JP2023068176A - Electronic tobacco cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a production method of a non-tobacco plant composition capable of keeping flavor of menthol, even after long term preservation, concerning an electronic tobacco using a non-tobacco plant capable of enjoying cool feeling of menthol; and to provide a filling material for an electronic tobacco.

SOLUTION: A production method of a non-tobacco plant composition has a menthol dissolution step for obtaining menthol lysate by mixing beforehand menthol, lower alcohol and a non-water-soluble cross-linked polymer, and a mixing step for mixing a non-tobacco plant, aerosol former, and the menthol lysate obtained in the menthol dissolution step.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for producing a non-tobacco plant composition, a method for producing a filling for an electronic cigarette, a filling for an electronic cigarette, and an electronic cigarette cartridge using the same.

In recent years, in order to meet the trend of smoking cessation of cigarettes, electronic cigarette products for enjoying cigarettes by heating a cartridge containing tobacco components and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components without using flames have become popular. starting. As a method for producing a tobacco filler to be filled in such an electronic cigarette cartridge, there is a method of pulverizing tobacco leaves into an aqueous slurry, forming a sheet, adding oil or glycerin to the sheet, and drying ( Patent document 1).
In addition, flavorings such as menthol are added to smoking articles to change their flavor. For example, a technology has been disclosed that encapsulates menthol and causes it to be present in a filter. (Patent Document 2)

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-520764 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-506891

Addition of menthol to cigarettes in the method of manufacturing tobacco fillers to be filled in electronic cigarette cartridges can certainly add menthol flavor. However, there is a problem that if such tobacco is left unattended, the flavor of menthol is lost.
For this reason, attempts have been made to encapsulate menthol so that it exists in the filter.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant that can enjoy the refreshing feeling of menthol in addition to the aroma and taste of a plant that does not contain tobacco components, even after long-term storage. The present invention relates to a method for producing a non-tobacco plant composition capable of retaining the flavor of menthol.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for inexpensively and easily producing a non-tobacco plant composition that retains the flavor of menthol even after long-term storage.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a filling for an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant that has good long-term storage stability.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic cigarette cartridge using a non-tobacco plant that has good long-term storage stability.

In order to solve such problems, the present invention provides a filling for an electronic cigarette containing a non-tobacco plant, an aerosol former, and menthol, wherein the content of menthol in the filling for an electronic cigarette is d ( 0), the mass of the electronic cigarette filling after being left at 5 ° C. for 24 hours is d (24), and the mass of the electronic cigarette filling after being left at 5 ° C. for 48 hours is d (48). Menthol reduction rate d

d = {(d(24)-d(48)}/d(0)

, the electronic cigarette filling has a menthol reduction rate d of 0.60 or less.

According to a preferred embodiment, the content of menthol in the electronic cigarette filler is 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic cigarette filler contains a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer.

According to a preferred embodiment, the content of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer in the electronic cigarette filler is 0.1 to 20 times the menthol content.

According to a preferred embodiment, the content of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is 2% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less.

According to a preferred embodiment, the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is polyvinylpolypyrrolidone.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette cartridge for use in an electronic cigarette body that heats an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, wherein the electronic cigarette cartridge extends from one end to the other end. An electronic cigarette cartridge is provided, comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a mouthpiece, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises the electronic cigarette filler.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, it has a menthol dissolving step in which menthol, a lower alcohol, and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer are mixed in advance to obtain a menthol melt, and a non-tobacco plant, an aerosol former, and the menthol melt. A method for producing a non-tobacco plant composition is provided having a mixing step of mixing with the menthol melt obtained in the step.

According to a preferred embodiment, the amount of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer added is 10 parts by mass or more and 2000 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of menthol.

According to a preferred embodiment, in the menthol dissolving step, the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is added and mixed after dissolving menthol in the lower alcohol.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the lower alcohol is ethyl alcohol.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is polyvinylpolypyrrolidone.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the non-tobacco plant composition obtained by the method for producing the non-tobacco plant composition is molded to form a filling for electronic cigarettes. A method of making a filling is provided.

According to the method for producing the non-tobacco plant composition and filling for electronic cigarettes of the present invention, a non-tobacco plant composition and filling for electronic cigarettes that allow the enjoyment of the refreshing feeling of menthol even after long-term storage are produced. can.
According to the electronic cigarette filler and the electronic cigarette cartridge of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic cigarette filler and an electronic cigarette cartridge that allow the user to enjoy the refreshing feeling of menthol even after long-term storage.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a form of use of an electronic cigarette cartridge; It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a filler manufactured as a filler for an electronic cigarette; FIG. 3 illustrates a method of making an electronic cigarette cartridge; It is a figure explaining the modification of an electronic cigarette cartridge. 1 is a flow chart showing the steps of a method for manufacturing a non-tobacco plant composition and a filler for electronic cigarettes in an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 illustrates a further form of use of the electronic cigarette cartridge; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a further example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from the actual ratios.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing steps of a method for manufacturing a non-tobacco plant composition and electronic cigarette filler in an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

This method has a drying/pulverizing step (A) for drying and pulverizing non-tobacco plants and the like that are sources of aroma. In addition, when the raw material can be used as it is, such a step can be omitted.

Further, after the step (B1) of weighing the menthol, the lower alcohol and the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, there is a menthol dissolving step (B2) of mixing the weighed menthol, the lower alcohol and the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer to dissolve the menthol. A non-tobacco plant composition is obtained through a mixing step (M) of mixing together with other materials such as an aerosol former for producing a non-tobacco plant composition.

The non-tobacco plant composition can be made into a desired shape through a filling molding step (F). The non-tobacco plant composition in the desired shape is subjected to the electronic cigarette cartridge manufacturing step (G) as a filler for an electronic cigarette to form an electronic cigarette cartridge.
Each step will be described in order. In order to explain the invention, the process is divided into the above steps, but it also includes simultaneous execution of two or more steps. The details of the non-tobacco plant used as the raw material will be described later.

First, in the drying/pulverizing step (A), the parts of non-tobacco plants used as raw materials (e.g., leaves, seeds, dried fruits, stems, bark, roots, etc.) are subjected to desired pulverization to obtain non-tobacco plant compositions. process into things. At that time, it is also preferable to adjust the amount of water so as to be convenient for absorbing or supporting the aerosol former, water and other components to be added later.
The drying temperature is preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Within this range, it is easy to reach the desired moisture content while avoiding the dissipation of the required flavor component. When the temperature is 65°C or higher, the desired amount of water content is more likely to be reached, and when the temperature is 75°C or lower, the required flavor component can be further prevented from dissipating.

