Flavor generation article and flavor suction system

Abstract

To suppress reduction of heating efficiency of a flavor source caused by air introduced into a flavor generation article.SOLUTION: A flavor generation article which is heated with microwaves to generate a flavor comprises: a flavor source; and an upstream part configured to make air having flown into the upstream part pass through the flavor source when flavor suction is performed by using the flavor generation article. The upstream part contains a material with a dielectric constant larger than 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, flavor-generating articles for inhaling flavors and the like without burning materials have been known. Among such flavor-generating articles, there is known one that has a flavor source containing tobacco containing volatile components and is heated by microwaves (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 090022 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device for heating an aerosolizable material in Patent Document 1 includes a patch antenna for generating microwaves and a housing having a first portion for receiving the aerosolizable material. In this device, when flavor is inhaled, air introduced from outside may cool the aerosolizable material, potentially reducing the efficiency of heating the aerosolizable material.

[0005] In view of the above, one object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in the heating efficiency of a flavor source due to air introduced into a flavor-generating product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a flavor-generating article that generates a flavor when heated by microwaves, and that includes a flavor source and an upstream portion configured such that air flowing into the upstream portion passes through the flavor source when flavor inhalation is performed using the flavor-generating article, and the upstream portion includes a material having a relative dielectric constant greater than 10.

[0007] According to the first aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heating efficiency of the flavor source due to the air introduced into the flavor-generating product.

[0008] The second aspect is summarized as follows: in the first aspect, the upstream section is configured to heat air directed toward the flavor source when the flavor generating article is contained in the flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation is performed.

[0009] According to the second aspect, it is possible to more reliably prevent a decrease in the heating efficiency of the flavor source due to the air introduced into the flavor-generating product.

[0010] A third aspect is the first or second aspect, wherein the upstream portion includes a filter disposed at an upstream end of the flavor generating article.

[0011] According to the third aspect, it is possible to adjust the airflow resistance of the air flow path in the flavor-generating product while suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0012] A fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the filter has a first air flow path that opens to an outer peripheral surface of the filter.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, external air can flow into the filter through the first air flow path, so that the flavor generated in the flavor source can be delivered to the user more efficiently.

[0014] A fifth aspect is the third or fourth aspect, wherein the filter defines a plurality of second air flow paths extending in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, in the air flow path in the upstream portion, the area facing the portion heated by microwaves can be widened, and the air heading toward the flavor source can be further heated.

[0016] A sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the fifth aspect, the flavor-generating article further includes a sheet member surrounding the filter, and the second air flow path is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the filter and the sheet member, or is formed in a ventilation section formed to include the outer peripheral surface of the filter.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, air can be efficiently introduced into the flavor source disposed on the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article, and the flavor generated in the flavor source can be more efficiently delivered to the user.

[0018] A seventh aspect is summarized as any one of the third to sixth aspects, in that the filter does not contain triacetin.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, the absence of triacetin prevents the filter from melting or changing shape when heated, which would otherwise block the flow path, thereby enabling air to be efficiently introduced into the flavor source disposed on the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article, and thereby enabling the flavor generated in the flavor source to be more efficiently delivered to the user.

[0020] An eighth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the upstream portion includes an aerosol source.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, an aerosol can be generated by utilizing the temperature increase in the upstream portion, and the flavor generated in the flavor source can be delivered to the user more efficiently.

[0022] A ninth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the upstream portion includes at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, functionalized polysilsesquioxane, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, activated carbon, metal powder, semiconductor powder, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and titanium dioxide.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, since these substances have a high relative dielectric constant, the air introduced at the upstream portion can be heated more efficiently by microwaves.

[0024] A tenth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the relative dielectric constant of the material is 40 or less.

[0025] According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to suppress the possibility that microwave energy is concentrated more upstream of the flavor source, resulting in a decrease in heating efficiency of the flavor source.

[0026] An eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the flavor-generating article further comprises a downstream portion located downstream of the flavor source, and the air resistance of the upstream portion is equal to or greater than the air resistance of the downstream portion.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the delivery of flavor to the user due to the capture of flavor components in the downstream section, and it is also possible to suppress the flow rate of air in the upstream section, thereby allowing the air to be heated for a longer period of time in the upstream section.

[0028] A twelfth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the flavor-generating article further comprises a downstream portion located downstream of the flavor source, and the air resistance of the upstream portion is smaller than the air resistance of the downstream portion.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect, it becomes easier to adjust the filter function in the downstream portion.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the airflow resistance of the upstream portion is 5 mmH2O or more and 150 mmH2O or less.

