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
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES OF CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
  • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
  • A24D1/20—Cigarettes specially adapted for simulated smoking devices
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
  • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
  • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
  • H05B6/72—Radiators or antennas
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
  • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
  • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
  • H05B6/80—Apparatus for specific applications
  • H05B6/802—Apparatus for specific applications for heating fluids
• • 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

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a flavor inhalation system.
• flavor inhalation systems for inhaling flavors, etc., without burning materials are known (see, for example, PTL 1 and PTL 2).
• One such known flavor inhalation system uses microwaves to heat a flavor source that generates flavor when heated (see, for example, PTL 3).
• the present invention has been devised to solve at least part of the above problem and has as an object to prevent the carbonization of substances contained in the flavor source.
• a flavor inhalation system comprises a flavor generating article having a flavor source that is heated to generate flavor, and a flavor inhaler having an accommodating section for accommodating the flavor source and an antenna for emitting microwaves, wherein a first region including the region where the electric field intensity of the microwaves emitted from the antenna is strongest and a second region where the electric field intensity is weaker than in the first region are formed in the accommodating section, the flavor source, when the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, includes a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region, the first portion does not contain carbonizable substances that easily carbonize upon heating, and the second portion contains carbonizable substances.
• the first aspect of the present invention by including carbonizable substances that easily carbonize upon heating in the second portion corresponding to the second region where the electric field intensity is weaker than in the first region, it is possible to prevent the carbonization of carbonizable substances by microwave heating. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the carbonization of substances contained in the flavor source.
• the antenna is a pin-type antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, the first region is a region near the tip of the pin-type antenna, and the second region is a region near the base end of the pin-type antenna.
• the antenna is a pin-type antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, the first region is a region near the tip of the pin-type antenna, and the second region is a region on the opposite side of the tip of the pin-type antenna to the base end of the pin-type antenna.
• the flavor source has a hollow portion into which the pin-type antenna can be inserted.
• the flavor source does not adhere closely to the pin-type antenna. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adhesion of components of the heated flavor source to the pin-type antenna.
• the tip of the pin-type antenna is arranged to overlap with the flavor source in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article.
• the tip of the pin-type antenna with strong electric field intensity to overlap with the flavor source in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, it is possible to efficiently transmit microwaves emitted from the pin-type antenna to the flavor source.
• the first region is a region close to the antenna in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article
• the second region is a region far from the antenna in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
• the first portion includes an aerosol generating substance that generates aerosol when heated
• the second portion includes a flavor generating substance that generates flavor when heated.
• the flavor generating article further includes an outer member surrounding the outer periphery of the flavor source and forming a gap with the flavor source, a first air passage formed in the outer member and the first portion and allowing the exterior of the flavor generating article to communicate with at least the first portion in a sealed manner, and a second air passage formed in the second portion and allowing at least the second portion to communicate with the gap.
• the flavor generating article further includes an outer member surrounding the outer periphery of the flavor source and forming a gap with the flavor source, a third air passage formed on the proximal end side of the flavor generating article in the outer member, the first portion, and the second portion, and allowing the exterior of the flavor generating article to communicate with at least the first portion in a sealed manner, and a fourth air passage formed on the distal end side of the flavor generating article in at least the second portion, and allowing at least the second portion to communicate with the gap.
• the flavor source has a hollow portion into which the antenna can be inserted
• the flavor generating article further includes an outer member surrounding the outer periphery of the flavor source and forming a gap with the flavor source, a fifth air passage formed in the hollow portion, and a sixth air passage formed in the gap, having a smaller flow path area than the fifth air passage, and merging with the fifth air passage before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article.
• the flavor source does not adhere closely to the antenna. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adhesion of components of the heated flavor source to the antenna. Additionally, since the fast-flowing flavor generated in the second portion and passing through the sixth air passage is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion and passing through the fifth air passage before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article, it is possible to efficiently mix the aerosol and the flavor.
• the second portion includes a microwave absorber that absorbs microwaves and generates heat.
• the eleventh aspect of the present invention by including a microwave absorber in the second portion, it is possible to efficiently heat the second portion.
• a distance between the tip of the antenna in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article and the second portion is 0.1 mm or more.
• the distance between the tip of the antenna in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article and the second portion is set to 0.1 mm or more, it is possible to further prevent the carbonization of carbonizable substances by microwave heating.
• the longitudinal direction in the present specification means the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, in other words, the direction of insertion of the flavor-generating article into the flavor inhaler.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a flavor generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• a flavor inhalation system 10 according to this embodiment includes a flavor generating article 20 and a flavor inhaler 100.
• the flavor inhaler 100 is preferably a portable or handheld device.
• the flavor inhaler 100 includes a high-frequency oscillation unit 101, a waveguide 102, a battery 103, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 104, a pin-type antenna 106, an antenna mount 108, a support section 110, a housing 112, and a chamber (accommodating section) 114.
