Suction device and method for manufacturing the suction device

Abstract

Provided is technology whereby it is possible to fully taste the flavor of tobacco leaf.　An inhalator 10 is provided with: a liquid accommodation part 50 for accommodating an extract liquid of tobacco leaf; an electrical load 40 which is disposed in an air passage 20 through which air passes, into which the extract liquid in the liquid accommodation part 50 is introduced, and which atomizes the introduced extract liquid to generate an aerosol; and a packed body 60 of tobacco leaf that has been packed into a place further to the upstream side or downstream side in the flow direction of air than the load 40 in the air passage 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device and a method for manufacturing the suction device, and more particularly, to a non-combustion heating type suction device and a method for manufacturing the suction device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a non-combustion heating type suction device, there is known a suction device including a liquid storage part that stores an extract of tobacco leaves, and an electrical load into which the extract of the liquid storage part is introduced and that atomizes the introduced extract to generate an aerosol (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, as another prior art document, Patent Document 2 can be cited. Patent Document 2 discloses information regarding an extract of tobacco leaves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The conventional suction device as described above has room for improvement from the viewpoint of fully enjoying the flavor of tobacco leaves.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and one of its objects is to provide a technique that can fully enjoy the flavor of tobacco leaves.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (Aspect 1) To achieve the above object, a suction device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a liquid storage unit that stores an extract of tobacco leaves, and is disposed in an air passage through which air passes. When the extract of the liquid storage unit is introduced, the introduced extract is atomized to generate an aerosol, and an electrical load, and a filler of tobacco leaves filled at a location upstream or downstream of the load in the air flow direction in the air passage.

[0008] According to this aspect, it is possible to add the flavor components of the tobacco leaves contained in the extract and the flavor components of the tobacco leaves contained in the filler to the air passing through the air passage. Thereby, it is possible to fully enjoy the flavor of the tobacco leaves.

[0009] Further, according to this aspect, it is also possible to design a flavor that cannot be fully expressed only by the flavor components of the tobacco leaves contained in the extract or only by the flavor components of the tobacco leaves contained in the filler.

[0010] (Aspect 2) In the above aspect 1, the air passage includes a load passage portion where the load is disposed, at least one upstream passage portion that communicates with the load passage portion and is disposed upstream of the load passage portion in the air flow direction, and a downstream passage portion that communicates with the load passage portion and is disposed downstream of the load passage portion in the air flow direction. The air flow direction in the at least one upstream passage portion is opposite to the air flow direction in the downstream passage portion, and the filler may be filled in the at least one upstream passage portion.

[0011] (Aspect 3) In the above aspect 2, the at least one upstream passage portion includes a first upstream passage portion and a second upstream passage portion. The first upstream passage portion and the second upstream passage portion are disposed adjacent to the liquid storage unit so as to sandwich the liquid storage unit between the first upstream passage portion and the second upstream passage portion, and the filler may be filled in the first upstream passage portion and the second upstream passage portion, respectively.

[0012] (Aspect 4) In the above-described Aspect 2, the at least one upper flow path portion may be one upper flow path portion, and the one upper flow path portion may be disposed adjacent to the liquid storage portion.

[0013] (Aspect 5) In the above-described Aspect 1, the air passage has a load passage portion where the load is disposed, and a lower flow passage portion that communicates with the load passage portion and is disposed downstream in the air flow direction from the load passage portion, and the packing material may be filled in the lower flow passage portion.

[0014] (Aspect 6) In the above-described Aspect 5, the lower flow passage portion has a diameter-expanded portion provided in a part of the lower flow passage portion and having a larger diameter than other parts of the lower flow passage portion, and the packing material may be filled in the diameter-expanded portion.

[0015] (Aspect 7) In the above-described Aspect 6, the other part of the lower flow passage portion is provided so as to penetrate inside the liquid storage portion, or is provided so as to be adjacent to the liquid storage portion in the thickness direction of the suction device, and the diameter-expanded portion may be disposed downstream in the air flow direction from the other part.

[0016] (Aspect 8) In any one of the above-described Aspects 1 to 7, the packing material may be constituted by a material filled with tobacco shreds of tobacco leaves, or a material filled with tobacco leaf powder particles, or a material filled with tobacco leaf granules, or a molded body in which the tobacco shreds, the powder particles, or the granules are solidified and formed into a predetermined shape.

[0017] (Aspect 9) In order to achieve the above object, a method for manufacturing a suction device according to an aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing a suction device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 7, including an extraction step of extracting a flavor component from tobacco leaves, and processing tobacco residue, which is the tobacco leaves after being extracted in the extraction step, into tobacco flakes, powder grains, or granules to produce a processed product, or manufacturing a molded body by solidifying the processed product and molding it into a predetermined shape. The method further includes an extraction liquid manufacturing step of manufacturing an extraction liquid of tobacco leaves by adding the flavor component extracted in the extraction step to a solvent, and an assembly step of housing the extraction liquid of tobacco leaves manufactured in the extraction liquid manufacturing step in the liquid storage portion and filling the processed product or the molded body manufactured in the processing step at a location upstream or downstream in the air flow direction from the load in the air passage.

[0018] According to this aspect, while effectively utilizing tobacco residue as a material for the filler, it is possible to manufacture the suction device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 7. Thereby, the flavor of tobacco leaves can be fully enjoyed.

