Smoking cartridge heater
The smoking cartridge heater addresses uneven heating by using electromagnetic induction and resistance heating to uniformly heat the aerosol-forming substrate, ensuring efficient aerosol generation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025091349
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-05-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing smoking cartridge heaters inefficiently heat the outer periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate, leading to insufficient aerosol generation due to heat transmission issues from the susceptor.
A smoking cartridge heater design featuring a cylindrical outer casing with a heating heater surrounding a storage recess, incorporating electromagnetic induction heaters with magnetic cores positioned to concentrate magnetic flux towards the susceptor, and a resistance heating type heater to uniformly heat the aerosol-forming substrate from both the center and periphery.
Ensures uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, maximizing aerosol generation by concentrating magnetic flux and using dual heating methods to address uneven heating, thereby enhancing aerosol production efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure 0007792172000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking cartridge heater capable of heating a smoking cartridge. [Background technology]
[0002] The smoking cartridge has an aerosol-forming substrate containing an aroma source material, such as a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant, and an aerosol former (aerosol-forming agent) that generates an aerosol when heated. Thus, the smoking cartridge generates an aroma when heated by a smoking cartridge heater.
[0003] The manner in which smoking cartridges are heated varies depending on the smoking cartridge heater used. For example, a susceptor made of a magnetic material is placed in an aerosol-forming substrate, and an alternating current magnetic field generated by a coil provided in the heater causes the susceptor to generate heat, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Patent Document 1, for example, discloses an example of such a smoking cartridge heater (induction heating device) equipped with an inductor coil capable of inductively heating the susceptor placed in the aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6452709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] The smoking cartridge heater described in Patent Document 1 is configured to place a spirally wound inductor coil around a storage recess into which the aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking cartridge is inserted, and to generate heat in a susceptor within the aerosol-forming substrate by an AC magnetic field emitted from the inductor coil. As a result, the heat generated by the susceptor heats the aerosol-forming substrate to a high temperature near its center, but the heat generated by the susceptor is not easily transmitted to the outer periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate that is distant from the susceptor, resulting in insufficient aerosol generation.
[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the current state of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a heater for a smoking cartridge that can suitably generate aerosol from a smoking cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one form of the present invention provides a heater for a smoking cartridge, which is a heater for a smoking cartridge having a cylindrical outer casing, an aerosol-forming substrate housed in the outer casing, and a susceptor for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and is characterized in that it comprises a main housing having a cylindrical storage recess into which the smoking cartridge is inserted, a heating heater arranged to surround the storage recess and for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and an electromagnetic induction heater for induction heating the susceptor, wherein the electromagnetic induction heater includes an electromagnetic induction coil that generates an alternating current magnetic field and a magnetic core around which the electromagnetic induction coil is wound, and the magnetic core has a surface facing the bottom surface or inner peripheral surface of the storage recess. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the smoking cartridge heater of the present invention, aerosol can be suitably generated from the smoking cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking cartridge. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a heater for a smoking cartridge according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the smoking cartridge heater. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the smoking cartridge heater is in use. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a heater for a smoking cartridge according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a heater for a smoking cartridge according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a heater for a smoking cartridge according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic induction heater and a heater that constitute a smoking cartridge heater according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a heater for a smoking cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011] [Composition of smoking cartridge 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking cartridge 1 that can be used in a smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the present invention.
[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the smoking cartridge 1 includes a cylindrical outer casing 2, an aerosol-forming substrate 3 housed at the tip end of the outer casing 2, a mouthpiece 4 housed at the base end of the outer casing 2, a support member 5 arranged between the aerosol-forming substrate 3 and the mouthpiece 4, a cover member 6 that closes the tip end of the outer casing 2, and a susceptor 7 arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate 3.
[0013] The exterior member 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a circular cross section, but is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as it is cylindrical, and may be, for example, a cylindrical body having a polygonal cross section. The lid member 6, the aerosol-forming substrate 3, the support member 5, and the mouthpiece 4 are arranged along the axial direction of the exterior member 2 from the distal end side to the proximal end side.
[0014] The aerosol-forming substrate 3 is an aggregate of constituent elements in the form of, for example, a rod, a strip, a powder, granules, pellets, small pieces, a sheet, crimped fibers formed by crimping a sheet, a porous material, a block, or a paste. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is made of a large number of strip-shaped members made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants, and generates an aerosol when heated by the susceptor 7.
[0015] Specific examples of raw materials used as the aerosol-forming substrate 3 will be described. The aerosol-forming substrate 3 is made of any one or a combination of the following raw materials.
[0016] The aerosol-forming substrate 3 is made from tobacco plants or non-tobacco plants. Examples of tobacco plants include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco. Examples of non-tobacco plants include plants other than tobacco plants. Preferred parts of non-tobacco plants include leaves, pulp, seeds, roots (scale roots, tuberous roots, etc.), stems, tubers, skin (stem bark, bark, etc.), flowers (petals, stamens, pistils, etc.), trunks, branches, etc.
[0017] The aerosol-forming substrate 3 is prepared, for example, by mixing a dried and pulverized non-tobacco plant material with an aerosol former that generates an aerosol, microcrystalline cellulose, additives that add flavor, preservatives, binders, thickeners, etc., as appropriate, and then pulverizing or classifying the mixture to form powder or granules, or shaping it into a paste. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 may be formed into a sheet, which is then cut into strips or rods of a predetermined width and length.
