EP4331399A1 - Appareil d'aspiration d'arôme et système à fumer - Google Patents

Appareil d'aspiration d'arôme et système à fumer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4331399A1
EP4331399A1 EP21939249.5A EP21939249A EP4331399A1 EP 4331399 A1 EP4331399 A1 EP 4331399A1 EP 21939249 A EP21939249 A EP 21939249A EP 4331399 A1 EP4331399 A1 EP 4331399A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
generating article
flavor
accommodating portion
protrusions
heating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21939249.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Tateki SUMII
Ryo Tamura
Manabu Yamada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Publication of EP4331399A1 publication Critical patent/EP4331399A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flavor inhaler and a smoking system.
  • flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors or the like without burning materials are known.
  • a flavor inhaler including a non-circular chamber that compresses and holds an inserted flavor generating article, for example, is known (see PTL 1, for example).
  • the present invention was made in order to solve at least a part of the problem as described above, and an object thereof is to obtain a flavor inhaler capable of preventing a flavor generating article from falling off from a chamber even in a case where a stress acts on the flavor generating article.
  • a flavor inhaler includes: an accommodating portion that includes an opening formed at one end and accommodates at least a part of a flavor generating article via the opening, the accommodating portion including contact portions that pressurize a part of the accommodated flavor generating article in an axial direction of the accommodating portion and a separated portion that is separated from the accommodated flavor generating article; a heating portion that is disposed in the axial direction of the accommodating portion and heats the flavor generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion; and gripping portions that grip the flavor generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion, in which the accommodating portion has a heating region that overlaps the heating portion and a non-heating region other than the heating region in a section perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion, and the gripping portions are provided at the contact portions and in the heating region.
  • the first aspect of the present invention it is possible to compress and hold the flavor generating article by the accommodating portion and to grip the flavor generating article by the gripping portions inside the accommodating portion by providing the gripping portions in the contact portions that pressurize the flavor generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion and in the heating region that overlaps the heating portion in the section perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flavor generating article from falling off from the accommodating portion even in a case where a stress acts on the flavor generating article. Also, it is possible to grip the region of the flavor generating article hardened by heating with the gripping portions and thereby to fixedly grip the flavor generating article.
  • the gripping portions are protrusions that project from an inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion and pressurize the flavor generating article, in the first aspect.
  • the second aspect of the present invention it is possible to pressurize and grip the flavor generating article inside the accommodating portion and to curb a damage on the outer surface of the flavor generating article by configuring the gripping portions with the protrusions that project from the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion and pressurize the flavor generating article.
  • the protrusions have a dot shape, in the second aspect.
  • the third aspect of the present invention it is possible to pressurize and grip the flavor generating article inside the accommodating portion with a simple configuration by configuring the gripping portions with dot-shaped protrusions.
  • the contact portions are planes, and the protrusions are provided at positions that do not overlap a center axis of the accommodating portion when seen from a plane that is parallel with the contact portions, in the third aspect.
  • the fourth aspect of the present invention it is possible to curb shaking of the flavor generating article supported by the protrusions serving as support points on the side of the separated portion, by providing the protrusions at positions that do not overlap the center axis of the accommodating portion when seen from a plane that is parallel with the contact portions.
  • the protrusions extend in the axial direction of the accommodating portion, in the second aspect.
  • the fifth aspect of the present invention it is possible to stably grip the flavor generating article inside the accommodating portion by configuring the gripping portions with the protrusions extending in the axial direction of the accommodating portion.
  • the protrusions extend in a direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion, in the second aspect.
  • the sixth aspect of the present invention it is possible to curb shaking of the flavor generating article on the side of the separated portion by configuring the gripping portion with the protrusions extending in the direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion.
  • the protrusions extend in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the accommodating portion and a direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion, in the second aspect.
  • the seventh aspect of the present invention it is possible to stably grip the flavor generating article inside the accommodating portion and to curb shaking of the flavor generating article on the side of the separated portion, by configuring the gripping portions with the protrusions that extend in the direction that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the accommodating portion and the direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion.
  • the contact portions are a pair of mutually facing planes
  • the protrusions are provided on the pair of planes, respectively, end portions of the protrusions provided on the pair of planes, respectively, on a side opposite to the opening overlap each other when seen from a plane that is parallel with the contact portions, and end portions of the protrusions provided on the pair of planes, respectively, on a side of the opening extend in a direction in which the end portions are separated from each other when seen from the plane that is parallel with the contact portions, in the seventh aspect.
  • the eighth aspect of the present invention it is possible to provide a feeling of resistance when the flavor generating article is inserted and to improve a feeling of insertion of the flavor generating article, by configuring the protrusions provided on the pair of planes, respectively such that the protrusions extend with the end portions on the side opposite to the opening overlapping each other and with the end portions on the side of the opening separated from each other when seen from the plane that is parallel with the contact portions.
