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
  • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
• • 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
• • 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
  • A24F40/40—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
  • 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
  • A24F40/465—Shape or structure of electric heating means specially adapted for induction heating
• • 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
  • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
  • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
• • 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
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
• • 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
  • H05B6/02—Induction heating
  • H05B6/06—Control, e.g. of temperature, of power
• • 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
  • H05B6/02—Induction heating
  • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
  • H05B6/105—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications using a susceptor
• • 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
  • H05B6/02—Induction heating
  • H05B6/36—Coil arrangements

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a smoking system.
• Flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors, etc. without burning of materials are conventionally known.
• Smoking material heating devices which heat a smoking material comprising tobacco that contains volatile components to form an aerosol, are known as such flavor inhalers.
• a consumable comprising a tobacco slab, a spacer, and a filter is known as such a smoking material (see PTL 1).
• the objective of the present invention lies in providing a smoking system having a novel configuration.
• a smoking system comprises: a flavor inhaler; a flavor-generating article comprising a first flavor source sheet; a heating source for heating the flavor-generating article; two or more heat conducting portions arranged spaced apart from each other between the first flavor source sheet and a first face of the heating source; and a first air flow path provided between the first flavor source sheet and the first face of the heating source.
• the first air flow path is provided between the first flavor source sheet and the first face of the heating source, while heat of the heating source is transmitted to the first flavor source sheet through the heat conducting portions, therefore making it possible to increase an amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with the first flavor source sheet.
• This allows vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor-generating article to be efficiently delivered to a user, enabling an increase in the amount of vapor or aerosol supplied.
• the first flavor source sheet may comprise: a contact part contacting the heat conducting portions; and an aerosol-generating face adjacent to the contact part and not contacting the heat conducting portions.
• the first air flow path can be defined by the heating source and the aerosol-generating face of the first flavor source sheet.
• the first flavor source sheet is capable of generating vapor or aerosol at the aerosol-generating face which does not contact the heat conducting portions, and vapor or aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating face can therefore be efficiently delivered to the user through the first air flow path.
• the heat conducting portions may comprise at least one from the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals.
• the heat conducting portions may have suitable strength, and it is therefore possible to suppress crushing of the heat conducting portions which would block the first air flow path. Furthermore, the heat conducting portions may have suitable thermal conductivity, and heat generated by the heating source can therefore be efficiently conducted to the first flavor source sheet. When the heat conducting portions comprise an inorganic material, it is possible to suppress burning of the actual heat conducting portions.
• the heat conducting portions may comprise calcium carbonate.
• the heat conducting portions can be supported on the first flavor source sheet, therefore making it possible to simplify the configuration of the heating source.
• calcium carbonate is capable of inhibiting the first flavor source sheet from becoming burnt on to the heating source, therefore making it possible to reduce the work of cleaning the heating source.
• the heat conducting portions may comprise aluminum.
• the heat conducting portions can be bonded to and vapor deposited on the first flavor source sheet, therefore making it possible to simplify formation of the heating source
• the first flavor source sheet may have a coating on an outer peripheral surface of the first flavor source sheet excluding a face facing the heating source.
• the coating is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first flavor source sheet, excluding the face facing the heating source, therefore making it possible to suppress generation and leakage of vapor or aerosol from this outer peripheral surface.
• vapor or aerosol generated at or in the vicinity of this outer peripheral surface can be efficiently delivered to the user through the first air flow path.
• the flavor-generating article may comprise a second flavor source sheet
• the heating source may have a second face on the opposite side to the first face
• two or more of the heat conducting portions may be arranged spaced apart from each other between the second flavor source sheet and the second face of the heating source
• the flavor-generating article may comprise a second air flow path provided between the second flavor source sheet and the second face of the heating source.
• the second air flow path is provided between the second flavor source sheet and the second face of the heating source, therefore making it possible to further increase the amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with the second flavor source sheet.
• This allows vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor-generating article to be delivered to the user even more efficiently, enabling a further increase in the amount of vapor or aerosol supplied.
• the heat conducting portions arranged between the first flavor source sheet and the first face of the heating source may be arranged so as not to face, through the heating source, the heat conducting portions arranged between the second flavor source sheet and the second face of the heating source.
• the heat conducting portions arranged between the first flavor source sheet and the first face of the heating source, and the heat conducting portions arranged between the second flavor source sheet and the second face of the heating source may be arranged so that positions thereof are offset from each other. Accordingly, heat conducted from the heat conducting portions arranged between the first flavor source sheet and the first face of the heating source is readily conducted to the first flavor source sheet, and heat conducted from the heat conducting portions arranged between the second flavor source sheet and the second face of the heating source is readily conducted to the first flavor source sheet. This enables the heat generated by the heating source to be efficiently conducted to the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet.
• the thickness of the first flavor source sheet may be 0.2 mm-1.5 mm, and preferably 0.75 mm-1 mm.
