Flavour inhalation articles

Abstract

A flavor inhalation article includes a flavor source 10 that is heated by means of a heating source to generate an aerosol, a flow path forming element 20 for forming a flow path through which the aerosol flows, and an outer element 60 for housing the flow path forming element 20, wherein the flow path forming element 20 forms the flow path so that the aerosol flows in a longitudinal first direction and a longitudinal second direction opposite to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a flavored inhaled product. Background Technology

[0002] The heated non-burning tobacco stick disclosed in PTL 1 includes: a tobacco section having an aerosol source containing tobacco; a cooling section for cooling vapor generated by heating the tobacco section with a heat-generating element to generate an aerosol; and a filtration section through which the aerosol passes.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] PTL 1: WO 2023 / 084770 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0007] In the heated non-burning tobacco stick disclosed in PTL 1, the tobacco section, cooling section and filtering section each have a single function and are arranged in series in the longitudinal direction of the tobacco stick, thus increasing the longitudinal dimension.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a flavored inhalation product with a small longitudinal dimension.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] This disclosure, made for this purpose, constitutes a flavor inhalation article comprising: a flavor source heated by means of a heating source to generate an aerosol; a flow path forming element for forming a flow path through which the aerosol flows; and an external element for accommodating the flow path forming element, wherein the flow path forming element forms the flow path such that the aerosol flows in a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first direction.

[0011] Here, the flow path forming element can divide the space inside the outer element in an intersecting direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction, and the connecting path that allows the divided adjacent spaces to communicate with each other can be formed so that the aerosol flows through these adjacent spaces.

[0012] Furthermore, the flow path forming element may include a sheet-like separator for separating the space inside the external element, and the connecting path may be a through hole or cutout formed in the separator.

[0013] In addition, the external element may include: an outer peripheral portion that covers the periphery of the flow path forming element in the intersecting direction; a first closure portion that closes one end of the outer peripheral portion in the longitudinal direction and forms an inlet hole for air to flow in; and a second closure portion that closes the other end of the outer peripheral portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] Furthermore, an outlet hole for discharging the aerosol to the outside can be formed in a portion of the outer periphery corresponding to the flow path.

[0015] Furthermore, an outlet hole for discharging the aerosol to the outside can be formed in a portion of the second closed section corresponding to the flow path.

[0016] Furthermore, the flow path forming element can be an article obtained by folding plant-based raw material sheets.

[0017] Furthermore, the flavor source can be a plant-based raw material sheet, the flow path forming element can be a paper sheet, and the flavor source and the flow path forming element can be laminated.

[0018] In addition, the heating source may be a sensor disposed in the central part of the flow path forming element, which generates heat due to a magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic induction source, which is formed by a coil-shaped conductive line disposed around the external element.

[0019] Furthermore, the sensor may have the shape of a flat plate parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the flow path forming element may include separators on each of the sides of the sensor to separate the space inside the external element, and each of these separators may be in surface contact with the sensor.

[0020] Furthermore, the flow path forming element can have a permeability ranging from 0 CORESTA units to 32,000 CORESTA units.

[0021] Advantages of the present invention

[0022] This disclosure enables the provision of a flavor inhalation product with a small longitudinal dimension. Attached Figure Description

[0023] [ Figure 1 [This is a perspective view showing an example of a flavored inhalation product according to Example 1.]

[0024] [ Figure 2 [This is an exemplary exploded view of a portion forming the flavored inhalation article according to Example 1.]

[0025] [ Figure 3 [This is a perspective view showing an example of the interior of the external components of the flavor inhalation article according to Example 1.]

[0026] [ Figure 4 ] is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing an example of section IV-IV.

[0027] [ Figure 5 [This is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an inhalation device.]

[0028] [ Figure 6 [This is a diagram illustrating an example of the aerosol flow path in a flavored inhalation product.]

[0029] [ Figure 7 [ ] is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a variant of an external component.

[0030] [ Figure 8 [This is an exemplary exploded view of a portion forming the flavored inhalation article according to Example 2.]

[0031] [ Figure 9 [This is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the flavored inhalation article according to Example 3.]

[0032] [ Figure 10 [This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a flavored inhalation product according to Example 4 and an example of a schematic configuration of an inhalation device employing the flavored inhalation product.]

[0033] [ Figure 11 [This is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an inhalation device employing the flavored inhalation product according to Example 5.]

[0034] [ Figure 12 [This is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the flavored inhalation article according to Example 6.]

[0035] [ Figure 13 [This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a configuration of the flavored inhalation article according to Example 7.]

[0036] [ Figure 14 [This is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the flavored inhalation article according to Example 8.] Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0038] <Example 1>

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of flavored inhalation product 1 according to Example 1.

[0040] Figure 2 This is an exemplary exploded view of a portion forming the flavored inhalation article 1 according to Example 1.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the interior of the external element 60 of the flavor inhalation article 1 according to Example 1. Figure 3 The first closed portion 80 is omitted in the attached diagram.

[0042] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A diagram showing an example of section IV-IV.

[0043] The flavor inhalation article 1 includes: a flavor source 10, which is heated by a heat source to generate an aerosol; a flow path forming element 20 for forming a flow path through which the aerosol flows; a receptor 50; and an external element 60 for housing the flavor source 10, the flow path forming element 20, and the receptor 50.

[0044] Flavored inhalation product 1 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0045] The rectangular shape of flavor inhalation product 1 is orthogonal to Figure 1 The vertical direction in the rectangle can be simply referred to as the "vertical direction" in the following text, and the direction of the shorter side of the rectangle can be simply referred to as the "short side direction" in the following text. Figure 1 The left and right sides along the shorter side can also be referred to as the "first side" and the "second side," respectively. Furthermore, Figure 1 The left and right sides in the longitudinal direction can also be referred to as the "third side" and the "fourth side", respectively.

[0046] (Flavor Source 10)

[0047] Flavor source 10 can be a plant-based raw material sheet, for example, formed into a sheet using plant-based raw materials (such as tobacco plants including tobacco leaves, or non-tobacco plants) through well-known methods (such as papermaking, pulp forming, calendering, or extraction).

[0048] In the case of papermaking, tobacco sheets can be produced by a method comprising the following steps: 1) Coarsely grinding a plant-based raw material (e.g., dried tobacco leaves), extracting it with water, and then separating it into an aqueous extract and a residue. 2) Drying and concentrating the aqueous extract under reduced pressure. 3) Adding pulp to the residue, fiberizing the material using a refining mill, and then forming it into paper. 4) Adding the concentrated aqueous extract to the sheet formed from the paper and drying it to form a plant-based raw material sheet.

[0049] In the case of a grouting process, tobacco sheets can be produced by a method including the following steps: 1) Mixing milled plant-based raw materials (e.g., tobacco leaves) with water, pulp, and binder. 2) Spreading (casting) the mixture thinly and drying it. In this case, an additional step can be added: exposing the slurry obtained by mixing the milled plant-based raw materials with water, pulp, and binder to ultraviolet or X-ray radiation to remove some components (such as nitrosamines).

[0050] In the case of calendering, a material obtained by mixing water, pulp, and binder with milled plant-based raw materials is calendered by applying pressure and then dried.

[0051] Extraction methods can be performed in known ways, and the following methods can be listed by way of example: 1) a method of extracting plant-based raw materials (e.g., tobacco raw materials) using a medium to obtain plant extracts (e.g., tobacco extracts); 2) a method of adding a medium to the plant-based raw materials, heating the mixture, and collecting the generated vapors; and 3) a method of passing a heated vaporized medium through the plant-based raw materials and collecting the vapors that have passed through. Examples of media include water, hydrophilic organic solvents (e.g., alcohols), and combinations thereof, but the medium is preferably water or contains water. In method 1), water is preferably used as the medium for considerations such as processability. Furthermore, in methods 2) and 3), glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or alcohols (e.g., ethanol) are preferably used as the medium for considerations of efficiency.

[0052] Furthermore, flavor source 10 can be a plant-based raw material sheet in the form of a nonwoven fabric, produced by means of a method comprising the following steps: 1) mixing granular plant-based raw material (e.g., tobacco leaves) and a binder. 2) inserting the mixture between nonwoven fabrics. 3) molding the laminate into a fixed shape by means of hot melt bonding, and obtaining a plant-based raw material sheet in the form of a nonwoven fabric.