  • the protrusions are formed by embossing, and at least a part of the protrusions is exposed on the side of the opening from the heating region, in any of the second aspect to the eighth aspect.
  • the ninth aspect of the present invention it is possible to cause heated air between the heating portion and the protrusions to escape and thereby to curb peeling-off of the heating portion by configuring the protrusions formed by embossing such that at least a part thereof is exposed on the side of the opening from the heating region.
  • the heating portion has a heat generating element that generates heat, and an insulating base element that supports the heat generating element, the heat generating element and the base element form, in the heating region, a heat generating region where the heat generating element is disposed and a non-heat generating region, which is adjacent to the heat generating region on the side of the opening, the heating generating element being not disposed in the non-heat generating region, and the gripping portions are provided in the non-heat generating region, in any of the first aspect to the ninth aspect.
  • the tenth aspect of the present invention it is possible to uniformly heat the flavor generating article by providing the gripping portions in the non-heat generating region where the heat generating element is not disposed in the heating region.
  • support portions that support the flavor generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion are further included, and the support portions are provided at the separated portion and in the heating region, in any of the first aspect to the tenth aspect.
  • the eleventh aspect of the present invention it is possible to curb shaking of the flavor generating article on the side of the separated portion by providing the gripping portions at the separated portion that is separated from the flavor generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion and in the heating region that overlaps the heating portion in the section perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion.
  • the support portions are protrusions formed by embossing, and at least a part of the support portions is exposed on the side of the opening from the heating region, in the eleventh aspect.
  • the twelfth aspect of the present invention it is possible to cause heated air between the heating portion and the protrusion to escape and thereby to curb peeling-off of the heating portion by configuring the support portions that are the protrusions formed by embossing such that at least a part thereof is exposed on the side of the opening from the heating region.
  • the gripping portions include a pair of first protrusions aligned in a first direction
  • the support portions include a pair of second protrusions aligned in a second direction
  • the first direction and the second direction intersect each other, in the eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect.
  • the thirteenth aspect of the present invention it is possible to stably grip the flavor generating article inside the accommodating portion and to curb shaking of the flavor generating article on the side of the separated portion by configuring the gripping portions to include the pair of first protrusions aligned in the first direction and configuring the support portions to include the pair of second protrusions aligned in the second direction with the first direction and the second direction intersecting each other.
  • the first direction is a direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion
  • the second direction is a direction along the axial direction of the accommodating portion, in the thirteenth aspect.
  • the fourteenth aspect of the present invention it is possible to secure a wide contact area between the flavor generating article and the first protrusions when seen in the insertion direction of the flavor generating article and to obtain a high contact resistance, by aligning the first protrusions in the direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion. Also, it is possible to support the most protruding part by the second protrusions when the flavor generating article is deformed inside the accommodating portion and thereby to more fixedly grip the flavor generating article inside the accommodating portion by aligning the second protrusions in the axial direction of the accommodating portion.
  • a size of the first protrusions is smaller than a size of the second protrusions, in the thirteenth aspect or the fourteenth aspect.
  • the second protrusions bite into the flavor generating article more deeply when the flavor generating article is deformed inside the accommodating portion by forming the second protrusions to be larger, and it is thus possible to more fixedly grip the flavor generating article inside the accommodating portion.
  • one of the pair of second protrusions is provided in the heat generating region in the heating region, and the other one of the pair of second protrusions is provided in the non-heat generating region in the heating region, in any of the thirteenth aspect to the fifteenth aspect.
  • the sixteenth aspect of the present invention it is possible to grip the flavor generating article in both a region hardened by heating and a relatively soft region with elasticity by providing the other one of the pair of second protrusions in the non-heat generating region that is adjacent to the heat generating region on the side of the opening and thereby to more fixedly grip the flavor generating article inside the accommodating portion.
  • one and the other one of the pair of second protrusions are formed to be connected to each other by embossing, and at least a part of the pair of second protrusions is exposed on the side of the opening from the heating region, in any of the thirteenth aspect to the sixteenth aspect.
  • the seventeenth aspect of the present invention it is possible to cause heated air between the heating portion and the second protrusions to escape and to curb peeling-off of the heating portion by configuring the pair of second protrusions formed to be connected to each other by embossing such that at least a part thereof is exposed on the side of the opening from the heating region.