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the air flow velocity in the upstream section from becoming too fast, thereby reducing the risk of insufficient heating of the air in the upstream section, and also to reduce the risk of the airflow resistance in the upstream section becoming too large, making it difficult for the user to inhale.

[0032] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a flavor inhalation system, which comprises the flavor generating article according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects and a flavor inhaler.

[0033] According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heating efficiency of the flavor source due to the air introduced into the flavor-generating product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a flavor inhalation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a flavor inhalation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a flavor inhalation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a flavor generating article according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a flavor inhalation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a flavor generating article according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are a schematic cross-sectional side view and a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a flavor generating article according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. In this specification, the "longitudinal direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, in other words, the direction in which the flavor-generating article is inserted into the flavor inhaler. In addition, in this specification, the "transverse direction" or "radial direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation system including a flavor generating article according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor inhalation system as viewed from an arrow 2-2 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor inhalation system as viewed from an arrow 3-3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a smoking system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a flavor generating article 20 and a flavor inhaler 100. The flavor inhaler 100 is preferably a portable or handheld device. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a battery 102, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 103, a microwave oscillator 104 (corresponding to an example of an oscillator), a waveguide 105, a housing 110, and a heating unit 120. The flavor generating article 20 includes a flavor source 50 that is heated by the flavor inhaler 100. The detailed configuration of the flavor generating article 20 will be described later.

[0037] The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to atomize a flavor or an aerosol source contained in a flavor source 50 of the flavor-generating article 20. The flavor source 50 constitutes a part of the flavor-generating article 20, which has, for example, a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The flavor-generating article 20 may be, for example, a tobacco stick in which the flavor source 50 contains tobacco. The battery 102 stores power used by the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the battery 102 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 102 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0038] The PCB 103 is configured with a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100, specifically the operation of the microwave oscillator 104. For example, the PCB 103 controls the microwave oscillator 104 to start heating the flavor source 50 in response to a user's operation on an input device such as a push button or slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the flavor source 50 after a certain time has elapsed. If the number of puffing actions by the user exceeds a certain value, the PCB 103 may stop heating the flavor source 50 even before the certain time has elapsed since heating of the flavor source 50 began. For example, the puffing action is detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0039] Alternatively, the PCB 103 may control the microwave oscillator 104 to start heating the flavor source 50 in response to the start of a puffing action, and may stop heating the flavor source 50 in response to the end of the puffing action. The PCB 103 may stop heating the flavor source 50 when a certain time has elapsed since the start of the puffing action, even before the end of the puffing action. In this embodiment, the PCB 103 is disposed between the battery 102 and the heating unit 120.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to receive a stick-shaped flavor-generating article 20. As illustrated, the battery 102, PCB 103, microwave oscillator 104, and heating unit 120 can be arranged in a direction in which the flavor-generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100. The housing 110 is a housing that houses the battery 102, PCB 103, and heating unit 120.

[0041] The heating unit 120 has a microwave generating electrode 122, an electrode mount 124, and a chamber 126. The microwave generating electrode 122 has a shape that can be inserted into the flavor source 50, and is configured so that microwaves are radiated from the inside of the flavor source 50 by the microwave oscillator 104. Specifically, the microwave generating electrode 122 extends in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may have a flat shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] The chamber 126 is configured to accommodate at least the flavor source 50 of the flavor-generating article 20. The microwave-generating electrode 122 is arranged to overlap the flavor source 50 in the longitudinal direction when the flavor-generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position within the chamber 126. The microwave-generating electrode 122 is electrically connected to the battery 102 so that power is supplied from the battery 102. The electrode mount 124 is a member for attaching the microwave-generating electrode 122 to the housing 110. The electrode mount 124 can be formed of a material that has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less and does not substantially absorb microwaves, for example.

[0043] The flavor inhaler 100 may include a thermocouple or radiation thermometer configured to detect the temperature at a desired location in the flavor inhaler 100, such as the chamber 126, in order to control the microwave power. The PCB 103 may control the microwave oscillator 104 based on data detected by the thermocouple or radiation thermometer. Alternatively, the PCB 103 may control the power supplied to the microwave generating electrode 122 by detecting the dielectric constant or impedance of a desired component of the flavor inhaler 100, such as the chamber 126, which changes with heating. Alternatively, the power supplied to the microwave generating electrode 122 may be controlled based on a reflected wave that changes in accordance with the change in impedance. For example, the flavor inhaler 100 may include an antenna that receives microwaves radiated from the microwave generating electrode 122, particularly reflected waves that are reflected by a component such as the chamber 126. The intensity, etc. of such reflected waves may change depending on the change in impedance of the component. Therefore, the PCB 103 may control the power supplied to the microwave generating electrode 122 based on the signal obtained via the antenna, for example, the signal strength of the signal.