• vapor or aerosol can be appropriately generated while the first flavor source sheet is kept from becoming burnt on. If the thickness of the first flavor source sheet is less than 0.2 mm, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet is excessively small, the strength of the first flavor source sheet is inadequate, formability deteriorates, and there is a risk of breakage. Furthermore, in this case, there is a risk of difficulty in generating adequate smoking flavor from the first flavor source sheet, and a risk of the aerosol source held on the first flavor source sheet becoming depleted so that the first flavor source sheet becomes burnt on.
• the thickness of the first flavor source sheet is greater than 1.5 mm, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet is excessively large, the first flavor source sheet does not readily conduct heat, and there is a risk of it no longer being possible for vapor or aerosol to be appropriately generated from the first flavor source sheet.
• An aerosol source content of the first flavor source sheet may be 15 mg or greater.
• vapor or aerosol generation from the first flavor source sheet can be sustained over a long period of time.
• An aerosol source content ratio in the first flavor source sheet may be 5 wt% or greater, preferably 10 wt% or greater, and more preferably 15 wt% or greater, and 50 wt% or less, and preferably 25 wt% or less, with respect to the total weight of the first flavor source sheet.
• a pleasing flavor can be generated from the first flavor source sheet.
• the thermal conductivity of a material of the heat conducting portions may be 0.1 w/(m-k)-300 w/(m ⁇ k).
• heat can be conducted to the first flavor source sheet through the heat conducting portions at a suitable rate. If the thermal conductivity of the heat conducting portions is less than 0.1 w/(m-k), then conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions to the first flavor source sheet is delayed, and there is a risk that it will not be possible to heat the first flavor source sheet effectively. If the thermal conductivity of the heat conducting portions is greater than 300 w/(m-k), then conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions to the first flavor source sheet is excessively fast, and there is a risk that the aerosol source will become depleted at a contact part of the first flavor source sheet contacting the heat conducting portions, causing the first flavor source sheet to become burnt on.
• the flavor inhaler may comprise the heating source and a control unit for controlling the heating source
• the first flavor source sheet may comprise a first part and a second part further from the heating source than the first part
• the control unit may stop heating of the heating source when a predetermined number of puffs have been detected or when a predetermined time has elapsed
• the second part may have a greater aerosol content than the first part when 50% of the predetermined number or of the predetermined number has been reached.
• the flavor inhaler may have an induction coil, and at least a portion of the heating source may comprise a susceptor which can be induction heated.
• the first flavor source sheet can be heated by induction heating of the heating source by means of the induction coil.
• the flavor inhaler may comprise a control unit for controlling the induction coil
• the first flavor source sheet may comprise a first part and a second part further from the heating source than the first part
• the control unit may stop power supply to the induction coil when a predetermined number of puffs have been detected or when a predetermined time has elapsed
• the second part may have a greater aerosol source content than the first part when 50% of the predetermined number or of the predetermined time has been reached.
• the heat conducting portions may constitute part of the heating source.
• the heating source may conduct heat to the first flavor source sheet through the heat conducting portions.
• the thickness of the heat conducting portions may be 0.1 mm-1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm-0.75 mm, and more preferably 0.2 mm-0.5 mm.
• the thickness of the heat conducting portions at 0.1 mm-1 mm allows the width of the first air flow path to be set at 0.1 mm-1 mm, which therefore makes it possible to maintain the amount of air passing through the first air flow path while heat is suitably conducted by means of the heat conducting portions. If the thickness of the heat conducting portions is less than 0.1 mm, then the width of the first air flow path is excessively small, and there is a risk of a reduction in the amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with the first flavor source sheet being heated.
• the thickness of the heat conducting portions is less than 0.1 mm, then conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions to the first flavor source sheet is excessively fast, and there is a risk that the aerosol source will become depleted at the contact part of the first flavor source sheet, causing the first flavor source sheet to become burnt on. Meanwhile, if the thickness of the heat conducting portions is greater than 1 mm, then the rate at which heat is conducted by the heat conducting portions will be slowed, and there is a risk that it will not be possible to heat the first flavor source sheet effectively.
• a ratio of the thickness of the first flavor source sheet to the thickness of the heat conducting portions may be 0.5-15.
• vapor or aerosol can be appropriately generated while the first flavor source sheet is kept from becoming burnt on. If this ratio is less than 0.5, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet is excessively small, and there is a risk that the aerosol source held on the first flavor source sheet will become depleted so that the first flavor source sheet becomes burnt on. Meanwhile, if this ratio is greater than 15, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet is excessively large, the first flavor source sheet does not readily conduct heat, and there is a risk of it no longer being possible for vapor or aerosol to be appropriately generated from the first flavor source sheet.
• a ratio of the thermal conductivity of the heat conducting portions to the thermal conductivity of the first flavor source sheet may be 1.5 or greater, preferably 5 or greater, and more preferably 10 or greater, and may be 1500 or less, preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less, and even more preferably 200 or less.
• heat of the heat conducting portions can be conducted to the first flavor source sheet at a suitable rate. If this ratio is less than 1.5, then conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions to the first flavor source sheet is delayed, and there is a risk that it will not be possible to heat the first flavor source sheet effectively. If this ratio is greater than 1500, then conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions to the first flavor source sheet becomes faster, and there is a risk of localized heating of the contact part between the heat conducting portions and the first flavor source sheet, causing the first flavor source sheet to become burnt on.
