as appropriate. The average particle diameter of powdered or granular filler 20 is preferably 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. The average particle diameter is determined, for example, by the sieving method described in JIS K 0069:1992. In other words, this average particle diameter is determined by integrating the mass of the particles with the largest openings in test results using multiple sieves, and the diameter corresponds to 50% of that mass. Alternatively, the particle size at 50% of the integrated value in the particle size distribution determined by laser diffraction/scattering may be used as the average particle diameter.

In the filling molding process, other means may be used, such as forcing the composition through an orifice under pressure to form the composition. Furthermore, in the filling molding process, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, or water may be added as needed.

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 the specified width using a cutter or a rotary cutter using a rotary blade system.

Here, when imparting adhesiveness to the surface of the filler 20, there are no particular limitations as long as the means for imparting adhesiveness is capable of doing so, but it is sufficient to adhere the aforementioned binder to at least a portion of the surface. By imparting adhesiveness, when strip- or rod-shaped filler 20 is combined with powder-, granular-, or paste-like filler 20, the powder-, granular-, or paste-like filler 20 can be stably held on the surface of the strip- or rod-shaped filler 20.

(Shape and arrangement of susceptor)
Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of section II in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the metal wire 31 is formed in the shape of a long, thin rod as a whole. Specifically, the susceptor 30 is formed by, for example, two iron-chromium-aluminum alloy metal wires 31 spaced a predetermined distance apart.

The longitudinal length of the susceptor 30 is 100% of the total length of the packing assembly 10. In other words, the susceptor 30 has a length that spans the entire length of the packing assembly 10.

The susceptor 30 does not have to span the entire length of the packing assembly 10, and its longitudinal length can be 25% or more and 100% or less of the total length of the packing assembly 10. In the first embodiment, all of the metal wires 31 were described as being made of iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, but the susceptor may combine multiple types of magnetic materials, such as some ferromagnetic, some paramagnetic, and the rest diamagnetic, and the number of metal wires 31 may be two, three, or more. The multiple metal wires 31 may also be welded together with an adhesive or welding material, as long as they are thermally or electrically connected to each other.

As shown in FIG. 3, the susceptor 30 is positioned approximately in the center of the packing assembly 10 when viewed in the radial direction. Specifically, the distance L1 from one metal wire 31 to the enclosing member 25, the distance L2 from one metal wire 31 to the other metal wire 31, and the distance L3 from the other metal wire 31 to the enclosing member 25 are all approximately the same, and the midpoint P between the one metal wire 31 and the other metal wire 31 is approximately the center of the packing assembly 10. This allows the packing assembly 10 to heat the entire packing 20 uniformly and evenly from the radial center of the packing assembly 10, thereby enabling efficient aerosol generation.

While distances L1, L2, and L3 have been described as being approximately the same, the difference between these distances need only be within a maximum range of 50% (first range). Furthermore, while midpoint P has been described as being located approximately in the center of packing assembly 10, it need only be within a range of 1/3 of the diameter R of enclosure member 25 (second range). Therefore, since the distance L1 (L3) of metal wire 31 to enclosure member 25 is at least 1/6 of the diameter R1 of enclosure member 25, contact between metal wire 31 and enclosure member 25 can be prevented, and the transfer of heat generated from metal wire 31 to enclosure member 25 and, ultimately, to insertion portion 51 can be reduced. Furthermore, since midpoint P is located within the second range of packing assembly 10, partial distribution of metal wire 31 can be prevented.

(Method for manufacturing a packing body)
4, there is shown an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing the packing assembly 10. The method for manufacturing the packing assembly 10 is roughly divided into the above-mentioned packing material forming step (not shown), the converging step S1, the enclosing step S2, and the cutting step S3.

In the converging step S1, the extending filler 20A after the above-described filler formation step is converged to match the diameter of the filler assembly 10. In this converging step S1, the extending metal wire 31A is positioned so that it is arranged in a predetermined position, and the extending filler 20A is arranged along the metal wire 31A, while the filler 20A covers and converges the metal wire 31A.