[0044] The microwave oscillator 104 is, for example, a semiconductor (solid state) oscillator, and generates a high-frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency. Examples of semiconductor oscillators include an LDMOS transistor, a GaAs FET, a SiC MESFET, and a GaN HFET. In this specification, a "high-frequency electromagnetic field" refers to a high-frequency electromagnetic field between 3 Hz and 3 THz. Furthermore, a "microwave" refers to a high-frequency electromagnetic field between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. The microwave oscillator 104 can generate microwaves with a frequency of 2.40 to 2.50 GHz, although this is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the microwave oscillator 104 generates microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz.

[0045] The microwave oscillator 104 may include an amplifier for amplifying the high-frequency electromagnetic field. The microwave oscillator 104 itself may have the amplifier function, or an amplifier may be provided using an electronic component separate from the microwave oscillator 104.

[0046] Although a magnetron oscillator is also used as a device for generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field, when a semiconductor oscillator is used as the microwave oscillator 104, it is possible to make the main body smaller than when a magnetron oscillator is used. Furthermore, a semiconductor oscillator can operate at a lower operating voltage than a magnetron oscillator, and has high frequency stability and output stability. However, the microwave oscillator 104 of this embodiment may be a magnetron oscillator as long as it can generate a high-frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency.

[0047] The microwaves generated by the microwave oscillator 104 propagate through the waveguide 105 and are guided to the microwave generating electrode 122. A coaxial cable may be used instead of the waveguide 105. When the microwave oscillator 104 and the microwave generating electrode 122 are directly connected, the waveguide 105 or the coaxial cable may be omitted.

[0048] Waveguide 105 connects microwave oscillator 104 and microwave generating electrode 122 and is a tube that guides microwaves generated by microwave oscillator 104 to microwave generating electrode 122. Waveguide 105 may be provided with an isolator that protects microwave oscillator 104 by absorbing reflected waves that are not absorbed by flavor-generating article 20 and return toward microwave oscillator 104. Waveguide 105 may also be provided with a power monitor that detects the power of the incident wave from microwave oscillator 104 and the power of the reflected wave from flavor-generating article 20, or an impedance matching unit that matches the impedance on the microwave oscillator 104 side with the impedance on the flavor-generating article 20 side to reduce the power of the reflected wave.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment has an electrically grounded first ground electrode 81. The first ground electrode 81 may be, for example, a flat-plate electrode as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The flavor inhaler 100 preferably further has an electrically grounded second ground electrode 82. The second ground electrode 82 may be, for example, a flat-plate electrode as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. When the first ground electrode 81 and the second ground electrode 82 are both flat-plate electrodes, they may be arranged to face each other substantially parallel to each other as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the microwave generating electrode 122 may be arranged to face at least the first ground electrode 81. This allows microwaves generated by the microwave generating electrode 122 to be shielded by the first ground electrode 81. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the microwave generating electrode 122 is preferably arranged between the first ground electrode 81 and the second ground electrode 82. As a result, the microwaves generated by the microwave generating electrode 122 can be shielded by the first ground electrode 81 and the second ground electrode 82.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the flavor-generating article 20 of this embodiment may include a mouth filter 30, a hollow filter 40, a flavor source 50, and a tip filter 60. In the flavor-generating article 20, the tip filter 60, the flavor source 50, the hollow filter 40, and the mouth filter 30 are arranged adjacently in this order from the tip side in the direction of insertion into the chamber 126 of the smoking system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The flavor-generating article 20 generates flavor by being heated by microwaves. In the flavor-generating article 20 of this embodiment, it is preferable that at least one of the mouth filter 30 and the hollow filter 40 has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less. This prevents microwaves from being absorbed by the mouth filter 30 or the hollow filter 40 from the microwave-generating electrode 122, allowing the flavor source 50 to be efficiently heated. The flavor-generating article 20 is required to include at least the flavor source 50 and the upstream section 11 described below, and other components may be omitted as appropriate.

[0051] The mouth filter 30 may be, for example, a paper filter or an acetate filter. The mouth filter 30 preferably does not contain triacetin. Because triacetin readily absorbs microwaves, not including it in the mouth filter 30 can suppress absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating electrode 122. The mouth filter 30 may have a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less, preferably 4 or less. This suppresses absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating electrode 122 by the mouth filter 30, allowing efficient heating of the flavor source 50. The mouth filter 30 may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of charcoal, a metal mesh, and a metal ring inside or on its surface. This suppresses leakage of microwaves from the microwave generating electrode 122. Specifically, the metal mesh or metal ring reflects microwaves, while the charcoal absorbs microwaves.

