JP7465828B2 - Heat-not-burn tobacco cartridges - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a support member for a heated tobacco product having a tobacco filler made from tobacco or a non-tobacco plant, and a cartridge for a heated tobacco product having the same.

In recent years, in order to keep up with the trend towards smoking cessation, heated tobacco products that allow users to enjoy tobacco without using a flame by heating a cartridge containing tobacco components and inhaling the vaporized tobacco components have become popular. A cartridge for heated tobacco contains a tobacco filler that is heated by inserting a heating element such as a blade of the heated tobacco body, a filter provided at the mouthpiece, and a support member provided between the tobacco filler and the filter, and is formed by wrapping these in a packaging material such as paper. Examples of such a support member for heated tobacco and a cartridge for heated tobacco include those listed in Patent Document 1.

In addition, in the heated tobacco of Patent Document 2, a heating element is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate of a heated tobacco cartridge to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and generate an aerosol containing tobacco components. The heated tobacco cartridge has a hollow tubular support member that supports the aerosol-forming substrate, and the support member resists the force that the cartridge receives when the heating element is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate. The tobacco components released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heating are transported through the hollow portion of the support member to a mouthpiece located downstream and inhaled by the user.

Utility Model Registration No. 3212228 Patent No. 6000451

On the other hand, when manufacturing cartridges for electronically heated cigarettes using the support members described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the surface of the support member may slip, and the manufacturing machine (assembly machine) may not be able to grip the support member.

Therefore, the present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a cartridge for a heated tobacco product that uses a support member for a heated tobacco product that is easy to grip by an assembly machine.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for heated tobacco is provided that is attached to a heated smoking device equipped with an electrically controlled heating element and used for smoking, the cartridge for heated tobacco includes a tobacco packing that generates an aerosol when heated, a filter that filters the aerosol, a support member that is disposed between the tobacco packing and the filter and prevents the tobacco packing from moving toward the filter when the heating element is inserted into the tobacco packing, and a packaging member that is wrapped around the outer periphery of the tobacco packing, the filter, and the support member, the support member having a first end face provided on the tobacco packing side, a second end face provided on the filter side, and at least one recess or protrusion provided on a peripheral surface portion formed between the first end face and the second end face, and the at least one recess or protrusion has a corresponding tip.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may be provided in a partial area of the peripheral surface.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the support member.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may be provided along the circumferential direction of the support member.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may each be provided in a curved shape.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may be provided along a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the support member.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may include a plurality of recesses or protrusions, and the plurality of recesses or protrusions may be arranged to intersect with each other.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may include a plurality of recesses or protrusions, and the plurality of recesses or protrusions may be provided in a plurality of regions provided in the longitudinal direction of the support member.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may include a plurality of recesses or protrusions, and the plurality of recesses or protrusions may be provided in a plurality of regions provided in the circumferential direction.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the support member from the first end surface to the second end surface.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the at least one recess or protrusion may include a plurality of recesses or protrusions, and the plurality of recesses or protrusions may be provided around the entire circumference of the support member.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the height of the protrusion may be 0.05 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

In the above-mentioned heated tobacco cartridge, the heights of the protrusions may be different.

By using one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a support member for a heated tobacco product that is easy to grip by an assembly machine, and a cartridge for a heated tobacco product that uses the support member for a heated tobacco product.

1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including a central axis along the longitudinal direction of a cartridge for heated tobacco in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a usage form of the heated tobacco cartridge. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a support member and a packaging member in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. 2A is a side view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a first end surface as a front view. 2 is a front view of a first end surface of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of a support member in one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first end surface of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first end surface of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. FIG. 2A and 2B are a side view and a schematic view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively, with a first end surface facing forward.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different ways, and should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of the embodiment exemplified below. The drawings may be shown in a schematic manner to make the explanation clearer, but they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

The letters "first" and "second" attached to each element are convenient labels used to distinguish between elements, and have no further meaning unless otherwise specified. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are given the same or similar symbols (symbols consisting of the number xxx with A, B or 1, 2, etc. attached), and repeated explanations may be omitted. Also, some of the configuration may be omitted from the drawings. In addition, if a person with ordinary knowledge in the field to which this invention pertains would recognize it, no special explanation will be given.

As used herein, the term "tip" refers to a protrusion or recess on the peripheral surface of a support member, the single apex that protrudes highest from the peripheral surface in the case of a protrusion, and the single deepest point located deepest from the peripheral surface toward the center in the case of a recess. The shape of the apex or deepest part is not limited to being pointed, but also includes rounded shapes.

First Embodiment
A cartridge for heated tobacco according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1-1. Configuration of the heated tobacco cartridge)
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a heated tobacco cartridge 1 having a tobacco filler accumulation 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the heated tobacco cartridge 1 includes a tobacco filler accumulation 10, a heated tobacco support member 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as the support member 20), a filter 30 that serves as a mouthpiece, and a sheet-like packaging member 40. In the heated tobacco cartridge 1, the tobacco filler accumulation 10, the support member 20, and the filter 30 are arranged along a longitudinal direction D1, and are integrally formed by being wrapped in the packaging member 40.

