Flavor inhalation system

Abstract

A flavor inhalation system is provided. The flavor inhalation system includes: a flavor generating article having a flavor source that generates a flavor when heated; and a flavor inhaler having a housing portion that accommodates a flavor source and an antenna that emits microwaves. A first region including a region where the electric field intensity of the microwaves emitted from the antenna is strongest and a second region in which the electric field intensity is weaker than the electric field intensity in the first region are formed in the housing portion. The flavor source includes a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region when the flavor generating article is positioned in a desired position of the flavor inhaler. The first portion does not include a carbonizable substance that is readily carbonizable by heating, and the second portion includes a carbonizable substance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalation systems for inhaling flavors and the like without burning materials are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). One such known flavor inhalation system uses microwaves to heat a flavor source that generates a flavor when heated (see, for example, 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 110876492 A Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical Problem

[0009] In the flavor inhalation system disclosed in Patent Document 3, when the flavor source is heated by microwaves, some substances contained in the flavor source may be overheated and carbonized, which has an adverse effect on the smoking flavor.

[0010] The present invention is designed to solve at least part of the above problems, and its purpose is to prevent the carbonization of substances contained in the flavor source.

[0011] Solution to the Problem

[0012] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhalation system. The flavor inhalation system includes: a flavor generating article having a flavor source that is heated to generate a flavor; and a flavor inhaler having a receiving portion for receiving the flavor source and an antenna for emitting microwaves, wherein a first region and a second region are formed in the receiving portion, the first region includes a region where the electric field intensity of the microwaves emitted from the antenna is the strongest, in the second region, the electric field intensity is weaker than that in the first region, when the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, the flavor source includes a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region, the first portion does not contain carbonizable substances that are easily carbonized when heated, and the second portion contains carbonizable substances.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized upon heating in a second portion corresponding to a second region where the electric field strength is weaker than that in the first region, carbonization of the carbonizable substance by microwave heating can be prevented. Therefore, carbonization of the substances contained in the flavor source can be prevented.

[0014] According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the antenna is a needle-shaped antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, the first region is a region near the tip of the needle-shaped antenna, and the second region is a region near the base end of the needle-shaped antenna.

[0015] For the second aspect of the present invention, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized upon heating in a second portion corresponding to the second region near the base end of the needle-shaped antenna, carbonization of the carbonizable substance by microwave heating can be prevented. Therefore, carbonization of the substances contained in the flavor source can be prevented.

[0016] According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the antenna is a needle-shaped antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, the first region is a region near the tip of the needle-shaped antenna, and the second region is a region on the side of the tip of the needle-shaped antenna opposite to the base end of the needle-shaped antenna.

[0017] For the third aspect of the present invention, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized upon heating in a second portion corresponding to the second region on the side of the tip opposite to the base end of the needle-shaped antenna, carbonization of the carbonizable substance by microwave heating can be prevented. Therefore, carbonization of the substances contained in the flavor source can be prevented.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the flavor source has a hollow portion into which the needle-shaped antenna can be inserted.

[0019] For the fourth aspect of the present invention, by inserting the needle-shaped antenna into the hollow portion of the flavor source, the flavor source does not adhere tightly to the needle-shaped antenna. Therefore, adhesion of the components of the heated flavor source to the needle-shaped antenna can be prevented.

[0020] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, when the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, the tip of the needle-shaped antenna is arranged to overlap with the flavor source in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article.

[0021] For the fifth aspect of the present invention, by arranging the tip of the needle-shaped antenna having a strong electric field strength to overlap with the flavor source in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, the microwave emitted from the needle-shaped antenna can be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a first aspect, the first region is a region close to the antenna in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, and the second region is a region far from the antenna in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0023] For the sixth aspect of the present invention, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized upon heating in a second portion corresponding to the second region far from the antenna, carbonization of the carbonizable substance by microwave heating can be prevented. Therefore, carbonization of substances contained in the flavor source can be prevented.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first portion includes an aerosol generating substance that generates an aerosol upon heating, and the second portion includes a flavor generating substance that generates a flavor upon heating.

[0025] For the seventh aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generated in the first portion can be mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion in the flavor source.

[0026] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect citing the second aspect, the flavor generating article further includes: an outer member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap with the flavor source; a first air passage that is formed in the outer member and the first portion and allows the outside of the flavor generating article to communicate with at least the first portion in a sealed manner; and a second air passage that is formed in the second portion and allows at least the second portion to communicate with the gap.

[0027] For the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the air passages are formed, the air flowing in from the outside of the flavor generating article sequentially passes through the first air passage, the first portion, the second portion, the second air passage, and the gap. Therefore, the flavor generated in the second portion can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion.

[0028] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect citing the sixth aspect, the flavor generating article further includes: an outer member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap with the flavor source; a third air passage that is formed on the proximal side of the flavor generating article, in the outer member, the first portion, and the second portion, and allows the outside of the flavor generating article to communicate with at least the first portion in a sealed manner; and a fourth air passage that is formed on the distal side of the flavor generating article, in at least the second portion, and allows at least the second portion to communicate with the gap.

[0029] For the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the air channels are formed, the air flowing in from the outside of the flavor generating article sequentially passes through the third air channel, the first part, the second part, the fourth air channel, and the gap. Therefore, the flavor generated in the second part can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first part.

[0030] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect citing the sixth aspect, the flavor source has a hollow part into which the antenna can be inserted, and the flavor generating article further includes: an outer member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap with the flavor source; a fifth air channel formed in the hollow part; and a sixth air channel formed in the gap, having a smaller flow path area than the fifth air channel and merging with the fifth air channel before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article.

[0031] For the tenth aspect of the present invention, by inserting the antenna into the hollow part of the flavor source, the flavor source does not adhere tightly to the antenna. Therefore, the components of the heated flavor source can be prevented from adhering to the antenna. Additionally, since the rapidly flowing flavor generated in the second part and passing through the sixth air channel is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first part and passing through the fifth air channel before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article, the aerosol and the flavor can be efficiently mixed.

[0032] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the second part includes a microwave absorber that absorbs microwaves and generates heat.

[0033] For the eleventh aspect of the present invention, by including a microwave absorber in the second part, the second part can be efficiently heated.

[0034] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the distance between the end of the antenna and the second part in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article is 0.1 mm or more.

[0035] For the twelfth aspect of the present invention, by setting the distance between the end of the antenna and the second part in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article to 0.1 mm or more, carbonizable substances can be further prevented from being carbonized by microwave heating. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] ​​Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the electric field strength of microwaves emitted from the needle antenna shown in Figure 1 .

[0039] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1 .

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the flavor generating article.

[0041] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source along A-A shown in Figure 5 .

[0042] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source along B-B shown in Figure 5 .

