Flavor generating article and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

A flavor producing article is provided that is heated by microwaves to produce a flavor. A flavor generating article has a flavor source having a first aperture into which a microwave generating antenna may be inserted.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Flavor generating articles for inhaling flavors and 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.

[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. However, when the conductor is inserted into the flavor source of the flavor generating article, the flavor source and the conductor are in close contact. When the conductor is withdrawn from the flavor source after smoking, there is a risk that the components of the heated flavor source adhere to the conductor, making it necessary to frequently clean the conductor.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a flavor generating article in which the components of the heated flavor source are not easily adhered to the conductor for generating microwave.

[0011] Solution to the Problem

[0012] A first aspect provides a flavor generating article that is heated by microwave to generate flavor. The flavor generating article includes a flavor source having a first hole into which a microwave generating antenna can be inserted.

[0013] According to the first aspect, when the microwave generating antenna has been inserted into the first hole, the flavor source is less closely in contact with the microwave generating antenna than when the flavor source does not have the first hole. Therefore, the possibility that the components of the heated flavor source adhere to the microwave generating antenna can be reduced.

[0014] The key point of the second aspect according to the first aspect is that the radius of the first hole is equal to or greater than the radius of the microwave generating antenna.

[0015] According to the second aspect, when the microwave generating antenna has been inserted into the first hole, the pressing of the flavor source against the microwave generating antenna is suppressed. Specifically, the flavor source is separated from the microwave generating antenna, or even if it contacts the microwave generating antenna, it does not strongly press against the microwave generating antenna. Therefore, the possibility of the components of the heated flavor source adhering to the microwave generating antenna can be further reduced.

[0016] The key point of the third aspect according to the first aspect or the second aspect is that the length of the first hole is equal to or greater than half of the length of the microwave generating antenna.

[0017] According to a simple simulation, the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated by the microwave generating antenna is judged to be higher closer to the top part of the antenna. According to the third aspect, at least half of the microwave generating antenna starting from its top part can be inserted into the first hole, so that microwaves can be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source and sufficient flavor can be generated. If the length of the first hole is less than half of the length of the microwave generating antenna, microwaves cannot be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source because all ranges within half of the length starting from the top part of the microwave generating antenna cannot be inserted.

[0018] The key point of the fourth aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect is that the flavor generating article includes a non - flavor - source sheet covering the inner surface of the flavor source that defines the first hole.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, direct contact between the microwave generating antenna inserted into the first hole and the flavor source can be prevented, and thus, this makes it possible to further reduce the possibility of the components of the heated flavor source adhering to the microwave generating antenna.

[0020] The key point of the fifth aspect according to the fourth aspect is that the non - flavor - source sheet has one or more perforations penetrating between its inner surface and outer surface.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, the flavor generated by the flavor source can flow into the first hole through the perforations in the non - flavor - source sheet, which thus makes it possible to suppress an increase in air flow resistance caused by using the non - flavor - source sheet.

[0022] The key point of the sixth aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect is that the flavor generating article includes a sheet member surrounding the outside of the flavor source.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect, by using the sheet member, the flavor source can be integrally combined with another component, such as a filter constituting the flavor generating article.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect of the sixth aspect, the flavor source is combined with the sheet member.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect, relative movement of the flavor source with respect to the sheet member can be prevented, and thus misalignment of the flavor source can be suppressed even when the microwave generating antenna contacts the flavor source after being inserted into the first hole.

[0026] According to the eighth aspect of the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, the sheet member has one or more perforations penetrating between its inner surface and outer surface.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect, outside air can flow into the flavor generating article through the perforations in the sheet member, which thus enables the flavor generated by the flavor source to be delivered to the user more efficiently.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect of any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, the flavor source has a second hole that provides communication between the first hole and the outer surface of the flavor source.

[0029] According to the ninth aspect, outside air can flow into the first hole through the second hole in the flavor source, which thus enables the flavor generated by the flavor source to be delivered to the user more efficiently.

[0030] According to the tenth aspect of any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, the flavor source includes one or more flavor source sheets wound in a cylindrical shape.

[0031] According to the tenth aspect, a flavor source having a first hole can be easily produced.

[0032] According to the eleventh aspect of the tenth aspect, the flavor source sheet is subjected to a surface area increasing treatment.

[0033] According to the eleventh aspect, flavor can be generated more efficiently because the surface area of the flavor source sheet 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, grooving, or stamping. When the flavor source sheet is curled or embossed, gaps for air passage are formed by the uneven portions on the surface of the flavor source sheet, which thus enables the flavor generated by the flavor source to be delivered to the user efficiently.

