Flavor-producing article

Abstract

A flavor producing article is provided that is heated by microwaves to produce a flavor. A flavor producing article has a flavor source and a filter having a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor generating article. Background Art

[0002] Flavor generating articles for inhaling flavors or the like without burning materials are conventionally known (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Known flavor generating articles (such as these) include flavor generating articles having a flavor source and heated by microwave, the flavor source including tobacco containing volatile components (see Patent Document 3).

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: WO 2020 / 002165 A1

[0006] Patent Document 2: WO 2020 / 007879 A1

[0007] Patent Document 3: CN 110141002 A Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical Problem

[0009] In the device disclosed in Patent Document 3, a conductor for generating microwave is inserted into the flavor source of the flavor generating article, and the flavor source is heated by irradiating the flavor source from the inside with microwave. In a device such as this device, microwave needs to be appropriately transmitted to the flavor source of the flavor generating article in order to efficiently heat the flavor source.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to efficiently heat a flavor source by microwave.

[0011] Solution to the Problem

[0012] A first aspect provides a flavor generating article that is heated by microwave to generate a flavor. The flavor generating article has a flavor source and a filter having a relative permittivity of 10 or less.

[0013] According to the first aspect, absorption of microwave from a microwave generating antenna by the filter can be suppressed, so that the flavor source can be efficiently heated. It should be noted that the "filter" mentioned in the specification of this case is not limited to a member for filtering a certain material, and includes any breathable member. Specifically, for example, the "filter" includes a breathable member having one or more communication holes or one or more grooves or cuts, such as a hollow filter to be described later. In addition, the material itself forming the "filter" may be a breathable porous material, or may be a material that is not breathable itself (for example, glass, ceramic, cellulose molded product), etc.

[0014] The gist of the second aspect according to the first aspect is that the filter includes a nozzle filter.

[0015] According to the second aspect, absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna by the nozzle filter can be suppressed, enabling efficient heating of the flavor source.

[0016] The gist of the third aspect according to the first aspect or the second aspect is that the filter includes a fall-preventing filter, which is provided upstream of the flavor source and prevents the flavor source from falling out of the flavor generating article.

[0017] According to the third aspect, absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna by the fall-preventing filter can be suppressed, enabling efficient heating of the flavor source.

[0018] The gist of the fourth aspect according to the third aspect is that the fall-preventing filter has a longitudinally extending through-hole enabling insertion of the microwave generating antenna.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, the insertion resistance of the microwave generating antenna caused by the fall-preventing filter is reduced, allowing the microwave generating antenna to be smoothly inserted into the flavor source.

[0020] The gist of the fifth aspect according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect is that the flavor generating article includes a sheet member surrounding the fall-preventing filter. The fall-preventing filter has longitudinally extending grooves on its outer circumferential surface, and a gap is formed between the sheet member and the fall-preventing filter.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, outside air can flow into the flavor source through the gap, enabling more efficient delivery of the flavor generated by the flavor source to the user.

[0022] The gist of the sixth aspect according to any one of the third aspect to the fifth aspect is that the fall-preventing filter has air flow holes communicating with its outer circumferential surface.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect, outside air can flow into the fall-preventing filter through the air flow holes, enabling more efficient delivery of the flavor generated by the flavor source to the user.

[0024] The gist of the seventh aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect is that the filter includes a hollow filter positioned on the nozzle side of the flavor source.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect, absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna by the hollow filter can be suppressed, enabling efficient heating of the flavor source.

[0026] The gist of the eighth aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect is that the filter does not contain triacetin.

[0027] Triacetin easily absorbs microwaves. According to the eighth aspect, absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna can be suppressed by making the mouthpiece filter free of triacetin.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the filter includes at least one selected from the group consisting of charcoal, a metal mesh, and a metal ring.

[0029] According to the ninth aspect, leakage of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna can be suppressed. Specifically, the metal mesh or the metal ring can reflect microwaves, and the charcoal can absorb microwaves.

[0030] According to the tenth aspect of any one of the first to ninth aspects, the flavor generating article includes a sheet member surrounding the outer circumference of the filter and the flavor source.

[0031] According to the tenth aspect, the flavor source can be integrally combined with the filter, such as combined with a mouthpiece filter, a hollow filter, and a drop prevention filter.

[0032] According to the eleventh aspect of the tenth aspect, the sheet member is a metal foil or a metal laminated paper.

[0033] According to the eleventh aspect, microwaves can be reflected by the metal toward the flavor source, so that the microwaves can be efficiently applied to the flavor source.

[0034] According to the twelfth aspect of any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the air flow resistance of the flavor generating article is 40 mmH 2 O to 120 mmH 2 O.

