Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
  • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
  • A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
  • A24B15/16—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
  • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
  • A24C5/14—Machines of the continuous-rod type
  • A24C5/18—Forming the rod
  • A24C5/1885—Forming the rod for cigarettes with an axial air duct
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/42—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
  • A24F40/50—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
  • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
  • H05B6/105—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications using a susceptor
  • H05B6/108—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications using a susceptor for heating a fluid
• • 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
• • 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
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
  • A24F40/465—Shape or structure of electric heating means specially adapted for induction heating

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a flavor-generating article and 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 flavor-generating article having a novel structure.
• a flavor-generating article comprises: a first flavor source sheet; at least one second flavor source sheet which does not contact a heating source; a first spacer which contacts the first flavor source sheet and one of the second flavor source sheets, and is provided therebetween; and a first air flow path provided between the first flavor source sheet and one of the second flavor source sheets.
• the first air flow path is provided between the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet by the first spacer, therefore making it possible to increase an amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with the first flavor source sheet and the second 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 second flavor source sheet does not directly contact the heating source, and the second flavor source sheet can therefore be heated as a result of heat of the heated first flavor source sheet being conducted to the second flavor source sheet via the first spacer.
• the flavor source is successively heated from the first flavor source sheet which is close to the heating source, and vapor or aerosol can therefore be stably supplied to the user during one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• the first spacer may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals.
• the first spacer may have suitable strength, and it is therefore possible to suppress crushing of the first spacer which would block the first air flow path. Furthermore, the first spacer may have suitable thermal conductivity, and heat of the first flavor source sheet can therefore be efficiently conducted to the second flavor source sheet.
• the first spacer may comprise calcium carbonate.
• the first spacer may have sufficient strength, and it is therefore possible to suppress crushing of the first spacer which would block the first air flow path. Furthermore, the first spacer may have good thermal conductivity, and heat of the first flavor source sheet can therefore be efficiently conducted to the second flavor source sheet.
• the thermal conductivity of the first spacer may be 0.1 w/(m-k) or greater, preferably 1 w/(m-k) or greater, and more preferably 2 w/(m-k) or greater, and may be 300 w/(m-k) or less, preferably 100 w/(m-k) or less, and more preferably 30 w/(m-k) or less.
• heat of the first flavor source sheet can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet at a suitable rate. If the thermal conductivity of the first spacer is less than 0.1 w (m ⁇ k), then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet is delayed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet. That is to say, there is a risk of there being a time slot during which a small amount of vapor or aerosol is generated.
• the thermal conductivity of the first spacer is greater than 300 w/(m-k)
• conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet is accelerated, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• the flavor-generating article may comprise: a plurality of second flavor source sheets; a third spacer which contacts a pair of the second flavor source sheets, and is provided therebetween; and a second air flow path provided between the pair of second flavor source sheets.
• the second air flow path is provided between second flavor source sheets by the third spacer, therefore making it possible to increase the amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with each of the second flavor source sheets.
• 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.
• heat can be conducted from one second flavor source sheet to another second flavor source sheet via the third spacer. Consequently, there is successive heating from the second flavor source sheet which is close to the heating source, and vapor or aerosol can therefore be stably supplied to the user during one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• the thickness of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet may be 0.1 mm or greater and 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.6 mm or less, and more preferably 0.3 mm or less.
• vapor or aerosol can be appropriately generated while the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is kept from becoming burnt on. If the thickness of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is less than 0.1 mm, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is excessively small, the strength of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is inadequate, and there is a risk of a deterioration in formability and a risk of breakage. There is furthermore a risk that the aerosol source held on the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet will become depleted so that the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet becomes burnt on.
• the thickness of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is greater than 1.0 mm, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is excessively large, the first flavor source sheet or the second 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 or the second flavor source sheet.
• the first flavor source sheet may be configured to contact the heating source directly or indirectly.
• the heating source can efficiently heat the first flavor source sheet, and the second flavor source sheet can be heated via the first spacer as a result.
• the flavor-generating article may comprise a second spacer which contacts the first flavor source sheet and the heating source, and is provided therebetween.