• the flavor generating article 20 includes a flavor source 40 that is heated by the flavor inhaler 100 to generate flavor. The detailed configuration of the flavor generating article 20 will be described later.
• the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to atomize the flavor generating substances and aerosol generating substances contained in the flavor source 40.
• the flavor source 40 constitutes part of the flavor generating article 20, which extends in a columnar shape along the longitudinal direction.
• the flavor generating article 20 may be, for example, a tobacco stick containing tobacco as the flavor source 40.
• the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to accommodate the columnar-shaped flavor generating article 20.
• the high-frequency oscillation unit 101, waveguide 102, battery 103, PCB 104, pin-type antenna 106, antenna mount 108, and support section 110 may be arranged in the direction in which the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100.
• the housing 112 is a casing that accommodates the high-frequency oscillation unit 101, waveguide 102, battery 103, PCB 104, pin-type antenna 106, antenna mount 108, and support section 110.
• the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 is, for example, a solid-state oscillator that generates a high-frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency.
• the solid-state oscillator may be, for example, an LDMOS transistor, GaAs FET, SiC MESFET, or GaN HFET.
• high-frequency electromagnetic field means a high-frequency electromagnetic field between 3 Hz and 3 THz.
• Microwave means a high-frequency electromagnetic field between 300 MHz and 300 GHz.
• the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 is not particularly limited but can generate microwaves with a frequency of 2.40 to 2.50 GHz. In this embodiment, the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 generates microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz.
• the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 may include an amplifier for amplifying the high-frequency electromagnetic field.
• the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 itself may have the function of an amplifier, or an amplifier may be provided using electronic components separate from the high-frequency oscillation unit 101.
• the microwaves generated by the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 propagate through the waveguide 102 and are guided to the pin-type antenna 106.
• a coaxial cable may be used instead of the waveguide 102. Additionally, if the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 and the pin-type antenna 106 are directly connected, the waveguide 102 or coaxial cable may be omitted.
• the waveguide 102 connects the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 and the pin-type antenna 106 and guides the microwaves generated by the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 to the pin-type antenna 106.
• the waveguide 102 may be provided with an isolator that absorbs reflected waves that are not absorbed by the flavor generating article 20 and return toward the high-frequency oscillation unit 101, thereby protecting the high-frequency oscillation unit 101.
• the waveguide 102 may be provided with a power monitor that detects the power of the incident wave from the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 and the power of the reflected wave from the flavor generating article 20, and an impedance matching section that matches the impedance on the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 side with the impedance on the flavor generating article 20 side to reduce the power of the reflected wave.
• the battery 103 stores electrical power used by the flavor inhaler 100. Specifically, the battery 103 can supply power to the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 and the PCB 104.
• the battery 103 is a lithium ion battery, for example.
• the battery 103 may be rechargeable by means of an external power source.
• the PCB 104 is composed of a CPU and memory, etc., and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the PCB 104 starts heating of the flavor source 40 in response to a user operation on an input device such as a pushbutton or slide switch (not depicted), and terminates heating of the flavor source 40 once a given time has elapsed. When the number of puff operations by the user has passed a fixed value, the PCB 104 may terminate heating of the flavor source 40 even if the given time has not yet elapsed from the start of heating of the flavor source 40. For example, the puff operation is detected by a sensor (not shown).
• the PCB 104 may start heating the flavor source 40 in response to the start of a puff operation and stop heating the flavor source 40 in response to the end of the puff operation.
• the PCB 104 may stop heating the flavor source 40 even before the end of the puff operation if a certain period has elapsed from the start of the puff operation.
• the PCB 104 is disposed between the battery 103 and the high-frequency oscillation unit 101.
• the pin-type antenna 106 has a shape that can be inserted into the flavor source 40 along the longitudinal direction and is configured to irradiate microwaves from the inside to the flavor source 40.
• the pin-type antenna 106 is arranged to overlap with the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.
• the antenna length of the pin-type antenna 106 can be appropriately set according to the frequency of the high-frequency electromagnetic waves to be irradiated. For example, when the frequency of the microwaves generated by the pin-type antenna 106 is 2.45 GHz (wavelength is about 120 mm), the antenna length can be set to about 30 mm (i.e., 1/4 wavelength). The antenna diameter is, for example, 1 mm. Note that the shape of the pin-type antenna 106 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be, for example, a flat plate shape or a shape with a chamfered tip.
• the antenna mount 108 is a member for attaching the pin-type antenna 106 to the housing 112.
• the antenna mount 108 may define the bottom of the chamber 114 in which at least the flavor source 40 of the flavor generating article 20 is accommodated within the housing 112.
