Non-heating type fragrance component releasing device, non-heating type fragrance attractor, and non-heating type fragrance sustained release device

Abstract

This non-heating type flavor component emission device comprises: a hollow casing in which are formed a first opening, a second opening, and a flow path that guides airflow from the first opening to the second opening; a water retention body that is disposed inside the flow path, retains moisture, and discharges the moisture into the airflow; and a discharge body that is disposed in the flow path and disposed closer to the second opening than the water retention body, and discharges a flavor component into the airflow. The discharge body includes an absorber containing an absorption material, a humidity conditioning component that contains salt for forming hydrate crystals in a range of relative humidity of 30-80% RH, that is present inside the water absorption material, and that absorbs / discharges water, and the flavor component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device, a non-heating type fragrance attracting device, and a non-heating type fragrance sustained release device. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-121774 filed in Japan on July 26, 2021, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional combustion-type cigarettes generate sidestream smoke that affects the surroundings due to combustion. Also, heating-type cigarettes currently in use require a battery to generate vapor. In contrast, non-heating type cigarettes do not generate sidestream smoke and do not require a battery.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an aromatic cartridge. In the aromatic cartridge, aerosol smoke and fragrance components are generated by heating a heating element (paragraph 0101).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The fragrance component releasing device constituting the non-heating type cigarette does not have desirable fragrance component releasing properties. For this reason, non-heating type cigarettes cannot give smokers sufficient satisfaction.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device, a non-heating type fragrance attracting device, and a non-heating type fragrance sustained release device having desirable fragrance component releasing properties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A non-heating type fragrance component releasing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a hollow casing in which a first opening, a second opening, and a flow path for guiding an air flow from the first opening to the second opening are formed, a water retaining body disposed in the flow path for retaining moisture and releasing the moisture into the air flow, and a releasing body disposed in the flow path closer to the second opening than the water retaining body for releasing a fragrance component into the air flow. The releasing body includes an absorber containing a water absorbent material, a salt that forms a hydrate crystal within a range of relative humidity of 30% RH or more and 80% RH or less, a humidity adjusting component that is inherent in the water absorbent material and absorbs and releases water, and the fragrance component.

[0008] A non-heating type fragrance attractor according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cylindrical holder having an inlet through which the air flow enters, an outlet through which the air flow exits, and a housing space that extends from the inlet to the outlet and houses the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device, and having a suction port portion in which the outlet is formed.

[0009] A non-heating type fragrance sustained release device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cylindrical holder in which an inlet through which the air flow enters, an outlet through which the air flow exits, and a housing space that extends from the inlet to the outlet and houses the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device are formed, and a generating mechanism that is disposed along the inlet or the outlet for generating the air flow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0012] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Non-heating type fragrance component releasing device FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] The non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 allows an air flow AF to pass therethrough and releases a fragrance component into the passing air flow AF. The non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 is detachably attached to a main body such as a non-heating type fragrance attractor or a non-heating type fragrance slow-release device. The non-heating type fragrance attractor is also called a non-heating type tobacco or the like. The non-heating type fragrance slow-release device is also called a non-heating type air freshener or the like. The air flow AF is generated by suction or blowing.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 includes a hollow casing 101, a water retaining body 102, and a releasing body 103.

[0015] The hollow casing 101 has a cylindrical shape. For this reason, a first opening 101A, a second opening 101B, and a flow path 101C are formed in the hollow casing 101.

[0016] The flow path 101C extends from the first opening 101A to the second opening 101B. Thereby, the air flow AF enters the flow path 101C through the first opening 101A, is guided from the first opening 101A to the second opening 101B by the flow path 101C, and exits the flow path 101C through the second opening 101B.

[0017] The water retaining body 102 is disposed in the flow path 101C. The water retaining body 102 can allow the air flow AF to pass therethrough. The water retaining body 102 retains moisture and releases the retained moisture into the passing air flow AF. When the water retaining body 102 is caused to retain moisture, an operation such as immersing the water retaining body 102 in water is performed by the user.

[0018] The emitter 103 is disposed in the flow path 101C. The emitter 103 can allow the air flow AF to pass through. The emitter 103 releases the fragrance component into the passing air flow AF. The emitter 103 is disposed closer to the second opening 101B than the water retention body 102. Thereby, the emitter 103 is disposed on the downstream side of the air flow AF from the water retention body 102.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the emitter 103 is composed of one emission material 111.

[0020] The emission material 111 releases the fragrance component into the air flow AF.

[0021] The emission material 111 contains water in the constituent materials. The moisture content of the constituent materials varies depending on the relative humidity of the air around the emission material 111. The equilibrium moisture content of the emission material 111 changes according to the relative humidity of the surrounding air and reaches a stable state. The equilibrium moisture content is synonymous with the moisture absorption rate. The emission material 111 has a threshold humidity. When the relative humidity of the air around the emission material 111 is higher than the threshold humidity of the emission material 111, the emission material 111 releases the fragrance component into the air around it. When the relative humidity of the air around the emission material 111 is lower than the threshold humidity of the emission material 111, the emission material 111 does not release the fragrance component into the air around it. The threshold humidity of the emission material 111 can be adjusted by the materials constituting the emission material 111. The gradual release amount of the fragrance component by the emission material 111 can be controlled by the relative humidity of the air around the emission material 111.

