Flavor-generating articles and smoking systems
The integration of granular packing materials and airflow control mechanisms in flavor-generating articles and systems addresses leakage and condensation issues, enhancing cooling and airflow management for improved user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JAPAN TOBACCO INC
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing flavor inhalers face issues with vapor or aerosol leakage and condensation/agglomeration during non-smoking periods, and inefficient cooling and airflow management.
Incorporation of a filling member, such as granular packing material, in the air passage to suppress vapor or aerosol leakage and condensation, with features like check valves, curved flow paths, and ventilation resistance management to enhance airflow control.
Effectively prevents vapor or aerosol leakage and condensation, promotes efficient cooling, and optimizes airflow in flavor-generating articles and systems, ensuring consistent performance during use.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor-generating article and a smoking system.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a flavor inhaler for inhaling flavors and the like without burning materials is known. As such a flavor inhaler, for example, a smoking material heating device that forms an aerosol by heating a smoking material composed of tobacco containing a volatile component is known (see Patent Document 1). In the aerosol generation system described in Patent Document 1, an aerosol-forming base material and a susceptor are accommodated in a capsule, and the susceptor is inductively heated by an induction coil disposed around the side of the capsule.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a flavor-generating article having a new structure.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] According to a first aspect, a flavor-generating article is provided. The flavor-generating article includes a flavor source, a container that houses the flavor source, and a filling member that is located at least on one of the upstream and downstream sides of the flavor source and is provided in an air flow path within the container.
[0006] In this case, the movement of vapor or aerosol generated at the flavor source upstream or downstream can be suppressed by the filling member provided in the air passage. As a result, when the flavor source is heated while the user is not smoking, leakage of vapor or aerosol generated at the flavor source upstream or downstream can be suppressed. Furthermore, if a filling member is provided in the flavor inhaler, there is a risk of vapor or aerosol condensing or agglomerating in the flavor inhaler. According to the first embodiment, since a filling member is provided in the flavor generating article, condensation or agglomeration in the flavor inhaler can be suppressed.
[0007] The filling member may include a granular filling member.
[0008] In this case, the granular packing material prevents the leakage of vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor source upstream or downstream when the flavor source is heated while the user is not smoking, while allowing the gaps in the granular packing material to function as an air passage when the user is smoking. Furthermore, by including the granular packing material in the packing material, the surface area of the packing material can be increased, allowing for efficient cooling of vapor or aerosol that comes into contact with the granular packing material.
[0009] The granular filling material may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, cellulose, tobacco granules, glycerin, propylene glycol, and flavoring additives.
[0010] If the granular filler contains, for example, tobacco granules or flavoring additives, flavors can be imparted to the vapor or aerosol. Furthermore, if the granular filler contains glycerin or propylene glycol, the amount of aerosol can be increased. If the granular filler contains calcium carbonate or cellulose, these have relatively low specific heats, so the temperature rises easily, which in turn can increase the amount of aerosol.
[0011] The granular filling member and the flavor source may also contain the tobacco granules.
[0012] In this case, since common materials can be used for both the flavor source and the granular filling material, flavor-generating articles can be manufactured efficiently.
[0013] The granular filling member may be located downstream of the flavor source. The container may have an air inlet located upstream of the flavor source, an air outlet located downstream of the granular filling member, and a vent communicating with the granular filling member.
[0014] In this case, air can be supplied to the granular filling material located downstream of the flavor source through the vent, so that the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source can be efficiently cooled by the air from the vent.
[0015] The granular filling member may include an upstream granular filling member located upstream of the flavor source and a downstream granular filling member located downstream of the flavor source.
[0016] In this case, the movement of vapor or aerosol generated at the flavor source both upstream and downstream can be suppressed by a filling material provided in the air passage. As a result, when the flavor source is heated while the user is not smoking, leakage of vapor or aerosol generated at the flavor source both upstream and downstream can be suppressed.
[0017] The upstream granular filling member may contain a different material from the downstream granular filling member.
[0018] In this case, for example, it is possible to give more freedom to design the flavor-generating article by using a material that imparts flavor to the downstream granular filling member through which the steam or aerosol passes, and using a different material for the upstream granular filling member.
[0019] The average particle size of the granular filling member may be 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.
[0020] If the average particle size of the granular filling member is less than 0.1 mm, the particle size is too small, the gaps between the granular filling members become small, and there is a risk that the ventilation resistance becomes too high. Also, in this case, the granular filling member is likely to spill from the gaps of the container of the fragrance-generating article. On the other hand, if the average particle size of the granular filling member exceeds 3 mm, the particle size is too large, the gaps between the granular filling members become large, and vapor or aerosol is likely to leak through the gaps of the granular filling member. Therefore, if the above average particle size is 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, it is possible to suppress the leakage of vapor or aerosol through the gaps of the granular filling member while suppressing the increase in ventilation resistance or the spilling of the granular filling member from the container.
[0021] The fragrance-generating article may have a breathable partition member between the granular filling member and the fragrance source.
[0022] In this case, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the granular filling member and the fragrance source in the container.
[0023] The fragrance-generating article may have a susceptor disposed inside the fragrance source.
[0024] In this case, the susceptor of the fragrance-generating article can be heated by inductively heating the fragrance source with an induction coil provided in the fragrance aspirator.
[0025] According to the second aspect, a smoking system is provided. The smoking system includes the fragrance-generating article and a fragrance aspirator having a heating source for heating the fragrance-generating article.
[0026] In this case, the movement of the vapor or aerosol generated in the fragrance source upstream or downstream can be suppressed by a filling member provided in the air flow path. As a result, it is possible to provide a smoking system that can suppress the leakage of the vapor or aerosol generated in the fragrance source upstream or downstream during heating of the fragrance source while the user is not smoking.
[0027] The fragrance attractor may have a chamber for accommodating the fragrance-generating article. The heating source may be configured to be inserted into the container of the fragrance-generating article when the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber. When the ventilation resistance downstream of the fragrance source is R1 and the ventilation resistance upstream of the fragrance source is R2 in a state where the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber, R1 > R2 may be satisfied.
[0028] In this case, when the fragrance source is heated while the user is not smoking, the vapor or aerosol generated at the fragrance source can be suppressed from moving downstream. Generally, since the flow path of the fragrance attractor is relatively long on the upstream side of the fragrance source, it is difficult for the vapor or aerosol to leak from the fragrance attractor. Therefore, by making the ventilation resistance downstream of the fragrance source higher than that upstream, it is possible to further suppress the leakage of the vapor or aerosol from the fragrance attractor. In this specification, the ventilation resistances R1 and R2 are the ventilation resistances in the smoking system in a state where the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber.
[0029] The fragrance attractor may have a chamber for accommodating the fragrance-generating article. When the ventilation resistance downstream of the susceptor is R3 and the ventilation resistance upstream of the susceptor is R4 in a state where the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber, R3 > R4 may be satisfied.
[0030] In this case, when the fragrance source is heated while the user is not smoking, the vapor or aerosol generated at the fragrance source can be suppressed from moving downstream. Generally, since the flow path of the fragrance attractor is relatively long on the upstream side of the susceptor, it is difficult for the vapor or aerosol to leak from the fragrance attractor. Therefore, by making the ventilation resistance downstream of the susceptor higher than that upstream, it is possible to further suppress the leakage of the vapor or aerosol from the fragrance attractor. In this specification, the ventilation resistances R3 and R4 are the ventilation resistances in the smoking system in a state where the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber.
[0031] The flavor suction device may have an air passage that communicates with the air inlet of the container of the flavor generating article. The air passage may pass outside the side wall of the container and communicate with the air inlet.
[0032] In this case, an air layer (air channel) is formed on the outside of the side wall of the container, which can suppress the transfer of heat from the container to the outside of the flavor inhaler.
[0033] According to a third embodiment, a flavor generating article is provided. This flavor generating article comprises a flavor source, a container for housing the flavor source, and a flow path bending section located downstream of the flavor source and configured to curve the air passage that passes through the container.
[0034] In this case, the airflow path downstream of the container can be made longer compared to a case without a curved flow path. Therefore, leakage of vapor or aerosol that has passed through the container to the outside of the container can be suppressed, and the cooling of the vapor or aerosol can be promoted. Generally, upstream of the flavor source, the flow path of the flavor aspirator is relatively long, so leakage of vapor or aerosol from the flavor aspirator is unlikely. Therefore, by placing a curved flow path downstream of the flavor source, leakage of vapor or aerosol from the flavor aspirator can be efficiently suppressed. Furthermore, when the curved flow path is located inside the container, the vapor or aerosol is cooled and aggregated or condensed in the curved flow path, so aggregation or condensation of vapor or aerosol outside the container (for example, inside the flavor aspirator) can be suppressed.
[0035] The curved portion of the flow path may include one or more selected from the group consisting of a helical flow path body, a spiral flow path body, and a gas-impermeable plate-like member.
[0036] In this case, the airflow channel may be curved in a spiral, spiral, or random manner by the curved section of the flow path.
[0037] The spiral flow channel may have an upper member, a lower member, and a spiral member located between them. Air flowing in from the lower member may move along the spiral member and flow out from the upper member.
[0038] In this case, a spiral airflow channel can be formed by the upper member, the lower member, and the spiral member.
[0039] The lower member may include a gas-permeable member and a gas-impermeable member provided on the surface of the gas-permeable member.
[0040] In this case, vapor or aerosol can flow in from the portion of the gas-permeable member where the gas-impermeable member is not provided, move in a spiral motion along the spiral member, and flow out from the upper member.
[0041] The gas-impermeable member may be arranged on at least one surface of the gas-permeable member such that it does not overlap with the outer edge of the gas-permeable member.
[0042] In this case, vapor or aerosol can flow in from the outer edge of the gas-permeable member, move in a spiral motion along the spiral-shaped member, and flow out from the upper member.
[0043] The center of the gas-impermeable member and the center of the gas-permeable member may substantially coincide.
[0044] In this case, the inflow of vapor or aerosol from the center of the gas-permeable member can be suppressed. Also, if the gas-impermeable member is positioned so as not to overlap with the outer edge of the gas-permeable member, the vapor or aerosol can inflow from the outer edge of the gas-permeable member, move in a spiral along the spiral member, and flow out from the upper member.
[0045] The spiral-shaped member may be formed integrally with the upper member or the lower member.
[0046] In this case, the formation of a gap between the spiral member and the upper or lower member is suppressed, thus preventing vapor or aerosol leakage from the gap between the spiral member and the upper or lower member. Furthermore, a spiral flow path can be easily formed simply by attaching a separate upper or lower member to the spiral member.
[0047] The spiral-shaped channel body may be positioned to close the opening of the container.
[0048] In this case, the upper component can function as a lid for the container. Therefore, by providing a spiral-shaped channel in the container, spillage of the flavoring source from the container can be prevented.
[0049] The spiral channel body may have a spiral channel defined by the upper member, the lower member, and the spiral member. The spiral channel may have an air inlet and an air outlet. The spiral channel body may have a vent that communicates with the spiral channel between the air inlet and the air outlet.
[0050] In this case, since air can be supplied through the vents, the vapor or aerosol passing through the swirling channel can be efficiently cooled by the air from the vents.
[0051] The helical channel body may have at least one helical channel having an air inlet and an air outlet. The helical channel may extend in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article. The air inlet and the air outlet may be positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article.
[0052] The plate-like member may be arranged to extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article.
[0053] In this case, vapor or aerosol from a flavor source moving along the longitudinal direction can be made to collide with the plate-shaped member and move in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
[0054] The container may have walls that define the internal space. The curved portion of the flow path may include grooves or rough surfaces formed on the inner surface of the walls.
[0055] In this case, the flow path of vapor or aerosol passing through the container can be curved without providing a separate curved section for the flow path in addition to the container.
[0056] The curved section of the flow path may be located outside the container.
[0057] In this case, it is possible to prevent flavoring sources inside the container from entering the curved section of the flow path.
[0058] According to a fourth embodiment, a flavor generating article is provided. This flavor generating article comprises a flavor source, a container housing the flavor source, and a check valve located downstream of the flavor source and configured to allow the movement of gas from the flavor source to the outside of the container.