[0018] For example, when the non-tobacco plant part is a leaf, teas can be preferably used. Not only do different plants produce different teas, but even the same plant can produce different teas depending on the processing method. Specific examples include Japanese tea, black tea, Angelica keiskei tea, sweet tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, aloe tea, ginkgo leaf tea, oolong tea, turmeric tea, Quercus salicina tea, Eleuthero tea, plantain tea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, chamomile tea, Kawara ketsumei tea, quince tea, chrysanthemum tea, gymnema tea, guava tea, wolfberry tea, soft leaf tea, black bean tea, Gennoshoko tea, brown rice tea, burdock tea, comfrey tea, bifu tea, cherry blossom tea, and sakura tea. Examples include flan tea, shiitake mushroom tea, perilla tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, horsetail tea, red pepper tea, Swertia japonica tea, buckwheat tea, elm tea, dandelion tea, sweet tea, Houttuynia cordata tea, Eucommia tea, sword bean tea, elderberry tea, Licorice tea, Job's tears tea, Habu tea, loquat leaf tea, Pu'er tea, safflower tea, pine needle tea, yerba mate tea, barley tea, Megusuri tea, Mugwort tea, eucalyptus tea, Monk fruit tea, rooibos tea, and bitter melon tea. Used tea leaves can also be used for these teas. Using used tea leaves allows for the effective reuse of expensive teas.
[0019] Furthermore, extracts of the above-mentioned non-tobacco plants, so-called extracts and processed products, can also be used. The extracts may be in the form of liquid, starch syrup, powder, granules, solution, etc.
[0020] Examples of aerosol formers as raw materials for the aerosol-forming substrate 3 include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, lactic acid, diacetin (glycerin diacetate), triacetin (glycerin triacetate), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedionate, dimethyl tetradecanedione, etc. Among these, glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred.
[0021] Microcrystalline cellulose as a raw material for the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is obtained, for example, by partially depolymerizing α-cellulose obtained from the pulp of a fibrous plant with an acid, and is obtained by removing the soluble portion from the cellulose and, if necessary, crystallizing the insoluble portion.
[0022] The microcrystalline cellulose may be in the form of powder or may be dispersed in a solvent such as water to form a suspension. In this case, a high-speed stirrer or a high-pressure homogenizer can be used to disperse the microcrystalline cellulose in the solvent.
[0023] Furthermore, if necessary, a flavor additive that adds flavor is also preferably used as a raw material for the aerosol-forming substrate 3. Examples of flavor additives include mint, cocoa, coffee, and black tea extracts, and powder of catechins from tea extracts. Preservatives that are used in food are preferred, and examples include sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.
[0024] The aerosol-forming substrate 3 may contain menthol and a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer (preferably polyvinylpolypyrrolidone). By combining menthol with a water-insoluble crosslinked polymer, sublimation of menthol can be effectively suppressed, and the menthol flavor can be maintained for a long period of time. Here, menthol is not limited to that obtained from natural products, but may also be a synthetic product. Peppermint, mint, peppermint oil, and other menthol-containing substances may also be used.
[0025] The flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 4, for example, by impregnating the wall of the mouthpiece 4. The manner in which the flavor additive is provided in the mouthpiece 4 is not limited to this, and for example, the flavor additive may be provided in the mouthpiece 4 by embedding a capsule in which the flavor additive is encapsulated in the wall of the mouthpiece 4. Alternatively, a capsule in which the flavor additive is encapsulated may be disposed between the mouthpiece 4 and the aerosol-forming substrate 3. When the flavor additive is encapsulated in a capsule, the smoker can break the capsule by pressing it with his or her finger, allowing the aromatic component of the flavor additive to volatilize at a desired time.
[0026] Examples of binders or thickeners that can be used as raw materials for the aerosol-forming substrate 3 include gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and locust bean gum; cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides such as starch, organic acids such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, caranagin, agar, and conjugate base salts of organic acids such as pectin; and combinations thereof.
[0027] The susceptor 7 is made of a magnetic material formed into a sheet shape and is disposed at the axial center of the aerosol-forming substrate 3. Examples of materials for the susceptor 7 include iron, nickel, cobalt, ferrite, and neodymium. The susceptor 7 is induction-heated by an AC magnetic field generated by a smoking cartridge heater, and is heated to a temperature of, for example, 400°C or less.
[0028] The mouthpiece 4 is a part that constitutes the mouthpiece of the smoking cartridge 1 and is made of, for example, paper. The mouthpiece 4 may also include a cellulose acetate filter that removes fine particles. Some of the fine particles in the water vapor and aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate 3 are filtered by the filter of the mouthpiece 4.
[0029] The support member 5 is a cylindrical, axial body, and may be, for example, a cylindrically wound piece of paper, a polymer sheet, a rubber sheet, a metal sheet, or the like, a single piece made of silicone rubber, or a hollow, three-dimensional cylindrical tube made of cellulose-based fibers. One end of the support member 5 abuts against the aerosol-forming substrate 3, and the other end abuts against the mouthpiece 4, thereby restricting the axial movement of the aerosol-forming substrate 3. Note that the support member 5 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a plate, a rod, or the like, as long as it has a shape that can support the smoking cartridge 1.
[0030] The lid member 6 is a disk-shaped or cylindrical member that closes the tip of the exterior member 2, and is made of a material that allows air to flow through, such as paper. The lid member 6 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the exterior member 2 by a fixing means such as adhesive or press-fitting, and has the function of allowing air to pass from the outside of the smoking cartridge 1 toward the aerosol-forming substrate 3. Such a lid member 6 prevents the aerosol-forming substrate 3 from falling off the exterior member 2, but the lid member 6 may be omitted, and one end of the aerosol-forming substrate 3 may be exposed from the tip of the exterior member.
[0031] [Configuration of smoking cartridge heater 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the smoking cartridge heater.
[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the smoking cartridge heater 10 of the first embodiment mainly comprises a main body housing 11, electromagnetic induction heaters 12a and 12b, a heater 13, a battery 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a control unit 25.
[0033] [Configuration of main body housing 11] The main body housing 11 is a component that constitutes the outer shell of the heater and is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape of the main body housing 11 is not limited to this and may be formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular column shape, or the like. A cylindrical storage recess 17 is formed in the upper surface 11a of the main body housing 11, and the portion of the smoking cartridge 1 that includes the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is inserted into this storage recess 17. The storage recess 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. More specifically, it has a bottom portion 17a and a cylindrical portion 17b. The bottom portion 17a is located inside the main body housing 11 and below the upper surface 11a. The cylindrical portion 17b connects the bottom portion 17a to the upper surface 11a of the main body housing 11.