[0053] There are no particular restrictions on the type of tobacco used as the tobacco plant. Examples that can be given include flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco or natural type, as well as other red-flowered and yellow-flowered tobacco varieties, and their blends. Suitable varietal blends can be used in the blends to achieve the desired flavor.

[0054] There are no particular restrictions on the types of non-tobacco plants. Examples of non-tobacco plants that can be given include mint and herbs.

[0055] In addition, plant-based raw materials can be a mixture of tobacco plants and non-tobacco plants.

[0056] There are no particular limitations on the composition of flavor source 10. For example, the content of plant-based raw materials is preferably 50% to 95% by mass relative to the total mass of flavor source 10. Furthermore, flavor source 10 may include a binder, and examples of such binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The amount of binder is preferably 1% to 10% by mass relative to the total mass of flavor source 10. Flavor source 10 may further include other additives. Examples of other additives include fillers such as pulp.

[0057] Glycerin, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol or other polyols may be added to flavor source 10. The amount added to flavor source 10 is preferably 5% to 50% by mass, more preferably 15% to 25% by mass, relative to the dry mass of flavor source 10.

[0058] Flavor source 10 may comprise multiple laminated plant-based raw material sheets. Two or more plant-based raw material sheets may all have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the plant-based raw material sheets may have different compositions or physical properties. Furthermore, the plant-based raw material sheets may each have the same thickness or different thicknesses. There is no limitation on the thickness of each plant-based raw material sheet, and from the perspective of balancing heat transfer efficiency and strength, the thickness is preferably from 150 µm to 1000 µm, more preferably from 200 µm to 600 µm.

[0059] Flavor source 10 may also contain a flavoring agent. There are no particular restrictions on the type of flavoring agent, and menthol is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor. Furthermore, one type of such flavoring agent may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. When the inhalation device 100 (described later) in which the flavor inhalation article 1 is used is a medical inhaler, flavor source 10 may contain a drug to be inhaled by the patient.

[0060] In addition, flavor source 10 may include flavorings supported on a carrier (such as paper).

[0061] (Flow path forming element 20)

[0062] For example, the flow path forming element 20 can be a sheet of paper.

[0063] In the flavor inhalation article 1, a plant-based raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 10 and a paper constituting the flow path forming element 20 are laminated to construct a laminate 25, which includes the flavor source for generating aerosols and forms a flow path through which the generated aerosols flow. It should be noted that the plant-based raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 10 and the paper constituting the flow path forming element 20 may or may not be bonded. Furthermore, when the plant-based raw material sheet and the paper are bonded, the bonding may be applied to the entire surface or only partially.

[0064] (Laminated body 25)

[0065] The laminate 25 includes a first laminate 30 disposed on a first side and a second laminate 40 disposed on a second side.

[0066] The first laminate 30 includes a first separator 31, a second separator 32, and a third separator 33, which constitute three separators that are parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions and divide the space inside the outer element 60 in the short side direction. The first separator 31, the second separator 32, and the third separator 33 are arranged in this order from the center portion of the laminate 25 in the short side direction to the first side end of the laminate.

[0067] The first laminate 30 also includes a first connector 34 for connecting the lower end of the first separator 31 and the lower end of the second separator 32, and a second connector 35 for connecting the upper end of the second separator 32 and the upper end of the third separator 33. The first connector 34 and the second connector 35 are parallel to the short side direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0068] A first through hole 36 penetrating the second partition 32 is formed in the lower portion of the second partition 32 at its fourth side end. A second through hole 37 penetrating the third partition 33 is formed in the upper portion of the third partition 33 at its third side end. As seen in the short-side direction, there are no particular limitations on the shape of the first through hole 36 and the second through hole 37. For example, the first through hole 36 and the second through hole 37 can be circular, elliptical, or quadrilateral.

[0069] Thus, by laminating the flavor source 10 and the flow path forming element 20, the flavor source 10 forms the first laminate 30 on the surface of the first separator 31 on the sensor 50 side.

[0070] The second laminate 40 is the same component as the first laminate 30, and is arranged symmetrically with respect to the first laminate 30, as seen in the longitudinal direction. That is, the second laminate 40 includes a first separator 41, a second separator 42, and a third separator 43 corresponding to the first separator 31, a second separator 32, and a third separator 33 of the first laminate 30, respectively. The second laminate 40 also includes a first connector 44 and a second connector 45 corresponding to the first connector 34 and a second connector 35 of the first laminate 30, respectively. Furthermore, a first through hole 46 corresponding to the first through hole 36 of the first laminate 30 is formed in the second separator 42, and a second through hole 47 corresponding to the second through hole 37 of the first laminate 30 is formed in the third separator 43.

[0071] In the second laminate 40, a first connector 44 is disposed at the upper portion of the first separator 41 and the second separator 42, and a second connector 45 is disposed at the lower portion of the second separator 42 and the third separator 43. Furthermore, a first through-hole 46 is formed at the fourth side end of the second separator 42 in the upper portion of the second separator, and a second through-hole 47 is formed at the third side end of the third separator 43 in the lower portion of the third separator.

[0072] Thus, by laminating the flavor source 10 and the flow path forming element 20, the flavor source 10 forms a second laminate 40 on the surface of the first separator 41 on the receptor 50 side.

[0073] (Receptor 50)

[0074] The receptor 50 has a cuboid shape. The dimension of the receptor 50 in the short side direction is smaller than the dimensions of the receptor 50 in the vertical and longitudinal directions. The receptor 50 is disposed between the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40, with the surface of the receptor 50 on the first side contacting the first separator 31 of the first laminate 30, and the surface of the receptor 50 on the second side contacting the first separator 41 of the second laminate 40. The receptor 50 can be bonded to the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 by means of an adhesive or the like.

[0075] The receptor 50 is molded from a magnetic material. Examples of magnetic materials that can be given include iron and ferritic stainless steel.

[0076] (External component 60)

[0077] The external element 60 includes a tubular portion 70 having a prismatic shape, which covers the periphery of the two vertical ends and two short sides of the laminate 25. The external element 60 also includes: a first closure portion 80 that closes the third side opening of the tubular portion 70 and covers a portion of the laminate 25 on the third side; and a second closure portion 90 that closes the fourth side opening of the tubular portion 70 and covers a portion of the laminate 25 on the fourth side.

[0078] The tubular portion 70 includes: a first side portion 71, which is a part of a first side; a second side portion 72, which is a part of a second side; a lower side portion 73, which connects the lower end of the first side portion 71 and the lower end of the second side portion 72; and an upper side portion 74, which connects the upper end of the first side portion 71 and the upper end of the second side portion 72.

[0079] The tubular portion 70 has a width dimension between its inner surfaces in the short side direction that is greater than the short side dimension of the laminate 25 and the receptor 50 disposed inside. As a result, a first gap 75 is formed between the first side portion 71 and the third separator 33 of the first laminate 30, and a second gap 76 is formed between the second side portion 72 and the third separator 43 of the second laminate 40.

[0080] The longitudinal dimension of the tubular portion 70 is the same as the longitudinal dimension of the laminate 25.

[0081] The first closed portion 80 has a flat plate shape and a central hole 81 is formed in the central portion along its short side. This central hole is a through hole that allows communication between the inner and outer sides of the external element 60. The central hole 81 is located on the second side of the second separator 32 of the first laminate 30 and the first side of the second separator 42 of the second laminate 40 along its short side. There are no particular limitations on the shape of the central hole 81. For example, the central hole 81 can be circular, elliptical, or quadrilateral.

[0082] The second closed portion 90 has a flat plate shape, and a first hole 91 is formed in the first side end of the second closed portion. The first hole is a through hole that allows communication between the inner and outer sides of the external element 60. The first hole 91 is formed at a position corresponding to the first gap 75 on the first side of the third separator 33 of the first laminate 30.

[0083] A second hole 92 is also formed at the second side end of the second closed portion 90. This second hole is a through hole that allows communication between the inner and outer sides of the external element 60. The second hole 92 is formed at a position corresponding to the second gap 76 on the second side of the third separator 43 of the second laminate 40.

[0084] For example, the external component 60 can be molded using heat-resistant resin or cardboard. The tubular portion 70, the first closed portion 80, and the second closed portion 90 can be molded using different or the same materials. For example, the bonding between the tubular portion 70 and the first closed portion 80, and the bonding between the tubular portion 70 and the second closed portion 90, can be achieved by means of adhesive bonding or welding.