[0052] The hollow filter 40 is located closer to the mouthpiece (downstream) than the flavor source 50. The hollow filter 40 has, for example, one or more hollow channels 40a and a packed layer 40b that defines the hollow channels 40a. Because the packed layer 40b has a high fiber packing density, during inhalation, air, flavor, or aerosol flows mostly through the hollow channels 40a and very little through the packed layer 40b. The flavor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 50 is cooled by passing through the hollow channels 40a and reaches the user's mouth. When it is desired to reduce the loss of aerosol components due to filtration by the mouthpiece filter 30 in the flavor-generating article 20, shortening the length of the mouthpiece filter 30 and replacing it with the hollow filter 40 is effective in increasing the amount of flavor or aerosol delivered.

[0053] The hollow filter 40 may be formed of, for example, paper or acetate. Preferably, the hollow filter 40 does not contain triacetin. Because triacetin easily absorbs microwaves, the hollow filter 40 does not contain triacetin, thereby suppressing absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating electrode 122. The relative dielectric constant of the hollow filter 40 may be, for example, 10 or less, preferably 4 or less. This suppresses absorption of microwaves from the microwave generating electrode 122 by the hollow filter 40, allowing efficient heating of the flavor source 50. The hollow filter 40 may contain at least one material selected from the group consisting of charcoal, a metal mesh, and a metal ring inside or on its surface. This suppresses leakage of microwaves from the microwave generating electrode 122.

[0054] The tip filter 60 is disposed upstream of the flavor source 50 and prevents the flavor source 50 from falling out of the flavor-generating article 20. The tip filter 60 is disposed upstream of the flavor source 50 and adjacent to the flavor source 50. The tip filter 60 may be, for example, a paper filter, a molded filter, or an acetate filter. The tip filter 60 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of charcoal, a metal mesh, and a metal ring inside or on its surface. This makes it possible to prevent microwaves from leaking from the microwave-generating electrode 122.

[0055] The tip filter 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is solid. This allows the components of the heated flavor source 50 adhering to the surface of the microwave generating electrode 122 to be wiped off by the tip filter 60 when the microwave generating electrode 122 is pulled out from the flavor-generating article 20. In this case, the tip filter 60 is perforated when the microwave generating electrode 122 is inserted into the flavor-generating article 20. However, the tip filter 60 may be hollow. In other words, the tip filter 60 may have a through-hole extending in the longitudinal direction through which the microwave generating electrode 122 can be inserted. In this case, the insertion resistance of the tip filter 60 to the microwave generating electrode 122 is reduced, allowing the microwave generating electrode 122 to be smoothly inserted into the flavor source 50.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the flavor-generating article 20 preferably further includes a sheet member 70 surrounding the filter and the flavor source 50. This allows the flavor source 50 to be integrally joined to filters, such as the mouthpiece filter 30, the hollow filter 40, and the tip filter 60. The sheet member 70 may be made of a non-tobacco material. Specifically, the sheet member 70 may be made of a material that does not substantially absorb microwaves, such as paper or resin, with a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less. The sheet member 70 may also contain a microwave-absorbing substance, such as charcoal. The sheet member 70 may also be made of a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, or a metal-laminated paper, such as aluminum-laminated paper. In this case, microwaves can be reflected toward the flavor source 50 by metals such as aluminum, allowing the microwaves to be efficiently applied to the flavor source 50. In addition to aluminum, the sheet member 70 may be made of silver, copper, iron, permalloy, nickel, stainless steel, or an alloy containing two or more of these metals.

[0057] The sheet member 70 preferably has one or more holes penetrating between its inner surface and its outer surface, which allows outside air to pass through the holes in the sheet member 70 and flow into the flavor-generating article 20, thereby enabling the flavor generated in the flavor source 50 to be delivered to the user more efficiently.

[0058] The flavor source 50 may come into contact with the sheet member 70. The flavor source 50 is preferably adhered to the sheet member 70. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the flavor source 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the sheet member 70 are preferably adhered to each other with an adhesive or the like. This prevents the flavor source 50 from moving relative to the sheet member 70. In this case, a cast sheet may be created on the sheet member 70 by thinly casting the raw materials including tobacco leaves and a binder that constitute the flavor source 50 onto the sheet member 70 and then drying the tobacco leaves. Alternatively, a rolled sheet may be created on the sheet member 70 by applying pressure to thinly spread the raw materials including tobacco leaves and a binder that constitute the flavor source 50 and then drying the tobacco leaves.