  • a smoking system in an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, includes: a flavor inhaler; and a flavor generating article, the flavor inhaler includes an accommodating portion that includes an opening formed at one end and accommodates at least a part of the flavor generating article via the opening, the accommodating portion including contact portions that pressurize a part of the accommodated flavor generating article in an axial direction of the accommodating portion and a separated portion that is separated from the accommodated flavor generating article, a heating portion that is disposed in the axial direction of the accommodating portion and heats the flavor generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion, and gripping portions that grip the flavor generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion, the accommodating portion has a heating region that overlaps the heating portion and a non-heating region other than the heating region in a section perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion, the flavor generating article includes a filling portion that is filled with a smokable article, and a hollow tubular portion that is provided continuously with the
  • the eighteenth aspect of the present invention it is possible to grip the flavor generating article with the gripping portions in the accommodating portion while compressing and holding the flavor generating article in the accommodating portion and to curb damage on the outer surface of the flavor generating article by providing the gripping portions in the contact portions that pressurizes the flavor generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion, in the heating region that overlaps the heating portion in the section perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction of the accommodating portion, and in the vicinity of the boundary between the filling portion and the tubular portion.
  • Fig. 1A is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system may be added for convenience of description. In the coordinate system, the Z axis is directed vertically upward, the X-Y plane is disposed to cut the flavor inhaler 100 in the horizontal direction, and the Y axis is disposed to extend from the front surface to the rear surface of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the Z axis can also be called an insertion direction of a flavor generating article to be accommodated in a chamber 50 of an atomization portion 30, which will be described later, or an axial direction of the chamber 50. Additionally, the X axis is in a direction that perpendicularly intersects the Y axis and the Z axis.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by heating a flavor generating article of a stick type having a flavor source containing an aerosol source, for example.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 has an outer housing 101, a slide cover 102, a switch portion 103, and a terminal 104.
  • the outer housing 101 configures the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and has a size with which it fits in a user's hand. The user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 with his/her hand and inhale the aerosol when the user uses the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the outer housing 101 may be configured by assembling a plurality of members.
  • the outer housing 101 may be formed of metal such as aluminum.
  • the outer housing 101 may have a member made of a resin, for example, polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, or a polymer alloy or the like containing polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or a plurality of types of polymers.
  • a resin for example, polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, or a polymer alloy or the like containing polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or a plurality of types of polymers.
  • PC polycarbonate
  • ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the outer housing 101 has an opening, which is not illustrated, for receiving the flavor generating article, and the slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close the opening.
  • the slide cover 102 is configured to be movable along an outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (the position illustrated in Figs. 1A and 1B ) at which the opening of the outer housing 101 is closed and an open position at which the opening is open. It is possible to cause the slide cover 102 to move between the closed position and the open position by the user manually operating the slide cover 102, for example. In this manner, the slide cover 102 is able to permit or restrict access to the flavor generating article inside the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the switch portion 103 is used to switch ON and OFF of an operation of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • power is supplied from a power source, which is not illustrated, to a heating portion, which is not illustrated, and it is possible to heat the flavor generating article without burning the flavor generating article, by the user operating the switch portion 103 in a state where the flavor generating article is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the switch portion 103 may be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101 or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. In a case where the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch portion 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In the present embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch portion 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.
  • the terminal 104 is an interface, such as a USB, that connects the flavor inhaler 100 to an external power source, for example.
  • the external power source can cause a current to flow to the power source and charge the power source by connecting the external power source to the terminal 104.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may be configured to be able to transmit data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to an external device by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal 104.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of the flavor generating article 110.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor generating article 110 can configure a smoking system.
  • the flavor generating article 110 has a filling portion 111 that is filled with a smokable article, a hollow tubular member 114 (corresponding to an example of a tubular portion) that is provided continuously with the filling portion 111, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115.
  • the filling portion 111 is wrapped by a first wrapping paper 112.
  • the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are wrapped by a second wrapping paper 113 that is different from the first wrapping paper 112.
  • the second wrapping paper 113 also wraps a part of the first wrapping paper 112 wrapping the filling portion 111.
  • the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are coupled to the filling portion 111.
  • the second wrapping paper 113 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 may be coupled to the filling portion 111 by using the first wrapping paper 112.
  • a lip release agent 117 for facilitating releasing of a user's lip from the second wrapping paper 113 is applied to the outer surface of the second wrapping paper 113 in the vicinity of the end portion on the side of the filter portion 115.
  • the part of the flavor generating article 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as a mouthpiece of the flavor generating article 110.
  • the filling portion 111 can contain a flavor source such as tobacco, for example, and an aerosol source.
  • the first wrapping paper 112 for wrapping the filling portion 111 can be a sheet member with breathability.
  • the tubular member 114 can be a paper pipe or a hollow filter.
  • the flavor generating article 110 includes the filling portion 111, the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 in the illustrated example, the configuration of the flavor generating article 110 is not limited thereto.
  • the hollow filter portion 116 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114 and the filter portion 115 may be disposed to be adjacent to each other.
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 seen along the arrow 3-3 illustrated in Fig. 1B .
  • a placement portion 10 where accommodated elements such as a power source portion 20 and an atomization portion 30, which will be described later, are placed is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the placement portion 10 is made of a resin, for example, and can be formed of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, or a polymer alloy or the like containing polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or a plurality of types of polymers.