[0085] For example, the tubular portion 70 can be integrally molded by injection molding (e.g., using a resin material), or it can be integrally molded by winding a cardboard sheet. As an example of winding a cardboard sheet, the tubular shape can be formed, for example, by overlapping the two ends of the cardboard with each other and bonding the two ends together. When the tubular portion 70 is integrally molded, the flavored inhalation article 1 can be produced by inserting the laminate 25 and the receptor 50 from the opening on the third or fourth side of the tubular portion 70, and then bonding the first closure portion 80 and the second closure portion 90 to the tubular portion 70.

[0086] The tubular portion 70, the first closed portion 80, and the second closed portion 90 can be obtained by pulp molding (e.g., by pulp injection molding). Furthermore, the tubular portion 70 need not be integrally formed. For example, the first side portion 71, the second side portion 72, and the lower side portion 73 can be integrally molded, while the upper side portion 74 can be molded as a separate component subsequently bonded to other components. In this case, the flavored inhalation article 1 can be produced by placing the laminate 25 and the receptor 50 on top of the lower side portion 73 of the integrally molded first side portion 71, second side portion 72, and lower side portion 73, and then bonding the upper side portion 74 to the first side portion 71 and the second side portion 72.

[0087] It should be noted that the laminate 25 and the external element 60 can be bonded together using adhesives or the like. For example, the first connector 34 of the first laminate 30 and the lower portion 73 of the tubular portion 70 of the external element 60 can be bonded together. Furthermore, the second connector 45 of the second laminate 40 and the lower portion 73 of the tubular portion 70 can be bonded together. Furthermore, the second connector 35 of the first laminate 30 and the upper portion 74 of the tubular portion 70 can be bonded together. Furthermore, the first connector 44 of the second laminate 40 and the upper portion 74 of the tubular portion 70 can be bonded together. Furthermore, the third side ends of the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 can be bonded to the first closed portion 80 of the external element 60. Furthermore, the fourth side ends of the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 can be bonded to the second closed portion 90 of the external element 60.

[0088] Figure 2The laminate 25 shown may also have rounded corners. For example, the connection between the first separator 31 and the first connector 34 is... Figure 2 While shown as right angles, the first separator 31 and the first connector 34 can also have curved connections. Similarly, the connections between the first connector 34 and the second separator 32, the second separator 32 and the second connector 35, and the second connector 35 and the third separator 33 can also be curved. Furthermore, the connections between the first separator 41 and the first connector 44, the first connector 44 and the second separator 42, the second separator 42 and the second connector 45, and the second connector 45 and the third separator 43 can also be curved.

[0089] (Usage mode of flavor inhalation product 1)

[0090] Figure 5 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the inhalation device 100.

[0091] Flavored inhalation product 1 is used in a heated non-burning inhalation device 100.

[0092] The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by means of induction heating (IH) of the flavor inhalation product 1.

[0093] The inhalation device 100 includes: a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, an electromagnetic induction source 130, a holding portion 140, and a mouthpiece 150. When the flavored inhalation product 1 is held in the holding portion 140, the user inhales through the inhalation device 100.

[0094] The power supply unit 111 stores electricity. It then supplies power to each component of the inhalation device 100. The power supply unit 111 can be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery). The power supply unit 111 can be charged by connecting to an external power source via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or similar means. Alternatively, the power supply unit 111 can be charged using wireless power transfer technology without being connected to a power transfer device. Alternatively, only the power supply unit 111 can be removed from the inhalation device 100 and replaced with a new power supply unit 111.

[0095] Sensor unit 112 detects various types of information related to inhalation device 100. Sensor unit 112 then outputs the detected information to control unit 116. As an example, sensor unit 112 may be configured with a pressure sensor (such as a capacitive microphone), a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. When sensor unit 112 has detected a value associated with the user's inhalation, sensor unit 112 then outputs information to control unit 116 indicating that the user has inhaled. As another example, sensor unit 112 may be configured with an input device (such as a button or switch) for receiving information input from the user. Sensor unit 112 may include, in particular, a button for indicating start / stop aerosol generation. Sensor unit 112 then outputs the information input by the user to control unit 116. As a further example, sensor unit 112 may be configured with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of receptor 50. For example, this temperature sensor detects the temperature of receptor 50 based on the resistance value of electromagnetic induction source 130. Based on the temperature of receptor 50, sensor unit 112 may detect the temperature of the flavored inhalation product 1 held by holding portion 140.

[0096] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. As an example, the notification unit 113 is configured with a light-emitting device (such as an LED (light-emitting diode)). In this case, the notification unit 113 emits light in different light emission modes when the power unit 111 needs to be charged, when the power unit 111 is in the process of charging, and when there is an abnormality in the inhalation device 100. The light emission modes mentioned herein typically include color and the timing of on / off states. Instead of or in addition to a light-emitting device, the notification unit 113 may also be configured with a display device for displaying images, a sound output device for outputting sound, or a vibration device for vibration, etc. Additionally, the notification unit 113 can notify the user of information indicating that inhalation is permitted. For example, when the temperature of the flavored inhalation product 1, heated by electromagnetic induction, has reached a predetermined temperature, the user is notified that inhalation is permitted.

[0097] Memory unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of inhalation device 100. For example, memory unit 114 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium (such as flash memory). Information related to the operating system (OS) of inhalation device 100 (such as control contents of control unit 116 for various types of components) is an example of information stored in memory unit 114. Another example of information stored in memory unit 114 is information related to the user's inhalation, such as the number of inhalations, inhalation time, and cumulative inhalation time.

[0098] Communication unit 115 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between inhalation device 100 and another device. Communication unit 115 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of usable communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). As an example, communication unit 115 sends information related to the user's inhalation to a smartphone so that the smartphone can display the information related to the user's inhalation. As another example, communication unit 115 receives new OS information from a server to update the OS information stored in memory unit 114.

[0099] The control unit 116 acts as an arithmetic processing and control device, thereby controlling the overall operation within the inhalation device 100 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and electronic circuitry (such as a microprocessor). The control unit 116 may also include ROM (Read-Only Memory) for storing the programs used and calculation parameters, and RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change appropriately. The inhalation device 100 implements various types of processing based on the control performed by the control unit 116. Examples of processing controlled by the control unit 116 include: supplying power from the power supply unit 111 to other components; charging the power supply unit 111; detecting information by the sensor unit 112; notifying information by the notification unit 113; storing and retrieving information by the memory unit 114; and sending / receiving information by the communication unit 115. Other processing implemented by the inhalation device 100 (such as processing based on information input to and output from each component) is also controlled by the control unit 116.

[0100] The retaining portion 140 includes an internal space 141 and retains the flavor inhalation article 1, while also housing the flavor inhalation article 1 within the internal space 141. The retaining portion 140 includes an opening 142 that allows communication between the internal space 141 and the outside, and retains the flavor inhalation article 1 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the retaining portion 140 is a cylindrical body having a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defining a cylindrical internal space 141. The retaining portion 140 is configured such that the internal width between the opposing surfaces of at least a portion of the cylindrical body in the centerline direction is smaller than the width between the opposing surfaces of the flavor inhalation article 1, and is capable of retaining the flavor inhalation article 1 inserted into the internal space 141 such that the flavor inhalation article 1 is pressed from the outside. An air inlet is an inlet for air to enter the flavor inhalation article 1, for example, provided in the bottom portion 143. Meanwhile, the opening 142 forms an air outlet, which is an outlet for air to leave this flow path. It should be noted that the air inlet hole can be an opening 142, in which case the flow path can be configured such that the air that has flowed in from the opening 142 flows along the side surface of the flavor inhalation article 1, then around to the bottom portion 143, and is then supplied to the flavor inhalation article 1.

[0101] Electromagnetic induction source 130 generates heat in sensor 50 through electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic induction source 130 includes, for example, coil-shaped conductive wires and is arranged to wrap around the outer periphery of holding portion 140. Electromagnetic induction source 130 generates a magnetic field when supplied with AC current from power supply unit 111. Electromagnetic induction source 130 is positioned where the generated magnetic field covers the internal space 141 of holding portion 140. Accordingly, when a magnetic field is generated while flavor inhalation article 1 is held in holding portion 140, eddy currents are generated in sensor 50, and Joule heating is produced. The aerosol source contained in flavor inhalation article 1 is then heated by this Joule heating and atomized, thereby generating an aerosol. As an example, power can be supplied and aerosol can be generated when sensor unit 112 has detected predetermined user input. When the temperature of flavor inhalation article 1, which has been inductively heated by sensor 50 and electromagnetic induction source 130, reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can then inhale. Afterward, when sensor unit 112 has detected predetermined user input, the power supply can be stopped. As another example, during the period when the sensor unit 112 detects that a user has inhaled the air, power can be supplied to generate an aerosol.