In the wrapping step S2, the packing material 20B converged in the converging step S1 is wrapped in an extending wrapping member 25B to form an extending packing material accumulation 10C.
Then, in the cutting process S3, the elongated packed material accumulation 10C created in the encapsulating process S2 is cut to a predetermined length (10 to 25 mm) using, for example, a roller cutter (not shown) to form the packed material accumulation 10.

Therefore, by using multiple metal wires 31 (for example, two), the diameter of each wire can be made smaller compared to when a single metal wire is used for the same volume, which reduces the force required to cut the extended filler accumulation 10C in the cutting step S3 and reduces wear on the roller cutter.

Referring to Figure 5, an explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing method for a smoking article cartridge 101 filled with a powdered or granular filler is shown. Below, we will explain the manufacturing method for a smoking article cartridge 101 (hereinafter referred to as smoking article cartridge 101 to distinguish it from a smoking article cartridge 1 filled with filler 20) filled with a powdered or granular filler (hereinafter referred to as filler 120 to distinguish it from filler 20 formed in a sheet form).

The manufacturing method for the smoking article cartridge 101 includes a partition member disposing step (not shown), a filler filling step S11, a susceptor filling step S12, a lid attachment step S13, and a filter attachment step and packaging step (not shown). First, in the partition member disposing step, the partition member 112 is placed inside the skeleton member 116, which is made by forming cardboard (e.g., approximately 0.3 to 0.7 mm) into a cylindrical shape. Next, in the filler filling step S11, the filler 120 is filled from the upstream end of the skeleton member 116.

Next, in the susceptor filling step S12, two metal wires 31 are inserted into the filler 120 filled into the skeletal member 116 in the filler filling step S11. At this time, a predetermined space C is formed between the upstream end of the skeletal member 116 and the filler 120. This space C is similar to the external shape of the seal member 18 of the smoking article cartridge 1, for example, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 30 to 70 mm.

Next, in the lid attachment process S13, the lid member 118 is attached to the inside of the skeleton member 116 so as to cover the upstream side of the filler 120. Here, the lid member 118 is a breathable paper member with a thickness of 0.01 to 0.60 mm. Preferably, the thickness is 0.03 to 0.10 mm. This is because it provides good breathability and manufacturability while maintaining its function as a lid. Then, in the filter attachment process, the filter 14 is inserted and attached to the downstream end of the skeleton member 116, and in the packaging process, the radial periphery of the skeleton member 116 is wrapped in label paper (not shown). Note that before inserting the filter 14, a capsule containing a sealed fragrance ingredient may be inserted as desired, and the order of each process may be reversed as appropriate.

Here, in the lid attachment step S13, the lid member 118 is attached to the skeletal member 116 so as to cover the upstream side of the filler 120. However, the lid member 118 may also be attached to the upstream end of the skeletal member 116. In this case, it is preferable to fix the filler 120 to the skeletal member 116 using, for example, an adhesive so as to ensure space C. By attaching the lid member 118 in this manner, the smoking device cartridge 101 can prevent powder (e.g., powder such as soot generated by heating) generated from the filler 120 heated by the susceptor 30 from falling into the insertion portion 51 of the smoking device 2. Furthermore, by attaching the lid member 118 to the upstream end of the skeletal member 116, the lid member 118 is spaced from the filler 120 by the amount of space C, preventing it from being heated by the susceptor 30.

A smoking article cartridge 101 manufactured using this manufacturing method can have the powdered or granular filler 120 disposed upstream of the smoking article cartridge 101, while the filler 120 and metal wire 31 are positioned downstream by the length of space C.

As described above, in the smoking device of the first embodiment, the filler 120 is spaced a certain distance from one end of the packaging member 116, which corresponds to the space C, and the space C is formed inside one end of the packaging member 116 by the one end of the packaging member 116, the inner periphery of the packaging member 116, and the lid member 118, which corresponds to the upstream end of the filler 120. Therefore, the filler accumulation 10 can be positioned in a position corresponding to the induction heating section 52.