The water content after drying and pulverization is preferably 5% by mass or less. By doing so, it becomes easier to form a slurry in a later step. It is more preferable that it is 3% by mass or less. In addition, when the water content is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, it is possible to maintain good compatibility with water and the like.
Furthermore, the drying/pulverizing step (A) can be provided with a sieving step for sieving the dried and pulverized product, and the powder can be supplied to the mixing step (M) as a desired particle size.

After the weighing step (B1), menthol, a lower alcohol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer are mixed and the menthol is dissolved in a menthol dissolving step (B2), where the menthol, the lower alcohol and the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer are mixed and dissolved. Preferably, after dissolving menthol in the lower alcohol, the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is added and mixed.
Here, menthol is not limited to those obtained from natural products, and may be synthetic products. Mint, mint, peppermint oil, and others containing menthol may also be used. A lower alcohol is a solvent that dissolves menthol, and ethyl alcohol is particularly preferably used.

In the present invention, the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is intended to be a non-crosslinked polymer that is soluble in water and then crosslinked to become insoluble in water and swellable. Of course, it is preferable that it does not dissolve in a lower alcohol and swells, and such a substance is selected. Such a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer has a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, the hydrophilic portion contributes to swelling, and the hydrophilic portion is oriented to menthol, thereby exhibiting the effects of the present invention. I believe. Preferable examples include polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, which is a crosslinked product of polyvinylpyrrolidone, and water-insoluble crosslinked polysaccharides obtained by subjecting water-soluble polysaccharides to cross-linking such as epoxy-crosslinked polysaccharides, ester-crosslinked polysaccharides, and ether-crosslinked polysaccharides. Examples include:
In the present invention, particularly good results are obtained when ethanol and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone are used together with menthol.

As for the amount of menthol to be added, it is sufficient to add an amount aiming at the desired flavor. For menthol flavoring, the content in the electronic cigarette filling should be 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. Another criterion is preferably 0.2% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less.

In preparing the non-tobacco plant composition, the amount of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer added is preferably 10 parts by mass or more and 2000 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of menthol. It is more preferable in it being below. In other words, the content of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer is 0.1 to 20 times, preferably 0.5 to 6 times, the content of menthol.

In order to obtain the effect of the present invention, it is preferable that the content of the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer in the electronic cigarette filler is 2% by mass or more, preferably 4% by mass or more, even if it is the smallest. The presence of such an amount is preferable in that the effects of the present invention are exhibited with respect to long-term storage stability. Moreover, the range which does not exceed 10 mass % is preferable. This is because if the content is within 10% by mass, the flavor derived from non-plant-derived polyphenols and the like can be maintained.

The lower alcohol to be used is preferably 50 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of menthol. Furthermore, when the amount is 100 parts by mass or more, there is an effect that the water-insoluble crosslinked polymer can be sufficiently effectively mixed while dissolving menthol. When the content is 2000 parts by mass or less, it is possible to reduce the amount of residual lower alcohol in the subsequent steps, so that an efficient production process can be achieved.

Next, the mixing step (M) for mixing will be described.

A non-tobacco plant as a raw material is weighed after drying and pulverizing step (A) if necessary, and is sent to a mixing step (M).

Non-tobacco plants used as raw materials will be described. Non-tobacco plants that can also be used in this embodiment are not particularly limited as long as they are plants other than tobacco. Examples of plant parts used include roots (including scales (bulbs), tuberous roots (potatoes), bulbs, etc.), stems, tubers, skins (including stem bark, bark, etc.), leaves, flowers (petals, (including pistils, stamens, etc.), trunks and branches of trees, and various parts can be used.

Bulb: onion, amaryllidacea, tulip, hyacinth, garlic, shallot, lily; corm: crocus, gladiolus, freesia, iris, taro, konnyaku; tuber: cyclamen, anemone, begonia, Chinese artichoke, potato, apios ( As rhizomes, canna, lotus (lotus root), ginger, as tuberous roots, dahlia, sweet potato, cassava, Jerusalem artichoke, as root bodies, Dioscorea (yams such as yam, wild yam, Chinese yam), etc. Turnips, burdocks, carrots, radishes, and kudzu can be mentioned. Stems include konnyaku, asparagus, bamboo shoots, udo, Japanese radish, and yacon.

The potatoes or the plants listed below contain carbohydrates and are preferably used as at least part of the filling material 111 . For example, starches include corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato, tapioca starch, etc., and are used as thickeners and stabilizers. These starches are cross-linked to improve acid resistance, heat resistance, shear resistance, etc., esterification and etherification to improve storage stability, accelerate gelatinization, etc., and oxidation to improve transparency, film properties, and storage stability. It is possible by improving it.

To obtain tamarind seed gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum from plant seeds, gum arabic and karaya gum from tree sap, pectin from fruit, and konjac mannan and soybean polysaccharides mainly composed of cellulose and agarose from other plants. can be done. Furthermore, it can be used after modification such as cationized guar gum.

From seaweed, it is possible to obtain carrageenan, which is classified into three types: kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, and lambda carrageenan, agar, and alginic acid, which are also used as salts such as carrageenan metal salt and sodium alginate.

To give specific examples, plants used as herbs and spices include gardenias, kaffir lime leaves, Japanese ginger, mugwort, wasabi, ajowan seed, anise, alfalfa, echinacea, shallots, estragon, and everlasting. Flower, Elder, Allspice, Orris Root, Oregano, Orange Peel, Orange Flower, Orange Leaf, Cayenne Chili Pepper (Cayenne Chili Pepper), German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Cardamom, Curry Leaf, Garlic, Catnip, Caraway , caraway seed, osmanthus, cumin, cumin seed, cloves, green cardamom, green pepper, corn flour, saffron, cedar, cinnamon, jasmine, juniper berry, jolokia, ginger, star anise, spearmint, sumac, sage, sevoli (savory), celery, celery seed, turmeric (turmeric), thyme, tamarind, tarragon, chervil (serfeille), chives, dill, dill seed, tomato (dried tomato), tonka bean, dried coriander, nutmeg, hibiscus, habanero, Jalapeno, Birdseye, Basil, Vanilla, Cilantro, Parsley, Paprika, Hyssop, Piment des Perrets, Pink Pepper, Fenugreek Seed, Fennel, Brown Mustard, Black Cardamom, Black Cumin, Black Pepper, Vetiver, Pennyroyal, Peppermint (mint), horseradish, white pepper, white mustard, poppy seed, porcini, marjoram, mustard seed, maniguet, marigold, malva flower, mace, yarrow flower, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, linden, red clover, red pepper, Lemon grass, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon peel, rose, rose buds (purple), rose hips, rose petals, rosemary, rose red, laurel, long pepper, sesame (raw sesame, roasted sesame), Golden red pepper, Hua Jiao, Mitaka, Japanese pepper, red pepper, yuzu, etc. can be used. Mixed spices (e.g., five-spice powder, garam masala, ras el hanout, barigoule, chicken curry masala, tandoori masala, quatre épices, herbes de provence) and mixtures of various plants used as potpourri can also be used.