[0102] The mouthpiece 150 is a component that a user holds in their mouth during inhalation. An air outlet 151 is formed in the mouthpiece 150. The user holds the mouthpiece 150 in their mouth and inhales, thereby enabling the aerosol to be drawn into the oral cavity.

[0103] (Operation of flavor inhalation product 1 and inhalation device 100).

[0104] The inhalation device 100 can be set to allow the user to inhale an aerosol by inserting the flavor inhalation article 1 from the first closed portion 80 side into the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140 located inside the electromagnetic induction source 130, and by using the electromagnetic induction source 130 to inductively heat the flavor inhalation article 1. More specifically, when the user has inhaled, the vapor generated by heating the flavor source 10 contained in the flavor inhalation article 1 is liquefied by contacting, for example, air that has flowed in from the gap in the device housing, causing its temperature to drop, thereby generating an aerosol. The air that has flowed in from the gap in the device housing flows in through the air inlet formed in the bottom portion 143, and then flows into the external element 60 of the flavor inhalation article 1. The aerosol then flows out from the external element 60, passes through the opening 142 in the holding portion 140 and the mouthpiece 150, and then enters the user's mouth.

[0105] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the aerosol flow path in flavored inhalation product 1.

[0106] The vapor generated by the flavor source 10 near the receptor 50 in the flavor inhalation article 1 first comes into contact with the air flowing in from the central hole 81 in the first closed part 80, thereby generating an aerosol that flows outward along the shape of the laminate 25.

[0107] In other words, as in Figure 6 As can be seen in the first flow path R1 shown, the first separator 31, the second separator 32, and the first connector 34 of the first laminate 30, as well as the external element 60 (see...) Figure 2 The aerosol generated in the first space 21 formed by the second spacer 32 flows through the first through hole 36 formed in the second spacer 32 and enters the spacer 32, the third spacer 33, and the second connector 35 (see...). Figure 2 The aerosol that has flowed into the second space 22 formed by the third partition 33 and the external element 60 flows into the first gap 75 through the second through hole 37 formed in the third partition 33, and then flows to the outside of the flavor inhalation article 1 through the first hole 91 formed in the second closed portion 90.

[0108] In addition, such as in Figure 6 As can be seen in the second flow path R2 shown, the first separator 41, the second separator 42, and the first connector 44 of the second laminate 40 (see...) Figure 2 ) and external component 60 (see Figure 2The aerosol generated in the third space 23 flows through the first through-hole 46 formed in the second partition 42 into the fourth space 24 formed by the second partition 42, the third partition 43, the second connector 45, and the external element 60. The aerosol that has flowed into the fourth space 24 flows into the second gap 76 through the second through-hole 47 formed in the third partition 43, and then flows to the outside of the flavor inhalation article 1 through the second hole 92 formed in the second closed portion 90.

[0109] In the flavor inhalation article 1 as described above, the aerosol travels longitudinally to the fourth side within the first space 21 and the third space 23, and then travels longitudinally to the third side through the first through-hole 36 and the first through-hole 46. After traveling longitudinally to the third side and then through the second through-hole 37 and the second through-hole 47, the aerosol then travels longitudinally to the fourth side and flows to the outside of the flavor inhalation article 1 through the first hole 91 and the second hole 92 formed in the second closed portion 90.

[0110] With flavor inhalation article 1, the flow path length can be increased compared to a configuration where the aerosol simply travels longitudinally toward the fourth side and then flows outward (this can also be referred to hereinafter as the "contrast configuration"). Therefore, with flavor inhalation article 1, the aerosol is cooled to a greater extent before flowing out of flavor inhalation article 1 compared to the contrast configuration. This means that it is unnecessary to provide a component for cooling the fluid flowing out of flavor inhalation article 1 on its downstream side. Therefore, the longitudinal dimension of flavor inhalation article 1 can be smaller compared to a configuration, for example, where a component for cooling the fluid flowing out of flavor inhalation article 1 is provided on its downstream side.

[0111] Furthermore, as the aerosol flows through the flow path in the flavor inhalation article 1, heat from the upstream side is transferred to the laminate 25 on the downstream side. Additionally, the aerosol generated on the upstream side of the flow path is captured by the laminate 25 located on the downstream side. Therefore, when the laminate 25 on the downstream side has reached a high temperature, higher aerosol delivery can be achieved in the latter half of the flow.

[0112] Here, for example, flavored inhalation article 1 may have an aspect ratio of 1 to 3, as defined by equation (1).

[0113] Aspect ratio = h / w ... (1)

[0114] In equation (1), h is the longitudinal dimension of flavor inhalation article 1, and w is the short side dimension of flavor inhalation article 1.

[0115] For example, the longitudinal dimension h of the flavor inhalation article 1 can be from 8 mm to 20 mm. The longitudinal dimension h is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less. This is because it allows the flavor inhalation article 1 to be manufactured more compactly.

[0116] For example, the short side dimension w of the flavor inhalation article 1 can be from 6 mm to 20 mm. The short side dimension w is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 8 mm or less. From the perspective of cooling performance, a larger short side dimension w is preferred, but from the perspective of making the flavor inhalation article 1 more compact, a smaller short side dimension w is preferred.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, the airflow resistance in the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhalation article 1 can be 100 mmH2O or less, and preferably 80 mmH2O or less, more preferably 60 mmH2O or less. Furthermore, for example, the airflow resistance in the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhalation article 1 can be 8 mmH2O or greater, and preferably 10 mmH2O or greater, more preferably 12 mmH2O or greater.

[0118] The airflow resistance in the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhalation article 1 is measured, for example, using a filter airflow resistance measuring instrument manufactured by Cerulean, according to the ISO standard method (ISO 6565). The airflow resistance of the flavor inhalation article 1 represents the air pressure difference between the third and fourth sides when air at a predetermined airflow rate (17.5 cc / sec) flows from the third side to the fourth side without passing through the side surfaces of the flavor inhalation article 1. The unit is usually expressed in mmH2O.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the air permeability of laminate 25 can be equal to or greater than 0 CORESTA units and equal to or less than 32,000 CORESTA units (in other words, 0 CORESTA units to 32,000 CORESTA units), and preferably is 0 CORESTA units to 10,000 CORESTA units. The air permeability of laminate 25 with low air permeability is preferably 0 CORESTA units to 80 CORESTA units. Here, "air permeability" is a value measured according to ISO 2965:2009 and is expressed as the passage of 1 cm per minute through the two surfaces of the paper under a pressure difference of 1 kPa. 2 Gas flow rate per surface area (cm²) 3 1 CORESTA unit (1 CU) constitutes a cm at 1 kPa. 3 / (min cm2 ).

[0120] In addition, for example, the fill rate of laminate 25 can be 17% to 36%.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, the packing density of laminate 25 can be 0.15 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.3 g / cm 3 .

[0122] As described above, the flavor inhalation article 1 includes: a flavor source 10, which is heated by means of a sensor 50 (an example of a heating source) to generate an aerosol; a flow path forming element 20 for forming a flow path through which the aerosol flows; and an external element 60 for housing the flow path forming element 20. Thus, the flow path forming element 20 forms a flow path such that the aerosol flows in a first longitudinal direction (e.g., Figure 6 In the direction toward the fourth side) and in the longitudinal second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., Figure 6 The flow is directed towards the third side.

[0123] With the flavor inhalation article 1 configured as described above, compared to a structure in which the aerosol simply travels towards the fourth side in the longitudinal direction and then flows to the outside, the flow path length within the external element 60 can be increased. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to provide a component for cooling the fluid on the downstream side of the flavor inhalation article 1. Consequently, compared to the longitudinal dimension of a structure in which, for example, a component for cooling is provided on the downstream side of the flavor inhalation article 1, the longitudinal dimension of the flavor inhalation article 1 can be smaller.