  • PC polycarbonate
  • ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the placement portion 10 may include a part formed of metal such as aluminum, for example.
  • the placement portion 10 is preferably polycarbonate from the viewpoint of heat resistance, workability, and strength.
  • the power source portion 20 and the atomization portion 30 are provided in the inner space of the placement portion 10. Note that the power source portion 20 and the atomization portion 30 cannot be replaced after the flavor inhaler 100 is assembled.
  • the outer housing 101 and the placement portion 10 may be collectively referred to as a casing.
  • the power source portion 20 includes a power source 21.
  • the power source 21 can be a chargeable battery or a non-chargeable battery, for example.
  • the power source 21 is electrically connected to the atomization portion 30.
  • the power source 21 can thus supply power to the atomization portion 30 to appropriately heat the flavor generating article 110.
  • the atomization portion 30 has a chamber 50 (corresponding to an example of an accommodating portion) extending in an insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor generating article 110, a heating portion 40 disposed in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 and covering a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulating portion 32, and a substantially tubular insertion guide member 34 as illustrated in the drawing.
  • the chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the flavor generating article 110 therein.
  • the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 is provided with a boss 51 (corresponding to a gripping portion or a protrusion) to grip the accommodated flavor generating article 110. Details of the boss 51 will be described later.
  • the heating portion 40 is configured to come into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and heat the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50.
  • a bottom member 36 may be provided at the bottom portion of the chamber 50.
  • the bottom member 36 can function as a stopper that positions the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50.
  • the bottom member 36 has irregularity on a surface that the flavor generating article 110 abuts and can define a space into which air can be supplied on the surface that the flavor generating article 110 abuts.
  • the bottom member 36 is made of a resin, for example, and may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, a polymer alloy or the like containing polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or a plurality of types of polymers, or metal such as aluminum, in particular.
  • PC polycarbonate
  • ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the bottom member 36 is preferably formed of a material with a low heat conductivity to prevent heat from being transmitted to the heat insulating portion 32 and the like.
  • the heat insulating portion 32 has a substantially tubular shape as a whole and is disposed to cover the chamber 50.
  • the heat insulating portion 32 can include an aerogel sheet, for example.
  • the insertion guide member 34 is provided between the outer housing 101 and the chamber 50. The insertion guide member 34 is configured not to be able to escape to the outside of the casing with a claw engaged with the casing if the insertion guide member 34 is inserted from the opening of the outer housing 101 into the casing.
  • the insertion guide member 34 is made of a resin, for example, and may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, or a polymer alloy or the like containing polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or a plurality of types of polymers, in particular.
  • PC polycarbonate
  • ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the insertion guide member 34 may be formed of metal, glass, ceramics, or the like.
  • the insertion guide member 34 is preferably made of PEEK from the viewpoint of heat resistance.
  • the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100 when the slide cover 102 is at the open position, and the insertion guide member 34 guides insertion of the flavor generating article 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the flavor generating article 110 into a through-hole 34a in the insertion guide member 34.
  • the slide cover 102 is configured to cover at least a part of the insertion guide member 34 in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 with the through-hole 34a in the insertion guide member 34 exposed to the outside when the slide cover 102 is at the open position.
  • a state where the slide cover 102 is closed to cover the entire through-hole 34a in the insertion guide member 34 is illustrated by the two-dotted chain line.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 further has a first holding portion 37 and a second holding portion 38 that hold both ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating portion 32.
  • the first holding portion 37 is disposed to hold the end portions of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating portion 32 on the negative direction side of the Z axis.
  • the second holding portion 38 is disposed to hold the end portions of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating portion 32 on the side of the slide cover 102 (the positive direction side of the Z axis).
  • Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4B is a sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion 40, the chamber 50 along the arrow 4B-4B illustrated in Fig. 4A .
  • Fig. 4C is a sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion 40, the chamber 50 along the arrow 4C-4C illustrated in Fig. 4A .
  • Fig. 5A is a sectional view of the chamber 50 along the arrow 5A-5A illustrated in Fig. 4B .
  • Fig. 5B is a sectional view of the chamber 50 along the arrow 5B-5B illustrated in Fig. 4B .
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating portion 40 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the chamber 50 can have a tubular shape including an opening 52 into which the flavor generating article 110 is inserted and a tubular side wall portion 60 that accommodates the flavor generating article 110.
  • a flange portion 52a is formed at an end portion that defines the opening 52 of the chamber 50.
  • the chamber 50 is disposed such that the flange portion 52a provided on the side opposite to a bottom portion 56 faces the opening of the outer housing 101.
  • the chamber 50 is preferably formed of a material with heat resistance and a small coefficient of thermal expansion and can be formed of, for example, stainless steel.
