Filler element, filler element manufacturing method, and filler element manufacturing device

A filler element manufacturing device, a filler element used in a flavor inhaler, the device comprising:

• a sheet processing section configured to process a single sheet formed of a nonwoven fabric while transporting the sheet through a transport path;
• a folding section configured to fold, in a transport process of the sheet through the transport path, the sheet in a width direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the sheet, the sheet having been processed in the sheet processing section, thereby to form a folded rod such that the folded rod has a diameter reduced to a value smaller than or equal to a diameter of the filler element;
• a wrapping section configured to wrap, with wrapping paper, the folded rod having been formed in the folding section, thereby to form a filler rod;
• and
• a cutting section configured to cut, into the filler element, the filler rod having been formed in the wrapping section,
• wherein, in a process of folding the sheet, the folding section forms an opening open in an axial direction of the folded rod at part in a circumferential direction of the folded rod, and
• wherein the folding section includes a capsule supplying unit configured to supply, into the folded rod through the opening, a capsule in which an addition agent is encapsulated.

A filler element manufacturing method, a filler element used in a flavor inhaler, the method comprising the steps of:

• processing a single sheet formed of a nonwoven fabric while transporting the sheet;
• folding, in a transport process of the sheet, the sheet in a width direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the sheet, the sheet having been processed in the processing of the sheet, thereby to form a folded rod such that the folded rod has a diameter reduced to a value smaller than or equal to a diameter of the filler element;
• wrapping, with wrapping paper, the folded rod having been formed in the folding, thereby to form a filler rod;
• and
• cutting, into the filler element, the filler rod having been formed in the wrapping,
• wherein, in the folding, an opening open in an axial direction of the folded rod is formed at part in a circumferential direction of the folded rod in a process of folding the sheet, and
• wherein, also in the folding, capsule supplying processing is performed to supply, into the folded rod through the opening, a capsule in which an addition agent is encapsulated.