[0043] Figure 8 is another schematic diagram showing the air flow in the flavor generating article.

[0044] Figure 9 is another enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1 .

[0045] Figure 10 is another enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1 .

[0046] Figure 11 is another schematic diagram showing the air flow in the flavor generating article.

[0047] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source along C-C shown in Figure 11 .

[0048] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source along D-D shown in Figure 11 .

[0049] Figure 14 is another schematic diagram showing the air flow in the flavor generating article.

[0050] Figure 15 is another schematic diagram showing the air flow in the flavor generating article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 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.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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.

[0053] As Figure 1 shown, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a high-frequency oscillation unit 101, a waveguide 102, a battery 103, a printed circuit board (PCB) 104, a needle antenna 106, an antenna mount 108, a support portion 110, a housing 112, and a chamber (accommodating portion) 114. The flavor generating article 20 includes a flavor source 40, which is heated by the flavor inhaler 100 to generate a flavor. The detailed configuration of the flavor generating article 20 will be described later.

[0054] The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to atomize a flavor generating substance and an aerosol generating substance contained in the flavor source 40. The flavor source 40 forms part of the flavor generating article 20, which extends in a columnar shape along the longitudinal direction. The flavor generating article 20 can be, for example, a tobacco stick containing tobacco as the flavor source 40.

[0055] In the example shown, the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to accommodate the columnar flavor generating article 20. As shown, the high-frequency oscillation unit 101, the waveguide 102, the battery 103, the PCB 104, the needle antenna 106, the antenna mount 108, and the support portion 110 can be arranged in the direction in which the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100. The housing 112 is an outer shell that houses the high-frequency oscillation unit 101, the waveguide 102, the battery 103, the PCB 104, the needle antenna 106, the antenna mount 108, and the support portion 110.

[0056] The high-frequency oscillation unit 101 is, for example, a solid-state oscillator that generates a high-frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency. The solid-state oscillator may be, for example, an LDMOS transistor, a GaAs FET, a SiC MESFET, or a GaN HFET. In the present specification, the "high-frequency electromagnetic field" means a high-frequency electromagnetic field between 3 Hz and 3 THz. The "microwave" means a high-frequency electromagnetic field between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. The high-frequency oscillation unit 101 is not particularly limited as long as it can generate microwaves having a frequency of 2.40 GHz to 2.50 GHz. In this embodiment, the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 generates microwaves having a frequency of 2.45 GHz.

[0057] The high-frequency oscillation unit 101 may include an amplifier for amplifying the high-frequency electromagnetic field. The high-frequency oscillation unit 101 itself may have the function of an amplifier, or an electronic component separate from the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 may be used to provide the amplifier.

[0058] Although there is also a magnetron-type oscillator as a device for generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field, using a solid-state oscillator as the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 allows for a more compact body compared to using a magnetron-type oscillator. In addition, compared to a magnetron-type oscillator, the solid-state oscillator can operate at a lower operating voltage and has higher frequency stability and output stability. However, the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 of this embodiment only needs to be able to generate a high-frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency and may be a magnetron-type oscillator.

[0059] The microwaves generated by the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 are propagated through the waveguide 102 and guided to the needle-type antenna 106. A coaxial cable may be used instead of the waveguide 102. In addition, if the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 and the needle-type antenna 106 are directly connected, the waveguide 102 or the coaxial cable may be omitted.

[0060] The waveguide 102 connects the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 and the needle-type antenna 106 and guides the microwaves generated by the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 to the needle-type antenna 106. The waveguide 102 may be provided with an isolator that absorbs the reflected waves that are not absorbed by the flavor generating article 20 and return toward the high-frequency oscillation unit 101, thereby protecting the high-frequency oscillation unit 101. In addition, the waveguide 102 may be provided with a power monitor and an impedance matching unit that detects the power of the incident wave from the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 and the power of the reflected wave from the flavor generating article 20, and the impedance matching unit matches the impedance on the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 side with the impedance on the flavor generating article 20 side to reduce the power of the reflected wave.

[0061] The battery 103 stores the electric power used by the flavor inhaler 100. Specifically, the battery 103 can supply power to the high-frequency oscillation unit 101 and the PCB 104. For example, the battery 103 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 103 can be rechargeable via an external power source.

[0062] The PCB 104 is composed of a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the PCB 104 causes the heating of the flavor source 40 to start in response to an operation by the user on an input device (such as a button or a slide switch (not depicted)), and causes the heating of the flavor source 40 to terminate once a given time has elapsed. When the number of the user's suction operations has exceeded a fixed value, the PCB 104 can cause the heating of the flavor source 40 to terminate even if the given time has not elapsed since the start of the heating of the flavor source 40. For example, the suction operation is detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0063] The PCB 104 can cause the heating of the flavor source 40 to start in response to the start of a suction operation, and cause the heating of the flavor source 40 to stop in response to the end of the suction operation. If a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the suction operation, the PCB 104 can cause the heating of the flavor source 40 to stop even before the end of the suction operation. In the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment, the PCB 104 is provided between the battery 103 and the high-frequency oscillation unit 101.

[0064] The needle-shaped antenna 106 has a shape that can be inserted into the flavor source 40 along the longitudinal direction, and is configured to irradiate microwaves to the flavor source 40 from the inside. When the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100, the needle-shaped antenna 106 is arranged to overlap the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] In this specification, "when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100" means that the flavor generating article 20 is correctly positioned at the expected position in the flavor inhaler 100 to generate flavor or aerosol from the flavor generating article 20.

[0066] The antenna length of the needle-shaped antenna 106 can be appropriately set according to the frequency of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave to be irradiated. For example, when the frequency of the microwave generated by the needle-shaped antenna 106 is 2.45 GHz (wavelength is about 120 mm), the antenna length can be set to about 30 mm (i.e., 1 / 4 wavelength). The antenna diameter is, for example, 1 mm. It should be noted that the shape of the needle-shaped antenna 106 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and can be, for example, a flat shape or a shape with chamfered ends.

[0067] The antenna mount 108 is a component for attaching the needle antenna 106 to the housing 112. The antenna mount 108 may define the bottom of the chamber 114 in which at least the flavor source 40 of the flavor generating article 20 is received within the housing 112. It should be noted that a shielding member (such as a metal mesh having an opening smaller than half the wavelength of microwaves) may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing 112 corresponding to the chamber 114 to surround the accommodation space for the flavor generating article 20 to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking in the direction of the mouthpiece.

[0068] The support portion 110 is provided on the antenna mount 108 and is a component for supporting the upstream end of the flavor generating article 20. Additionally, an air passage for supplying air to the upstream end of the flavor generating article 20 may be formed on the side surface of the support portion 110. The antenna mount 108 and the support portion 110 may be formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent of microwaves and has a relative permittivity of 10 or less.