[0124] Here, the flow path forming element 20 divides the space inside the outer element 60 in an intersecting direction (e.g., the short side direction) that intersects the longitudinal direction, and forms a connecting path (e.g., a first through-hole 36) that allows adjacent spaces (e.g., the first space 21 and the second space 22) to communicate with each other, so that aerosols can flow through the adjacent spaces. This makes it possible to extend the flow path within the outer element 60 with high precision.

[0125] The flow path forming element 20 of the flavor inhalation article 1 includes a sheet-like separator (e.g., a first separator 31) for separating the space inside the outer element 60, and the aforementioned connecting path is a through-hole (e.g., a first through-hole 36) formed in the separator (e.g., the first separator 31). Therefore, a connecting path allowing communication between adjacent separated spaces (e.g., the first space 21 and the second space 22) can be simply constructed by forming a through-hole (e.g., the first through-hole 36) in the separator (e.g., the first separator 31). It should be noted that the connecting path can also be formed by cutting off an end of the separator in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the fourth side end of the first separator 31), instead of a through-hole.

[0126] The external element 60 includes: a tubular portion 70 (an example of an outer peripheral portion) that covers the periphery of the flow path forming element 20 in an intersecting direction (e.g., the short side direction or the vertical direction); a first closure portion 80 that closes one end of the tubular portion 70 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., a third side end) and has an inlet hole (e.g., a central hole 81) formed in its central portion for air to flow in; and a second closure portion 90 that closes the other end of the tubular portion 70 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., a fourth side end).

[0127] In the flavor inhalation article 1, an exhaust port (e.g., a first port 91) for discharging aerosols to the outside is thus formed in a portion of the second closed portion 90 corresponding to the first gap 75 (an example of a flow path). This allows the aerosols to be discharged to the outside from a side (fourth side) longitudinally opposite to the inlet port (e.g., a central port 81) for air inflow, thus enabling the flow path within the external element 60 to be extended with high precision.

[0128] In the flavor inhalation product 1, the flavor source 10 is a plant-based raw material sheet, the flow path forming element 20 is a paper sheet, and the flavor source 10 and the flow path forming element 20 are laminated. Therefore, even when the flavor source 10 is heated to generate an aerosol, the shrinkage of the flavor source 10 is suppressed. Thus, the flow path of the aerosol can be maintained with high precision throughout the entire time period from the start of heating to the later stage of heating.

[0129] The heating source in the flavor inhalation article 1 is a sensor 50 disposed in the central portion of the flow path forming element 20. The heating source generates heat due to a magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic induction source 130, which is formed by coil-shaped conductive lines surrounding an outer element 60. The sensor 50 has a flat plate shape parallel to the longitudinal direction. The laminate 25 includes separators (e.g., first separator 31 and first separator 41) for separating the space inside the outer element 60 on each of the sides of the sensor 50, and the sensor 50 and each of the separators are in surface contact. Therefore, the flavor source 10 can be heated with high precision.

[0130] It should be noted that the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 of the flavor inhalation article 1 are identical components, but they do not necessarily have to be identical components. For example, the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 may have a linearly symmetrical shape, as seen in the longitudinal direction. However, by forming the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 as identical components, an increase in the number of parts can be avoided.

[0131] Furthermore, in the flavor inhalation article 1, the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 each have three separators, but there is no limitation on the number of separators. The first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 may each have an odd number of separators (five or more separators) or an even number of separators (two or more separators). When the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 each have an even number of separators, the central hole 81 through which air flows into the flavor inhalation article 1 and the first hole 91 and the second hole 92 through which air flows out of the flavor inhalation article 1 should be positioned on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

[0132] (Example of a variant of external component 60)

[0133] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a variant of the external element 60.

[0134] It is not necessary to form an exhaust port in the second enclosure 90 for discharging aerosols from the interior of the external element 60 to the outside. For example... Figure 7 As shown, for example, the first hole 77 and the second hole 78 can be formed as discharge holes for discharging aerosols to the outside in the first side portion 71 and the second side portion 72 of the tubular portion 70, respectively. Furthermore, when the discharge holes for discharging aerosols to the outside are formed in the first side portion 71 and the second side portion 72, such discharge holes are preferably formed at the fourth side end. This allows for extending the flow path within the external element 60.

[0135] <Example 2>

[0136] Figure 8This is an exemplary exploded view of a portion forming the flavor inhalation article 2 according to Example 2.

[0137] The flavor inhalation article 2 according to Example 2 differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to Example 1 in that the flavor source 10 and the flow path forming element 20 are used. The differences from Example 1 will be described below. The same components in Examples 1 and 2 are referred to by the same reference numerals, and these components will not be described in detail.

[0138] In the flavor inhalation article 1 according to Example 1, the flavor source 10 and the flow path forming element 20 form a laminate 25. However, in the flavor inhalation article 2 according to Example 2, a plant-based raw material sheet 225 serves as both the flavor source 10 and the flow path forming element 20 as described in Example 1. In other words, the plant-based raw material sheet 225 is identical to the plant-based raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 10 according to Example 1, and the plant-based raw material sheet 225 is also a flow path forming element for forming a flow path through which the aerosol flows. In other words, the flavor source 10 and the flow path forming element 20 of the flavor inhalation article 1 according to Example 1 are formed from two layers, namely a plant-based raw material sheet and a paper sheet, but a single plant-based raw material sheet 225 forms both the flavor source and the flow path forming element in the flavor inhalation article 2. The plant-based raw material sheet 225 may have the same thickness as the plant-based raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 10 according to Example 1, or it may have the same thickness as the laminate 25 according to Example 1.

[0139] The plant-based raw material sheet 225 includes a first sheet 230 disposed on a first side and a second sheet 240 disposed on a second side. The first sheet 230 and the second sheet 240 correspond to the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40, respectively.

[0140] The first sheet 230 includes a first separator 231, a second separator 232, a third separator 233, a first connector 234, and a second connector 235, respectively corresponding to a first separator 31, a second separator 32, a third separator 33, a first connector 34, and a second connector 35 of the first laminate 30. A first through-hole 236 penetrating the second separator 232 is formed at the fourth side end of the second separator 232 in the lower portion of the second separator, and a second through-hole 237 penetrating the third separator 233 is formed at the third side end of the third separator 233 in the upper portion of the third separator. The first through-hole 236 and the second through-hole 237 correspond to the first through-hole 36 and the second through-hole 37 of the first laminate 30, respectively.

[0141] The second sheet 240 includes a first separator 241, a second separator 242, a third separator 243, a first connector 244, and a second connector 245, respectively corresponding to the first separator 41, the second separator 42, the third separator 43, the first connector 44, and the second connector 45 of the second laminate 40. Furthermore, a first through-hole 246 corresponding to the first through-hole 46 of the second laminate 40 is formed in the second separator 242, and a second through-hole 247 corresponding to the second through-hole 47 of the second laminate 40 is formed in the third separator 243.

[0142] For example, the air permeability of plant-based raw material sheet 225 can be from 0 CORESTA units to 32,000 CORESTA units, and preferably from 0 CORESTA units to 10,000 CORESTA units. The air permeability of plant-based raw material sheet 225 with low air permeability is preferably from 0 CORESTA units to 80 CORESTA units.

[0143] In addition, for example, the filling rate of plant-based raw material sheet 225 can be 17% to 36%.

[0144] Furthermore, for example, the packing density of plant-based raw material sheet 225 can be 0.15 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.3 g / cm 3 .

[0145] As described above, the flavor inhalation article 2 includes: a plant-based raw material sheet 225, which serves as a flavor source for generating an aerosol by means of a sensor 50 (an example of a heating source) and an example of a flow path forming element for forming a flow path through which the aerosol flows; and an external element 60 for housing the plant-based raw material sheet 225. Thus, the plant-based raw material sheet 225 forms a flow path such that the aerosol flows in a first longitudinal direction (e.g., Figure 6 In the direction toward the fourth side) and in the longitudinal second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., Figure 6 The flow is directed towards the third side.

[0146] The plant-based raw material sheet 225 in the flavor inhalation article 2 constitutes a flavor source, and the plant-based raw material sheet 225 acts as a flow path forming element for forming a flow path. In other words, the flow path forming element is an article obtained by folding the plant-based raw material sheet 225.

[0147] Similar to flavor inhalation product 1, flavor inhalation product 2 configured in the above manner also makes the longitudinal dimension of flavor inhalation product 2 smaller compared to the longitudinal dimension of a structure in which, for example, a cooling component is provided on the downstream side of flavor inhalation product 2.