[0034] According to the twelfth aspect of any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect, the flavor source includes a first part and a second part, the second part being farther from the first hole than the first part and located on the outer circumferential side of the first part, and the dielectric constant of the second part being higher than the dielectric constant of the first part.

[0035] If the dielectric constant of the second part positioned farther than the first part when the microwave generating antenna has been inserted into the first hole is equal to the dielectric constant of the first part, there is a possibility that the first part will be preferentially heated, the heating temperature of the second part will be lower than that of the first part, and the second part will not be sufficiently heated. According to the twelfth aspect, the dielectric constant of the second part is higher than that of the first part, which thus makes it possible to suppress the situation where the second part is less likely to be heated than the first part.

[0036] The gist of the thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect is that the air flow resistance of the flavor generating article is 40 mmH 2 O to 120 mmH 2 O.

[0037] According to the thirteenth aspect, a comfortable inhalation feeling can be provided to the user. In addition, the air flow resistance is not too high, so that undesired aerosol filtration can be suppressed.

[0038] The fourteenth aspect provides a flavor inhalation system. The flavor inhalation system includes: a flavor generating article according to any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect; and a flavor inhaler including a microwave generating antenna inserted into a through hole in the flavor generating article.

[0039] According to the fourteenth aspect, when the microwave generating antenna has been inserted into the first hole, the contact between the flavor source and the microwave generating antenna is less tight than when the flavor source does not have the first hole. Therefore, the possibility that the components of the heated flavor source adhere to the microwave generating antenna can be reduced.

[0040] The gist of the fifteenth aspect according to the fourteenth aspect is that in a state where the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, the top portion of the microwave generating antenna is arranged to overlap the flavor source in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] According to a simple simulation, the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated by the microwave generating antenna 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. According to the fifteenth aspect, the top portion having a particularly high electromagnetic field intensity overlaps the flavor source in the longitudinal direction, so that microwaves can be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source and sufficient flavor can be generated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation system including a flavor generating article according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article.​​

[0044] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a sectional magnification to show the size of the flavor source and the positional relationship between the microwave generating antenna and the flavor source.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram depicting the electromagnetic field strength distribution of microwaves generated by the microwave generating antenna.

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional magnification of an example of a flavor generating article having a gap between the flavor source and the sheet member.

[0047] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional magnification of another example of a flavor generating article having a gap between the flavor source and the sheet member. Detailed Embodiments

[0048] 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.

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a flavor inhalation system including a flavor generating article according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic side 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.

[0050] 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 portion 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. ​​​​

[0051] The PCB 104 is configured with a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the PCB 104 starts the heating of the flavor source 50 in response to the operation of the user on an input device (such as a button or a slide switch (not depicted)), 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 accommodating the battery 102, the PCB 104, and the heating unit 120.

[0054] 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 accommodate at least 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 disposed 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 substantially does not absorb microwaves and has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less.

[0055] The flavor inhaler 100 can have a thermocouple or a radiation thermometer configured to detect the temperature at any location within 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 change of any component of the flavor inhaler 100, such as the chamber 126, due to heating.

[0056] As Figure 2 shown, the flavor generating article 20 of this embodiment can include: a filter 30, a hollow filter 40, a flavor source 50, and a plug 60. The plug 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 Figure 1 into the chamber 126 of the flavor inhalation system 10 as 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 airflow 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 airflow resistance is not too high, so unwanted aerosol filtration can be suppressed. It should be noted that the "filter" mentioned in the specification of this case is not limited to a component for filtering a certain material, and includes any breathable component. Specifically, for example, the "filter" includes a breathable component having one or more communication holes or one or more grooves or cuts, such as the hollow filter 40. In addition, the material itself forming the "filter" can be a breathable porous material, or can be a material that is not breathable itself (for example, glass, ceramic, cellulose molded product), etc.

[0057] 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 article. 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 block of non-tobacco or tobacco, and the block 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 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 100 mg to 350 mg, and may preferably be 120 mg to 250 mg.

[0058] 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 by cutting tobacco leaves. In this case, the width of the cut tobacco leaves is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0059] 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 caprylate, 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 absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola tincture, ladanum oil, terpeneless lemon oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, angelica 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, orris root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadecalactone, peppermint oil, paraguay orange leaf oil, phenylethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenyl ethyl guaiacol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, calendula 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, violet 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 oil), and esters.,

[0060] 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 compared to 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.