[0019] (Aspect 10) In the above aspect 9, the extraction step may further include reducing the amount of a carbonized component contained in the extracted flavor component that becomes a carbide when heated to 250°C.

[0020] According to this aspect, since the amount of the carbonized component adhering to the load can be reduced, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of charring on the load.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the aspect of the present invention, the flavor of tobacco leaves can be fully enjoyed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, the suction device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings of the present application are schematically illustrated for easy understanding of the features of the embodiment, and the dimensional ratios of each component are not necessarily the same as the actual ones. In addition, in the drawings of the present application, X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinates are illustrated as necessary.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the suction device 10 according to the present embodiment. The suction device 10 according to the present embodiment is a non-combustion heating type suction device, and specifically, it is a non-combustion heating type electronic cigarette.

[0025] The suction device 10 according to this embodiment extends, for example, in the direction of the central axis CL of the suction device 10. Specifically, the suction device 10 has, for example, an external shape having a "longitudinal direction (the direction of the central axis CL)", a "width direction" orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a "thickness direction" orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the width direction. The dimensions of the suction device 10 in the longitudinal direction, width direction, and thickness direction are decreasing in this order. In this embodiment, among the X - Y - Z orthogonal coordinates, the direction of the Z - axis (Z - direction or - Z - direction) corresponds to the longitudinal direction, the direction of the X - axis (X - direction or - X - direction) corresponds to the width direction, and the direction of the Y - axis (Y - direction or - Y - direction) corresponds to the thickness direction.

[0026] The suction device 10 has a power supply unit 11 and an atomization unit 12. The power supply unit 11 is detachably connected to the atomization unit 12. Inside the power supply unit 11, a battery as a power source, a control device, and the like are arranged. When the atomization unit 12 is connected to the power supply unit 11, the power of the power supply unit 11 and a load 40 (described later) of the atomization unit 12 are electrically connected.

[0027] The atomization unit 12 is provided with an air discharge port 13. The air containing the aerosol is discharged from this discharge port 13. When using the suction device 10, the user of the suction device 10 can inhale the air discharged from this discharge port 13.

[0028] The power supply unit 11 is provided with a sensor that outputs the value of the pressure change inside the suction device 10 caused by the user's suction through the discharge port 13. When the user starts to inhale air, the sensor senses the start of this air inhalation and transmits it to the control device, and the control device starts energizing the load 40 of the atomization unit 12 (described later). Also, when the user finishes inhaling air, the sensor senses the end of this air inhalation and transmits it to the control device, and the control device ends the energization of the load 40.

[0029] Note that, the power supply unit 11 may be provided with an operation switch for transmitting an air suction start request and an air suction end request to the control device by a user's operation. In this case, by operating the operation switch, the user can transmit an air suction start request or an air suction end request to the control device. Then, the control device that has received this suction start request or suction end request performs energization start or energization end to the load 40.

[0030] Note that, the configuration of the power supply unit 11 as described above is the same as that of the power supply unit of a known suction device as exemplified in Patent Document 1, so a more detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the atomization unit 12 of the suction device 10. Specifically, FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-section obtained by cutting the main part of the atomization unit 12 with a plane including the central axis CL. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross-section taken along line A1-A1 of FIG. 2 (that is, a cross-section obtained by cutting with a cutting plane having the central axis CL as the normal). The atomization unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0032] The atomization unit 12 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of wall portions (wall portions 70a to 70g) extending in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the central axis CL), and also includes a plurality of wall portions (wall portions 71a to 71c) extending in the width direction. Further, the atomization unit 12 includes an air passage 20, a wick 30, an electrical load 40, a liquid storage portion 50, and a filler 60.

[0033] The air passage 20 is a passage through which air (Air) passes when a user sucks air (that is, when sucking an aerosol). The air passage 20 according to the present embodiment includes an upper flow passage portion, a load passage portion 22, and a lower flow passage portion 23. The upper flow passage portion according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of upper flow passage portions, specifically, an upper flow passage portion 21a (that is, the "first upper flow passage portion") and an upper flow passage portion 21b (that is, the "second upper flow passage portion").

[0034] The upstream flow path portions 21a and 21b are arranged on the upstream side (upstream side in the air flow direction) of the load flow path portion 22. The downstream end portions of the upstream flow path portions 21a and 21b communicate with the load flow path portion 22. The load flow path portion 22 is a flow path portion in which a load 40 is arranged inside. The downstream flow path portion 23 is a flow path portion arranged on the downstream side (downstream side in the air flow direction) of the load flow path portion 22. The upstream end portion of the downstream flow path portion 23 communicates with the load flow path portion 22. Further, the downstream end portion of the downstream flow path portion 23 communicates with the aforementioned discharge port 13. The air that has passed through the downstream flow path portion 23 is discharged from the discharge port 13.

[0035] Specifically, the upstream flow path portion 21a according to the present embodiment is provided in a region surrounded by a wall portion 70a, a wall portion 70b, a wall portion 70e, a wall portion 70f, a wall portion 71a, and a wall portion 71b. Further, the upstream flow path portion 21b is provided in a region surrounded by a wall portion 70c, a wall portion 70d, a wall portion 70e, a wall portion 70f, a wall portion 71a, and a wall portion 71b. The load flow path portion 22 is provided in a region surrounded by a wall portion 70a, a wall portion 70d, a wall portion 70e, a wall portion 70f, a wall portion 71b, and a wall portion 71c. The downstream flow path portion 23 is provided in a region surrounded by a cylindrical wall portion 70g.