Edible fruits such as peaches, blueberries, lemons, oranges, apples, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, grapes, kumquats, melons, plums, almonds, cacao, coffee beans, peanuts, sunflowers, olives, walnuts, and other nuts. (fruit part) and seeds can be used.

Tea can also be used. Not only are tea plants different in tea, but even the same plant can be made into different teas depending on the processing method. Specifically, for example, Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, sweet tea, Gynostemma tea, aloe tea, ginkgo biloba tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, oak tea, eleuthero tea, plantain tea, persimmon tea, persimmon leaf tea, Chamomile tea, chamomile tea, Kawahara tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, gymnema tea, guava tea, wolfberry tea, mulberry leaf tea, black soybean tea, gennoshoko tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, kelp tea, Cherry blossom tea, saffron tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, sekisho tea, assembly tea, buckwheat tea, taranogi tea, dandelion tea, sugar bean tea, houttuynia tea, eucommia tea, soybean tea, elderberry tea, Mouse wax tea, pearl barley tea, habu tea, loquat leaf tea, pu-erh tea, koi flower tea, pine leaf tea, mate tea, barley tea, megusurinoki tea, mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, bitter gourd tea, and the like. Tea leaves after drinking may be used for these teas. Expensive tea can be reused and effectively utilized by using used tea leaves.

As a specific example of a plant that can be used above, kelp was given, but other plants include sea lettuce, green laver, red mokumoku, asakusanori, arame, iwanori (rock laver), egonori, ogonori, gagome kelp, Ecklonia, ragweed, and kubilezuta. , kurome, kelp, susabinori, dullus, chishima crocodile, crane arame, agaricus, tororokonbu, Nekoashikonbu, seaweed, habanori, hijiki, hitoegusa, flounder, funori, boa-onori, makonbu, mekabu, mozuku, and wakame can be done.

Brown rice is mentioned above as a specific example of a plant that can be used. Seeds (Javanese type, tropical island type, large-grained type), Japonica type (Japanese type, temperate island type, short-grained type), NERICA (interspecific hybrid between Asian rice and African rice) can of course also be used. It can also be used as bran.

Furthermore, wheat is given as a specific example of plants that can be used, and other examples of wheat include foxtail millet, oats (a cultivar of oats, also known as oats), barley (barley), oats, millet, codora ( cordonbie), wheat (wheat), finger millet, teff, pearl millet, naked barley (variety of barley), pearl barley (fruit, not seed), millet, fonio, rice bran, waxy barley (barley glutinous species), sorghum (hawk millet, sorghum) , sorghum), corn and rye (rye) can of course also be used.

Furthermore, black soybeans are given as specific examples of plants that can be used.
Lathyrus sativus) black bean, cowpea, winged bean, xeocarpa bean, fava bean, soybean, bamboo bean, jack bean, tamarind, tepary bean, jack bean, mucuna pruriens, bambara groundnut, chickpea, Fuji bean, safflower bean, horse gram Macrotyloma uniflorum), moss bean, lima bean, peanut, mung bean, lupine, lentil, lentil (Hentou) can of course also be used.

Furthermore, buckwheat is given as a specific example of a plant that can be used, but other plants such as amaranth (amaranth, hemlock), quinoa, and tartary buckwheat can also be used.

Furthermore, although shiitake mushrooms are given as a specific example of plants that can be used, mushrooms include matsutake, shiitake, hatutake, shimeji, shoro, mushrooms, and agaricus.

In addition, the trunks and branches of fragrant trees such as sugarcane (or molasses residue may be used), beet, cypress, pine, cedar, hiba, camellia, sandalwood, etc., and their bark, leaves, and roots can also be used. Ferns, mosses and the like can also be used as non-tobacco plants. Plants can also be used, for example, by-products and pomace (sake lees, grape pomace (consisting of grape skins, seeds, fruit stalks, etc.)) in the production of fermented beverages such as sake and wine. Furthermore, you may mix and use various plants mentioned above. Of course, plants other than those listed here can also be used.

Further, those known as Chinese herbal medicines are also preferably used. For example: Indigo plant, madder root (red root), red-eye oak (akamegashiwa), asenyaku, benzoin, irisen, fennel, turmeric ), Ubai, Uyaku, Urajirogashi, Uwaurushi, Eijitsu, Engosaku, Enmeisou, Astragalus, Ougon, Huangsei (Ousei), yellow oak (Oubaku), yellow ren (Oren), cherry bark (Ouhi), Otokirisou (Hypericum perforatum), Onji (Onji), Sophora (Carica), Gaihaku (Gaihaku), Summer dry grass (Kagosou), Lily (oak), kashu, zedoary, cuckoo, kudzu root, chamomile, karokon, karonin, kankyo, licorice , Winter flower (kantouka), mulberry leaf (guy), bellflower (bellflower), kigushi (kigushi), kikoku (kikoku), kijitsu (kijitsu), chrysanthemum (kikuka), tachibana skin (kippi), kyoukatsu (Kyokatsu), Apricot kernels, kumquats, gold and silver flowers, calendula officinalis, lycium, lye leaves, kujin, walnuts, kurenpi , Kuromoji, Kubaku, Keigai, Cinnamon bark, Ketsumeishi, Kengoshi, Genjin, Glue candy, Kouka, Nemu Goukanpi, Koukou, Koushi, Koju, Koujin, Koubushi, Koubei, Kouboku, Kouhon ), Gokahi, Goshitsu, Goshuyu, Gojokon, Burdock root, Gomishi, Saiko, Saishin, Saffron, Sankirai, Hawthorn, Sanshishi, Sanshuyu, Sanzukon, Sansounin, Sansho, Sanryo, Sanryo Sanyaku), Jiou, Shion, Jikoppi, Shikon, Shisoshi, Shiso leaf, Shitsurishi, Shitei, Jifushi, Peony, Jashoushi, Shajin, Shazenshi, Shazensou, Shuksha, Juyaku, Ginger Ginger), palm fruit, palm leaf, shouma, wheat, iris root, shinyi, jyoteishi, shinpi, Shinkiku, Jingyo, Jyuishi, Shokumoku, Seihi, Sekishokon, Sekiryujitsuhi, Sekkoku, River bow (senkyu), front hu (zenko), river bone (senkotsu), swirl flower (sempukuka), bone grafting tree (sekkotsuboku), grass (souka), soukakushi (soukakushi), mulberry parasite (soukisei), blue Soujishi, Sojutsu, Lateral oak leaf, Zokudan, Mulberry bark, Soboku, Soyou, Sokyo, Rhubarb Rhubarb (Rhubarb), Taisou, Daifukuhi, Takusha, Tanjin, Chikujo, Chikusetsu Ginseng, Chikuyo, Chimo ), Chiyu, Clove, Choutoukou, Chenpi, Tennansho, Tenma, Tenmontou, Togashi, Toki, Togoma, Tojin, Toshinsou, Peach Kernel, Spruce, Toshishi, Horse chestnut, Eucommia ), Dokatsu, Dokakon, Nikujuyo, Nikuzuku, Nindou, Carrot, Bimbo, Malt, Bakushinin, White Hakuhenzu, Bakumontou, Hakoshi, Mint, Banka, Hange, Hanbi, Banrankon, Banrankon (Hanshiren), Lily root (Yurine), White flower (Byakushi), White flower snake tongue grass (Byakuka jazetsuso), Hyakubukon (Hyakubukon), Byakujutsu (Byakujutsu), Betel nut (Betel nut), Boui (Bowie) . ), Mokutsu, Mokka, Mokko, Motsuyaku, Mokuzoku, Yakan, Yakuchi, Yakouto, Rakanka ), Orchid grass, Longan meat, Ryūtan, Ryōkyō, Ganoderma lucidum, Forsythia, Lotus root, Lotus meat, Reed Root (Lokon).