• the heating source and the first flavor source sheet come into indirect contact via the second spacer, and heat of the heating source can therefore be conducted to the first flavor source sheet via the second spacer. Furthermore, the heating source does not directly contact the first flavor source sheet, therefore making it possible to suppress adhesion of components of the heated first flavor source sheet which would contaminate the heating source.
• the thickness of the first spacer may be 0.1 mm or greater and preferably 0.2 mm or greater, and may be 0.5 mm or less and preferably 0.3 mm or less.
• the length of a gap between the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet may be set at 0.1 mm-0.5 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 first spacer. If the thickness of the first spacer 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 and the second flavor source sheet being heated.
• the thickness of the first spacer is less than 0.1 mm, then the rate at which the first spacer conducts heat is accelerated, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• the thickness of the first spacer is greater than 0.5 mm, then the rate at which the first spacer conducts heat is slowed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet. That is to say, there is a risk of there being a time slot during which a small amount of vapor or aerosol is generated.
• a contact area between the first spacer and the second flavor source sheet may be 10% or greater and preferably 20% or greater, and may be 70% or less and preferably 50% or less, of an area of a face of the second flavor source sheet facing the first flavor source sheet.
• heat of the first flavor source sheet can be conducted to the second 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 first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet is delayed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet. That is to say, there is a risk of there being a time slot during which a small amount of vapor or aerosol is generated.
• this contact area is greater than 70%, then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet is excessively fast, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article. Furthermore, if this contact area is greater than 70%, then there is also a risk of the flow path area of the first air flow path being narrowed excessively by the first spacer.
• a ratio of the thickness of the first flavor source sheet to the thickness of the first spacer may be 0.2-10.
• vapor or aerosol can be appropriately generated while the first flavor source sheet is kept from becoming burnt on. Furthermore, heat of the first flavor source sheet can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet at a suitable rate. If this ratio is less than 0.2, 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. Alternatively, if this ratio is less than 0.2, then the first spacer is excessively thick and the rate at which the first spacer conducts heat is slowed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet.
• this ratio is greater than 10, then the rate at which the first spacer conducts heat is accelerated, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• a ratio of the thermal conductivity of the first spacer 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 first flavor source sheet can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet at a suitable rate. If this ratio is less than 1.5, then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet is delayed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet. That is to say, there is a risk of there being a time slot during which a small amount of vapor or aerosol is generated.
• this ratio is greater than 1500, then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet is accelerated, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• 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 flavor-generating article may comprise the heating source, and the heating source may comprise a susceptor which can be inductively heated.
• the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet can be heated by inductively heating the susceptor of the flavor-generating article by means of an induction coil provided in the flavor inhaler.
• a second aspect provides a smoking system comprising: the flavor-generating article described above, and a flavor inhaler having a heating source for heating the first flavor source sheet and the at least one second flavor source sheet.
• the first flavor source sheet which is close to the heating source is heated ahead of the second flavor source sheet.
• the first flavor source sheet is heated ahead of the second flavor source sheet, and the second flavor source sheet is heated as a result of heat of the heated first flavor source sheet being conducted to the second flavor source sheet via the first spacer.
• the flavor source is successively heated from the first flavor source sheet which is close to the heating source, and vapor or aerosol can therefore be stably supplied to the user during one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• a third aspect provides a smoking system comprising: the flavor-generating article described above, and a flavor inhaler having an induction coil for inductively heating the heating source.
• the first flavor source sheet which is close to the heating source is heated ahead of the at least one second flavor source sheet.
• the first flavor source sheet is heated ahead of the second flavor source sheet, and the second flavor source sheet is heated as a result of heat of the heated first flavor source sheet being conducted to the second flavor source sheet via the first spacer.
• the flavor source is successively heated from the first flavor source sheet which is close to the heating source, and vapor or aerosol can therefore be stably supplied to the user during one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article.
• the flavor inhaler may comprise a control unit for controlling the heating source, 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, and the second flavor source sheet furthest from the heating source may have a greater aerosol source content than the first flavor source sheet when 30% of the predetermined number or of the predetermined time has been reached.