[0034] [Configuration of heater 13] Heater 13 is arranged in a spiral shape so as to surround storage recess 17. Heater 13 is a resistance heating type heater that uses heat generation by Joule heat, for example, a coil heater in which an electric heating wire is wound in a spiral shape. Because heater 13 is formed in a spiral shape, it has a gap 13a through which a magnetic core 19a (described later) is inserted.
[0035] When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the outer periphery by the heat generated by the heater 13. The heater 13 is not limited to a coil heater, and may be, for example, a cylindrical ceramic heater formed by coating an electric heating wire with ceramic, or a cylindrical film heater formed by patterning an electric heating wire on the periphery of a heat-resistant film. The heating element of the heater 13 may be divided into multiple parts. For example, by dividing the heating element and arranging it at the upper and lower positions along the axial direction of the storage recess 17, the leading end and trailing end of the aerosol-forming substrate 3, excluding the center, can be heated intensively.
[0036] [Configuration of electromagnetic induction heaters 12a and 12b] Electromagnetic induction heater 12a includes electromagnetic induction coil 18a and magnetic core 19a around which electromagnetic induction coil 18a is wound. When an alternating current flows through electromagnetic induction coil 18a, an alternating magnetic field is generated from electromagnetic induction coil 18a.
[0037] The magnetic core 19a is made of a magnetic material such as ferrite. The magnetic material is not limited to ferrite, and may be metal such as iron, chromium, or cobalt. The magnetic core 19a is formed in a cylindrical or prismatic shape, and its longitudinal direction extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess 17. The magnetic core 19a is disposed in a position facing the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17, passing through the heater 13. More specifically, the magnetic core 19a is inserted into the gap 13a of the heater 13, and one end face 19c is disposed in a position where it abuts against the cylindrical portion 17b of the storage recess 17.
[0038] One end face 19c of the magnetic core 19a is a face facing the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, one end face 19c of the magnetic core 19a abuts on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b, but an opening may be formed in the cylindrical portion 17b, and the end face 19c may be disposed on the same plane as the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b through this opening.
[0039] By winding the electromagnetic induction coil 18a around the magnetic core 19a, the magnetic flux (magnetic force) is concentrated within the magnetic core 19a, strengthening electromagnetic induction and further reducing leakage magnetic flux. When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, one end face 19c of the magnetic core 19a faces the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b of the storage recess 17. In other words, one end face 19c of the magnetic core 19a faces the susceptor 7. In other words, the susceptor 7 is located on an extension of the magnetic core 19a. This allows the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 18a to be concentrated toward the susceptor 7, preventing the diffusion of the AC magnetic field. The AC magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 18a causes eddy currents to flow in the susceptor 7 within the aerosol-forming substrate 3, thereby inductively heating the susceptor 7. As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the center where the susceptor 7 is disposed.
[0040] Electromagnetic induction heater 12b includes electromagnetic induction coil 18b and magnetic core 19b around which electromagnetic induction coil 18b is wound. Similar to electromagnetic induction coil 18a, electromagnetic induction coil 18b generates an AC magnetic field when an AC current flows through electromagnetic induction coil 18b. Magnetic core 19b is formed in a cylindrical or prismatic shape, and its longitudinal direction extends coaxially with storage recess 17, facing the bottom surface of storage recess 17 (the inner surface side of bottom 17a). More specifically, magnetic core 19b is provided at a position where one end surface 19d abuts against bottom 17a of storage recess 17.
[0041] One end face 19d of the magnetic core 19b is a face facing the bottom surface of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, the one end face 19d of the magnetic core 19b abuts against the outer surface of the bottom 17a, but an opening may be formed in the bottom 17a and the end face 19d may pass through this opening and be positioned on the same plane as the bottom surface of the storage recess 17.
[0042] Like the magnetic core 19a, the magnetic core 19b is made of a magnetic material. By winding the electromagnetic induction coil 18b around the magnetic core 19b, the magnetic flux (magnetic force) can be concentrated within the magnetic core 19, thereby strengthening the electromagnetic induction. When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, one end face 19d of the magnetic core 19b faces the bottom surface of the storage recess 17. In other words, the one end face 19d of the magnetic core 19b faces the susceptor 7. In other words, the susceptor 7 is located on an extension line of the direction in which the magnetic core 19b extends. Therefore, like the magnetic core 19a, the magnetic core 19b can concentrate the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 18b toward the susceptor 7. Then, an alternating current magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 18b causes an eddy current to flow in the susceptor 7 in the aerosol-forming substrate 3, thereby inductively heating the susceptor 7. As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the center where the susceptor 7 is arranged.
[0043] [Electrical configuration of smoking cartridge heater 10] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of the smoking cartridge heater 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the smoking cartridge heater 10 includes, in addition to electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b and heater 13, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a control unit 25.
[0044] The input section 15 has a plurality of switches, and in this embodiment has three switches, namely, first to third switches 20, 21, and 22.
[0045] The first switch 20 is a first setting means capable of setting the operation order of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and the heater 13. For example, the first switch 20 can operate the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and the heater 13 simultaneously, or can operate the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and the heater 13 alternately with a time lag. The second switch 21 is a second setting means capable of setting the heating temperature of the heater 13. For example, the second switch 21 can set the heating temperature of the heater 13 to one of three levels: high, medium, and low. The third switch 22 is a third setting means capable of setting the operation time of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b. For example, the third switch 22 can switch the operation time of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b to one of three levels: long, short, and normal, or can stop the operation of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b.