[0036] Holes 72a and 72b are provided in the wall portion 71a. Air flows into the upstream flow path portion 21a from the hole 72a and into the upstream flow path portion 21b from the hole 72b. Further, holes 72c and 72d are provided in the wall portion 71b. The air that has passed through the upstream flow path portion 21a flows into the load flow path portion 22 from the hole 72c, and the air that has passed through the upstream flow path portion 21b flows into the load flow path portion 22 from the hole 72d.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the air flow direction in the upstream flow path portions 21a and 21b is opposite to the air flow direction in the downstream flow path portion 23. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the air flow direction in the upstream flow path portions 21a and 21b is the -Z direction, and the air flow direction in the downstream flow path portion 23 is the Z direction.

[0038] Also, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper flow path portions 21a and 21b according to the present embodiment are arranged adjacent to the liquid storage portion 50 so as to sandwich the liquid storage portion 50 between the upper flow path portion 21a and the upper flow path portion 21b.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper flow path portion 21a according to the present embodiment is arranged on one side (-X direction side) with the liquid storage portion 50 sandwiched therebetween in a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane having the central axis CL as a normal line. On the other hand, the upper flow path portion 21b is arranged on the other side (X direction side) with the liquid storage portion 50 sandwiched therebetween in this cross-sectional view. In other words, the upper flow path portion 21a is arranged on one side of the liquid storage portion 50 in the width direction of the suction device 10, and the upper flow path portion 21b is arranged on the other side of the liquid storage portion 50 in the width direction of the suction device 10.

[0040] Note that the cross-sectional shapes of the upper flow path portion 21a and the upper flow path portion 21b are not limited to polygons (quadrilaterals in FIG. 3 as an example) as illustrated in FIG. 3, and may be shapes other than polygons (for example, circular shapes, etc.).

[0041] The wick 30 is a member for introducing the extract of the liquid storage portion 50 into the load 40 of the load passage portion 22. As long as it has such a function, the specific configuration of the wick 30 is not particularly limited. However, the wick 30 according to the present embodiment introduces the extract of the liquid storage portion 50 into the load 40 by utilizing capillary action as an example.

[0042] The load 40 is an electrical load for introducing the extract from the liquid storage part 50 and atomizing the introduced extract to generate an aerosol. The specific configuration of the load 40 is not particularly limited, and for example, a heating element such as a heater or an element such as an ultrasonic generator can be used. In this embodiment, a heater is used as an example of the load 40. As this heater, a heating resistor (i.e., a heating wire), a ceramic heater, a dielectric heating type heater, etc. can be used. In this embodiment, as an example of this heater, a heating resistor is used, and as an example of this heating resistor, a heating resistor having a coil shape is used. That is, the load 40 according to this embodiment is a so-called coil heater. This coil heater is wound around the wick 30.

[0043] Also, as an example, the load 40 according to this embodiment is arranged at a part of the wick 30 inside the load passage part 22. The load 40 is electrically connected to the power supply and the control device of the above-described power supply unit 11, and generates heat when electricity from the power supply is supplied to the load 40 (i.e., generates heat when energized). Also, the operation of the load 40 is controlled by the control device. The load 40 heats the extract from the liquid storage part 50 introduced into the load 40 through the wick 30 to atomize it and generate an aerosol.

[0044] Note that the configurations of the wick 30 and the load 40 are the same as those of the wick and the load used in known suction devices as exemplified in Patent Document 1, so further detailed description is omitted.

[0045] The liquid storage part 50 is a part for storing the extract (Le) of tobacco leaves. The liquid storage part 50 according to the present embodiment is provided in a region surrounded by the wall part 70b, the wall part 70c, the wall part 70e, the wall part 70f, the wall part 71a, and the wall part 71b. Also, in the present embodiment, as an example, the above-described lower flow path part 23 is provided so as to penetrate the liquid storage part 50 in the direction of the central axis CL. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the lower flow path part 23 may be provided so as to be adjacent to the liquid storage part 50 in the thickness direction (the direction of the Y-axis) of the suction device 10.

[0046] In the present embodiment, as the extract of tobacco leaves, one containing the flavor components of tobacco leaves in a predetermined solvent is used. The specific type of the predetermined solvent is not particularly limited. For example, one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, and water, or a liquid containing two or more substances selected from this group can be used. In the present embodiment, as an example of the predetermined solvent, glycerin and propylene glycol are used.

[0047] Incidentally, specific examples of the flavor components of tobacco leaves include, for example, nicotine.

[0048] The filler 60 is a filler of tobacco leaves. Specifically, the filler 60 according to the present embodiment is composed of tobacco leaves filled in a part of the air passage 20. Also, the filler 60 according to the present embodiment is filled in the upper flow path parts 21a and 21b, respectively.

[0049] Note that the filling rate (filling rate defined by volume ratio) of the filler 60 in the portion of the air passage 20 where the filler 60 is disposed (in this embodiment, the upper flow passage portions 21a and 21b) is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, as an example, it is 60% or more. That is, the filling rate of the filler 60 in the upper flow passage portion 21a filled in the upper flow passage portion 21a according to this embodiment, and the filling rate of the filler 60 in the upper flow passage portion 21b filled in the upper flow passage portion 21b are each 60% or more (100% or less). However, this numerical value is only an example, and the filling rate of the filler 60 is not limited thereto. Also, the filling rate of the filler 60 in the upper flow passage portion 21a and the filling rate of the filler 60 in the upper flow passage portion 21b do not have to be the same value, and may be different from each other.