Furthermore, extracts of non-tobacco plants exemplified above, so-called extracts, can also be used. Examples of the form of the extract include liquid, starch syrup, powder, granules, solution, and the like.

Among the examples of the non-tobacco plants described above, those that do not require drying and pulverization can be put into the mixing step (M) as they are.

Aerosol formers include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, stearin. Methyl acid, dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate and the like can be used, and glycerin and propylene glycol are particularly preferably used. These are used in an amount of 1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, particularly preferably 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, based on the electronic cigarette filling.

Furthermore, flavor additives are also preferably used to add flavor as necessary. Flavoring agents include mint, cocoa, coffee, and tea extracts.

In addition, food preservatives may be added as necessary, for example, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, and the like may be added.

Materials other than those mentioned above include gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic and locust bean gum, and celluloses such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose as binders or thickeners. Binders such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, polysaccharides such as conjugated base salts of organic acids such as sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, caranagin, agar and pectin, and combinations thereof are also used.

Aerosol formers, flavor additives, preservatives, binders or thickeners, etc. exemplified above are prepared as others in FIG. 6 and proceed to the mixing step (M).

A conventional mixer can be used in the mixing step (M). For example, it is preferable to use a form in which the materials in the mixing tank are mixed with a stirring blade while applying a shearing force.

A pulverized dried product of non-tobacco plants, an aerosol former, a menthol solution obtained through the menthol dissolving step (B2), a binder or a thickener, and, if necessary, water and the like are mixed. In this way a non-tobacco plant composition can be obtained.

Next, in the filling molding step (F), the non-tobacco plant composition is passed through an orifice under pressure and molded into a rod shape, a thin sheet is molded, or the non-tobacco plant composition is dried and pulverized. It can be exemplified by granulating by, for example.

In the present invention, a method of forming a thin sheet and then forming by cutting will be described in detail. A three roll mill was provided for thin sheeting. When a three-roll mill is used, it is possible to form a sheet of a desired thickness with a doctor blade while performing kneading and dispersion by compression due to being pushed between narrow rolls and shearing due to the difference in roll speed. ,preferable. It is also preferable to use a press roller or press machine.

In addition, in the filling molding step (F), if necessary, non-tobacco plants, aerosol formers, binders or thickeners, flavor additives, preservatives, etc. may be added, and water etc. may be added. may be added.

In the present invention, it is described as water, but it is preferable to use water that has been sterilized or that has been freed from microorganisms, and pure water obtained by reverse osmosis membrane or ion exchange is preferably used for production. It is preferable to use

The thickness of the sheet obtained in the filling forming step (F) is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The obtained sheet is cut into a desired shape, and the cutting can be exemplified by a cutter, a rotating blade type rotary cutter, or the like.

As a specific example of the filling forming step (F), cutting a sheet having a thickness of 0.3 mm into a desired shape is taken as an example. For example, a rectangle of 150 mm long and 240 mm wide is cut. This sheet is supplied to a rotary cutter and cut into a shape of 1.5 mm long and 240 mm wide to obtain a sheet cut product. Fifty pieces of the cut sheet are wrapped with tobacco paper to form a roll having an outer diameter of approximately 6.9 mm. The roll can be cut to a length of 12.0 mm with a cutter to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). In this case, the mass of the filling is 0.29 g. If the ratio of the volume of the filling to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is referred to as the volume fill factor, the volume fill factor is 0.60 in the above case. Then, the density of the filler calculated from the volumetric filling rate and the mass of the filler is 1.07 g/cm3.

In the case of the filler forming step (F), a plurality of rod-shaped or strip-shaped fillers are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge. In addition, the plurality of rod-shaped or strip-shaped fillers are wrapped by a wrapping member (151) such as tobacco paper along the roll height axis to form an aerosol-forming substrate (110).

The electronic cigarette cartridge manufacturing step (G) will be described. The aerosol-forming substrate (110) thus obtained, the support element (300) described in detail below and the mouthpiece (140) are either wrapped in a wrapping member (150) or previously wrapped in a wrapping member (150). 150) are made cylindrical and are made by inserting the mouthpiece (140), the support element (300) and the filling (110).
Therefore, as an example of a preferred configuration of the present invention, an electronic cigarette having an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a support element (300), and a mouthpiece (140) from upstream (10) to downstream (20). cartridges.

When the heating element of the electronic cigarette body of the present invention is used by inserting it, the effect of suppressing the sublimation of menthol can be sufficiently exhibited even when it is in a preferred form. An example of such a form is a filling molded into a shape having a length of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, a width of 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. Since such a shape has a relatively large surface area, it can be said that the menthol flavor tends to come out during smoking, but on the other hand, it can be said that it is a shape that easily sublimates.

A filling for an electronic cigarette containing menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, can effectively suppress sublimation of menthol even in the case of the above shape. Better results can be obtained by previously adding menthol dissolved in a lower alcohol, preferably ethanol, in the production process.

The properties of the electronic cigarette filler prepared as described above can be confirmed as follows. It is sufficient to observe how the menthol contained in the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler is lost.