The tobacco filler assembly 10 is formed by bundling a long tobacco filler 11 along the longitudinal direction D1 and wrapping it in a sheet-like wrapping material to form a generally cylindrical shape. In this example, the tobacco filler 11 is made of a non-tobacco material. Note that the tobacco filler 11 may also be made of a tobacco material.

The tobacco filler 11 is formed by mixing aerosol formers that generate aerosols, microcrystalline cellulose, additives that add flavor, preservatives, adhesives or thickeners, etc. with dried and crushed non-tobacco plants, forming the mixture into a sheet, and then cutting the sheet to a predetermined width and length. Note that the tobacco filler 11 is not limited to being elongated, and may have a variety of shapes. For example, it may be formed into a paste or granules.

When the tobacco filling material 11 is configured in a long shape, the cross section perpendicular to the central axis C is substantially rectangular, and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the cross section is preferably, for example, in the range of 1:1 to 30:1. The length of the long side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 7.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The length of the short side is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. In addition, it is preferable that the length of the tobacco filling material 11 is substantially the same as the length of the tobacco filling material assembly 10. The length of the tobacco filling material 11 is preferably in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm, and more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. An example of the dimensions of such a tobacco filling material 11 is a long side of 1.5 mm, a short side of 0.3 mm, and a length of 12 mm.

The support member 20 inhibits the movement of the tobacco packing stack 10 toward the support member 20, and allows the airflow containing the aerosol generated in the tobacco packing stack 10 to flow toward the filter 30. The support member 20 is, for example, cylindrical and solid, and is disposed between the tobacco packing 11 and the filter 30 so that its axial direction is along the central axis C. The support member 20 is, for example, formed to have a length along the central axis C of 3.0 mm to 50 mm or less. Note that the support member 20 may have dimensions different from those described above depending on the appropriate function and configuration. Other configurations of the support member 20 will be described later.

The filter 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example with a diameter of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm and a length along the central axis C of 50 mm or less. The filter 30 is a part that constitutes the mouthpiece of the smoking device cartridge 1. The filter 30 is formed, for example, from paper. The filter 30 may also be formed into a cylindrical shape by rolling up a sheet-like member made of paper, or may include a cellulose acetate filter or the like that removes fine particles. The filter 30 has the function of filtering out some of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated in the tobacco filler assembly 10.

The heated tobacco cartridge 1 according to this embodiment is formed with a diameter of 6.5 to 7.5 mm and a length of 40 to 60 mm. If the diameter of the heated tobacco cartridge 1 is set in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm, the diameter will be smaller than the insertion hole for inserting the heated tobacco cartridge provided in the heated smoking device, making it easier to insert the heated tobacco cartridge 1 into the heated smoking device. If the length of the heated tobacco cartridge 1 is set in the range of 40 to 60 mm, it will be longer than the length of the insertion hole for receiving the heated tobacco cartridge provided in the heated smoking device, so that even when the heated tobacco cartridge 1 is inserted into the smoking device, the mouthpiece can be exposed from the heated smoking device, and the length required for the smoker to smoke can be secured.

The tobacco filler assembly 10 has a length of 10 to 25 mm. If the length of the tobacco filler assembly 10 is set to 10 mm or more, the minimum length required for inserting the heating element 52 can be ensured. If the length of the tobacco filler assembly 10 is set to 25 mm or less, a length that allows the heat of the heating element 52 to reach every corner of the tobacco filler 11 can be ensured. The heated tobacco cartridge 1 may have dimensions different from those described above, depending on the shape of the heated tobacco body.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a usage form of the heated tobacco cartridge 1. The heated tobacco cartridge 1 is used by being attached to a heated tobacco body 5. The heated tobacco body 5 has an insertion section 50 into which the heated tobacco cartridge 1 is inserted. The insertion section 50 is provided with a needle-shaped or blade-shaped heating element 52 that is inserted into the tobacco filler 11 of the inserted heated tobacco cartridge 1. The heating element 52 is electrically controlled by a control section provided inside the heated tobacco body 5. The heating element 52 generates heat while inserted into the tobacco filler 11, thereby generating aerosol from the tobacco filler 11. In this state, the user can inhale airflow containing aerosol by inhaling from the filter 30. In addition, the support member 20 is solid and provided between the tobacco filler accumulation 10 and the filter, thereby preventing the tobacco filler accumulation 10 from moving toward the filter 30.

(1-2. Configuration of Support Member 20)
The support member 20 will now be described in more detail.

3 is a perspective view of the support member 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 20 has a first end surface 21, a second end surface 23, and a peripheral surface portion 25. The first end surface 21 of the support member 20 abuts against the end surface of the tobacco filler stack 10. The second end surface 23 of the support member 20 abuts against the end surface of the filter 30. The support member 20 has a hole portion 27 (also called a through hole) extending from the first end surface 21 to the second end surface 23, and air flows through the hole portion 27. The support member 20 is provided in a cylindrical shape. For example, a silicone resin is used as a material for forming the support member 20. Note that the support member 20 is not limited to silicone resin, and may be formed of a material other than a resin material, such as wood or metal (aluminum, etc.), which enhances the cooling effect.