[0059] The flavor source 50 does not have to be adhered to the sheet member 70. Also, the flavor source 50 does not have to be in contact with the sheet member 70. In these cases, for example, the flavor source 50 can be sandwiched between the hollow filter 40 and the tip filter 60 to fix its position.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the flavor source 50 of this embodiment includes a first flavor source 50a positioned between the first ground electrode 81 and the microwave generating electrode 122 during smoking (when the flavor-generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position within the chamber 126). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the flavor source 50 preferably further includes a second flavor source 50b positioned between the second ground electrode 82 and the microwave generating electrode 122 during smoking (when the flavor-generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position within the chamber 126). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a gap S1 is formed between the first flavor source 50a and the second flavor source 50b, and the microwave generating electrode 122 can be inserted into this gap S1. The flavor source 50 of this embodiment includes the first flavor source 50a and the second flavor source 50b facing each other, but is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a cylindrical flavor source 50.

[0061] The flavor source 50 may be, for example, a non-tobacco sheet such as a nonwoven fabric, a tobacco sheet, or a tobacco molded product. When the flavor source 50 is a tobacco sheet, specific examples of the flavor source 50 that can be used include a tobacco leaf sheet, a tobacco leaf cast sheet, and a rolled tobacco leaf sheet. The flavor source 50 may further include an aerosol source. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their components can be selected depending on the application. The aerosol source is preferably a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or a mixture thereof. The tobacco flavor or aerosol source contained in the flavor source 50 contains moisture and can be heated by microwaves irradiated from the microwave generating electrode 122. The loading amount of the flavor source 50 may be, for example, 100 mg to 350 mg, preferably 120 mg to 250 mg.

[0062] The surface area of the flavor source 50 (the surface area of the flavor source 50 that contributes to aerosol generation) is 150 mm 2 Over 4000mm 2 The flavor source 50 may be made of tobacco leaves in the form of strands. In this case, the width of the tobacco leaves in the form of strands is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0063] The flavor source 50 may be loaded with a flavoring agent. The type of the fragrance is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good fragrance sensation, examples thereof include acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, 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 bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, ... Lornelol, clary sage extract, cocoa, coffee, cognac oil, coriander oil, cuminaldehyde, davana oil, delta-decalactone, gamma-decalactone, decanoic 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 hexanoate, 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, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid, la Ingredients: methicone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, immortelle absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, robertia jasmine Orris root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, para-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl 2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, gamma-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, delta-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, omega-pentadecamethyl Calactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenylguaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, alpha-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratrol At least one of aldehydes, violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5), sugar (sucrose, fructose, etc.), cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rosehip powder, chamomile flower powder, lemon verbena powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, black tea powder, natural plant flavors (e.g., jasmine oil, lemon oil, vetiver oil, lovage oil), and esters may be selected.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 1 , when the flavor source 50 is disposed between the first ground electrode 81 or the second ground electrode 82 and the microwave generating electrode 122, there is a possibility that components of the heated flavor source 50 will adhere to the microwave generating electrode 122. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the flavor-generating article 20 has a protective sheet 52 positioned inside the flavor source 50. This allows the microwave generating electrode 122 to come into contact with the flavor source 50, making it difficult for components of the flavor source 50 to adhere to the microwave generating electrode 122. The protective sheet 52 can be disposed between the first ground electrode 81 and the microwave generating electrode 122 during smoking (when the flavor-generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 126). The protective sheet 52 can also be disposed between the second ground electrode 82 and the microwave generating electrode 122 during smoking (when the flavor-generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 126). 3, the protective sheet 52 is tubular, and more specifically may be a paper tube, and may be placed around the microwave-generating electrode 122. The protective sheet 52 does not have to be tubular.

[0065] 3, flavor generating article 20 has a flat cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when being smoked (when flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position within chamber 126). Flavor generating article 20 may be pre-formed into the flat cross-sectional shape shown in Fig. 3, or flavor generating article 20 with a circular cross-section may be deformed into the flat cross-sectional shape shown in Fig. 3 by being housed in chamber 126.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the flavor generating article 20 when not inserted into the flavor inhaler 100. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 20 at a position corresponding to cross section 2-2 in FIG. 1. When the flavor generating article 20 is housed in the flavor inhaler 100 and a flavor is inhaled, air is introduced into an air flow path 90 of the flavor generating article 20 by inhaling with the user's inhalation. In FIG. 4, this air flow path 90 is schematically indicated by an arrow. The air flow path 90 is formed so that the introduced air passes through the tip filter 60, the flavor source 50, the hollow filter 40, and the mouthpiece filter 30 in this order. Hereinafter, the portion of the flavor generating article 20 upstream of the flavor source 50 along the air flow path 90 will be referred to as an upstream portion 11, and the portion downstream of the flavor source 50 will be referred to as a downstream portion 12.