In the present invention, about 5 g to 10 g of the prepared non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling is accurately weighed in an environment of 17 ° C. and 65% relative humidity, and then sealed in a polyethylene bag for 24 hours or 48 hours. Store in an environment of 5°C. After 24 hours or 48 hours have passed, the surface of the non-tobacco plant composition or filling for electronic cigarettes is observed to observe the deposition state of white crystals. The observation of white crystals means that menthol crystallizes while sublimating from the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler. Further, the sealed container is left in an environment of 17° C. and 65% relative humidity for 3 hours and then unsealed. This method makes it possible to quantitatively measure how menthol is lost.

The reason why the storage test is performed in an environment of 5°C is that it is a condition that suppresses the dissipation of other components of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filling and is a good condition for evaluating the state of menthol dissipation. is. In particular, preventing the precipitation of white crystals prevents consumers from feeling discomfort when they see menthol that precipitates when electronic cigarette cartridges are packaged, placed on the market, transported, and stored after manufacturing. It also has the effect of preventing

In the present invention, d (0) is the menthol content of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after weighing about 5 g to 10 g in an environment of 17 ° C. relative humidity 65%, and 5 ° C. The mass of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after standing for 24 hours is d (24), and the mass of the non-tobacco plant composition or electronic cigarette filler after standing at 5 ° C. for 48 hours is d (48).
The menthol reduction rate d is defined below.

d = {(d(24)-d(48)}/d(0)

Here, the reason for subtracting d(48) from d(24) is to consider dissipation components other than menthol, and the dissipation components from 24 hours to 48 hours better reflect the deposition of the white crystal It is from.

In the present invention, when d is 0.60 or less, precipitation of white crystals can be suppressed. More preferably, it is 0.50 or less, and more preferably 0.30 or less. More preferably, it is 0.20 or less.

Next, an example of use of the manufactured electronic cigarette filler will be described.

FIG. 1 illustrates a mode of use of an electronic cigarette cartridge. The electronic cigarette cartridge (100) is attached to the electronic cigarette body (200) when the user uses it. The electronic cigarette body (200) is provided with an insertion part (210) for inserting the electronic cigarette cartridge (100).

A heating element (211) is provided in the central part of the bottom in the insert (210), and the heating element (211) has a pin-like or blade-like member with a sharp tip, and is used for aerosol formation. It is inserted into the substrate (110) and heats the aerosol-forming substrate (110). More specifically, the heating element (211) is placed in the center of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) when the e-cigarette cartridge (100) is inserted into the receptacle (210) of the e-cigarette body (200). inserted.

The heating element (211) directly or indirectly generates heat by power supplied from a battery (not shown) provided in the electronic cigarette body (200). The heat of the heating element (211) warms the aerosol-forming substrate (110) to generate an aerosol containing the fragrance component. Then, the generated aerosol is transferred to the mouthpiece (140) through the support element (300) and the aerosol transfer member (130) described below, and the user inhales from the mouthpiece (140) side, thereby releasing the aromatic component. It will reach the mouth of the user. Hereinafter, the aerosol-forming substrate (110) side of the electronic cigarette cartridge is referred to as the upstream side (10) and the mouthpiece side is referred to as the downstream side (20) for the purpose of describing the present invention. Also, the upstream side (10) may be called one end side, and the downstream side (20) may be called the other end side.

Note that FIG. 1 shows the case where the heating element (211) has one pin-shaped or blade-shaped member, but as an example of another form, the heating element (211) has a pin-shaped or blade-shaped member. One having a plurality of shaped members can be exemplified.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100). From the side where the heating element (211) is inserted, i.e. from the upstream side (10) to the downstream side (20), the aerosol-forming substrate (110), the support element (300), the transfer member (130), the mouse. A description will be given with a configuration of pieces (140).

The support element (300) supports the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The support element (300) is positioned adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the sides (160) of said support element (300) are positioned on the perimeter of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) on the wrapping member (150). come into contact with The sides (160) are fixed to the inner surface of the packaging member (150), for example by means of an adhesive.

Also, the support element (300) can be preferably formed using, for example, silicone, but is not limited to silicone and other materials with excellent heat resistance may be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, the filler (111) manufactured as the aerosol-forming substrate (110) preferably has a shape such as a rod or a strip. It is packed along the longitudinal direction of the shape of . Here, an example is shown in which a cylindrical containing member (151) is filled. As the wrapping member (151), a cylindrical piece of paper such as tobacco paper can be used. Moreover, the packaging member (150) may also serve as the enclosing member (151). This stabilizes the airflow and facilitates the user's inhalation of the fragrance from the aerosol-forming substrate (110).

FIG. 4 shows the aerosol-forming substrate (110), transport member (130), mouthpiece (140) and support element (300) exemplified below, formed as described above, attached to the aerosol-forming substrate (110). , a support element (300), a transfer member (130) and a mouthpiece (140) are shown adjacent in order to form a wound rod with a wrapping member (150) such as tobacco paper. At this time, the sides (160) of the support element are applied with some adhesive, the electronic cigarette cartridge (100).

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

The electronic cigarette cartridge (100) has, for example, a rod-like or cylindrical appearance, as shown in FIG.

The interior of the e-cigarette cartridge (100) is provided with an aerosol-forming substrate (110) at one end and towards a mouthpiece (140) at the other end, as shown for example in FIG. Members (130) are arranged in this order. These are then packaged by a packaging member (150).

The aerosol-forming substrate (110) has an electronic cigarette filler. The aerosol-forming substrate (110) generates an aerosol containing the aromatic component of the plant that is the source of the filling when heated.

As shown in FIG. 3, the filler as the aerosol-forming base material (110) has a shape such as a strip shape, a strip shape, a rod shape, etc., in which the long side is about 2 to 20 times as long as the short side. In the case of (1), the longitudinal direction of the shape of the filler (111) is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. As a result, the flow of the air current is good and it becomes easy to inhale. Note that FIG. 3 is a view from the end of the electronic cigarette cartridge where the aerosol-forming substrate (110) is located, and is partially transparent so that the filling (111) inside the cartridge can be seen. However, it is preferable that the maximum length of each of them is about 1 to 20 mm. This is because if the maximum length portion is too large, it may be too large and cumbersome to handle when the cartridge is filled. Of course, in addition to this, for example, if the filling material is flat and has a substantially constant shape, it can be rolled and packed, so that it is easy to handle.

As other aerosol-forming substrates, it is also a preferred form to use a sheet formed by wrinkling, pleating, gathering or folding.

As with the rod-shaped filler, the fibrous filler is packed so that the longitudinal direction of the fibers runs along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, thereby improving the flow of the sucked air.