[0035] According to the twelfth aspect, a comfortable inhalation feeling can be provided to the user. In addition, the air flow resistance is not too high, so that undesirable aerosol filtration can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation system including a flavor generating article according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article.

[0038] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional enlargement of

[0039] Figure 4 ​​​​is a schematic diagram depicting the electromagnetic field strength distribution of microwaves generated by a microwave generating antenna.

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional enlargement of an example of a flavor generating article having a gap between a flavor source and a sheet member.

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional enlargement of another example of a flavor generating article having a gap between a flavor source and a sheet member. Detailed Embodiments

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will not be given. It should be noted that the "longitudinal direction" in this specification means the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, in other words, the direction in which the flavor generating article is inserted into the flavor inhaler. In addition, the "short side direction" or "radial direction" in this specification means a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation system including a flavor generating article according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article. As Figure 1 shown, the flavor inhalation system 10 according to this embodiment includes a flavor generating article 20 and a flavor inhaler 100. The flavor inhaler 100 is preferably a portable device or a handheld device. As Figure 1 shown, the flavor inhaler 100 includes: a battery 102, a PCB (printed circuit board) 104, a housing 110, and a heating unit 120. The flavor generating article 20 includes a flavor source 50, which is heated by the flavor inhaler 100. The detailed configuration of the flavor generating article 20 will be described later.

[0044] The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to atomize the flavor or aerosol source contained in the flavor source 50 of the flavor generating article 20. For example, the flavor source 50 constitutes a part of the flavor generating article 20 having a columnar shape extending in the longitudinal direction. For example, the flavor generating article 20 may be a tobacco stick in which the flavor source 50 contains tobacco. The battery 102 stores the power used by the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the battery 102 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 102 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0045] ​​The PCB 104 is configured with a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. For example, in response to a user's operation of an input device (such as a button or a slide switch (not depicted)), the PCB 104 starts the heating of the flavor source 50 and terminates the heating of the flavor source 50 once a given time has elapsed. When the number of the user's suction actions has exceeded a fixed value, the PCB 104 may terminate the heating of the flavor source 50 even if the given time has not elapsed since the start of the heating of the flavor source 50. For example, the suction actions are detected by a sensor (not depicted).

[0046] Alternatively, the PCB 104 may start the heating of the flavor source 50 in response to the start of a suction action and may terminate the heating of the flavor source 50 in response to the end of the suction action. When a given time has elapsed since the start of the suction action, the PCB 104 may terminate the heating of the flavor source 50 even if the suction action has not been completed. In this embodiment, the PCB 104 is disposed between the battery 102 and the heating unit 120.

[0047] In the depicted example, the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to receive the rod-shaped flavor generating article 20. Further, as shown in the drawings, the battery 102, the PCB 104, and the heating unit 120 may be aligned in the direction in which the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100. The housing 110 is an enclosure for housing the battery 102, the PCB 104, and the heating unit 120.

[0048] The heating unit 120 includes: a microwave generating antenna 122, an antenna mount 124, and a chamber 126. The microwave generating antenna 122 has a shape that allows the insertion of the flavor source 50 and is configured to emit microwaves from inside the flavor source 50. The chamber 126 is configured to at least accommodate the flavor source 50 of the flavor generating article 20. In a state where the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position inside the chamber 126, the microwave generating antenna 122 is arranged to overlap the flavor source 50 in the longitudinal direction. The microwave generating antenna 122 is electrically connected to the battery 102 so as to be supplied with power from the battery 102. The antenna mount 124 is a member for attaching the microwave generating antenna 122 to the housing 110. The antenna mount 124 may be formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent of microwaves and has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less.

[0049] The flavor inhaler 100 can have a thermocouple or a radiation thermometer configured to detect the temperature at any location in the flavor inhaler 100, such as inside the chamber 126, for example to control the power of the microwave. The PCB 104 can control the power supplied to the microwave generating antenna 122 based on the detection data from the thermocouple or the radiation thermometer. Alternatively, for example, the PCB 104 can control the power supplied to the microwave generating antenna 122 by detecting the dielectric constant or impedance of any component of the flavor inhaler 100, such as the chamber 126, that changes due to heating.

[0050] The flavor generating article 20 of this embodiment is heated by microwave to generate flavor. Therefore, the portion of the flavor generating article 20 other than the flavor source 50 preferably does not absorb microwave. Therefore, the flavor generating article 20 of this embodiment preferably includes a flavor source 50 and a filter having a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less. This makes it possible to suppress the absorption of microwave from the microwave generating antenna 122 by the filter, thereby enabling efficient heating of the flavor source 50. Here, the filter having a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Figure 2 the shown mouthpiece filter 30, the hollow filter 40, and the anti-drop filter 60.