• a shielding member such as a metal mesh with openings smaller than the half-wavelength of microwaves may be arranged on the inner surface of the housing 112 corresponding to the chamber 114 to prevent electromagnetic wave leakage in the direction of the mouthpiece, surrounding the accommodating space for the flavor generating article 20.
• the support section 110 is provided on the antenna mount 108 and is a member for supporting the upstream end of the flavor generating article 20. Additionally, an air passage for supplying air to the upstream end of the flavor generating article 20 may be formed on the side of the support section 110.
• the antenna mount 108 and the support section 110 may be formed of a material that substantially does not absorb microwaves, with a relative permittivity of 10 or less.
• the flavor inhaler 100 may include a thermocouple or radiation thermometer configured to detect the temperature at any location within the flavor inhaler 100, such as within the chamber 114, to control the power of the microwaves.
• the PCB 104 can control the power supplied to the pin-type antenna 106 based on the detection data from the thermocouple or radiation thermometer. Note that the PCB 104 may control the power supplied to the pin-type antenna 106 by detecting the dielectric constant or impedance, which changes with heating, of any member of the flavor inhaler 100, such as the chamber 114.
• the flavor inhaler 100 may include a notification section for notifying the user of information based on control by the PCB 104.
• the information notified to the user includes, for example, detection of the insertion of the flavor generating article 20, the start of heating by microwaves, the transition to a state where aerosol can be inhaled, error information, the remaining amount of the battery 103, etc.
• the notification section may be composed of a light-emitting element such as an LED, a vibrating element such as a vibration motor, or a sound output element.
• the notification section may be a combination of two or more elements among the light-emitting element, vibrating element, and sound output element.
• the flavor inhaler 100 may include a communication section that acquires information about the usage state of the flavor inhaler 100 and transmits it to an external data server or the user's mobile terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a data server, etc.), and also receives data from the data server, etc.
• the communication section transmits information about the usage state of the flavor inhaler 100, such as error information and usage date and time information, to the data server, etc. This allows the manufacturer of the flavor inhaler 100 to grasp the usage state of the flavor inhaler 100 and create information about firmware updates to be built into the PCB 104.
• the communication section can receive information about firmware updates.
• the communication section can communicate with the data server, etc., via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or long-range wireless communication such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).
• short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark)
• long-range wireless communication such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).
• communication between the communication section and the data server, etc. is not limited to the above-mentioned wireless communication and may be other forms of wireless communication or wired communication.
• the flavor generating article 20 may include a plug element 30, a flavor source 40, a support element 50, a cooling element 60, and a filter element 70.
• the plug element 30, flavor source 40, support element 50, cooling element 60, and filter element 70 are arranged adjacent to each other in this order and are wrapped with tip paper (outer member) 80.
• tip paper (outer member) 80 the flavor generating article 20 only needs to include at least the flavor source 40, and other configurations may be omitted as appropriate.
• the flavor generating article 20 may include a shielding member such as a metal mesh with openings smaller than the half-wavelength of microwaves to prevent electromagnetic wave leakage in the direction of the mouthpiece.
• the flavor generating article 20 may be configured with the plug element 30 and flavor source 40 wrapped by a wrapper (outer member) (not shown), and the support element 50, cooling element 60, and filter element 70 arranged side by side, with the flavor source 40, support element 50, cooling element 60, and filter element 70 wrapped by tip paper 80.
• the flavor generating article 20 may have the plug element 30, flavor source 40, and support element 50 wrapped by a wrapper, and the cooling element 60 and filter element 70 wrapped by a wrapper, with the support element 50, cooling element 60, and filter element 70 wrapped by tip paper 80.
• filter is not limited to a member that filters some object but includes any breathable member.
• a “filter” includes a breathable member with one or more communication holes or one or more grooves or notches.
• the material forming the "filter” may be a porous material that is breathable by itself or a material that is not breathable by itself (e.g., glass, ceramic, cellulose molded body).
• the plug element 30 is positioned upstream of the flavor source 40.
• the plug element 30 may be, for example, an acetate filter, a neo-filter, or a paper filter.
• the plug element 30 may be in contact with the tip paper (outer member) 80.
• the plug element 30 prevents the flavor source 40 from falling out of the flavor generating article 20.
• the plug element 30 may be a center-hole filter with a hollow portion into which the pin-type antenna 106 can be inserted.
• the diameter of the hollow portion of the plug element 30 may be smaller, larger, or substantially the same as the diameter of the hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, which will be described later.
• the flavor source 40 includes a first portion containing an aerosol generating substance that generates aerosol when heated and a second portion containing a flavor generating substance that generates flavor when heated. This allows the mixing of the aerosol generated in the first portion with the flavor generated in the second portion in the flavor source 40.
• the arrangement of the first portion and second portion in the flavor source 40 will be described later.
