TW202008901A - Flavor component delivery device - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, a sensor is not provided in the container and the state of the flavor source contained in the flavor source such as tobacco in the container is inferred. The flavor component delivery device of the present invention comprises a flavor container configured to receive a flavor source and to release a gas and/or an aerosol containing the flavor component of the flavor source; a first sensor disposed on an upstream side or a downstream side of the fragrance container in a flow path that faces the suction port through the fragrance container; and a control unit configured to estimate a state of the aforementioned flavor source in the aforementioned fragrance container based on a measurement result of the first sensor.

Description

Fragrance ingredient delivery device

The present invention relates to a fragrance ingredient delivery device.

Conventionally, a known flavor component delivery device is configured to deliver a gas and/or aerosol containing flavor components contained in tobacco or the like into the mouth according to the user's suction. Such a flavor component delivery device uses a pod-shaped or rod-shaped container containing tobacco.

Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic cigarette for measuring the temperature of aerosol or vapor.

[Prior Technical Literature]

[Patent Literature]

[Patent Literature 1] International Publication No. 2017/084489

In order to directly measure the temperature of the tobacco contained in the container described above, a sensor must be installed in the container. However, it is not necessarily easy to provide sensors in the container. In addition, such a container may be replaceable after use, and if a sensor is provided in the container itself, there is a problem of increased cost.

The object of the present invention is not to provide a sensor in the container, but to infer the state of the flavor source contained in the flavor source such as tobacco in the container.

According to the first aspect, a fragrance component delivery device is provided. The fragrance component delivery device includes: a fragrance container configured to receive a fragrance source and release a gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component of the fragrance source; and a first sensor configured to be disposed through the fragrance container On the upstream side or the downstream side of the fragrance container in the flow path toward the suction port, the control unit is configured to estimate the state of the fragrance source in the fragrance container based on the measurement result of the first sensor.

According to the second aspect, the fragrance component delivery device of the first aspect further includes a heating mechanism configured to heat the fragrance source in the fragrance container, and at least a portion of the heating mechanism is along the fragrance container Configured on the outer wall.

According to the fragrance component delivery device of the third and second aspects, the heating mechanism includes: an induction coil that generates an AC magnetic field, and a susceptor that is induction-heated by the AC magnetic field; and the induction coil is along the fragrance container Arranged on the outer wall, the susceptor is housed in the fragrance container together with the fragrance source.

According to the fourth aspect and the third aspect of the fragrance component delivery device, the fragrance source and/or the susceptor contain powder, and the fragrance container has a function of preventing the powder from flowing out of the fragrance container and allowing the gas And/or the next door through which the aerosol passes.

According to the fifth aspect and the fourth aspect of the fragrance component delivery device, the susceptor contains a powder, and at least a part of the powder as the susceptor is covered by the fragrance source.

According to the sixth aspect, the fragrance component delivery device of any one of the third aspect to the fifth aspect, the fragrance container includes: a first region at least partially surrounded by the induction coil and not surrounded by the coil The second area arranged adjacent to the first area; the fragrance source and the susceptor are only arranged in the first area.

According to the seventh aspect, in the fragrance component delivery device attached to the third aspect or the sixth aspect of the fourth aspect, the susceptor has a long shape protruding from at least one end of the induction coil toward the outside of the induction coil.

According to the eighth aspect, in the fragrance component delivery device of any of the second aspect to the seventh aspect, the control unit is configured to control the fragrance of the heating mechanism based on the measurement result of the first sensor The heating temperature of the source.

According to the ninth aspect and the eighth aspect of the fragrance component delivery device, the control unit is configured to heat the fragrance component or other components in the fragrance container at a temperature lower than the temperature of the aerosol In this way, the aforementioned heating temperature is controlled.

According to the tenth aspect, in the fragrance component delivery device of any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, the control unit is configured to detect the use of the suction port based on the measurement result of the first sensor The suction of the person.

According to the eleventh aspect, in the fragrance component delivery device of any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, the first sensor is configured to be arranged on the downstream side of the fragrance container in the flow path and simultaneously measured A physical quantity showing the state of the gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container.

According to the twelfth aspect and the eleventh aspect of the fragrance component delivery device, the first sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container.

According to the thirteenth aspect and the twelfth aspect, the fragrance component delivery device further includes: a housing accommodating the first sensor, and heat insulation provided between the first sensor and the housing material.

According to the flavor component delivery device of the fourteenth and eleventh aspects, the first sensor is configured to measure the concentration of the components contained in the gas and/or aerosol released from the flavor container.

According to the fifteenth aspect, the fragrance component delivery device of any one of the eleventh aspect to the fourteenth aspect, further includes: a second sensor disposed on the upstream side of the fragrance container in the flow path; the control The unit is configured to estimate the state of the flavor source in the flavor container based on the measurement results of both the first sensor and the second sensor.

According to the sixteenth aspect and the fifteenth aspect of the fragrance component delivery device, the first sensor is a gas component concentration sensor, the second sensor is a temperature sensor, and the control unit is based on the second The measurement result of the sensor detects the suction of the user through the suction port. When detecting the suction of the user, it is determined that the first sensor contains the fragrance component released by the fragrance container. Has the concentration of gas and/or aerosol components reached a predetermined value?

According to the seventeenth aspect, the flavor component delivery device of any one of the eleventh aspect to the sixteenth aspect further includes a check valve that prevents gas from flowing from the suction port toward the upstream of the flow path.

According to the eighteenth aspect, the fragrance component delivery device of any one of the first to the seventeenth aspects, the flow path includes: an air inlet configured to extract air from outside the fragrance component delivery device; and, The release path is configured to introduce the gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container to the suction port; the air inlet is provided only on the upstream side of the release path in the flow path.