Figure 4 (A) is a side view of the support member 20. Figure 4 (B) is a front view of the first end face 21 of the support member 20. As shown in Figures 4 (A) and 4 (B), the support member 20 has the same shape from the first end face 21 to the second end face 23 in a cross-sectional shape cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1.

The support member 20 has a hole 27 that penetrates from the first end surface 21 to the second end surface 23. The hole 27 functions as a flow path that allows the airflow containing the aerosol generated in the tobacco filler assembly 10 to flow to the filter 30 side.

As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the holes 27 are arranged so as not to include the central axis C20 of the peripheral surface portion 25. In this example, the holes 27 have a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, six holes 27 are provided along the circumferential direction. At this time, the centers P of the holes 27 are arranged at intervals of 60° in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis C20. Therefore, the six holes 27 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, the six holes 27 have the same radius.

The first end surface 21 has a gap at the hole 27 and is solid at the other portions. This solid portion abuts against the end surface of the tobacco filler accumulation body 10. When the heating element 52 of the heated tobacco body 5 is inserted, the tobacco filler accumulation body 10 receives a force in the longitudinal direction D1, so that the tobacco filler accumulation body 10 can be supported by the solid portion of the support member 20 with which it abuts.

The support member 20 has a plurality of protruding portions 251 on the peripheral surface portion 25. The protruding portions 251 are provided extending along the longitudinal direction D1. In this example, the protruding portions 251 are formed so as to extend over the entire length in the longitudinal direction D1 from the first end face 21 to the second end face 23 of the peripheral surface portion 25 of the support member 20. In addition, a plurality of protruding portions 251 are provided over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction.

The plurality of protrusions 251 each have a tip 251a. In this example, the tip 251a is rounded. In FIG. 4(B), the imaginary line VL1 extending from the center C251 of the protrusion 251 toward the tip 251a when viewed from the first end face 21 side is the same as the imaginary line extending in the radial direction D2 from the central axis C20 of the support member 20. The protrusion 251 has two side portions S251, and the two side portions S251 each connect the tip 251a to the peripheral surface portion 25. In this case, when the support member 20 is viewed from the first end face 21 side, the angle θ between the imaginary line VL1 and the imaginary line VL2 provided along the side portion S251 corresponding to the tip 251a of the protrusion 251 is an acute angle.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 251 is provided on the peripheral surface 25, and when the gripping portion of the assembly machine grips the support member 20, frictional force is generated between the gripping portion of the assembly machine and the tip 251a of the protrusion 251. This makes it easier for the gripping portion of the assembly machine to grip the support member 20, and allows for stable production of heated tobacco cartridges.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the support member 20 wrapped in the packaging member 40. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, a gap 26 is provided between the packaging member 40 wrapped around the outer periphery of the support member 20 and the peripheral surface portion 25 of the support member 20 by providing a convex portion 251. This allows aerogas to flow between the packaging member 40 and the peripheral surface portion 25. Therefore, the flow path of the aerogas is expanded in addition to the hole portion 27, and the fluidity of the aerogas can be improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the gap 26 is shaped to expand toward the packaging member 40, the flow path of the aerosol can be made larger than when, for example, the convex portion has a substantially rectangular shape.

In addition, in this embodiment, the convex portions 251 each have the same height in the longitudinal direction D1. At this time, the height of the convex portions 251 is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 1 mm or less. If the height of the convex portions 251 is less than 0.05 mm, it may be difficult to maintain the shape of the convex portions, or the aerosol may not flow smoothly. If the height of the convex portions 251 exceeds 1 mm, the size of the gap between the support member 20 and the packaging member 40 increases, and part of the tobacco filler 11 may enter the gap, making it difficult to suppress the tobacco filler aggregate 10 from moving toward the filter 30. The above range is also desirable from the viewpoint of maintaining the shape of the convex portions.

In addition, in this embodiment, the support member 20 can adjust the fluidity of the aerosol (air flow) from the tobacco filler assembly 10 by adjusting the porosity between the peripheral portion 25 and the packaging member 40, which is the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the through holes to the cross-sectional area of the support member 20. Details of the porosity will be described later.

When the support member 20 of this embodiment is packaged in the packaging member 40, a plurality of gaps 26 are provided between the peripheral surface portion 25 and the packaging member 40, and these gaps can be used as aerosol flow paths. The gaps in the first end surface of the support member 20 are the gaps 26 and six holes 27, and the ratio of the porosity of the gaps 26 to the holes 27 is preferably in the range of, for example, 1:1 to 1:12. The porosity of the gaps 26 is preferably in the range of 1% to 5% of the area surrounded by the packaging member 40, and the porosity of the holes 27 is preferably in the range of 1% to 60%. If the gaps 26 exceed the upper limit of the above range, the packaging member 40 may be crushed when pressure is applied from the outside, and the shape of the cartridge as a whole may not be maintained, or the support function of the support member 20 may not be maintained (for example, the tobacco filler accumulation may easily enter the gaps 26 and the holes 27). Furthermore, if the gap 26 falls below the lower limit of the above range, the flow of the aerosol may be impaired (for example, the flow path becomes narrower, the amount of aerosol flowing decreases, and suction force is required).