[0061] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged 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 plug 60 side of the flavor source 50, with the bottom on the hollow filter 40 side.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram depicting the electromagnetic field intensity distribution of the microwaves generated by the microwave generating antenna 122. The electromagnetic field intensity distribution here shows the result of simulating the electromagnetic field intensity 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 approximately 10 mm and a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm. For the sake of simplicity in the simulation, the inside of the copper tube is filled with air. Regions A1 to A7 are as Figure 4It is obvious in the electromagnetic field intensity distribution of the microwaves generated by the microwave generating antenna 122 shown, where region A1 has the highest electromagnetic field intensity, and the electromagnetic field intensity 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 judged 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 shown, the radius R1 of the first hole 51 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).

[0064] As Figure 4 shown, the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated by the microwave generating antenna 122 is judged to be higher the closer it is to the top part of the antenna. Therefore, Figure 3 shown, the length L1 of the first hole 51 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 part 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 part of the microwave generating antenna 122 cannot be inserted.

[0065] In addition, as Figure 4 shown, the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated by the microwave generating antenna 122 is judged to be particularly high at the top part of the antenna, and the electromagnetic field intensity is also judged to be high within a predetermined range away from the top part. That is, there is also a high electromagnetic field intensity within a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction away from the top part 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 part of the microwave generating antenna 122 is preferably arranged to overlap the flavor source 50 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the top part 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 as 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.

[0066] 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. Thus, this 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 the air flow resistance caused by the use of the non-flavor source sheet 21.

[0067] 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.

[0068] When as Figure 2 shown the flavor generating article 20 includes the non-flavor source sheet 21, in the state where the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at the 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The air flowing in from the plug 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 plug 60 can pass between the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70 to be described later. In addition, 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 plug 60 can pass between the plurality of flavor source sheets.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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. 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.

[0073] As Figure 2As shown, the flavor source 50 includes a first portion 50a and a second portion 50b, and the second portion is farther from the first hole 51 than the first portion 50a and is located on the outer circumferential side of the first portion 50a. If the dielectric constant of the second portion 50b, which is positioned farther than the first portion 50a when the microwave generating antenna 122 has been inserted into the first hole 51, is equal to the dielectric constant of the first portion 50a, there is a possibility that the first portion 50a will be preferentially heated, the heating temperature of the second portion 50b will be lower than that of the first portion 50a, and the second portion 50b will not be sufficiently heated. Therefore, the dielectric constant of the second portion 50b is preferably higher than that of the first portion 50a. This makes it possible to suppress the situation where the second portion 50b is less likely to be heated than the first portion 50a.

[0074] As Figure 2 shown, the flavor generating article 20 preferably further includes a sheet member 70 around the outer circumference of the flavor source 50. This enables the flavor source 50 to be integrally combined with other components constituting the flavor generating article 20, such as the filter 30, the hollow filter 40, and the plug 60. The sheet member 70 may be formed of a non-tobacco material. Specifically, for example, the sheet member 70 may 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 may also contain a microwave-absorbing substance, such as charcoal. In addition, the sheet member 70 may 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 through the aluminum, so that the microwaves can be efficiently applied to the flavor source 50. The sheet member 70 may 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 may be defined by the sheet member 70.

[0075] The sheet member 70 preferably has one or more perforations penetrating between its inner and outer surfaces. 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 filter 30, the filling layer 40b, the flavor source 50, or the plug 60. When radially extending holes are formed in the filter 30, the perforations may be provided to communicate with the holes. It should be noted that it may not be necessary to form radially extending holes in the 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 it may not be necessary to form radially extending through-holes 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 it may not be necessary to form the second hole 54 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 plug 60. It should be noted that it may not be necessary to form the air flow holes 61 in the plug 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 filter 30 by the outside air flowing in from the filling layer 40b, even if the plug 60 has low air permeability or it is not easy to suck in outside air from the end face of the plug 60 because the plug 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 flow into the flow path to deliver the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 50 toward the 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.

[0076] 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, and thus 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 rolled 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.

[0077] 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 plug 60 so that its position can be fixed.

[0078] 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 the air that has flowed in from the plug 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 Figure 5 (a) showing a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 20 and Figure 5 (a) the cross-section of the flavor generating article 20 along the arrow A-A shown in Figure 5 (b). 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.

[0079] 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 greater 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 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. Thus, 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 plug 60.

[0080] 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 illustrated flavor generating article 20, Figure 6 in the illustrated flavor generating article 20, instead of surface processing grooves 50c, etc. on the outer surface of the flavor source 50, spacers 52 are provided between the outer surface of the flavor source 50 and the sheet member 70. In Figure 6 the illustrated example, the spacers 52 are provided on the upstream side (the position in contact with the plug 60) of the flavor source 50 in the longitudinal direction, but this is not restrictive, and the spacers 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.