[0050] As the tobacco leaves constituting the filler 60, they may be "tobacco cuts (tobacco leaves that have been cut)", "powder grains" of tobacco leaves, "granules" of tobacco leaves, or a "formed body" in which tobacco cuts, powder grains, or granules are solidified and formed into a predetermined shape. Note that the powder grains of tobacco leaves refer to those obtained by pulverizing tobacco cuts into a powder state. Also, the granules of tobacco leaves refer to those in which a plurality of powder grains are solidified into grains having a size larger than that of the powder grains.

[0051] In this embodiment, as an example of the filler 60, a "formed body" in which tobacco cuts of tobacco leaves are solidified and formed into a predetermined shape is used, and the surface of this "formed body" is coated with a coating material such as wax. Such a filler 60 is filled in the upper flow passage portion 21a and the upper flow passage portion 21b, respectively. Note that the coating with this coating material may not be provided. However, it is preferable that the surface of the formed body is coated with a coating material in that it becomes easy to maintain the shape of the formed body.

[0052] Note that the shape of the molded body as the filling body 60 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be rod-shaped (a shape where the length is longer than the width), cube-shaped (a shape with sides of the same length), or other shapes. As an example, the shape of the filling body 60 according to the present embodiment is rod-shaped, specifically, a rod-shaped polyhedron.

[0053] In this way, by using the molded body as the filling body 60, it is easier to transport the filling body 60 alone compared to the case where the filling body 60 is formed by simply packing the tobacco leaves in the upper flow path portions 21a and 21b. Thereby, the handling of the filling body 60 becomes easier.

[0054] Note that in the present embodiment, the density (mass per unit volume) of the filling body 60 is, as an example, 1100 mg / cm 3 or more and 1450 mg / cm 3 or less. However, the density of the filling body 60 is not limited thereto, and it may be less than 1100 mg / cm 3 or may be greater than 1450 mg / cm 3 as well.

[0055] Suction using the suction device 10 is performed as follows. First, when the user starts sucking air, the air passes through the upper flow path portions 21a and 21b of the air passage 20 and flows into the load passage portion 22. The air flowing into this load passage portion 22 contains the flavor components of the tobacco leaves contained in the filling body 60. Aerosol generated in the load 40 is added to the air flowing into the load passage portion 22. This aerosol contains the flavor components of the tobacco leaves contained in the extract. The air with this aerosol added passes through the lower flow path portion 23, is discharged from the discharge port 13, and is sucked by the user.

[0056] According to the suction device 10 according to the present embodiment as described above, since the extraction liquid of tobacco leaves is stored in the liquid storage portion 50 and the filler 60 of tobacco leaves is disposed in the air passage 20, the flavor components of tobacco leaves contained in the extraction liquid and the flavor components of tobacco leaves contained in the filler 60 can be added to the air passing through the air passage 20. Thereby, the flavor of tobacco leaves can be fully enjoyed.

[0057] Also, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to design a flavor that cannot be fully expressed only by the flavor components of tobacco leaves contained in the extraction liquid or only by the flavor components of tobacco leaves contained in the filler 60.

[0058] Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the suction device 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment.

[0059] First, an extraction step according to step S10 is executed. In this step S10, flavor components are extracted from tobacco leaves. The specific method of this step S10 is not particularly limited, and for example, the following method can be used. First, an alkaline substance is applied to the tobacco leaves (referred to as an alkali treatment). As the alkaline substance used here, for example, a basic substance such as an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate can be used.

[0060] Next, the tobacco leaves subjected to the alkali treatment are heated at a predetermined temperature (for example, a temperature of 80° C. or higher and lower than 150° C.) (referred to as a heat treatment). And during this heat treatment, for example, one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, and water, or two or more substances selected from this group are brought into contact with the tobacco leaves.

[0061] By this heat treatment, the released components (including flavor components) released from the tobacco leaves into the gas phase are collected in a predetermined collection solvent. As the collection solvent, for example, one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, and water, or two or more substances selected from this group can be used. Thereby, a collection solvent containing flavor components can be obtained (that is, flavor components can be extracted from the tobacco leaves).

[0062] Alternatively, step S10 can also be configured not to use the collection solvent as described above. Specifically, in this case, after the above heat treatment is performed on the tobacco leaves subjected to the alkali treatment, by cooling using a condenser or the like, the released components released from the tobacco leaves into the gas phase are condensed to extract flavor components.

[0063] Alternatively, step S10 can also be configured not to perform the alkali treatment as described above. Specifically, in this case, in step S10, one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, and water, or two or more substances selected from this group is added to the tobacco leaves (tobacco leaves not subjected to the alkali treatment). Next, the tobacco leaves added with this are heated, and the components released during this heating are collected in a collection solvent or condensed using a condenser or the like. By such a process, flavor components can also be extracted.

[0064] Alternatively, in step S10, an aerosol in which one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, and water is aerosolized, or an aerosol in which two or more substances selected from this group are aerosolized is passed through the tobacco leaves (tobacco leaves not subjected to the alkali treatment), and the aerosol passed through the tobacco leaves is collected in a collection solvent. By such a process, flavor components can also be extracted.