[0148] <Example 3>

[0149] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the flavored inhalation product 3 according to Example 3.

[0150] The flavor inhalation article 3 according to Example 3 differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to Example 1 in that the receptor 50 is disposed at each of the two short ends, and in the arrangement of the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40. The flavor inhalation article 3 also differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 in the different external element 360 corresponding to the external element 60. The differences from Example 1 will be described below. Identical components in Examples 1 and 3 use the same reference numerals, and these components will not be described in detail.

[0151] The flavored inhalation product 3 includes two receptors 50. The two receptors 50 are respectively arranged at two short ends inside the tubular portion 70. The two receptors 50 will be referred to below as "first receptor 51" and "second receptor 52", the first receptor being the receptor 50 located at a first side end and the second receptor being the receptor 50 located at a second side end.

[0152] The arrangement in the flavor inhalation article 3 is such that the second laminate 40 is disposed on the first side of the first laminate 30, the second side surface of the first receptor 51 contacts the first separator 41 of the second laminate 40, and the first side surface of the second receptor 52 contacts the first separator 31 of the first laminate 30. Thus, a central gap 370 is formed between the third separator 33 of the first laminate 30 and the third separator 43 of the second laminate 40.

[0153] The external element 360 includes: a tubular portion 70, a first closed portion 380 corresponding to the first closed portion 80, and a second closed portion 390 corresponding to the second closed portion 90.

[0154] A first hole 381 is formed at the first side end of the first closed portion 380. This first hole is a through hole that allows communication between the inner and outer sides of the external element 360. The first hole 381 is formed at a position corresponding to the first separator 41 and the second separator 42 of the second laminate 40.

[0155] A second hole 382 is also formed at the second side end of the first closed portion 380. This second hole is a through hole that allows communication between the inner and outer sides of the external element 360. The second hole 382 is formed at a position corresponding to the first separator 31 and the second separator 32 of the first laminate 30.

[0156] A central hole 391 is formed in the central portion of the second closed portion 390 in the short-side direction. This central hole is a through hole that allows communication between the inner and outer sides of the external element 360. The central hole 391 is formed at a position corresponding to the central gap 370. There are no particular limitations on the shape of the central hole 391. For example, the central hole 391 can be circular, elliptical, or quadrilateral.

[0157] (Operation of flavor inhalation product 3 and inhalation device 100)

[0158] A state allowing a user to inhale an aerosol can be set by inserting the flavor inhalation article 3 into the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140 and inductively heating the flavor inhalation article 3 using an electromagnetic induction source 130. More specifically, vapor generated primarily from the flavor source 10 near the first receptor 51 comes into contact with air flowing in through the first hole 381 in the first closed portion 380, thereby lowering the temperature of the vapor and causing it to liquefy, thus generating an aerosol that flows inward along the shape of the second laminate 40. Furthermore, vapor generated primarily from the flavor source 10 near the second receptor 52 comes into contact with air flowing in through the second hole 382 in the first closed portion 380, thereby generating an aerosol that flows inward along the shape of the first laminate 30. The aerosols that have flowed inward along the shape of the first laminate 30 and the aerosols that have flowed inward along the shape of the second laminate 40 pass through the central gap 370 and the central hole 391 in the second closed portion 390, and then flow to the outside of the flavor inhalation article 3.

[0159] In the flavor inhalation article 3 as described above, the aerosol travels longitudinally to the fourth side within the first space 21 and the third space 23, and then travels longitudinally to the third side through the first through hole 36 and the first through hole 46. After traveling longitudinally to the third side and then through the second through hole 37 and the second through hole 47, the aerosol then travels longitudinally to the fourth side and flows to the outside of the flavor inhalation article 3 through the central hole 391 formed in the second closed portion 390.

[0160] Therefore, compared to the comparative structure, the aerosol flow path length in the flavor inhalation article 3 can be increased. Therefore, compared to the longitudinal dimension of a structure in which, for example, a component for cooling the fluid flowing out of the flavor inhalation article 3 is provided on the downstream side of the flavor inhalation article 3, the longitudinal dimension of the flavor inhalation article 3 can be smaller.

[0161] Alternatively, the plant-based raw material sheet 225 according to Example 2 can be used instead of the laminate 25 in the flavored inhalation product 3.

[0162] <Example 4>

[0163] Figure 10 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the flavor inhalation article 4 according to Embodiment 4 and the inhalation device 400 employing the flavor inhalation article 4.

[0164] The flavor inhalation article 4 according to Example 4 differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to Example 1 in that it does not include the receptor 50. The differences from Example 1 will be described below. The same components in Examples 1 and 4 are referred to by the same reference numerals, and these components will not be described in detail.

[0165] According to Embodiment 4, the flavor inhalation article 4 is used in an inhalation device 400, which includes a self-heating heating unit 421 on the inner side of the holding portion 140, rather than a device like the inhalation device 100 that uses an electromagnetic induction source 130 to generate heat in the receptor 50 by means of electromagnetic induction to thereby generate an aerosol. More specifically, the inhalation device 400 includes a heating unit 421 arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the holding portion 140 into the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140, and is constructed in a leaf-like shape from any material such as metal or polyimide. The flavor inhalation article 4 is attached to the inhalation device 400 such that the heating unit 421 is inserted between the first separator 31 of the first laminate 30 and the first separator 41 of the second laminate 40. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to generate heat in the heating unit 421, the flavor source 10 contained in the flavor inhalation article 4 is heated and atomized from the inside, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0166] Alternatively, the plant-based raw material sheet 225 according to Example 2 can be used instead of the laminate 25 in the flavored inhalation product 4.

[0167] <Example 5>

[0168] Figure 11 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of an inhalation device 500 employing the flavor inhalation article 5 according to Example 5.

[0169] The flavor inhalation article 5 according to Example 5 differs from the flavor inhalation article 3 according to Example 3 in that it does not include two receptors 50. The differences from Example 3 will be described below. The same components in Examples 3 and 5 are referred to by the same reference numerals, and these components will not be described in detail.

[0170] According to Embodiment 5, the flavor inhalation article 5 is used in an inhalation device 500, which includes a self-heating heating unit 521 on the outside of the holding portion 140, rather than a device like the inhalation device 100 that uses an electromagnetic induction source 130 to generate heat in the receptor 50 by means of electromagnetic induction to thereby generate an aerosol. More specifically, the inhalation device 500 includes heating units 521, which are respectively disposed on a first side and a second side of the holding portion 140, and are constructed in the form of a film from any material such as metal or polyimide. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to cause the heating units 521 to generate heat, the flavor source 10 contained in the flavor inhalation article 5 is heated and atomized, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0171] <Example 6>

[0172] Figure 12 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the flavored inhalation article 6 according to Example 6.

[0173] The flavor inhalation article 6 according to Example 6, in addition to the flavor inhalation article 1 according to Example 1, includes a filter portion 600 on a fourth side of the flavor inhalation article 1 in the longitudinal direction, and also includes a splice paper 650 that secures the flavor inhalation article 1 and the filter portion 600 together. Differences from Example 1 will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same components in Examples 1 and 6, and these components will not be described in detail.

[0174] [Filter section 600]

[0175] The filter section 600 includes: a filter 610 through which the aerosol passes; and a wrapper 620, which is present between the filter 610 and the tipping paper 650 and wraps around the outer peripheral surface of the filter 610. The filter section 600 uses the tipping paper 650 and the flavor inhalation article 1 as a single package. It should be noted that the wrapper 620 is not required.

[0176] For example, in addition to reducing nicotine and tar, filter 610 also has the function of reducing unwanted sensations (including irritation). For example, additives such as known flavoring agents (e.g., menthol), adsorbents, granular activated charcoal, or flavor retainers can be appropriately added to filter 610. For example, a flavor retainer could be a fragile flavor capsule. Furthermore, filter 610 can be a conventional filter comprising a single filter section, or a multi-stage filter comprising multiple filter sections (e.g., a dual filter or a triple filter).

[0177] Filter 610 is, for example, a filling material formed in a cuboid shape, such as cellulose acetate, charcoal, cellulose fiber, nonwoven fabric, or pulp. Alternatively, a paper filter filled with pulp in the form of sheets can also be used.