• the second portion includes carbonizable substances that easily carbonize upon heating, which will be described later, and the first portion does not contain carbonizable substances.
• the length of the flavor source 40 may be less than or equal to the antenna length of the pin-type antenna 106, and the ratio of the length L1 of the flavor source 40 to the antenna length L2 of the pin-type antenna 106 (L1/L2) may be 1.0 or less.
• the first portion of the flavor source 40 includes, for example, a carrier composed of raw materials such as glass, rock wool, or ceramic, and an aerosol generating substance supported on the carrier.
• the carrier may be glass fiber filter paper or nonwoven fabric.
• the type of aerosol generating substance is not particularly limited, and extracts and/or components from various natural substances can be selected according to the application.
• the aerosol generating substance is preferably a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
• the second portion of the flavor source 40 may include a flavor generating substance.
• the flavor generating substance is a substance that generates flavor when heated.
• the flavor generating substance may include tobacco, for example. Specific examples of tobacco include shredded dried tobacco leaves, leaf tobacco powder, or tobacco extracts (extracted with water, organic solvents, or mixed solutions thereof). Note that the flavor generating substance may not include tobacco.
• the second portion of the flavor source 40 includes carbonizable substances.
• carbonizable substances include fiber components such as pulp or cellulose and binders.
• the carbonizable substances may be fiber components contained in tobacco or fiber components that can be added to the second portion as fillers. Such carbonizable substances may have the function of maintaining the shape of the second portion of the flavor source 40.
• the second portion of the flavor source 40 may include an aerosol generating substance.
• the type of aerosol generating substance is not particularly limited, and extracts and/or components from various natural substances can be selected according to the application.
• the aerosol generating substance is preferably a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
• the second portion of the flavor source 40 may include a binder.
• binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose), HPC (hydroxypropyl cellulose), alginic acid, and sodium alginate.
• the binder content is preferably 1% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the flavor source 40.
• the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may have any form, such as chopped, sheet, particle, granule, paste, gel, lump, or molded body.
• the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may have different forms.
• the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be formed on the inner surface of the wrapper or tip paper 80. In this case, the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be directly formed on the inner surface of the wrapper or tip paper 80 by printing or the like.
• sheets manufactured by known methods such as papermaking, slurry, or rolling can be used.
• papermaking they can be manufactured by a method including the following steps. 1) Dried tobacco leaves such as shredded tobacco or tobacco granules are coarsely crushed, extracted with water, and separated into a water extract and residue. 2) The water extract is concentrated by vacuum drying. 3) Pulp or cellulose is added to the residue, fiberized with a refiner, and paper is made. 4) The concentrated water extract is added to the paper-made sheet and dried.
• manufacturing can be done by a method including the following steps. 1) Water, pulp or cellulose, and binder are mixed with crushed tobacco leaves. 2) The mixture is thinly spread (cast) and dried.
• manufacturing can be done by a method including the following steps. 1) Water, pulp or cellulose, and binder are mixed with crushed tobacco leaves. 2) The mixture is extruded into a sheet and dried.
• the thickness of the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, 0.2 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. Additionally, when the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are in sheet form, the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be crumpled, folded, or cut into strips. When the sheet-like first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are cut into strips, the width of the strips may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.
• the average particle diameter of the flavor source 40 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.
• the flavor source 40 may be a porous body.
• the flavor source 40 may have a honeycomb structure.
• the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be molded bodies with a hollow portion 41.
• the molded body may be an extruded molded body or a tablet molded body.
• the materials containing the aerosol generating substance in the first portion and the flavor generating substance in the second portion of the flavor source 40 can be heated by microwaves emitted from the pin-type antenna 106.
• the filling amount of the material containing the flavor generating substance in the second portion of the flavor source 40 is, for example, 100 mg or more and 350 mg or less, preferably 120 mg or more and 250 mg or less.
• the surface area of the flavor source 40 (the surface area of the flavor source 40 contributing to aerosol generation) is preferably 150 mm 2 or more and 4000 mm 2 or less.
• the second portion of the flavor source 40 may be composed of strand-like tobacco leaves.
• the width of the strand-like tobacco leaves is preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less.
• the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may carry a fragrance.
• the type of fragrance is not particularly limited, but from the standpoint of imparting a good fragrance sensation, at least one of acetylanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, ⁇ -carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, ⁇ -caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery
• the flavor source 40 may be provided with a hollow section 41, into which the pin-type antenna 106 can be inserted, extending through the longitudinal direction of the flavor source 40.
• the diameter of the hollow section 41 may be larger than or the same as the antenna diameter. If the flavor source 40 does not have a hollow section 41, components of the heated flavor source 40 may adhere to the pin-type antenna 106 when it is inserted. By inserting the pin-type antenna 106 into the hollow section 41 of the flavor source 40, the flavor source 40 does not adhere closely to the pin-type antenna 106. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of components of the heated flavor source 40 to the pin-type antenna 106.