[0065] Also, step S10 according to this embodiment may further include reducing the amount of "carbonized components that become carbide when heated to 250°C" contained in the flavor components extracted by the method as described above. According to this configuration, since the amount of carbonized components adhering to the load 40 can be reduced, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of burning on the load 40.

[0066] The specific method for reducing the amount of carbonized components contained in the extracted flavor components is not particularly limited. For example, the components precipitated by cooling the extracted flavor components may be filtered with filter paper or the like to reduce the amount of carbonized components contained in the extracted flavor components. Alternatively, the extracted flavor components may be centrifuged in a centrifuge to reduce the amount of carbonized components contained in the extracted flavor components. Alternatively, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO filter) may be used to reduce the amount of carbonized components contained in the extracted flavor components.

[0067] After step S10, the processing step according to step S20 described below and the concentration step according to step S30 are executed.

[0068] In step S20, a "processed product" is manufactured by processing the "tobacco residue", which is the tobacco leaf after being extracted in the extraction step according to step S10, into tobacco shreds, powder grains, or granules. Alternatively, a "molded body" is manufactured by solidifying these processed products and molding them into a predetermined shape. In this embodiment, in step S20, after processing the tobacco leaf after being extracted in the extraction step according to step S10 into tobacco shreds (that is, the processed product), the tobacco shreds are solidified and molded into a predetermined shape (in this embodiment, a rod shape as an example) to manufacture a molded body. A specific example of this step S20 is as follows.

[0069] For example, in step S20, after manufacturing a molded body by hardening tobacco flakes into a predetermined shape, the surface of this molded body is coated with a coating material. Note that, for example, wax can be used as this coating material.

[0070] Also, in this case, it is preferable that the coating material covering the surface of the molded body is provided with a plurality of holes (fine holes) that can allow the flavor components remaining in the tobacco flakes to pass through while suppressing the passage of the tobacco flakes. That is, the holes in this coating material may be holes having a size larger than the size of the flavor components and smaller than the size of the tobacco flakes. According to this configuration, while suppressing the transfer of the tobacco flakes to the extract, the flavor components remaining in the tobacco flakes can be transferred to the extract.

[0071] The specific size (diameter) of the holes provided in this coating material is not particularly limited, but by way of specific example, for example, a value selected from the range of 10 μm or more and 3 mm or less can be used.

[0072] Note that, instead of wax, a net-like mesh member can also be used as the coating material. Also in this case, while suppressing the transfer of the tobacco flakes to the extract, the flavor components remaining in the tobacco flakes can be transferred to the extract.

[0073] Also, in the processing step related to step S20, a molded body can also be manufactured by mixing a workpiece (tobacco flakes, powder particles, or granules) with resin.

[0074] Alternatively, in the processing step related to step S20, the tobacco residue can be washed with a cleaning liquid, and the washed tobacco residue can be processed by the method described above to manufacture a workpiece. According to this configuration, the amount of carbonized components can be reduced as much as possible by washing, and a molded body can be manufactured using the workpiece with the reduced amount of carbonized components. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of burning at the load 40.

[0075] On the one hand, in the concentration step according to step S30, the flavor components extracted in step S10 are concentrated. Specifically, in step S30 according to the present embodiment, the flavor components contained in the collection solvent containing the flavor components extracted in step S10 are concentrated.

[0076] After step S30, an extract manufacturing step according to step S40 is executed. In this step S40, a tobacco leaf extract is manufactured by adding the flavor components extracted in step S10 (specifically, in the present embodiment, further the flavor components after being concentrated in step S30) to a predetermined solvent. The specific type of the predetermined solvent is not particularly limited. For example, one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, and water, or two or more substances selected from this group can be used.

[0077] After step S40, an assembly step according to step S50 is executed. Specifically, in step S50, an atomization unit 12 in a state where the extract and the filler 60 are not accommodated is prepared, the "tobacco leaf extract" manufactured in step S40 is accommodated in the liquid storage part 50 of this atomization unit 12, and the processed product or the molded body manufactured in the processing step according to step S20 is filled in the air passage 20 (this filled thing corresponds to the filler 60). Through the above steps, the suction device 10 (specifically, the atomization unit 12 of the suction device 10) is manufactured.

[0078] According to the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment as described above, the suction device 10 can be manufactured while effectively utilizing the tobacco residue as the material of the filler 60.

[0079] Note that this embodiment may also be configured not to include step S30. In this case, in step S40, an extract of tobacco leaves may be produced by adding the flavor components extracted in step S10 to a predetermined solvent. However, when this embodiment includes step S30, it is preferable in that the amount of flavor components contained in the extract of tobacco leaves can be increased as compared with the case where it does not include this step.

[0080] Further, in the extract of tobacco leaves produced in step S40, the amount (mg) of carbonized components contained in 1 g of this extract is preferably 6 mg or less, and more preferably 3 mg or less.

[0081] According to this configuration, it is possible to taste the flavor of tobacco leaves while suppressing the amount of carbonized components adhering to the electrical load 40 as much as possible. Thereby, it is possible to taste the flavor of tobacco leaves while suppressing the occurrence of burning on the load 40 as much as possible.

[0082] Here, in this embodiment, the "carbonized components" contained in 1 g of this extract refer to "components that become carbides when heated to 250°C". Specifically, the "carbonized components" refer to components that do not become carbides at temperatures below 250°C, but become carbides when maintained at a temperature of 250°C for a predetermined time.