[0051] Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the flavor generating article 20 of this embodiment can include: a mouthpiece filter 30, a hollow filter 40, a flavor source 50, and an anti-drop filter 60. The anti-drop filter 60, the flavor source 50, the hollow filter 40, and the filter 30 are arranged adjacent to each other in this order from the tip side in the direction in which the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into Figure 1 the chamber 126 of the flavor inhalation system 10 shown. It should be noted that as long as the flavor generating article 20 includes at least the flavor source 50, other components can be appropriately omitted. The air flow resistance of the flavor generating article 20 is preferably 40 mmHg 2 O to 120 mmHg 2 O. This enables the user to be provided with a comfortable inhalation feeling. In addition, the air flow resistance is not too high, so that undesirable aerosol filtration can be suppressed.

[0052] For example, the flavor source 50 may be a non-tobacco sheet or a tobacco sheet (such as a non-woven fabric), or may be a tobacco molded product. If the flavor source 50 is a tobacco sheet, a tobacco leaf sheet formed by papermaking, a cast tobacco leaf sheet, a calendered tobacco leaf sheet, etc. may be specifically used as the flavor source 50. The flavor source 50 may be a lump of non-tobacco or tobacco, and the lump of non-tobacco or tobacco includes at least the first hole 51 to be described later. The flavor source 50 may further include an aerosol source. There is no particular limitation on the type of the aerosol source, and an extract from various types of natural products and / or their components may be selected according to the purpose of use. The aerosol source is preferably a polyol, and may be, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The tobacco flavor or the aerosol source contained in the flavor source 50 includes moisture and can thus be heated by microwaves irradiated from the microwave generating antenna 122. For example, the packaged amount of the flavor source 50 may be from 100 mg to 350 mg, and may preferably be from 120 mg to 250 mg.

[0053] The surface area of the flavor source 50 (the surface area of the flavor source 50 that contributes to aerosol generation) is preferably 150 mm 2 to 4000 mm 2 . The flavor source 50 may be formed from shredded tobacco leaves. In this case, the width of the shredded tobacco leaves is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0054] The flavor source 50 can support flavoring materials. There is no particular limitation on the type of flavoring materials, and from the perspective of imparting a favorable flavor sensation, at least one can be selected from the following: anisole acetate, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, balsam of Peru, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resin, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, sage extract, cocoa, coffee, cognac oil, coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, artemisia oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, capric acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, methyl 2-ethylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl caproate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, genoa absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, γ-heptalactone, γ-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexanol, hexyl phenylacetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, Helichrysum italicum absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, Jasminum sambac absolute, Cola nitida tincture, Labdanum oil, terpeneless lemon oil, Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, Angelica pubescens root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, p-methoxybenzaldehyde, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, Mimosa absolute, molasses, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, δ-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, Neroli oil, orange oil, Iris germanica root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadecalactone, peppermint oil, Paraguay orange leaf oil, phenylethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, Prunus domestica extract, allyl ethyl guaiacol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, Styrax benzoin absolute, Calendula officinalis oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxabicyclo[8.3.0.0(4.9)]tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)-2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, Viola odorata leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl 2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamido)acetate (WS-5), sugars (sucrose, fructose, etc.), cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rose seed powder, chamomile powder, lemon verbena powder, mint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, tea powder, natural plant fragrances (such as jasmine oil, lemon oil, vetiver oil, Angelica pubescens oil), and esters.,

[0055] As Figure 1 shown, when the microwave generating antenna 122 is inserted into the flavor source 50, it is possible that the components of the heated flavor source 50 will adhere to the microwave generating antenna 122. In this embodiment, the flavor source 50 thus includes a first hole 51 that enables the insertion of the microwave generating antenna 122, as Figure 2As shown. Therefore, when the microwave generating antenna 122 has been inserted into the first hole 51, the contact between the flavor source 50 and the microwave generating antenna 122 is less tight than when the flavor source 50 does not have the first hole 51. Therefore, the possibility that the components of the heated flavor source 50 adhere to the microwave generating antenna 122 can be reduced.

[0056] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a magnified cross-section to show the size of the flavor source 50 and the positional relationship between the microwave generating antenna 122 and the flavor source 50. Figure 3 The state in which the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at the desired position inside the chamber 126 is shown. It should be noted that in this specification, the phrase "the state in which the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at the desired position inside the chamber 126 (or the flavor inhaler 100)" means the state in which the flavor generating article 20 has been correctly positioned at the expected position inside the chamber 126 (or the flavor inhaler 100) so as to cause the generation of an aerosol from the flavor generating article 20. As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the first hole 51 can extend in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the flavor source 50. That is, the first hole 51 can be a through-hole, as Figures 1 to 3 shown. This is not restrictive, and the first hole 51 can equally extend partially in the longitudinal direction through the flavor source 50. That is, the first hole 51 can be a blind hole (or recess) extending from the anti-drop filter 60 side of the flavor source 50, with the bottom on the hollow filter 40 side.