  • the chamber 50 may be formed of a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramics, or the like as well as metal. This enables effective heating of the flavor generating article 110 from the chamber 50.
  • the chamber 50 is not limited to the tubular shape and may have a cup shape.
  • the side wall portion 60 includes contact portions 62 and a separated portion 66.
  • the contact portions 62 come into contact with or press a part of the flavor generating article 110 in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, and the separated portion 66 is separated from the flavor generating article 110.
  • the chamber 50 compresses and grips the inserted flavor generating article 110.
  • the desired position in the chamber 50 means the position at which the flavor generating article 110 is appropriately heated or the position of the flavor generating article 110 when the user smokes.
  • Each contact portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b.
  • the separated portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b.
  • the heating portion 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62.
  • the heating portion 40 is preferably disposed with no clearance from the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62.
  • the heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In that case, the heating portion 40 including the adhesive layer is preferably disposed with no clearance from the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62.
  • the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is a planar surface. It is possible to prevent a strip-shaped electrode 48 from being bent in a case where the strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heating portion 40 disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 as illustrated in Fig. 6 by the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 being a planar surface. As illustrated in Figs. 4B and 5B , the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is a planar surface. Also, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform as illustrated in Figs. 4B and 5B .
  • the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other in parallel with each other.
  • the distance of at least a part between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is preferably shorter than the width of the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 at the location disposed between the contact portions 62.
  • the inner surface 66a of the separated portion 66 can have an arc-shaped section as a whole in the section that perpendicularly intersects the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50.
  • the separated portion 66 is disposed to be adjacent to the contact portions 62 in the circumferential direction.
  • the contact portion 62 and the separated portion 66 configure a non-circular inner circumferential surface in the section perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50.
  • the chamber 50 can have a hole 56a at the bottom portion 56 thereof such that the bottom member 36 illustrated in Fig. 3 penetrates therethrough and is disposed inside the chamber 50.
  • the bottom member 36 can be fixed to the inside of the bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50 with an adhesive or the like.
  • the adhesive intervening between the bottom member 36 and the bottom portion 56 can be configured of a resin material such as an epoxy resin. Instead of this, an inorganic adhesive such as cement or welding can also be used.
  • the bottom member 36 provided at the bottom portion 56 can support a part of the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 with at least a part of an end surface of the flavor generating article 110 exposed.
  • the bottom portion 56 can support a part of the flavor generating article 110 with the exposed end surface of the flavor generating article 110 communicating with a clearance 67 (see Fig. 7 ), which will be described later.
  • a heating region 50A that is a region overlapping the heating portion 40 in a section perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, that is, a region that corresponds to a location where the heating portion 40 is disposed and follows the Z-axis direction and a non-heating region 50B other than the heating region 50A are formed in the inner space of the chamber 50.
  • the chamber 50 preferably has a tubular non-holding portion 54 between the opening 52 and the side wall portion 60.
  • a clearance can be formed between the non-holding portion 54 and the flavor generating article 110 in a state where the flavor generating article 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50.
  • the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 including a tapered surface 58a that connects the inner surface of the non-holding portion 54 to the inner surfaces 62a of the contact portions 62.
  • the heating portion 40 has a heating element 42.
  • the heating element 42 may be a heating resistor (corresponding to an example of a heat generating element), for example.
  • the heating element 42 is preferably disposed to heat the contact portions 62 without coming into contact with the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50.
  • the heating element 42 is preferably disposed only on the outer surfaces of the contact portions 62.
  • the heating element 42 may have a difference in heating capability between a part heating the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50 and a part heating the contact portions 62.
  • the heating element 42 may be configured to heat the contact portions 62 to a higher temperature than that of the separated portion 66.
  • the heating portion 40 preferably has an electrically insulating member 44 (corresponding to an example of a base element) that is configured of a resin or the like covering at least one surface of the heating element 42 in addition to the heating element 42.
  • the electrically insulating member 44 is disposed to cover both surfaces of the heating element 42.
  • Fig. 7 is a sectional view illustrated in Fig. 5B in a state where the flavor generating article 110 is disposed at a desired position in the chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the boss 51 illustrated in Fig. 5A is illustrated by a virtual line.
  • the flavor generating article 110 can come into contact with and be pressed by the contact portions 62 of the chamber 50.
  • the clearance 67 is formed between the flavor generating article 110 and the separated portion 66. The clearance 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end surface of the flavor generating article 110 located in the chamber 50.
  • the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 is pressurized by the contact portions 62 of the chamber 50 and is thereby compressed and gripped, the flavor generating article 110 may fall off from the chamber 50 if an unintended action acts on the flavor generating article 110. Also, the flavor generating article 110 may shake on the side of the separated portion 66 due to the stress acting on the flavor generating article 110.
  • bosses 51 configured to pressurize and grip the outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 inward in the radial direction of the chamber 50 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 as illustrated in Figs. 4B , 4C , 5A , and 7 .