In other words, by using this embodiment, when pressure is applied from the outside, the packaging member 40 is not crushed, and the solid portion of the support member 20 suppresses the movement of the tobacco filler assembly 10 toward the support member 20, and by providing multiple gaps 26 between the packaging member 40, the aerosol can flow through the gaps 26 in addition to the holes 27, thereby enhancing the effect of circulating the aerosol.

In addition to the porosity, the airflow resistance may be adjusted by the thickness and material of the packaging member 40. In this embodiment, a gap 26 is provided between the packaging member 40 and the support member 20, so when the filter 30 is sucked and the inside of the packaging member 40 becomes a negative pressure state, outside air is taken in through the packaging member 40. At this time, the degree to which outside air is taken in can be changed by the airflow resistance of the packaging member 40.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the protrusions are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the peripheral surface of the support member, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, a support member different from the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, a support member in which the protrusions are provided in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 6 is a side view of the support member 20A. As shown in Figure 6, the support member 20A has a protrusion 251A on the peripheral surface 25A. The protrusion 251A may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction D1. Specifically, the protrusion 251A is provided in a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal direction D1. In this case, the aerosol flow path is longer than when the protrusion 251A extends in the longitudinal direction D1, and the cooling time can be increased. Therefore, by using this embodiment, the gripping part (manufacturing device) of the assembly machine can easily grip the support member 20A, and the heated tobacco cartridge can be stably manufactured, and the smoking comfort when inhaling the aerosol can be changed compared to when the protrusion 251A is provided in a straight line.

Third Embodiment
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the protrusions are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the peripheral surface of the support member, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, a support member different from the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, a support member having protrusions arranged in a curved line will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 7 is a side view of the support member 20B. As shown in Figure 7, on the peripheral surface portion 25B of the support member 20B, the convex portion 251B may have a tip portion and be arranged in a curved shape from the first end face 21 to the second end face 23. In this case, the flow path of the aerosol can be made longer than when the convex portion 251B extends linearly in the longitudinal direction D1. This makes it easier for the manufacturing machine (assembly machine) to grip, allowing for stable production of heated tobacco cartridges, and allows for a change in the smoking comfort when the smoker inhales the aerosol compared to when the convex portion is arranged linearly.

Fourth Embodiment
In this embodiment, a support member different from that in the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, a support member in which a protrusion is provided in a wavy shape from a first end face to a second end face will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 8 (A) is a side view of the support member 20C. Figure 8 (B) is a view of the first end surface 21 of the support member 20C from the front. As shown in Figures 8 (A) and 8 (B), in the support member 20C, the convex portion 251C may be arranged in a wave shape in the longitudinal direction D1 from the first end surface 21 to the second end surface 23. In this case, the flow path of the aerosol can be made longer than when the convex portion 251C extends linearly in the longitudinal direction D1. This also changes the cooling time of the aerosol. Therefore, by using this embodiment, the gripping portion (manufacturing device) of the assembly machine can easily grip the support member 20C, making it possible to stably manufacture heated tobacco cartridges, and making it possible to change the smoking comfort when a smoker inhales the aerosol compared to when the convex portion 251C is arranged linearly.

Fifth Embodiment
In this embodiment, a support member different from that in the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, a support member in which a protrusion is provided along a circumferential direction will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

9(A) is a side view of the support member 20D. FIG. 9(B) is a view showing the first end surface 21 of the support member 20D as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 9(A) and FIG. 9(B), the support member 20D has the first end surface 21, the second end surface 23, and the peripheral surface portion 25D. The peripheral surface portion 25D of the support member 20D has a convex portion 251D. The convex portion 251D may have a tip portion 251Da and be provided along the circumferential direction. In this case, in FIG. 9(A), the imaginary line VL1 extending from the center C251D of the convex portion 251D toward the tip portion 251Da is the same as the imaginary line extending in the radial direction D2 from the central axis C20D of the support member 20D. The convex portion 251D has two side portions S251D, and the two side portions S251D each connect the tip portion 251Da and the peripheral surface portion 25D. In this case, when the support member 20D is viewed from the peripheral surface 25D side, the angle θ between the imaginary line VL1 and the imaginary line VL2 that is provided along the side portion S251D that corresponds to the tip portion 251Da of the convex portion 251D is an acute angle.

The number of protrusions 251D is controlled by the longitudinal length of the support member 20D. In this embodiment, the number of protrusions 251D that come into contact with the gripping portion of the assembly machine is increased compared to when the protrusions 251 extend in the longitudinal direction D1. By increasing the number of contacting protrusions 251D, a large frictional force is more likely to occur when the gripping portion of the assembly machine and the support member 20D come into contact. Therefore, by using this embodiment, it becomes easier for the gripping portion (manufacturing device) of the assembly machine to grip the support member 20D, and heated tobacco cartridges can be manufactured stably.