[0057] Figure 3 The radius R1 of the first hole 51 shown is preferably equal to or greater than the radius of the microwave generating antenna 122. When the microwave generating antenna 122 has been inserted into the first hole 51 as Figure 1 shown, the pressing of the flavor source 50 against the microwave generating antenna 122 is suppressed because the radius of the first hole 51 is equal to or greater than the radius of the microwave generating antenna 122. Specifically, the flavor source 50 is separated from the microwave generating antenna 122, or even if the flavor source 50 is in contact with the microwave generating antenna 122, it does not strongly press against the microwave generating antenna 122. Therefore, the possibility that the components of the heated flavor source 50 adhere to the microwave generating antenna 122 can be further reduced.

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram depicting the electromagnetic field strength distribution of the microwave generated by the microwave generating antenna 122. The electromagnetic field strength distribution here shows the result of simulating the electromagnetic field strength when a microwave generating antenna 122 with a diameter of 1.0 mm and a length of 20 mm is placed in the center of a copper tube with an inner diameter of about 10 mm and a thickness of about 0.5 mm. For simplicity of simulation, the inside of the copper tube is filled with air. Regions A1 to A7 are as Figure 4It is evident in the electromagnetic field strength distribution of the microwaves generated by the microwave generating antenna 122 shown, where region A1 has the highest electromagnetic field strength, and the electromagnetic field strength decreases in the order of region A2, region A3, region A4, region A5, region A6, and region A7. As Figure 4 shown, the intensity of the electromagnetic field of the microwave generating antenna 122 is determined to be higher the closer it is to the microwave generating antenna 122. Therefore, the space S1 (i.e., the gap G1) between the microwave generating antenna 122 and the flavor source 50 preferably has a small radial size. Specifically, for example, Figure 3 the radius R1 of the first hole 51 shown here is preferably 3 mm or less (i.e., the space S1 is preferably 2.5 mm or less), more preferably 2 mm or less (i.e., the gap G1 is preferably 1.5 mm or less), and even more preferably 1 mm or less (i.e., the gap G1 is preferably 0.5 mm or less).

[0059] As Figure 4 shown, the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated by the microwave generating antenna 122 is determined to be higher the closer it is to the top portion of the antenna. Therefore, Figure 3 the length L1 of the first hole 51 shown is preferably equal to or greater than half of the length of the microwave generating antenna 122, and more preferably equal to or greater than 3 / 4 of the length of the microwave generating antenna 122. In this case, at least half of the microwave generating antenna 122 starting from its top portion can be inserted into the first hole 51, so that microwaves can be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source 50, and sufficient flavor can be generated. If the length L1 of the first hole 51 is less than half of the length of the microwave generating antenna 122, the microwaves cannot be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source 50 because all ranges within half of the length starting from the top portion of the microwave generating antenna 122 cannot be inserted.

[0060] Furthermore, as Figure 4 shown, the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated by the microwave generating antenna 122 is determined to be particularly high at the top portion of the antenna, and the electromagnetic field intensity is also determined to be high within a predetermined range away from the top portion. That is, there is also a high electromagnetic field intensity within a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction away from the top portion of the microwave generating antenna 122. Therefore, in the state where the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at the desired position in the flavor inhaler 100, as Figure 3 shown, the top portion of the microwave generating antenna 122 is preferably arranged to overlap the flavor source 50 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the top portion with a particularly high electromagnetic field intensity overlaps the flavor source 50 in the longitudinal direction, so that microwaves can be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source 50, and sufficient flavor can be generated. More specifically, Figure 3The distance D1 between the top portion of the microwave generating antenna 122 shown and one end of the flavor source 50 is preferably not greater than 10 mm, more preferably not greater than 5 mm, and even more preferably not greater than 2 mm. It should be noted that the distance D1 mentioned herein means the shorter distance among the distances between the top portion of the antenna and either end of the flavor source 50 in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] As Figure 2 shown, the flavor generating article 20 preferably includes a non-flavor source sheet 21 covering the inner surface 53 of the flavor source 50 that defines the first hole 51. This makes it possible to prevent the microwave generating antenna 122 inserted into the first hole 51 from directly contacting the flavor source 50, and thus makes it possible to further reduce the possibility of the components of the heated flavor source 50 adhering to the microwave generating antenna 122. The non-flavor source sheet 21 is preferably not a material that will adhere to the microwave generating antenna 122 in the manner of the flavor source 50, etc. For example, the surface of the non-flavor source sheet 21 can be covered with calcium carbonate, shellac, or a glass-based coating, etc., in order to inhibit the absorption of tobacco components or aerosol sources that may be contained in the flavor source 50. For example, the non-flavor source sheet 21 can be a material that is substantially non-absorbent of microwaves and has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less, such as paper or resin. The non-flavor source sheet 21 preferably has one or more perforations penetrating between its inner surface and outer surface. As a result, the flavor generated by the flavor source 50 can flow into the first hole 51 through the perforations in the non-flavor source sheet 21, which thus makes it possible to inhibit an increase in air flow resistance caused by the use of the non-flavor source sheet 21.