[0046] Control unit 25 is electrically connected to first to third switches 20, 21, and 22, and configured to receive input signals from first to third switches 20, 21, and 22. Control unit 25 includes a memory unit 26, which stores a plurality of heating control patterns corresponding to the input signals from first to third switches 20, 21, and 22. Electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and heater 13 are operated based on input operations via first to third switches 20, 21, and 22 and the heating control patterns stored in memory unit 26.
[0047] The display unit 16 is made up of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like, and displays information input by the input unit 15, the charging state of the battery 14, and the like.
[0048] [How to use the smoking cartridge heater 10] Next, a method of using the smoking cartridge heater 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the smoking cartridge heater 10 configured as described above in use, that is, showing the smoking cartridge 1 inserted into the smoking cartridge heater 10.
[0049] When a smoker wants to smoke, he or she inserts the smoking cartridge 1 into the storage recess 17 of the smoking cartridge heater 10, as shown in Figure 4. Then, when the power switch (not shown) is turned on in this state, the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b and the heater 13 are activated.
[0050] As a result, an AC current flows through the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b, generating an AC magnetic field. This causes an eddy current to flow through the susceptor 7 disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1, inductively heating the susceptor 7. The aerosol-forming substrate 3 is then heated from the center by the heat generated by the susceptor 7. Furthermore, the heater 13 generates heat when power is supplied, and the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the outer periphery by the heat generated by the heater 13. In this way, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from both the center and the outer periphery, eliminating uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 3 and generating a sufficient amount of aerosol. In this state, the smoker can enjoy smoking by holding the mouthpiece 4 between his or her lips and inhaling the aerosol.
[0051] In this case, as will be described below, the manner in which the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and the heater 13 are operated can be set arbitrarily using the first to third switches 20, 21, 22 of the input unit 15.
[0052] When the first switch 20 is turned on, for example, the display unit 16 displays two options: "high flavor" and "long duration." When the first switch 20 is operated to select "high flavor," the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b and the heater 13 are simultaneously operated based on the heating control pattern stored in the memory unit 26, thereby enabling the maximum amount of aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-forming substrate 3. On the other hand, when the first switch 20 is operated to select "long duration," the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b and the heater 13 are alternately operated with a time lag based on the heating control pattern stored in the memory unit 26, enabling the aerosol-forming substrate 3 to be heated for a long period of time. Note that, when the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated, the control unit 25 may detect the temperature based on a change in magnetic flux corresponding to a temperature rise of the susceptor 7, for example, using a sensor provided in the electromagnetic induction heaters 12a and 12b or the heater 13. In this case, the control unit 25 controls the current of the electromagnetic induction heaters 12a and 12b or the heater 13 based on the temperature detected by the sensor.
[0053] Furthermore, when the second switch 21 is turned on, for example, the options "strong," "medium," and "weak" are displayed on the display unit 16. When one of the options "strong," "medium," and "weak" is selected by operating the second switch 21, the magnitude of the current supplied to the heater 13 is changed based on the heating control pattern stored in the memory unit 26, and the temperature at which the outer periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated can be set to one of three levels: strong, medium, and weak.
[0054] Furthermore, when the third switch 22 is turned on, for example, the display unit 16 displays options such as "long," "short," "normal," and "off." Operating the third switch 22 to select one of the options "long," "short," or "normal" changes the operating time of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b to three levels—long, short, or normal—based on the heating control pattern stored in the memory unit 26, thereby lengthening or shortening the usable time for aerosol generation. When smoking a smoking cartridge without a susceptor 7, operating the third switch 22 to select "off" deactivates the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b and activates only the heater 13 based on the heating control pattern stored in the memory unit 26, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 3 from its outer periphery with the heat generated by the heater 13. Thus, when smoking a smoking cartridge without a susceptor 7, deactivating the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b and activating only the heater 13 reduces battery consumption.
[0055] The smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment configured as above can provide the following effects.
[0056] The smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment is provided with a heater 13 that is disposed so as to surround the storage recess 17 and heats the aerosol-forming substrate 3, and electromagnetic induction heaters 12a and 12b that inductively heat the susceptor 7. Therefore, when the smoking cartridge 1 having the susceptor 7 is inserted into the storage recess 17, not only is the central portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 3 where the susceptor 7 is disposed heated by the AC magnetic field from the electromagnetic induction heaters 12a and 12b, but also the outer periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate 3 that is distant from the susceptor 7 is heated by heat from the heater 13. This prevents uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 3, ensuring a sufficient amount of aerosol generation. Furthermore, the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment includes electromagnetic induction heaters 12a, 12b each including electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and magnetic cores 19a, 19b around which the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b are wound, respectively, so that magnetic flux (magnetic force) can be concentrated within magnetic core 19, thereby strengthening electromagnetic induction. Furthermore, magnetic cores 19a, 19b have end faces 19c, 19d that face the inner circumferential surface and bottom surface of storage recess 17, so that magnetic cores 19a, 19b concentrate magnetic flux (magnetic force) from end faces 19c, 19d toward susceptor 7, thereby increasing the efficiency of induction heating of susceptor 7.
[0057] In the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment, the magnetic core 19a extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess 17, and is disposed at a position facing the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b (storage recess 17) through which the heater 13 is inserted. Therefore, the susceptor 7 is located on an extension of the direction in which the magnetic core 19a extends, further improving the efficiency of induction heating of the susceptor 7.
[0058] In the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment, the magnetic core 19b extends coaxially with the storage recess 17 and is disposed in a position facing the bottom surface of the storage recess 17. Therefore, the susceptor 7 is located on an extension of the direction in which the magnetic core 19b extends, thereby further increasing the efficiency of induction heating of the susceptor 7.
[0059] Furthermore, the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a first setting means (first switch 20) that can set the operation order of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and the heating heater 13. Therefore, by operating the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and the heating heater 13 simultaneously, the generation of aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate 3 can be maximized, or by operating the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b and the heating heater 13 alternately with a time lag, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 can be heated for a long period of time.