[0022] In the initial state, the water retention body 102 has a high relative humidity. Also, the emitter 103 has a relative humidity lower than the threshold humidity of the emitter 103.

[0023] The water retention body 102 allows the air flow AF to pass through, releases moisture into the passing air flow AF, and generates an air flow AF having a high relative humidity.

[0024] The emitter 103 allows the generated air flow AF to pass through, absorbs the moisture contained in the passing air flow AF, and releases a fragrance component into the air flow AF passing through after the relative humidity becomes higher than the threshold humidity, thereby generating an air flow AF containing the fragrance component.

[0025] As a result, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 has a desirable fragrance component releasing property. For example, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 can release a sufficient amount of fragrance component to give satisfaction to the user.

[0026] In addition, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 can cause the emitter 103 to release the fragrance component only by bringing the emitter 103 into contact with the air flow AF without heating the emitter 103.

[0027] A person is more likely to feel the fragrance expressed by the fragrance component contained in the air as the relative humidity of the air increases. The air flow AF containing the fragrance component generated by the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 has a high relative humidity. As a result, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 can make it easier for the user to feel the fragrance.

[0028] The moisture held in the water retaining body 102 decreases as the water retaining body 102 releases the moisture. Therefore, when the moisture held in the water retaining body 102 decreases, an operation such as immersing the water retaining body 102 in water is performed again by the user. As a result, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 can repeatedly release the fragrance component.

[0029] The gap between the hollow casing 101 and the water retaining body 102 is preferably made small. The gap between the hollow casing 101 and the emitter 103 is also preferably made small. By making these gaps small, the air flow AF passing through these gaps can be reduced, and the air flow AF passing sequentially through the water retaining body 102 and the emitter 103 can be increased. As a result, the amount of the fragrance component carried by the air flow AF can be increased.

[0030] 1.2 Water retaining body The water retention body 102 contains moisture within it.

[0031] The water retention body 102 contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a water-absorbing resin and a porous body that retains moisture by capillary action.

[0032] The water-absorbing resin is a resin that swells and retains moisture. The water-absorbing resin has, for example, a particulate, powdery, or fibrous shape, etc.

[0033] The porous body that retains moisture by capillary action is, for example, a foam, a fiber, or a filter. The foam is, for example, a sponge. The fiber is, for example, a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric.

[0034] 1.4 Release Material FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the release material provided in the non-heating type fragrance component release device of the first embodiment.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, when the relative humidity of the air around the release material 111 is higher than the equilibrium humidity of the release material 111, the release material 111 absorbs moisture from the air around it, and when the relative humidity of the air around the release material 111 is lower than the equilibrium humidity of the release material 111, the release material 111 releases moisture to the air around it. The equilibrium humidity of the release material 111 can be adjusted by the material constituting the release material 111.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the release material 111 includes a water absorption body 131, a humidity control component 132, and a fragrance component 133. The water absorption body 131 is composed of a water absorption material 141. The humidity control component 132 and the fragrance component 133 are contained within the water absorption material 141. The humidity control component 132 absorbs or releases water. The humidity control component 132 contains a deliquescent component.

[0037] The water absorption body 131 and the water absorption material 141 have a particulate shape. The water absorption body 131 and the water absorption material 141 have, for example, a diameter ranging from several millimeters to several tens of millimeters. The water absorption body 131 and the water absorption material 141 have a packing ratio such that a gap through which an air flow AF can pass is formed between the particles.

[0038] The water-absorbing material 141 can chemically or physically absorb the deliquescent components contained in the humidity control component 132. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the deliquesced components from detaching from the water-absorbing material 141 and the occurrence of water separation from the water-absorbing material 141. When the humidity control component 132 is a humidity control liquid, the water-absorbing material 141 can be impregnated with the humidity control liquid. Desirably, 1 to 1000 parts by weight of the humidity control liquid is impregnated into 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbing material 141. By using the humidity control liquid impregnated in the water-absorbing material 141, the area of the interface between the humidity control component 132 and the air can be widened compared to the case where the humidity control liquid is used alone. Thereby, the release rate of the moisture and the fragrance component 133 can be increased.

[0039] The water-absorbing material 141 contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a water-absorbing resin and a clay mineral.

[0040] The water-absorbing resin may be an ionic resin or a non-ionic resin.

[0041] The ionic resin contains, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal salt of polyacrylic acid and a starch-acrylate graft polymer. The alkali metal salt of polyacrylic acid contains, for example, sodium polyacrylate.

[0042] The non-ionic resin contains, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a vinyl acetate copolymer, a maleic anhydride copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, and a polyalkylene oxide.