[0062] For example, the non-flavor source sheet 21 can include a breathable sheet, such as paper or a resin film having a plurality of perforations. The air permeability of the non-flavor source sheet 21 is preferably greater than 0 CU, and more preferably 500 CU or greater. The air permeability here is measured according to ISO 2965:1997.

[0063] When as Figure 2 shown the flavor generating article 20 includes the non-flavor source sheet 21, in a state where the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position inside the chamber 126, the radial size of the gap between the microwave generating antenna 122 and the non-flavor source sheet 21 is preferably 2.5 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or less. In Figure 2 the example shown, the length of the non-flavor source sheet 21 is the same as the length of the flavor source 50, but it can be greater than the length of the flavor source 50.

[0064] As Figure 2As shown, the non-flavor source sheet 21 can be a cylindrical sheet that only covers the inner surface of the first hole 51 in the flavor source 50. In addition, the non-flavor source sheet 21 can be a cup-shaped sheet, such as to close the through-hole of the first hole 51. Additionally, when the first hole 51 is a blind hole, the non-flavor source sheet 21 can be a cup-shaped sheet, such as to cover the bottom of the blind hole.

[0065] The air flowing in from the anti-drop filter 60 of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the interior of the flavor source 50 or the first hole 51, and reaches the user's mouth together with the flavor or aerosol. When the non-flavor source sheet 21 is a cup-shaped sheet, the air flowing in from the anti-drop filter 60 can pass between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70 to be described later. Additionally, when the flavor source 50 includes a plurality of flavor source sheets wound in a cylindrical shape (as will be described later), the air flowing in from the anti-drop filter 60 can pass between the plurality of flavor source sheets.

[0066] As Figure 2 shown, the flavor source 50 can have a second hole 54 that provides communication between the first hole 51 and the outer surface of the flavor source 50. In this case, external air can flow into the first hole 51 through the second hole 54 in the flavor source 50, which thus enables the flavor generated by the flavor source 50 to be delivered to the user more efficiently. When, as Figure 2 shown, the flavor generating article 20 includes the non-flavor source sheet 21, the second hole 54 and the perforations formed in the non-flavor source sheet 21 are preferably in communication.

[0067] The flavor source 50 preferably includes one or more flavor source sheets wound in a cylindrical shape. This makes it easier to produce the flavor source 50 having the first hole 51. When the flavor source 50 includes one or more flavor source sheets, the flavor source sheets are preferably subjected to a surface area increasing treatment. In this way, flavor can be generated more efficiently because the surface area of the flavor source sheets can be increased compared to when no surface area increasing treatment is performed. Here, the surface area increasing treatment can include, for example, curling, embossing or stamping, etc. When the flavor source sheets are curled or embossed, gaps for air passage are formed by the uneven portions on the surface of the flavor source sheets, which thus enables the flavor generated by the flavor source 50 to be delivered to the user efficiently. It should be noted that the flavor source 50 can be formed in a cylindrical shape by winding the flavor source sheets into a spiral shape. The air permeability of the flavor source sheet 50 is preferably greater than 0 CU, and more preferably 500 CU or greater. The air permeability here is measured according to ISO 2965:1997.

[0068] As Figure 2As shown, the flavor source 50 includes a first part 50a and a second part 50b, the second part being farther from the first hole 51 than the first part 50a and located on the outer circumferential side of the first part 50a. If the dielectric constant of the second part 50b, which is positioned farther than the first part 50a when the microwave generating antenna 122 has been inserted into the first hole 51, is equal to the dielectric constant of the first part 50a, there is a possibility that the first part 50a will be preferentially heated, the heating temperature of the second part 50b will be lower than that of the first part 50a, and the second part 50b will not be sufficiently heated. Therefore, the dielectric constant of the second part 50b is preferably higher than that of the first part 50a. This makes it possible to suppress the case where the second part 50b is less likely to be heated than the first part 50a.