• the flavor inhaler may comprise a control unit for controlling the induction coil, 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, and the second flavor source sheet furthest from the heating source may have a greater aerosol source content than the first flavor source sheet when 30% of the predetermined number or of the predetermined time has been reached.
• the first flavor source sheet may be closest to the heating source, and flavor and aerosol source contained in the first flavor source sheet and the at least one second flavor source sheet may increase further away from the heating source.
• the second flavor source sheet which is separated from the heating source 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. It is therefore possible to increase the amount of vapor or aerosol generated in the latter half of one session.
• the first flavor source sheet may be closest to the heating source, and flavor and aerosol source contained in the first flavor source sheet and the at least one second flavor source sheet may decrease further away from the heating source.
• the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet which is close to the heating source contains a relatively large amount of flavor and aerosol, so the temperature of the first first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet 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 or a second 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 diagram of an example of the flavor inhaler 100.
• 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. 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 transfer 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.
• Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of another example of the flavor inhaler 100.
• the configuration of the heating unit 150 in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 3 differs from that of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 2 .
• the heating unit 150 comprises an induction coil 150b for inductively 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 inductively 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 shape of the flavor-generating article 10 is not limited to a substantially cuboid shape and it may equally be cylindrical, etc.
• 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.
• 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 50 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 starting material portion 30 of the flavor-generating article 10 comprises: a first flavor source sheet 31, at least one second flavor source sheet 32, a first spacer 33, and a first air flow path A1.
• the at least one second flavor source sheet 32 does not contact a heating source 80.
• the first spacer 33 contacts the first flavor source sheet 31 and one of the second flavor source sheets 32, and is provided therebetween.
• the first air flow path A1 is provided between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32.
• the first air flow path A1 is provided between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 by the first spacer 33, 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 and the second flavor source sheet 32.
• 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 second flavor source sheet 32 does not directly contact the heating source 80, and the second flavor source sheet 32 can therefore be heated as a result of heat of the heated first flavor source sheet 31 being conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 via the first spacer 33.
• the flavor source is successively heated from the first flavor source sheet 31 which is close to the heating source 80, and vapor or aerosol can therefore be stably supplied to the user during one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10.
• 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 inductively heated.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 may be heated by inductively 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 and the second flavor source sheet 32 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 32. This is not limiting, and the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 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 32. Specifically, the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 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.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 and the at least one second flavor source sheet 32 are preferably arranged on each of the two sides of the heating source 80. In this case, it is possible to increase the amount of vapor or aerosol which can be generated by the flavor-generating article 10. This is not limiting, and the first flavor source sheet 31 and the at least one second flavor source sheet 32 may equally be arranged on either one side of the heating source 80.
• At least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 may contain tobacco.
• tobacco which may be cited include shredded dried tobacco leaves, ground leaf tobacco, 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 32 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 32 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.
• the tobacco sheet may further comprise 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 32 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 32 may be different. Different flavors can be generated from the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 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 flavor-generating article 10 may comprise a single first spacer 33, but preferably comprises a plurality of first spacers 33, as shown in fig. 5 .
• the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise a plurality of first spacers 33 spaced apart in the width direction, as shown in fig. 5 .
• the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise a plurality of first spacers 33 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, as shown in fig. 6 .
• the first spacers 33 may be substantially particulate or columnar.
• the first spacers 33 are preferably spaced apart at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction or 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 first spacers 33 may have an elongate shape in the longitudinal direction.
• the first air flow paths A1 formed by the first spacers 33 extend in the longitudinal direction.
• a plurality of first spacers 33 may be arranged in any pattern, and may have any shape.
• Third spacers 34 which will be described later, may also be arranged in the same way as the first spacers 33 shown in fig. 6 or 7 , and may have the same shape or size as the first spacers 33.
• the first spacer 33 preferably comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals.
• the first spacer 33 may have suitable strength, and it is therefore possible to suppress crushing of the first spacer 33 which would block the first air flow path A1.
• the first spacer 33 may have suitable thermal conductivity, and heat of the first flavor source sheet 31 can therefore be efficiently conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32.