Sixth Embodiment
In this embodiment, a support member different from that in the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, a support member in which a plurality of protrusions are provided so as to intersect with each other will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

Fig. 10(A) is a side view of the support member 20E. Fig. 10(B) is a view showing the first end surface 21 of the support member 20E from the front. As shown in Figs. 10(A) and 10(B), the support member 20E includes a plurality of protrusions 251E on the peripheral surface portion 25E. The protrusions 251E have protrusions 251E1 and 251E2. The protrusions 251E1 have a tip portion 251E1a and are provided along the longitudinal direction D1. The protrusions 251E2 have a tip portion 251E2a and are provided along the circumferential direction. The protrusions 251E1 and 251E2 may be provided so as to intersect with each other.

In this case, the height of the convex portion 251E1 and the height of the convex portion 251E2 may be different. In this example, the height of the convex portion 251E2 is greater than the height of the convex portion 251E1. This increases the number of convex portions 251E2 that come into contact with the gripping portion of the assembly machine. By increasing the number of contacting convex portions, a large frictional force is more likely to occur when the gripping portion of the assembly machine comes into contact with the support member 20E.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the convex portion 251E1 and the circumferential convex portion 251E2 intersect to form a lattice-shaped groove 251EV. The aerosol can partially remain in the groove 251EV. This diversifies the flow path of the aerosol and allows the cooling time of the aerosol to be varied. Therefore, by using this embodiment, it becomes easier for the gripping portion (manufacturing device) of the assembly machine to grip the support member 20E, making it possible to stably manufacture heated tobacco cartridges and to change the smoking comfort when a smoker inhales the aerosol compared to when the convex portions are arranged in a straight line.

Seventh Embodiment
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the support member has projections and recesses over the entire length of the peripheral surface portion 25 in the longitudinal direction D1 and over the entire circumferential direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, a support member 20 different from that in the first embodiment will be described. A support member 20 in which a projection 251 is provided in a partial region of the peripheral surface portion 25 will be described.

11 to 14 are side views of the support member 20F. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the support member 20F has a protruding portion 251F on the peripheral surface portion 25F. The protruding portion 251F may be provided on a partial area of the peripheral surface portion 25F.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 11(A), the width may be wider in the circumferential direction than in the longitudinal direction D1. Also, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the width may be wider in the longitudinal direction D1 than in the circumferential direction.

The support member 20F may be provided in multiple regions. For example, as shown in FIG. 12(A), when the convex portion 251F is provided widely in the circumferential direction, the convex portion 251F may be provided in multiple regions in the longitudinal direction D1. As shown in FIG. 12(B), when the convex portion 251 is provided widely in the longitudinal direction D1, the convex portion 251F may be provided in multiple regions in the circumferential direction.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13(A), the convex portion 251F may be provided on a portion of the peripheral portion 25F over the entire circumferential direction of the peripheral portion 25F. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13(B), the convex portion 251F may be provided in multiple regions in the longitudinal direction D1.

Also, as shown in FIG. 14(A), the convex portion 251F may be provided on a portion of the peripheral portion 25F over the entire length of the peripheral portion 25F in the longitudinal direction D1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14(B), the convex portion 251F may be provided in multiple regions in the circumferential direction.

Even in the configuration of this embodiment, the protrusion 251F is provided on the peripheral surface 25F, so that frictional force is more likely to occur when the assembly machine grips the support member 20F. This makes it easier for the gripping portion of the assembly machine to grip the support member 20F, and allows for stable production of heated tobacco cartridges.

Eighth Embodiment
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example has been described in which the protrusion 251 is provided to extend in the longitudinal direction D1 of the peripheral surface portion 25 of the support member, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, a support member different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, a support member provided with a protruding protrusion will be described.

Figure 15 (A) is a side view of the support member 20G. Figure 15 (B) is a view of the first end surface 21 of the support member 20G from the front. As shown in Figures 15 (A) and 15 (B), the peripheral surface portion 25G has a convex portion 251G. The convex portion 251G has a protruding shape. The convex portion 251G is arranged in the longitudinal direction D1 and the circumferential direction. The convex portions 251G each have a tip portion 251Ga. In Figure 15 (B), the imaginary line VL1 extending from the center C251G of the convex portion 251 toward the tip portion 251Ga when viewed from the first end surface side is the same as the imaginary line extending from the central axis C20G of the support member 20G in the radial direction D2. The convex portion 251G has two side portions S251G, and the two side portions S251G each connect the tip portion 251Ga and the peripheral surface portion 25G. In this case, when the support member 20G is viewed from the first end surface 21 side, the angle θ between the imaginary line VL1 and the imaginary line VL2 that is provided along the side portion S251G that corresponds to the tip portion 251Ga of the convex portion 251G is an acute angle.

In this embodiment, the number of convex portions 251G is equal to the number of protrusions, and the frictional force between the support member 20G and the gripping portion of the assembly machine when manufacturing the heated tobacco cartridge can be increased. This makes it easier for the gripping portion of the assembly machine to grip the support member 20G, and allows for stable manufacturing of heated tobacco cartridges.