[0059] In this case, the movement of vapor or aerosol generated at the flavor source downstream can be suppressed by the check valve. As a result, leakage of vapor or aerosol generated at the flavor source downstream can be suppressed when the flavor source is heated while the user is not smoking. Generally, the flow path of the flavor inhaler is relatively long upstream of the flavor source, so vapor or aerosol is less likely to leak from the flavor inhaler. Therefore, by placing a check valve downstream of the flavor source, leakage of vapor or aerosol from the flavor inhaler can be efficiently suppressed.
[0060] The aforementioned check valve may include a ball-type check valve or a flap-type check valve.
[0061] In this case, the ball or flap can be used to prevent leakage of vapor or aerosol downstream.
[0062] The check valve may include a flap-type check valve. The flap-type check valve may have a base having an opening or notch, and a flap portion provided downstream of the base so as to cover the opening or notch.
[0063] In this case, the flap portion can cover the opening or notch, thereby suppressing the leakage of vapor or aerosol downstream.
[0064] Each of the ends of the flap portion may be fixed to the first and second portions of the base. The length between the ends of the flap portion may be longer than the distance between the first and second portions of the base.
[0065] In this case, the flap is fixed to the base in such a way that it bends or folds, so that a part of the flap is separated from the base, and the user can inhale vapor or aerosol through the gap between the flap and the base.
[0066] The flap portion may include a first flap member and a second flap member. One end of each of the first flap member and the second flap member may be fixed to the base body. The other ends of each of the first flap member and the second flap member may be fixed to each other.
[0067] In this case, the first flap member and the second flap member can be overlapped and fixed together. The weight of this overlapping portion improves the opening and closing operation of the flap (making it difficult to open easily). Therefore, by using the first flap member and the second flap member, a flap with such smooth opening and closing operation can be easily formed.
[0068] The length of the first flap member and the length of the second flap member may be substantially equal.
[0069] In this case, the distance from each end of the flap to the overlapping portion of the first flap member and the second flap member becomes equal, making it easier to open and close the flap, and specifically, to adjust the function of suppressing the pressure of the vapor or aerosol.
[0070] The first flap member and the second flap member may be fixed so as to overlap each other at their other ends. The ratio of the length of the overlapping portion of the first flap member and the second flap member to the length between one end and the other end of the first flap member or the second flap member may be 0 or more and 0.4 or less.
[0071] In this case, while maintaining the overall flexibility of the flap section, the overlapping of the first and second flap members increases the weight of the central part of the flap section, making the opening and closing of the flap section more desirable. Specifically, when the flap section is opened while suppressing the pressure of the vapor or aerosol, it can operate more smoothly.
[0072] According to a fifth embodiment, a smoking system is provided. This smoking system comprises a flavor generating article and a flavor inhaler. The flavor generating article has an air inlet and an air outlet. The flavor inhaler has an air intake port communicating with the air inlet and an exhaust port communicating with the air outlet. The airflow resistance downstream of the flavor source is greater than the airflow resistance upstream of the flavor source.
[0073] In this case, when the flavor source is heated while the user is not smoking, the movement of vapors or aerosols generated by the flavor source downstream can be suppressed.
[0074] According to the sixth embodiment, a flavor-generating article is provided. This flavor-generating article comprises a flavor source, a container housing the flavor source and having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a nozzle communicating with the air outlet of the container. The inner diameter of the nozzle is smaller than the inner diameter of the container.
[0075] In this case, compared to a case where the flavor-generating article does not have a nozzle, the flow rate of vapor or aerosol from the flavor-generating article can be increased when the user smokes. This makes it possible to suppress the vapor or aerosol flowing out from the flavor-generating article from colliding with the flow path wall of the flavor inhaler and causing aggregation or condensation.
[0076] The length of the nozzle may be 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
[0077] If the nozzle length is less than 3 mm, the nozzle may be too short, causing the vapor or aerosol leaking from the nozzle to diffuse and potentially failing to effectively prevent it from impacting the flow path wall of the flavor inhaler. If the nozzle length exceeds 10 mm, the size of the flavor inhaler may become too large to accommodate the flavor-generating item with the nozzle. Therefore, when the nozzle length is within the above range, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of vapor or aerosol while preventing the size of the flavor inhaler from becoming too large.
[0078] The flavor-generating article may have a vent that communicates with the inside of the container.
[0079] In this case, since air can be supplied through the vents, the vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor source can be efficiently cooled by the air coming from the vents.
[0080] The diameter of the air outlet of the container and the inner diameter of the nozzle may be substantially equal.
[0081] In this case, since there is virtually no difference between the diameter of the air outlet and the inner diameter of the nozzle, pressure loss at the boundary between the air outlet and the nozzle can be suppressed.
[0082] The flavor-generating article may have a mesh or filter covering the air outlet of the container.
[0083] In this case, it is possible to suppress the discharge of flavorings from the nozzle.
[0084] The container may have a plurality of air outlets. All of the plurality of air outlets may be in communication with the nozzle.
[0085] In this case, the vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor source can come into contact with the walls of the container that define multiple air outlets, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the vapor or aerosol.
[0086] According to the seventh embodiment, a smoking system is provided. This smoking system comprises a flavor-generating article, a chamber for housing the flavor-generating article, and a flavor inhaler having a mouthpiece.
[0087] In this case, the flow rate of vapor or aerosol from the flavor-generating article can be increased when the user smokes, and the vapor or aerosol can be supplied through the mouthpiece.
[0088] The ratio of the length of the nozzle to the distance from the tip of the nozzle to the opening of the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler may be between 10:0 and 3:7.
[0089] If the nozzle length is relatively shorter than the above ratio range, the vapor or aerosol flowing out of the nozzle may diffuse, and it may not be possible to effectively suppress its collision with the flow path wall of the flavor inhaler. Therefore, when the above ratio is within the above range, the diffusion of vapor or aerosol can be suppressed. Note that when the above ratio is 10:0, it means that the distance from the tip of the nozzle to the opening of the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler is 0.
[0090] The flavor inhaler may have an air supply port adjacent to the nozzle in the radial direction, which supplies air into the gap between the mouthpiece and the nozzle.
[0091] Vapor or aerosol leaking from the nozzle may diffuse into the gap between the mouthpiece and the nozzle, forming a swirling flow that could cause aggregation or condensation on the mouthpiece or nozzle. If the flavor inhaler has the above-mentioned air supply port, air can be supplied to the gap, thereby preventing vapor or aerosol leaking from the nozzle from entering the gap.
[0092] A groove may be formed on at least one of the surfaces of the mouthpiece facing the container and on the surface of the container facing the mouthpiece, defining at least a portion of the air supply port.
[0093] In this case, an air supply port can be provided upstream of the gap between the mouthpiece and the nozzle, which is radially adjacent to the nozzle. This effectively prevents vapor or aerosol flowing out of the nozzle from entering the gap.
[0094] The container may have a guide portion that extends in the direction of extension of the nozzle and is located between the mouthpiece and the nozzle.
[0095] In this case, the guide section makes it easy to position the flavor-generating item relative to the mouthpiece.
[0096] The guide portion may be configured to guide the air supplied from the air supply port toward the opening of the mouthpiece.
[0097] In this case, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of vapor or aerosol in the gap between the mouthpiece and the nozzle, which is radially adjacent to the nozzle.
[0098] The nozzle may include a portion in which its outer diameter increases from the opening of the nozzle toward the air outlet of the container.
[0099] In this case, a tapered surface is formed on the outer surface of the nozzle, with the outer diameter decreasing towards the nozzle opening. Therefore, the nozzle itself can function as the guide section.
[0100] The flavor suction device may have an air passage that communicates with the air inlet of the container of the flavor generating article. The air passage may pass outside the side wall of the container and communicate with the air inlet.
[0101] In this case, an air layer (air channel) is formed on the outside of the side wall of the container, which can suppress the transfer of heat from the container to the outside of the flavor inhaler.
[0102] According to the eighth aspect, a flavor-generating article is provided. This flavor-generating article comprises a flavor source and a container for housing the flavor source. The container has a first cylindrical body having a first bottom wall and a first side wall, and a second cylindrical body having a second bottom wall and a second side wall. The first cylindrical body is inserted into the second cylindrical body such that the first side wall abuts against the second bottom wall.
[0103] In this case, an air layer can be easily created between the first and second side walls, which can suppress the transfer of heat from the container to the outside of the flavor-generating article.
[0104] An air passage may be formed between the first side wall and the second side wall.
[0105] In this case, an air layer (air channel) is formed on the outside of the first side wall of the container, which can suppress the transfer of heat from the container to the outside of the flavor-generating article.
[0106] The first side wall may have an opening or notch that connects the air passage to the inside of the first cylindrical body.
[0107] In this case, the air that has passed through the air passage can be supplied into the container through an opening or notch.
[0108] The flavor-generating article may have a heating source located within the container. The opening or notch may be located upstream of the heating source.
[0109] In this case, since the air flowing into the container through the opening or notch passes through the heat source, the vapor or aerosol generated near the heat source can be efficiently delivered.
[0110] The flavor-generating article may have a heating source located within the container. The opening or notch may be located downstream of the heating source.
[0111] In this case, since air can be supplied through the opening or notch, the vapor or aerosol generated at the flavor source can be efficiently cooled by the air coming from the opening or notch.
[0112] The flavor-generating article may have a heating source placed inside the container. The first side wall may have the openings or notches upstream and downstream of the heating source. The upstream opening or notch may be larger than the downstream opening or notch.
[0113] In this case, leakage of vapor or aerosol from the downstream opening or notch can be suppressed. Furthermore, the amount of air supplied to the flavor source from the upstream opening or notch can be increased.
[0114] The flavor-generating article may have a heating source placed inside the container. The first side wall may have the openings or notches upstream and downstream of the heating source. The upstream opening or notch may be smaller than the downstream opening or notch.
[0115] In this case, the amount of air supplied from the downstream opening or notch can be increased to further promote the cooling of the vapor or aerosol.
[0116] The second side wall has at least one rib on its inner surface, and the rib may abut against the outer surface of the first side wall.
[0117] In this case, the ribs can create a gap of a certain width between the first side wall and the second side wall.
[0118] The first bottom wall may have ventilation openings.
[0119] In this case, the vent can function as an air inlet or air outlet for the container.
[0120] The second bottom wall may be configured to prevent air from passing through.
[0121] As a result, when the first bottom wall has the ventilation opening, the first side wall has the opening or notch, and an air passage is formed between the first side wall and the second side wall, the air that flows into the container through the air passage and the opening or notch can flow out of the container through the ventilation opening. In other words, the flavor-generating article can have a so-called counter-flow type passage.
[0122] The second bottom wall may have ventilation openings.
[0123] In this case, the vent can function as an air inlet or air outlet for the container.
[0124] Non-tobacco particles may be present upstream of the flavor source within the container.
[0125] In this case, the non-tobacco particles suppress the leakage of vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor source upstream when the flavor source is heated while the user is not smoking, while allowing the gaps between the non-tobacco particles to function as an air passage when the user is smoking.
[0126] The container may have a heating source insertion chamber isolated from the space containing the flavor source.
[0127] In this case, the flavor source can be heated by inserting the heating source into the heating source insertion chamber without damaging the flavor source container. Furthermore, since the heating source does not come into direct contact with the flavor source, contamination of the heating source by the flavor source can be suppressed.
[0128] The flavor-generating article may have a susceptor housed in the container.
[0129] In this case, the flavor source can be heated by inductively heating the susceptor of the flavor-generating item with an induction coil provided in the flavor suction device.
[0130] According to the ninth aspect, a method for manufacturing a flavor-generating article is provided. This method for manufacturing a flavor-generating article includes arranging a flavor source inside a first cylindrical body, and inserting the first cylindrical body into a second cylindrical body such that the first side wall of the first cylindrical body in which the flavor source is arranged abuts against the second bottom wall of the second cylindrical body.