[0083] The "amount (mg) of carbonized components contained in 1 g of this extract" can be measured, for example, by the following method. First, prepare a predetermined amount (g) of the extract of tobacco leaves. Next, heat this extract to 180°C to volatilize the solvent (liquid component) contained in the extract, thereby obtaining a "residue composed of non-volatile components". Next, heat this residue to 250°C to carbonize the residue and obtain carbides. Next, measure the amount (mg) of these carbides. By the above method, the amount (mg) of carbides contained in a predetermined amount (g) of the extract of tobacco leaves can be measured, and based on this measured value, the amount of carbides (that is, the amount (mg) of carbonized components) contained in 1 g of the extract of tobacco leaves can be calculated.

[0084] Next, the relationship between the amount of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the tobacco leaf extract and the TPM reduction rate will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the TPM reduction rate with respect to the amount of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the tobacco leaf extract. The horizontal axis in FIG. 10 indicates the amount of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the tobacco leaf extract, and the vertical axis indicates the TPM reduction rate (R TPM )(%).

[0085] The TPM reduction rate (R TPM : %) in FIG. 10 was measured by the following method. First, samples of a plurality of suction devices with different amounts of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the tobacco leaf extract were prepared. Specifically, five samples (sample SA1 to sample SA5) were prepared as samples of these plurality of suction devices. These five samples were prepared by the following steps.

[0086] (Step 1) To the tobacco raw material composed of tobacco leaves, potassium carbonate of 20 (wt%) was added by dry weight, and then heat distillation treatment was performed. The distillation residue after this heat distillation treatment was immersed in 15 times the amount of water with respect to the weight of the tobacco raw material before the heat distillation treatment for 10 minutes, then dehydrated with a dehydrator, and then dried with a dryer to obtain a tobacco residue.

[0087] (Step 2) Next, a part of the tobacco residue obtained in Step 1 was washed with water to prepare a tobacco residue with a small amount of carbide contained therein.

[0088] (Step 3) Next, 25 g of an immersion liquid (propylene glycol 47.5 wt%, glycerin 47.5 wt%, water 5 wt%) as an extract was added to 5 g of the tobacco residue obtained in Step 2, and the temperature of the immersion liquid was set to 60° C. and allowed to stand. By varying this standing time (i.e., the immersion time in the immersion liquid), the amount of carbonized components eluted in the immersion liquid (extract) was varied.

[0089] By the above process, a plurality of samples with different amounts of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the immersion liquid (extract) were prepared.

[0090] Next, for the plurality of samples prepared in the above-described process, using an automatic smoking machine ("Analytical Vaping Machine" manufactured by Borgwaldt), automatic smoking was performed under the smoking conditions of "CRM (Coresta Recommended Method) 81". The smoking conditions of CRM81 are the conditions of sucking 55 cc of aerosol over 3 seconds, and performing this a plurality of times every 30 seconds.

[0091] Next, the amount of total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filter of the automatic smoking machine was measured. Based on the measured amount of total particulate matter, using the following formula (1), the TPM reduction rate (R TPM ) was calculated. By the above method, the TPM reduction rate (R TPM ) in FIG. 10 was measured.

[0092] R TPM (%) = (1 - TPM(201puff~250puff) / TPM(1puff~50puff)) × 100 ··· (1)

[0093] Here, TPM (Total Particle Molecule) indicates the total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filter of the automatic smoking machine. "TPM(1puff~50puff)" in formula (1) indicates the amount of total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filter between the 1st puff and the 50th puff of the automatic smoking machine. "TPM(201puff~250puff)" in formula (1) indicates the amount of total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filter between the 201st puff and the 250th puff of the automatic smoking machine.

[0094] That is, the TPM reduction rate (R TPM) is calculated by multiplying by 100 the value obtained by subtracting from 1 the value obtained by dividing the amount of total particulate matter collected on the Cambridge filter between the 201st puff and the 250th puff of the automatic smoking machine by the amount of total particulate matter collected on the Cambridge filter between the 1st puff and the 50th puff of the automatic smoking machine.

[0095] As can be seen from FIG. 10, the amount of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the tobacco leaf extract is in a proportional relationship with the TPM reduction rate. And as can be particularly seen from Samples SA1 to SA4 in FIG. 10, when the amount of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the tobacco leaf extract is 6 mg or less, the TPM reduction rate can be suppressed to 20% or less.

[0096] Subsequently, a modification of the embodiment will be described. In the following modification, components that are the same as or correspond to those in the above-described embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

[0097] (Modification 1) FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of the atomization unit 12 of the suction device 10A according to Modification 1 of the embodiment. The suction device 10A according to this modification is mainly different from the suction device 10 shown in FIG. 2 described above in that tobacco leaf granules are used instead of tobacco flakes as the filler 60A.

[0098] Further, in the upstream passage portions 21a and 21b of the suction device 10A according to this modification, a filter 25a is disposed at the upstream end of the upstream passage portions 21a and 21b, and a filter 25b is disposed at the downstream end of the upstream passage portions 21a and 21b, respectively. The region between the filter 25a and the filter 25b is filled with a filler 60A made of tobacco leaf granules.

[0099] Filters 25a and 25b are composed of a porous member that allows air to pass through while suppressing the passage of tobacco leaf granules. Specifically, filters 25a and 25b are composed of a member having a plurality of holes with a size smaller than the size of tobacco leaf granules. By these filters 25a and 25b, the leakage of the granules constituting the filler 60A to the outside of the upper flow path portions 21a and 21b from the holes 72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d is effectively suppressed.