[0067] The upstream section 11 is configured so that when flavor inhalation is performed using the flavor-generating article 20, air flowing into the upstream section 11 passes through the flavor source 50, and the air that has passed through the flavor source 50 passes through the downstream section 12. In the illustrated example, the upstream section 11 includes a tip filter 60, and the downstream section 12 includes a mouthpiece filter 30 and a hollow filter 40. However, this is not limited thereto, and the upstream section 11 and the downstream section 12 can include any number of filters, etc. In the present embodiment, the upstream section 11 includes the tip filter 60 arranged at the upstream end of the flavor-generating article 20, thereby making it possible to adjust the airflow resistance of the air flow path 90 while suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0068] The flavor generating article 20 has an insertion end 21 and a mouth end 22 formed on the opposite side of the insertion end 21. The flavor generating article 20 is configured to be inserted into the flavor inhaler 100 from the insertion end 21. The insertion end 21 of the flavor generating article 20 is the upstream end, and the mouth end 22 is the downstream end. The flavor generating article 20 of this embodiment is configured so that air is introduced into the air flow path 90 from the end face of the insertion end 21. As shown in FIG. 3 , in the smoking system 10 of this embodiment, when the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100 and positioned at a desired position, a space exists between the sheet member 70 of the flavor generating article 20 and the chamber 126. Therefore, air is introduced in the insertion direction from the opening of the flavor inhaler 100 through which the flavor generating article 20 is inserted, and then introduced into the air flow path 90 from the insertion end 21 at the bottom of the chamber 126.

[0069] The upstream section 11 formed by the tip filter 60 contains a material with a relative dielectric constant greater than 10. This makes it easier for the temperature of the tip filter 60 to rise due to microwaves from the microwave generating electrode 122. Therefore, the air introduced into the air flow path 90 of the flavor-generating article 20 is heated before it reaches the flavor source 50, and therefore it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heating efficiency of the flavor source 50 caused by the flavor source 50 being cooled by air introduced from outside.

[0070] From a similar viewpoint, it is preferable that the upstream portion 11 contains at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, functionalized polysilsesquioxane, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, activated carbon, metal powder, semiconductor powder, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and titanium dioxide.

[0071] The upstream section 11 can contain an aerosol source. This allows an aerosol to be generated by utilizing a temperature rise in the upstream section 11, and the flavor generated in the flavor source 50 can be efficiently delivered to the user. From this perspective, the upstream section 11 preferably contains glycerin. The content of the aerosol source in the upstream section 11 may be 5% to 30% by weight of the upstream section 11.

[0072] The dielectric constant of the material contained in the upstream section 11 is preferably 40 or less. Alternatively, the dielectric constant is preferably smaller than that of glycerin. Glycerin is preferably contained in the flavor source 50 because it has a high dielectric constant and functions as an aerosol source. When the flavor source 50 contains glycerin or a substance with an equivalent dielectric constant, if a substance with a higher dielectric constant than that of the glycerin or a substance with an equivalent dielectric constant is present in the upstream section 11, microwave energy is concentrated more in the upstream section 11 than in the flavor source 50, reducing the heating efficiency of directly heating the flavor source 50. By setting the dielectric constant of the material contained in the upstream section 11 to 40 or less, such a reduction in heating efficiency can be suppressed. Furthermore, the tip filter 60 preferably does not contain triacetin. If the tip filter 60 contains triacetin, the tip filter 60 is more likely to melt or change shape when heated by microwaves. Therefore, since the tip filter 60 does not contain triacetin, air can be efficiently introduced into the flavor source 50 arranged on the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article 20, for example, and the flavor generated in the flavor source 50 can be more efficiently delivered to the user.

[0073] The airflow resistance of the upstream section 11 is preferably 5 mmH2O or more. A high airflow resistance in the upstream section 11 reduces the air flow rate in the upstream section 11, allowing the air to be heated for a longer period of time in the upstream section 11. Therefore, warmer air can be introduced into the flavor source 50. The airflow resistance in the upstream section 11 is preferably 150 mmH2O or less. A low airflow resistance in the upstream section 11 makes it easier for the user to inhale. Here, airflow resistance is measured in accordance with the ISO standard (ISO 6565:2015), for example, using a filter airflow resistance meter manufactured by Cerulean. Airflow resistance refers to the difference in air pressure between one end face (first end face) and the other end face (second end face) when a predetermined air flow rate (1050 cc / min) is flowed from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) without air permeation through the side of the object. It is generally expressed in mmH2O. Airflow resistance varies depending on the length of the object.