[0131] In this case, a flavor-generating article having an air layer between the first side wall and the second side wall can be easily manufactured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0132] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor-generating article according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the smoking system in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor-generating article according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor-generating article according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor-generating article according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a spiral-shaped channel body, which is another example of a curved channel section. [Figure 7] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of another example of the spiral flow channel 32. [Figure 8] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a spiral channel body, which is another example of a curved channel section. [Figure 9] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor-generating article according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a plan view showing another example of a check valve used in flavor-generating articles. [Figure 11] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor-generating article according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor-generating article according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor-generating article according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0133] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In this specification, "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction in which air passes through the flavor source of the flavor generating article or the longitudinal axis direction of the flavor generating article. In this specification, "short direction" or "width direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0134] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a smoking system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the smoking system 200 includes a flavor generating article 10 and a flavor inhaler 100. The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate a flavor-containing vapor or aerosol by heating a flavor source 20 contained in a container 12. The flavor inhaler 100 has a heating source 110 for heating the flavor generating article 10. In the example shown in Figure 2, the flavor inhaler 100 has an induction coil as the heating source 110. However, the flavor inhaler 100 may also have a heating element that can be inserted into the flavor generating article 10, or a heating element that heats the flavor generating article 10 from the outside, as the heating source 110. The heating source 110 is configured to heat the flavor generating article 10 to, for example, 200°C or more and 350°C or less.
[0135] After use, the flavor generating item 10 can be removed from the flavor inhaler 100 and discarded. A new flavor generating item 10 can then be used in the flavor inhaler 100. In other words, the flavor generating item 10 is a cartridge used in the flavor inhaler 100.
[0136] As shown in Figure 2, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a chamber 120 for housing the flavor generating article 10 and a mouthpiece 130. Furthermore, the flavor inhaler 100 may include a housing 101, a battery 102, and a control unit 103. The housing 101 houses the battery 102, the control unit 103, and the heating source 110. The housing 101 may be divisible into two or more parts.
[0137] The battery 102 is configured to supply power to the heating source 110 and the control unit 103, etc. For example, the battery 102 is a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery 102 may be rechargeable by an external power source. The battery 102 is electrically connected to the heating source 110 via the control unit 103. This allows the battery 102 to supply power to the heating source 110 so as to properly heat the flavor source 20 contained in the flavor generating article 10.
[0138] The control unit 103 consists of a CPU and memory, and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. Specifically, the control unit 103 can control the supply of power from the battery 102 to the heating source 110. For example, the control unit 103 starts heating the flavor generating item 10 in response to user operation on an input device such as a push button or a slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the flavor generating item 10 after a certain period of time has elapsed. The control unit 103 may also stop heating the flavor generating item 10 even before a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating if the number of puffing operations by the user exceeds a certain value. For example, the puffing operation is detected by a sensor (not shown).
[0139] Alternatively, the control unit 103 may start heating the flavor-generating article 10 in response to the start of the puffing operation and stop heating the flavor-generating article 10 in response to the end of the puffing operation. The control unit 103 may also stop heating the flavor-generating article 10 even before the end of the puffing operation if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the puffing operation. If the heating source 110 is an induction coil, the flavor inhaler 100 may have an electromagnetic shield to suppress electromagnetic waves generated by the induction coil from reaching the control unit 103.
[0140] If the heating source 110 is an induction coil, the induction coil may be arranged to surround the flavor generating article 10 as shown in Figure 2. An insulating material (not shown) may be placed between the induction coil and the flavor generating article 10. In other words, the flavor inhaler may have an insulating material arranged to surround the flavor generating article 10. The insulating material may be, for example, a vacuum insulating material, an aerogel insulating material, or an air insulating material.
[0141] The housing 101 has a chamber 120 at its mouthpiece end (mouthpiece 130 side) for housing the flavor-generating article 10. As shown in the figure, the mouthpiece 130 is connected to one end of the housing 101 so as to close the chamber 120 of the housing 101. The mouthpiece 130 has an air passage 130a that communicates the outside of the mouthpiece 130 with the chamber 120 of the housing 101. More specifically, the air passage 130a of the mouthpiece 130 communicates with an air outlet 14 of the flavor-generating article 10 located in the chamber 120, which will be described later.
[0142] As shown in Figure 1, the flavor generating article 10 includes a flavor source 20 and a container 12 that houses the flavor source 20. Furthermore, it is preferable that the flavor generating article 10 has a susceptor 23 disposed inside the flavor source 20. In this case, the flavor source 20 can be heated by induction heating of the susceptor 23 of the flavor generating article 10 by an induction coil provided in the flavor aspirator 100. The susceptor 23 can have any shape that can be placed inside the container. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 1, the susceptor 23 is plate-shaped. The thickness of the susceptor 23 is, for example, 10 μm to 200 μm, and preferably 10 μm to 100 μm. The susceptor 23 can be formed from any material that can be induction heated.
[0143] The susceptor 23 may be configured to partition the flavor source 20 into a first part and a second part. In other words, the susceptor 23 may be configured to divide the space in which the flavor source 20 is placed into two parts. In this case, different types of flavor sources 20 may be accommodated in the first part and the second part.
[0144] The susceptor 23 shown in Figure 1 is a flat plate-like body, but it is not limited to this, and the susceptor 23 may be a curved plate-like body. Specifically, for example, the susceptor 23 may be a plate-like body having an S-shaped cross-section when viewed from the longitudinal direction. By curving the susceptor 23, the surface area of the susceptor 23 that can be placed in the container 12 can be increased compared to when the susceptor 23 is flat, so that the flavor source 20 can be heated efficiently.
[0145] The susceptor 23 may be provided on the flavor aspirator 100. In this case, the susceptor 23 may be configured to be insertable into the flavor generating article 10. However, if the heating source 110 of the flavor aspirator 100 is not an induction coil, but includes, for example, a microwave generating antenna or a heating blade that can be inserted into the flavor generating article 10, or a heating element that heats the flavor generating article 10 from the outside, then the susceptor 23 is not required for the flavor generating article 10.
[0146] The container 12 may have, for example, a substantially cylindrical side wall 12a, a bottom wall 12b provided at the end of the side wall 12a, and a top wall 12c provided on the side of the side wall 12a opposite to the bottom wall 12b. In this embodiment, the side wall 12a is cylindrical. The side wall 12a may be cylindrical with other cross-sectional shapes, such as a square or rectangle. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the container 12 is made of a dielectric material. For example, the container 12 may be made of paper. In this case, the container 12 can be manufactured inexpensively and easily. More specifically, the container 12 may be made of pulp mold. The container 12 may be made of an air-impermeable material. Here, an air-impermeable material refers to a material whose air permeability is 0 CU when measured according to ISO 2965-1997. Specifically, the container 12 may be made of air-impermeable paper. In this case, it is possible to suppress the leakage of vapor or aerosol generated from the flavor source 20 from unintended parts of the container 12.
[0147] The longitudinal length of the container 12 is, for example, 5 mm to 25 mm, preferably 8 mm to 20 mm. In this case, the longitudinal length of the container 12 is the distance from the bottom wall 12b to the top wall 12c, and does not include the length of the nozzle 28, which will be described later. The diameter of the container 12 (i.e., the width of the side wall 12a) is, for example, 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably 6 mm to 12 mm, and more preferably 6 mm to 10 mm. The thickness of the container 12 (thickness of the side wall 12a, bottom wall 12b, or top wall 12c) may be, for example, 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The thicknesses of the side wall 12a, bottom wall 12b, and top wall 12c may differ from each other. The ratio of the longitudinal length of the container 12 to the diameter of the container 12 (width of the side wall 12a) is preferably 0.5 to 2.5.
[0148] The container 12 may be configured to hold the susceptor 23. Specifically, for example, the side wall 12a of the container 12 may have a slit that clamps and supports the end of the plate-shaped susceptor 23. In this case, the widthwise end of the susceptor 23 can be supported by the container 12. The container 12 may be made of a material containing tobacco-derived fibers.
[0149] The flavor source 20 includes, for example, tobacco. Specific examples of tobacco include shredded dried tobacco leaves, crushed tobacco leaves, or tobacco extract (extracts obtained from water, organic solvents, or mixed solutions thereof). The crushed tobacco leaves are particles obtained by crushing tobacco leaves. The crushed tobacco leaves have an average particle size of, for example, 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. Crushing can be performed using a known crusher, and may be dry or wet. Therefore, the crushed tobacco leaves are also referred to as tobacco particles. In this embodiment, the average particle size is determined by laser diffraction / scattering, specifically measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer (e.g., Horiba LA-950). However, the flavor source 20 may have any form, such as block, sheet, particulate, or paste. In this case, the flavor source 20 may be a porous body. If the flavor source 20 is in sheet form, the thickness of the flavor source 20 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less, preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. Also, if the flavor source 20 is in sheet form, the flavor source 20 may be wrinkled, folded, or cut into strips. If the sheet-like flavor source 20 is cut into strips, the width of the strips may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less. If the flavor source 20 is in particulate form, the average particle diameter of the flavor source 20 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, preferably 0.212 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 1.18 mm or less. If the average particle diameter of the flavor source 20 is 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, the size of the particles may be such that they pass through a mesh with a mesh opening of 3 mm, or they may be such that they do not pass through a mesh with a mesh opening of 0.1 mm. If the average particle size of the flavor source 20 is too large, the amount of vapor or aerosol delivered by the flavor source 20 may decrease, and the heating efficiency may decrease due to the smaller surface area. On the other hand, if the average particle size of the flavor source 20 is too small, it may easily fall out of the air outlet 14 or air inlet 13 of the container 12. In addition, the particles of the flavor source 20 may clog the container 12, increasing the suction resistance and making it difficult for the user to inhale.The type of tobacco used is not limited; yellow varieties, Burley varieties, Oriental varieties, native varieties, and other Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica varieties can be used.
[0150] The filling ratio of the flavor source 20 contained in the container 12 is, for example, 0.15 to 0.7, preferably 0.2 to 0.6, and more preferably 0.25 to 0.5. In this case, the filling ratio of the flavor source 20 refers to the volume ratio of the flavor source 20 to the volume of voids inside the container 12. The weight of the flavor source 20 contained in the container 12 is, for example, 100 mg to 500 mg, preferably 150 mg to 400 mg, and more preferably 200 mg to 360 mg.
[0151] The flavor source 20 may further contain an aerosol source. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their components can be selected depending on the application. The aerosol source is preferably a polyhydric alcohol, and can be, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
[0152] The flavor source 20 may include tobacco particles and anti-adhesion particles having a smaller particle size than the tobacco particles, which are attached to the surface of the tobacco particles. This can suppress the adhesion of the tobacco particles to each other. The anti-adhesion particles may include, for example, particles of calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, or carbon black. The average particle size of the anti-adhesion particles may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.
[0153] In this embodiment, the flavor generating article 10 preferably has a filling member 22 located at least one of the upstream and downstream sides of the flavor source 20 and provided in the air passage within the container 12. In this case, the filling member 22 can suppress the movement of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 upstream or downstream. As a result, when the flavor source 20 is heated while the user is not smoking, leakage of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 upstream or downstream can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the flavor inhaler 100 is provided with a filling member 22, there is a risk of vapor or aerosol condensing in the flavor inhaler 100. According to this embodiment, since the flavor generating article 10 is provided with a filling member 22, condensation or aggregation in the flavor inhaler 100 can be suppressed. Here, the filling member 22 can be made of any material. The filling member 22 may be a material that is permeable to air or a material that is not permeable to air. If the filling member 22 is an air-impermeable material, it is positioned upstream or downstream of the flavor source 20 so as not to completely block the air passage. In the example shown in Figure 1, filling members 22a and 22b are positioned upstream and downstream of the flavor source 20, respectively. However, the filling member 22 may be positioned upstream or downstream of the flavor source 20 only. For example, the filling member 22 may be a porous material, and specifically, it may be a filter such as a paper filter or an acetate filter.