[0069] The flavor inhaler 100 may include a thermocouple or a radiation thermometer configured to detect the temperature at any position within the flavor inhaler 100 (such as within the chamber 114) to control the power of the microwaves. The PCB 104 may control the power supplied to the needle antenna 106 based on the detection data from the thermocouple or the radiation thermometer. It should be noted that the PCB 104 may control the power supplied to the needle antenna 106 by detecting the dielectric constant or impedance that changes with heating of any component of the flavor inhaler 100 (such as the chamber 114).

[0070] Additionally, the flavor inhaler 100 may include a notification unit for notifying the user of information based on the control of the PCB 104. The information notified to the user includes, for example, the detection of the insertion of the flavor generating article 20, the start of microwave heating, the transition to a state where aerosol can be inhaled, error information, the remaining amount of the battery 103, etc. The notification unit may be constituted by a light emitting element (such as an LED), a vibration element (such as a vibration motor), or a sound output element. The notification unit may be a combination of two or more of the light emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element.

[0071] In addition, the flavor inhaler 100 may include a communication unit that acquires information on the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 and transmits it to an external data server or a user's mobile terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a data server, etc.), and also receives data, etc. from the data server. For example, the communication unit transmits information on the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 (such as error information and usage date and time information) to the data server, etc. This allows the manufacturer of the flavor inhaler 100 to grasp the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 and create information on firmware updates to be incorporated into the PCB 104. The communication unit may receive information on firmware updates.

[0072] The communication unit may communicate with the data server, etc. via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or long-range wireless communication such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). It should be noted that the communication between the communication unit and the data server, etc. is not limited to the above wireless communication and may be other forms of wireless communication or wired communication.

[0073] As Figure 2 shown, the flavor generating article 20 according to this embodiment may include a plug element 30, a flavor source 40, a support element 50, a cooling element 60, and a filter element 70. In the direction in which the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, the plug element 30, the flavor source 40, the support element 50, the cooling element 60, and the filter element 70 are arranged adjacent to each other in this order and wrapped with tipping paper (outer member) 80. It should be noted that the flavor generating article 20 only needs to include at least the flavor source 40, and other configurations may be appropriately omitted. In addition, the flavor generating article 20 may include a shielding member (such as a metal mesh having an opening smaller than half the wavelength of microwaves) to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking in the direction of the mouthpiece.

[0074] Here, the flavor generating article 20 may be configured with a plug element 30 and a flavor source 40 wrapped with a wrapper (outer member) (not shown); and a support element 50, a cooling element 60, and a filter element 70 arranged side by side, where the flavor source 40, the support element 50, the cooling element 60, and the filter element 70 are wrapped with tipping paper 80. Alternatively, the flavor generating article 20 may have a plug element 30, a flavor source 40, and a support element 50 wrapped with a wrapper; and a cooling element 60 and a filter element 70 wrapped with a wrapper, where the support element 50, the cooling element 60, and the filter element 70 are wrapped with tipping paper 80.

[0075] In this specification, a "filter" is not limited to a component that filters certain objects, but includes any breathable component. Specifically, for example, a "filter" includes a breathable component having one or more communicating holes or one or more grooves or notches. The material forming the "filter" can be a porous material that is breathable by itself or a material that is not breathable by itself (e.g., glass, ceramics, cellulose molded body).

[0076] The plug element 30 is positioned upstream of the flavor source 40. The plug element 30 can be, for example, a cellulose acetate filter, a novel filter, or a paper filter. The plug element 30 can be in contact with the tipping paper (outer component) 80. The plug element 30 prevents the flavor source 40 from falling out of the flavor generating article 20. Additionally, the plug element 30 can be a central hole filter having a hollow portion into which the needle antenna 106 can be inserted. The diameter of the hollow portion of the plug element 30 can be smaller than, larger than, or substantially equal to the diameter of the hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, which will be described later.

[0077] The flavor source 40 includes a first part and a second part. The first part contains an aerosol generating substance that generates an aerosol upon heating, and the second part contains a flavor generating substance that generates a flavor upon heating. This allows the aerosol generated in the first part to be mixed with the flavor generated in the second part in the flavor source 40. The arrangement of the first part and the second part in the flavor source 40 will be described later. Here, the second part includes a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized upon heating, which will be described later, and the first part does not contain a carbonizable substance.

[0078] The length of the flavor source 40 can be less than or equal to the antenna length of the needle antenna 106, and the ratio (L1 / L2) of the length L1 of the flavor source 40 to the antenna length L2 of the needle antenna 106 can be 1.0 or less.

[0079] The first part of the flavor source 40 includes, for example, a carrier made of raw materials such as glass, rock wool, or ceramics, and an aerosol generating substance loaded on the carrier. The carrier can be a glass fiber filter paper or a nonwoven fabric. The type of the aerosol generating substance is not particularly limited, and can be selected from extracts and / or components of various natural substances according to the application. The aerosol generating substance is preferably a polyol such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0080] The second part of the flavor source 40 can include a flavor generating substance. The flavor generating substance is a substance that generates a flavor upon heating. The flavor generating substance can include, for example, tobacco. Specific examples of tobacco include dried shredded tobacco leaves, tobacco leaf powder, or tobacco extracts (extracted with water, organic solvents, or a mixed solution thereof). It should be noted that the flavor generating substance may not include tobacco.

[0081] The second part of the flavor source 40 includes carbonizable substances. Examples of carbonizable substances include fibrous components such as pulp or cellulose and binders. The carbonizable substance can be a fibrous component contained in the tobacco or a fibrous component that can be added as a filler to the second part. Such a carbonizable substance can have the function of maintaining the shape of the second part of the flavor source 40.

[0082] The second part of the flavor source 40 can include aerosol-generating substances. The type of aerosol-generating substance is not particularly limited and can be selected from extracts and / or components of various natural substances according to the application. The aerosol-generating substance is preferably a polyol such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0083] The second part of the flavor source 40 can include binders. Examples of binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose), HPC (hydroxypropyl cellulose), alginic acid, and sodium alginate. The binder content is preferably 1% or more and 15% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the flavor source 40.

[0084] The first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 can have any form such as cut shreds, sheets, granules, microparticles, paste, gel, agglomerates, or molded bodies. The first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 can have different forms. Additionally, the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 can be formed on the inner surface of the wrapper or the tipping paper 80. In this case, the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 can be directly formed on the inner surface of the wrapper or the tipping paper 80 by printing or the like.