[0069] As Figure 2 shown, the flavor generating article 20 preferably further includes a sheet member 70 around the outer circumference of the filter and the flavor source 50. This enables the flavor source 50 to be integrally combined with the filter, for example, combined with the mouthpiece filter 30, the hollow filter 40, and the anti-drop filter 60. The sheet member 70 can be formed of a non-tobacco material. Specifically, for example, the sheet member 70 can be a material that is substantially non-absorbent of microwaves and has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less, such as paper or resin. The sheet member 70 can also contain a microwave-absorbing substance, such as carbon. In addition, the sheet member 70 can be a metal foil (such as aluminum foil) or a metal laminated paper (such as aluminum laminated paper). In this case, microwaves can be reflected toward the flavor source 50 by the metal (such as aluminum), so that microwaves can be efficiently applied to the flavor source 50. The sheet member 70 can constitute the outermost shell of the flavor generating article 20. In other words, at least a part of the outer shape of the flavor generating article 20 can be defined by the sheet member 70. In addition to aluminum, silver, copper, iron, permalloy, nickel, stainless steel, or an alloy including two or more of the above metals can be used as the material of the sheet member 70.

[0070] The sheet member 70 preferably has one or more perforations penetrating between its inner surface and outer surface. Thus, outside air can flow into the flavor generating article 20 through the perforations in the sheet member 70, which thus enables the flavor generated by the flavor source 50 to be delivered to the user more efficiently. For example, the perforations that the sheet member 70 may include may be provided at positions axially overlapping with the mouthpiece filter 30, the filling layer 40b, the flavor source 50, or the anti-drop filter 60. When radially extending holes are formed in the mouthpiece filter 30, the perforations may be provided to communicate with the holes. It should be noted that radially extending holes may not be required to be formed in the mouthpiece filter 30, in which case, the perforations may be provided only in the sheet member 70. In addition, when radially extending through-holes are formed in the filling layer 40b, the perforations may be provided to communicate with the through-holes. It should be noted that radially extending through-holes may not be required to be formed in the filling layer 40b, in which case, the perforations may be provided only in the sheet member 70. In addition, the perforations may be provided to communicate with the upstream side, the downstream side, or the second hole 54 of the flavor source 50. It should be noted that the second hole 54 may not be required to be formed in the flavor source 50, in which case, the perforations may be provided only in the sheet member 70. In addition, the perforations may be provided to communicate with the air flow holes 61 in the anti-drop filter 60. It should be noted that air flow holes 61 may not be required to be formed in the anti-drop filter 60, in which case, the perforations may be provided only in the sheet member 70. For example, by forming radially extending through-holes in the filling layer 40b and the sheet member 70, the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 50 can be delivered toward the mouthpiece filter 30 by the outside air flowing in from the filling layer 40b, even if the anti-drop filter 60 has low air permeability or it is not easy to suck in outside air from the end face of the anti-drop filter 60 because the anti-drop filter 60 is pressed against the chamber 126. Alternatively, by providing a flow path (gap) between the sheet member 70 and the flavor source 50 and providing perforations in the sheet member 70 that communicate with the flow path, outside air can be made to flow into the flow path so as to deliver the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 50 toward the mouthpiece filter 30. This form is particularly advantageous when a gap G2 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) is provided between the sheet member 70 and the flavor source 50, as will be described later.

[0071] The flavor source 50 can be in contact with the sheet member 70. The flavor source 50 is preferably bonded to the sheet member 70. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the flavor source 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the sheet member 70 are preferably bonded together by an adhesive or the like. This makes it possible to prevent the flavor source 50 from moving relative to the sheet member 70, so that even if the microwave generating antenna 122 contacts the flavor source 50 after the microwave generating antenna 122 has been inserted into the first hole 51, misalignment of the flavor source 50 can be suppressed. In this case, a cast sheet can be formed on the sheet member 70 by thinly casting a starting material containing an adhesive and tobacco leaves constituting the flavor source 50 on the sheet member 70 and then drying the tobacco leaves. Alternatively, a calendered sheet can be formed on the sheet member 70 by applying pressure to thinly spread a starting material containing an adhesive and tobacco leaves constituting the flavor source 50 and then drying the tobacco leaves.

[0072] The flavor source 50 may not need to be bonded to the sheet member 70. In addition, the flavor source 50 may not need to be in contact with the sheet member 70. In these cases, for example, the flavor source 50 can be sandwiched between the hollow filter 40 and the anti-drop filter 60 so that its position can be fixed.