• a contact area between the heat conducting portions and the first flavor source sheet may be 10% or greater of an area of a face of the first flavor source sheet facing the heating source, preferably 20% or greater, more preferably 30% or greater, and even more preferably 40% or greater, and may be 80% or less, preferably 70% or less, and more preferably 60% or less.
• heat of the heating source can be conducted to the first flavor source sheet at a suitable rate while a flow path area of the first air flow path is maintained. If this contact area is less than 10%, then conduction of heat from the heating source to the first flavor source sheet is delayed, and there is a risk that it will not be possible to heat the first flavor source sheet effectively. Meanwhile, if this contact area is greater than 80%, then conduction of heat from the heating source to the first flavor source sheet becomes excessively fast, and there is a risk of heating of the contact part between the heat conducting portions and the first flavor source sheet, causing the first flavor source sheet to become burnt on. Furthermore, if this contact area is greater than 80%, then there is also a risk of the flow path area of the first air flow path being narrowed excessively by the heat conducting portions.
• At least one of the flavor, thickness, aerosol source content and surface shape of the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet may be different.
• Different flavors can be generated from the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet when the flavors therein are different. It is therefore possible to provide a user with the desired flavor by adjusting the amount of each flavor which is delivered. Furthermore, when the thicknesses are different, the temperature of the relatively thin flavor source sheet rises more rapidly, enabling efficient initial delivery of the flavor or aerosol. In contrast to this, the temperature of the relatively thick flavor source sheet rises more slowly, making it possible to maintain vapor or aerosol generation to the latter half of smoking. When the aerosol source contents are different, the temperature of the flavor source sheet having a relatively small aerosol source content rises more rapidly, enabling efficient initial delivery of the vapor or aerosol.
• the temperature of the flavor source sheet having a relatively large aerosol source content rises more slowly, making it possible to maintain vapor or aerosol generation to the latter half of smoking.
• the tobacco sheet with the relatively large surface area enables efficient initial delivery of the vapor or aerosol.
• the temperature of the flavor source sheet having a relatively small surface area rises more slowly, making it possible to maintain vapor or aerosol generation to the latter half of smoking.
• the first flavor source sheet may comprise the first part and the second part further from the heating source than the first part, and the second part may contain a greater amount of flavor and aerosol source than the first part.
• the first flavor source sheet may comprise the first part and the second part further from the heating source than the first part, and the second part may contain a smaller amount of flavor and aerosol source than the first part.
• the first part close to the heating source contains a relatively large amount of flavor and aerosol, so the temperature of the first part which is close to the heating source rises more slowly, making it possible to maintain vapor or aerosol generation to the latter half of smoking. Vapor or aerosol generation can therefore be stabilized throughout the whole of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• longitudinal direction in the present specification means the direction in which air passes through a flavor source of the flavor-generating article, or a long axis direction of the flavor-generating article.
• short-side direction or “width direction” in the present specification means a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a flavor inhaler for heating a flavor-generating article according to the embodiment.
• a flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment is configured to generate vapor or aerosol by heating a first flavor source sheet contained in the flavor-generating article.
• the flavor inhaler 100 comprises a first housing 110, a second housing 120, and a mouthpiece 130.
• the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are configured to be detachable from one another.
• the mouthpiece 130 may be detachably connected to one end of the second housing 120, or may be integrally formed with the second housing 120.
• Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an example of a smoking system.
• the smoking system comprises the flavor inhaler 100 and a flavor-generating article 10.
• the flavor inhaler 100 comprises: a battery 140, a heating unit 150 and a control unit 170 which are disposed inside the first housing 110; and a cooling unit 160 which is disposed inside the second housing 120.
• the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are pivotably connected to one another by means of a hinge.
• the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may equally be connected to one another by means of snap fitting or screwing, etc., so as to be completely separable.
• the cooling unit 160, mouthpiece 130, and heating unit 150 can be easily cleaned by completely separating the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 from one another in this way.
• the battery 140 is configured to supply electrical power to the heating unit 150 and the control unit 170, etc.
• the battery 140 is a lithium ion battery, for example.
• the battery 140 may be rechargeable by means of an external power source.
• the cooling unit 160 is configured to cool the aerosol formed by a flavor-generating article 10.
• the cooling unit 160 may be a space in which the transiting vapor or aerosol is naturally cooled, for example.
• the cooling unit 160 may be provided or filled with one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate and aluminum foil.
• the aerosol can be cooled more efficiently by providing or filling the cooling unit 160 with these materials.
• the heating unit 150 comprises a heating blade 150a (corresponding to an example of the heating source) which is inserted into the flavor-generating article 10. That is to say, the heating unit 150 is a heater of the internal heating type which heats the flavor-generating article 10 from the inside.
• the heating blade 150a may comprise, for example, a substrate made of resin or the like, and a heating track formed on a surface of the substrate, and may have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, for example.
• the heating unit 150 has two heating blades 150a. In the flavor inhaler 100, one flavor-generating article 10 may be fitted to either of the heating blades 150a, or two flavor-generating articles 10 may be fitted to each of the heating blades 150a.