[0085] When the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 are in the form of sheets, sheets manufactured by known methods such as the papermaking method, the slurry method, or the rolling method can be used. In the case of the papermaking method, the sheet can be manufactured by a method including the following steps. 1) Coarsely crush dry tobacco leaves such as shredded tobacco or tobacco particles, extract with water, and separate into a water extract and a residue. 2) Concentrate the water extract by vacuum drying. 3) Add pulp or cellulose to the residue, fibrillate with a refiner, and perform papermaking. 4) Add the concentrated water extract to the paper sheet and dry.

[0086] In the case of the slurry method, the manufacturing can be completed by a method including the following steps. 1) Mix water, pulp or cellulose, and a binder with crushed tobacco leaves. 2) Spread (pour) the mixture thinly and dry. In the case of the rolling method, the manufacturing can be completed by a method including the following steps. 1) Mix water, pulp or cellulose, and a binder with crushed tobacco leaves. 2) Extrude the mixture into a sheet and dry.

[0087] When the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 are in the form of sheets, the thickness of the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, 0.2 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. Additionally, when the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 are in the form of sheets, the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 may have wrinkles, be folded, or be cut into strips. When the sheet-like first part and second part of the flavor source 40 are cut into strips, the width of the strips may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0088] When the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 are in the form of granules or fine particles, the average particle diameter of the flavor source 40 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. When the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 are molded bodies, the flavor source 40 may be a porous body. Additionally, when the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 are molded bodies, the flavor source 40 may have a honeycomb structure. Additionally, the first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 may be molded bodies having a hollow portion 41. Additionally, the molded body may be an extrusion molded body or a tablet molded body.

[0089] The material containing the aerosol-generating substance in the first part of the flavor source 40 and the material containing the flavor-generating substance in the second part of the flavor source 40 can be heated by microwaves emitted from the needle-shaped antenna 106. The filling amount of the material containing the flavor-generating substance in the second part of the flavor source 40 is, for example, 100 mg or more and 350 mg or less, preferably 120 mg or more and 250 mg or less.

[0090] The surface area of the flavor source 40 (the surface area of the flavor source 40 for aerosol generation) is preferably 150 mm² or more and 4000 mm² or less. The second part of the flavor source 40 may be composed of filamentous tobacco leaves. In this case, the width of the filamentous tobacco leaves is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0091] The first part and the second part of the flavor source 40 can carry spices. There is no particular limitation on the type of spices, but from the perspective of imparting a good fragrance sensation, at least one of the following can be selected: anisole acetate, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, balsam of Peru, absolute of beeswax, 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, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, 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 officinale 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, methyl-2-pyrrolidone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, Mimosa tenuiflora 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, Citrus aurantium leaf Paraguay oil, phenylethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, Prunus domestica extract, allyl ethyl guaiacol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, Vitis vinifera extract, rose oil, rum, Salvia officinalis oil, sandalwood oil, Mentha spicata 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, Thymus vulgaris oil, Solanum lycopersicum 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 planifolia 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, Matricaria recutita powder, Aloysia citrodora powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, Mentha spicata powder, tea powder, natural plant-based fragrances (such as Jasminum officinale oil, Citrus limon oil, Vetiveria zizanioides oil, Angelica pubescens oil), and esters.,

[0092] The flavor source 40 may be provided with a hollow portion 41 into which the needle-shaped antenna 106 can be inserted, and the hollow portion extends through the longitudinal direction of the flavor source 40. The diameter of the hollow portion 41 may be greater than or equal to the antenna diameter. If the flavor source 40 does not have the hollow portion 41, after the needle-shaped antenna 106 is inserted, the components of the heated flavor source 40 may adhere to the needle-shaped antenna. By inserting the needle-shaped antenna 106 into the hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, the flavor source 40 does not adhere tightly to the needle-shaped antenna 106. Therefore, adhesion of the components of the heated flavor source 40 to the needle-shaped antenna 106 can be suppressed.

[0093] In addition, the interior of the flavor source 40 may have elements such as a paper layer to prevent direct contact between the flavor source 40 and the needle-shaped antenna 106. The element may be of a porous material or have a plurality of holes. An air passage may also be formed through the hollow portion 41 between the flavor source 40 and the needle-shaped antenna 106.

[0094] The support element 50 is positioned to contact the flavor source 40 between the flavor source 40 and the cooling element 60. The support element 50 may be made of synthetic fibers (such as cellulose acetate tow). When the needle-shaped antenna 106 is inserted into the flavor source 40, the support element 50 prevents the flavor source 40 from being pushed downstream toward the flavor generating article 20.

[0095] The support element 50 may also be provided with an opening 51 that extends through in the longitudinal direction to avoid filtering of the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 40. The diameter of the opening 51 may be greater than the diameter of the hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40. Instead of providing the opening 51 at the center of the support element 50, a plurality of holes or grooves that extend through in the longitudinal direction may be provided on the side surface or near the outer edge of the support element 50. The length of the support element 50 may be longer than the length of the flavor source 40. The tip of the needle-shaped antenna 106 does not need to reach inside the opening 51 of the support element 50.

[0096] The cooling element 60 is positioned downstream of the support element 50. For example, the cooling element 60 may be a paper tube or the like. The cooling element 60 cools the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 40. Inside the cooling element 60, materials such as sheets may be filled to increase the contact area with the flavor or aerosol and promote cooling of the flavor or aerosol.

[0097] In addition, a plurality of through holes 61 that pass through the wall surface concentrically with the circumferential direction of the cooling element 60 may be formed in the cooling element 60. The through holes 61 contribute to the inflow of air from the outside due to the user's inhalation, thereby further cooling the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 40 through the inflow of air. A plurality of through holes may also be formed in the support element 50, the flavor source 40, and the plug element 30.

[0098] The cooling element 60 may also be provided with an opening 62 penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the cooling element 60. The diameter of the opening 62 may be larger than the diameter of the opening 51 of the support element 50. The length of the cooling element 60 may be shorter than the length of the support element 50. The hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, the opening 51 of the support element 50, and the opening 62 of the cooling element 60 may be arranged to have the same axis.

[0099] The filter element 70 is positioned downstream of the cooling element 60. For example, the material of the filter element 70 may use synthetic fibers (such as cellulose acetate tow). The filter element 70 is not particularly limited as long as it has the general function of a filter. The general functions of a filter include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed during aerosol inhalation, reducing flavor, and reducing nicotine and tar, but not necessarily having all of these functions.

[0100] When the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100, the cooling element 60 and the filter element 70 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. If a through hole 61 is formed in the cooling element 60, then when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100, the through hole 61 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0101] Here, Figure 1 The shown needle antenna 106 exhibits a characteristic electric field intensity distribution. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing Figure 1 the electric field intensity distribution of the microwave emitted from the shown needle antenna. This electric field intensity distribution shows the simulation results of the electric field intensity when a needle antenna 106 with a diameter of 1.0 mm and a length of 20 mm is placed at 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 the simulation, the inside of the copper tube is filled with air.