[0060] Furthermore, the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment is provided with a second setting means (second switch 21) that can set the heating temperature of the heater 13, allowing the heating temperature of the heater 13 to be set in multiple stages (for example, three stages: strong, medium, and weak). Furthermore, the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment is provided with a third setting means (third switch 22) that can set the operating time of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b, allowing the operating time of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a, 18b to be set in multiple stages (for example, three stages: long, short, and normal).
[0061] [Second embodiment] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a heater 30 for a smoking cartridge according to the second embodiment, and parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 2 and 4 are given the same reference numerals.
[0062] As shown in Fig. 5, the smoking cartridge heater 30 according to the second embodiment mainly comprises a main body housing 11, an electromagnetic induction heater 31, a heater 13, a battery 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a control unit 25. The smoking cartridge heater 30 can use the smoking cartridge 1, similar to the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment. The electrical configuration of the smoking cartridge heater 30 is similar to that of the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the control unit 25 controls the electromagnetic induction coil 32 instead of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b.
[0063] The electromagnetic induction heater 31 includes an electromagnetic induction coil 32 and a magnetic core 33. The magnetic core 33 is formed of a magnetic material, similar to the magnetic cores 19a and 19b in the first embodiment. The magnetic core 33 includes a core base 35, a first core arm 36, and a second core arm 37, and is formed in a substantially U-shape. The electromagnetic induction coil 32 is wound around the core base 35. Similar to the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b in the first embodiment, when an AC current flows through the electromagnetic induction coil 32, an AC magnetic field is generated from the electromagnetic induction coil 32. The core base 35 extends in an inclined direction from a position below the bottom 17a of the storage recess 17 to a position radially outward from the cylindrical portion 17b.
[0064] The first core arm 36 extends from one end below the core base 35, and is coaxial with the storage recess 17 and faces the bottom surface of the storage recess 17. More specifically, the first core arm 36 is provided at a position where an end face 36a abuts against the bottom 17a of the storage recess 17. The end of the first core arm 36 opposite the end face 36a is connected to one end of the core base 35.
[0065] The end surface 36a of the first core arm portion 36 is a surface facing the bottom surface of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, the end surface 36a of the first core arm portion 36 abuts against the outer surface of the bottom portion 17a, but an opening may be formed in the bottom portion 17a and the end surface 36a may pass through this opening and be positioned on the same plane as the bottom surface of the storage recess 17.
[0066] The second core arm 37 extends from one end above the core base 35, is perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess 17, and is positioned facing the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. More specifically, the second core arm 37 is inserted into the gap 13a of the heater 13, and is positioned so that its end face 37a abuts against the cylindrical portion 17b of the storage recess 17. The end of the second core arm 37 opposite the end face 37a is connected to the other end of the core base 35. In other words, the core base 35 connects the first core arm 36 and the second core arm 37.
[0067] The end face 37a of the second core arm portion 37 is a surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, the end face 37a of the second core arm portion 37 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b, but an opening may be formed in the cylindrical portion 17b, and the end face 37a may pass through this opening and be disposed on the same plane as the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b.
[0068] By winding the electromagnetic induction coil 32 around the core base 35, the magnetic core 33 can concentrate magnetic flux (magnetic force) within the magnetic core 33, thereby strengthening electromagnetic induction. When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, the end face 36a of the first core arm 36 faces the bottom surface of the storage recess 17, and the end face 37a of the second core arm 37 faces the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b. In other words, the end face 36a of the first core arm 36 and the end face 37a of the second core arm 37 face the susceptor 7. In other words, the susceptor 7 is located on an extension line of the extending direction of the first core arm 36 and the second core arm 37. This makes it possible to concentrate the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 32 toward the susceptor 7, thereby preventing the diffusion of the AC magnetic field. The AC magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 32 causes an eddy current to flow in the susceptor 7 in the aerosol-forming substrate 3, thereby inductively heating the susceptor 7. As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the center where the susceptor 7 is disposed. Note that the electromagnetic induction coil 32 is not limited to being wound around the core base 35, but may be wound around at least one of the first core arm 36 and the second core arm 37.
[0069] As described above, the smoking cartridge heater 30 according to the second embodiment can prevent uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 3, ensuring a sufficient amount of aerosol generation, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the smoking cartridge heater 30 according to the second embodiment, the magnetic core 33 includes a core base 35 around which the electromagnetic induction coil 32 is wound, a first core arm 36 extending from the core base 35, coaxial with the storage recess 17, and facing the bottom surface of the storage recess 17, and a second core arm 37 extending from the core base 35, perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess 17, and facing the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b (storage recess 17). Therefore, the susceptor 7 is positioned on an extension of the extending direction of the first core arm 36 and the extending direction of the second core arm 37, further improving the efficiency of induction heating of the susceptor 7.
[0070] [Third embodiment] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a heater 40 for a smoking cartridge according to a third embodiment, and parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 2 and 4 are given the same reference numerals.
[0071] As shown in Fig. 6, the smoking cartridge heater 40 according to the third embodiment mainly comprises a main body housing 11, an electromagnetic induction heater 41, a heater 13, a battery 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a control unit 25. The smoking cartridge heater 40 can use the smoking cartridge 1, similar to the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment. The electrical configuration of the smoking cartridge heater 40 is similar to that of the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the control unit 25 controls the electromagnetic induction coil 42 instead of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b.
[0072] The electromagnetic induction heater 41 includes an electromagnetic induction coil 42 and a magnetic core 43. The magnetic core 43 is formed of a magnetic material, similar to the magnetic cores 19a and 19b in the first embodiment. The magnetic core 43 includes a core base 45, a first core arm 46, and a second core arm 47, and is formed in a substantially U-shape. The electromagnetic induction coil 42 is wound around the core base 45. Similar to the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b in the first embodiment, when an AC current flows through the electromagnetic induction coil 42, an AC magnetic field is generated from the electromagnetic induction coil 42. The core base 45 is located below the bottom 17a of the storage recess 17 and extends in the left-right direction (parallel to the radial direction of the storage recess 17).