[0043] The clay mineral contains, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a silicate mineral and a zeolite. The silicate mineral contains, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of sepiolite, attapulgite, kaolinite, perlite, and dolomite.

[0044] The deliquescent component includes salts that form hydrate crystals within the range of relative humidity from 30% RH to 80% RH. The salt preferably has a deliquescence point within the range of relative humidity from 30% RH to 80% RH. Thereby, the humidity conditioning component 132 has a threshold humidity within the range of relative humidity from 30% RH to 80% RH. When the relative humidity of the surrounding air is lower than the threshold humidity, it can hardly absorb moisture. When the relative humidity of the surrounding air becomes higher than the threshold humidity, it can absorb moisture. The salt includes, for example, metal salts or carboxylates. The metal salt or carboxylate includes at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate.

[0045] The humidity conditioning component 132 may include other components different from the above-described deliquescent component. For example, the humidity conditioning component 132 may include an additive for adjusting the above-described threshold humidity. The additive includes at least one selected from the group consisting of other salts different from the above-described salts, polyhydric alcohols, and nucleating agents for hydrate crystals of the above-described salts.

[0046] The other salts include at least one selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium benzoate, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium lactate, potassium lactate, potassium acetate, lithium acetate, potassium formate, sodium butyrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium chloride, and potassium carbonate.

[0047] The polyhydric alcohol includes at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and lactic acid, and preferably includes a polyhydric alcohol having three or more hydroxyl groups. The polyhydric alcohol having three or more hydroxyl groups includes, for example, glycerin. The polyhydric alcohol may form a dimer or a polymer.

[0048] The nuclear generating material contains at least one selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids having two or more carboxyl groups and amides having two or more amide groups, for example.

[0049] The flavor component 133 contains at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, menthol, mint, chocolate, licorice, fruit flavors, gamma - octalactone, vanilla, ethylvanillin, spice flavors, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavors.

[0050] 1.5 Threshold humidity of carboxylate Figure 4 is a graph showing the moisture sorption isotherms of sodium acetate, sodium propionate, and sodium formate. In the graph shown in Figure 4, the relative humidity is taken on the horizontal axis and the moisture absorption rate is taken on the vertical axis.

[0051] Carboxylates, especially the sodium salts of carboxylic acids, hydrate to form strong hydrate crystals with water molecules. The formed strong hydrate crystals further hydrate and deliquesce to liquefy. However, a large amount of energy is required for the formed strong hydrate crystals to further hydrate. For this reason, carboxylates hydrate to form strong hydrate crystals with water molecules when the relative humidity reaches the first relative humidity, and the hydrate crystals deliquesce and liquefy when the relative humidity reaches a second relative humidity greater than the first relative humidity. For example, as shown in Figure 4, sodium acetate forms strong hydrate crystals with water molecules when the relative humidity is about 70%RH or less, and the hydrate crystals deliquesce and liquefy when the relative humidity reaches about 80%RH. The hydrate crystals are trihydrates. Also, sodium propionate and sodium formate form strong hydrate crystals with water molecules when the relative humidity is about 50%RH or less, and the hydrate crystals deliquesce and liquefy when the relative humidity reaches about 60%RH.

[0052] Therefore, carboxylates, especially sodium carboxylates, have a threshold humidity that includes a relative humidity at which they form strong hydrate crystals with water molecules and / or a deliquescence point at which they deliquesce and liquefy. When the relative humidity of the surrounding air is lower than the threshold humidity, the absorption of moisture beyond that required to form hydrate crystals with water molecules does not proceed. When the relative humidity of the surrounding air becomes higher than the threshold humidity, the absorption of moisture proceeds rapidly and the moisture absorption rate increases. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the relative humidity of the surrounding air is generally lower than 70-80% RH, sodium acetate does not absorb moisture beyond that required to form the trihydrate. When the relative humidity of the surrounding air becomes generally higher than 70-80% RH, the absorption of moisture proceeds rapidly and the moisture absorption rate increases. Also, when the relative humidity of the surrounding air is generally lower than 50-60% RH, sodium propionate and sodium formate do not absorb moisture beyond that required to form hydrate crystals. When the relative humidity of the surrounding air becomes generally higher than 50-60% RH, the absorption of moisture proceeds rapidly and the moisture absorption rate increases.

[0053] Therefore, carboxylates have a threshold humidity that forms the boundary between the relative humidity at which little moisture absorption occurs and the relative humidity at which rapid moisture absorption occurs. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, sodium acetate has a threshold humidity of generally 70-80% RH. Also, sodium propionate and sodium formate have a threshold humidity of generally 50-60% RH.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the moisture sorption isotherms of a moisture-absorbing component containing type B silica gel, a humidity-regulating component containing lithium chloride and glycerin, and a humidity-regulating component containing sodium formate as the main ingredient. In the graph shown in FIG. 5, the relative humidity is taken on the horizontal axis and the moisture absorption rate is taken on the vertical axis.