• the flavor inhaler 100 may comprise one heating blade 150a, or may comprise two or more heating blades 150a.
• the heating unit 150 is configured to heat the flavor-generating article 10 at 200°C-300°C, for example.
• the control unit 170 is configured by a CPU and a memory, etc. and controls operation of the flavor inhaler 100, especially the heating unit 150. For example, the control unit 170 starts heating of the flavor-generating article 10 in response to a user operation on an input device such as a push-button or slide switch (not depicted), and terminates heating of the flavor-generating article 10 once a given time has elapsed. When the number of puffing actions by the user has passed a fixed value, the control unit 170 may terminate heating of the flavor-generating article 10 even if the given time has not yet elapsed from the start of heating of the flavor-generating article 10. Puffing actions are detected by a sensor (not depicted), for example.
• control unit 170 may start heating of the flavor-generating article 10 in response to the start of a puffing action, and may terminate heating of the flavor-generating article 10 in response to the end of the puffing action.
• control unit 170 may terminate heating of the flavor-generating article 10 even if the puffing action has not yet finished.
• the control unit 170 is disposed between the battery 140 and the heating unit 150, and conduction of heat from the heating unit 150 to the battery 140 is suppressed.
• the flavor-generating article 10 generates a vapor or an aerosol of the aerosol source or flavor source as a result of being heated by means of the heating unit 150.
• the aerosol generated in the flavor-generating article 10 is cooled by passing through the cooling unit 160 and is delivered into the user's mouth through the mouthpiece 130 as a result of the user drawing on the flavor-generating article 10.
• the vapor generated in the flavor-generating article 10 may be cooled by the cooling unit 160 and formed into aerosol particles.
• the flavor-generating article 10 of this embodiment is in the form of a plate or a card. This is not limiting, and the flavor-generating article 10 may equally be cylindrical. In this case, the flavor-generating article 10 may be heated from the inside or may be heated from the outside.
• Fig. 3 is a schematic view of another example of a smoking system.
• the configuration of the heating unit 150 in the smoking system shown in fig. 3 differs from that of the smoking system shown in fig. 2 .
• the heating unit 150 comprises an induction coil 150b for induction heating a susceptor (corresponding to an example of the heating source).
• the susceptor may be provided in the flavor inhaler 100 or may be provided in the flavor-generating article 10.
• the flavor inhaler 100 may comprise a susceptor which is inserted into the flavor-generating article 10 when the flavor-generating article 10 is placed in the heating unit 150.
• the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise a susceptor which is induction heated by means of the induction coil 150b.
• the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 3 may also comprise, between the heating unit 150 and the control unit 170, an electromagnetic shield (not depicted) which keeps electromagnetic waves generated by the induction coil 150b from reaching the control unit 170.
• Fig. 4 is an oblique view of the flavor-generating article 10.
• the flavor-generating article 10 comprises: a starting material portion 30 for generating the vapor or aerosol, and a case 20 internally accommodating the starting material portion 30.
• the flavor-generating article 10 shown in fig. 4 comprises only the starting material portion 30, without a mouthpiece or filter, or a cooling unit being provided.
• the flavor-generating article 10 has a simple configuration in this case, therefore simplifying continuous production of flavor-generating articles 10 and enabling a relative reduction in the weight of waste material after the flavor-generating article 10 has been used.
• the flavor-generating article 10 does not need to be provided with a cooling function or a filter function, so there is a greater degree of freedom in designing the cooling unit 160 and the mouthpiece 130 (or filter) of the flavor inhaler 100.
• the cooling function of the cooling unit 160 of the flavor inhaler 100 can be easily improved by processing to increase the surface area in order to promote heat dissipation, for example.
• the flavor-generating article 10 may be provided with a cooling unit, filter or mouthpiece.
• the case 20 has a thin, substantially cuboid shape and comprises a first opening 21, and a second opening 22 on the opposite side to the first opening 21.
• the case 20 is a cylindrical body, in other words.
• the heating blade 150a of the heating unit 150 or the susceptor of the flavor inhaler 100 may be inserted into the second opening 22.
• the vapor or aerosol directed from the starting material portion 30 to the cooling unit 160 may pass through the first opening 21.
• the first opening 21 and the second opening 22 may have substantially the same opening shape.
• the case 20 may be formed from paper, for example. This enables the case 20 to be easily and inexpensively produced. More specifically, the case 20 may be formed from molded pulp.
• the case 20 may be formed from an air-impermeable material.
• an air-impermeable material means a material having air permeability of 0 CU when measured in accordance with ISO 2965-1997.
• the case 20 may be formed from air-impermeable paper. In this case, it is possible to suppress leakage of the vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor source from unintended parts of the case 20.
• the flavor-generating article 10 can be removed from the heating unit 150 without the user directly touching the high-heat starting material portion 30 after use. Furthermore, the shape of the starting material portion 30 can be maintained by accommodating the starting material portion 30 in the case 20. A metal foil comprising aluminum or the like may be provided on the inner surface of the case 20. This suppresses heat dissipation caused by radiation of heat from the heating unit 150 and the starting material portion 30 which is heated by the heating unit 150, and enables the starting material portion 30 to be effectively heated. It should be noted that the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise only the starting material portion 30, without the case 20 being provided.