According to the nineteenth aspect, the fragrance component delivery device of any one of the first aspect to the eighteenth aspect further includes: an aerosol generating section and an inflow path, which is generated by the aerosol generating section The aerosol is introduced into the aforementioned fragrance container.

According to the 20th aspect, a fragrance component delivery device is provided. The fragrance component delivery device includes: a fragrance container configured to receive a fragrance source and release a gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component of the fragrance source; and a sensor configured to be disposed toward the mouthpiece through the fragrance container Downstream of the fragrance container in the flow path, and the physical quantity measuring the state of the gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container is measured; the control unit is configured based on the measurement result of the sensor, and Detects the user's suction through the aforementioned suction port.

10‧‧‧Fragrant ingredient delivery device

10a‧‧‧Opening

20‧‧‧ Battery Department

21‧‧‧Battery

22‧‧‧Control Department

31‧‧‧Housing

31a‧‧‧Chamber

32‧‧‧Suction

32a‧‧‧Entrance access

32b‧‧‧Exit

33‧‧‧Insulation

34‧‧‧Insulation

35‧‧‧Air inlet

36‧‧‧Check valve

40‧‧‧scent container

40a‧‧‧Bottom wall

40b‧‧‧Sidewall

42‧‧‧Tobacco source

44‧‧‧receptor

45‧‧‧filter

46‧‧‧Cooling Department

51‧‧‧Inflow

52‧‧‧Release

61‧‧‧Induction coil

62‧‧‧Resistance heater

63‧‧‧Resistance heater

72‧‧‧ Downstream side sensor

74‧‧‧Upstream sensor

76‧‧‧Aerosol Generation Department

A1‧‧‧ Region 1

A2‧‧‧ Region 2

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device according to a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device according to a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device according to a sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are given the same symbols, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

<First Embodiment>

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device according to the first embodiment. The flavor component delivery device 10 has a battery part 20 and a body part 30. The battery unit 20 includes a battery 21 and a control unit 22. The main body 30 includes a casing 31, a suction port 32, a fragrance container 40, and an induction coil 61. The casing 31 is configured to be connectable to the battery unit 20. When the case 31 is connected to the battery unit 20, it has wiring (not shown) for electrically connecting the battery 21 and the induction coil 61 through the control unit 22.

The suction port 32 is connected to one end of the casing 31. In addition, the suction port 32 may be formed integrally with the housing 31. The housing 31 has an air inlet 35 near the connection portion with the battery unit 20. The air inlet 35 is configured such that when the user sucks in the suction port 32, the air is taken into the inside of the housing 31 from the outside of the flavor component delivery device 10. In this embodiment, the suction port 32 has a check valve 36. The check valve 36 prevents the inflow of air from the suction port 32 toward the upstream of the air flow path.

The housing 31 has an inflow path 51 until the air passing through the air inlet 35 reaches the fragrance container 40 and a release path 52 until the gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container 40 reaches the suction port 32. The air flowing in from the air inlet 35 passes through the inside of the fragrance container 40 through the inflow path 51. The air flowing into the fragrance container 40 will be described later, and the gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component generated from the fragrance container 40 will pass through the release path 52 from the suction port 32 into the user's mouth. Therefore, the air inlet 35, the inflow passage 51, the inside of the fragrance container 40, the discharge passage 52, and the suction port 32 form a flow passage of air. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the air inlet 35 is provided only on the upstream side of the release path 52, and the inflow of air from the outside of the flavor component delivery device 10 is performed only from the air inlet 35. In other words, the flavor component delivery device 10 is configured such that air does not directly flow into the release path 52 from the outside.

The fragrance container 40 is housed in the housing 31 in a detachable manner. The flavor container 40 includes a tobacco source 42 (equivalent to an example of a flavor source) and a susceptor 44 composed of any material that can generate heat by electromagnetic induction. The tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 are housed in the flavor container 40 in a heat exchangeable state. For example, the tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 may be accommodated in a state where they flow in the flavor container 40, or may be accommodated in a state where they are substantially non-flowable such as compression or adhesion. In the illustrated embodiment, the tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 are powders having a predetermined particle size. In addition, it is not limited to this, and the tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 may have any shape such as a columnar shape or a sheet shape. In addition, the heat generation efficiency can be improved by making the susceptor 44 into a ring shape or a ring shape. The susceptor 44 is such that at least part of it can be covered by the tobacco source 42.

The fragrance container 40 is, for example, slightly cylindrical, and has a bottom wall 40a (corresponding to an example of the partition wall) located on the upstream side, a side wall 40b (corresponding to an example of the outer wall), and a filter 45 (corresponding to an example of the partition wall). The side wall 40b is formed of, for example, resin and does not allow gas to pass through. The bottom wall 40a is formed of, for example, resin and has more than one hole. The bottom wall 40a is configured to prevent the powdery tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 from flowing out to the outside of the flavor container 40 and to pass the air of the air inlet 35 through the hole. The filter 45 is provided inside or at the end of the fragrance container 40 and constitutes the downstream end surface of the fragrance container 40. The filter 45 is configured to prevent the powdery tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 from flowing out of the flavor container 40 and to pass the gas and/or aerosol containing the flavor component derived from the flavor container 40.

The induction coil 61 is disposed on the casing 31 along the side wall 40b of the fragrance container 40. In the example shown in the figure, the induction coil 61 is fixed to the casing 31. The induction coil 61 is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field and inductively heat the susceptor 44 in the fragrance container 40. The susceptor 44 is inductively heated by the induction coil 61, whereby the tobacco source 42 contained in the flavor container 40 and the flavor components such as nicotine contained in the tobacco source 42 can be heated. Therefore, the induction coil 61 and the susceptor 44 constitute a heating mechanism for heating the tobacco source 42 and the flavor components contained in the tobacco source 42.