In this embodiment, adjacent convex portions 251G are arranged in the longitudinal direction D1, but this is not limiting. For example, another convex portion 251G adjacent to one convex portion 251G may be arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction D1.

Figure 16 (A) is a side view of the support member 20H. Figure 16 (B) is a view of the first end surface 21 of the support member 20H from the front. As shown in Figure 16 (A), the convex portion 251H may be arranged in a zigzag pattern in a diagonal direction with respect to the longitudinal direction D1. In this case, as shown in Figure 16 (B), when viewed from the first end surface 21 side, adjacent convex portions 251H partially overlap each other. This makes the aerosol flow path longer than when the aerosol flows linearly. Therefore, the cooling time of the aerosol is diversified. This makes it easier for the assembly machine to grip, allowing for stable production of heated tobacco cartridges, and allows for changes in the smoking comfort when the smoker inhales the aerosol.

Ninth embodiment
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the protrusions are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the peripheral surface of the support member, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, a support member different from the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, a support member having a recess extending in the longitudinal direction on the peripheral surface will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 17 (A) is a side view of the support member 20J. Figure 17 (B) is a view showing the first end face 21 of the support member 20J as viewed from the front. As shown in Figures 17 (A) and 17 (B), in the support member 20J, the peripheral surface portion 25J has a recess 252. The recess 252 is arranged linearly in the longitudinal direction D1 from the first end face 21 toward the second end face 23.

In FIG. 17(B), the recess 252 has two side portions S252, and the two side portions S252J each connect the tip portion 252a and the peripheral portion 25J. In this case, when the support member 20J is viewed from the first end face 21 side, the angle θ between the imaginary line VL1 extending from the center C252 of the recess 252 to the tip portion 252a when viewed from the first end face 21 side and the imaginary line VL2 provided along the side portion S252 corresponding to the tip portion 252a of the recess 252 is an acute angle.

In this embodiment, the support member 20J has a recess 252, which makes it easier for the tip of the gripping part of the assembly machine to catch on the support member 20J. As a result, the gripping part of the assembly machine can easily grip the support member 20J, and heated tobacco cartridges can be manufactured stably.

In this embodiment, the recesses 252 are arranged linearly in the longitudinal direction D1 from the first end surface 21 to the second end surface 23, but may be arranged in a shape according to any of the shapes described in the second to seventh embodiments.

Tenth Embodiment
In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the support member has a protruding convex portion on the peripheral surface thereof has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, a support member different from that in the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Specifically, an example in which a recessed portion having a recessed shape will be described.

Figure 18 (A) is a side view of the support member 20K. Figure 18 (B) is a view showing the first end surface 21 of the support member 20K as viewed from the front. As shown in Figures 18 (A) and 18 (B), the peripheral surface portion 25K has a plurality of recesses 252K. The recesses 252K have a recessed shape with a tip portion 252Ka. The recesses 252K are arranged in the longitudinal direction D1 and the circumferential direction. Each of the recesses 252K has a tip portion 252Ka.

In this embodiment, the support member 20K has multiple recesses 252K, which makes it easier for the tip of the gripping part of the assembly machine to catch on the recesses 252K of the support member 20K. As a result, the gripping part of the assembly machine can easily grip the support member 20K, and heated tobacco cartridges can be manufactured stably.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the flow path of the aerosol changes as the aerosol accumulates in the recess 252K. This makes it possible to change the smoking experience when the smoker inhales the aerosol.

Eleventh Embodiment
In this embodiment, a support member different from that in the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, a support member having a plurality of minute protrusions provided in the circumferential direction will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 19 (A) is a side view of the support member 20L. Figure 19 (B) is a front view of the first end face 21 of the support member 20L and an enlarged view of a portion of it. As shown in Figures 19 (A) and 19 (B), a plurality of minute protrusions 251L may be arranged in the longitudinal direction D1 from the first end face 21 toward the second end face 23 on the peripheral surface portion 25L of the support member 20L. The minute protrusions 251L have a pointed tip portion 251La.

The support member 20L has six holes 27L (through holes). Of the six through holes, five are evenly spaced apart at 72 degrees in the circumferential direction. Of the six through holes, the remaining one is located in the center of the first end face 21.

In this embodiment, 100 to 150 fine protrusions 251L may be arranged in the circumferential direction. The height of the fine protrusions 251L may be 1/100 to 1/50 of the width (diameter) of the support member. In this example, 137 fine protrusions 251L are arranged in the circumferential direction. In this example, the diameter of the support member is 7 mm, and the height T251L of the protrusions 251L is 0.1 mm. The width W251La (also called the pitch) between the tips 251La of adjacent protrusions 251L is 0.16 mm.

By having this embodiment, the contact area (contact points) with the member being gripped is increased while maintaining the shape of the convex portion. This increases the frictional force between the gripping part of the assembly machine and the support member. Therefore, it becomes easier for the gripping part of the assembly machine to grip the support member.