[0102] As Figure 3 shown, the electric field intensity distribution of the microwave emitted from the needle antenna 106 is shown in regions A1 to A7, where region A1 has the strongest electric field intensity, and the electric field intensity decreases in the order of region A1, region A2, region A3, region A4, region A5, region A6, and region A7.

[0103] From Figure 3 it can be seen that the electric field intensity of the microwave emitted from the needle antenna 106 is stronger in the region near the tip of the antenna and weaker in the region near the base end of the antenna. Additionally, from Figure 3 it can be seen that the electric field intensity of the microwave emitted from the needle antenna 106 is stronger in the region near the antenna in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and weaker in the region far from the antenna.

[0104] Therefore, preferably, when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100, the tip of the needle antenna 106 is arranged to overlap the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction. By arranging the tip of the needle antenna 106 having a strong electric field strength to overlap the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction, the microwave emitted from the needle antenna 106 can be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source 40.

[0105] Even when using an antenna other than the needle antenna 106, it can be said that the electric field strength of the microwave emitted from the antenna is stronger in the region near the antenna in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and weaker in the region far from the antenna.

[0106] In addition, by changing the arrangement of the first part and the second part in the flavor source 40 according to the electric field strength distribution of the microwave emitted from the needle antenna 106, the carbonizable substance contained in the second part can be prevented from being carbonized by microwave heating.

[0107] Figure 4 shows Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the flavor inhalation system shown. Specifically, it shows the flavor source 40, the needle antenna 106, the housing 112, and the chamber 114 when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.

[0108] As Figure 4 shown, a first region 121 and a second region 122 are formed in the chamber 114. The first region includes the region where the electric field strength of the microwave emitted from the needle antenna 106 is the strongest near the tip of the needle antenna 106, and the second region is near the base end of the needle antenna 106, and the electric field strength of the second region is weaker than that of the first region 121.

[0109] Here, in the flavor source 40, the first part 42 containing the aerosol generating substance that generates aerosol when heated is arranged to correspond to the first region 121, and the second part 43 containing the flavor generating substance that generates flavor when heated is arranged to correspond to the second region 122. As described above, the first part 42 does not contain carbonizable substances, and the second part 43 contains carbonizable substances.

[0110] By including carbonizable substances that are easily carbonized when heated in the second part 43 corresponding to the second region 122 near the base end of the needle antenna 106 (the electric field strength of the second region is weaker than that of the first region 121 near the tip of the needle antenna 106), the carbonizable substances can be prevented from being carbonized by microwave heating. Therefore, carbonization of the substances contained in the flavor source 40 can be prevented.

[0111] The second part 43 may include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including the microwave absorber in the second part 43, the second part 43 can be efficiently heated.

[0112] In addition, the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more. By setting the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction to 0.1 mm or more, carbonization of the carbonizable material by microwave heating can be further prevented.

[0113] In addition, the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction may be 0.5 mm or more. By setting the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction to 0.5 mm or more, even if the user inserts the flavor generating article 20 into the flavor inhaler 100 forcefully, the second part 43 can be prevented from being too close to the needle antenna 106.

[0114] In addition, the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 3.0 mm or less. If the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction exceeds 3.0 mm, the second part 43 may become too far from the needle antenna 106 and may not promote the heating of the second part 43.

[0115] In the flavor generating article 20 of the flavor source 40 having the arrangement of the first part 42 and the second part 43 as shown, the air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the inside and / or the hollow part 41 of the flavor source 40, is mixed with the flavor or aerosol, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth. Figure 4 Next, another air flow of the air flowing into the user's mouth from the outside of the flavor generating article 20 in the flavor generating article 20 will be described with reference to

[0116] is a schematic view showing the air flow in the flavor generating article 20. In Figure 5 the arrangement of the first part 42 and the second part 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as the arrangement shown in Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source along A-A as shown in Figure 5 the arrangement shown in Figure 4 is the same as the arrangement shown in Figure 6 is the cross-sectional view of the flavor source along Figure 5 A-A as shown in Figure 7 is the cross-sectional view of the flavor source along Figure 5 B-B as shown in

[0117] As shown in Figures 5 to 7As shown, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 is surrounded by a tipping paper (outer member) 80, and a gap 44 is formed between the flavor source 40 and the tipping paper 80. The flavor generating article 20 may include a tubular member 21. The tubular member 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). Additionally, the tubular member 21 may cover at least a part or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). The tubular member 21 may hold the flavor source 40.

[0118] The tubular member 21 may extend above the flavor source 40 and the support member 50. In this case, the support member 50 may be fixed to the tipping paper (outer member) 80 or the filter element 70, and the flavor source 40 may be held by the support member 50 via the tubular member 21. The tubular member 21 may be breathable to allow the components of the heated flavor source 40 to flow into the hollow portion 41.

[0119] A sealing portion 22 may be provided between the flavor source 40 and the support member 50. The sealing portion 22 may seal between the flavor source 40 and the support member 50 to prevent air from flowing from the flavor source 40 or the hollow portion 41 to the support member 50. Additionally, in order to prevent the components of the heated flavor source 40 from adhering to the needle-shaped antenna 106, an element such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular member 21 and the needle-shaped antenna 106.

[0120] Additionally, a first air passage 131 is formed in the tipping paper 80 and the first portion 42 to communicate and seal the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 with the hollow portion 41. A second air passage 132 is formed in the second portion 43 to communicate the hollow portion 41 with the gap 44. Here, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tipping paper 80 and a wrapper (outer member).

[0121] As Figure 8 shown, the tipping paper (outer member) 80 and the support member 50 may be in contact. In this case, the support member 50 may be connected to the tipping paper (outer member) 80. The flavor source 40 may be supported by the support member 50 via the sealing portion 22. For example, the downstream end of the flavor source 40 may be connected to the sealing portion 22 with an adhesive or the like, and the upstream end of the support member 50 may be connected to the sealing portion 22 with an adhesive or the like. With this structure, even without the tubular member 21, the flavor generating article 20 can hold the flavor source 40 inside. The support member 50 may have a plurality of holes or grooves extending longitudinally through the side surface or near the outer edge of the support member 50.

[0122] The tipping paper (outer member) 80 and the support element 50 can be in contact, and the flavor generating article 20 can include a tubular element 21. The tubular element 21 can be supported by the plug element 30 and the support element 50. In this case, since the tubular element 21 is supported by the plug element 30 and the support element 50 at two points, the swaying of the tubular element 21 can be suppressed. Additionally, even when the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor generating article 20 is in an inclined state relative to the needle-shaped antenna 106, the tubular element 21 can act as a protective layer to prevent the needle-shaped antenna 106 from damaging the flavor source 40, the support element 50, the tipping paper (outer member) 80, etc.