As shown in the figure, the flavor container 40 has a first area A1 located upstream and accommodating the tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44, and a second area A2 located downstream and disposed with the filter 45. The first area A1 is at least partially surrounded by the induction coil 61. In addition, the second area A2 is not surrounded by the induction coil 61, but is arranged adjacent to the first area A1. The tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 are arranged only in the first area A1, and are not arranged in the second area A2.

The control unit 22 is configured to control the current flowing to the induction coil 61, thereby controlling the heating temperature of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40. The control unit 22 can control the heating temperature so that flavor components such as nicotine or other components contained in the tobacco source 42 are heated at a temperature lower than the temperature at which they are aerosolized. In addition, the control unit 22 may also control the heating temperature so that flavor components such as nicotine or other components contained in the tobacco source 42 are heated at the same temperature as or higher than the temperature at which they are aerosolized. In this case, the control unit 22 can control the heating temperature to prevent the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 from burning.

The control part 22 of the flavor component delivery device 10 controls the current flowing into the induction coil 61 to evaporate the flavor component contained in the tobacco source 42. If the user sucks at the suction port 32, the air from the air inlet 35 will flow into the fragrance container 40. The flavor container 40 will release flavor components that have evaporated from the tobacco source 42. The gas and/or aerosol containing fragrance components will reach the user's mouth together with the air flowing into the fragrance container 40.

The fragrance component delivery device 10 further has a downstream sensor 72 provided on the downstream side of the fragrance container 40. In the first embodiment, the downstream sensor 72 is a temperature sensor. Specifically, the downstream sensor 72 is configured to measure or estimate the temperature of the gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component released by the fragrance container 40 (equivalent to an example of a physical quantity). In other embodiments, the downstream sensor 72 may be a chemical sensor such as a gas component concentration sensor. At this time, the downstream sensor 72 is configured to measure or estimate the component concentration (equivalent to an example of physical quantity) of the gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component released from the fragrance container 40.

The downstream sensor 72 is housed inside the housing 31 and, for example, is directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 31 as shown. In one embodiment, as shown in the figure, a heat insulating material 33 is arranged between the downstream sensor 72 and the housing 31. Thereby, the influence of the temperature outside the housing 31 on the downstream sensor 72 can be reduced.

The downstream sensor 72 is electrically connected to the control unit 22 and is configured to transmit the detected data to the control unit 22. Specifically, the control unit 22 receives data showing the temperature of the gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component released from the fragrance container 40 from the downstream sensor 72. The control unit 22 is configured to estimate the state of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 based on the received temperature data. Specifically, the control unit 22 can estimate the temperature of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 based on the received temperature data. That is, the control unit 22 can infer the temperature from the received temperature higher than a predetermined value as the temperature of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40, for example. In addition, the control unit 22 can estimate the extent of the residual amount of the flavor component in the flavor container 40 based on the received temperature data. Specifically, the control unit 22 can infer the release amount of the flavor component from the thermal history of the tobacco source 42, that is, the record of the heating temperature and heating time of the tobacco source 42 based on the received temperature data, and when the predetermined threshold is exceeded It is inferred that the residual amount of fragrance components is insufficient.

In addition, even when the downstream sensor 72 is a gas component concentration sensor, the control unit 22 can estimate the extent of the residual amount of the flavor component in the flavor container 40 based on the received component concentration data. Specifically, the control unit 22 may measure or infer the cumulative amount of flavor components released from the tobacco source 42 based on the received gas component concentration data, and infer the flavor component when the cumulative amount exceeds a predetermined threshold The residual amount has fallen below the predetermined lower limit. In addition, the control unit 22 can estimate the evaporation rate of the flavor component contained in the tobacco source 42 based on the received gas component concentration data. Specifically, the control unit 22 may measure or infer the amount of flavor components released from the tobacco source 42 per predetermined unit time based on the received gas component concentration data, and thereby infer the evaporation rate of the flavor components.

In addition, the control unit 22 can estimate the deterioration or deterioration of the tobacco source 42 based on the data received from the downstream sensor 72 (an example of the state of the flavor source). Specifically, the control unit 22 judges the volatility accompanying the deterioration or deterioration of the tobacco source 42 when the component concentration data received from the downstream sensor 72 when the user is not smoking exceeds the predetermined threshold The components stay on the downstream side.

In addition, the control unit 22 is configured to control the heating temperature of the flavor component contained in the tobacco source 42 due to the heating of the induction coil 61 and the susceptor 44 based on the measurement result of the downstream sensor 72. Specifically, for example, when the temperature of the fragrance component in the fragrance container 40 is estimated to be higher than the target temperature, the control unit 22 reduces the current value flowing into the induction coil 61 and weakens the heating by the induction coil 61 and the susceptor 44. On the other hand, when it is estimated that the temperature of the flavor component in the flavor container 40 is lower than the target temperature, the control unit 22 increases the current value flowing into the induction coil 61 to enhance the heating performed by the induction coil 61 and the susceptor 44. The target temperature may be a constant value, or it may be a value that changes according to the elapsed time after the heating mechanism is started, or the number of times or the time of suction by the user. In addition, for example, when the control unit 22 estimates that the residual amount of the flavor component in the flavor container 40 is less than a predetermined value, the heating by the induction coil 61 and the susceptor 44 may be strengthened to increase the evaporation amount of the flavor component.

In addition, the control unit 22 can detect the user's suction through the suction port 32 based on the measurement result of the downstream sensor 72. Specifically, if the user sucks from the suction port 32, the temperature detected by the downstream sensor 72 changes due to the flow of gas and/or aerosol from the air inlet 35 to the suction port 32. Therefore, the control unit 22 continuously or intermittently receives temperature data from the downstream sensor 72, and determines whether there is a change in the received temperature by a predetermined value or more. The control unit 22 determines that when the received temperature changes by more than a predetermined value, it determines that the user has performed suction.