[0081] The spacers 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.

[0082] 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.) to form uneven portions on the sheet member 70.

[0083] For example, the filter 30 can be a paper filter, an acetate filter, or the like. For example, the relative dielectric constant of the 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 filter 30, thereby enabling efficient heating of the flavor source 50. The filter 30 can include carbon, a metal mesh, or 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 carbon can absorb microwaves.

[0084] 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 aerosol components due to the filtration of the filter 30, reducing the length of the filter 30 and replacing the filter 30 with the hollow filter 40 is effective for increasing the amount of flavor or aerosol delivered by the flavor generating article 20.

[0085] For example, the hollow filter 40 can be formed of paper, acetate, or the like. The hollow filter 40 preferably does not contain triacetin. Triacetin easily absorbs microwaves, and thus the 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 the absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 by the hollow filter 40, thereby enabling efficient heating of the flavor source 50. The hollow filter 40 can include carbon, a metal mesh, or a metal ring inside or on its surface. This makes it possible to suppress the leakage of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122.

[0086] The plug 60 is disposed adjacent to the flavor source 50 and prevents the flavor source 50 from falling out of the flavor generating article 20. For example, the plug 60 can be a paper filter, a molded filter, an acetate filter, or the like. The plug 60 preferably does not contain triacetin. Triacetin is prone to absorbing microwaves, and thus absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 can be inhibited by making the plug 60 free of triacetin. The plug 60 can include carbon, a metal mesh, or a metal ring inside or on its surface. This enables leakage of microwaves from the microwave generating antenna 122 to be inhibited.

[0087] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated plug 60 is solid. This enables 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 plug 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 plug 60 is pierced. This is not restrictive, and the plug 60 can equally be hollow. In other words, the plug 60 can have a through hole extending longitudinally therethrough so that the microwave generating antenna 122 can be inserted therethrough.

[0088] As Figure 2 illustrated, the plug 60 can have air flow holes 61 communicating with its outer circumferential surface. This allows external air to flow into the plug 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. Additionally, the plug 60 can have a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves on its outer circumferential surface. In this case, a gap is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the plug 60 and the sheet member 70 that provides communication between the inside of 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.

[0089] The 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. Additionally, 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.

[0090] List of Reference Numerals

[0091] 10: Flavor inhalation system

[0092] 20: Flavor generating article

[0093] 21: Non-flavor source sheet

[0094] 50: Flavor source

[0095] 50a: The first part

[0096] 50b: The second part

[0097] 51: The first hole

[0098] 54: The second hole

[0099] 70: The sheet member

[0100] 100: The flavor inhaler

[0101] 122: The microwave generating antenna

Claims

1. A flavor generating article, which is heated by microwave to generate flavor, The flavor generating article includes a flavor source having a first hole enabling insertion of a microwave generating antenna.

2. The flavor generating article according to claim 1, wherein, The radius of the first hole is equal to or greater than the radius of the microwave generating antenna.

3. The flavor generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The length of the first hole is equal to or greater than half of the length of the microwave generating antenna.

4. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including a non - flavor - source sheet covering the inner surface of the flavor source defining the first hole.

5. The flavor generating article according to claim 4, wherein, The non - flavor - source sheet has one or more perforations penetrating between the inner surface and the outer surface of the non - flavor - source sheet.

6. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including a sheet member surrounding the outer side of the flavor source.

7. The flavor generating article according to claim 6, wherein, The flavor source is bonded to the sheet member.

8. The flavor generating article according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The sheet member has one or more perforations penetrating between the inner surface and the outer surface of the sheet member.

9. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The flavor source has a second hole providing communication between the first hole and the outer surface of the flavor source.

10. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The flavor source includes one or more flavor - source sheets wound in a cylindrical shape.

11. The flavor generating article according to claim 10, wherein, The flavor - source sheet is subjected to a surface area increasing treatment.

12. The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The flavor source includes a first part and a second part, the second part being farther from the first hole than the first part and located on the outer circumferential side of the first part, and the dielectric constant of the second part is higher than that of the first part.

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

14. A flavor inhalation system, comprising: The flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and A flavor inhaler including a microwave generating antenna inserted into a through - hole in the flavor generating article.

15. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 14, wherein, In a state where the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, the top portion of the microwave generating antenna is arranged to overlap with the flavor source in the longitudinal direction.

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