  • the bosses 51 are provided on inner surfaces 62a of the contact portion 62 and in the heating region 50A on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50. Also, the boss 51 is provided on each of the mutually facing inner surfaces 62a.
  • the bosses 51 are protrusions that project from the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and pressurize the flavor generating article 110 and extend in the direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, specifically, a lateral direction (Y-axis direction).
  • the bosses 51 are formed by embossing, the bosses 51 may be formed by projecting members attached to the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50. Additionally, the boss 51 may be provided only on one of the mutually facing inner surfaces 62a, or a plurality of bosses 51 may be provided on one inner surface 62a.
  • rotation of the flavor generating article 110 about the Y axis is restricted by configuring the bosses 51 with the protrusions extending in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, it is possible to curb shaking of the flavor generating article 110 on the side of the separated portion 66.
  • Fig. 8 is a sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion 40, another chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the chamber 50 illustrated in Fig. 8.
  • Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate sections corresponding to Figs. 4C and 5A , respectively.
  • bosses 51A configured to pressurize and grip the outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 inward in the radial direction of the chamber 50 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50.
  • the bosses 51A are provided on the inner surfaces 62a of the contact portion 62 in the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and in the heating region 50A.
  • the boss 51A is provided on each of the mutually facing inner surfaces 62a.
  • the bosses 51A are dot-shaped protrusions that project from the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and pressurize the flavor generating article 110. It is possible to pressurize and grip the flavor generating article 110 inside the chamber 50 with a simple configuration by configuring the bosses 51A with the dot-shaped protrusions.
  • Fig. 10 is a sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion, another chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the chamber illustrated in Fig. 10. Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate sections corresponding to Figs. 4C and 5A , respectively.
  • the bosses 51A configured to pressurize and grip the outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 inward in the radial direction of the chamber 50 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50.
  • the bosses 51A are provided at positions at which the bosses 51A do not overlap the center axis of the chamber 50 when seen from the plane that is parallel with the contact portions 62.
  • bosses 51A and the separated portion 66 are located closer by providing the bosses 51A at the positions at which the bosses 51A do not overlap the center axis of the chamber 50, and thereby to curb shaking of the flavor generating article 110 supported by the bosses 51A serving as support points on the side of the separated portion 66.
  • Fig. 12 is a sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion 40, another chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the chamber 50 illustrated in Fig. 12.
  • Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate sections corresponding to Figs. 4C and 5A , respectively.
  • bosses 51B configured to pressurize and grip the outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 inward in the radial direction of the chamber 50 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50.
  • the bosses 51B are provided on the inner surfaces 62a of the contact portion 62 in the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and in the heating region 50A.
  • the boss 51B is provided on each of the mutually facing inner surfaces 62a.
  • the bosses 51B are protrusions that project from the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and pressurize the flavor generating article 110 and extend in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50.
  • Fig. 14 is a sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion 40, another chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a sectional view of the chamber 50 illustrated in Fig. 14.
  • Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate sections corresponding to Figs. 4C and 5A , respectively.
  • the bosses 51C configured to pressurize and grip the outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 inward in the radial direction of the chamber 50 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50.
  • the bosses 51C are provided on the inner surfaces 62a of the contact portion 62 in the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and in the heating region 50A. Also, the boss 51C is provided on each of the mutually facing inner surfaces 62a.
  • the bosses 51C are protrusions that project from the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and pressurize the flavor generating article 110 and extend in a direction (oblique direction) inclined with respect to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 and the lateral direction (Y-axis direction).
  • the aspect ratio of the bosses 51C is equal to or greater than one.
  • the pair of bosses 51C are configured such that the end portions thereof on the side opposite to the opening 52 overlap each other and the end portions thereof on the side of the opening 52 are separated from each other when seen from the plane that is parallel with the contact portions 62.
  • the inclination angles of the pair of bosses 51C with respect to the center axis of the chamber 50 are preferably equal to each other.
  • a rotating force of the flavor generating article 110 works while the surfaces of the contact portions 62 generate a resistance force of curbing the rotating force when the flavor generating article 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, by configuring the pair of bosses 51C such that the end portions thereof on the side opposite to the opening 52 overlap each other and the end portions thereof on the side of the opening 52 are separated from each other when seen from the plane that is parallel with the contact portions 62. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sense of resistance to the user and to improve a feeling of insertion of the flavor generating article 110 when the flavor generating article 110 is inserted.
  • FIG. 16 is another sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion, the chamber along the arrow 4B-4B illustrated in Fig. 4A .
  • Fig. 16 at least a part of the bosses 51 is exposed on the side of the opening 52 from the heating region 50A.