[0178] There are no particular limitations on the form of the wrapping 620, and it can include seams containing one or more adhesive lines. The adhesive can include a hot-melt adhesive, and further, the hot-melt adhesive can include polyvinyl alcohol. Additionally, the adhesive can include a vinyl acetate-based adhesive. Furthermore, if the filter section 600 comprises two or more components, it is preferable to wrap each of the two or more components with the wrapping 620, and then further wrap them together with another wrapping.

[0179] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the wrapping 620, and known materials can be used. The wrapping 620 may also include fillers, such as calcium carbonate.

[0180] Furthermore, the covering 620 may be coated or uncoated, but from the perspective of allowing for functions beyond strength and structural rigidity, it is preferably coated with the desired material.

[0181] For example, the package 620 can be square or rectangular.

[0182] When the filter 610 is wrapped by the wrapper 620, one end of the wrapper 620 and the opposite end of the wrapper 620 may overlap by about 2 mm in the circumferential direction and be glued together to form a rectangular paper tube shape, which contains the filter 610. The size of the wrapper 620 may be determined by the size of the filter portion 600.

[0183] [Contact sheet 650]

[0184] The tipping paper 650 is wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the flavor inhalation article 1 and the filter section 600.

[0185] There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the 650 sheet, and it can have, for example, a square or rectangular shape.

[0186] There are no particular restrictions on the basis weight of the butt-packed paper 650, and the basis weight is typically 32 gsm to 60 gsm, preferably 33 gsm to 55 gsm, and more preferably 34 gsm to 53 gsm.

[0187] There are no particular limitations on the air permeability of the tipping paper 650, and it is typically from 0 CORESTA units to 32,000 CORESTA units, preferably from 0 CORESTA units to 10,000 CORESTA units. The air permeability of tipping paper 650 with low air permeability is preferably from 0 CORESTA units to 80 CORESTA units. Here, "air permeability" is a value measured according to ISO 2965:2009 and is expressed as the passage of 1 cm / min through the two surfaces of the paper under a pressure difference of 1 kPa. 2 Gas flow rate per surface area (cm²) 3 ). 1 CORESTA unit (1 CU) constitutes a cm at 1 kPa. 3 / (min cm 2 ).

[0188] There are no particular restrictions on the composition of the packaging paper 650, and it can be used in general forms, such as those including pulp as a major component. The pulp sheet can be formed from wood pulp (such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp), or produced from a mixture of non-wood pulps (such as linseed pulp, sisal pulp, or Spanish straw pulp) typically used for wrapping paper in tobacco products. These pulps can be used alone, or several types of pulp can be used in combination in any proportion.

[0189] The forms of pulp that can be used include chemical pulp, milled pulp, chemi-milled pulp, and thermomechanical pulp, which are obtained by sulfate cooking, acid / neutral / alkaline sulfite cooking, and caustic soda cooking. It should be noted that tipping paper 650 is produced using the above-mentioned methods, or commercially available products can be used.

[0190] In addition to the materials mentioned above, the tipping paper 650 may also contain fillers, examples of which may include metal carbonates (such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate), metal oxides (such as titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide), metal sulfates (such as barium sulfate and calcium sulfate), metal sulfides (such as zinc sulfide), quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, gypsum, etc., and preferably calcium carbonate, especially from the perspective of improving whiteness and opacity and increasing heating rate. Furthermore, these fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more fillers.

[0191] Various additives, in addition to the materials and fillers mentioned above, can also be added to the tipping paper 650. For example, the tipping paper 650 may include water resistance improvers to enhance water resistance. Water resistance improvers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), etc. Furthermore, examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or higher.

[0192] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces (i.e., the front surface and the back surface) of the tipping paper 650. There are no particular limitations on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a surface film and reduce liquid permeability is preferred. In addition, the tipping paper 650 may be coated with a coolant and / or a flavoring agent.

[0193] A portion of the outer surface of the tipping paper 650 may be coated with a lip-release material. The lip-release material is a material configured to facilitate easy separation (substantially without adhesion) between the lips and the tipping paper 650 when a user holds the filter portion 600 of the flavor-inhaling article 6 in their mouth. The lip-release material may include, for example, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or nitrocellulose. For example, the outer surface of the tipping paper 650 may be coated with the lip-release material by applying an ethyl cellulose-based or methyl cellulose-based ink to the outer surface of the tipping paper 650.

[0194] The flavored inhalation product 6, including the filter portion 600, allows the user to inhale the aerosol while holding the filter portion 600 in their mouth. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 does not need to include a mouthpiece 150.

[0195] Furthermore, compared to the comparative structure, the flow path length of the flavor inhalation product 6 can be increased, thus enabling the aerosol to be cooled to a greater extent, and even with the filter section 600 provided, the longitudinal dimension of the filter section 600 can be kept small.

[0196] Furthermore, the device for bonding the flavor inhalation article 1 and the filter portion 600 is not limited to the splice paper 650. For example, the flavor inhalation article 1 and the filter portion 600 can also be bonded by means of an adhesive.

[0197] Furthermore, the flavored inhalation products 2 to 5 according to Examples 2 to 5 may also include a filter portion 600 and a tipping paper 650.

[0198] <Example 7>

[0199] Figure 13 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the flavor inhalation article 7 according to Example 7.

[0200] The flavor inhalation article 7 according to Example 7 differs from the flavor inhalation article 6 according to Example 6 in that it includes a cooling section 730 located between the flavor inhalation article 1 and the filter section 600, and a splicing paper 650 that secures the flavor inhalation article 1, the filter section 600, and the cooling section 730. The differences from Example 6 will be described below. Identical components in Examples 6 and 7 are referred to by the same reference numerals, and these components will not be described in detail.

[0201] [Cooling section 730]

[0202] The cooling section 730 is located adjacent to the flavor inhalation article 1 and the filter section 600, and is formed into a square column shape or similar shape by winding a sheet 731 in such a way that the transverse cross-section taken in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is hollow (in other words, empty). The cooling section 730 cools the aerosol that has flowed out from the flavor inhalation article 1.

[0203] The cooling section 730 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, and its area can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, but preferably the area is approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter 610.

[0204] The longitudinal dimension of the cooling section 730 can be appropriately modified according to the size of the product, but is typically 5 mm or greater, preferably 10 mm or greater, and more preferably 15 mm or greater. Furthermore, the longitudinal dimension of the cooling section 730 is typically 35 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm or less. Additionally, the longitudinal dimension of the cooling section 730 is preferably any combination of the aforementioned upper and lower limits. By setting the longitudinal dimension of the cooling section 730 to be equal to or higher than the aforementioned lower limit, sufficient cooling effect and a pleasant flavor can be ensured, and by setting this dimension to be equal to or lower than the aforementioned upper limit, losses caused by the adhesion of generated vapors and aerosols to the sheet 731 can be suppressed.

[0205] For example, the cooling section 730 is a paper tube formed by winding a sheet 731 made of paper. Alternatively, the cooling section 730 can also be a paper tube formed by laminating multiple sheets 731 that contain at least paper. By laminating multiple sheets 731, the strength of the cooling section 730 can be maintained even if each sheet 731 has a small basis weight.

[0206] There is no particular limitation on the thickness of each sheet 731, and the thickness can be, for example, from 50 µm to 500 µm, or from 100 µm to 250 µm. Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the material of the sheet 731, and the material can be, for example, a material having pulp as a main component, a material having polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, or aluminum foil as a main component, or any combination thereof.

[0207] Assuming that the cooling section 730 is a component formed by winding the sheet 731, the cooling section 730 is not limited to this configuration, as long as the cross-section is hollow. The cooling section 730 can also be formed from a tube made of synthetic resin or the like that already has a hollow cross-section.

[0208] The cooling section 730 may have a plurality of through holes 732 (also referred to in this art as "ventilation filter (Vf)") in the circumferential direction. The through holes 732 are perforations that penetrate the sheet 731. Examples of the shape of the perforations include polygons, rounded polygons, circles, ellipses, etc. The through holes 732 exist in areas where air can flow in from the outside of the flavor inhalation article 7; in other words, they exist in areas that protrude from the opening 142 when the flavor inhalation article 7 is held in the holding portion 140 of the inhalation device 100.