[0123] Here, a first air passage 131 can be formed by inserting a tubular member (such as a straw) to penetrate the tipping paper 80 and the first part 42. The second air passage 132 can be appropriately formed by known hole-making methods. Additionally, except for the gap 44, the proximal side (downstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction, and the distal side (upstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction.

[0124] The sealed portion of the flavor generating article 20 is indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 5 and Figure 6 . This forms an air passage through which the air flowing in from the outside of the flavor generating article 20 sequentially passes through the first air passage 131, the hollow portion 41, the second air passage 132, and the gap 44. It should be noted that the flavor source 40 can be fixed to the plug element 30 shown in Figure 2 by adhesion or the like, or positioned relative to the tipping paper 80 by a tubular member.

[0125] As shown by the arrows in Figures 5 to 8 , the air flowing in from the outside of the flavor generating article 20 sequentially passes through the first air passage 131, the hollow portion 41, the second air passage 132, and the gap 44, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0126] At this time, the air flowing in from the outside of the flavor generating article 20 first flows along the first part 42 and mixes with the aerosol generated in the first part 42, and then flows along the second part 43 and mixes with the flavor generated in the second part 43. Therefore, the flavor generated in the second part 43 can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first part 42.

[0127] It should be noted that the first air passage only needs to connect and seal the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 with at least the first portion 42, and the second air passage only needs to connect at least the second portion 43 with the gap 44. Even in such a case, an air passage is formed, in which air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 sequentially passes through the first air passage, the first portion 42, the second portion 43, the second air passage, and the gap 44. Thus, the flavor generated in the second portion 43 can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.

[0128] Figure 9 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view showing Figure 1 a part of the flavor inhalation system shown. Specifically, it shows the flavor source 40, the needle-shaped antenna 106, the housing 112, and the chamber 114 when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.

[0129] As Figure 9 shown, a first region 121 and a second region 122 are formed in the chamber 114. The first region includes the region where the electric field intensity of the microwave emitted from the needle-shaped antenna 106 is the strongest near the tip of the needle-shaped antenna 106. The second region is located on the side opposite to the base end of the needle-shaped antenna 106 with respect to the tip, and the electric field intensity of the second region is weaker than that of the first region 121.

[0130] Here, in the flavor source 40, the first portion 42 containing the aerosol generating substance that generates aerosol when heated is arranged to correspond to the first region 121, and the second portion 43 containing the flavor generating substance that generates flavor when heated is arranged to correspond to the second region 122. As described above, the first portion 42 does not contain carbonizable substances, and the second portion 43 contains carbonizable substances.

[0131] By including carbonizable substances that are easily carbonized when heated in the second portion 43 corresponding to the second region 122 located on the side opposite to the base end of the needle-shaped antenna 106 with respect to the tip (the electric field intensity of this second region is weaker than that of the first region 121 near the tip of the needle-shaped antenna 106), carbonization of the carbonizable substances by microwave heating can be prevented. Thus, carbonization of the substances contained in the flavor source 40 can be prevented.

[0132] To adjust the positions of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 relative to the needle-shaped antenna 106, the length of the needle-shaped antenna 106 can be adjusted, or Figure 2 the plug element 30 shown can be arranged on the base end side of the needle-shaped antenna 106 in the flavor source 40. Additionally, the second portion 43 can include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including the microwave absorber in the second portion 43, the second portion 43 can be efficiently heated.

[0133] Further, the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more. By setting the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction to 0.1 mm or more, carbonization of carbonizable substances by microwave heating can be further prevented. By setting the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second part 43 in the longitudinal direction to 0.5 mm or more and preferably 3.0 mm or less, carbonization of carbonizable substances by microwave heating can be further prevented.

[0134] In a flavor generating article 20 of a flavor source 40 having the Figure 9 arrangement of the first part 42 and the second part 43 shown, air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor generating article 20 passes through the inside and / or the hollow part 41 of the flavor source 40, is mixed with flavor or aerosol, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0135] At this time, the air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor generating article 20 first flows along the first part 42 and is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first part 42, and then flows along the second part 43 and is mixed with the flavor generated in the second part 43. Therefore, the flavor generated in the second part 43 can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first part 42.

[0136] Figure 10 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view showing a Figure 1 part of the flavor inhalation system shown. Specifically, it shows the flavor source 40, the needle antenna 106, the housing 112, and the chamber 114 when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.

[0137] As Figure 10 shown, a first region 121 and a second region 122 are formed in the chamber 114. The first region includes a region close to the needle antenna 106 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, in which the electric field intensity of the microwave emitted from the needle antenna 106 is the strongest. The second region is away from the needle antenna 106 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the electric field intensity of the second region is weaker than that of the first region 121.

[0138] Here, in the flavor source 40, the first part 42 containing an aerosol generating substance that generates aerosol when heated is arranged to correspond to the first region 121, and the second part 43 containing a flavor generating substance that generates flavor when heated is arranged to correspond to the second region 122. As described above, the first part 42 does not contain carbonizable substances, and the second part 43 contains carbonizable substances.

[0139] By including a carbonizable material that easily carbonizes upon heating in a second portion 43 corresponding to a second region 122 that is far from the needle antenna 106 and where the electric field strength is weaker than that in a first region 121 near the needle antenna 106, carbonization of the carbonizable material by microwave heating can be prevented. Accordingly, carbonization of the substances contained in the flavor source 40 can be prevented.

[0140] The second portion 43 may include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including the microwave absorber in the second portion 43, the second portion 43 can be efficiently heated.

[0141] In addition, the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more. By setting the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction to 0.1 mm or more, carbonization of the carbonizable material by microwave heating can be further prevented. By setting the distance D between the end of the needle antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the longitudinal direction to 0.5 mm or more and preferably 3.0 mm or less, carbonization of the carbonizable material by microwave heating can be further prevented.

[0142] In addition, the distance D1 between the center of the needle antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the radial direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more. By setting the distance D1 between the center of the needle antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the radial direction to 0.1 mm or more, carbonization of the carbonizable material by microwave heating can be further prevented. In addition, the distance D1 between the center of the needle antenna 106 and the second portion 43 in the radial direction can be 0.5 mm or more and preferably 3.0 mm or less.

[0143] Next, reference will be made to Figure 11 Another air flow of air that flows into the user's mouth from the outside of the flavor generating article 20 in the flavor generating article 20 will be described. Figure 11 is another schematic view showing the air flow in the flavor generating article 20. In Figure 11 the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as the arrangement Figure 10 shown. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source along Figure 11 shown C-C. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source along Figure 11 shown D-D.