  • the positions of the bosses in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 are preferably in the vicinity of the boundary between the filling portion 111 and the tubular member 114 of the flavor generating article 110, specifically, on a virtual plane where the boundary is located when the flavor generating article 110 is disposed at a desired position in the chamber 50.
  • the bosses 51 are disposed on the side close to the filter portion 115 than the virtual plane, there may be a case where it is not possible to obtain a preferable gripping force from the bosses 51.
  • the flavor generating article 110 is thinned due to heating, and the opening portion of the tubular member 114 that is the boundary between the filling portion 111 and the tubular member 114 experiences the largest deformation. Therefore, there may be a case where the bosses 51 slips along the outer surface of the tubular member 114 inclined toward the opening portion, sufficient gripping cannot be achieved, and a preferable gripping force does not appear.
  • the bosses 51 may be disposed on the side closer to the filling portion 111 than the virtual plane, there may be a case where damage occurs on the flavor generating article 110 if gripping is achieved with the bosses 51 at the positions away from the virtual plane.
  • the strength of the flavor generating article 110 tends to become the weakest in the vicinity of the virtual plane, and if the flavor generating article 110 is gripped at positions away from the virtual plane, the flavor generating article 110 may break in the vicinity of the virtual plane when it is attempted to pull out the flavor generating article 110 or when the flavor generating article 110 shakes.
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the chamber illustrated in Fig. 17 .
  • Fig. 19 is a sectional view illustrating, along with a heating portion, a chamber along the arrow 19-19 illustrated in Fig. 17 .
  • Fig. 20 is a sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion, the chamber along the arrow 20-20 illustrated in Fig. 17 .
  • Fig. 21 is a sectional view of the chamber along the arrow 21-21 illustrated in Fig. 20 .
  • description of configurations that are similar to those in the aforementioned first embodiment will be omitted.
  • a heat generating region 40A and a non-heat generating region 40B that is adjacent to the heat generating region 40A on the side of the opening 52 are formed in a heating portion 40.
  • the heat generating region 40A is a region where a heat generating element such as the heating element 42 illustrated in Fig. 6
  • the non-heat generating region 40B is a region, which is formed by a base element such as an electrically insulating member 44 illustrated in Fig. 6 , in which the heat generating element is not disposed.
  • bosses 51D (corresponding to an example of gripping portions or protrusions) configured to pressurize and grip the outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 inward in the radial direction of the chamber 50 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50.
  • the bosses 51D are provided on inner surfaces 62a of contact portions 62 and in the heating region 50A on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50.
  • two bosses 51D are disposed in an aligned manner in the direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, specifically, in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) thereby to form a pair of bosses 51D (corresponding to an example of first protrusions).
  • each of the pair of bosses 51D is provided on each of the mutually facing inner surfaces 62a.
  • the pair of bosses 51D are provided at positions corresponding to the non-heat generating region 40B in the heating portion 40.
  • bosses 51E (corresponding to an example of support portions) configured to support the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50.
  • the bosses 51E are provided on inner surfaces 66a of the separated portion 66 and in the heating region 50A on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50.
  • two bosses 51E are disposed in an aligned manner in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 thereby to form a pair of bosses 51E (corresponding to an example of second protrusions).
  • each of the pair of bosses 51E is provided on each of the mutually facing inner surfaces 66a.
  • one of the pair of bosses 51E is provided at a position corresponding to the heat generating region 40A in the heating portion 40 while the other one of the pair of bosses 51E is provided at a position corresponding to the non-heat generating region 40B in the heating portion 40. Moreover, at least a part of the other one of the pair of bosses 51E is exposed on the side of the opening 52 from the heating region 50A. It is possible to prevent the pair of bosses 51E from blocking an air flow path (clearance 67) formed between the flavor generating article 110 and the separated portion 66 by disposing the pair of bosses 51E in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50.
  • pair of bosses 51E may be disposed such that two bosses 51E are aligned in the direction perpendicularly intersecting the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, specifically, in the lateral direction (X-axis direction).
  • bosses 51E it is possible to cause heated air between the heating portion 40 and the bosses 51E to escape and thereby to curb peeling-off of the heating portion 40 from the chamber 50 by configuring the other one of the pair of bosses 51E such that at least a part thereof is exposed on the side of the opening 52 from the heating region 50A.
  • the bosses 51D may be configured such that at least a part thereof is exposed on the side of the opening 52 from the heating region 50A.
  • bosses 51D are configured to have a smaller size than the size of the bosses 51E here. Since the bosses 51E bite into the flavor generating article 110 more deeply when the flavor generating article 110 is deformed inside the chamber 50 and thereby to more fixedly grip the flavor generating article 110 inside the chamber 50 by forming the bosses 51E to be large.