Referring to Figure 6, an explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing method for a smoking article cartridge 201 filled with a paste-like filler is shown. Below, we will explain the manufacturing method for a smoking article cartridge 201 (hereinafter referred to as smoking article cartridge 201 to distinguish it from smoking article cartridge 1 filled with filler 20) filled with a paste-like filler (hereinafter referred to as filler 220 to distinguish it from filler 20 formed in a sheet-like form).

The manufacturing method for the smoking article cartridge 201 includes a susceptor attachment process S21, a framework member attachment process S22, a filler filling process S23, a drying process (not shown), and a filter attachment process and packaging process (not shown). Note that the filter attachment process and packaging process are similar to those used in the manufacturing method for the smoking article cartridge 101, and therefore will not be described here.

First, in the susceptor attachment process S21, two metal wires 31 are inserted into a jig 241. The jig 241 is a base with a cylindrical protrusion 241a, similar to the external shape of the seal member 18 of the smoking article cartridge 1, with a diameter of 4.0 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis of 30 to 70 mm. This allows the jig 241 to support a skeletal member 116 similar to that of the smoking article cartridge 101 by fitting the protrusion 241a into the upstream end of the skeletal member 116. The jig 241 also has a susceptor attachment hole 241b. Specifically, the susceptor attachment hole 241b is a hole that can support the metal wire 31 so that the susceptor 30 is positioned in the same position as the susceptor 30 in the smoking article cartridge 1 when the skeletal member 116 is fitted onto the protrusion 241a.

Next, in the framework member attachment process S22, the upstream end of the framework member 116 is fitted onto the protrusion 241a of the jig 241, thereby attaching and supporting the framework member 116 to the jig 241. Next, in the filler filling process S23, the filling nozzle filler 243 is inserted into the downstream end of the framework member 116, and the filler material formed into a paste form is filled.

Next, in the drying process, the filler 220 filled into the skeletal member 116 in the filler filling process S23 is heated and dried at 30 to 50°C. This causes the moisture inside the paste-like filler material to evaporate, turning it into a porous filler 220.

The smoking article cartridge 201 manufactured using this manufacturing method allows the filler 220, which is formed into a paste, to be positioned upstream of the smoking article cartridge 201, while the filler 220 and metal wire 31 can be positioned downstream by the length of space C.

Instead of the above-described framework member attachment step S22, filler filling step S23, and filler filling step S23, a pre-formed porous filler may be fitted into one end of the framework member 116 and disposed at the downstream end of the framework member 116, and the metal wire 31 may be inserted while adjusting the position of the filler by pressing the downstream end of the framework member 116 against the protrusion 241a of the jig 241. This process eliminates the need to use the jig 241 during the drying process, reducing equipment costs.

Second Embodiment
Referring to Figure 7, a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a smoking article having a filler accumulation according to the second embodiment is shown. The cartridge for a smoking article according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Note that differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the upstream ends of the filler 320 and the wrapping member 325 of the packing assembly 310 extend to the upstream end of the packaging member 16. Meanwhile, the susceptor 30 is located in the same position as in the packing assembly 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, a lid member 318 equivalent to the lid member 118 of the first embodiment is provided at the upstream end of the packaging member 16 in place of the seal member 18.

In the second embodiment, the filler assembly 310 extends the filler 320 and the enclosing member 325 to a position corresponding to the seal member 18 in the first embodiment, so the filler can be disposed at least in the same position as the filler 20 in the first embodiment without the need for a separate seal member 18. In particular, by disposing the susceptor 30 in the same position as the filler assembly 10 in the first embodiment, it is possible to heat the same position in the filler assembly 310 as the filler 20. Furthermore, by disposing the lid member 318, it is possible to prevent the filler 320 from falling from the filler assembly 310.