• the inside of the flavor source 40 may have elements such as a paper layer to prevent direct contact between the flavor source 40 and the pin-type antenna 106.
• This element may be porous or have multiple holes.
• An air passage through the hollow section 41 may also be formed between the flavor source 40 and the pin-type antenna 106.
• the support element 50 is positioned in contact with the flavor source 40 between the flavor source 40 and the cooling element 60.
• the support element 50 can be made of synthetic fibers such as cellulose acetate tow. The support element 50 prevents the flavor source 40 from being pushed toward the downstream side of the flavor generating article 20 when the pin-type antenna 106 is inserted into the flavor source 40.
• the support element 50 may also be provided with an opening 51 that penetrates in the longitudinal direction to avoid filtering the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 40.
• the diameter of the opening 51 may be larger than the diameter of the hollow section 41 of the flavor source 40.
• multiple holes or grooves penetrating in the longitudinal direction may be provided on the side or near the outer edge of the support element 50.
• the length of the support element 50 may be longer than the length of the flavor source 40.
• the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 does not need to reach inside the opening 51 of the support element 50.
• the cooling element 60 is positioned downstream of the support element 50.
• the cooling element 60 may be a paper tube or the like, for example.
• the cooling element 60 cools the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 40.
• materials such as sheets may be filled to increase the contact area with the flavor or aerosol and promote cooling of the flavor or aerosol.
• multiple through-holes 61 passing through the wall surface concentrically with the circumferential direction of the cooling element 60 may be formed in the cooling element 60.
• the through-holes 61 facilitate the inflow of air from the outside due to the user's inhalation, further cooling the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 40 by the inflow of air.
• Multiple through-holes may also be formed in the support element 50, flavor source 40, and plug element 30.
• the cooling element 60 may also be provided with an opening 62 that penetrates in the longitudinal direction of the cooling element 60.
• the diameter of the opening 62 may be larger than the diameter of the opening 51 of the support element 50.
• the length of the cooling element 60 may be shorter than the length of the support element 50.
• the hollow section 41 of the flavor source 40, the opening 51 of the support element 50, and the opening 62 of the cooling element 60 may be arranged to have the same axis.
• the filter element 70 is positioned downstream of the cooling element 60.
• the filter element 70 can use synthetic fibers such as cellulose acetate tow, for example, as a material.
• the filter element 70 is not particularly limited as long as it has the general function of a filter.
• the general functions of a filter include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed during aerosol inhalation, reducing flavor, and reducing nicotine and tar, but it is not necessary to have all these functions.
• the cooling element 60 and filter element 70 may be exposed outside the flavor inhaler 100. If the through-holes 61 are formed in the cooling element 60, the through-holes 61 may be exposed outside the flavor inhaler 100 when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram representing the electric field intensity distribution of microwaves emitted from the pin-type antenna shown in Figure 1 .
• This electric field intensity distribution shows the simulation results of the electric field intensity when a pin-type antenna 106 with a diameter of 1.0 mm and a length of 20 mm is placed at the center of a copper pipe with an inner diameter of about 10 mm and a thickness of about 0.5 mm. For simplification of the simulation, the inside of the copper pipe is filled with air.
• the electric field intensity distribution of microwaves emitted from the pin-type antenna 106 is shown in regions A1 to A7, with region A1 having the strongest electric field intensity, and the electric field intensity decreasing in the order of region A1, region A2, region A3, region A4, region A5, region A6, and region A7.
• the electric field intensity of microwaves emitted from the pin-type antenna 106 is strong in the region near the tip of the antenna and weak in the region near the base end of the antenna. Additionally, from Figure 3 , it can be seen that the electric field intensity of microwaves emitted from the pin-type antenna 106 is strong in the region close to the antenna in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and weak in the region far from the antenna.
• the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 is arranged to overlap with the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.
• the electric field intensity of microwaves emitted from the antenna is strong in the region close to the antenna in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and weak in the region far from the antenna.
• Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a part of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1 . Specifically, it shows the flavor source 40, pin-type antenna 106, housing 112, and chamber 114 when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.
• the first portion 42 containing an aerosol generating substance that generates aerosol when heated is arranged corresponding to the first region 121
• the second portion 43 containing a flavor generating substance that generates flavor when heated is arranged corresponding to the second region 122.
• the first portion 42 does not contain carbonizable substances
• the second portion 43 contains carbonizable substances.
• the second portion 43 may include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including a microwave absorber in the second portion 43, it is possible to efficiently heat the second portion 43.
• the distance D between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more.
• the distance D between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction may be 0.5 mm or more.
• the distance D between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 3.0 mm or less. If the distance D between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction exceeds 3.0 mm, the second portion 43 may become too far from the pin-type antenna 106, and the heating of the second portion 43 may not be promoted.