[0055] The water absorption rates of the moisture absorption component and the humidity control component without a threshold humidity gradually increase as the relative humidity increases. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the water absorption rates of the moisture absorption component containing type B silica gel and the humidity control component containing lithium chloride and glycerin gradually increase as the relative humidity increases. In contrast, the water absorption rate of the humidity control component 132 having a threshold humidity is low within the range of relative humidity lower than the threshold humidity, and rapidly increases as the relative humidity increases within the range of relative humidity higher than the threshold humidity. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the water absorption rate of the humidity control component 132 containing sodium formate as the main ingredient is low within the range of relative humidity of approximately 0 to 50% RH, and rapidly increases as the relative humidity increases within the range of relative humidity of approximately 50 to 90% RH. Therefore, the humidity control component 132 has a threshold humidity that separates the relative humidity at which almost no moisture absorption occurs from the relative humidity at which moisture absorption rapidly proceeds. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the humidity control material containing sodium formate as the main ingredient has a threshold humidity of approximately 50 to 60% RH that separates the relative humidity at which almost no moisture absorption occurs from the relative humidity at which moisture absorption rapidly proceeds.

[0056] Two or more kinds of carboxylates may be combined and included in the humidity control component 132. The above-described additives may be included in the humidity control component 132 to affect the formation of hydrate crystals, and the threshold humidity and the humidity control characteristics may be adjusted.

[0057] 1.6 Release of Fragrance Components FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the release of fragrance components from a release material provided in the non-heating type fragrance component release device of the first embodiment.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, when the relative humidity is lower than the threshold humidity, the deliquescent component 151 is crystallized, and the fragrance component 133 is incorporated into the interior of the crystals of the deliquescent component 151. For this reason, the release of the fragrance component 133 from the release material 111 is suppressed.

[0059] On the one hand, when the relative humidity is higher than the threshold humidity, the deliquescent component 151 is not crystallized, the crystal structure of the deliquescent component 151 is dissolved, and the fragrance component 133 is released from the deliquescent component 151. Therefore, the fragrance component 133 is slowly released from the release material 111.

[0060] By these means, the release material 111 can be given the function of an aromatic agent that uses the change in relative humidity as a trigger for the expression of fragrance.

[0061] When the relative humidity is lower than the threshold humidity and the deliquescent component 151 is crystallized, the outer shell of the water absorbent 141 hardens, and the water absorbent 141 becomes a turbid capsule shape. On the other hand, when the relative humidity is higher than the threshold humidity and the deliquescent component 151 is not crystallized, the water absorbent 141 becomes transparent.

[0062] 1.7 Manufacturing method of the release material FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are diagrams schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing a release material provided in the non-heating type fragrance component release device of the first embodiment.

[0063] In the manufacture of the release material 111, as shown in FIG. 7A, the water absorbent body 131 is prepared.

[0064] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7B, the humidity conditioning liquid 161 is prepared. Further, the prepared water absorbent body 131 is immersed in the prepared humidity conditioning liquid 161. The state in which the water absorbent body 131 is immersed in the humidity conditioning liquid 161 is continued, for example, over several hours to one day. Thereby, the humidity conditioning liquid 161 penetrates into the water absorbent body 131 and the release material 111 is formed. The penetrated humidity conditioning liquid 161 becomes the humidity conditioning component 132 and the fragrance component 133 provided in the release material 111.

[0065] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7C, the formed release material 111 is pulled up from the remaining humidity conditioning liquid 161. The pulled-up release material 111 is swollen, for example, 2 to 20 times.

[0066] 1.8 Another example of the water absorbent body FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a first alternative example of the water absorbent body provided in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device of the first embodiment.

[0067] The water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 8 has a powdery shape. The water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 8 has a diameter of, for example, several μm to several mm. The water absorbent body 131 and the water absorbent material 141 have a filling rate such that a gap through which the air flow AF can pass is formed between the powders.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a second alternative example of the water absorbent body provided in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device of the first embodiment.

[0069] The water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 9 has a sheet-like shape. The water absorbent body 131 and the water absorbent material 141 can allow the air flow AF to pass through.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a third alternative example of the water absorbent body provided in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device of the first embodiment.

[0071] The water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 10 includes a water absorbent material 141 and a carrier 142. In the water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 10, the water absorbent material 141 has a powdery or granular shape. The carrier 142 is a porous body. The porous body is a foam. The water absorbent material 141 is supported by the carrier 142. When the porous body constituting the carrier 142 is a foam, the carrier 142 has high rigidity. Thereby, the releasing material 111 has a stable shape. The carrier 142 may be impregnated with a humidity control liquid. The water absorbent body 131 and the carrier 142 can allow the air flow AF to pass through.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fourth alternative example of the water absorbent body provided in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device of the first embodiment.