In addition, when the support member of this embodiment is wrapped in a wrapping member, a plurality of gaps 26 are provided between the peripheral surface portion 25L and the wrapping member 40, and these gaps can be used as aerosol flow paths. In this case, the gaps in the first end surface of the support member 20L are the gaps 26 and the six holes 27L. The ratio of the porosity of the gaps 26 to the holes 27L is preferably in the range of, for example, 1:1 to 1:12. The porosity of the gaps 26 is preferably in the range of 2% to 4% of the area surrounded by the wrapping member 40, and the porosity of the holes 27L is preferably in the range of 2% to 48%. If the gaps 26 exceed the upper limit of the above range, the wrapping member 40 may be crushed when pressure is applied from the outside, and the shape of the cartridge as a whole may not be maintained, or the support function of the support member 20 may not be maintained (for example, the tobacco filler 11 of the tobacco filler assembly 10 may easily enter the gaps 26 and the holes 27). Furthermore, if the gap 26 falls below the lower limit of the above range, the flow of the aerosol may be impaired (for example, the flow path becomes narrower, the amount of aerosol flowing decreases, and suction force is required). In this embodiment, the porosity of the hole 27 is 30%, and the porosity of the gap 26 is 3%.

In other words, by using this embodiment, the solid portion of the support member 20L suppresses the movement of the tobacco filler assembly 10 toward the filter 30, and multiple gaps 26 are provided between the support member 20L and the packaging member 40, so that the aerosol flows through the gaps 26 in addition to the holes 27L, thereby enhancing the effect of circulating the aerosol.

(Modification)
Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may come up with various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies the design of the above-mentioned embodiments, or adds, omits, or modifies the conditions of processing, are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention. In addition, the configurations of each embodiment may be appropriately combined and used.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example is shown in which the heated tobacco cartridge 1 is provided with a tobacco filler assembly 10, a support member 20, and a filter 30 that serves as a mouthpiece, but the present invention is not limited to this. Another member such as a cooling member or a heat insulating member may be provided between the support member 20 and the filter 30. In addition, a cavity may be provided between the support member and the filter to improve breathability. In this case, the cavity may be provided in a range of 1 mm to 20 mm. This results in a wide cavity portion, which can improve the amount of aerosol generated by the heated aroma generating body that is sucked in. In addition, the cavity also functions as an exchange space, which is excellent in terms of taste. Furthermore, even if a defect such as the tea leaves or filter becoming slightly longer due to manufacturing errors occurs, the cavity can absorb the manufacturing defect.

The heated tobacco cartridge 1 may also be composed of only the tobacco filler assembly 10 and the support member 20. In this case, the heated tobacco cartridge 1 does not need to have a filter.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the holes 27 (through holes) have the same radius and are circular, but this is not limiting. The holes 27 may each have a different radius. The holes 27 may also be elliptical or rectangular.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the support member 20 has a hole portion is shown, but this is not limited to this. Depending on the shape of the protrusion 251, the hole portion 27 may not be provided.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which multiple protrusions or recesses are provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The problem of the present application can be solved by providing at least one protrusion or recess.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions 251 have the same height, but the present invention is not limited to this. The protrusions 251 may have different heights. In addition, when the protrusions 251 extend in the longitudinal direction D1, the heights of the protrusions 251 may differ in the longitudinal direction D1. In addition, when the protrusions 251 extend along the circumferential direction, the heights of the protrusions 251 may differ in the circumferential direction. In addition, the heights of adjacent protrusions 251 may differ. This diversifies the flow path of the aerosol. Therefore, it is possible to change the smoking comfort of the aerosol obtained in the heated tobacco cartridge.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the virtual line VL1 extending from the center of the convex portion 251 toward the tip portion 251a when viewed from the first end face side is the same as the virtual line extending in the radial direction D2 from the central axis C20 of the support member 20, but is not limited to this. FIG. 20 is a front view of the first end face 21 of the support member 20M. As shown in FIG. 20, the peripheral surface portion 25M of the support member 20M has a convex portion 251M. The virtual line VL1 extending from the center C251M of the convex portion 251M toward the tip portion 251Ma may be different from the virtual line VL3 extending in the radial direction from the central axis C20M of the support member 20M. In this case, it is desirable that the angle formed by the two virtual lines VL1 and VL3 is less than 5 degrees. This can provide the same effect as when the center and tip portion 251a of the convex portion 251 of the first embodiment are provided on the same virtual line.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions 251C are arranged in a wavy shape in the longitudinal direction D1, but this is not limiting. The protrusions 251N of the support member 20N may be arranged in the circumferential direction or in an oblique direction relative to the longitudinal direction D1. FIG. 21 is a side view of the support member 20N. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the protrusions 251N may be arranged in a wavy shape in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction D1.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the multiple protrusions 251 are arranged to intersect in the longitudinal direction D1 and the circumferential direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, some of the multiple protrusions 251E may extend in a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal direction D1 or the circumferential direction. The protrusions 251E may intersect in the longitudinal direction D1 and the circumferential direction and have a wavy shape. This diversifies the flow path of the aerosol, making it possible to change the smoking experience when the smoker inhales the aerosol.