• air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the interior and/or hollow section 41 of the flavor source 40, is mixed with the flavor or aerosol, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air in the flavor generating article 20.
• the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as that shown in Figure 4 .
• Figure 6 is a sectional view of the flavor source along A-A shown in Figure 5 .
• Figure 7 is a sectional view of the flavor source along B-B shown in Figure 5 .
• the flavor generating article 20 may include a tubular element 21.
• the tubular element 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). Additionally, the tubular element 21 may cover at least part or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may hold the flavor source 40.
• the tubular element 21 may extend over the flavor source 40 and the support element 50.
• the support element 50 may be fixed to the tip paper (outer member) 80 or the filter element 70, and the flavor source 40 may be held by the support element 50 via the tubular element 21.
• the tubular element 21 may be gas-permeable to allow components of the heated flavor source 40 to flow into the hollow section 41.
• a sealing section 22 may be provided between the flavor source 40 and the support element 50.
• the sealing section 22 may seal between the flavor source 40 and the support element 50 to prevent air from flowing from the flavor source 40 or the hollow section 41 to the support element 50.
• elements such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular element 21 and the pin-type antenna 106.
• a first air passage 131 is formed in the tip paper 80 and the first portion 42 to communicate and seal the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 with the hollow section 41.
• a second air passage 132 is formed in the second portion 43 to communicate the hollow section 41 with the gap 44.
• the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tip paper 80 and the wrapper (outer member).
• the tip paper (outer member) 80 and the support element 50 may be in contact.
• the support element 50 may be joined to the tip paper (outer member) 80.
• the flavor source 40 may be supported by the support element 50 via the sealing section 22.
• the downstream end of the flavor source 40 may be joined to the sealing section 22 with adhesive or the like, and the upstream end of the support element 50 may be joined to the sealing section 22 with adhesive or the like.
• the flavor generating article 20 can hold the flavor source 40 inside even without the tubular element 21.
• the support element 50 may have multiple holes or grooves penetrating in the longitudinal direction on the side or near the outer edge of the support element 50.
• the tip paper (outer member) 80 and the support element 50 may be in contact, and the flavor generating article 20 may include the tubular element 21.
• the tubular element 21 may be supported by the plug element 30 and the support element 50. In this case, since the tubular element 21 is supported at two points by the plug element 30 and the support element 50, the wobbling of the tubular element 21 can be suppressed. Additionally, even if the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100 with the flavor generating article 20 in a tilted state relative to the pin-type antenna 106, the tubular element 21 can function as a protective layer, preventing damage to the flavor source 40, support element 50, the tip paper (outer member) 80, etc., by the pin-type antenna 106.
• the first air passage 131 can be formed by inserting a tubular member like a straw to penetrate the tip paper 80 and the first portion 42.
• the second air passage 132 can be appropriately formed by known hole-making methods. Additionally, the proximal end side (downstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction except for the gap 44, and the distal end side (upstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction.
• the sealed portions of the flavor generating article 20 are indicated by the dotted lines in Figures 5 and 6 .
• This forms an air passage where air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the first air passage 131, the hollow section 41, the second air passage 132, and the gap 44 in sequence.
• the flavor source 40 may be fixed to the plug element 30 shown in Figure 2 by adhesion or the like for example, or positioned relative to the tip paper 80 by the tubular member.
• air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the first air passage 131, the hollow section 41, the second air passage 132, and the gap 44 in sequence, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.
• the air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 first flows along the first portion 42 and mixes with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42, then flows along the second portion 43 and mixes with the flavor generated in the second portion 43. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently mix the flavor generated in the second portion 43 with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.
• the first air passage only needs to communicate and seal the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 with at least the first portion 42
• the second air passage only needs to communicate at least the second portion 43 with the gap 44.
• an air passage is formed where air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the first air passage, the first portion 42, the second portion 43, the second air passage, and the gap 44 in sequence, so it is possible to efficiently mix the flavor generated in the second portion 43 with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.
• Figure 9 is another enlarged sectional view showing a part of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1 . Specifically, it shows the flavor source 40, pin-type antenna 106, housing 112, and chamber 114 when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.
• the first portion 42 containing an aerosol generating substance that generates aerosol when heated is arranged corresponding to the first region 121
• the second portion 43 containing a flavor generating substance that generates flavor when heated is arranged corresponding to the second region 122.
• the first portion 42 does not contain carbonizable substances
• the second portion 43 contains carbonizable substances.
• the length of the pin-type antenna 106 may be adjusted, or the plug element 30 shown in Figure 2 may be arranged on the base end side of the pin-type antenna 106 in the flavor source 40.
• the second portion 43 may include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including a microwave absorber in the second portion 43, it is possible to efficiently heat the second portion 43.