[0073] The water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 11 includes a water absorbent material 141 and a carrier 142. In the water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 11, the water absorbent material 141 has a powdery or granular shape. Further, the carrier 142 is a porous body. The porous body is a non-woven fabric or a woven fabric. Further, the water absorbent material 141 is carried on the carrier 142. When the porous body constituting the carrier 142 is a non-woven fabric or a woven fabric, the carrier 142 has flexibility. Therefore, the carrier 142 can be deformed. The carrier 142 may be impregnated with a humidity conditioning liquid. The water absorbent body 131 and the carrier 142 can allow an air flow AF to pass therethrough. Therefore, the water absorbent material 141 can efficiently contact the air flow.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a fifth alternative example of the water absorbent body provided in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device of the first embodiment.

[0075] The water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 12 includes a water absorbent material 141 and a carrier 142. In the water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 12, the water absorbent material 141 has a powdery or granular shape. Further, the carrier 142 is a ventilation member through which an air flow can pass in a direction perpendicular to the cross section shown in FIG. 12. The ventilation member includes, for example, a non-woven fabric corrugate. Further, the water absorbent material 141 is carried on the carrier 142. According to the water absorbent body 131 shown in FIG. 12, by passing the air flow through the ventilation member, the water absorbent material 141 carried on the ventilation member can be efficiently brought into contact with the air, and the fragrance component 133 can be efficiently released from the water absorbent material 141. The carrier 142 may be impregnated with a humidity conditioning liquid. The water absorbent body 131 and the carrier 142 can allow an air flow AF to pass therethrough. Therefore, the water absorbent material 141 can efficiently contact the air flow.

[0076] 1.9 Modification In the above description, the case where the water retention body 102 is a sponge, a non-woven fabric, a filter, or the like has been described.

[0077] However, the water retention body 102 may be a water retention body that includes a water absorbent body 131 and a humidity conditioning component 132 and has moisture therein.

[0078] 2 Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points not described, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also employed in the second embodiment.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device according to the second embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 2 according to the second embodiment includes a partition plate 201.

[0081] The partition plate 201 is detachably attached inside the flow path 101C. The partition plate 201 is detachably attached from the outside of the hollow casing 101. The partition plate 201 is attached inside the flow path 101C when the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 2 is not in use, and is removed from the inside of the flow path 101C when the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 2 is in use. When the partition plate 201 is attached inside the flow path 101C, it separates the water retention body 102 and the release body 103, and when removed from the inside of the flow path 101C, it does not separate the water retention body 102 and the release body 103. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an air flow AF having a high relative humidity from passing through the release body 103 containing the deliquescent component 151 that has been crystallized when the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 2 is not in use.

[0082] Further, in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 2 according to the second embodiment, the water retention body 102 is a water retention body that includes a water absorbent 131 and a humidity adjusting component 132 and has water inside.

[0083] The water retention body 102 may be a releasing material that includes a water absorption body 131, a humidity control component 132, and a fragrance component 133, and releases the fragrance component 133 into the air flow AF. In this case, the releasing material 111 is the first releasing material, the water retention body 102 is the second releasing material, the fragrance component 133 released by the releasing material 111 is the first fragrance component, and the fragrance component released by the water retention body 102 is the second fragrance component.

[0084] In this case, in the initial state, the water retention body 102 has a relative humidity higher than the threshold humidity of the water retention body 102. For this reason, the water retention body 102 contains a deliquescent component 151 that is not crystallized. Further, the water retention body 102 has a high relative humidity, desirably, a relative humidity of 70% RH or more, more desirably, 80% RH or more and 100% RH or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the relative humidity of the water retention body 102 from becoming lower than the relative humidity of the air around the water retention body 102 and the water retention body 102 from absorbing moisture without releasing moisture. Thereby, the operation of supplying moisture to the water retention body 102 can be eliminated.

[0085] The water retention body 102 passes the air flow AF, releases moisture and the second fragrance component into the passed air flow AF, and generates an air flow AF having a high relative humidity and containing the second fragrance component.

[0086] The releasing body 103 passes the generated air flow AF, absorbs the moisture contained in the passed air flow AF, and after the relative humidity becomes higher than the threshold humidity, releases moisture and the first fragrance component into the passed air flow AF, and generates an air flow AF having a high relative humidity and containing the first fragrance component and the second fragrance component.

[0087] FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of changes in the release amounts of the first fragrance component and the second fragrance component released by the non-heated fragrance component releasing device of the second embodiment with the passage of time after the generation of the air flow is started. In the graph shown in FIG. 15, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time, and the vertical axis represents the release amount.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 15, the release amount of the second fragrance component released by the water retention body 102 is large immediately after the generation of the air flow AF is started. On the other hand, the release amount of the first fragrance component generated by the emitter 103 is small immediately after the generation of the air flow AF is started, and becomes large when the relative humidity of the air around the emitter 103 becomes larger than the threshold humidity. Thus, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 2 releases the second fragrance component immediately after the generation of the air flow AF is started, and releases the first fragrance component after a certain period of time has elapsed since the generation of the air flow AF was started. Thereby, the user can enjoy the change in the fragrance expressed by the first and second fragrance components over time, the mixing of the fragrances expressed by the first and second fragrance components, and the like.