[0154] The filling material 22 may contain a fragrance. A fragrance is a substance that provides aroma and flavor. The fragrance may be a natural fragrance or a synthetic fragrance. One type of fragrance may be used, or a mixture of multiple types of fragrances may be used. As for the fragrance, any commonly used fragrance can be used, such as essential oils, natural fragrances, or synthetic fragrances. It may also be a liquid or a solid, and its properties are not limited. Suitable flavors include fragrances selected from tobacco extract and tobacco components, sugars and sugar-based flavors, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, fruit juice and fruits, spices, liquor, herbs, vanilla, and floral flavors, or combinations thereof. Specifically, examples include fragrances selected from isothiocyanates, indoles and their derivatives, ethers, esters, ketones, fatty acids, aliphatic higher alcohols, aliphatic higher aldehydes, aliphatic higher hydrocarbons, thioethers, thiols, terpene hydrocarbons, phenol ethers, phenols, furfural and its derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, lactones, etc., or combinations thereof.
[0155] For example, a wide range of fragrance components can be used, as described in "Collection of Well-Known and Conventional Techniques (Fragrances)" (March 14, 2007, published by the Japan Patent Office), "The Latest Dictionary of Fragrances (Popular Edition)" (February 25, 2012, edited by Soichi Arai, Akio Kobayashi, Izumi Yajima, and Michiaki Kawasaki, Asakura Shoten), and "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products" (June 1972, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company).
[0156] From the viewpoint of imparting a good smoking flavor, the flavorings that may be included in the filling material 22 are, for example, acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peruvian balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL- Citronellol, clary sage extract, cocoa, coffee, cognac oil, coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, davana oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, decanoic acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenyl acetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, genus absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, γ-heptalactone, γ-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, hexyl phenylacetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid Chloride, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, inmortel absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpene oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, robe Dioscorea root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, paramethoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, δ-octaractone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadyl Calactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenyl guaetol, propyl acetate, 3-propyridenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-tri Examples of fragrances include methylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratrolaldehyde, violet leaf absolute, citral, mandarin oil, 4-(acetoxymethyl)toluene, 2-methyl-1-butanol, ethyl 10-undecenoate, isoamyl hexanoate, 1-phenylethylacetic acid, lauric acid, 8-mercaptomentone, sinensal, and hexyl butyrate, with menthol being particularly preferred. These fragrances may be used individually or in combination of two or more.
[0157] The type of solid flavoring is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good smoking flavor, examples include flavorings selected from cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, herb powder, flower powder, spice powder, and tea powder, or combinations thereof.
[0158] Furthermore, the filling material 22 may contain a cooling agent or flavoring agent. The type of cooling agent is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of providing a good smoking taste, for example, menthol, camphor, isopulegol, cineole, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, 2-l-menthoxyethanol (COOLACT® 5), 3-l-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol (COOLACT® 10), l-menthyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (COOLACT® 20), p-menthane-3,8-diol (COOLACT® 38D), N-( 2-Hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1-carboxamide (COOLACT® 370), N-(4-(cyanomethyl)phenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide (COOLACT® 400), N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-menthane N-3-carboxamide acetate (WS-5), N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide (WS-12), 2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide (WS-23), 3-l-menthoxy-2-methylpropane-1,2-diol, 2-l-menthoxyethane-1-ol, 3-l-menthoxypropane-1-ol, 4-l-menthoxybutane-1-ol, menthyl lactate (FEMA3748), menthol glycerin acetal (FrescolatMGA, FEMA380 Examples include 7. FEMA3808), 2-(2-l-menthyloxyethyl)ethanol, menthyl glyoxylate, menthyl 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, menthyl succinate (FEMA3810), N-(2-(pyridine-2-yl)-ethyl)-3-p-menthanecarboxamide (FEMA4549), N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, and N-(4-aminocarbonylphenyl)-p-menthane. Cooling agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0159] The type of flavoring agent is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good smoking taste, examples include sweeteners (sugars (glucose, fructose, isomerized sugar, caramel, etc.)), acidulants (organic acids, etc.), and other flavoring agents (ingredients that exhibit umami, bitterness, saltiness, etc.). In addition, lipids (waxes, waxes, fatty acids (short-chain, medium-chain, long-chain fatty acids, etc.)) may be added as desired.
[0160] The filling member 22 preferably includes granular filling material. In this case, the granular filling material prevents the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 from leaking upstream or downstream when the flavor source 20 is heated while the user is not smoking, while allowing the gaps in the granular filling material to function as an air passage when the user is smoking. Furthermore, by including granular filling material in the filling member 22, the surface area of the filling member 22 can be increased, allowing for efficient cooling of the vapor or aerosol that comes into contact with the granular filling material.
[0161] The granular filler preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, cellulose, tobacco granules, glycerin, propylene glycol, and flavoring additives. If the granular filler contains, for example, tobacco granules or flavoring additives, flavors can be imparted to the vapor or aerosol. Furthermore, if the granular filler contains glycerin or propylene glycol, the amount of aerosol can be increased. If the granular filler contains calcium carbonate or cellulose, since these have relatively low specific heats, some aggregation or condensation of the vapor or aerosol can occur, further suppressing leakage of the vapor or aerosol from the container. The granular filler and the flavor source 20 may also contain tobacco granules. In this case, since common materials can be used for the flavor source 20 and the granular filler, the flavor-generating article 10 can be manufactured efficiently.
[0162] The types of fragrance additives included in the granular filling material are not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good fragrance, acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peruvian balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil DL-Citronellol, Clary Sage Extract, Cocoa, Coffee, Cognac Oil, Coriander Oil, Cumin Aldehyde, Davana Oil, δ-Decalactone, γ-Decalactone, Decanoic Acid, Dill Herb Oil, 3,4-Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione, 4,5-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-2,5-Dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-Dimethyl-6-Octenic Acid, 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-Dimethylpyrazine, 2-Ethyl Methyl Butyrate, Ethyl Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl Hexanoate, Ethyl Isovalerate, Ethyl Lactate, Ethyl Laurate, Ethyl Levulinate, Ethyl Maltol, Ethyl Octanoate, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl Palmitate, Ethyl Phenyl Ethyl, Ethyl Propionate, Ethyl Stearate, Ethyl Valerate, Ethyl Vanillin, Ethyl Vanillin Glucoside, 2-Ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, genus absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, γ-heptalactone, γ-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, hexyl phenylacetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid Chloride, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, inmortel absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpene oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, robe Dioscorea root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, paramethoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, δ-octaractone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadyl Calactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenyl guaetol, propyl acetate, 3-propyridenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratrolaldehyde It may be at least one selected from the group consisting of violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5), sugars (sucrose, fructose, etc.), cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rosehip powder, chamomile flower powder, lemon verbena powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, black tea powder, natural plant-based fragrances (e.g., jasmine oil, lemon oil, vetiver oil, lovage oil), and esters.
[0163] The granular packing member preferably includes an upstream granular packing member located upstream of the flavor source 20 and a downstream granular packing member located downstream of the flavor source. Specifically, it is preferable that packing member 22a includes the upstream granular packing member and packing member 22b includes the downstream granular packing member. In this case, the movement of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 both upstream and downstream can be suppressed by the granular packing member provided in the air passage. As a result, when the flavor source 20 is heated while the user is not smoking, leakage of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 both upstream and downstream can be suppressed.
[0164] The filling member 22a (upstream granular filling member) may contain a different material from the filling member 22b (downstream granular filling member). In this case, for example, the filling member 22b (downstream granular filling member) through which vapor or aerosol passes may contain a material that imparts flavor, and the filling member 22a (upstream granular filling member) may contain a different material, thereby providing more flexibility in the design of the flavor-generating article 10.
[0165] Furthermore, the average particle size of the granular filler is preferably between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. If the average particle size of the granular filler is less than 0.1 mm, the particle size is too small, resulting in smaller gaps between the granular filler, which may lead to excessively high airflow resistance. In this case, the granular filler is also more likely to spill out through gaps in the container 12 of the flavor-generating article 10. On the other hand, if the average particle size of the granular filler is greater than 3 mm, the particle size is too large, resulting in larger gaps between the granular filler, which makes it easier for vapor or aerosol to leak through the gaps. Therefore, if the average particle size is between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, it is possible to suppress both high airflow resistance and spillage of the granular filler from the container 12 while also suppressing leakage of vapor or aerosol through the gaps in the granular filler.
[0166] At least one of the filling members 22a and 22b may have multiple layers. Specifically, for example, different types of granular filling members may be laminated in the longitudinal direction to constitute the filling member 22a or the filling member 22b. The hardness of the filling member 22 containing the granular filling member is preferably higher than the hardness of the flavor source 20 or the container 12. This can prevent the filling members 22a and 22b from being crushed (crushed) and leaking out of the container 12. The filling member 22 containing the granular filling member may be coated with a buffering element such as polylactic acid or a cushioning material.
[0167] The container 12 has an air inlet 13 located upstream of the flavor source 20 and an air outlet 14 located downstream of the flavor source 20. As shown in Figure 1, when the filling member 22b (granular filling member) is located downstream of the flavor source 20, the air outlet 14 is located downstream of the filling member 22b. The flavor generating article 10 preferably has a vent 15 that communicates with the inside of the container 12. In this case, air can be supplied through the vent 15, so that the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source can be efficiently cooled by the air from the vent 15. More specifically, the container 12 preferably has a vent 15 that communicates with the filling member 22b. This allows air to be supplied to the filling member 22b (granular filling member) located downstream of the flavor source 20 through the vent 15, so that the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 can be efficiently cooled by the air from the vent 15. In the example shown in Figure 1, the vent 15 is provided on the side wall 12a of the container 12, but it is not limited to this and may also be provided on the top wall 12c. Alternatively, the vent 15 may be provided on both the side wall 12a and the top wall 12c of the container 12.
[0168] It is preferable that the vent 15 be located closer to the flavor source 20 than to the upper end of the container 12 (i.e., the outer end of the upper wall 12c). In this case, the airflow path of the air through the vent 15 can be lengthened, so that the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 can be cooled more efficiently by the air from the vent 15. On the other hand, the vent 15 may be located closer to the upper end of the container 12 than to the flavor source 20. In this case, compared to the case where the vent 15 is located closer to the flavor source 20, leakage of vapor or aerosol through the vent 15 can be suppressed. It is preferable that the vent 15 be oriented toward the bottom wall 12b of the container 12. In this case as well, the airflow path of the air through the vent 15 can be lengthened, so that the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 can be cooled more efficiently by the air from the vent 15.
[0169] The flavor-generating article 10 preferably has a permeable partition member between the filling member 22 and the flavor source 20. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 1, the flavor-generating article 10 has a partition member 26a between the filling member 22a and the flavor source 20, and a partition member 26b between the filling member 22b and the flavor source 20. In this case, mixing of the filling member 22 (granular filling member) and the flavor source 20 within the container 12 can be suppressed.
[0170] As shown in Figure 2, the flavor suction device 100 has an air intake port 110a that communicates with the chamber 120. The flavor suction device 100 may also have an air passage F1 that communicates with the air inlet 13 of the container 12 of the flavor generating article 10. Specifically, the air passage F1 connects the air intake port 110a and the air inlet 13 of the container 12. That is, the air intake port 110a communicates with the air inlet 13 of the flavor generating article 10. It is preferable that this air passage F1 passes outside the side wall 12a of the container 12 and communicates with the air inlet 13. In this case, an air layer (air passage F1) is formed outside the side wall 12a of the container 12, so that the heat from the container 12 is not transferred to the outside of the flavor suction device 100. The flavor suction device 100 also has an exhaust port 130b that communicates with the air outlet 14 of the flavor generating article 10.
[0171] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, when the flavor generating article 10 is housed in the chamber 120, if the airflow resistance downstream of the susceptor 23 is R3 and the airflow resistance upstream of the susceptor 23 is R4, it is preferable that R3 > R4. In this case, when the flavor source 20 is heated while the user is not smoking, the movement of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 downstream can be suppressed. Generally, since the flow path of the flavor aspirator 100 is relatively long upstream of the susceptor 23, vapor or aerosol is less likely to leak from the flavor aspirator 100. Therefore, by making the airflow resistance downstream of the susceptor 23 higher than upstream, leakage of vapor or aerosol from the flavor aspirator 100 can be further suppressed.