The control unit 22 can switch the control of the heating mechanism according to the suction detection result using the downstream sensor 72. For example, the control unit 22 may compensate for the heat removed from the fragrance container and/or the heating mechanism due to suction by increasing the power supply to the heating mechanism during a certain period after the suction detection. In addition, the control unit 22 can store the number of suctions or the suction time after the device is started in a memory not shown. If the number of suctions or the suction time reaches a certain value, the power supply to the heating mechanism is terminated . This can prevent the user from continuing to use the same fragrance container 40 when the residual amount of the fragrance component in the fragrance container 40 decreases. In addition, the fragrance ingredient delivery device 10 may drive the heating mechanism regardless of whether the user has suction or not, or may only drive the heating mechanism during the period when the suction by the user is detected. In the latter case, the heating mechanism is not driven while the suction is not detected, so the total power consumption until the flavor source in the flavor container 40 is heated can be suppressed. The flavor component delivery device 10 may have a suction sensor different from the downstream-side sensor 72.

When the downstream sensor 72 is a gas component concentration sensor, the detected component concentration will change. Therefore, when the downstream sensor 72 is a gas component concentration sensor, the control unit 22 continuously or intermittently receives concentration data from the downstream sensor 72 to determine whether the received concentration has changed by more than a predetermined value . The control unit 22 determines that the user has performed suction when it is determined that the received concentration has a change of a predetermined value or more.

As described above, according to the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the first embodiment, the control unit 22 can estimate the state of the fragrance component in the fragrance container 40 based on the measurement result of the downstream sensor 72. Therefore, no sensor is provided in the flavor container 40, and a simple configuration can be used to estimate the state of the flavor component contained in the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40. Also, as in the first embodiment, when the induction coil 61 belonging to the heating source is located outside the fragrance container 40, it is difficult to arrange a mechanism (temperature sensor, etc.) capable of detecting temperature inside the fragrance container 40. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to arrange a sensor inside the fragrance container 40, so it is particularly useful when the heating source is located outside the fragrance container 40.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 of the powder are accommodated in the flavor container 40, and the tobacco source 42 is heated by the susceptor 44. As a result, the susceptors 44 can be distributed in the flavor container 40, so that the tobacco source 42 can be heated more uniformly.

In the first embodiment, the induction coil 61 is arranged so as to at least partially surround the first area A1, and the second area A2 is not surrounded by the induction coil 61. Therefore, since the induction coil 61 is not arranged around the second area A2 that does not contribute to the evaporation of the flavor component, the coil length of the induction coil 61 can be suppressed to the minimum required.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the induction coil 61 and the susceptor 44 are used as the heating mechanism of the flavor component, but it is not limited thereto, and a resistance heater may be used as the heating mechanism. In this case, the susceptor 44 is not required in the fragrance container 40. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, although the tobacco source 42 and the susceptor 44 are accommodated in the flavor container 40, an aerosol source such as water, glycerin, propylene glycol, or the like may be further accommodated. In this case, the fragrance container 40 is configured to release an aerosol together with the gas containing the fragrance component.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 22 can control the heating temperature of the flavor component in the flavor container 40 based on the measurement result of the first sensor. Therefore, the flavor component delivery device 10 can bring the heating temperature of the flavor component close to the target value, and can generate a gas and/or aerosol containing the desired amount of the flavor component.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 22 can control the induction coil 61 which is the heating temperature so that the flavor components in the flavor container 40 or other components contained in the tobacco source 42 are lower than the temperature of the aerosolized Temperature heating. For example, when the ambient temperature is normal temperature, the flavor components and other components in the tobacco source 42 are aerosolized if heated at about 150°C or higher. The control unit 22 can control the heating temperature so that the tobacco source 42 is heated at less than 150°C, whereby the flavor component can reach the user in a substantially invisible state. In addition, by heating the tobacco source 42 at a lower temperature, the flavor components and the like contained in the tobacco source 42 can be delayed, so that the flavor components can be provided to the user for a long period of time. For example, the heating temperature of the tobacco source 42 is preferably 100°C or lower, and more preferably 80°C or lower. On the other hand, in order to deliver the desired amount of flavor components, the heating temperature of the tobacco source 42 is at least normal temperature, preferably at least 40°C.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 22 can detect the user's suction through the suction port 32 based on the measurement result of the downstream sensor 72. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a blower detection sensor with the downstream sensor 72, which can reduce the number of parts of the fragrance component delivery device 10 and simplify the structure.

In the first embodiment, the heat insulating material 33 is arranged between the downstream sensor 72 and the housing 31. Thereby, the influence of the temperature outside the housing 31 on the downstream sensor 72 can be reduced. Therefore, when the downstream sensor 72 is a temperature sensor, the heat insulating material 33 is particularly effective.

In the first embodiment, the flavor component delivery device 10 includes the check valve 36 that prevents the inflow of gas from the suction port 32 toward the release path 52 (part of the flow path). Thereby, the influence of the air flowing from the suction port 32 on the downstream sensor 72 can be suppressed, and in particular, the erroneous detection of the downstream sensor 72 caused by the user's blowing through the suction port 32 can be prevented.

In the first embodiment, the air inlet 35 is provided only on the upstream side of the release path 52, and the inflow of air from the outside of the flavor component delivery device 10 is performed only through the air inlet 35. In other words, in the fragrance ingredient delivery device 10, the system is configured so that air does not directly flow into the release path 52 from the outside. Thereby, the gas and/or aerosol released from the inside of the fragrance container 40 can be prevented from being cooled by the outside air, so that the downstream sensor 72 can more accurately measure the temperature of the gas and/or aerosol.