[0089] 3 Third Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the third embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. Regarding the points not described, the same configurations as those employed in the second embodiment are also employed in the third embodiment.

[0090] Fig. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device of the third embodiment. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device of the third embodiment.

[0091] As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 3 of the third embodiment, the emitter 103 includes a plurality of release materials 111 and 112.

[0092] The plurality of release materials 111 and 112 are two release materials. The plurality of release materials 111 and 112 may be three or more release materials.

[0093] The plurality of release materials 111 and 112 are arranged in the direction in which the flow path 101C extends. Thereby, the plurality of release materials 111 and 112 are arranged in the direction in which the air flow AF flows.

[0094] The plurality of emitters 111 and 112 each emit a plurality of fragrance components into the air flow AF.

[0095] Each of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 has a threshold humidity, and when the relative humidity is higher than the threshold humidity, the fragrance component of each emitter is emitted, and when the relative humidity is lower than the threshold humidity, the fragrance component of each emitter is not emitted.

[0096] The threshold humidities of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 are different from each other. Desirably, the threshold humidities of the emitters included in the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 increase as the position where the emitter is disposed is closer to the downstream side of the air flow AF.

[0097] Each of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 has a relative humidity lower than the threshold humidity of each emitter in the initial state.

[0098] The water retaining body 102 allows the air flow AF to pass through, releases moisture into the passing air flow AF, and generates an air flow AF having a high relative humidity.

[0099] The emitter 111 allows the generated air flow AF to pass through, absorbs the moisture contained in the passing air flow AF, and after the relative humidity becomes higher than the threshold humidity, releases moisture and the first fragrance component into the passing air flow AF to generate an air flow AF having a high relative humidity and containing the first fragrance component.

[0100] The emitter 112 allows the generated air flow AF to pass through, absorbs the moisture contained in the passing air flow AF, and after the relative humidity becomes higher than the threshold humidity, releases moisture and the second fragrance component into the passing air flow AF to generate an air flow AF having a high relative humidity and containing the first fragrance component and the second fragrance component.

[0101] The moisture absorption of the moisture retaining body 102 progresses from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow AF. Therefore, as described above, by causing the release of the fragrance component to progress from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow AF, the fragrance component can be efficiently carried by the air flow AF.

[0102] FIG. 18 is a graph showing an example of changes in the release amounts of the first fragrance component, the second fragrance component, and the third fragrance component released by the non-heating type fragrance component release device of the third embodiment with the passage of time since the generation of the air flow started. In the graph shown in FIG. 18, the passage of time is taken on the horizontal axis, and the release amount is taken on the vertical axis.

[0103] The third fragrance component is the fragrance component 133 released by the moisture retaining body 102 when the moisture retaining body 102 is a release material that includes the water absorbent 131, the humidity adjusting component 132, and the fragrance component 133 and releases the fragrance component 133 into the air flow AF.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 18, the release amount of the third fragrance component released by the water storage body 102 is large immediately after the generation of the air flow AF is started. On the other hand, the release amount of the first fragrance component released by the upstream release material 111 is small immediately after the generation of the air flow AF is started, and increases from the time when the relative humidity of the air around the release material 111 becomes greater than the threshold humidity. Also, the release amount of the second fragrance component released by the downstream release material 112 is small immediately after the generation of the air flow AF is started, and increases from the time when the relative humidity of the air around the release material 112 becomes greater than the threshold humidity. That is, the non-heating type fragrance component release device 3 releases the third fragrance component immediately after the generation of the air flow AF is started, releases the first fragrance component and the second fragrance component after a certain period of time has elapsed since the generation of the air flow AF was started, and releases the third release component after releasing the second fragrance component. Thereby, the user can enjoy changes in the fragrance expressed by the first fragrance component, the second fragrance component, and the third fragrance component over time, the mixing of the fragrances expressed by the first fragrance component, the second fragrance component, and the third fragrance component, and the like. When a person is exposed to the same fragrance for a long time, the person's sense of smell adapts to the fragrance and it becomes difficult to feel the fragrance. Therefore, by sequentially exposing the person to the fragrances expressed by the third fragrance component, the first fragrance component, and the second fragrance component, the person's sense of smell can be made to feel the fragrance over a long period of time.

[0105] FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically showing a first alternative example of a plurality of release materials provided in the non-heating type fragrance component release device of the third embodiment.

[0106] The plurality of emitters 111 and 112 illustrated in FIG. 19 are linearly arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the flow path 101C extends. As a result, the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 are linearly arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air flow AF flows. In this case, the threshold humidities of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 may be the same, or even when the threshold humidities of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 are different, any of the threshold humidities of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 may be higher. The water absorbents 131 and the water-absorbing materials 141 of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 may be the same or different among the forms shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 to 12. The larger the surface areas of the water absorbents 131 and the water-absorbing materials 141, the more the contact efficiency with the air flow is improved, and thus the fragrance component 133 can be efficiently released. By selecting the water absorbents 131 and the water-absorbing materials 141, a time width can be provided for the release of the fragrance component 133.