• Fig. 5 is a side view of the flavor-generating article 10 seen from the second opening 22 of the case 20 shown in fig. 4 .
• Fig. 6 is a partial view in cross section of the flavor-generating article 10 seen from the arrows 6-6 shown in fig. 5 .
• the flavor-generating article 10 comprises at least a first flavor source sheet 31 as the starting material portion 30.
• the smoking system according to this embodiment furthermore comprises: a heating source 80 for heating the flavor-generating article 10, two or more heat conducting portions 85, and first flow paths A1.
• the two or more heat conducting portions 85 are arranged spaced apart from each other between the first flavor source sheet 31 and a first face 81 of the heating source 80.
• the first air flow paths A1 are provided between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the first face 81 of the heating source 80.
• the first air flow paths A1 are provided between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the first face 81 of the heating source 80, while heat of the heating source 80 is transmitted to the first flavor source sheet 31 through the heat conducting portions 85, therefore making it possible to increase an amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with the first flavor source sheet 31.
• This allows vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor-generating article 10 to be efficiently delivered to a user, enabling an increase in the amount of vapor or aerosol supplied.
• the heating source 80 shown in fig. 5 may be the heating blade 150a shown in fig. 2 , or may be the susceptor provided in the flavor inhaler 100 in the example shown in fig. 3 .
• the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise the heating source 80 shown in fig. 5 , this heating source 80 including a susceptor which can be induction heated.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 (and a second flavor source sheet 41 to be described later) may be heated by induction heating the susceptor of the flavor-generating article 10 by means of the induction coil 150b provided in the flavor inhaler 100 such as shown in fig. 3 .
• the first flavor source sheet 31 may comprise: a contact part 32 contacting the heat conducting portions 85; and an aerosol-generating face 33 adjacent to the contact part 32 and not contacting the heat conducting portions 85.
• the first air flow paths A1 can be defined by the heating source 80 and the aerosol-generating face 33 of the first flavor source sheet 31, as shown in fig. 5 .
• the first flavor source sheet 31 is capable of generating vapor or aerosol at the aerosol-generating face 33 which does not contact the heat conducting portions 85, and vapor or aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating face 33 can therefore be efficiently delivered to the user through the first air flow paths A1.
• the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 may be 0.2 mm-1.5 mm, and preferably 0.75 mm-1 mm. In this case, vapor or aerosol can be appropriately generated while the first flavor source sheet 31 is kept from becoming burnt on. If the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 is less than 0.2 mm, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 is excessively small, the strength of the first flavor source sheet 31 is inadequate, formability deteriorates, and there is a risk of breakage. Furthermore, in this case, there is a risk of difficulty in generating adequate smoking flavor from the first flavor source sheet 31, and a risk of the aerosol source held on the first flavor source sheet 31 becoming depleted so that the first flavor source sheet 31 becomes burnt on.
• the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 is greater than 1.5 mm, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 is excessively large, the first flavor source sheet 31 does not readily conduct heat, and there is a risk of it no longer being possible for vapor or aerosol to be appropriately generated from the first flavor source sheet 31.
• the aerosol source content of the first flavor source sheet 31 may be 15 mg or greater. In this case, vapor or aerosol generation can be sustained over a long period of time from the first flavor source sheet 31.
• the aerosol source content ratio in the first flavor source sheet 31 may be 5 wt% or greater, preferably 10 wt% or greater, and more preferably 15 wt% or greater, and 50 wt% or less, and preferably 25 wt% or less, with respect to the total weight of the first flavor source sheet. In this case, a pleasing flavor can be generated from the first flavor source sheet 31.
• the flavor-generating article 10 may further comprise a second flavor source sheet 41.
• the heating source 80 may have a second face 82 on the opposite side to the first face 81.
• two or more of the heat conducting portions 85 may be arranged spaced apart from each other between the second flavor source sheet 41 and the second face 82 of the heating source 80.
• the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise second air flow paths A2 provided between the second flavor source sheet 41 and the second face 82 of the heating source 80. In this case, the second air flow paths A2 are provided between the second flavor source sheet 41 and the second face 82 of the heating source 80, therefore making it possible to further increase the amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with the second flavor source sheet 41.
• the thickness or aerosol content of the second flavor source sheet 41 may be the same as those of the first flavor source sheet 31.
• the second flavor source sheet 41 may comprise: a contact part 42 contacting the heat conducting portions 85; and an aerosol-generating face 43 adjacent to the contact part 42 and not contacting the heat conducting portions 85.
• the second air flow paths A2 can be defined by the heat conducting portions 85 and the aerosol-generating face 43 of the second flavor source sheet 41, as shown in fig. 5 .
• the second flavor source sheet 41 is capable of generating vapor or aerosol at the aerosol-generating face 43 which does not contact the heating source 80, and vapor or aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating face 43 can therefore be efficiently delivered to the user through the second air flow paths A2.