[0073] The first core arm 46 extends from one end in the left-right direction of the core base 45 (the left end in FIG. 6 ), is perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess 17, and is positioned facing the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. More specifically, the first core arm 46 is inserted into the gap 13a of the heater 13, and is positioned so that the end face 46a abuts against the cylindrical portion 17b. The end of the first core arm 46 opposite the end face 46a is connected to one end of the core base 45.
[0074] The end surface 46a of the first core arm portion 46 is a surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, the end surface 46a of the first core arm portion 46 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b, but an opening may be formed in the cylindrical portion 17b, and the end surface 46a may pass through this opening and be disposed on the same plane as the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b.
[0075] The second core arm 47 extends from the other end of the core base 35 in the left-right direction (the right end in FIG. 6 ). The second core arm 47 is located at a position different from the first core arm 46 in the circumferential direction of the storage recess 17, perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess 17, and facing the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. More specifically, the second core arm 47 is located at a position different from the end face 46a in the circumferential direction of the storage recess 17, inserted into the gap 13a of the heater 13, and is located at a position where the end face 47a abuts against the cylindrical portion 17b of the storage recess 17. The end of the second core arm 47 opposite the end face 47a is connected to the other end of the core base 45. In other words, the core base 45 connects the first core arm 46 and the second core arm 47.
[0076] The end face 47a of the second core arm portion 47 is a surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, the end face 47a of the second core arm portion 47 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b, but similar to the end face 46a of the first core arm portion 46, the end face 47a may be disposed on the same plane as the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b.
[0077] By winding the electromagnetic induction coil 42 around the core base 45, the magnetic core 43 can concentrate magnetic flux (magnetic force) within the magnetic core 43, thereby strengthening electromagnetic induction. When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, the end face 46a of the first core arm 46 and the end face 47a of the second core arm 47 face the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b at different positions in the circumferential direction. In other words, the end face 46a of the first core arm 46 and the end face 47a of the second core arm 47 face the susceptor 7. In other words, the susceptor 7 is located on an extension of the direction in which the first core arm 46 and the second core arm 47 extend. This makes it possible to concentrate the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 42 toward the susceptor 7, thereby preventing the AC magnetic field from diffusing. The AC magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 42 causes an eddy current to flow in the susceptor 7 in the aerosol-forming substrate 3, thereby inductively heating the susceptor 7. As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the center where the susceptor 7 is disposed. Note that the electromagnetic induction coil 42 is not limited to being wound around the core base 45, but may be wound around at least one of the first core arm 46 and the second core arm 47.
[0078] As described above, the smoking cartridge heater 40 according to the third embodiment can prevent uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 3, and ensure a sufficient amount of aerosol generation, as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the smoking cartridge heater 40 according to the third embodiment, the magnetic core 43 has a core base 45 around which the electromagnetic induction coil 32 is wound, a first core arm 46 extending from the core base 45, perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess 17, and positioned opposite the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b (storage recess 17), and a second core arm 47 extending from the core base 45, at a position different from the first core arm 46 in the circumferential direction of the storage recess 17, perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess 17, and positioned opposite the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b (storage recess 17). Therefore, the susceptor 7 is located on an extension line of the direction in which the first core arm portion 46 and the direction in which the second core arm portion 47 extend, so that the efficiency of induction heating of the susceptor 7 can be further improved.
[0079] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a smoking cartridge heater 50 according to a fourth embodiment, and parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic induction heater 51 and a heating heater 52 that constitute the smoking cartridge heater 40 according to the fourth embodiment.
[0080] As shown in Fig. 7, the smoking cartridge heater 50 according to the fourth embodiment mainly comprises a main body housing 11, an electromagnetic induction heater 51, a heater 52, a battery 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a control unit 25. The smoking cartridge heater 50 can use the smoking cartridge 1, similar to the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment. The electrical configuration of the smoking cartridge heater 50 is similar to that of the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the control unit 25 controls the electromagnetic induction coil 53 instead of the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b.
[0081] The heater 52 is disposed so as to surround the storage recess 17, similar to the heater 13 in the first embodiment. The heater 52 is a resistance heating type heater that utilizes heat generation by Joule heat, similar to the heater 13. In this embodiment, the heater 52 is formed shorter in the vertical direction (axial direction) than the heater 13, due to the arrangement of a first core arm portion 56 and a second core arm portion 57 (described later) above and below. When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the outer periphery by the heat generated by the heater 52.
[0082] Electromagnetic induction heater 51 includes an electromagnetic induction coil 53 and a magnetic core 54. Similar to magnetic cores 19a and 19b in the first embodiment, magnetic core 54 is made of a magnetic material. Magnetic core 54 includes a core base 55, a first core arm 56, a second core arm 57, and a cover 58, and is formed in a substantially U-shape when viewed from the side and in a ring (annular) shape when viewed from above.
[0083] An electromagnetic induction coil 53 is wound around the core base 55. Similar to the electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b in the first embodiment, when an AC current flows through the electromagnetic induction coil 53, an AC magnetic field is generated from the electromagnetic induction coil 53. The core base 35 extends parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 17b (storage recess 17) and is located radially outward of the cylindrical portion 17b.
[0084] The first core arm 56 extends from the upper end of the core base 55 in the vertical direction (axial direction of the storage recess 17) and is located opposite the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. More specifically, the first core arm 56 is formed in a ring shape and surrounds the storage recess 17. The first core arm 56 is located at a position where the inner circumferential surface 56a abuts against the cylindrical portion 17b. The outer circumferential surface 56b of the first core arm 56 (see FIG. 8) is connected to the upper end of the core base 55.