[0172] As described above, the heating source 110 of the flavor inhaler 100 may have a heating element that can be inserted into the flavor generating article 10, rather than an induction coil. That is, the heating source 110 may be configured to be inserted into the container 12 of the flavor generating article 10 when the flavor generating article 10 is housed in the chamber 120. In this case, when the flavor generating article 10 is housed in the chamber 120, if R1 is the airflow resistance downstream of the flavor source 20 and R2 is the airflow resistance upstream of the flavor source 20, it is preferable that R1 > R2. This makes it possible to suppress the movement of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 downstream when the flavor source 20 is heated while the user is not smoking. Generally, since the flow path of the flavor inhaler 100 is relatively long upstream of the flavor source 20, vapor or aerosol is less likely to leak from the flavor inhaler 100. Therefore, by making the airflow resistance downstream of the flavor source 20 higher than upstream, leakage of vapor or aerosol from the flavor aspirator 100 can be further suppressed.
[0173] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flavor generating article 10 may further have a nozzle 28 that communicates with the air outlet 14 of the container 12. As shown in Figure 1, it is preferable that the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 28 is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the container 12. In this case, the flow velocity of vapor or aerosol from the flavor generating article 10 can be increased when the user smokes, compared to when the flavor generating article 10 does not have a nozzle 28. This makes it possible to suppress the vapor or aerosol flowing out of the flavor generating article 10 from colliding with the flow path wall of the flavor inhaler 100 (the wall of the mouthpiece 130 that defines the air flow path 130a shown in Figure 2) and agglomerating or condensing. Note that the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 28 and the inner diameter D2 of the container 12 refer to the maximum inner diameter in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0174] The length L1 of the nozzle 28 (see Figure 2) is preferably 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less. If the length L1 of the nozzle 28 is less than 3 mm, the nozzle 28 is too short, and the vapor or aerosol flowing out of the nozzle 28 may diffuse, making it difficult to effectively prevent it from colliding with the flow path wall of the flavor inhaler 100. If the length L1 of the nozzle 28 is greater than 10 mm, the size of the flavor inhaler 100 may become too large to accommodate the flavor generating article 10 having the nozzle 28. Therefore, when the length L1 of the nozzle 28 is within the above range, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of vapor or aerosol while preventing the size of the flavor inhaler 100 from becoming too large. In this embodiment, the length of the nozzle 28 refers to the length in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 28. Furthermore, the length of the nozzle 28 is preferably the same as or shorter than the length of the mouthpiece 130. Specifically, the length of the nozzle 28 is preferably half the length of the mouthpiece 130 or less. In this case, the air taken in from the air intake 110a and the vapor or aerosol produced by the flavor source 20 are more easily mixed.
[0175] As shown in Figure 1, the diameter D3 of the air outlet 14 of the container 12 and the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 28 may be substantially equal. In this case, since there is no substantial difference between the diameter D3 of the air outlet and the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle, pressure loss at the boundary between the air outlet 14 and the nozzle 28 can be suppressed. The inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 28 and the diameter D3 of the air outlet 14 are preferably 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less. The inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 28 and the diameter D3 of the air outlet 14 may be the same or different.
[0176] The flavor generating article 10 may have a mesh or filter covering the air outlet 14 of the container 12. In this case, it is possible to suppress the discharge of the flavor source 20 from the nozzle 28. In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container 12 has a single air outlet 14, but it is not limited to this, and the container 12 may have multiple air outlets 14. In this case, it is preferable that all of the multiple air outlets 14 communicate with the (single) nozzle 28. This allows the vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 20 to come into contact with the wall surface of the container 12 defining the multiple air outlets 14, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the vapor or aerosol. Furthermore, it is preferable that the diameter D3 of each of the multiple air outlets 14 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 28. That is, by providing multiple small-diameter air outlets 14, it is possible to suppress the contents of the container 12 from flowing out to the outside through the multiple air outlets 14. Note that multiple nozzles 28 may be provided for each of the multiple air outlets 14.
[0177] As shown in Figure 2, the ratio of the length L1 of the nozzle 28 to the distance d1 from the tip of the nozzle 28 to the opening of the mouthpiece 130 of the flavor inhaler 100 is preferably between 10:0 and 3:7. If the nozzle length is relatively shorter than the above ratio range, the vapor or aerosol flowing out of the nozzle 28 may diffuse, and it may not be possible to effectively suppress its collision with the flow path wall of the flavor inhaler 100. Therefore, when the above ratio is within the above range, the diffusion of vapor or aerosol can be suppressed.
[0178] As shown in Figure 2, the flavor inhaler 100 has a gap G1 between the mouthpiece 130 and the nozzle 28, which is radially adjacent to the nozzle 28. Preferably, the intake port 110a of the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to supply air to this gap G1. Vapor or aerosol flowing out from the nozzle 28 may diffuse into the gap G1 between the mouthpiece 130 and the nozzle 28, forming a swirling flow and potentially causing aggregation or condensation on the mouthpiece 130 or nozzle 28. If the flavor inhaler 100 has an intake port 110a, air can be supplied to the gap G1, thus suppressing vapor or aerosol flowing out from the nozzle 28 from entering the gap G1. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the mouthpiece 130 is constant, but the inner diameter of the mouthpiece 130 may increase towards the exhaust port 130b.
[0179] In the example shown in Figure 2, the air intake port 110a may be formed at the boundary between the mouthpiece 130 and the housing 101. That is, the air intake port 110a may be provided between the surface of the mouthpiece 130 facing the container 12 and the surface of the container 12 facing the mouthpiece 130. Here, a groove defining at least a portion of the air intake port 110a may be formed on at least one of the surfaces of the mouthpiece 130 facing the container 12 and the surface of the container 12 facing the mouthpiece 130. In this case, since the air intake port 110a can be provided upstream of the gap G1, it is possible to effectively suppress vapor or aerosol flowing out from the nozzle 28 from entering the gap G1.
[0180] Next, a flavor generating article 10 according to another embodiment that may be used in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 10 according to another embodiment. The container 12 of the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 3 has a guide portion 29 that extends in the direction of extension of the nozzle 28 and is located between the mouthpiece 130 and the nozzle. In this case, when the mouthpiece 130 is attached to the housing 101, the guide portion 29 can guide the mouthpiece 130, so the positioning of the flavor generating article 10 relative to the mouthpiece 130 can be easily performed by the guide portion 29. The guide portion 29 may be formed in the container 12. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the guide portion 29 is formed on the upper wall 12c of the container 12. The guide portion 29 is preferably formed in an annular (continuous) shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction. The guide portion 29 may also be formed intermittently along the annular shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction.
[0181] As shown in Figure 2, an air passage F2, which communicates with the air intake port 110a, extends between the mouthpiece 130 and the upper wall 12c of the container 12. That is, a portion of the air flowing in from the air intake port 110a flows into the gap G1 through the air passage F2. In the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 3, the guide portion 29 may be configured to guide the air supplied from the air intake port 110a toward the opening of the mouthpiece 130. That is, the air flowing into the gap G1 from the air intake port 110a can be guided by the guide portion 29 toward the opening of the mouthpiece 130. This makes it possible to suppress the accumulation of vapor or aerosol in the gap G1.
[0182] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article 10 according to another embodiment. The flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 4 differs from the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 in the shape of the nozzle 28. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the nozzle 28 includes a portion 28a in which its outer diameter increases from the opening of the nozzle 28 toward the air outlet 14 of the container 12. In this case, a tapered surface is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle 28, with the outer diameter decreasing toward the opening of the nozzle 28. Therefore, the nozzle 28 itself can perform the function of the guide portion 29 shown in Figure 4.
[0183] Figure 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article 10 according to another embodiment. The flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 5 differs from the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 in that it has a flow path curved section. Specifically, the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 5 has a flow path curved section that is located downstream of the flavor source 20 and is configured to curve the air flow path that passes through the container. This makes the air flow path downstream of the container 12 longer compared to the case where there is no flow path curved section. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the leakage of vapor or aerosol that has passed through the container 12 to the outside of the container 12 and to promote the cooling of the vapor or aerosol. Generally, since the flow path of the flavor aspirator 100 is relatively long upstream of the flavor source 20, it is difficult for vapor or aerosol to leak from the flavor aspirator 100. Therefore, by arranging the flow path curved section downstream of the flavor source 20, it is possible to efficiently suppress the leakage of vapor or aerosol from the flavor aspirator 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the channel curve is located inside the container 12, the vapor or aerosol is cooled and condensed or aggregated in the channel curve, thereby suppressing the condensation or aggregation of vapor or aerosol outside the container 12 (for example, inside the flavor inhaler 100). The channel curve may also be located upstream of the flavor source 20.
[0184] The flow path curve may include one or more selected from the group consisting of a helical flow path body, a spiral flow path body, and a gas-impermeable plate-shaped member. In this case, the flow path curve may cause the air flow path to be curved in a helical, spiral, or random manner. In the example shown in Figure 5, a gas-impermeable plate-shaped member 31 is placed inside the container 12 as the flow path curve. It is preferable that the plate-shaped member 31 is positioned to extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 10. In this case, vapor or aerosol from the flavor source 20 moving along the longitudinal direction can be made to collide with the plate-shaped member 31 and move in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. In the example shown in Figure 5, the plate-shaped member 31 is positioned to extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The plate-shaped member 31 may have any shape, such as a disc or a polygonal plate. It is also preferable that the plate-shaped member 31 is positioned so as to overlap with the air outlet 14 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. In this case, it is possible to prevent the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 from flowing directly into the air outlet 14 without curving. Also, the outer shape of the plate-shaped member 31 when viewed from the longitudinal direction may be similar in shape to the outer shape of the container 12. Specifically, for example, if the container 12 (side wall 12a) is cylindrical, the plate-shaped member 31 may be disc-shaped. The length of the plate-shaped member 31 (i.e., the length in the short direction of the container 12 as shown in Figure 5) is preferably 90% or less of the inner diameter of the container 12, and more preferably 80% or less. Also, the length of the plate-shaped member 31 is, for example, 40% or more of the inner diameter of the container 12, preferably 50% or more, and more preferably 60% or more. When the length of the plate-shaped member 31 is within the above range, a desirable airflow resistance can be obtained while curving the airflow path.
[0185] Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a spiral-shaped flow channel, which is another example of a curved flow channel. As shown in the figure, the spiral-shaped flow channel 32 may have an upper member 33, a lower member 34, and a spiral member 35 located between them. Air flowing in from the lower member 34 can move along the spiral member 35 and flow out from the upper member 33. That is, the spiral-shaped flow channel 32 may have a spiral flow channel 36 defined by the upper member 33, the lower member 34, and the spiral member 35. The spiral flow channel 36 may have a flow channel starting point 36a and a flow channel ending point 36b. Therefore, the spiral-shaped flow channel 32 can curve the flow channel of incoming air in a spiral shape.
[0186] The upper member 33 is preferably, for example, substantially plate-shaped overall and made of any gas-impermeable material. Specifically, for example, the upper member 33 is preferably made of gas-impermeable paper. The upper member 33 may also be formed in a thicker block shape. The upper member 33 has an air outlet 33a that allows air that has moved along the spiral member 35 to flow out of the spiral flow channel 32. In the illustrated example, the air outlet 33a is formed approximately in the center of the upper member 33, aligned with the center of the spiral of the spiral member 35.
[0187] The spiral member 35 is a member having a spiral shape, that is, a shape that traces a line away from the center as it rotates in a single plane. In the example shown in Figure 6, the spiral member 35 has a curved spiral shape, but it is not limited to this, and a part of the spiral member 35 may be straight, or the spiral member 35 may have corners. The spiral member 35 is preferably made of any gas-impermeable material. Specifically, for example, the spiral member 35 is preferably made of gas-impermeable paper.
[0188] The lower member 34 is preferably substantially plate-shaped overall and made of any gas-impermeable material. Specifically, for example, the lower member 34 is preferably made of gas-impermeable paper. The lower member 34 may also be formed in a thicker block shape. The lower member 34 has an air inlet 34a for supplying air to the spiral flow path. In the illustrated example, the air inlet 34a is formed near the outer edge of the lower member 34, aligned with the outside of the spiral of the spiral member 35.