[0074] The airflow resistance of the upstream section 11 can be the same as or greater than the airflow resistance of the downstream section 12. This can prevent a decrease in the efficiency of delivering the flavor to the user due to capture of flavor components in the downstream section 12. Furthermore, since the air flow velocity in the upstream section 11 can be reduced, the air can be heated for a longer period in the upstream section 11. The airflow resistance of the upstream section 11 may be smaller than the airflow resistance of the downstream section 12. This can increase the airflow resistance of the downstream section 12, making it easier to adjust the filter function in the downstream section 12.

[0075] In the flavor generating article 20 and smoking system 10 of this embodiment, the upstream section 11 is configured to heat the air directed toward the flavor source 50 when the flavor generating article 20 is housed in the flavor inhaler 100 and flavor inhalation is performed. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in heating efficiency due to the air introduced into the flavor generating article 20.

[0076] Second embodiment The smoking system 10a of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the smoking system 10 of the first embodiment, but differs from the smoking system 10 in that it includes a flavor generating article 20a and a flavor inhaler 100a instead of the flavor generating article 20 and the flavor inhaler 100, respectively. FIG. 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the smoking system 10a. The flavor inhaler 100a has a chamber 126a and a microwave generating electrode 122a. In this embodiment, the flavor generating article 20a, the flavor inhaler 100a, and the microwave generating electrode 122a are cylindrical, and the chamber 126a and the microwave generating electrode 122a can be rotationally symmetric about a central axis Ax extending in the insertion direction. It is preferable that the flavor source 50 be formed in an annular shape in order to uniformly heat the flavor source 50.

[0077] In this embodiment, the chamber 126a may have a vent (not shown) at its bottom, which communicates with the space in which the flavor-generating article 20a is accommodated. This vent may be connected to an air inlet (not shown) formed at any position on the outer surface of the flavor inhaler 100a via a flow path formed inside the flavor inhaler 100a. Air introduced from outside the flavor inhaler 100a can be introduced into the chamber 126a through this vent.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor-generating article 20a. The flavor-generating article 20a has a tip filter 60a. As shown in FIG. 6, the tip filter 60a can have a first air flow path 61 opening on its outer peripheral surface. In the illustrated example, the first air flow path 61 is a vent hole that communicates with the outer peripheral surface of the tip filter 60a and extends in the radial direction. This allows outside air to flow into the tip filter 60a through the first air flow path 61, thereby more efficiently delivering the flavor generated in the flavor source 50 to the user.

[0079] Fig. 7 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the flavor-generating article 20a. Specifically, Fig. 7 discloses Fig. 7(a) showing a longitudinal cross-section of the flavor-generating article 20a and Fig. 7(b) showing a cross-section of the flavor-generating article 20a taken along the arrows 7b-7b in Fig. 7(a). In the example of Fig. 7(b), the flavor-generating article 20a has a tip filter 60b, which has a filter body 610 and a ventilation section 620. The filter body 610 has radially protruding projections 611 formed on its outer circumferential surface in the insertion direction. A ventilation section 620 is formed between adjacent projections 611.

[0080] The ventilation section 620 is formed of an air-permeable material, such as a fibrous or porous material. Thus, the ventilation section 620 may have a second air flow path 62 formed therein, communicating the upstream and downstream sides of the tip filter 60b. In the example shown in FIG. 7(b), eight ventilation sections 620 are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the outer periphery of the tip filter 60b. However, this is not limiting and the number of ventilation sections 620 and their circumferential positions may be arbitrary. The ventilation sections 620 may also be arranged around the entire circumference of the tip filter 60b. That is, an annular ventilation section 620 may be arranged to surround the filter body 610. The tip filter 60b may not have a ventilation section 620, and the position where the ventilation section 620 would be located may be hollow.

[0081] In this way, the tip filter 60b can define a plurality of second air flow paths 62 extending in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 20a. This can increase the area of the air flow path in the upstream section 11 facing the portion of the upstream section 11 heated by microwaves, thereby further warming the air heading toward the flavor source 50. Furthermore, in the flavor-generating article 20a, the second air flow paths 62 can be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tip filter 60b and the sheet member 70, or can be formed in a ventilation section 620 formed to include the outer peripheral surface of the tip filter 60b. This allows air to be efficiently introduced into the annularly arranged flavor sources 50, and the flavor generated in the flavor source 50 can be more efficiently delivered to the user. Note that in the example of FIG. 7, the tip filter 60b has through-holes S2 communicating with the gap S1, but this is not limited thereto, and the tip filter 60b of this embodiment may be solid.