As described above, the smoking device according to the second embodiment is a smoking device cartridge 301 that is attached to an induction-heated smoking device 2 and used. It comprises a filler 320 that generates an aerosol when heated, a susceptor 30 that is placed inside the filler 320 and is induction-heated from the outside, and a packaging member 16 that extends in a rod shape and has the filler 320 located inside one end thereof, with the susceptor 30 spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the packaging member 16 that corresponds to space C.

Therefore, since the susceptor 30 is spaced a predetermined distance corresponding to the space C from one end of the packaging member 16, the upstream end of the susceptor 30 can be prevented from coming into contact with the inside of the insertion portion 51 of the smoking article 2.
Furthermore, since the filler 320 extends to one end side of the packaging member 16, the filler 20 can be extended in place of the sealing member 18 in the first embodiment.

A lid member 318 is provided at one end of the packaging member 16 to seal the end and allow ventilation, preventing powder from the filler 120 heated by the susceptor 30 from falling into the insertion section 51 of the smoking device 2 and preventing the filler 320 from falling out of the filler stack 310.

The lid member 118 is a breathable paper material with a thickness of 0.01 to 0.60 mm. Preferably, the thickness is 0.03 to 0.10 mm. This allows the lid member 118 to function as a lid while providing optimal breathability and manufacturability.

A person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations within the spirit of the present invention, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, to the above-described embodiments, a person skilled in the art may add, delete, or modify components as appropriate, or add, omit, or change conditions in processing, and these modifications will also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the essence of the present invention.

In each embodiment of the present invention, the smoking article cartridge 1 is provided with a support member 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The filler accumulation body 10 of the smoking article cartridge 1 does not need to have a support member 12, as long as it is fixed between the inner surface of the smoking article cartridge 1 and the filler accumulation body 10 so as to prevent movement toward the mouthpiece 14 even without the support member 12, as in smoking article cartridge 201, for example.

In addition, in this embodiment, the susceptor 30 is positioned at the center of the packing assembly 10 when viewed in the radial direction, but it may also be positioned outside the radial center of the packing assembly 10. In addition, in this embodiment, a cylindrical metal wire 31 is used, but it may also have a complex shape such as a strip shape, or may be spirally wound.

In addition, while this embodiment has been described using the first and second embodiments, the packaging member 16 and skeletal member 116 may be interchanged as appropriate, and in the second embodiment, the filler 20 may be in other forms such as granular, dusty, paste-like, or porous, and the techniques described in each embodiment may be substituted as appropriate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 101, 201 Cartridge for smoking article 2 Smoking article 10 Filler accumulation 12 Support member 14 Mouthpiece 14a Mouthpiece 16 Packaging member 18 Sealing member 18a Introduction portion 20 Filler 25 Encapsulating member 30 Susceptor 31 Metal wire 51 Insertion portion 52 Induction heating portion 116 Skeleton member 118 Lid member

Claims (5)

A cartridge for a smoking device that is attached to an induction heating smoking device and used,
A filling that generates an aerosol when heated;
a susceptor disposed inside the filler and inductively heated from the outside;
a packaging member having one end side on which the filling is disposed and extending in a rod shape,
the susceptor is spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the packaging member and has a plurality of metal wires that are cylindrical rod-shaped members, the metal wires being formed of a metal material containing a plurality of types of magnetic substances and being arranged at a predetermined distance from each other;
A cartridge for a smoking article. The filling material is spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the packaging member,
Within one end of the packaging member:
2. A cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined space is formed by one end side of the packaging member, the inner peripheral side of the packaging member, and the filler. The filler extends to one end side of the packaging member.
2. The cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 1. A lid member is disposed on one end side of the packaging member to seal the one end side in a breathable manner.
4. The cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 1. The cover member has a thickness of 0.01 to 0.60 mm.
5. The cartridge for a smoking article according to claim 4.