[0189] The spiral member 35 may be formed integrally with the upper member 33 or the lower member 34. In this case, the formation of a gap between the spiral member 35 and the upper member 33 or the lower member 34 is suppressed, so that leakage of vapor or aerosol from the gap between the spiral member 35 and the upper member 33 or the lower member 34 can be suppressed. In addition, the spiral flow channel 32 can be easily formed by simply attaching the separate upper member 33 or the lower member 34 to the spiral member. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the upper member 33, the lower member 34, and the spiral member 35 may each be formed separately and then joined together.
[0190] The spiral channel body 32 may be positioned to cover a portion of the cross-section of the container 12 of the flavor generating article 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 5 with respect to the plate-shaped member 31. That is, the spiral channel body 32 may be positioned on the flavor generating article 10 so as to have a gap between it and the side wall 12a of the container 12. On the other hand, the spiral channel body 32 may be positioned to cover the entire cross-section of the container 12 of the flavor generating article 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the spiral channel body 32 may be positioned so as to be substantially in contact with the side wall 12a of the container 12. That is, when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the container 12, the outer shape of the spiral channel body 32 may substantially coincide with the inner shape of the container 12. The spiral channel body 32 may be positioned to close the opening of the container 12. In this case, the spiral channel body 32 can function as a lid (top wall 12c) of the container 12. Therefore, by providing the spiral-shaped channel body 32 in the container 12, spillage of the flavor source 20 from the container 12 can be suppressed. Alternatively, the spiral-shaped channel body 32 may be positioned at the top of the container 12 and joined to the container 12. In this case, it is preferable that the outer shape of the spiral-shaped channel body 32, as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the container 12, substantially matches the inner shape of the container 12.
[0191] The spiral channel body 32 preferably has a vent that communicates with the spiral channel 36 between the channel starting point 36a and the channel ending point 36b. In this case, air can be supplied through the vent, so that the vapor or aerosol passing through the spiral channel 36 can be efficiently cooled by the air from the vent. The vent 15 can be formed in at least one of the upper member 33, the lower member 34, and the spiral member 35. The channel starting point 36a communicates with the air inlet 34a of the lower member 34, and the channel ending point 36b communicates with the air outlet 33a of the spiral channel body 32.
[0192] Figure 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of another example of the spiral channel body 32. The spiral channel body 32 shown in Figure 7 differs from the spiral channel body 32 shown in Figure 6 in the configuration of the lower member 34. Specifically, the lower member 34 shown in Figure 7 has a gas permeable member 34b and a gas impermeable member 34c provided on the surface of the gas permeable member 34b. In this case, vapor or aerosol can flow in from the portion of the gas permeable member 34b where the gas impermeable member 34c is not provided, move in a spiral along the spiral member 35, and flow out from the upper member 33.
[0193] The gas-permeable member 34b is, for example, generally plate-shaped and made of any gas-permeable material. Specifically, for example, the gas-permeable member 34b is preferably made of nonwoven fabric. The gas-impermeable member 34c is, for example, generally plate-shaped and made of any gas-impermeable material. Specifically, for example, the gas-impermeable member 34c is preferably made of paper. As described above, the portion of the gas-permeable member 34b that does not have the gas-impermeable member 34c can function as an air inlet for supplying air to the spiral channel 36.
[0194] As shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the gas-impermeable member 34c is positioned on at least one surface of the gas-permeable member 34b such that it does not overlap with the outer edge of the gas-permeable member 34b. In this case, vapor or aerosol can flow in from the outer edge of the gas-permeable member 34b, move in a spiral along the spiral member 35, and flow out from the upper member 33.
[0195] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the center of the gas-impermeable member 34c and the center of the gas-permeable member 34b may substantially coincide. In this case, the inflow of vapor or aerosol from the center of the gas-permeable member 34b can be suppressed. Also, if the gas-impermeable member 34c is positioned so as not to overlap with the outer edge of the gas-permeable member 34b, vapor or aerosol can inflow from the outer edge of the gas-permeable member 34b, move in a spiral along the spiral member 35, and flow out from the upper member 33. Here, the center of the gas-impermeable member 34c or the gas-permeable member 34b refers to the center in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, that is, the center in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the upper member 33, the lower member 34, and the spiral member 35 are adjacent.
[0196] Figure 8 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a spiral channel body, which is another example of a curved channel section. The spiral channel body 40 has at least one spiral channel 42 having an air inlet 42a and an air outlet 42b. More specifically, in this embodiment, the spiral channel body 40 has a channel body 41 placed inside the container 12 of the flavor generating article 10, with a plurality of annular walls 44 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the channel body 41, and annular channels 45 formed between adjacent annular walls 44. Also, as shown in Figure 8, one or more parallel channels 43 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 10 may be formed in the annular walls 44, connecting adjacent annular channels 45 to each other. In other words, notches may be formed in the annular walls 44 to define one or more parallel channels 43. In this embodiment, the spiral channel 42 may be formed by a plurality of annular channels 45 and one or more parallel channels 43. When adjacent annular walls 44 are designated as the first annular wall 44 and the second annular wall 44, it is preferable that one or more parallel flow channels 43 formed in the first annular wall 44 are positioned so as not to overlap with one or more parallel flow channels 43 formed in the second annular wall 44 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. In this case, the length of the helical flow channel 42 can be increased, thereby promoting the cooling of vapor or aerosol. Specifically, it is preferable that the parallel flow channels formed in the first annular wall 44 and the parallel flow channels provided in the second annular wall 44 are positioned at 180-degree angles from each other.
[0197] The spiral channel 42 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 10. In other words, the spiral channel 42 may have a channel that follows a curve that moves longitudinally while rotating. It is preferable that the air inlet 42a and the air outlet 42b are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 10.
[0198] It is preferable that the spiral channel body 40 is positioned to fit into the side wall 12a of the container 12 of the flavor generating article 10. In this case, the spiral channel 42 is defined by the side wall 12a of the container 12 and the channel body 41, and most of the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 can pass through the spiral channel 42.
[0199] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate the flow path curves as plate-shaped members 31, spiral-shaped flow path bodies 32, and helical flow path bodies 40. However, the flow path curves are not limited to these and may include grooves or rough surfaces formed on the inner surface of the walls of the container 12 (upper wall 12c or side wall 12a). In this case, the flow path of vapor or aerosol passing through the container 12 can be curved without providing a separate flow path curve from the container 12. Furthermore, although Figures 5 to 8 describe the flow path curves as being located inside the container, the flow path curves may also be located outside the container 12. In this case, it is possible to prevent the flavor source 20 inside the container 12 from entering the flow path curves.
[0200] Figure 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article 10 according to another embodiment. The flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 9 differs from the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figures 1 to 8 in that it has a check valve. Specifically, the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 9 has a check valve 50 located downstream of the flavor source 20 and configured to allow the movement of gas from the flavor source 20 to the outside of the container 12. As a result, the movement of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 downstream can be suppressed by the check valve 50. Consequently, when the flavor source 20 is heated while the user is not smoking, leakage of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 downstream can be suppressed. Generally, since the flow path of the flavor inhaler 100 is relatively long upstream of the flavor source 20, vapor or aerosol is less likely to leak from the flavor inhaler 100. For this reason, by placing the check valve 50 downstream of the flavor source 20, leakage of vapor or aerosol from the flavor inhaler 100 can be efficiently suppressed. However, a check valve 50 may be placed upstream of the flavor source 20.
[0201] The check valve 50 shown in Figure 9 is a so-called ball-type check valve. Specifically, the check valve 50 shown in Figure 9 has a ball valve 51 and a valve seat 52. The valve seat 52 is located downstream of the flavor source 20 and is configured to partition the space housing the flavor source 20 and the susceptor 23 from the space housing the ball valve 51. The ball valve 51 is positioned in the space within the container 12 between the valve seat 52 and the upper wall 12c, i.e., space 53, and is configured to open and close the opening formed in the valve seat 52. The edge forming the opening in the valve seat 52 may be inclined to coincide with the ball valve 51. This allows the ball valve 51 to more reliably close the opening of the valve seat 52. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, when the flavor-generating item 10 is housed in the flavor inhaler 100 and the user inhales through the mouthpiece 130, the air passing through the container 12 causes the ball valve 51 to separate from the valve seat 52 and the check valve 50 to open. When the user is not inhaling, the ball valve 51 comes into contact with the valve seat 52 and the check valve 50 closes.
[0202] Figure 10 is a plan view showing another example of a check valve 50 used in a flavor generating article 10. The check valve 50 shown in Figure 10 is a so-called flap-type check valve. Specifically, the check valve 50 has a base body 54 having an opening or notch 54c, and a flap portion 55 provided downstream of the base body 54 so as to cover the opening or notch 54c. In this case, the flap portion 55 covering the opening or notch 54c can suppress leakage of vapor or aerosol downstream. Similar to the check valve 50 shown in Figure 9, the check valve 50 shown in Figure 10 is positioned so that the base body 54 is located downstream of the flavor source 20 and partitions the space housing the flavor source 20 and susceptor 23 from the space housing the flap portion 55. The diameter (maximum length) of the opening or notch 54c may be 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less.
[0203] The base 54 has a first portion 54a and a second portion 54b spaced apart from the first portion 54a. The first portion 54a and the second portion 54b may be located in the same plane. Each end of the flap portion 55 may be fixed to the first portion 54a and the second portion 54b of the base 54. In this case, it is preferable that the length between the ends of the flap portion 55 is longer than the distance between the first portion 54a and the second portion 54b of the base 54. This fixes the flap portion 55 to the base 54 so that it bends or folds, so that a portion of the flap portion 55 is spaced apart from the base 54, and the user can inhale vapor or aerosol through the gap between the flap portion 55 and the base 54.
[0204] In the example shown in Figure 10, the flap portion 55 has a roughly rectangular planar shape overall, and both ends of it are fixed to the first portion 54a and the second portion with adhesive or the like over its entire length.
[0205] The flap portion 55 may include a first flap member 55a and a second flap member 55b. In this case, it is preferable that one end of each of the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b is fixed to the base 54, and the other ends of each of the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b are fixed to each other. This allows the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b to be overlapped and fixed. The weight of this overlapping portion improves the opening and closing operation of the flap portion 55 (it does not open easily). Therefore, by using the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b, a flap portion 55 with such good opening and closing operation can be easily formed. Note that the other ends of the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b do not have to be fixed to each other. In this case, the other ends of the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b overlap without being glued to each other.
[0206] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the first flap member 55a and the length of the second flap member 55b are substantially equal. In this case, the distance from each end of the flap portion 55 to the overlapping portion of the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b is equal, so the opening and closing of the flap is more desirable, and specifically, the function of suppressing the pressure of the vapor or aerosol becomes easier to adjust. The length of the first flap member 55a or the second flap member 55b, that is, the length between one end and the other end of the first flap member 55a or the second flap member 55b, may be, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
[0207] The first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b may be fixed so as to overlap each other at their other ends. In this case, the ratio of the length of the overlapping portion of the first flap member and the second flap member to the length between one end and the other end of the first flap member 55a or the second flap member 55b is preferably 0 to 0.4. This allows the weight of the central portion of the flap portion 55 to be increased by the overlap of the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b while maintaining the overall flexibility of the flap portion 55, thereby making the opening and closing of the flap portion 55 more desirable. Specifically, when the flap portion 55 is opened while suppressing the pressure of the vapor or aerosol, it will be able to operate smoothly. The length of the overlapping portion of the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b may be, for example, 0 mm to 2 mm. Furthermore, the ratio of the length of the overlapping portion of the first flap member 55a and the second flap member 55b to the diameter (maximum length) of the opening or notch 54c may be between 0 and 1.
[0208] In the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 2, when using a flavor generating article 10 having a check valve 50 as shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10, it is preferable that the airflow resistance downstream of the flavor source 20 is greater than the airflow resistance upstream of the flavor source 20. In this case, when the flavor source 20 is heated while the user is not smoking, the movement of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 downstream can be suppressed.
[0209] Figure 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article 10 according to another embodiment. The flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 11 comprises a flavor source 20 and a container 12 that houses the flavor source 20. As shown in the figure, the container 12 has a first cylindrical body 60 having a first bottom wall 61 and a first side wall 62, and a second cylindrical body 70 having a second bottom wall 71 and a second side wall 72. The first cylindrical body 60 is inserted into the second cylindrical body 70 such that the first side wall 62 abuts against the second bottom wall 71. In this case, as shown in the figure, an air layer A1 can be easily provided between the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 72, so that the transfer of heat from the container 12 to the outside of the flavor generating article 10 can be suppressed. The flavor generating article 10 may further have a susceptor 23 (corresponding to an example of a heating source) housed inside the container 12.