[0082] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical idea described in the specification and drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0083] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flavor-generating article is a flavor-generating article that generates a flavor when heated by microwaves, and includes a flavor source and an upstream portion configured so that when flavor inhalation is performed using the flavor-generating article, air flowing into the upstream portion passes through the flavor source, and the upstream portion includes a material having a dielectric constant greater than 10. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the upstream portion is configured to heat air directed toward the flavor source when the flavor generating article is contained in the flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation is performed. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the upstream portion includes a filter disposed at an upstream end of the flavor generating article. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the filter has a first air flow path that opens to an outer peripheral surface of the filter. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect, the filter defines a plurality of second air flow paths extending in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, a sheet member surrounding the filter is further provided, and the second air flow path is formed between the outer surface of the filter and the sheet member, or is formed in a ventilation section formed including the outer surface of the filter. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the third to sixth aspects, the filter does not contain triacetin. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the upstream portion includes an aerosol source. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the upstream portion comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, functionalized polysilsesquioxane, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, activated carbon, metal powder, semiconductor powder, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and titanium dioxide. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the material has a relative dielectric constant of 40 or less. According to an 11th aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the flavor-generating article further comprises a downstream portion located downstream of the flavor source, and the air resistance of the upstream portion is equal to or greater than the air resistance of the downstream portion. According to the 12th aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the flavor-generating article further comprises a downstream portion located downstream of the flavor source, and the air resistance of the upstream portion is smaller than the air resistance of the downstream portion. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the airflow resistance of the upstream portion is 5 mmH2O or more and 150 mmH2O or less. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a flavor inhalation system includes the flavor generating article according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects and a flavor inhaler. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10, 10a: Smoking system 11:Upstream 12: Downstream 20, 20a: Flavor-generating items 50: Flavor source 50a: 1st flavor source 50b:Second flavor source 60, 60a, 60b: Tip filter 61: First air flow path 62: Second air flow path 81: 1st ground electrode 82:Second ground electrode 100,100a: Flavor aspirator 104: Microwave oscillator 110: Housing 120: Heating unit 122, 122a: Microwave generating electrode 126, 126a: Chamber 610: Filter body 620: Ventilation section Ax: Central axis of the chamber

Claims

1. A flavor generating article that generates a flavor when heated by microwaves, Flavor source and an upstream section configured such that when flavor inhalation is performed using the flavor-generating article, air flowing into the upstream section passes through the flavor source; Equipped with The flavor generating article wherein the upstream portion comprises a material with a dielectric constant greater than 10.

2. The flavor generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the upstream portion is configured to heat air directed toward the flavor source when the flavor generating article is housed in the flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation is performed.

3. The flavor generating article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upstream portion includes a filter disposed at an upstream end of the flavor generating article.

4. The flavor-generating article according to claim 3 , wherein the filter has a first air flow passage that opens to an outer peripheral surface of the filter.

5. The flavor generating article of claim 3 or 4, wherein the filter defines a plurality of second air flow paths extending longitudinally of the flavor generating article.

6. Further comprising a sheet member surrounding the filter, The flavor-generating article according to claim 5 , wherein the second air flow path is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the filter and the sheet member, or is formed in a ventilation section that includes the outer peripheral surface of the filter.

7. The flavor generating article of claim 3 , wherein the filter is free of triacetin.

8. The flavor generating article of claim 1 , wherein the upstream portion includes an aerosol source.

9. 9. The flavor-generating article of claim 1, wherein the upstream portion comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, functionalized polysilsesquioxane, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, activated carbon, metal powder, semiconductor powder, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and titanium dioxide.

10. The flavor generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the material has a relative dielectric constant of 40 or less.

11. a downstream portion downstream of the flavor source; The flavor-generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the airflow resistance of the upstream portion is equal to or greater than the airflow resistance of the downstream portion.

12. a downstream portion downstream of the flavor source; The flavor-generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the airflow resistance of the upstream portion is smaller than the airflow resistance of the downstream portion.

13. The airflow resistance of the upstream portion is 5 mmH ２ O or more 150mmH ２ The flavor generating article of claim 1 , wherein the flavor generating article has a viscosity of 0 or less.

14. A flavor inhalation system comprising the flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a flavor inhaler.

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