<Second Embodiment>

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device 10 according to the second embodiment. Compared with the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the first embodiment, the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the second embodiment is different in that it includes an upstream sensor 74 instead of the downstream sensor 72 and a configuration of the fragrance container 40 Is different. However, the configuration of the fragrance container 40 in other embodiments may be used instead of the configuration of the fragrance container 40 shown in FIG. 2, or the configuration of the fragrance container 40 shown in FIG. 2 may be adopted in other embodiments.

As shown, the fragrance component delivery device 10 has an upstream sensor 74 provided on the upstream side of the fragrance container 40. In the second embodiment, the upstream sensor 74 is configured to measure the temperature of the air flowing from the air inlet 35 into the fragrance container 40 (corresponding to an example of a physical quantity). In other embodiments, the upstream sensor 74 may be a gas component concentration sensor. At this time, the upstream sensor 74 is configured to measure the concentration of the gas component flowing into the fragrance container 40 (equivalent to an example of a physical quantity).

The upstream sensor 74 is housed inside the housing 31 and, for example, as shown, is directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 31. In one embodiment, as shown, a heat insulating material 34 is provided between the upstream sensor 74 and the housing 31. Thereby, the influence of the temperature outside the housing 31 on the upstream sensor 74 can be reduced.

The upstream sensor 74 is configured to be electrically connected to the control unit 22 and can transmit the detected data to the control unit 22. Specifically, the control unit 22 receives data showing the temperature of the air flowing into the fragrance container 40 from the air inlet 35 from the upstream sensor 74. The control unit 22 is configured to estimate the state of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 based on the received temperature data. Specifically, the control unit 22 can estimate to what extent the temperature of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 changes based on the received temperature data. The temperature of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 can be varied by the temperature of the air flowing into the flavor container 40. Specifically, for example, when the temperature of the air flowing into the flavor container 40 is lower than a predetermined value, the temperature of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 will be lower than the assumed temperature. Therefore, the control unit 22 can bring the heating temperature of the tobacco source 42 close to the target temperature by controlling the induction coil 61 according to the received temperature (the temperature of the air flowing into the flavor container 40) regardless of the temperature of the inflowing air.

When the upstream sensor 74 is a gas component concentration sensor, the control unit 22 can infer the deterioration or deterioration of the tobacco source 42 from the upstream sensor 74 based on the received data (equivalent to an example of the state of the flavor source) . Specifically, when the user does not smoke, the control unit 22 can determine that it is accompanied by the deterioration or deterioration of the tobacco source 42 when the component concentration data received from the upstream sensor 74 is greater than a predetermined threshold value The generated volatile components are retained on the upstream side.

The flavor container 40 includes a tobacco source 42 (equivalent to an example of a flavor source) and a susceptor 44 made of any material that can generate heat by electromagnetic induction. In the illustrated embodiment, the tobacco source 42 is a powder having a predetermined particle size. The susceptor 44 has a columnar or plate-like elongated shape extending in the direction of the flow path of the fragrance component delivery device 10. The susceptor 44 is arranged such that the end of the susceptor 44 protrudes outward from at least one end of the induction coil 61 (the example shown in the figure is the end on the downstream side). Thereby, the heating efficiency of the induction coil 61 to the susceptor 44 can be improved. In addition, the susceptor 44 may be configured such that both ends protrude outward from both ends of the induction coil 61. On the other hand, as shown, when one end of the susceptor 44 (the example shown in the figure is the upstream end) is located inside the induction coil 61, the end of the susceptor 44 preferably extends to the vicinity of the end of the induction coil 61 . The shape of the tobacco source 42 is not limited to a powder, but may be any shape such as a columnar shape or a sheet shape. Moreover, at least a part of the susceptor 44 can be covered by the tobacco source 42.

<Third Embodiment>

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device 10 according to the third embodiment. Compared with the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the first embodiment, the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the third embodiment differs in that it further includes an upstream sensor 74.

The upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72 are configured to detect the temperature of the air flowing in from the air inlet 35. In addition, in other embodiments, the upstream sensor 74 and/or the downstream sensor 72 may be gas component concentration sensors.

The upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72 are configured to be electrically connected to the control unit 22 and can transmit the detected data to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 is configured to estimate the state of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 based on the measurement results of the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72. Specifically, the control unit 22 can estimate the temperature of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 based on the received temperature data. That is, when the temperature received by the control unit 22 from the upstream sensor 74, that is, the temperature of the air flowing into the fragrance container 40 is too high or low, the downstream sensor 72 is exposed to the outside of the fragrance component delivery device 10 The effect of temperature. Therefore, when the temperature received by the control unit 22 from the upstream sensor 74 exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 30° C.), the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 inferred from the measurement result of the downstream sensor 72 can be estimated The temperature is estimated to be lower than normal. Furthermore, when the temperature received from the upstream sensor 74 is lower than a predetermined value (for example, 10°C), the control unit 22 can estimate the tobacco in the flavor container 40 based on the measurement result of the downstream sensor 72 The temperature of the source 42 is estimated to be higher than usual.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the fragrance component delivery device 10 includes the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72. Therefore, in a high-temperature environment or a low-temperature environment, the accuracy in the fragrance container 40 can be estimated with higher accuracy. Status of tobacco source 42.

In addition, when the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72 are gas component concentration sensors, the control unit 22 can obtain the component concentration value measured by the upstream sensor 74 by The difference in the component concentration values measured by the side sensor 72 determines the amount of components derived from the tobacco source 42. As an example, by the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72, the concentration of the flavor component derived from the tobacco source 42 is measured or estimated, the control unit 22 can infer how the flavor component in the flavor container 40 evaporates. Degree (state of tobacco source 42). In another example, the upstream side sensor 74 and the downstream side sensor 72 measure or infer the concentration of a component such as carbon oxide or carbon dioxide derived from the tobacco source 42, and the control unit 22 can infer the tobacco in the flavor container 40 Whether the source 42 does not cause excessive thermal decomposition (the state of the tobacco source 42). In this way, the control unit 22 can control the heating temperature of the flavor component of the tobacco source 42 via the susceptor 44 according to the amount of the component derived from the tobacco source 42 and the electric power to the induction coil 61.