[0073] The position where the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70 are not bonded (i.e., the gap between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70) can form a flow path for air that has flowed in from the anti-drop filter 60 (as described above). Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional enlargement of an example of the flavor generating article 20 having a gap between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70. Specifically, Figure 5 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the flavor generating article 20 Figure 5 (a) and a cross-section of the flavor generating article 20 along Figure 5 the arrow A-A shown in Figure 5 (a). As shown in Figure 5 (a), the flavor generating article 20 includes a gap G2 between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70. In addition, as shown in Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b), the flavor source 50 of this example includes a plurality of grooves 50c on its outer circumferential surface. The grooves 50c extend in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 20, and the gap G2 is formed by the grooves 50c. The outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 20 formed without the grooves 50c is in contact with the sheet member 70. Such an outer circumferential surface may or may not be bonded to the sheet member 70.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5 , the inner diameter of the filling layer 40b can be formed to be larger than Figure 1 and Figure 2The inner diameter in the illustrated example. Specifically, the inner diameter of the filling layer 40b can be larger than the minimum outer diameter of the flavor source 50 (i.e., the outer diameter of the portion forming the groove 50c). This allows the air that has passed through the gap G2 between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70 to flow into the hollow channel 40a without being blocked by the filling layer 40b. In Figure 5 In the illustrated example, a plurality of grooves 50c are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the flavor source 50, but this is not restrictive, and for example, protrusions of any shape can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the flavor source 50 to form a gap between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70. Accordingly, the protruding portion of the flavor source 50 contacts the sheet member 70, forming a gap between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70, and these gaps can form a flow path for the air that has flowed in from the anti-drop filter 60.

[0075] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional enlargement of another example of the flavor generating article 20 having a gap between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70. Specifically, Figure 6 depicts a Figure 6 (a) showing a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 20 and Figure 6 (b) showing a cross-section of the flavor generating article 20 along the arrow B-B shown in Figure 6 (a). Different from the Figure 5 flavor generating article 20 shown, Figure 6 in the flavor generating article 20 shown, instead of having grooves 50c or the like surface-processed on the outer surface of the flavor source 50, a spacer 52 is provided between the outer surface of the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70. In Figure 6 the illustrated example, the spacer 52 is provided on the upstream side (the position in contact with the anti-drop filter 60) of the flavor source 50 in the longitudinal direction, but this is not restrictive, and the spacer 52 can be located at any position in the longitudinal direction as long as they are between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70.

[0076] The spacer 52 can be formed of a breathable material or can be formed of an air-impermeable material. Further, in Figure 6 the illustrated example, four spacers 52 are provided at substantially equal intervals along the outer circumference of the flavor source 50, but this is not restrictive, and any number of spacers 52 can be present at any position in the circumferential direction. Further, the spacers 52 can be arranged over the entire circumference of the flavor source 50. That is, an annular spacer 52 can be arranged around the flavor source 50. In this case, the spacer 52 is preferably formed of a breathable material.

[0077] Grooves 50c or spacers 52 are required to form Figure 5 and Figure 6The gap G2 in the illustrated example. This is not restrictive, and the gap G2 between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70 can also be formed by subjecting the sheet member 70 to processing to increase its surface area (half-cutting, folding, curling, embossing), etc., so as to form uneven portions on the sheet member 70.

[0078] For example, the mouthpiece filter 30 can be a paper filter or an acetate filter, etc. The mouthpiece filter 30 is preferably free of triacetin. Triacetin easily absorbs microwaves, and thus the absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 can be suppressed by making the mouthpiece filter 30 free of triacetin. For example, the relative dielectric constant of the mouthpiece filter 30 can be 10 or less, and can preferably be 4 or less. This makes it possible to suppress the absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 by the mouthpiece filter 30, thereby enabling efficient heating of the flavor source 50. The mouthpiece filter 30 can include at least one selected from the group consisting of charcoal, a metal mesh, and a metal ring inside or on its surface. This makes it possible to suppress the leakage of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122. Specifically, the metal mesh or the metal ring can reflect microwaves, and the charcoal can absorb microwaves. The opening size of the metal mesh or the inner diameter of the metal ring is preferably not greater than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used (i.e., λ / 2). Specifically, if the frequency of the electromagnetic wave used is, for example, 2.45 GHz, the wavelength is approximately 120 mm, so the opening size or the inner diameter is preferably 60 mm or less.

[0079] The hollow filter 40 is positioned on the mouthpiece side (downstream side) of the flavor source 50. The hollow filter 40 includes, for example, one or more hollow channels 40a and a filling layer 40b that defines the hollow channels 40a. The filling layer 40b has a high fiber filling density, so that during inhalation, most of the air, flavor, or aerosol flows through the hollow channels 40a, and almost no air, flavor, or aerosol flows through the filling layer 40b. The flavor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 50 is cooled by passing through the hollow channels 40a and is delivered to the user's mouth. When it is desired to reduce the reduction of the aerosol component due to the filtration of the mouthpiece filter 30, reducing the length of the mouthpiece filter 30 and replacing the mouthpiece filter 30 with the hollow filter 40 is effective for increasing the amount of flavor or aerosol delivered by the flavor generating article 20.