• the heat conducting portions 85 arranged between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the first face 81 of the heating source 80 may be arranged so as not to face, through the heating source 80, the heat conducting portions 85 arranged between the second flavor source sheet 41 and the second face 82 of the heating source 80.
• the heat conducting portions 85 arranged between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the first face 81 of the heating source 80, and the heat conducting portions 85 arranged between the second flavor source sheet 41 and the second face 82 of the heating source 80 may be arranged so that positions thereof are offset from each other.
• heat conducted from the heat conducting portions 85 arranged between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the first face 81 of the heating source 80 is readily conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31, and heat conducted from the heat conducting portions 85 arranged between the second flavor source sheet 41 and the second face 82 of the heating source 80 is readily conducted to the second flavor source sheet 41.
• This enables the heat generated by the heating source 80 to be efficiently conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41.
• the thermal conductivity of the material of the heating source 80 at the part constituting the heat conducting portions 85 may be 0.1 w/(m-k)-300 w/(m ⁇ k). In this case, heat can be conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41 through the heat conducting portions 85 at a suitable rate. If the thermal conductivity of the heat conducting portions 85 is less than 0.1 w/(m-k), then conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions 85 to the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41 is delayed, and there is a risk that it will not be possible to heat the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41 effectively.
• the thermal conductivity of the heat conducting portions 85 is greater than 300 w/(m ⁇ k)
• conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions 85 to the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41 is excessively fast, and there is a risk that the aerosol source will become depleted at the contact part 32 or the contact part 42, causing the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41 to become burnt on.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41 are flat sheets. Furthermore, the heating source 80 has a flat shape corresponding to the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41. This is not limiting, and the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41 may be a curved sheet. In this case, the heating source 80 may have a curved shape so as to correspond to the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41. Specifically, the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41 may have an S-curved cross section as seen from the side face showed in fig. 5 . In that case, the heating source 80 also preferably has a similarly curved cross section. Furthermore, the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41 may be formed with a cylindrical shape. In that case, the heating source 80 may be configured to heat the cylindrical first flavor source sheet 31 and second flavor source sheet 41 from the inside or the outside.
• At least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41 may contain tobacco.
• tobacco which may be cited include shredded dried tobacco leaves, leaf tobacco powder, or tobacco extracts (extracts obtained with water, organic solvents, or mixed solutions thereof).
• the ground leaf tobacco constitutes particles obtained by grinding leaf tobacco.
• the ground leaf tobacco may have an average particle size of 30-120 ⁇ m, for example.
• the grinding may be carried out using a well-known grinding machine, and may be dry grinding or wet grinding. Ground leaf tobacco is therefore also referred to as leaf tobacco particles.
• the average particle size is determined by means of laser diffraction/scattering, and the average particle size is specifically measured by using a laser diffraction particle size distribution measurement apparatus (e.g., LA-950 available from HORIBA Ltd.).
• a laser diffraction particle size distribution measurement apparatus e.g., LA-950 available from HORIBA Ltd.
• the type of tobacco and it is possible to use yellow, Burley, orient or native type, and other Nicotiana tabacum varieties and Nicotiana rustica varieties, etc.
• the amount of tobacco contained in the first first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41 is preferably 1-80 wt% and more preferably 10-50 wt%.
• the tobacco may be supported on a sheet formed by non-tobacco fibers such as pulp fibers or a nonwoven fabric, for example.
• at least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41 may be formed by a tobacco sheet.
• a sheet produced from tobacco leaf, a cast sheet of tobacco leaf, or a rolled sheet of tobacco leaf, etc. may be used for the tobacco sheet.
• At least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41 may further contain an aerosol source.
• the aerosol source is preferably a polyhydric alcohol, and may be, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
• At least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41 may contain a flavoring material.
• the flavoring material can be supplied to the user in addition to the flavor or aerosol.
• the type of flavoring material there is no particular limitation as to the type of flavoring material, and, from the point of view of imparting a favorable flavoring sensation, it is possible to select at least one from among: acetanisole, 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, card
• At least one of the flavor, thickness, aerosol source content and surface shape of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 42 may be different. Different flavors can be generated from the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 41 when the flavors therein are different. It is therefore possible to provide a user with the desired flavor by adjusting the amount of each flavor which is delivered. Furthermore, when the thicknesses are different, the temperature of the relatively thin flavor source sheet rises more rapidly, enabling efficient initial delivery of the flavor or aerosol. In contrast to this, the temperature of the relatively thick flavor source sheet rises more slowly, making it possible to maintain vapor or aerosol generation to the latter half of smoking.
• the temperature of the flavor source sheet having a relatively small aerosol source content rises more rapidly, enabling efficient initial delivery of the vapor or aerosol.
• the temperature of the flavor source sheet having a relatively large aerosol source content rises more slowly, making it possible to maintain vapor or aerosol generation to the latter half of smoking.
• the tobacco sheet with the relatively large surface area enables efficient initial delivery of the vapor or aerosol.