When the upstream sensor 74 and/or the downstream sensor 72 are gas component concentration sensors, as described above, the control unit 22 may receive the upstream sensor 74 and/or the downstream sensor 72 based on Based on the data obtained, it is inferred that the tobacco source 42 has deteriorated or deteriorated.

Furthermore, when the upstream sensor 74 is a temperature sensor, and the downstream sensor 72 is a gas component concentration sensor, the control unit 22 first detects the passage through the measurement result of the upstream sensor 74 The suction of the suction port 32 by the user. Specifically, if the user sucks from the suction port 32, the temperature detected by the upstream sensor 74 will change by the flow of gas and/or aerosol from the air inlet 35 to the suction port 32. Therefore, the control unit 22 receives the temperature data continuously or intermittently from the upstream sensor 74, and determines whether there is a change in the received temperature by a predetermined value or more. When the control unit 22 determines that the received temperature has changed by a predetermined value or more, it is determined that the user has performed suction.

Then, the downstream sensor 72 measures or infers the concentration of the gas and/or aerosol-containing component of the fragrance component released from the fragrance container 40. The control unit 22 determines whether the concentration of the gas and/or aerosol component measured or inferred by the downstream sensor 72 has reached a predetermined value when detecting the user's suction based on the measurement result of the upstream sensor 74 . When the concentration does not reach the predetermined value, the control unit 22 may determine that the residual amount of the flavor component contained in the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 is insufficient.

<Fourth Embodiment>

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. Compared with the flavor component delivery device 10 of the third embodiment, the flavor component delivery device 10 of the fourth embodiment is different in that it includes an aerosol generating unit different from the tobacco source 42.

As shown, the flavor component delivery device 10 is provided on the upstream side of the flavor container 40, that is, the inflow path 51 includes an aerosol generating unit 76. The aerosol generating unit 76 includes, for example, an aerosol source and heating elements (not shown). The heating element of the aerosol generating unit 76 is electrically connected to the battery 21 via the control unit 22, and the battery 21 supplies power. By this, the heating element can heat the aerosol source to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating unit 76 flows into the fragrance container 40 together with the air flowing in from the air inlet 35 by suction of the user. The flow path from the aerosol generating section 76 to the fragrance container 40 constitutes an inflow path for introducing the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating section 76 into the fragrance container 40. The control unit 22 controls the current flowing into the induction coil 61 to evaporate the flavor components contained in the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40. The aerosol is released from the flavor container 40 while the flavor component evaporated from the tobacco source 42 is mixed in, and reaches the mouth of the user through the release path 52 and the suction port 32.

The upstream sensor 74 is configured to detect the temperature of the aerosol generated by the air and/or the aerosol generating unit 76 flowing in from the air inlet 35. The downstream sensor 72 is configured to detect the temperature of the gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component released from the fragrance container 40. In addition, in other embodiments, the upstream sensor 74 and/or the downstream sensor 72 may be gas component concentration sensors.

The upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72 are configured to be electrically connected to the control unit 22 and can transmit the detected data to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 is configured to estimate the state of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 based on the measurement results of the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72.

Specifically, the control unit 22 can estimate the temperature of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 based on the received temperature data. That is, when the temperature received by the control unit 22 from the upstream sensor 74, that is, the temperature of the air and/or aerosol flowing into the fragrance container 40 is too high or too low, the downstream sensor 72 will receive fragrance The influence of the external temperature of the component delivery device 10. Therefore, when the temperature received by the control unit 22 from the upstream sensor 74 exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 30° C.), the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 inferred from the measurement result of the downstream sensor 72 can be estimated The temperature is estimated to be lower than normal. In addition, when the temperature received from the upstream sensor 74 is lower than a predetermined value (for example, 10°C), the control unit 22 can estimate the tobacco source in the flavor container 40 based on the measurement result of the downstream sensor 72 The temperature of 42 is estimated to be higher than normal.

Moreover, when the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72 are gas component concentration sensors, the control unit 22 can obtain the component concentration value measured by the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream The difference of the component concentration values measured by the sensor 72 determines the amount of components derived from the tobacco source 42. As an example, by the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72, the concentration of the flavor component derived from the tobacco source 42 is measured or estimated, and the control unit 22 can conclude that the flavor component in the flavor container 40 is mixed in To what degree of aerosol (state of tobacco source 42). In another example, the upstream side sensor 74 and the downstream side sensor 72 measure or infer the concentration of a component such as carbon oxide or carbon dioxide derived from the tobacco source 42, and the control unit 22 can infer the tobacco in the flavor container 40 Whether the source 42 has not undergone excessive thermal decomposition (the state of the tobacco source 42). In this way, the control unit 22 can control the heating temperature of the heating factor of the aerosol generating unit 76, that is, the amount of aerosol generated, based on the amount of components derived from the tobacco source 42.

When the upstream sensor 74 and/or the downstream sensor 72 are gas component concentration sensors, as described above, the control unit 22 may receive the upstream sensor 74 and/or the downstream sensor 72 based on The data obtained infers that the tobacco source 42 has deteriorated or deteriorated.