[0210] As shown in the figure, the first bottom wall 61 of the first cylindrical body 60 is provided at one end of the first side wall 62, and a first opening 63 is formed at the other end of the first cylindrical body 60. Both ends of the first cylindrical body 60 may be closed, and the first cylindrical body 60 may have a closed space. As shown in the figure, the second bottom wall 71 of the second cylindrical body 70 is provided at one end of the second side wall 72, and a second opening 73 is formed at the other end of the second cylindrical body 70. Both ends of the second cylindrical body 70 may be closed, but it is preferable to have a second opening 73 for inserting the first cylindrical body 60.
[0211] As shown in the figure, a filling member 22a is positioned upstream of the flavor source 20 and the susceptor 23. A filling member 22b is also positioned upstream of the flavor source 20 and the susceptor 23. In the illustrated example, the filling members 22a and 22b are made of the same material as the flavor source 20, and may be, for example, tobacco granules. In order to hold the susceptor 23 in an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction of the container 12, a rib may be formed on the second bottom wall 71 to support one end of the susceptor 23 in the longitudinal direction.
[0212] It is preferable that an air passage is formed between the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 72. In this case, since an air layer A1 (air passage) is formed on the outside of the first side wall 62 of the container 12, the transfer of heat from the container 12 to the outside of the flavor-generating article 10 can be further suppressed. In the illustrated example, the second opening 73 of the second cylindrical body 70 functions as an air inlet 13, so that the air layer A1 functions as an air passage.
[0213] As shown in the figure, the second side wall 72 has at least one rib 72a on its inner surface, and it is preferable that the rib 72a abuts against the outer surface of the first side wall 62. In this case, the rib 72a can form a gap (air layer A1) of a certain width between the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 72. In this embodiment, the rib 72a extends along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the second side wall 72. In this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 72a are arranged on the inner surface of the second side wall spaced apart in the circumferential direction. It is preferable that the plurality of ribs 72a are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the second side wall.
[0214] As shown in the figure, the first side wall 62 preferably has an opening or notch that connects the air passage (air layer A1) to the inside of the first cylindrical body 60. In this case, the air that has passed through the air passage can be supplied into the container 12 through the opening or notch. The opening or notch may be covered by the second side wall 72 via the air passage (air layer A1). In this case, exposure of the opening or notch can be prevented. The number of openings or notches is not particularly limited, and one or any number of openings or notches can be formed in the first side wall 62. When multiple openings or notches are formed in the first side wall 62, the multiple openings or notches may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential or longitudinal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cylindrical body 60 has openings or notches 62a and 62b, but it may have only one of openings or notches 62a and 62b.
[0215] As shown in Figure 11, it is preferable that the opening or notch 62a is located upstream of the susceptor 23. In this case, the air flowing into the container 12 from the opening or notch 62a passes through the susceptor 23, so that the vapor or aerosol generated near the susceptor 23 can be efficiently delivered. On the other hand, it is preferable that the opening or notch 62b is located downstream of the susceptor 23. In this case, air can be supplied through the opening or notch 62b, so that the vapor or aerosol generated at the flavor source can be efficiently cooled by the air from the opening or notch. In this embodiment, the flavor generating article 10 has a susceptor 23 as a heat source, but even when the flavor generating article 10 is heated by a heat source other than the susceptor 23, it is preferable that the opening or notch 62a is located upstream of the heat source. It is also preferable that the opening or notch 62b is located downstream of the heat source.
[0216] The upstream opening or notch 62a of the susceptor 23 may be larger than the downstream opening or notch 62b. In other words, the opening area of the upstream opening or notch 62a of the susceptor 23 may be larger than the opening area of the downstream opening or notch 62b. In this case, leakage of vapor or aerosol from the downstream opening or notch 62b can be suppressed. Also, the amount of air supplied to the flavor source 20 from the upstream opening or notch 62a can be increased. On the other hand, the upstream opening or notch 62a of the susceptor 23 may be smaller than the downstream opening or notch 62b. In other words, the opening area of the upstream opening or notch 62a of the susceptor 23 may be smaller than the opening area of the downstream opening or notch 62b. In this case, the amount of air supplied from the downstream opening or notch 62b can be increased to further promote the cooling of vapor or aerosol.
[0217] Preferably, the first bottom wall 61 of the first cylindrical body 60 has a first vent 64. In this case, the first vent 64 can function as an air inlet or air outlet of the container 12. In the example shown in Figure 11, since the container 12 has an air inlet 13, the first vent 64 can function as an air outlet. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the second bottom wall 71 may be configured so that air does not permeate through it. Thus, when the first bottom wall 61 has a first vent 64, the first side wall 62 has an opening or notch 62a, and an air passage (air layer A1) is formed between the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 72, the air that flows into the container 12 through the air passage (air layer A1) and the opening or notch 62a can flow out of the container 12 through the first vent 64. That is, the flavor generating article 10 can have a so-called counterflow type passage. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 11, the air inlet 13 and the first vent 64, which functions as an air outlet, are formed on the same side of the container 12.
[0218] Figure 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article 10 according to another embodiment. The flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 12 differs from the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 11 in that the second bottom wall 71 of the second cylindrical body 70 has a second vent 74. In this case, the second vent 74 can function as an air inlet or air outlet of the container 12. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first bottom wall 61 has a first vent 64 that functions as an air inlet, so the second vent 74 can function as an air outlet. Also, in the example shown in Figure 12, the first vent 64 that functions as an air inlet and the air inlet 13 are formed on the same side of the container 12. In this case, when supplying air from the bottom side of the flavor suction device 100, air can be easily supplied to the air inlet 13 and the first vent 64.
[0219] Furthermore, the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 12 differs from the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 11 in that it has non-tobacco particles 80 as a filling member 22b upstream of the flavor source 20 in the container 12. In this case, the non-tobacco particles 80 suppress the leakage of vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 20 upstream when the flavor source 20 is heated while the user is not smoking, while allowing the gaps in the non-tobacco particles 80 to function as an air passage when the user is smoking. Instead of, or in addition to, the non-tobacco particles 80 may be filled upstream of the flavor source 20 with tobacco particles or particles of an aerosol generating substance.
[0220] The first cylindrical body 60 of the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 12 has a connecting portion 65 between the first bottom wall 61 and the first side wall 62, the diameter of which decreases from the first side wall 62 toward the first bottom wall 61. Because the container 12 has a connecting portion 65, air from the first vent 64 passes through the connecting portion 65, allowing the air to be diffused in the width direction, thus supplying air to a wider area of the flavor source 20. When the container 12 houses a susceptor 23 as shown in Figure 12, the susceptor 23 may be in contact with the connecting portion 65. In this case, the connecting portion 65 can hold the susceptor 23 in an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction of the container 12.
[0221] Figure 13 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article 10 according to another embodiment. The flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 13 differs from the flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 11 in that the container 12 has a heating source insertion chamber 82 that is isolated from the space containing the flavor source 20. In this case, the heating source 110 can be inserted into the heating source insertion chamber 82 without damaging the container of the flavor source 20, thereby heating the flavor source 20. Note that in Figure 13, the heating source 110 is shown for convenience of explanation.
[0222] In the illustrated example, the first cylindrical body 60 has a cylindrical portion 66 that extends longitudinally from the first bottom wall 61 inside the first side wall 62. The heating source insertion chamber 82 is defined by the cylindrical portion 66 and the first bottom wall 61. The cylindrical portion 66 partitions the inside of the container 12 so that the flavor source 20 inside the container 12 does not enter the heating source insertion chamber 82. Furthermore, it is preferable that the cylindrical portion 66 is not permeable so that vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor source 20 does not enter the heating source insertion chamber 82. The cylindrical portion 66 penetrates the second bottom wall 71 of the second cylindrical body 70. Specifically, the second bottom wall 71 of the second cylindrical body 70 has an opening 71a through which the cylindrical portion 66 passes, and the cylindrical portion 66 is fitted so that there is no substantial gap in the opening 71a.
[0223] The heating source 110 may be, for example, a microwave generating antenna. Specifically, the heating source 110 may be configured to radiate microwaves to the flavor source 20 when inserted into the heating source insertion chamber 82. In this case, it is preferable that the cylindrical portion 66 be made of a material with a low dielectric constant that does not easily absorb microwaves. The heating source 110 may also be a resistance heating element such as a pin type or blade type. In this case, it is preferable that the cylindrical portion 66 be made of a material such as a metal with good heat transfer coefficient in order to efficiently transfer the heat from the heating source 110 to the flavor source 20.
[0224] A method for manufacturing the flavor-generating articles 10 shown in Figures 11 to 13 will be described. The method for manufacturing these flavor-generating articles 10 includes placing a flavor source 20 inside a first cylindrical body 60, and inserting the first cylindrical body 60 into the second cylindrical body 70 such that the first side wall 62 of the first cylindrical body 60, in which the flavor source 20 is placed, abuts against the second bottom wall 71 of the second cylindrical body 70. This makes it possible to easily manufacture a flavor-generating article having an air layer between the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 72. The first cylindrical body 60 and the second cylindrical body 70 may be bonded to each other, for example, with an adhesive, or they may be fixed to each other by mechanical means such as a snap fit. When a susceptor 23 is housed inside the container 12 of the flavor-generating article 10, the susceptor 23 may be placed inside the first cylindrical body 60 before placing the flavor source 20 inside the first cylindrical body 60.
[0225] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, specification, and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as it achieves the function and effect of the present invention.