[0085] The inner peripheral surface 56a of the first core arm portion 56 is a surface that faces the inner peripheral surface of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 56a of the first core arm portion 56 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 17b, but an opening may be formed in the cylindrical portion 17b, and the inner peripheral surface 56a of the first core arm portion 56 may pass through this opening and be disposed flush with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 17b.
[0086] The second core arm 57 is spaced apart from the first core arm 56 with the heater 52 sandwiched therebetween. As a result, a lower end surface 56c (the surface facing the heater 52) of the first core arm 56 faces an upper end surface 57c (the surface facing the heater 52) of the second core arm 57. The second core arm 57 extends from the lower end of the core base 55 in the vertical direction (the axial direction of the storage recess 17) and faces the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. More specifically, the second core arm 57 is formed in a ring shape and surrounds the storage recess 17. The second core arm 57 is positioned so that its inner circumferential surface 57a abuts against the cylindrical portion 17b. An outer circumferential surface 57b (see FIG. 8) of the second core arm 57 is connected to the lower end of the core base 55.
[0087] The inner peripheral surface 57a of the second core arm portion 57 is a surface that faces the inner peripheral surface of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 57a of the second core arm portion 57 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 17b, but an opening may be formed in the cylindrical portion 17b, and the inner peripheral surface 57a of the second core arm portion 57 may pass through this opening and be disposed flush with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 17b.
[0088] The lid portion 58 is disposed so as to close (cover) the inner peripheral surface 57a of the second core arm portion 57. The lid portion 58 faces the bottom surface of the storage recess 17. In this embodiment, the lid portion 58 abuts against the outer surface of the bottom portion 17a, but an opening may be formed in the bottom portion 17a and the surface of the lid portion 58 may be disposed flush with the bottom surface of the storage recess 17, passing through this opening. Alternatively, the lid portion 58 may be formed in a convex shape so as to convex upward from the bottom surface side of the storage recess 17.
[0089] By winding the electromagnetic induction coil 53 around the core base 55, the magnetic core 54 can concentrate magnetic flux (magnetic force) within the magnetic core 54, thereby strengthening electromagnetic induction. When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, the inner circumferential surface 56a of the first core arm 56 and the inner circumferential surface 57a of the second core arm 57 face the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b at different positions in the axial direction. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 56a of the first core arm 56 and the inner circumferential surface 57a of the second core arm 57 are positioned to surround the susceptor 7. This allows the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 53 to be concentrated toward the susceptor 7, preventing diffusion of the AC magnetic field. The AC magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 53 then causes eddy currents to flow in the susceptor 7 within the aerosol-forming substrate 3, thereby inductively heating the susceptor 7. As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the center where the susceptor 7 is disposed. Furthermore, since the lid portion 58 is disposed so as to close (cover) the inner circumferential surface 57a of the second core arm portion 57, the magnetic flux does not leak from the inner circumferential surface 57a of the second core arm portion 57, and the magnetic flux can be concentrated toward the susceptor 7. That is, the efficiency of induction heating of the susceptor 7 can be improved.
[0090] As described above, the smoking cartridge heater 50 according to the fourth embodiment, like the first embodiment, can prevent uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 3 and ensure a sufficient amount of aerosol generation. Furthermore, in the smoking cartridge heater 50 according to the fourth embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 56a of the first core arm 56 and the inner circumferential surface 57a of the second core arm 57 are positioned to surround the susceptor 7, further enhancing the efficiency of induction heating of the susceptor 7. Furthermore, in the smoking cartridge heater 50 according to the fourth embodiment, the core base 55 around which the electromagnetic induction coil 53 is wound is positioned radially outward of the cylindrical portion 17b (storage recess 17) and is therefore spaced apart from the heater 52. Therefore, the electromagnetic induction coil 53 is less susceptible to the heat of the heater 52, and the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 53 is more stable.
[0091] [Fifth embodiment] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a smoking cartridge heater 60 according to a fifth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the smoking cartridge heater 60 according to the fifth embodiment mainly includes a main housing 11, an electromagnetic induction heater 61, a heater 62, a battery 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a control unit 25. The smoking cartridge heater 60 can use the smoking cartridge 1, similar to the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment. The electrical configuration of the smoking cartridge heater 60 is similar to that of the smoking cartridge heater 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the control unit 25 controls electromagnetic induction coils 65 and 67 instead of electromagnetic induction coils 18a and 18b.
[0092] The heater 62 is disposed so as to surround the storage recess 17, similar to the heater 13 in the first embodiment. The heater 62 is a resistance heater that utilizes heat generation by Joule heat, similar to the heater 13. In this embodiment, the heater 62 is formed shorter in the vertical direction (axial direction) than the heater 13, since a first electromagnetic induction heater 63 and a second electromagnetic induction heater 64, which will be described later, are disposed above and below the heater 62. When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, the aerosol-forming substrate 3 is heated from the outer periphery by the heat generated by the heater 62.
[0093] The electromagnetic induction heater 61 has a first electromagnetic induction heater 63 and a second electromagnetic induction heater 64. The first electromagnetic induction heater 63 has an electromagnetic induction coil 65 and a magnetic core 66. The magnetic core 66 is located facing the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. More specifically, the magnetic core 66 is formed in a ring shape, surrounds the storage recess 17, and is located above the heater 62. The electromagnetic induction coil 65 is wound coaxially with the magnetic core 66 and surrounds the magnetic core 66. By winding the electromagnetic induction coil 65 around the magnetic core 66, magnetic flux (magnetic force) can be concentrated within the magnetic core 66, strengthening electromagnetic induction.
[0094] The second electromagnetic induction heater 64 has an electromagnetic induction coil 67 and a magnetic core 68. The magnetic core 68 is spaced apart from the magnetic core 66 (first electromagnetic induction heater 63) in the axial direction of the storage recess 17, with the heater 62 sandwiched therebetween. The magnetic core 68 is located opposite the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 17. More specifically, the magnetic core 68 is formed in a ring shape, surrounds the storage recess 17, and is located below the heater 62. The electromagnetic induction coil 67 is wound coaxially with the magnetic core 68 and surrounds the magnetic core 68. By winding the electromagnetic induction coil 67 around the magnetic core 68, magnetic flux (magnetic force) can be concentrated within the magnetic core 68, thereby strengthening electromagnetic induction.