• the temperature of the flavor source sheet having a relatively small surface area rises more slowly, making it possible to maintain vapor or aerosol generation to the latter half of smoking.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 may have a coating on the outer peripheral surface of the first flavor source sheet 31 excluding the face facing the heating source 80 (i.e., the contact part 32 with the heating source 80, and the aerosol-generating face 33). In this case, it is possible to inhibit vapor or aerosol generation and leakage from this outer peripheral surface. As a result, vapor or aerosol generated at or in the vicinity of this outer peripheral surface can be efficiently delivered to the user through the first air flow paths A1.
• the second flavor source sheet 41 may also likewise have a coating on the outer peripheral surface of the second flavor source sheet 41 excluding the face facing the heating source 80 (i.e., the contact part 42 with the heating source 80, and the aerosol-generating face 43).
• the coating may comprise calcium carbonate, shellac, or a glass-based coating, etc., for example. Furthermore, the coating also includes covering the outer peripheral surface of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the outer peripheral surface of the second flavor source sheet 41 with the case 20, as in this embodiment.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 comprises a first part 31a and a second part 31b further from the heating source 80 than the first part 31a.
• the second part 31b may contain a greater amount of flavor and aerosol source than the first part 31a.
• a relatively large amount of the flavor and aerosol source is contained in the second part 31b which is separated from the heating source 80 and generates vapor or aerosol in the latter half of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10. It is therefore possible to increase the amount of vapor or aerosol generated in the latter half of one session.
• the second part 31b may contain a smaller amount of flavor and aerosol source than the first part 31a.
• the first part 31a close to the heating source 80 contains a relatively large amount of flavor and aerosol, so it is possible to suppress burning caused by depletion of the aerosol source.
• the flavor inhaler 100 may comprise the heating source 80 (heating unit 150), and the control unit 170 for controlling the heating source 80.
• the control unit 170 may stop heating of the heating source 80 when a predetermined number of puffs have been detected or when a predetermined time has elapsed.
• the second part 31b of the first flavor source sheet 31 may have a greater aerosol content than the first part 31a when 50% of the predetermined number or of the predetermined number has been reached. In this case, a reasonable amount of the aerosol source still remains in the second part 31b when 50% of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking has passed, so vapor or aerosol can be generated from at least the second part 31b until the end of smoking.
• the flavor inhaler 100 may comprise the induction coil 150b, and the control unit 170 for controlling the induction coil 150b.
• the control unit 170 may stop power supply to the induction coil 150b when a predetermined number of puffs have been detected or when a predetermined time has elapsed.
• the second part 31b of the first flavor source sheet 31 may have a greater aerosol source content than the first part 31a when 50% of the predetermined number or of the predetermined time has been reached. In this case, a reasonable amount of the aerosol source still remains in the second part 31b when 50% of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking has passed, so vapor or aerosol can be generated from at least the second part 31b until the end of smoking.
• the heat conducting portions 85 extend in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 10 in this embodiment. As shown in fig. 6 , a plurality of heat conducting portions 85 may also be arranged at equal intervals in the width direction of the flavor-generating article 10.
• Fig. 7 is a partial view in cross section of the flavor-generating article 10 according to another example seen from the arrows 6-6 shown in fig. 5 .
• the smoking system of this embodiment may comprise a plurality of heat conducting portions 85 spaced apart in the width direction and the longitudinal direction. That is to say, the plurality of heat conducting portions 85 may be arranged in the form of dots on the first face 81 of the heating source 80.
• the plurality of heat conducting portions 85 are preferably arranged spaced apart at equal intervals in the width direction and/or the longitudinal direction.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 can be evenly heated.
• the smoking system may also comprise, on the second face 82, a plurality of heat conducting portions 85 spaced apart in the width direction and the longitudinal direction, similarly to the plurality of heat conducting portions 85 arranged on the first face 81.
• a plurality of first contact faces 81a may also be arranged in any pattern, or may have any planar shape.
• the heat conducting portions 85 may constitute part of the heating source 80.
• the heat conducting portions 85 may be integrally formed with the heating source 80 from the same material as that of the heating source 80, and may be fixed to the heating source 80 in order to form part of the heating source 80.
• the heating source may conduct heat to the first flavor source sheet through the heat conducting portions.
• the heat conducting portions 85 may comprise at least one from the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals.
• the heat conducting portions 85 may have suitable strength, and it is therefore possible to suppress crushing of the heat conducting portions 85 which would block the first air flow paths A1.
• the heat conducting portions 85 may have suitable thermal conductivity, and heat generated by the heating source 80 can therefore be efficiently conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 41.
• the heat conducting portions 85 comprise an inorganic material, it is possible to suppress burning of the actual heat conducting portions 85.
• the heat conducting portions 85 especially preferably comprise calcium carbonate.
• the heat conducting portions 85 can be supported on the first flavor source sheet 31, therefore making it possible to simplify the configuration of the heating source 80.
• calcium carbonate is capable of inhibiting the first flavor source sheet 31 from becoming burnt on to the heating source 80, therefore making it possible to reduce the work of cleaning the heating source 80.
• the thickness of the heat conducting portions 85 may be 0.1 mm-1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm-0.75 mm, and more preferably 0.2 mm-0.5 mm.