• the distance D between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more.
• the distance D between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more.
• the air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor generating article 20 first flows along the first portion 42 and mixes with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42, then flows along the second portion 43 and mixes with the flavor generated in the second portion 43. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently mix the flavor generated in the second portion 43 with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.
• Figure 10 is yet another enlarged sectional view showing a part of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1 . Specifically, it shows the flavor source 40, pin-type antenna 106, housing 112, and chamber 114 when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.
• the first portion 42 containing an aerosol generating substance that generates aerosol when heated is arranged corresponding to the first region 121
• the second portion 43 containing a flavor generating substance that generates flavor when heated is arranged corresponding to the second region 122.
• the first portion 42 does not contain carbonizable substances
• the second portion 43 contains carbonizable substances.
• the second portion 43 may include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including a microwave absorber in the second portion 43, it is possible to efficiently heat the second portion 43.
• the distance D between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more.
• the distance D between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more.
• the distance D1 between the center of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the radial direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more.
• the distance D1 between the center of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the radial direction may be 0.5 mm or more and is preferably 3.0 mm or less.
• FIG 11 is yet another schematic diagram showing the flow of air in the flavor generating article 20.
• the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as that shown in Figure 10 .
• Figure 12 is a sectional view of the flavor source along C-C shown in Figure 11 .
• Figure 13 is a sectional view of the flavor source along D-D shown in Figure 11 .
• the flavor generating article 20 may include a tubular element 21.
• the tubular element 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). Additionally, the tubular element 21 may cover at least part or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may hold the flavor source 40.
• the tubular element 21 may extend over the flavor source 40 and the support element 50.
• the support element 50 may be fixed to the tip paper (outer member) 80 or the filter element 70, and the flavor source 40 may be held by the support element 50 via the tubular element 21.
• the tubular element 21 may be gas-permeable to allow components of the heated flavor source 40 to flow into the hollow section 41.
• a sealing section 22 may be provided between the flavor source 40 and the support element 50.
• the sealing section 22 may seal between the flavor source 40 and the support element 50 to prevent air from flowing from the flavor source 40 or the hollow section 41 to the support element 50.
• elements such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular element 21 and the pin-type antenna 106.
• a third air passage 133 is formed in the tip paper 80, the first portion 42, and the second portion 43 on the proximal end side (downstream side) of the flavor generating article 20 to communicate and seal the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 with the hollow section 41.
• a fourth air passage 134 is formed in the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 on the distal end side (upstream side) of the flavor generating article 20 to communicate the hollow section 41 with the gap 44.
• the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tip paper 80 and the wrapper (outer member).
• the tip paper (outer member) 80 and the support element 50 may be in contact.
• the support element 50 may be joined to the tip paper (outer member) 80.
• the flavor source 40 may be supported by the support element 50 via the sealing section 22.
• the downstream end of the flavor source 40 may be joined to the sealing section 22 with adhesive or the like, and the upstream end of the support element 50 may be joined to the sealing section 22 with adhesive or the like.
• the flavor generating article 20 can hold the flavor source 40 inside even without the tubular element 21.
• the support element 50 may have multiple holes or grooves penetrating in the longitudinal direction on the side or near the outer edge of the support element 50.
• the tip paper (outer member) 80 and the support element 50 may be in contact, and the flavor generating article 20 may include the tubular element 21.
• the tubular element 21 may be supported by the plug element 30 and the support element 50. In this case, since the tubular element 21 is supported at two points by the plug element 30 and the support element 50, the wobbling of the tubular element 21 can be suppressed. Additionally, even if the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100 with the flavor generating article 20 in a tilted state relative to the pin-type antenna 106, the tubular element 21 can function as a protective layer, preventing damage to the flavor source 40, support element 50, the tip paper (outer member) 80, etc., by the pin-type antenna 106.
• the third air passage 133 can be formed by inserting a tubular member like a straw to penetrate the tip paper 80, the first portion 42, and the second portion 43.
• the fourth air passage 134 can be appropriately formed by known hole-making methods. Additionally, the proximal end side (downstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction except for the gap 44, and the distal end side (upstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction.
• the sealed portions of the flavor generating article 20 are indicated by the dotted lines in Figures 12 and 13 .
• This forms an air passage where air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the third air passage 133, hollow section 41, fourth air passage 134, and gap 44 in sequence.
• the flavor source 40 may be fixed to the plug element 30 shown in Figure 2 by adhesion or the like for example, or positioned relative to the tip paper 80 by the tubular member.
• air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the third air passage 133, hollow section 41, fourth air passage 134, and gap 44 in sequence, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.
• the air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 first flows along the first portion 42 and mixes with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42, then flows along the second portion 43 and mixes with the flavor generated in the second portion 43. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently mix the flavor generated in the second portion 43 with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.