[0209] The presence of through-holes 732 allows for adjustment of the concentration of inhaled flavor components and aerosols. Furthermore, the presence of multiple through-holes 732 allows air to flow into the cooling section 730 from the outside during inhalation, and reduces the temperature of vapors and the air flowing in from the flavor inhalation product 1. Additionally, positioning the through-holes 732 within the cooling section 730 in a region at least 4 mm from the boundary between the cooling section 730 and the filter section 600 in the direction on the side (third side) of the cooling section 730 not only enhances cooling capacity but also prevents the stagnation of substances (products) generated by heating within the cooling section 730, thereby increasing the amount of product delivered.

[0210] Furthermore, when the flavor inhalation article 7 is in the form of a tipping paper 650 wrapping the flavor inhalation article 1, the cooling section 730, and the filter section 600, it is preferable to have a vent hole in the tipping paper 650 directly above the through hole 732 provided in the cooling section 730. When producing such a flavor inhalation article 7, it is possible to prepare a tipping paper 650 in which a vent hole is already provided to cover the through hole 732, and then wrap the tipping paper 650. However, from the point of view of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable to produce a flavor inhalation article 7 without the through hole 732, and then preferably form a perforation that penetrates both the cooling section 730 and the tipping paper 650.

[0211] The through-hole 732 is configured such that during aspiration at 17.5 mL / sec on an automatic smoking machine, the air inflow ratio from the through-hole 732 is 10% to 90% by volume. "Air inflow ratio" is the volume percentage of air flowing into the through-hole 732 when the air intake from the mouthpiece is 100% by volume. Preferably, the air inflow ratio is 50% to 80% by volume, more preferably 55% to 75% by volume.

[0212] The air inflow ratio can be measured using a package quality analyzer (SODIMAX D74 / SODIM manufactured by SAS) based on the ISO 9512 method.

[0213] Furthermore, the flavored inhalation products 2 to 5 according to Examples 2 to 5 may also include a filter section 600, a tipping paper 650, and a cooling section 730.

[0214] <Example 8>

[0215] Figure 14 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the flavored inhalation article 8 according to Example 8.

[0216] The flavor inhalation article 8 according to Example 8 differs from that of the flavor inhalation article 7 according to Example 7 in that, in addition to the flavor inhalation article 7, a tip portion 840 is provided on a third side of the flavor inhalation article 7, and a splice paper 650 secures the flavor inhalation article 7 and the tip portion 840 together. The differences from Example 7 will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same parts in Examples 7 and 8, and these parts will not be described in detail.

[0217] The tip portion 840 is a solid component used to suppress leakage of smoke from the third side surface of the flavor inhalation article 7. For example, the tip portion 840 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and may have the same shape as the third side of the flavor inhalation article 7. The tip portion 840 may be a filter in which filler such as cellulose acetate fiber or nonwoven fabric, or pulp is molded into a square column shape, or it may be a paper filter filled with pulp sheets.

[0218] Furthermore, the tip portion 840 may function to direct only the air that has flowed through the air inlet hole provided in the bottom portion 143 of the holding portion 140 of the inhalation device 100 to a position located on the second side of the second separator 32 of the first laminate 30 and the first side of the second separator 42 of the second laminate 40. When the tip portion 840 has this function, the flavor inhalation article 8 does not need to include the first sealing portion 80.

[0219] Furthermore, the flavor inhalation products 2 to 5 according to Examples 2 to 5 may also include a filter portion 600, a tipping paper 650, a cooling portion 730, and a tip portion 840.

[0220] Summary

[0221] It should be noted that this disclosure includes the following characteristics.

[0222] (1) A flavor inhalation article comprising: a flavor source heated by means of a heating source to generate an aerosol; a flow path forming element for forming a flow path through which the aerosol flows; and an external element for receiving the flow path forming element, wherein the flow path forming element forms the flow path such that the aerosol flows in a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first direction.

[0223] (2) The flavored inhalation article disclosed in (1), wherein the flow path forming element divides the space inside the outer element in an intersecting direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and a connecting path that allows the divided adjacent spaces to communicate with each other is formed such that the aerosol flows through these adjacent spaces.

[0224] (3) The flavored inhalation article disclosed in (2), wherein the flow path forming element includes a sheet-like separator for separating the space inside the outer element, and the communication path is a through hole or cut in the separator.

[0225] (4) The flavored inhalation article disclosed in (2), wherein the external element comprises: an outer peripheral portion that covers the periphery of the flow path forming element in the intersecting direction; a first closure portion that closes one end of the outer peripheral portion in the longitudinal direction and has an inlet hole for air to flow in; and a second closure portion that closes the other end of the outer peripheral portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0226] (5) The flavored inhalation article disclosed in (4) wherein an exhaust port for discharging the aerosol to the outside is formed in a portion of the outer peripheral portion corresponding to the flow path.

[0227] (6) The flavored inhalation article disclosed in (4) wherein an exhaust port for discharging the aerosol to the outside is formed in a portion of the second closed portion corresponding to the flow path.

[0228] (7) A flavored inhalation article disclosed in any of (1) to (6), wherein the flow path forming element is obtained by folding a sheet of plant-based raw material.

[0229] (8) A flavored inhalation article disclosed in any of (1) to (6), wherein the flavor source is a plant-based raw material sheet, the flow path forming element is a paper sheet, and the flavor source and the flow path forming element are laminated.

[0230] (9) A flavor inhalation article disclosed in any one of (1) to (8), wherein the heating source is a sensor disposed in the central portion of the flow path forming element, the heating source generating heat due to a magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic induction source, the electromagnetic induction source being formed by a coil-shaped conductive line disposed around the external element.

[0231] (10) The flavor inhalation article disclosed in (9) wherein the receptor has the shape of a flat plate parallel to the longitudinal direction, the flow path forming element includes a separator for separating the space inside the external element on each of the sides of the receptor, and each of the separators is in surface contact with the receptor.

[0232] (11) A flavored inhalation article disclosed in any of (1) to (10), wherein the flow path forming element has a permeability of 0 CORESTA units to 32,000 CORESTA units.

[0233] List of reference numerals

[0234] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8… Flavored inhalation products, 10… Flavor source, 20… Flow path forming element, 25… Laminate, 30… First laminate, 31, 41… First separator, 32, 42… Second separator, 33, 43… Third separator, 36, 46… First through hole, 37, 47… Second through hole, 40… Second laminate, 50… Receptor, 60… External element, 70… Tubular portion, 77, 91… First hole, 78, 92… Second hole, 80, 380… First closed portion, 90, 390… Second closed portion, 100, 400, 500… Inhalation device, 130… Electromagnetic induction source, 225… Plant-based raw material sheet.

Claims

1. A flavored inhalation product, comprising: Flavor source, which is heated by a heat source to produce an aerosol; A flow path forming element for forming a flow path through which the aerosol flows; as well as External components, which are used to house the flow path forming element. in, The flow path forming element forms the flow path, causing the aerosol to flow in a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flow path forming element divides the space inside the outer element in an intersecting direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction, and forms a connecting path that allows the separated adjacent spaces to communicate with each other, so that the aerosol flows through these adjacent spaces.

3. The flavored inhalation article as described in claim 2, wherein, The flow path forming element includes sheet-like separators for separating the space inside the external element, and The connecting path is a through hole or cutout formed in the separator.

4. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The external element includes: an outer peripheral portion that covers the periphery of the flow path forming element in the intersecting direction; a first closure portion that closes one end of the outer peripheral portion in the longitudinal direction and has an inlet hole for air to flow in; and a second closure portion that closes the other end of the outer peripheral portion in the longitudinal direction.

5. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in claim 4, wherein, An outlet hole for discharging the aerosol to the outside is formed in a portion of the outer periphery corresponding to the flow path.

6. The flavored inhalation article as claimed in claim 4, wherein, An outlet hole for discharging the aerosol to the outside is formed in a portion of the second closed section corresponding to the flow path.

7. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The flow path forming element is a product obtained by folding plant-based raw material sheets.

8. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The flavor source is a plant-based raw material sheet. The flow path forming element is a paper sheet, and The flavor source and the flow path forming element are laminated.

9. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The heating source is a sensor located in the central part of the flow path forming element. The heating source generates heat due to a magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic induction source, which is formed by a coil-shaped conductive line arranged around the external element.

10. The flavored inhalation article of claim 9, wherein, The receptor has a flat plate shape parallel to the longitudinal direction. The flow path forming element includes separators on each side of the receptor to divide the space inside the external element, and Each of these separators is in surface contact with the receptor.

11. The flavored inhalation article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The flow path forming element has a permeability of 0 CORESTA units to 32,000 CORESTA units.

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