Furthermore, when the upstream sensor 74 is a temperature sensor, and the downstream sensor 72 is a gas component concentration sensor, the control unit 22 first detects the passage through the measurement result of the upstream sensor 74 The suction of the suction port 32 by the user. Specifically, if the user sucks from the suction port 32, the temperature detected by the upstream sensor 74 will change by the flow of gas and/or aerosol from the air inlet 35 to the suction port 32. Therefore, the control unit 22 receives the temperature data continuously or intermittently from the upstream sensor 74, and determines whether there is a change in the received temperature by a predetermined value or more. When the control unit 22 determines that the received temperature has changed by a predetermined value or more, it is determined that the user has performed suction.

Then, the downstream sensor 72 measures or infers the concentration of the gas and/or aerosol-containing component of the fragrance component released from the fragrance container 40. The control unit 22 determines whether the concentration of the gas and/or aerosol component measured or inferred by the downstream sensor 72 reaches a predetermined value when detecting the user's suction based on the measurement result of the upstream sensor 74. When the concentration does not reach the predetermined value, the control unit 22 may determine that the residual amount of the flavor component contained in the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40 is insufficient.

Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it may be configured to have only either the upstream sensor 74 and the downstream sensor 72. In the fourth embodiment, the heating mechanism including the induction coil 61 and the susceptor 44 is described, but the heating mechanism may not be provided. At this time, the aerosol released from the aerosol source is released from the flavor container 40 while the flavor component contained in the tobacco source 42 is mixed in, and reaches the mouth of the user through the release path 52 and the suction port 32.

<Fifth Embodiment>

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device 10 according to a fifth embodiment. Compared with the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the second embodiment, the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the fourth embodiment is different in the configuration and heating mechanism of the fragrance container 4.

The fragrance component delivery device 10 of the fifth embodiment has a resistance heater 62 as a heating mechanism for heating the fragrance component. In the illustrated example, the resistance heater 62 is fixed to the housing 31. In addition, the fragrance container 40 of the fifth embodiment is configured as a rod. The flavor container 40 includes a tobacco source 42, a cooling section 46 (corresponding to an example of a release path), and a filter 45, and the outer periphery is wrapped with paper or the like to form a side wall 40b. In the fifth embodiment, the portion where the tobacco source 42 is housed corresponds to the first area A1, and the cooling portion 46 adjacent to the first area A1 and not surrounded by the resistance heater 62 corresponds to the second area A2.

The flavor container 40 is swung in from the opening 10a formed in the flavor component delivery device 10 so that the tobacco source 42 is located inside the resistance heater 62. In other words, at least a part of the resistance heater 62 is arranged along the side wall 40b of the fragrance container 40. The filter 45 of the fragrance container 40 is exposed outside the fragrance component delivery device 10 and constitutes a suction port for the user to suck. The tobacco source 42 is formed of, for example, rolled sheet tobacco. The tobacco source 42 may be an aerosol-containing source. The cooling unit 46 is configured to cool the flavor component and/or aerosol evaporated from the tobacco source 42 and then introduce it into the filter 45. The cooling portion 46 can be formed by filling a cooling material such as sheet plastic into the side wall 40b. In addition, for example, the cooling section 46 is not arranged with a cooling material, and may be configured as a hollow section. Although the upstream end of the fragrance container 40 is open, it is not limited to this, and the fragrance container 40 may include a bottom wall 40a as shown in FIG. 1.

The resistance heater 62 is electrically connected to the battery 21 via the control unit 22, and generates heat by the resistance heater 62 to heat the tobacco source 42 and nicotine and other flavor components contained in the tobacco source 42 disposed inside thereof. If the user filters 45, the air from the air inlet 35 will flow into the fragrance container 40. The flavor container 40 will release the flavor component and/or aerosol evaporated from the tobacco source 42, and the flavor component and/or aerosol will reach the user's mouth along with the air flowing into the flavor container 40.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 5, even when a rod-shaped fragrance container 40 is used, the control unit 22 can infer the inside of the fragrance container 40 based on the temperature data or component concentration data received from the upstream sensor 74 The state of tobacco source 42.

<Sixth Embodiment>

Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor component delivery device 10 according to a sixth embodiment. Compared with the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the first embodiment, the fragrance component delivery device 10 of the sixth embodiment is different in the air flow path, the configuration of the suction port 32, the configuration of the fragrance container 40, and the heating mechanism.

The fragrance component delivery device 10 of the sixth embodiment has a resistance heater 63 as a heating mechanism for heating the fragrance component. In the example shown in the figure, the resistance heater 63 is fixed to the housing 31. In addition, the fragrance container 40 of the sixth embodiment is configured in a pod shape. The flavor container 40 has a side wall 40b and a bottom wall 40a, and contains a tobacco source 42 inside. In addition to the tobacco source 42, an aerosol source or susceptor can be provided in the flavor container 40. When the fragrance container 40 contains a susceptor, an induction coil may be used instead of the resistance heater 63. The bottom wall 40a of the fragrance container 40 is closed, and at least a part of the surface facing the suction port 32 of the fragrance container 40 is an opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the tobacco source 42 is a powder having a predetermined particle size. In addition, the shape of the tobacco source 42 is not limited to a powder, but may be any shape such as a columnar shape or a sheet shape. The casing 31 has a chamber 31a for accommodating the fragrance container 40.

The suction port 32 is connected to the end of the housing 31. The suction port 32 has an inlet passage 32a and an outlet passage 32b communicating with the chamber 31a of the housing 31. In the sixth embodiment, a downstream sensor 72 is provided in the outlet passage 32b. In addition, in the sixth embodiment, no heat insulating material is provided between the downstream sensor 72 and the suction port 32. In addition, an upstream sensor may be provided in the inlet passage 32a.