• the third air passage only needs to communicate and seal the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 with at least the first portion 42
• the second air passage only needs to communicate at least the second portion 43 with the gap 44.
• an air passage is formed where air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the third air passage, first portion 42, second portion 43, fourth air passage, and gap 44 in sequence, so it is possible to efficiently mix the flavor generated in the second portion 43 with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.
• Figure 14 is yet another schematic diagram showing the flow of air in the flavor generating article 20.
• the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as that shown in Figure 10 .
• the flavor generating article 20 may include a tubular element 21.
• the tubular element 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). Additionally, the tubular element 21 may cover at least part or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may hold the flavor source 40.
• the tubular element 21 may be fixed to the plug element 30. In this case, the flavor generating article 20 may not need to have the support element 50.
• the tubular element 21 may be gas-permeable to allow components of the heated flavor source 40 to flow into the hollow section 41. Additionally, to prevent components of the heated flavor source 40 from adhering to the pin-type antenna 106, elements such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular element 21 and the pin-type antenna 106.
• a fifth air passage 135 is formed in the hollow section 41
• a sixth air passage 136 which has a smaller flow path area than the fifth air passage 135 and merges with the fifth air passage 135 before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article 20, is formed in the gap 44.
• the tip paper 80 may be provided with a guide member 81 that directs the air passing through the sixth air passage 136 toward the hollow section 41.
• the guide member 81 may be formed of the same material as the tip paper 80.
• the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tip paper 80 and the wrapper (outer member).
• the guide member 81 is a hollow element with a hollow section 82 extending along its longitudinal direction, and the opening 84 of the guide member 81 at the upstream end may be larger than the opening 83 of the guide member 81 at the downstream end.
• the hollow section 82 may gradually reduce in diameter toward the downstream side.
• the hollow section 82 may communicate with the hollow section 41 on the upstream side and with the opening 62 of the cooling element 60 on the downstream side.
• part of the portion facing the hollow section 82 of the guide member 81 may be in contact with the flavor source 40.
• the portion facing the hollow section 82 of the guide member 81 in contact with the flavor source 40, it is possible to prevent the flavor source 40 from moving downstream. In this case, it is preferable that the guide member 81 and the flavor source 40 are partially in contact to ensure the sixth air passage 136.
• the support element 50 may be provided between the flavor source 40 and the guide member 81.
• the support element 50 can prevent the flavor source 40 from moving downstream.
• the support element 50 is made of a non-porous material, such as glass.
• the support element 50 may have multiple holes or grooves penetrating in the longitudinal direction on the side or near the outer edge of the support element 50.
• air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the fifth air passage 135 and the sixth air passage 136, is mixed with the flavor or aerosol, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.
• the fast-flowing flavor generated in the second portion 43 and passing through the sixth air passage 136 collides with the guide member 81 and is directed toward the hollow section 41, and is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42 and passing through the fifth air passage 135 before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article 20. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently mix the flavor generated in the second portion 43 with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.
• a pin-type antenna 106 is mentioned as the antenna, but it is not limited to this, and the antenna may be a planar antenna or the like. Additionally, the antenna does not necessarily need to be inserted into the flavor generating article 20 and may be arranged adjacent to the flavor generating article 20 on the inner surface of the housing 112 corresponding to the chamber in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
• the flavor generating article 20 is described as having a columnar shape, but the flavor generating article 20 is not limited to this and may have a flat shape, cup shape, etc.
• the cross section of the flavor generating article 20 may be circular, elliptical, or other shapes, such as rectangular or other polygonal cross sections.
• the flavor generating article 20 is cup-shaped, it is preferable to use a material with a relative permittivity of 10 or less, preferably 4 or less, as the material constituting the cup.
• the material constituting the cup may be paper made from raw materials such as glass, rock wool, or ceramic (e.g., glass fiber filter paper), nonwoven fabric, or a porous molded body.
• the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment has a so-called counterflow air passage, where air flowing in from the upstream side of the chamber 114 where the flavor source 40 is accommodated is supplied to the upstream end face of the flavor generating article 20, but it is not limited to this and may have a so-called bottom flow air passage, where air is supplied from the bottom of the chamber 114 to the upstream end face of the flavor generating article 20.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)
• Medicinal Preparation (AREA)

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• 2022
  • 2022-12-26 KR KR1020257023152A patent/KR20250122499A/ko active Pending
  • 2022-12-26 CN CN202280102709.5A patent/CN120344165A/zh active Pending
  • 2022-12-26 EP EP22969942.6A patent/EP4643680A1/en active Pending
  • 2022-12-26 JP JP2024566939A patent/JPWO2024142148A1/ja active Pending
  • 2022-12-26 WO PCT/JP2022/047878 patent/WO2024142148A1/ja not_active Ceased

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