• the first spacer 33 may comprise calcium carbonate.
• the thermal conductivity of the first spacer 33 is preferably 0.1 w/(m-k)-300 w/(m ⁇ k). In this case, heat of the first flavor source sheet 31 can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 at a suitable rate. If the thermal conductivity of the first spacer 33 is less than 0.1 w/(m ⁇ k), then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 is delayed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet 31. That is to say, there is a risk of there being a time slot during which a small amount of vapor or aerosol is generated.
• the thermal conductivity of the first spacer 33 is greater than 300 w/(m ⁇ k), then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 is accelerated, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10.
• the thermal conductivity is more preferably 1 w/(m-k) or greater, and even more preferably 2 w/(m-k) or greater, and more preferably 100 w/(m ⁇ k) or less, and even more preferably 30 w/(m ⁇ k) or less.
• the thickness of the first spacer 33 is preferably 0.1 mm-0.5 mm.
• the length of a gap between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 that is, the width of the first air flow path A1
• the width of the first air flow path A1 may be set at 0.1 mm-0.5 mm, which therefore makes it possible to maintain the amount of air passing through the first air flow path A1 while heat is suitably conducted by means of the first spacer 33. If the thickness of the first spacer 33 is less than 0.1 mm, then the width of the first air flow path 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 and the second flavor source sheet 32 being heated.
• the thickness of the first spacer 33 is less than 0.1 mm, then the rate at which the first spacer 33 conducts heat is accelerated, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10.
• the thickness of the first spacer 33 is greater than 0.5 mm, then the rate at which the first spacer 33 conducts heat is slowed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet 31.
• the thickness of the first spacer 33 is more preferably 0.2 mm or greater, and more preferably 0.3 mm or less.
• a contact area between the first spacer 33 and the second flavor source sheet 32 is preferably 10%-70% of an area of a face of the second flavor source sheet 32 facing the first flavor source sheet 31.
• heat of the first flavor source sheet 31 can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 at a suitable rate while a flow path area of the first air flow path A1 is maintained. If this contact area is less than 10%, then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 is delayed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet 31. That is to say, there is a risk of there being a time slot during which a small amount of vapor or aerosol is generated.
• this contact area is greater than 70%, then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 is excessively fast, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10. Furthermore, if this contact area is greater than 70%, then there is also a risk of the flow path area of the first air flow path A1 being narrowed excessively by the first spacer 33.
• the contact area as referred to here means the contact area between the plurality of first spacers 33 and the second flavor source sheet 32. It should be noted that the contact area is more preferably 20% or greater, and more preferably 50% or less.
• a ratio of the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 to the thickness of the first spacer 33 is preferably 0.2-10.
• vapor or aerosol can be appropriately generated while the first flavor source sheet 31 is kept from becoming burnt on.
• heat of the first flavor source sheet 31 can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 at a suitable rate. If this ratio is less than 0.2, 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.
• this ratio is less than 0.2, then the first spacer 33 is excessively thick and the rate at which the first spacer 33 conducts heat is slowed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet 31. That is to say, there is a risk of there being a time slot during which a small amount of vapor or aerosol is generated. Meanwhile, if this ratio is greater than 10, 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.
• this ratio is greater than 10
• the first spacer 33 is excessively thin and the width of the first air flow path 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 and the second flavor source sheet 32 being heated.
• this ratio is greater than 10
• the rate at which the first spacer 33 conducts heat is accelerated, and there is a risk of a longer time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32, and therefore of a shorter time of one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10.
• a ratio of the thermal conductivity of the first spacer 33 to the thermal conductivity of the first flavor source sheet 31 is preferably 1.5-1500.
• heat of the first flavor source sheet 31 can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 at a suitable rate. If this ratio is less than 1.5, then conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 is delayed, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 after complete vaporization of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet 31. That is to say, there is a risk of there being a time slot during which a small amount of vapor or aerosol is generated.
• this ratio is more preferably 5 or greater and even more preferably 10 or greater, and more preferably 1000 or less, even more preferably 500 or less, and most preferably 200 or less.