• the width (thickness) of the first air flow paths A1 can be set at 0.1 mm-1 mm, which therefore makes it possible to maintain the amount of air passing through the first air flow paths A1 while heat is suitably conducted by means of the heat conducting portions 85. If the thickness of the heat conducting portions 85 is less than 0.1 mm, then the width (thickness) of the first air flow paths A1 is excessively small, and there is a risk of a reduction in the amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with the first flavor source sheet 31 being heated.
• the ratio of the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 (or the second flavor source sheet 41) to the thickness of the heat conducting portions 85 may be 0.5-15. In this case, vapor or aerosol can be appropriately generated while the first flavor source sheet 31 is kept from becoming burnt on. If this ratio is less than 0.5, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 is excessively small, and there is a risk that the aerosol source held on the first flavor source sheet 31 will become depleted so that the first flavor source sheet 31 becomes burnt on. Meanwhile, if this ratio is greater than 15, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 is excessively large, the first flavor source sheet 31 does not readily conduct heat, and there is a risk of it no longer being possible for vapor or aerosol to be appropriately generated from the first flavor source sheet 31.
• the ratio of the thermal conductivity of the heat conducting portions 85 to the thermal conductivity of the first flavor source sheet 31 (or the second flavor source sheet 41) may be 1.5 or greater, preferably 5 or greater, and more preferably 10 or greater, and may be 1500 or less, preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less, and even more preferably 200 or less.
• heat of the heat conducting portions 85 can be conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31 at a suitable rate. If this ratio is less than 1.5, then conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions 85 to the first flavor source sheet 31 is delayed, and there is a risk that it will not be possible to heat the first flavor source sheet 31 effectively.
• this ratio is greater than 1500, then conduction of heat from the heat conducting portions 85 to the first flavor source sheet 31 becomes faster, and there is a risk of heating of the contact part 32 between the heat conducting portions 85 and the first flavor source sheet 31, causing the first flavor source sheet 31 to become burnt on.
• the contact area between the heat conducting portions 85 and the first flavor source sheet 31 (or the second flavor source sheet 41) may be 10% or greater of the area of the face of the first flavor source sheet 31 facing the heating source 80, preferably 20% or greater, more preferably 30% or greater, and even more preferably 40% or greater, and may be 80% or less, preferably 70% or less, and more preferably 60% or less.
• heat of the heating source 80 can be conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31 at a suitable rate while the flow path area of the first air flow paths A1 is maintained. If this contact area is less than 10%, then conduction of heat from the heating source 80 to the first flavor source sheet 31 is delayed, and there is a risk that it will not be possible to heat the first flavor source sheet 31 effectively.
• this contact area is greater than 80%, then conduction of heat from the heating source 80 to the first flavor source sheet 31 becomes excessively fast, and there is a risk of localized heating of the contact part 32 between the heat conducting portions 84 and the first flavor source sheet 31, causing the first flavor source sheet 31 to become burnt on. Furthermore, if this contact area is greater than 80%, then there is also a risk of the flow path area of the first air flow paths being narrowed excessively by the heat conducting portions 84. It should be noted that "burning of the flavor source sheet" in the present specification includes the flavor source sheet itself being burned, and the flavor source being burnt on to the heat conducting portions 85.
• Fig. 8 is a side view of a flavor-generating article 10 according to another example seen from the second opening 22 of the case 20 shown in fig. 4 .
• the configuration of the first flavor source sheet 31 in the flavor-generating article 10 shown in fig. 8 differs from that of the flavor-generating article 10 shown in fig. 5 .
• the first flavor source sheet 31 of the flavor-generating article 10 shown in fig. 8 comprises heat conducting portions 84.
• the heat conducting portions 84 are supported on the first flavor source sheet 31.
• the heating source 80 may conduct heat to the first flavor source sheet 31 through the heat conducting portions 84.
• the heating source 80 has a flat plate shape, and two or more heat conducting portions 84 contact the surface of the heating source 80. That is to say, by providing the heat conducting portions 84 on the first flavor source sheet 31, the first flavor source sheet 31 does not come into direct contact with the heating source 80, and it is possible to inhibit the first flavor source sheet 31 from being burnt on to the heating source 80, which can therefore reduce maintenance of the heating source 80, or make it unnecessary.
• the heat conducting portions 84 are preferably arranged on both surfaces of a heating element 83. This makes it possible to form the first flow paths A1 and the second air flow paths A2.
• the heat conducting portions 84 may also have an elongate shape in the longitudinal direction, similarly to the heat conducting portions 85 shown in fig. 6 .
• the first air flow paths A1 extend in the longitudinal direction.
• the heat conducting portions 84 may also be arranged in the form of dots, similarly to the heat conducting portions 85 shown in fig. 7 .
• a plurality of heat conducting portions 84 may also be arranged in any pattern, or may have any planar shape.
• the shape, size, form of arrangement, physical properties, or material of the heat conducting portions 84 may be the same as those of the heat conducting portions 85.

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• 2023
  • 2023-04-05 JP JP2025512284A patent/JPWO2024209583A1/ja active Pending
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