The resistance heater 63 is provided at a position facing the bottom wall 40a of the fragrance container 40. The resistance heater 63 is electrically connected to the battery 21 via the control unit 22, and the resistance heater 63 generates heat to heat the tobacco source 42 contained in the flavor container 40 and nicotine and other flavor components and/or gas contained in the tobacco source 42 Sol source. If the user sucks in the suction port 32, the air from the inlet passage 32a of the suction port 32 flows into the fragrance container 40. The flavor container 40 releases the flavor component and/or aerosol evaporated from the tobacco source 42, and the flavor component and/or aerosol will enter the user's mouth through the outlet passage 32b together with the air flowing into the flavor container 40. In addition, part of the air flowing in from the inlet passage 32a does not flow into the fragrance container 40, but can flow out of the air outlet through the chamber 31a.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the pod-shaped fragrance container 40 is used, the control unit 22 may also infer based on temperature data or component concentration data received from the downstream sensor 72 and/or upstream sensor The state of the tobacco source 42 in the flavor container 40.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the patent application and the technical scope described in the specification and drawings. In addition, any shapes and materials not directly described in the description and drawings, as long as they can exert the functions/effects of the invention of the present invention, are within the scope of the technical idea of the invention of the present invention.

10‧‧‧Fragrant ingredient delivery device

20‧‧‧ Battery Department

21‧‧‧Battery

22‧‧‧Control Department

30‧‧‧Body

31‧‧‧Housing

32‧‧‧Suction

33‧‧‧Insulation

35‧‧‧ entrance

36‧‧‧Check valve

40‧‧‧scent container

40a‧‧‧Bottom wall

40b‧‧‧Sidewall

42‧‧‧Tobacco source

44‧‧‧receptor

45‧‧‧filter

51‧‧‧Inflow

52‧‧‧Release

61‧‧‧Induction coil

72‧‧‧ Downstream side sensor

A1‧‧‧ Region 1

A2‧‧‧ Region 2

Claims (20)

A fragrance component delivery device comprising: a fragrance container configured to contain a fragrance source and release a gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component of the fragrance source; a first sensor is disposed through the fragrance container The upstream or downstream side of the fragrance container in the flow path toward the mouthpiece; the control unit is configured to estimate the state of the fragrance source in the fragrance container based on the measurement result of the first sensor. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 1 of the patent application scope further has a heating mechanism configured to heat the fragrance source in the fragrance container, and at least a portion of the heating mechanism is along the outer wall of the fragrance container And configuration. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 2 of the patent application scope, wherein the heating mechanism includes: an induction coil that generates an AC magnetic field, and a susceptor that is induction-heated by the AC magnetic field; the induction coil is along the aforementioned The fragrance container is arranged on the outer wall, and the susceptor is housed in the fragrance container together with the fragrance source. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 3 of the patent application scope, wherein the fragrance source and/or the susceptor contain powder, and the fragrance container prevents the powder from flowing out of the fragrance container and has the Next to the gas and/or aerosol. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 4 of the patent application range, wherein the susceptor contains a powder, and at least a part of the powder as the susceptor is covered by the fragrance source. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 3 of the patent application range, wherein the fragrance container includes: at least a part of the first region covered by the induction coil, and a portion adjacent to the first region that is not surrounded by the induction coil The second area of the arrangement; the fragrance source and the susceptor are only arranged in the first area. The fragrance ingredient delivery device according to item 6 of the patent application range, wherein the susceptor has a long shape protruding from at least one end of the induction coil toward the outside of the induction coil. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 2 of the patent application range, wherein the control unit is configured to control the heating temperature at which the heating mechanism heats the fragrance source based on the measurement result of the first sensor. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 8 of the patent application range, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the fragrance component or other components in the fragrance container to be at a temperature lower than the temperature of the aerosolized temperature The heating method controls the aforementioned heating temperature. The fragrance ingredient delivery device according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the control unit is configured to detect suction by the user through the suction port based on the measurement result of the first sensor. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 1 of the patent application range, wherein the first sensor is configured to be disposed on the downstream side of the fragrance container in the flow path, and at the same time, the measurement display is released from the fragrance container The physical quantity of the state of the aforementioned gas and/or aerosol. The fragrance component delivery device according to claim 11 of the patent application, wherein the first sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 12 of the patent application scope further includes: a housing that houses the first sensor; and a heat insulating material provided between the first sensor and the housing. The fragrance component delivery device according to claim 11 of the patent application, wherein the first sensor is configured to measure the concentration of the components contained in the gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 11 of the patent application scope further includes: a second sensor disposed on the upstream side of the fragrance container in the flow path; and the control unit is configured based on the first sensing Measurement results of both the sensor and the second sensor, and the state of the flavor source in the flavor container is estimated. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 15 of the patent application scope, wherein the first sensor is a gas component concentration sensor, the second sensor is a temperature sensor, and the control unit is based on the 2 The measurement result of the sensor detects the suction of the user through the suction port, and when the suction of the user is detected, it is determined that the container containing the fragrance measured by the first sensor is released Whether the concentration of the gas and/or aerosol component of the fragrance component reaches a predetermined value. The fragrance component delivery device as described in item 11 of the patent application scope further has a check valve which prevents gas from flowing from the suction port toward the upstream of the flow path. The fragrance component delivery device according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the flow path has: an air inlet configured to extract air from outside the fragrance component delivery device; and a release path configured to The gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container is introduced into the suction port; the air inlet is provided only on the upstream side of the release path in the flow path. The fragrance component delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 18 further includes an aerosol generating section and an inflow path that introduces the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating section to the aforementioned In the fragrance container. A fragrance component delivery device comprising: a fragrance container configured to receive a fragrance source and release a gas and/or aerosol containing the fragrance component of the fragrance source; a sensor configured to be disposed through the fragrance container Simultaneously and measuring the physical quantity showing the state of the gas and/or aerosol released from the fragrance container in the flow path toward the suction port on the downstream side of the fragrance container; the control unit is configured based on the sensor As a result of the measurement, the user's suction through the aforementioned suction port is detected.

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