• the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 is preferably 0.1 mm-1.0 mm. In this case, vapor or aerosol can be appropriately generated while the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 is kept from becoming burnt on. If the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 is less than 0.1 mm, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 is excessively small, the strength of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 is inadequate, and there is a risk of a deterioration in formability and a risk of breakage.
• the aerosol source held on the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 will become depleted so that the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 becomes burnt on. If the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 is greater than 1.0 mm, then the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 is excessively large, the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 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 or the second flavor source sheet 32. It should be noted that the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 is more preferably 0.6 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less.
• the flavor-generating article 10 preferably comprises a plurality of second flavor source sheets 32.
• a greater amount of vapor or aerosol can be generated by the flavor-generating article 10.
• three second flavor source sheets 32 are arranged on each of the two sides of the heating source 80. In this case, it is possible to further increase the amount of vapor or aerosol which can be generated by the flavor-generating article 10.
• the plurality of second flavor source sheets 32 may equally be arranged on either one side of the heating source 80.
• the flavor-generating article 10 preferably further comprises: a third spacer 34 which contacts a pair of the second flavor source sheets 32, and is provided therebetween; and a second air flow path A2 provided between the pair of second flavor source sheets 32.
• the second air flow path A2 is provided between second flavor source sheets 32 by the third spacer 34, therefore making it possible to increase the amount of air passing through so as to come into contact with each of the second flavor source sheets 32.
• 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.
• heat can be conducted from one second flavor source sheet 32 to another second flavor source sheet 32 via the third spacer 34. Consequently, there is successive heating from the second flavor source sheet 32 which is close to the heating source 80, and vapor or aerosol can therefore be stably supplied to the user during one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10.
• the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise a single third spacer 34 between the pair of second flavor source sheets 32, but preferably comprises a plurality of third spacers 34 between the pair of second flavor source sheets 32, as shown in fig. 5 .
• the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise a plurality of third spacers 34 spaced apart in the width direction between the pair of second flavor source sheets 32, as shown in fig. 5 .
• the third spacers 34 may be substantially particulate or columnar.
• the third spacers 34 are preferably spaced apart at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the flavor-generating article 10.
• the third spacers 34 may also have an elongate shape in the longitudinal direction, similarly to the first spacers 33 shown in fig. 7 . This is not limiting, and the third spacers 34 may be arranged in any pattern, and may have any shape.
• the material or properties of the third spacer 34 may be the same as the material or properties of the first spacer 33 described above.
• the third spacer 34 may demonstrate the same advantageous effects as those of the first spacer 33 described above. That is to say, the third spacer 34 preferably comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals, similarly to the first spacer 33. More specifically, the third spacer 34 may comprise calcium carbonate.
• the thermal conductivity of the third spacer 34 is preferably 0.1 w/(m-k) or greater, more preferably 1 w/(m-k) or greater, and even more preferably 2 w/(m-k) or greater, and is preferably 300 w/(m ⁇ k) or less, more preferably 100 w/(m ⁇ k) or less, and even more preferably 30 w/(m ⁇ k) or less.
• the thickness of the third spacer 34 is preferably 0.1 mm or greater and more preferably 0.2 mm or greater, and is preferably 0.5 mm or less and more preferably 0.3 mm or less.
• a contact area between the third spacer 34 and the second flavor source sheets 32 may be 10% or greater and preferably 20% or greater, and may be 70% or less and preferably 50% or less, of an area of faces of the second flavor source sheets 32 facing each other.
• a ratio of the thickness of the second flavor source sheet 32 to the thickness of the third spacer 34 is preferably 0.2-10.
• a ratio of the thermal conductivity of the third spacer 34 to the thermal conductivity of the second flavor source sheet 32 is preferably 1.5 or greater, more preferably 5 or greater, and even more preferably 10 or greater, and is preferably 1500 or less, more preferably 1000 or less, even more preferably 500 or less, and most preferably 200 or less.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 is preferably configured to contact the heating source 80 directly or indirectly.
• the heating source 80 can efficiently heat the first flavor source sheet 31, and the second flavor source sheet 32 can be heated via the first spacer 33 as a result.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 contacts the heating source 80 directly.