[0107] FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically showing a second alternative example of a plurality of emitters provided in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device according to the third embodiment.

[0108] The plurality of emitters 111 and 112 illustrated in FIG. 20 are arranged concentrically in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the flow path 101C extends. As a result, the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 are arranged concentrically in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air flow AF flows. In this case, the threshold humidities of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 may be the same, or even when the threshold humidities of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 are different, any of the threshold humidities of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 may be higher. The water absorbents 131 and the water-absorbing materials 141 of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 may be the same or different among the forms shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 to 12. The larger the surface areas of the water absorbents 131 and the water-absorbing materials 141, the more the contact efficiency with the air flow is improved, and thus the fragrance component 133 can be efficiently released. By selecting the water absorbents 131 and the water-absorbing materials 141, a time width can be provided for the release of the fragrance component 133.

[0109] When a plurality of emitters 111 and 112 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air flow AF flows, the fragrance component emitted by one of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 does not pass through the other of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the fragrance component emitted by one of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 from being adsorbed by the other three of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 and weakening the fragrance expressed by the fragrance component emitted by one of the plurality of emitters 111 and 112. In addition, the fragrance components emitted by the plurality of emitters 111 and 112 can be efficiently carried by the air flow AF.

[0110] 4 Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Regarding the points not described, the same configurations as those adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the fourth embodiment.

[0111] FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device of the fourth embodiment.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 21, in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 4 of the fourth embodiment, similarly to the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 3 of the third embodiment, the emitter 103 includes a plurality of emitters 111 and 112.

[0113] Further, in the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 4 of the fourth embodiment, the hollow casing 101 includes a transparent window 401.

[0114] The transparent window 401 does not transmit the air flow AF but transmits light.

[0115] The emitter 103 is arranged along the transparent window 401. Thereby, the emitter 103 can be visually recognized from the outside of the hollow casing 101 through the transparent window 401. Thereby, the appearance of the emitter 103 can be grasped. When the appearance of the emitter 103 indicates whether or not the fragrance component 133 can be released, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 can indicate whether or not the fragrance component 133 can be released.

[0116] As described above, when the component 151 that deliquesces with a relative humidity lower than the threshold humidity is crystallized, the outer shell of the water absorbent 141 hardens, and the water absorbent 141 becomes a turbid capsule shape. On the other hand, when the component 151 that deliquesces with a relative humidity higher than the threshold humidity is not crystallized, the water absorbent 141 becomes transparent. Such a change in the appearance of the water absorbent 141 appears as a change in the appearance of the release material 111. And the change in the appearance of the release material 111 can be visually recognized from the outside of the non-heating type fragrance component release device 4 through the transparent window 401. Thereby, it is possible to indicate whether the fragrance component 133 can be released by the release material 111, and it is possible to indicate the end of the sustained release of the fragrance component 133.

[0117] The release materials 111 and 112 may contain a pigment. Thereby, it is possible to more clearly grasp whether or not the deliquescing component 151 is crystallized. The pigment is preferably an edible pigment. Thereby, even when the pigment is released together with the fragrance component, an edible pigment having high safety is released, and a non-heating type fragrance component release device 4 having high safety for the user can be provided. The edible pigment contains, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of annatto pigment, turmeric pigment, caramel pigment, gardenia blue pigment, gardenia red pigment, gardenia yellow pigment, cochineal pigment, red kojic pigment, safflower red pigment, safflower yellow pigment, anthocyanin pigment, paprika pigment, and flavonoid pigment.

[0118] 5 Fifth Embodiment FIG. 22 is a perspective view schematically showing a non-heating type fragrance attractor according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the non-heating type fragrance attractor according to the fifth embodiment.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the non-heating type fragrance attractor 5 according to the fifth embodiment includes a non-heating type fragrance component release device 501 and a cylindrical holder 502.

[0120] The non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 501 is the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 of the first embodiment, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 2 of the second embodiment, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 3 of the third embodiment, or the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 4 of the fourth embodiment, or a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device obtained by modifying any of these. The non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 501 is a cartridge that is detachably attached to the cylindrical holder 502.

[0121] The cylindrical holder 502 has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, an inlet 502A, an outlet 502B, and an accommodation space 502C are formed in the cylindrical holder 502.

[0122] The accommodation space 502C extends from the inlet 502A to the outlet 502B. Thereby, the air flow AF enters the accommodation space 502C through the inlet 502A, is guided from the inlet 502A to the outlet 502B by the accommodation space 502C, and exits the accommodation space 502C through the outlet 502B.

[0123] The accommodation space 502C accommodates the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 501.

[0124] The cylindrical holder 502 includes a suction port portion 511. The suction port portion 511 is at one end of the cylindrical holder 502. The outlet 502B is formed in the suction port portion 511.