[0144] As Figures 11 to 13As shown, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 is surrounded by the tipping paper (outer member) 80, and a gap 44 is formed between the flavor source 40 and the tipping paper 80. The flavor generating article 20 may include a tubular member 21. The tubular member 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first part 42 and the second part 43). Additionally, the tubular member 21 may cover at least a part or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first part 42 and the second part 43). The tubular member 21 may hold the flavor source 40.

[0145] The tubular member 21 may extend above the flavor source 40 and the support member 50. In this case, the support member 50 may be fixed to the tipping paper (outer member) 80 or the filter member 70, and the flavor source 40 may be held by the support member 50 via the tubular member 21. The tubular member 21 may be breathable to allow the components of the heated flavor source 40 to flow into the hollow portion 41.

[0146] A sealing portion 22 may be provided between the flavor source 40 and the support member 50. The sealing portion 22 may seal between the flavor source 40 and the support member 50 to prevent air from flowing from the flavor source 40 or the hollow portion 41 to the support member 50. Additionally, in order to prevent the components of the heated flavor source 40 from adhering to the needle antenna 106, a member such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular member 21 and the needle antenna 106.

[0147] Additionally, a third air passage 133 is formed in the proximal side (downstream side) of the flavor generating article 20, in the tipping paper 80, the first part 42, and the second part 43 to communicate and seal the outside of the flavor generating article 20 with the hollow portion 41. A fourth air passage 134 is formed in the distal side (upstream side) of the flavor generating article 20, in the first part 42 and the second part 43 to communicate the hollow portion 41 with the gap 44. Here, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tipping paper 80 and a wrapper (outer member).

[0148] As Figure 8 described, the tipping paper (outer member) 80 and the support member 50 may be in contact. In this case, the support member 50 may be connected to the tipping paper (outer member) 80. The flavor source 40 may be supported by the support member 50 via the sealing portion 22. For example, the downstream end of the flavor source 40 may be connected to the sealing portion 22 with an adhesive or the like, and the upstream end of the support member 50 may be connected to the sealing portion 22 with an adhesive or the like. With this structure, even without the tubular member 21, the flavor generating article 20 can hold the flavor source 40 inside. The support member 50 may have a plurality of holes or grooves penetrating in the longitudinal direction on the side surface or near the outer edge of the support member 50.

[0149] The tipping paper (outer member) 80 and the support member 50 can be in contact, and the flavor generating article 20 can include a tubular member 21. The tubular member 21 can be supported by the plug member 30 and the support member 50. In this case, since the tubular member 21 is supported by the plug member 30 and the support member 50 at two points, the swaying of the tubular member 21 can be suppressed. Additionally, even when the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, where the flavor generating article 20 is in an inclined state relative to the needle-shaped antenna 106, the tubular member 21 can act as a protective layer to prevent the needle-shaped antenna 106 from damaging the flavor source 40, the support member 50, the tipping paper (outer member) 80, etc.

[0150] Here, a third air passage 133 can be formed by inserting a tubular member (such as a straw) to penetrate the tipping paper 80, the first portion 42, and the second portion 43. The fourth air passage 134 can be appropriately formed by known hole-making methods. Additionally, except for the gap 44, the proximal side (downstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction, and the distal side (upstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction.

[0151] The sealed portion of the flavor generating article 20 is indicated by the dashed line in Figure 12 and Figure 13 This forms an air passage, where the air flowing in from the outside of the flavor generating article 20 sequentially passes through the third air passage 133, the hollow portion 41, the fourth air passage 134, and the gap 44. It should be noted that the flavor source 40 can be fixed to the plug member 30 shown in Figure 2 by adhesion or the like, or positioned relative to the tipping paper 80 by a tubular member.

[0152] As shown by the arrows in Figures 11 to 13 the air flowing in from the outside of the flavor generating article 20 sequentially passes through the third air passage 133, the hollow portion 41, the fourth air passage 134, and the gap 44, passes through the support member 50, is cooled by the cooling member 60, and then passes through the filter member 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0153] At this time, the air flowing in from the outside of the flavor generating article 20 first flows along the first portion 42 and mixes with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42, and then flows along the second portion 43 and mixes with the flavor generated in the second portion 43. Therefore, the flavor generated in the second portion 43 can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.

[0154] It should be noted that the third air passage only needs to connect and seal the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 with at least the first portion 42, and the second air passage only needs to connect at least the second portion 43 with the gap 44. Even in such a case, an air passage is formed, in which air flowing in from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 sequentially passes through the third air passage, the first portion 42, the second portion 43, the fourth air passage, and the gap 44, so that the flavor generated in the second portion 43 can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.

[0155] Next, another air flow from the exterior of the flavor generating article 20 to the user's mouth will be described with reference to Figure 14 FIG. Figure 14 FIG. 5 is another schematic view showing the air flow in the flavor generating article 20. In Figure 14 FIG. 5, the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as the arrangement shown in Figure 10 FIG. 4.

[0156] As shown in Figure 14 FIG. 5, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 is surrounded by a tipping paper (outer member) 80, and a gap 44 is formed between the flavor source 40 and the tipping paper 80. The flavor generating article 20 may include a tubular member 21. The tubular member 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). Additionally, the tubular member 21 may cover at least a part or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43). The tubular member 21 may hold the flavor source 40.

[0157] The tubular member 21 may be fixed to the plug member 30. In this case, the flavor generating article 20 may not need to have a support member 50. The tubular member 21 may be breathable to allow the components of the heated flavor source 40 to flow into the hollow portion 41. Additionally, in order to prevent the components of the heated flavor source 40 from adhering to the needle-shaped antenna 106, an element such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular member 21 and the needle-shaped antenna 106.

[0158] Further, a fifth air passage 135 is formed in the hollow portion 41, and a sixth air passage 136 is formed in the gap 44, which has a smaller flow path area than the fifth air passage 135 and merges with the fifth air passage 135 before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article 20. Additionally, the tipping paper 80 may be provided with a guiding member 81 that guides the air passing through the sixth air passage 136 toward the hollow portion 41. The guiding member 81 may be formed of the same material as the tipping paper 80. Here, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tipping paper 80 and a wrapper (outer member).

[0159] As shown inFigure 15 As shown, the guiding member 81 is a hollow element having a hollow portion 82 extending along its longitudinal direction, and the opening 84 at the upstream end of the guiding member 81 may be larger than the opening 83 at the downstream end of the guiding member 81. In this case, the diameter of the hollow portion 82 may gradually decrease towards the downstream side. The hollow portion 82 may communicate with the hollow portion 41 on the upstream side and communicate with the opening 62 of the cooling element 60 on the downstream side.