A porous filler is one of the preferred forms because it is porous when packed in a cartridge and thus improves the flow of air when sucked. In order to make it porous, for example, it can be formed by piercing the dried sheet several times with a plurality of needles, but other methods may be used.

It can be in the form of flakes, squares, rectangles, or flat plates such as rhombuses, and powders, granules, and pellets can be easily filled by dropping them into the opening of the cartridge. In addition, it is easy to finely adjust the amount (filling amount) to be packed into the cartridge, and it is easy to adjust the flow of air when sucked by the amount to be packed, which is preferable. It can be used more preferably by taking measures such as covering the opening of the cartridge to prevent it from falling off.

The block-shaped filling has good thermal conductivity and easily extracts the aromatic component. This is one of the preferred forms. Also, the block size may be increased to facilitate storage. In that case, the block can be remolded into small blocks, rods, granules, and the like at the time of filling.

The support element (300) supports the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The support element (300) is positioned adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and has airflow passages, notches, etc. in the center or sides to emanate from the aerosol-forming substrate (110). The aerosol can be directed towards the mouthpiece (140).

A mouthpiece (140) is located at the other end of the electronic cigarette cartridge (100), adjacent to the transfer member (130). Mouthpiece (140) may include a particulate filter, such as a cellulose acetate filter. Aroma components that have passed through the filter of the mouthpiece (140) are inhaled by the user.

Comparing the presence and absence of the transfer member (130), air permeability is better without the transfer member (130), and the generated aromatic component is easier to absorb. On the other hand, it is also preferable to include a transfer member (130) to add the ability to cool the generated aerosol. Instead of adding a transfer member (130), it is also preferred to extend the mouthpiece so that it abuts or abuts the support element (300). This is because the filter used in the mouthpiece can also have a cooling function, and the number of parts can be reduced. As the transfer member (130), a hollow tubular member is used, and a crimped polymer sheet wound in the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge can be used.

FIG. 5(1) shows a configuration in which the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300) are in contact with each other, which is a preferred configuration because it can stably support the aerosol-forming substrate (110). . In addition, since the structure is simple, there is a great advantage in terms of manufacturing.

In FIG. 5(2), a partition member (180) is provided between the aerosol-forming substrate (110) and the support element (300) so that they are in contact with each other via the partition member (180). The partition member (180) is preferably made of, for example, a filter, paper, or the like which has good air permeability and which breaks when the heating element (211) is inserted. The provision of such a partition member is effective in preventing the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from moving within the electronic cigarette cartridge due to the effects of physical distribution during transportation.

FIG. 5(3) also preferably has a configuration in which the lid (170) is placed on the side of the aerosol-forming substrate (110) into which the heating element (211) is inserted. This is effective in preventing the aerosol-forming substrate (110) from fading away. Furthermore, there is an effect that the aerosol-forming substrate (110) can be prevented from falling out of the electronic cigarette cartridge due to physical distribution such as transportation. Materials for the lid (170) include filters, paper, and sponge. It is also preferred that if a heating element is inserted, one or more cuts be made in the lid (170) or circular or polygonal guide holes are provided where the heating element is inserted. form.

In particular, when a granular material such as powder, granules, flakes, or pellets is used as the aerosol-forming substrate (110), it is preferable to provide a partition member (180) or a lid (170). Furthermore, it is more preferable to provide both.
The production process using black tea or the like will be described in detail below, but it is needless to say that these are not limited to black tea and the like, and can be applied to tobacco plants and non-tobacco plants described herein.

A preferred specific form of the electronic cigarette cartridge is as follows. The aerosol-forming base material (110) has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the filler is wrapped with tobacco paper or the like, and the diameter of the bottom surface or the top surface of the substantially cylindrical cylinder is 6.5 mm or more and 7.5 mm or less, and The height of the approximate cylinder is 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less. Further, it is preferable that the filler is rod-shaped or strip-shaped, filled along the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette cartridge, and the length of the filler is approximately equal to the height of the approximately cylinder. That is, it is preferably 11.0 mm or more and 13.0 mm or less.
Also, in the support element (300), the outer diameter is preferably approximately equal to the diameter of the substantially cylindrical bottom or top surface of the aerosol-forming substrate (110). Moreover, the length is 9.0 mm or more and 11.0 mm or less.
Also, the mouthpiece (140) has a length greater than 20.0 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 21.0 mm and preferably less than or equal to 25.0 mm.
Furthermore, it is preferable that the volume filling factor of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.55 or more and 0.65 or less.

Figure 7 illustrates a further form of use of the electronic cigarette cartridge. Since there are some differences in specific configuration from the electronic cigarette cartridge (100) described above, the electronic cigarette cartridge (101) will be described below. The electronic cigarette body used also differs from the electronic cigarette body 200 described above, so it will be described as an electronic cigarette body 201 below.
It is attached to the electronic cigarette body (201) when the user uses it. The electronic cigarette body (201) is provided with an insertion part (450) for inserting the electronic cigarette cartridge (101). There is an exterior part (410) of the electronic cigarette body (101), and a heating part (440) surrounding the electronic cigarette cartridge heats the aerosol-forming substrate (110) of the electronic cigarette cartridge to generate an aerosol and smoke. be. When smoking from the other end (20), air flows in from the ventilation hole (431), and the generated aerosol passes through the hollow cylindrical member (530), the transfer member (130), and the mouthpiece (140) to smoke. be done. The control unit (420) incorporates a battery, a control device for the heating unit, or the like. The opening/closing lid (430) is opened when cleaning the inside of the electronic cigarette body after smoking is finished.

FIG. 8 shows a further example of the structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. From one end side (10) to the other end side (20) there is an aerosol-forming substrate (110), a hollow tubular member (530), a transfer member (130), a mouthpiece (140) and a packaging member (150). ). Since the aerosol-forming substrate (110) portion is heated by the electronic cigarette body, the hollow cylindrical member (530) is arranged for heat insulation. The transfer member (130) can also serve as a cooling member.

A preferred shape for the electronic cigarette cartridge of FIG. It is 20 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The transfer member (130) is between 5 mm and 15 mm, and the mouthpiece (140) is between 10 mm and 25 mm.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with production examples and examples.

(Production example 1)
Menthol 100 parts by mass Ethyl alcohol 200 parts by mass Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone 200 parts by mass The above components were weighed and menthol was dissolved in ethyl alcohol to obtain a menthol ethyl alcohol solution. The polyvinylpolypyrrolidone was added to the menthol-ethyl alcohol solution and mixed by stirring to obtain a menthol/ethyl alcohol/polyvinylpolypyrrolidone mixture.
100 parts by mass of xylitol and 400 parts by mass of water were stirred and mixed to obtain a xylitol/water solution.