[0095] When the aerosol-forming substrate 3 of the smoking cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage recess 17, the inner circumferential surfaces of the magnetic core 66 and the magnetic core 68 face the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 17b at different positions in the axial direction. In other words, the inner circumferential surfaces of the magnetic core 66 and the magnetic core 68 are positioned to surround the susceptor 7. This allows the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic induction coils 65 and 67 to be concentrated toward the susceptor 7, preventing the AC magnetic field from diffusing. The AC magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction coils 65 and 67 then causes eddy currents to flow in the susceptor 7 in the aerosol-forming substrate 3, thereby inductively heating the susceptor 7.
[0096] As described above, the smoking cartridge heater 60 according to the fifth embodiment, like the first embodiment, can prevent uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 3 and ensure a sufficient amount of aerosol generation. Furthermore, in the smoking cartridge heater 60 according to the fifth embodiment, the inner circumferential surfaces of the magnetic core 66 and the magnetic core 68 are positioned to surround the susceptor 7, further enhancing the efficiency of induction heating of the susceptor 7. Furthermore, in the smoking cartridge heater 60 according to the fifth embodiment, the electromagnetic induction coils 65 and 67 are spaced apart from the heater 62 in the radial and axial directions of the cylindrical portion 17b (storage recess 17). Therefore, the electromagnetic induction coil 53 is less susceptible to the heat of the heater 62, and the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic induction coils 65 and 67 is more stable.
[0097] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]
[0098] 1 smoking cartridge 2 Exterior materials 3. Aerosol-forming substrate 4 mouthpieces 5 Support member 6 Lid member 7 Susceptor 10, 30, 40, 50, 60 smoking cartridge heater 11 Main body housing 12a Electromagnetic induction heater 12b Electromagnetic induction heater 13 Heater 15 Input section 16 Display 17 Storage recess 17a bottom 17b Cylindrical part 18a Electromagnetic induction coil 18b Electromagnetic induction coil 19a Magnetic core 19b Magnetic core 20 First Switch 21 Second Switch 22 Third Switch 25 Control Unit 31 Electromagnetic induction heater 32 Electromagnetic induction coil 33 Magnetic core 35 Core base 36 First Core Arm 37 Second Core Arm 41 Electromagnetic induction heater 42 Electromagnetic induction coil 43 Magnetic core 45 Core base 46 First Core Arm 47 Second Core Arm 51 Electromagnetic induction heater 52 Heater 53 Electromagnetic induction coil 54 Magnetic core 55 Core base 56 First Core Arm 57 Second Core Arm 58 Lid 61 Electromagnetic induction heater 62 Heater 63 First electromagnetic induction heater 64 Second electromagnetic induction heater
Claims
1. A heater for a smoking cartridge having a cylindrical outer casing, an aerosol-forming substrate accommodated in the outer casing, and a susceptor for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, a main body housing having a cylindrical storage recess into which the smoking cartridge is inserted; a heater disposed so as to surround the storage recess and configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate; an electromagnetic induction heater that inductively heats the susceptor, The electromagnetic induction heater is an electromagnetic induction coil that generates an AC magnetic field, and a magnetic core around which the electromagnetic induction coil is wound; The magnetic core is a surface facing the bottom surface or the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess, penetrates the storage recess, a surface located on the same plane as the bottom surface or the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess; A heater for smoking cartridges, characterized in that
2. 2. The smoking cartridge heater according to claim 1, The magnetic core is A heater for smoking cartridges, characterized in that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess, and is positioned opposite the inner surface of the storage recess with the heater inserted through it.
3. 2. The smoking cartridge heater according to claim 1, The magnetic core is A smoking cartridge heater, characterized in that it extends coaxially with the storage recess and is located at a position opposite to the bottom surface of the storage recess.
4. 2. The smoking cartridge heater according to claim 1, The magnetic core is a core base around which the electromagnetic induction coil is wound; a first core arm portion extending from the core base portion, coaxial with the storage recess, and positioned opposite the bottom surface of the storage recess; A heater for smoking cartridges, characterized in that it has a second core arm extending from the core base, perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess, and positioned opposite the inner surface of the storage recess.
5. 2. The smoking cartridge heater according to claim 1, The magnetic core is a core base around which the electromagnetic induction coil is wound; a first core arm portion extending from the core base portion, perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess, and positioned opposite the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess; A heater for smoking cartridges, characterized in that it has a second core arm extending from the core base, at a position different from the first core arm in the circumferential direction of the storage recess, perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage recess, and facing the inner surface of the storage recess.
6. 2. The smoking cartridge heater according to claim 1, The magnetic core is a core base around which the electromagnetic induction coil is wound; a first core arm portion extending from the core base portion, surrounding the storage recess, and positioned opposite the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess; A heater for smoking cartridges, characterized in that it has a second core arm portion that extends from the core base and surrounds the storage recess, is spaced apart from the first core arm portion in the axial direction of the storage recess with the heater sandwiched between them, and is positioned opposite the inner surface of the storage recess.
7. 2. The smoking cartridge heater according to claim 1, The main body housing has a first setting means for setting the operation sequence of the electromagnetic induction coil and the heater. A heater for smoking cartridges.
8. 2. The smoking cartridge heater according to claim 1, The main body housing has a second setting means capable of setting the heating temperature of the heater. A heater for smoking cartridges.
9. 2. The smoking cartridge heater according to claim 1, The main body housing has a third setting means capable of setting an operation time of the electromagnetic induction coil. A heater for smoking cartridges.
Citation Information
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