[0100] Also in this modification example, the same operational effects as those of the suction device 10 according to the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0101] In addition, in this modification example, as the filler 60A, a filler filled with tobacco leaf powder particles may be used.

[0102] (Modification Example 2) FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the atomization unit 12 of the suction device 10B according to Modification Example 2 of the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view in the thickness direction of the main part of the atomization unit 12 according to this modification example. The air passage 20B of the suction device 10B according to this modification example is mainly different from the air passage 20 of the suction device 10 described above in that it has only one upper flow path portion (only the upper flow path portion 21a) and the upper flow path portion 21a is arranged adjacent to the liquid storage portion 50 in the thickness direction of the suction device 10B.

[0103] Also in this modification example, the same operational effects as those of the suction device 10 according to the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0104] In addition, also in this modification example, instead of the filler 60, the filler 60A according to Modification Example 1 described above may be used.

[0105] (Modification Example 3) FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the atomization unit 12 of the suction device 10C according to Modification 3 of the embodiment. The suction device 10C according to this modification is mainly different from the above-described suction device 10 in that the air passage 20C does not include an upward flow passage portion and the packing 60 is filled in the downward flow passage portion 23.

[0106] In this modification, a hole 72e for air to flow in is provided in the wall portion 71c of the load passage portion 22. Air flows into the load passage portion 22 from the hole 72e, passes through the load passage portion 22, then passes through the downward flow passage portion 23, and is discharged from the discharge port 13.

[0107] The downward flow passage portion 23 according to this modification has a diameter-expanded portion 24a. This diameter-expanded portion 24a is provided in a part of the downward flow passage portion 23 and is a portion whose diameter is larger than that of "the other part 24b (that is, the non-diameter-expanded part)" of the downward flow passage portion 23. Specifically, the downward flow passage portion 23 according to this modification is entirely disposed inside the liquid storage portion 50. And the diameter-expanded portion 24a according to this modification is disposed in a portion in the middle of the passage of the downward flow passage portion 23. Specifically, the other part 24b is disposed upstream of the diameter-expanded portion 24a, and the other part 24b is also disposed downstream of the diameter-expanded portion 24a (that is, the diameter-expanded portion 24a is sandwiched by the other part 24b). And the packing 60 according to this modification is filled in this diameter-expanded portion 24a.

[0108] Also in this modification, the same operational effects as those of the suction device 10 according to the above-described embodiment can be achieved. Specifically, also in this modification, since the flavor components of tobacco leaves contained in the extraction liquid and the flavor components of tobacco leaves contained in the packing 60 can be added to the air passing through the air passage 20C, the flavor of tobacco leaves can be fully enjoyed.

[0109] Further, according to this modification, since the packing 60 is filled in the diameter-expanded portion 24a, for example, the air ventilation resistance value of the air passing through the packing 60 (an index indicating the difficulty of air passing when air passes) can be kept lower as compared with the case where the packing 60 is filled in the other part 24b.

[0110] Also, according to this modification example, since the air whose temperature has risen by passing through the load 40 passes through the filler 60, for example, compared with the case where the filler 60 is filled in the upper flow path portions 21a and 21b, the flavor components of the tobacco leaves contained in the filler 60 can be effectively added to the air in the lower flow path portion 23 (that is, the flavor components can be effectively loaded onto the air). Also in this regard, the flavor of the tobacco leaves can be fully enjoyed. Further, according to this modification example, since the filler 60 is disposed only in the lower flow path portion 23, the filler 60 can be easily attached to and detached from the suction device 10C.

[0111] Note that, as described above, the lower flow path portion 23 according to this modification example is entirely disposed inside the liquid storage portion 50, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the lower flow path portion 23 may be disposed so as to be adjacent to the liquid storage portion 50 in the thickness direction of the suction device 10C.

[0112] (Modification Example 4) FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of the atomization unit 12 of the suction device 10D according to Modification Example 4 of the embodiment. The suction device 10D according to this modification example is mainly different from the suction device 10C according to Modification Example 3 in that a filler 60A filled with tobacco leaf granules is used instead of the filler 60.

[0113] Also, in this modification example, a filter 25a is disposed at the upstream end portion in the enlarged diameter portion 24a, and a filter 25b is disposed at the downstream end portion in the enlarged diameter portion 24a. A filler 60A filled with tobacco leaf granules is filled in the region between the filter 25a and the filter 25b. Since the filters 25a and 25b are the same as those described in the above-mentioned Modification Example 1 (FIG. 5), detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0114] Also in this modification example, the same operational effects as those of the suction device 10C according to the above-mentioned Modification Example 3 can be achieved.

[0115] In addition, in this modified example, as the filling member 60A, one filled with tobacco leaf powder particles may be used.

[0116] (Modified Example 5) FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the atomization unit 12 of the suction device 10E according to Modified Example 5 of the embodiment. The suction device 10E according to this modified example is provided such that the "other part 24b" of the downstream passage portion 23 penetrates inside the liquid storage portion 50, and the enlarged diameter portion 24a is arranged on the downstream side in the air flow direction from this "other part 24b". Mainly, it is different from the suction device 10C according to Modified Example 3 in this respect. That is, the downstream passage portion 23 according to this modified example has the other part 24b on the upstream side and the enlarged diameter portion 24a on the downstream side of this other part 24b. Note that the enlarged diameter portion 24a according to this modified example also has a function as a downstream extending portion extending on the downstream side in the air flow direction from the liquid storage portion 50.