Next, black tea leaves were dried at 70° C., pulverized, and passed through an 80-mesh sieve for use. The water content was 2% by mass.

Dry pulverized black tea leaves 100 parts by weight Menthol/ethyl alcohol/polyvinylpolypyrrolidone mixture 25 parts by weight Methylcellulose 15 parts by weight Glycerin 30 parts by weight Propylene glycol 30 parts by weight Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 4 parts by weight Xylitol/water solution 8 parts by weight Glucomannan 1 part by weight A portion was placed in a blender and blended for 15 minutes to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition.
The resulting non-tobacco plant composition was introduced into the filling molding step (F). The non-tobacco plant composition is kneaded and dispersed in a three-roll mill to form a sheet having a desired thickness. In this example, the non-tobacco plant composition was put into a three-roll mill, 20 parts by mass of pure water was added while observing the state of the sheet, and a doctor blade was pressed against the roll to collect the sheet-like material. repeated times.

The non-tobacco plant composition sheet thus obtained had a thickness of 0.3 mm. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle of 150 mm in length and 240 mm in width, supplied to a rotary cutter, and processed into a packing having a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm. Fifty of the fillers were bundled and aligned in the longitudinal direction, wrapped with paper having a basis weight of 34 g/m 2 , and pasted to form a cylinder. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. A cylinder of the processed product was cut into a length of 12.0 mm to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.29 g and the volume filling factor of the filler is 0.60 relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Production example 2)
A non-tobacco plant composition was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1. In the subsequent filling molding step (F), a non-tobacco plant composition sheet having a thickness of 0.1 mm was formed. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle of 150 mm long and 240 mm wide, supplied to a rotary cutter, and processed into a filling having a width of 1.0 mm, a length of 240 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm. The 225 fillers were bundled and aligned in the longitudinal direction, wrapped with paper having a basis weight of 34 g/m 2 , and pasted to form a cylinder. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. A cylinder of the processed product was cut into a length of 12.0 mm to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.29 g and the volume filling factor of the filler is 0.60 relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Production example 3)
A non-tobacco plant composition was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1. In the subsequent filling molding step (F), a non-tobacco plant composition sheet having a thickness of 0.5 mm was formed. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle of 150 mm in length and 240 mm in width, supplied to a rotary cutter, and processed into a packing having a width of 2.0 mm, a length of 240 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm. The 23 fillers were bundled and aligned in the longitudinal direction, wrapped with paper having a basis weight of 34 g/m 2 , and pasted to form a cylinder. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. A cylinder of the processed product was cut into a length of 12.0 mm to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.29 g and the volume filling factor of the filler is 0.60 relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Production example 4)
A non-tobacco plant composition was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 2, except that polyvinylpyrrolidone was used instead of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone. Incidentally, the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a water-soluble polymer.
In the subsequent filling molding step (F), a non-tobacco plant composition sheet having a thickness of 0.1 mm was formed. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle of 150 mm long and 240 mm wide, supplied to a rotary cutter, and processed into a filling having a width of 1.0 mm, a length of 240 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm. The 225 fillers were bundled and aligned in the longitudinal direction, wrapped with paper having a basis weight of 34 g/m 2 , and pasted to form a cylinder. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. A cylinder of the processed product was cut into a length of 12.0 mm to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.29 g and the volume filling factor of the filler is 0.60 relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Production example 5)
A non-tobacco composition was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that polyvinylpolypyrrolidone was mixed with ethanol and then menthol was dissolved.
The subsequent filling molding step was the same as in Production Example 1. In the subsequent filling molding step (F), a non-tobacco plant composition sheet having a thickness of 0.1 mm was formed. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle of 150 mm long and 240 mm wide, supplied to a rotary cutter, and processed into a filling having a width of 1.0 mm, a length of 240 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm. Fifty of the fillers were bundled and aligned in the longitudinal direction, wrapped with paper having a basis weight of 34 g/m 2 , and pasted to form a cylinder. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. A cylinder of the processed product was cut into a length of 12.0 mm to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.29 g and the volume filling factor of the filler is 0.60 relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Production example 6)
Menthol 100 parts by mass Ethyl alcohol 400 parts by mass The above ingredients were weighed and menthol was dissolved in ethyl alcohol.
100 parts by mass of xylitol and 400 parts by mass of water were stirred and mixed to obtain a xylitol/water solution.
Dry pulverized black tea leaves 100 parts by weight Menthol/ethyl alcohol solution 25 parts by weight Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone 20 parts by weight Methylcellulose 15 parts by weight Glycerin 30 parts by weight Propylene glycol 30 parts by weight Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 4 parts by weight Xylitol/water solution 8 parts by weight Glucomannan 1 part by mass was put into a mixer and mixed for 15 minutes to obtain a non-tobacco plant composition.

The resulting non-tobacco plant composition was introduced into the filling molding step (F). The non-tobacco plant composition is kneaded and dispersed in a three-roll mill to form a sheet having a desired thickness. In this example, the non-tobacco plant composition was put into a three-roll mill, 20 parts by mass of pure water was added while observing the state of the sheet, and a doctor blade was pressed against the roll to collect the sheet-like material. repeated times.

The non-tobacco plant composition sheet thus obtained had a thickness of 0.3 mm. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle of 150 mm in length and 240 mm in width, supplied to a rotary cutter, and processed into a packing having a width of 1.5 mm, a length of 240 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm. Fifty of the fillers were bundled and aligned in the longitudinal direction, wrapped with paper having a basis weight of 34 g/m 2 , and pasted to form a cylinder. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. A cylinder of the processed product was cut into a length of 12.0 mm to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.29 g and the volume filling factor of the filler is 0.60 relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Production Example 7)
A non-tobacco composition was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 6, except that polyvinylpolypyrrolidone was not used.
The subsequent filling molding step was the same as in Production Example 1. In the subsequent filling molding step (F), a non-tobacco plant composition sheet having a thickness of 0.1 mm was formed. The non-tobacco composition sheet was cut into a rectangle of 150 mm long and 240 mm wide, supplied to a rotary cutter, and processed into a filling having a width of 1.0 mm, a length of 240 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm. Fifty of the fillers were bundled and aligned in the longitudinal direction, wrapped with paper having a basis weight of 34 g/m 2 , and pasted to form a cylinder. The inner diameter of the cylinder was 6.9 mm. A cylinder of the processed product was cut into a length of 12.0 mm to obtain an aerosol-forming substrate (110). The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.29 g and the volume filling factor of the filler is 0.60 relative to the volume of the aerosol-forming substrate.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Production Example 8)
It was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that 10 parts by mass of the menthol/ethyl alcohol/polyvinylpolypyrrolidone mixture was used.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Production Example 9)
It was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that 50 parts by mass of the menthol/ethyl alcohol/polyvinylpolypyrrolidone mixture was used.
The menthol content d (0) of the filling, the mass d (24) after standing at 5°C for 24 hours, the mass d (48) after standing at 5°C for 48 hours, and the menthol reduction rate d are shown in Table 1. 1.