[0160] In addition, a part of the portion of the guiding member 81 facing the hollow portion 82 may be in contact with the flavor source 40. By bringing the portion of the guiding member 81 facing the hollow portion 82 into contact with the flavor source 40, the flavor source 40 can be prevented from moving downstream. In this case, preferably, the guiding member 81 and the flavor source 40 are in partial contact to ensure the sixth air passage 136.

[0161] If the flavor generating article 20 includes the guiding member 81, the support element 50 may be disposed between the flavor source 40 and the guiding member 81. The support element 50 can prevent the flavor source 40 from moving downstream. In this case, in order to suppress the adsorption of the aerosol by the support element 50, preferably, the support element 50 is made of a non-porous material such as glass. The support element 50 may have a plurality of holes or grooves penetrating in the longitudinal direction on the side surface or near the outer edge of the support element 50.

[0162] As Figure 14 and Figure 15 indicated by the arrows in, the air flowing into the flavor generating article 20 from the plug element 30 passes through the fifth air passage 135 and the sixth air passage 136, mixes with the flavor or aerosol, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0163] At this time, the fast-flowing flavor generated in the second part 43 and passing through the sixth air passage 136 collides with the guiding member 81 and is guided towards the hollow portion 41, and mixes with the aerosol generated in the first part 42 and passing through the fifth air passage 135 before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article 20. Therefore, the flavor generated in the second part 43 can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first part 42.

[0164] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the embodiments of the present invention described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and its equivalents are included in the present invention. In addition, within the scope of being able to solve at least a part of the above problems or achieve at least a part of the effects, the components described in the claims and the specification can be combined or omitted.

[0165] For example, in this embodiment, the needle-shaped antenna 106 is mentioned as the antenna, but it is not limited thereto, and the antenna can be a planar antenna or the like. Additionally, the antenna does not necessarily need to be inserted into the flavor generating article 20, and it can be arranged adjacent to the flavor generating article 20 on the inner surface of the housing 112 corresponding to the chamber in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0166] In this embodiment, the flavor generating article 20 is described as having a columnar shape, but the flavor generating article 20 is not limited thereto, and it can have a flat shape, a cup shape, or the like. The cross-section of the flavor generating article 20 can be circular, elliptical, or other shapes, such as a rectangular or other polygonal cross-section. If the flavor generating article 20 is cup-shaped, it is preferable to use a material having a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less, preferably 4 or less, as the material constituting the cup-shaped body. Specifically, the material constituting the cup-shaped body can be paper, non-woven fabric, or a porous molded body made from raw materials such as glass, rock wool, or ceramics (e.g., glass fiber filter paper).

[0167] In addition, the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment has a so-called countercurrent air passage, in which air flowing in from the upstream side of the chamber 114 accommodating the flavor source 40 is supplied to the upstream end face of the flavor generating article 20, but it is not limited thereto, and it can have a so-called bottom flow air passage, in which air is supplied from the bottom of the chamber 114 to the upstream end face of the flavor generating article 20.

[0168] List of Reference Numerals

[0169] 10…Flavor inhalation system

[0170] 20...Flavor generating article

[0171] 21...Tubular element

[0172] 22...Sealing portion

[0173] 30...Plug element

[0174] 40...Flavor source

[0175] 41...Hollow portion

[0176] 42...First part

[0177] 43...Second part

[0178] 44...Gap

[0179] 50...Support element

[0180] 51...Opening

[0181] 60...Cooling element

[0182] 61... Through-hole

[0183] 62... Opening

[0184] 70... Filter element

[0185] 80... Water transfer paper

[0186] 81... Guide member

[0187] 82... Hollow portion

[0188] 83... Opening

[0189] 84... Opening

[0190] 90... Microwave absorber

[0191] 100... Flavor inhaler

[0192] 101... High-frequency oscillation unit

[0193] 102... Waveguide

[0194] 103... Battery

[0195] 104... PCB

[0196] 106... Needle antenna

[0197] 108... Antenna mount

[0198] 110... Support portion

[0199] 112... Housing

[0200] 114... Chamber

[0201] 121... First region

[0202] 122... Second region

[0203] 131... First air passage

[0204] 132... Second air passage

[0205] 133... Third air passage

[0206] 134... Fourth air passage

[0207] 135... Fifth air passage

[0208] 136... Sixth air passage

Claims

1. A flavor inhalation system, the flavor inhalation system comprising: A flavor generating article having a flavor source that generates a flavor upon heating; And a flavor inhaler having a receiving portion for receiving the flavor source and an antenna for emitting microwaves, wherein a first region and a second region are formed in the receiving portion, the first region includes a region where the electric field intensity of the microwaves emitted from the antenna is the strongest, in the second region, the electric field intensity is weaker than that in the first region, and when the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, the flavor source includes a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region, the first portion does not contain a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized upon heating, and the second portion contains a carbonizable substance.

2. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna is a needle-shaped antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, the first region is a region near the tip of the needle-shaped antenna, and the second region is a region near the base end of the needle-shaped antenna.

3. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna is a needle-shaped antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, the first region is a region near the tip of the needle-shaped antenna, and the second region is a region on the side of the tip of the needle-shaped antenna opposite to the base end of the needle-shaped antenna.

4. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The flavor source has a hollow portion into which the needle-shaped antenna can be inserted.

5. The flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, When the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, the tip of the needle-shaped antenna is arranged to overlap the flavor source in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article.

6. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein, The first region is a region closer to the antenna in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article, and the second region is a region farther from the antenna in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

7. The flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first portion includes an aerosol generating substance that generates an aerosol upon heating, and the second portion includes a flavor generating substance that generates a flavor upon heating.

8. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 7, which refers to claim 2, wherein, The flavor generating article further includes: an outer member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap with the flavor source; a first air passage formed in the outer member and the first portion and allowing the outside of the flavor generating article to communicate with at least the first portion in a sealed manner; and a second air passage formed in the second portion and allowing at least the second portion to communicate with the gap.

9. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 7, which refers to claim 6, wherein The flavor generating article further includes: an outer member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap with the flavor source; a third air passage formed on the proximal side of the flavor generating article, in the outer member, the first portion and the second portion, and allowing the outside of the flavor generating article to communicate with at least the first portion in a sealed manner; and a fourth air passage formed on the distal side of the flavor generating article, in at least the second portion, and allowing at least the second portion to communicate with the gap.

10. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 7, which refers to claim 6, wherein The flavor source has a hollow portion into which the antenna can be inserted, and the flavor generating article further includes: an outer member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap with the flavor source; a fifth air passage formed in the hollow portion; and a sixth air passage formed in the gap, having a flow path area smaller than that of the fifth air passage and merging with the fifth air passage before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article.

11. The flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The second part includes a microwave absorber that absorbs microwaves and generates heat.

12. The flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The distance between the end of the antenna and the second part in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article is 0.1 mm or more.

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