• Fig. 8 is a side view of the flavor-generating article 10 seen from the second opening 22 of the case 20 shown in fig. 4 , according to another embodiment.
• the flavor-generating article 10 may comprise a second spacer 35 which contacts the first flavor source sheet 31 and the heating source 80, and is provided therebetween.
• the heating source 80 and the first flavor source sheet 31 come into indirect contact via the second spacer 35, and heat of the heating source 80 can therefore be conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31 via the second spacer 35.
• the heating source 80 does not directly contact the first flavor source sheet 31, therefore making it possible to suppress adhesion of components of the heated first flavor source sheet 31 which would contaminate the heating source 80.
• the second spacer 35 preferably comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals, similarly to the first spacer 33. More specifically, the second spacer 35 may comprise calcium carbonate. Furthermore, the second spacer 35 preferably contacts the entirety of the respective facing faces of the heating source 80 and the first flavor source sheet 31 so that the heat of the heating source 80 is efficiently conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31. As shown in fig. 8 , a second spacer 35 may be arranged on each of the two sides of the heating source 80. This is not limiting, and the second spacer 35 may equally be arranged on only either one side of the heating source 80.
• the smoking system comprises the flavor-generating article 10 shown in fig. 4-8 , and the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 2 .
• the first flavor source sheet 31 which is close to the heating source 80 (heating blade 150a) is heated ahead of the second flavor source sheet 32, as described above.
• the flavor source is successively heated from the first flavor source sheet 31 which is close to the heating source 80, and vapor or aerosol can therefore be stably supplied to the user during one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10.
• the flavor inhaler 100 comprises the control unit 170 for controlling the heating source 80 (see fig. 2 ).
• the control unit 170 can 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 flavor source sheet 32 furthest from the heating source 80 preferably has a greater aerosol source content than the first flavor source sheet 31 when 30% 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 flavor source sheet 32 when 30% 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 flavor source sheet 32 until the end of smoking.
• the smoking system may comprise the flavor-generating article 10 shown in fig. 4-8 , and the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 3 which comprises the induction coil 150b for inductively heating the heating source 80.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 which is close to the heating source 80 (the susceptor provided in the flavor inhaler 100 or the flavor-generating article 10) is heated ahead of the second flavor source sheet 32, as described above.
• the flavor source is successively heated from the first flavor source sheet 31 which is close to the heating source 80, and vapor or aerosol can therefore be stably supplied to the user during one session from the start of smoking until the end of smoking of the flavor-generating article 10.
• the flavor inhaler 100 comprises the control unit 170 for controlling the induction coil 150b (see fig. 3 ).
• the control unit 170 can 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 flavor source sheet 32 furthest from the heating source 80 preferably has a greater aerosol source content than the first flavor source sheet 31 when 30% 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 flavor source sheet 32 when 30% 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 flavor source sheet 32 until the end of smoking.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 may be closest to the heating source 80, and flavor and aerosol source contained in the first flavor source sheet 31 and the at least one second flavor source sheet 32 may increase further away from the heating source 80.
• a relatively large amount of the flavor and aerosol source is contained in the second flavor source sheet 32 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 first flavor source sheet 31 may be closest to the heating source 80, and flavor and aerosol source contained in the first flavor source sheet 31 and the at least one second flavor source sheet 32 may decrease further away from the heating source 80.
• the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 which is close to the heating source contains a relatively large amount of flavor and aerosol, so the temperature of the first first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 which is close to the heating source 80 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 10.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)
• Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)

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• 2023
  • 2023-04-26 CN CN202380097152.5A patent/CN120957616A/zh active Pending
  • 2023-04-26 KR KR1020257034645A patent/KR20250168370A/ko active Pending
  • 2023-04-26 WO PCT/JP2023/016380 patent/WO2024224496A1/ja not_active Ceased
  • 2023-04-26 EP EP23935276.8A patent/EP4702853A1/en active Pending
  • 2023-04-26 JP JP2025516363A patent/JPWO2024224496A1/ja active Pending

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