[0080] For example, the hollow filter 40 can be formed of paper, acetate, or the like. The hollow filter 40 is preferably free of triacetin. Triacetin readily absorbs microwaves, and thus absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 can be suppressed by making the hollow filter 40 free of triacetin. For example, the relative dielectric constant of the hollow filter 40 can be 10 or less, and can preferably be 4 or less. This makes it possible to suppress absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 by the hollow filter 40, enabling efficient heating of the flavor source 50. The hollow filter 40 can include at least one selected from the group consisting of charcoal, a metal mesh, and a metal ring inside or on its surface. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122.

[0081] The anti-drop filter 60 is disposed upstream of the flavor source 50 and prevents the flavor source 50 from dropping out of the flavor generating article 20. The anti-drop filter 60 is disposed upstream of the flavor source 50 and adjacent to the flavor source 50. For example, the anti-drop filter 60 can be a paper filter, a molded filter, an acetate filter, or the like. For example, the relative dielectric constant of the anti-drop filter 60 can be 10 or less, and can preferably be 4 or less. This makes it possible to suppress absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 by the anti-drop filter 60, enabling efficient heating of the flavor source 50. The anti-drop filter 60 is preferably free of triacetin. Triacetin readily absorbs microwaves, and thus absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 can be suppressed by making the anti-drop filter 60 free of triacetin. The anti-drop filter 60 can include at least one selected from the group consisting of charcoal, a metal mesh, and a metal ring inside or on its surface. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122.

[0082] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The anti-drop filter 60 shown is solid. This allows components of the heated flavor source 50 that have adhered to the surface of the microwave generating antenna 122 to be wiped off by the anti-drop filter 60 when the microwave generating antenna 122 is withdrawn from the flavor source 50. In this case, when the microwave generating antenna 122 is inserted into the first hole 51 in the flavor source 50, the anti-drop filter 60 is pierced. This is not restrictive, and the anti-drop filter 60 can equally well be hollow. In other words, the anti-drop filter 60 can have a longitudinally extending through-hole that enables insertion of the microwave generating antenna 122. In this case, the insertion resistance of the microwave generating antenna 122 caused by the anti-drop filter 60 is reduced, so the microwave generating antenna 122 can be smoothly inserted into the flavor source 50.

[0083] As Figure 2As shown, the anti-drop filter 60 may have air flow holes 61 communicating with its outer circumferential surface. This allows external air to flow into the anti-drop filter 60 through the air flow holes 61, which thus enables the flavor generated by the flavor source 50 to be delivered to the user more efficiently. In addition, in this embodiment, the anti-drop filter 60 may be surrounded by a sheet member 70, and the anti-drop filter 60 may have longitudinally extending grooves on its outer circumferential surface. In this case, a gap is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the anti-drop filter 60 and the sheet member 70 to provide communication between the flavor source 50 and the outside of the flavor generating article 20. This allows external air to flow into the flavor source 50 through the gap, which thus enables the flavor generated by the flavor source 50 to be delivered to the user more efficiently.

[0084] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concepts disclosed in the claims, the specification, and the drawings. In addition, any shape or material not directly stated in the specification or the drawings is also within the scope of the technical concept of the invention of the present application, as long as it exhibits the functions and effects of the invention of the present application.

[0085] List of Reference Numerals

[0086] 20: Flavor generating article

[0087] 30: Mouthpiece filter

[0088] 40: Hollow filter

[0089] 50: Flavor source

[0090] 50c: Groove

[0091] 60: Anti-drop filter

[0092] 61: Air flow hole

[0093] 70: Sheet member

[0094] 122: Microwave generating antenna

[0095] G2: Gap

Claims

1. A flavor generating article, which is heated by microwave to generate flavor, and the flavor generating article comprises: a flavor source; and a filter having a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less.

2. The flavor generating article according to claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a mouthpiece filter.

3. The flavor generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter comprises a fall prevention filter which is disposed upstream of the flavor source and prevents the flavor source from falling out of the flavor generating article.

4. The flavor generating article according to claim 3, wherein the fall prevention filter has a longitudinally extending through hole enabling insertion of a microwave generating antenna.

5. The flavor generating article according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a sheet member surrounding the fall prevention filter, wherein the fall prevention filter has a longitudinally extending groove on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a gap is formed between the sheet member and the fall prevention filter.

6. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the fall prevention filter has air flow holes communicating with the outer circumferential surface of the fall prevention filter.

7. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filter comprises a hollow filter positioned on a mouthpiece side of the flavor source.

8. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filter does not contain triacetin.

9. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filter comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of carbon, metal mesh, and metal ring.

10. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a sheet member surrounding an outer circumference of the filter and the flavor source.

11. The flavor generating article according to claim 10, wherein the sheet member is metal foil or metal laminated paper.

12. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The air flow resistance of the flavor generating product is 40 mmHg 2 to 120 mmHg 2 .

Images