[0226] Some of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below. (1) Flavoring source and, A container for containing the aforementioned flavor source, A flavor generating article comprising a filling member located at least one of the upstream and downstream sides of the flavor source and provided in the air passage within the container. (2) (1) In the flavor-generating articles described above, The filling member is a flavor-generating article that includes a granular filling member. (3) (2) In the flavor-generating articles described above, The granular filling material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, cellulose, tobacco granules, glycerin, and flavor additives, in a flavor-generating article. (4) (3) In the flavor-generating articles described above, The granular filling member and the flavor source are flavor-generating articles containing the tobacco granules. (5) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (2) to (4), The granular filling member is located downstream of the flavor source, The container is a flavor-generating article having an air inlet located upstream of the flavor source, an air outlet located downstream of the granular filling member, and a vent communicating with the granular filling member. (6) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (2) to (5), The granular filling member comprises an upstream granular filling member located upstream of the flavor source and a downstream granular filling member located downstream of the flavor source, wherein the granular filling member is a flavor generating article. (7) (6) In the flavor-generating articles described above, The upstream granular filling member is a flavor-generating article containing different materials from the downstream granular filling member. (8) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (2) to (7), A flavor-generating article wherein the average particle size of the granular filling material is 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. (9) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (2) to (8), A flavor-generating article having a breathable partition member between the granular filling member and the flavor source. (10) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (9), A flavor-generating article having a susceptor disposed inside the flavor source. (11) A flavor-generating article described in any of (1) to (10), A smoking system comprising a flavor inhaler having a heating source for heating the flavor generating article. (12) In the smoking system described in (11), The aforementioned flavor suction device has a chamber for containing the flavor generating article, The heating source is configured to be inserted into the container of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is placed in the chamber. A smoking system in which, with the flavor-generating article housed in the chamber, the airflow resistance downstream of the flavor source is R1 and the airflow resistance upstream of the flavor source is R2, such that R1 > R2. (13) In the smoking system described in (11), which cites (10), The aforementioned flavor suction device has a chamber for containing the flavor generating article, A smoking system in which, with the flavor-generating article housed in the chamber, the airflow resistance downstream of the susceptor is R3 and the airflow resistance upstream of the susceptor is R4, such that R3 > R4. (14) In any of the smoking systems described in (11) to (13), The flavor suction device has an air passage that communicates with the air inlet of the container of the flavor generating article, A smoking system wherein the air passage passes outside the side wall of the container and communicates with the air inlet. (15) Flavoring source and, A container for containing the aforementioned flavor source, A flavor generating article having a flow path bending section located downstream of the flavor source and configured to curve the air passage that passes through the container. (16) (15) In the flavor-generating articles described, The flavor generating article wherein the curved channel portion includes one or more selected from the group consisting of a spiral channel body, a spiral channel body, and a gas-impermeable plate-like member. (17) In the flavor-generating articles described in (16), The spiral channel body comprises an upper member, a lower member, and a spiral member located between them. A flavor-generating article in which air flowing in from the lower member moves along the vortex-shaped member and flows out from the upper member. (18) (17) In the flavor-generating articles described, The lower member comprises a gas-permeable member and a gas-impermeable member provided on the surface of the gas-permeable member, wherein the lower member is a flavor-generating article. (19) (18) In the flavor-generating articles described, Flavor-generating article, wherein the gas-impermeable member is arranged on at least one surface of the gas-permeable member so as not to overlap with the outer edge of the gas-permeable member. (20) In the flavor-generating articles described in (19), A flavor-generating article in which the center of the gas-impermeable member and the center of the gas-permeable member substantially coincide. (twenty one) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (17) to (20), The spiral-shaped member is formed integrally with the upper member or the lower member, and is a flavor-generating article. (twenty two) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (17) to (21), The spiral-shaped flow channel is a flavor-generating article positioned to close the opening of the container. (twenty three) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (17) to (22), The spiral channel body has a spiral channel defined by the upper member, the lower member, and the spiral member, The aforementioned spiral channel has an air inlet and an air outlet. The spiral channel body has a vent that communicates with the spiral channel between the air inlet and the air outlet, and is a flavor generating article. (twenty four) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (16) to (22), The aforementioned helical channel body has at least one helical channel having an air inlet and an air outlet, The aforementioned spiral channel extends in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, A flavor generating article wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article. (twenty five) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (16) to (22), The plate-shaped member is arranged so as to extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, which is a flavor-generating article. (26) (15) In the flavor-generating articles described, The container has walls that define the internal space, The curved channel portion includes grooves or rough surfaces formed on the inner surface of the wall, and is an aroma-generating article. (27) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (15) to (26), The curved section of the flow path is a flavor-generating article positioned outside the container. (28) Flavoring source and, A container for containing the aforementioned flavor source, A flavor generating article comprising a check valve located downstream of the flavor source and configured to allow the movement of gas from the flavor source to the outside of the container. (29) In the flavor-generating articles described in (28), The aforementioned check valve includes a ball-type check valve or a flap-type check valve, and is used in flavor-generating articles. (30) In the flavor-generating articles described in (29), The aforementioned check valve includes a flap-type check valve. The flap-type check valve is a flavor-generating article having a base having an opening or notch, and a flap portion provided downstream of the base so as to cover the opening or notch. (31) In the flavor-generating articles described in (30), Each of the ends of the flap portion is fixed to the first and second portions of the base, A flavor-generating article wherein the length between the two ends of the flap portion is longer than the distance between the first and second portions of the base body. (32) In the flavor-generating articles described in (30) or (31), The aforementioned flap portion includes a first flap member and a second flap member, One end of each of the first flap member and the second flap member is fixed to the base body. The other ends of the first flap member and the second flap member are fixed to each other, forming a flavor-generating article. (33) In the flavor-generating articles described in (32), A flavor-generating article in which the length of the first flap member and the length of the second flap member are substantially equal. (34) In the flavor-generating articles described in (32) or (33), The first flap member and the second flap member are fixed so as to overlap each other at their other ends. Flavor-generating article, wherein the ratio of the length of the overlapping portion of the first flap member and the second flap member to the length between one end and the other end of the first flap member or the second flap member is 0 or more and 0.4 or less. (35) A smoking system comprising a flavor-generating article described in any of (28) to (34) and a flavor inhaler, The aforementioned flavor-generating article has an air inlet and an air outlet, The aforementioned flavor inhaler has an air intake port that communicates with the air inlet and an exhaust port that communicates with the air outlet, A smoking system in which the airflow resistance downstream of the flavor source is greater than the airflow resistance upstream of the flavor source. (36) Flavoring source and, A container having an air inlet and an air outlet, which contains the aforementioned flavor source. The container has a nozzle that communicates with the air outlet, The inner diameter of the nozzle is smaller than the inner diameter of the container, and this is a flavor-generating article. (37) In the flavor-generating articles described in (36), The nozzle length is 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and the article generates flavor. (38) (36) or (37) in an article that generates flavor, A flavor-generating article having a vent that communicates with the inside of the aforementioned container. (39) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (36) to (38), A flavor-generating article in which the diameter of the air outlet of the container and the inner diameter of the nozzle are substantially equal. (40) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (36) to (39), A flavor-generating article having a mesh or filter covering the air outlet of the container. (41) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (36) to (40), The container has a plurality of air outlets, A flavor-generating article in which all of the multiple air outlets are in communication with the nozzle. (42) A flavor-generating article described in any of (36) to (41), A smoking system comprising a flavor inhaler having a chamber for housing the flavor-generating article and a mouthpiece. (43) In the smoking system described in (42), A smoking system in which the ratio of the length of the nozzle to the distance from the tip of the nozzle to the opening of the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler is between 10:0 and 3:7. (44) In the smoking system described in (42) or (43), The flavor inhaler is a smoking system having an air supply port that supplies air to the gap between the mouthpiece and the nozzle, which is radially adjacent to the nozzle. (45) In the smoking system described in (44), A smoking system in which a groove is formed on at least one of the surfaces of the mouthpiece facing the container and the surface of the container facing the mouthpiece, defining at least a portion of the air supply port. (46) In a smoking system described in any of (42) to (45), A smoking system wherein the container has a guide portion that extends in the direction of extension of the nozzle and is located between the mouthpiece and the nozzle. (47) In the smoking system described in (46), which cites (44), A smoking system in which the guide portion is configured to guide the air supplied from the air supply port toward the opening of the mouthpiece. (48) In the smoking system according to any one of (42) to (47), The nozzle includes a portion where the outer diameter increases from the opening of the nozzle toward the air outlet of the container, and the smoking system. (49) In the smoking system according to any one of (42) to (48), The flavor attractor has an air flow path communicating with the air inlet of the container of the flavor generating article, The air flow path passes outside the side wall of the container and communicates with the air inlet, and the smoking system. (50) A flavor source, A container for accommodating the flavor source, and has, The container has a first cylindrical body having a first bottom wall and a first side wall, and a second cylindrical body having a second bottom wall and a second side wall, The flavor generating article in which the first cylindrical body is inserted into the second cylindrical body so that the first side wall abuts against the second bottom wall. (51) In the flavor generating article according to (50), The flavor generating article in which an air flow path is formed between the first side wall and the second side wall. (52) In the flavor generating article according to (51), The flavor generating article in which the first side wall has an opening or notch communicating the air flow path with the inside of the first cylindrical body. (53) In the flavor generating article according to (52), It has a heating source disposed in the container, The opening or notch is located upstream of the heating source, and the flavor generating article. (54) In the flavor generating article according to (52), It has a heating source disposed in the container, The opening or notch is located downstream of the heating source, and the flavor generating article. (55) In the flavor-generating articles described in (52), The container has a heating source placed inside it, The first side wall has the opening or notch upstream and downstream of the heating source, An aroma-generating article in which the upstream opening or notch is larger than the downstream opening or notch. (56) In the flavor-generating articles described in (52), The container has a heating source placed inside it, The first side wall has the opening or notch upstream and downstream of the heating source, A flavor-generating article in which the upstream opening or notch is smaller than the downstream opening or notch. (57) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (50) to (56), Flavor-generating article, wherein the second side wall has at least one rib on its inner surface, the rib abutting against the outer surface of the first side wall. (58) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (50) to (57), The aforementioned bottom wall is a flavor-generating article having ventilation holes. (59) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (50) to (58), The second bottom wall is configured to prevent air from passing through, and is a flavor-generating article. (60) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (50) to (59), The aforementioned bottom wall is a flavor-generating article having ventilation holes. (61) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (50) to (60), A flavor-generating article having non-tobacco particles, located upstream of the flavor source within the container. (62) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (50) to (61), The container is a flavor generating article having a heating source insertion chamber isolated from the space containing the flavor source. (63) In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (50) to (62), A flavor-generating article having a susceptor housed in the container. (64) A flavor source is disposed inside the first cylindrical body, A method for manufacturing a flavor-generating article, comprising inserting the first cylindrical body into the second cylindrical body such that a first side wall of the first cylindrical body where the flavor source is disposed abuts a second bottom wall of the second cylindrical body.
Explanation of Signs
[0227] 10: Flavor-generating article 12: Container 12a: Side wall 12b: Bottom wall 13: Air inlet 14: Air outlet 15: Vent 20: Flavor source 22, 22a, 22b: Filling member 23: Susceptor 26a, 26b: Partition member 28: Nozzle 28a: Portion 29: Guide portion 31: Plate-like member 32: Spiral flow path body 33: Upper member 33a: Air outlet 34: Lower member 34a: Air inlet 34b: Gas-permeable member 34c: Gas-impermeable member 35: Spiral member 36: Spiral flow path 40: Helical flow path body 42: Helical flow path 42a: Air inlet 42b: Air outlet 50: Check valve 53: Space 54: Substrate 54a: First portion 54b :Second part 54c: Opening or notch 55: Flap section 55a: First flap member 55b: Second flap member 60: First cylindrical body 61: First bottom wall 62: First side wall 62a: Opening or notch 62b: Notch 64: First ventilation opening 70: Second cylindrical body 71: Second bottom wall 71a:Aperture 72: Second side wall 72a: Rib 74: Second ventilation opening 80: Non-tobacco particles 82: Chamber for inserting a heating source 100: Flavor aspirator 110:Heating source 110a: Air intake 120: Chamber 130: Mouthpiece 130a: Airflow channel 130b: Exhaust port 200: Smoking System A1: Air layer
Claims
1. Flavoring source and, A container having an air inlet and an air outlet, which contains the aforementioned flavor source. The container has a nozzle that communicates with the air outlet, The inner diameter of the nozzle is smaller than the inner diameter of the container, and this is a flavor-generating article.
2. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, The flavor-generating article has a nozzle length of 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
3. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, A flavor-generating article having a vent that communicates with the inside of the aforementioned container.
4. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, A flavor-generating article in which the diameter of the air outlet of the container and the inner diameter of the nozzle are substantially equal.
5. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, A flavor-generating article having a mesh or filter covering the air outlet of the container.
6. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, The container has a plurality of air outlets, A flavor-generating article in which all of the multiple air outlets are in communication with the nozzle.
7. A flavor-generating article described in any one of claims 1 to 6, A smoking system comprising a flavor inhaler having a chamber for housing the flavor-generating article and a mouthpiece.
8. In the smoking system described in claim 7, A smoking system in which the ratio of the length of the nozzle to the distance from the tip of the nozzle to the opening of the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler is between 10:0 and 3:
7.
9. In the smoking system described in claim 7, The flavor inhaler is a smoking system having an air supply port that supplies air to the gap between the mouthpiece and the nozzle, which is radially adjacent to the nozzle.
10. In the smoking system described in claim 9, A smoking system in which a groove is formed on at least one of the surfaces of the mouthpiece facing the container and the surface of the container facing the mouthpiece, defining at least a portion of the air supply port.
11. In the smoking system described in claim 7, A smoking system wherein the container has a guide portion that extends in the direction of extension of the nozzle and is located between the mouthpiece and the nozzle.
12. In the smoking system described in Claim 11, The flavor inhaler has an air supply port that is radially adjacent to the nozzle and supplies air to the gap between the mouthpiece and the nozzle, A smoking system in which the guide portion is configured to guide the air supplied from the air supply port toward the opening of the mouthpiece.
13. In the smoking system described in claim 7, A smoking system in which the nozzle includes a portion whose outer diameter increases from the opening of the nozzle toward the air outlet of the container.
14. In the smoking system described in claim 7, The flavor suction device has an air passage that communicates with the air inlet of the container of the flavor generating article, A smoking system wherein the air passage passes outside the side wall of the container and communicates with the air inlet.
Citation Information
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