[0117] In addition, the enlarged diameter portion 24a according to this modified example is enlarged so as to have a width and a thickness that are the same as the width and the thickness of the liquid storage portion 50. However, the shape of the enlarged diameter portion 24a is not limited to this.

[0118] Also in this modified example, the same operational effects as those of the suction device 10C according to Modified Example 3 described above can be achieved.

[0119] In addition, according to this modified example, since the enlarged diameter portion 24a is not arranged inside the liquid storage portion 50 (or since it is not adjacent to the liquid storage portion 50 in the thickness direction of the suction device 10E), it is possible to easily adjust the cross-sectional area of the enlarged diameter portion 24a, the length in the air flow direction (length in the Z direction) in the enlarged diameter portion 24a, and the like. Thereby, it is possible to easily adjust the air ventilation resistance value passing through the filling member 60 to a desired value.

[0120] In addition, in this modification, the air passing through the diameter-expanded portion 24a may flow so as to diffuse in the radial direction of the diameter-expanded portion 24a as illustrated in FIG. 9. Specifically, in this case, as illustrated in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 9, on the inner peripheral wall surface extending in the Z-axis direction of the diameter-expanded portion 24a, there may be provided "at least one groove 24c (a plurality of grooves 24c are illustrated in FIG. 9)" extending in the circumferential direction of the diameter-expanded portion 24a. Further, as illustrated in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 9 (perspective view illustrated as "A1"), on the inner peripheral wall surface extending in the X-axis direction of the diameter-expanded portion 24a (inner peripheral wall surface with the X-Y plane as the plane direction), there may be provided "at least one groove 24c (a plurality of grooves 24c are illustrated in FIG. 9)" extending in the X-axis direction. According to this configuration, the air can be effectively diffused in the radial direction of the diameter-expanded portion 24a.

[0121] Note that also in this modification, instead of the filling body 60, the filling body 60A according to the above-described modification 4 may be used. Further, in this case, filters 25a and 25b may be further arranged in the diameter-expanded portion 24a.

[0122] Also, the other part 24b of the downstream passage portion 23 is not limited to the configuration of passing through the inside of the liquid storage portion 50 as illustrated in FIG. 9. As another example, the other part 24b may be provided so as to be adjacent to the liquid storage portion 50 in the thickness direction of the suction tool 10E.

[0123] Also, the groove 24c provided in the diameter-expanded portion 24a according to this modification may also be provided in the diameter-expanded portion 24a of the suction tool according to the above-described modification 3 (FIG. 7) or modification 4 (FIG. 8).

[0124] As described above in detail regarding the embodiments and modifications of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0125] 10 Suction tool 20 Air passage 21a Upper flow path section (first upper flow path section) 21b Upper flow path section (second upper flow path section) 22 Load path section 23 Lower flow path section 24a Diameter-expanding section 24b Other part 40 Load 50 Liquid storage section 60 Filling body Le Extract

Claims

1. a liquid storage part for storing an extract of tobacco leaves; an electrical load that is disposed in an air passage through which air passes, into which the extract from the liquid storage part is introduced, and that atomizes the introduced extract to generate an aerosol; a tobacco filler filled at a location upstream or downstream of the load in the air flow direction in the air passage; and the air passage has a load passage part where the load is disposed, at least one upstream passage part that communicates with the load passage part and is disposed upstream of the load passage part in the air flow direction, and a downstream passage part that communicates with the load passage part and is disposed downstream of the load passage part in the air flow direction; the air flow direction in the at least one upstream passage part is opposite to the air flow direction in the downstream passage part; the aspirator, wherein the filler is filled in the at least one upstream passage part.

2. The at least one upstream passage part has a first upstream passage part and a second upstream passage part, the first upstream passage part and the second upstream passage part are disposed adjacent to the liquid storage part so as to sandwich the liquid storage part between the first upstream passage part and the second upstream passage part, the aspirator according to claim 1, wherein the first upstream passage part and the second upstream passage part are each filled with the filler.

3. The at least one upstream passage part is a single upstream passage part, the aspirator according to claim 1, wherein the single upstream passage part is disposed adjacent to the liquid storage part.

4. The filler is constituted by tobacco cuttings filled with tobacco leaves, or powder grains filled with tobacco leaves, or granules filled with tobacco leaves, or a molded body obtained by solidifying the tobacco cuttings, the powder grains, or the granules and molding them into a predetermined shape, the aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for manufacturing the aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an extraction step of extracting a flavor component from tobacco leaves; a processing step of manufacturing a processed product by processing tobacco residue, which is tobacco leaves after being extracted in the extraction step, into tobacco cuttings, powder grains, or granules, or manufacturing a molded body by solidifying the processed product and molding it into a predetermined shape; An extract manufacturing step of manufacturing an extract of tobacco leaves by adding the flavor component extracted in the extraction step to a solvent; An assembling step of housing the extract of tobacco leaves manufactured in the extract manufacturing step in the liquid storage unit, and filling the processed product or the molded body manufactured in the processing step at a location upstream or downstream in the air flow direction from the load in the air passage, the method for manufacturing a suction device including the assembling step.

6. The method for manufacturing a suction device according to claim 5, wherein the extraction step further includes reducing an amount of a carbonized component that becomes a carbide when heated to 250°C, the carbonized component being included in the extracted flavor component.

Images