  • Fig. 22 is another sectional view illustrating, along with the heating portion, the chamber along the arrow 19-19 illustrated in Fig. 17 . As illustrated in Fig. 22 , at least a part of the pair of bosses 51E is exposed on the side of the opening 52 from the heating region 50A.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 has a so-called counterflow-type air flow path through which air flowing from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end surface of the flavor generating article 110
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and the flavor inhaler 100 may have a so-called bottom flow-type air flow path through which air is supplied from the bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50 to the inside of the chamber 50.
  • the heating element 42 is not limited to a resistance heating type and may be an induction heating type. In that case, the heating element 42 can heat the chamber 50 through induction heating. Also, in a case where the flavor generating article 110 has a susceptor, the heating element 42 can heat the susceptor of the flavor generating article 110 through induction heating.
  • a method of raising the temperature of the flavor generating article 110 in the chamber 50 may be a method of bringing the heating element 42 to direct contact with the flavor generating article 110 or may be a method of generating frictional heat due to vibration of substances in the flavor generating article 110.

Landscapes

  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Seasonings (AREA)
  • Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
EP21939249.5A 2021-04-28 2021-04-28 Appareil d'aspiration d'arôme et système à fumer Pending EP4331399A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2021/016904 WO2022230088A1 (fr) 2021-04-28 2021-04-28 Appareil d'aspiration d'arôme et système à fumer

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4331399A1 true EP4331399A1 (fr) 2024-03-06

Family

ID=83847900

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21939249.5A Pending EP4331399A1 (fr) 2021-04-28 2021-04-28 Appareil d'aspiration d'arôme et système à fumer

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20240041112A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP4331399A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPWO2022230088A1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20230172557A (fr)
CN (1) CN117222332A (fr)
WO (1) WO2022230088A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
HUE030095T2 (en) * 2011-11-21 2017-04-28 Philip Morris Products Sa Throwing aerosol generating device
CN205052881U (zh) 2015-09-29 2016-03-02 深圳市合元科技有限公司 卷烟烘焙装置
TW201742555A (zh) * 2016-05-13 2017-12-16 英美煙草（投資）有限公司 用以加熱可吸菸材料之裝置(二)
BR112019004839B1 (pt) * 2016-09-15 2023-01-17 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositivo gerador de aerossol
BR112019013068A2 (pt) * 2017-01-31 2020-07-07 Philip Morris Products S.A. dispositivo gerador de aerossol e sistema gerador de aerossol
JP6930687B2 (ja) * 2017-04-11 2021-09-01 ケーティー・アンド・ジー・コーポレーション エアロゾル生成装置
CN108323823A (zh) * 2018-04-17 2018-07-27 威滔电子科技（深圳）有限公司 一种改进气流的气溶胶发生系统和气溶胶发生装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2022230088A1 (fr) 2022-11-03
US20240041112A1 (en) 2024-02-08
CN117222332A (zh) 2023-12-12
TW202241285A (zh) 2022-11-01
JPWO2022230088A1 (fr) 2022-11-03
KR20230172557A (ko) 2023-12-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3435792B1 (fr) Système de génération d'aérosol avec capsule séparée et unité de vaporisation
EP3785556A1 (fr) Ensemble élément chauffant pour dispositif à fumer électronique de type cigarette et dispositif à fumer électronique de type cigarette le comprenant
EP3871532A1 (fr) Boîtier et aspirateur d'arôme le comprenant
EP3871533B1 (fr) Appareil de chauffage et inhalateur d'arôme qui en est pourvu
EP4260722A1 (fr) Inhalateur de parfum
GB2534213A (en) Aerosol-generating device
GB2534215A (en) Aerosol-generating device
JP2023550058A (ja) エアロゾル供給デバイス
GB2534214A (en) Aerosol-generating device
EP4331399A1 (fr) Appareil d'aspiration d'arôme et système à fumer
JP2024057043A (ja) 香味吸引器
WO2023208105A1 (fr) Ensemble de chauffage de produit aérosol et dispositif de génération d'aérosol
TWI850589B (zh) 香味吸嚐器及抽煙系統
EP4260726A1 (fr) Inhalateur d'arôme et procédé de réduction de pression
EP4331397A1 (fr) Inhalateur d'arôme
US20240065319A1 (en) Flavor inhaler and method for manufacturing flavor inhaler
WO2022230087A1 (fr) Inhalateur d'arôme et système à fumer
EP3995015B1 (fr) Ensemble chauffant et inhalateur d'arôme
EP3995014A1 (fr) Ensemble de chauffage et inhalateur d'arôme
EP4260721A1 (fr) Aspirateur d'arôme
EP4449909A1 (fr) Inhalateur d'arôme
EP4321042A1 (fr) Inhalateur d'arôme et système à fumer
WO2022123770A1 (fr) Inhalateur d'arôme et procédé de production d'inhalateur d'arôme
EP4260719A1 (fr) Inhalateur d'arôme
WO2022224428A1 (fr) Inhalateur d'arôme

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20231120

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

RAP3 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)