[0125] The user of the non-heating type fragrance suction device 5 generates an air flow AF by sucking the suction port portion 511. Thereby, the user can suck the air flow AF containing the fragrance component. Thus, different from combustion type tobacco and heated tobacco, entertainment similar to smoking can be enjoyed without heating. Also, even when the fragrance component does not contain the fragrance component of tobacco, by performing entertainment imitating smoking with a fragrance component that is not the fragrance component of tobacco, relaxation of the mind and body, improvement of health and beauty can be realized. Further, by replacing the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 501, various fragrance components can be enjoyed.

[0126] 6 Sixth Embodiment FIG. 24 is a perspective view schematically showing a non-heating type fragrance slow-release device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the non-heating type fragrance slow-release device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the non-heating type fragrance slow-release device 6 according to the sixth embodiment includes a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 601, a cylindrical holder 602, and a blower device 603.

[0128] The non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 601 is the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 1 according to the first embodiment, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 2 according to the second embodiment, the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 3 according to the third embodiment, or the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, or a non-heating type fragrance component releasing device obtained by modifying any of these. The non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 601 is a cartridge that is detachably attached to the cylindrical holder 602.

[0129] The cylindrical holder 602 has a cylindrical shape. For this reason, an inlet 602A, an outlet 602B, and an accommodation space 602C are formed in the cylindrical holder 602.

[0130] The accommodation space 602C extends from the inlet 602A to the outlet 602B. Thereby, the air flow AF enters the accommodation space 602C through the inlet 602A, is guided from the inlet 602A to the outlet 602B by the accommodation space 602C, and exits the accommodation space 602C through the outlet 602B.

[0131] The accommodation space 602C accommodates the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 601.

[0132] The blower device 603 is arranged along the inlet 602A. The blower device 603 generates the air flow AF. The blower device 603 may be arranged along the outlet 602B.

[0133] As a result, the air flow AF containing the fragrance component can be discharged from the outlet 602B, and the fragrance component can be slowly released. Thereby, relaxation of the mind and body, promotion of health and beauty can be realized. Further, by replacing the non-heating type fragrance component releasing device 601, various fragrance components can be enjoyed.

[0134] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same object.

Claims

1. A hollow casing formed with a first opening, a second opening, and a flow path for guiding an air flow from the first opening to the second opening; A water retention body disposed in the flow path, retaining moisture, and releasing the moisture into the air flow; A release body disposed in the flow path, disposed closer to the second opening than the water retention body, and releasing a fragrance component into the air flow; Comprising; The release body is; An absorber containing a water absorbent; A humidity control component that contains a salt that forms a hydrate crystal within a range of relative humidity of 30% RH or more and 80% RH or less, is inherent in the water absorbent, and absorbs and releases water; The fragrance component; Including; A non-heated fragrance component release device.

2. The salt includes a metal salt that forms a hydrate crystal within a range of relative humidity of 30% RH or more and 80% RH or less. The non-heated fragrance component release device according to Claim 1.

3. The salt includes a carboxylate. The non-heated fragrance component release device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The salt includes at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate. The non-heated fragrance component release device according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The water retention body includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a water absorbent resin and a porous body that retains the moisture by capillary action. The non-heated fragrance component release device according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. A partition plate that is detachably disposed in the flow path and separates the water retention body and the release body when mounted in the flow path. The non-heated fragrance component release device according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. The water retention body contains the moisture therein. The non-heated fragrance component release device according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. The release body is a first release body, The fragrance component is a first fragrance component, The water retention body is a second release body that releases a second fragrance component into the air flow. The non-heated fragrance component release device according to Claim 1 or 2.

9. The release body includes a plurality of release materials that each release a plurality of fragrance components into the air flow. The non-heated fragrance component release device according to Claim 1 or 2.

10. The plurality of release materials are arranged in a direction in which the flow path extends, Each of the plurality of release materials has a threshold humidity, releases the fragrance component of each release material when the relative humidity is higher than the threshold humidity, and does not release the fragrance component of each release material when the relative humidity is lower than the threshold humidity. The threshold humidity of the release material increases as the position where the release material contained in the plurality of release materials is arranged is closer to the downstream side of the air flow. The non-heating type fragrance component release device according to claim 9.

11. The hollow casing includes a transparent window arranged along the release body. The non-heating type fragrance component release device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The non-heating type fragrance component release device according to claim 1 or 2, a cylindrical holder having an inlet through which the air flow enters, an outlet through which the air flow exits, and a housing space formed from the inlet to the outlet and housing the non-heating type fragrance component release device, and having a suction port portion where the outlet is formed. A non-heating type fragrance aspirator comprising the same.

13. The non-heating type fragrance component release device according to claim 1 or 2, a cylindrical holder in which an inlet through which the air flow enters, an outlet through which the air flow exits, and a housing space formed from the inlet to the outlet and housing the non-heating type fragrance component release device are formed, a generating mechanism arranged along the inlet or the outlet to generate the air flow. A non-heating type fragrance sustained release device comprising the same.

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