In addition, in each embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the concave or convex portions are provided with a certain regularity has been shown, but this is not limited to this. FIG. 22 is a side view of the support member 20P. As shown in FIG. 22, the support member 20P has a convex portion 251P on the peripheral surface portion 25P. The convex portion 251P may be provided irregularly. In this case, by providing the convex portion 251P, frictional force is generated between the gripping portion of the assembly machine and the convex portion, and the flow path of the aerosol is diversified, making it possible to change the smoking comfort when the smoker inhales the aerosol. Therefore, it becomes easier for the assembly machine to grip, the heated tobacco cartridge can be stably manufactured, and the smoking comfort of the aerosol can be varied.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, an example having a tip portion is shown, but this is not limited to this. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of support member 20Q and an enlarged view of convex portion 251Q. As shown in Figure 23, upper portion 251Quu of convex portion 251Q of peripheral surface portion 25Q in support member 20Q may be flat. In this case, when viewing support member 20 from the first end face 21 side, it is desirable that width W251Quu of upper portion 251Quu of convex portion 251Q is one-fifth or less of width W251Qd of lower portion 251Qd of convex portion 251. This can achieve the same effect as when the convex portion has a tip portion (top).

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which one protrusion has a tip portion with one apex formed thereon is shown, but this is not limited thereto. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the support member 20R and an enlarged view of the protrusion 251R. As shown in FIG. 24, the support member 20R has a protrusion 251R on the peripheral surface portion 25R. The protrusion 251R may have a tip portion 251Ra with multiple apexes formed thereon. In this case, the angle formed by the imaginary line VL1R connecting the center C251R of the protrusion and one apex 251Ra1 at the tip portion 251Ra and the imaginary line VL2R provided along the side portion S251R corresponding to the apex 251Ra1 is an acute angle. This increases the ground contact area (contact points) with the member to be gripped. Therefore, the frictional force between the gripping portion of the assembly machine and the support member can be increased. Therefore, it is easier to grip the support member with the gripping portion of the assembly machine.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an example has been described in which the convex portion has two sides when the first end face 21 is the front face, but the present invention is not limited to this. The convex portion may have an arc.

Figure 25 (A) is a side view of the support member 20S. Figure 25 (B) is a view of the first end surface 21 of the support member 20S from the front. As shown in Figures 25 (A) and 25 (B), the support member 20S has a protrusion 251S on the peripheral surface portion 25S. The protrusions 251S are arranged in the longitudinal direction D1 and the circumferential direction. Each of the protrusions 251S has a tip portion 251Sa. In Figure 25 (B), the imaginary line VL1 extending from the center C251S of the protrusion 251S toward the tip portion 251Sa when viewed from the first end surface side is the same as the imaginary line extending from the central axis C20S of the support member 20 in the radial direction D2. The protrusion 251S includes a circular arc S251S and connects the tip portion 251Sa and the peripheral surface portion 25S.

In this embodiment, by providing the protrusion 251S on the peripheral surface 25S, when the gripping portion of the assembly machine grips the support member 20S, frictional force is generated between the gripping portion of the assembly machine and the tip 251Sa of the protrusion 251S. This makes it easier for the gripping portion of the assembly machine to grip the support member 20S, and allows for stable production of heated tobacco cartridges.

1: cartridge, 5: heated tobacco body, 10: tobacco filler assembly, 11: tobacco filler, 20: support member, 21: first end face, 23: second end face, 25: peripheral surface, 26: gap, 27: hole, 30: filter, 40: packaging member, 50: insertion portion, 51: insertion portion, 52: heating element, 251: convex portion, 251a: tip portion, 252: concave portion, 252a: tip portion

Claims (6)

a tobacco filler accumulation that generates an aerosol when heated by a heating element;
A filter for filtering the aerosol;
a support member disposed between the tobacco packing stack and the filter, the support member preventing the tobacco packing stack from moving toward the filter;
a packaging member wound around the outer periphery of the tobacco filler stack, the filter, and the support member;
the support member has a first end face provided on the tobacco filler stack side, a second end face provided on the filter side, and a peripheral surface portion formed between the first end face and the second end face ,
The peripheral surface portion has a plurality of recesses or protrusions in a side view of the support member ,
The plurality of recesses or protrusions are provided extending along a circumferential direction of the support member.
Cartridge for heated tobacco. The plurality of recesses or protrusions are provided extending over the entire circumference of the support member in the circumferential direction.
The cartridge for a heated tobacco product according to claim 1 . The height of the protrusion is 0.05 mm or more and 1 mm or less.
The cartridge for a heated tobacco product according to claim 1 or 2. The heights of the protrusions are different from each other.
The cartridge for a heated tobacco product according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The plurality of recesses or protrusions have tip portions.
The cartridge for a heated tobacco product according to claim 1 . The support member has a hole extending from the first end surface to the second end surface.
The cartridge for a heated tobacco product according to claim 1 .

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