(Example 1)
An aerosol-forming substrate prepared in Production Example 1, a support element (300) that is a cylindrical hollow tube, and a filter (140) that serves as a mouthpiece were prepared. As the support element (300), the diameter of the bottom surface and top surface, that is, the outer diameter, was φ6.9 mm, and the hollow portion was a through hole of φ4 mm. The filter (140) used as the mouthpiece had a length of 23 mm. As a packaging member, paper having a basis weight of 38 g/m 2 was used, which was wound two and a half times so as to have an inner diameter of 6.9 mm and was pasted. In this way, when a paper tube with a basis weight of 32 g/m2 or more and 45 g/m2 is rolled two and a half times to create a paper tube and used as a packaging member, an electronic cigarette used in an electronic cigarette body that is used by inserting a heating element It becomes suitable as a tobacco cartridge.

Glue is applied inside the paper tube, from the other end (20) a filter is inserted to form a mouthpiece (140), from one end (10) a support element (300) is inserted, and then the aerosol A forming substrate was inserted. Further, a paper with a basis weight of 40 g/m 2 was wrapped around the mouthpiece so as to substantially overlap the mouthpiece (140).
Thus, an electronic cigarette cartridge was produced.

(Example 2)
Instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 1 in Example 1, the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 2 was used to produce an electronic cigarette cartridge in the same manner as in Example 1.

(Example 3)
An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 using the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 3 instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 1 in Example 1.

(Example 4)
An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 using the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 5 instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 1 in Example 1.

(Example 5)
Instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 1 in Example 1, the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 6 was used to produce an electronic cigarette cartridge in the same manner as in Example 1.

(Example 6)
An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 using the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 8 instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 1 in Example 1.

Instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 1 in Example 1, the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 9 was used to produce an electronic cigarette cartridge in the same manner as in Example 1.

(Comparative example 1)
Instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate of Production Example 1 in Example 1, the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 4 was used to produce an electronic cigarette cartridge in the same manner as in Example 1.

(Comparative example 2)
An electronic cigarette cartridge was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 using the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 7 instead of using the aerosol-forming substrate produced in Production Example 1 in Example 1.

The electronic cigarette cartridges thus obtained were evaluated as follows.
Evaluation 1: 20 of the produced electronic cigarette cartridges were packed into a paper box having a long side of 70 mm, a short side of 14 mm and a height of 45 mm so that the aerosol-forming substrate faced the bottom. Thus prepared boxes containing electronic cigarette cartridges were left in polyethylene bags for 48 hours in an environment of 5°C.
After that, after taking out, the following evaluation is performed on the one left in the normal temperature and normal humidity environment for one day. The surface of the aerosol-forming base material of the electronic cigarette cartridge was observed from one end side, and the number of white crystals of menthol was visually counted using a magnifying glass of 5x to see if white crystals of menthol appeared.
Rank A: No white crystals are observed Rank B: 1 to 4 white crystals Rank C: 5 or more white crystals Rank C loses menthol due to long-term storage, resulting in a cooling sensation. It is highly likely to be damaged.

Evaluation 2: The outline of the electronic cigarette main body to be used is explained. The electronic cigarette body used was IQOS (registered trademark), which is a heating type electronic cigarette manufactured by Philip Morris. The outline of the electric electronic cigarette is as follows. The heating element (211) is 4.5 mm wide, 12 mm long to the tip and 0.4 mm thick. The insert (210) has an inner diameter of 7 mm, which is approximately equal to the outer diameter of an electronic cigarette cartridge. The heating element (211) heats up to about 370° C. by power supplied from a battery (not shown) provided in the electronic cigarette body (200). The built-in control system then consumes one e-cigarette cartridge after 14 puffs. In addition, when the electronic cigarette cartridge of the present embodiment is inserted, the portion of the electronic cigarette cartridge that appears outside from the downstream side of the electronic cigarette body is approximately 20 mm.
A smoking test was performed by inserting the electronic cigarette cartridges produced in the present examples and comparative examples into the electronic cigarette bodies.
In the smoking test, the prepared e-cigarette cartridges were filled into a paper box 70 mm long by 14 mm short by 45 mm high, with the aerosol-forming substrate facing the bottom. A sensory test was conducted on the flavor of menthol using a sample of the prepared electronic cigarette cartridge left in an environment of 25° C. for 2 weeks and a sample immediately after preparation. A sensory test was performed on the samples and the menthol flavor immediately after preparation and after standing. The sensory test was conducted by five smokers.
In addition, the evaluation criteria are
Rank A: The menthol flavor of the sample after standing does not change from that immediately after preparation.
Rank B: The menthol flavor of the sample after standing is slightly weaker than immediately after preparation. Rank C: The menthol flavor of the sample after standing is clearly weaker than immediately after preparation. The test results are shown in Table 2 below. .

According to this embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.
According to the present invention, in an electronic cigarette using a non-tobacco plant that can enjoy the refreshing feeling of menthol in addition to the aroma and taste of a plant that does not contain tobacco components, even after long-term storage, menthol is maintained. A non-tobacco plant composition that retains flavor can be produced.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, a non-tobacco plant composition that retains the flavor of menthol even after long-term storage can be inexpensively and easily produced.
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic cigarette filler using a non-tobacco plant with good long-term storage stability, and to provide an electronic cigarette cartridge using a non-tobacco plant with good long-term storage stability. can do.

Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications of the present invention are possible based on the configuration described in the claims, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

10 upstream side (one end side)
20 downstream side (other end side)
100 Electronic Cigarette Cartridge 110 Aerosol-Forming Substrate 111 Filler 130 Transfer Member 140 Mouthpiece 150 Wrapping Member 151 Containing Member 170 Lid 180 Partition Member 200 Electronic Cigarette Body 210 Insert Portion 211 Heating Element 300 Support Element 201 Electronic Cigarette Body 410 Exterior 420 Control unit 430 Open/close lid 431 Vent hole 440 Heating unit 450 Insertion unit 101 Electronic cigarette cartridge 530 Hollow cylindrical member

Claims (1)

An electronic cigarette cartridge comprising an electronic cigarette filler and a mouthpiece,
The electronic cigarette cartridge, wherein the electronic cigarette filler contains a non-tobacco plant, an aerosol former, menthol, and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer.

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