Flavor-generating articles and smoking systems

Abstract

This flavor-generating article comprises: a first flavor source sheet; one or more second flavor source sheets that are not in contact with a heating source; a first spacer that is provided between the first flavor source sheet and one of the second flavor source sheets; and a first air flow path that is provided between the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheets.

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. As such a smoking material, a consumable having a slab-shaped tobacco, a spacer, and a filter is known (see Patent Document 1).

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 first flavor source sheet, one or more second flavor source sheets that do not contact a heating source, a first spacer that contacts one of the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet and is provided therebetween, and a first air flow path provided between one of the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet.

[0006] According to the first embodiment, the first spacer provides a first air passage between the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet, thereby increasing the amount of air passing through contact with the first and second flavor source sheets. This allows for efficient delivery of vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating article to the user, improving the supply rate of vapor or aerosol. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, since the second flavor source sheet does not directly contact the heating source, the heat from the heated first flavor source sheet is conducted to the second flavor source sheet via the first spacer, thereby heating the second flavor source sheet. As a result, the flavor sources are sequentially heated starting from the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heating source, allowing for a stable supply of vapor or aerosol to the user throughout one session, from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article.

[0007] The first spacer may include at least one of the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals.

[0008] In this case, the first spacer may have considerable strength, thus preventing the first spacer from collapsing and blocking the first air passage. Furthermore, since the first spacer may have considerable thermal conductivity, the heat from the first flavor source sheet can be efficiently transferred to the second flavor source sheet.

[0009] The first spacer may contain calcium carbonate.

[0010] In this case, the first spacer may have sufficient strength, thus preventing it from collapsing and blocking the first air passage. Furthermore, since the first spacer may have good thermal conductivity, the heat from the first flavor source sheet can be efficiently transferred to the second flavor source sheet.

[0011] The thermal conductivity of the first spacer is 0.1 w / (m·k) or more, preferably 1 w / (m·k) or more, more preferably 2 w / (m·k) or more, and 300 w / (m·k) or less, preferably 100 w / (m·k) or less, and more preferably 30 w / (m·k) or less.

[0012] In this case, heat from the first flavor source sheet can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet at an appropriate rate. If the thermal conductivity of the first spacer is less than 0.1 w / (m·k), the conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet will be slow, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet only after the vapor or aerosol has finished evaporating from the first flavor source sheet. In other words, there is a risk that there will be a period of time when the amount of vapor or aerosol generated is low. If the thermal conductivity of the first spacer is greater than 300 w / (m·k), the conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet will be faster, and the time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first and second flavor source sheets will be longer, which may shorten the duration of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating item.

[0013] The flavor generating article may include a plurality of second flavor source sheets, a third spacer in contact with a pair of second flavor source sheets and provided between them, and a second air passage provided between the pair of second flavor source sheets.

[0014] In this case, the third spacer provides a second air passage between the second flavor source sheets, increasing the amount of air passing through each of the second flavor source sheets. This allows for efficient delivery of vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating article to the user, improving the supply of vapor or aerosol. Furthermore, in this case, heat can be transferred from one second flavor source sheet to another via the third spacer. As a result, the second flavor source sheets are heated sequentially starting from the one closest to the heating source, ensuring a stable supply of vapor or aerosol to the user throughout one session, from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article.

[0015] The thickness of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.6 mm or less, and more preferably 0.3 mm or less.

[0016] In this case, steam or aerosol can be appropriately generated while suppressing charring of the first or second flavor source sheet. If the thickness of the first or second flavor source sheet is less than 0.1 mm, the first or second flavor source sheet is too thin, resulting in insufficient strength, poor moldability, and the risk of tearing. In addition, the aerosol source held by the first or second flavor source sheet may be depleted, causing the first or second flavor source sheet to char. If the thickness of the first or second flavor source sheet is greater than 1.0 mm, the first or second flavor source sheet is too thick, making it difficult for heat to conduct through the first or second flavor source sheet, and potentially preventing the proper generation of steam or aerosol from the first or second flavor source sheet.

[0017] The first flavor source sheet may be configured to come into direct or indirect contact with the heating source.

[0018] In this case, the heating source can efficiently heat the first flavor source sheet, and as a result, the second flavor source sheet can be heated via the first spacer.

[0019] The flavor generating article may have a second spacer provided between the first flavor source sheet and the heating source, and the first flavor source sheet may be in contact with the first flavor source sheet and the heating source.

[0020] In this case, the heat source and the first flavor source sheet are indirectly in contact via the second spacer, so the heat from the heat source can be conducted to the first flavor source sheet via the second spacer. Also, since the heat source does not come into direct contact with the first flavor source sheet, it is possible to prevent components from the heated first flavor source sheet from adhering to the heat source and contaminating it.

[0021] The thickness of the first spacer is 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.2 mm or more, and 0.5 mm or less, and preferably 0.3 mm or less.

[0022] In this case, the length of the gap between the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet, i.e., the width of the first air passage, can be set to 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, ensuring that the amount of air passing through the first air passage is secured while appropriately conducting heat through the first spacer. If the thickness of the first spacer is less than 0.1 mm, the width of the first air passage becomes too small, and there is a risk that the amount of air passing through in contact with the heated first and second flavor source sheets will be reduced. Also, if the thickness of the first spacer is less than 0.1 mm, the rate at which the first spacer conducts heat becomes faster, and the time it takes for vapor or aerosol to be generated from both the first and second flavor source sheets becomes longer, potentially shortening the time of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating item. On the other hand, if the thickness of the first spacer is greater than 0.5 mm, the rate at which the first spacer conducts heat becomes slower, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet after the vapor or aerosol has finished evaporating from the first flavor source sheet. In other words, there is a risk that there will be periods of time when the amount of vapor or aerosol generated is low.

[0023] The contact area between the first spacer and the second flavor source sheet is 10% or more of the area of ​​the surface of the second flavor source sheet facing the first flavor source sheet, preferably 20% or more, and 70% or less, and preferably 50% or less.

[0024] In this case, while ensuring the flow path area of the first air flow path, the heat of the first flavor source sheet can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet at an appropriate speed. If the contact area is less than 10%, the heat conduction from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet will be slow, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet after the vapor or aerosol has completely evaporated from the first flavor source sheet. That is, there may be a time period with a low generation amount of vapor or aerosol. On the other hand, if the contact area exceeds 70%, the heat conduction from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet will be too fast, and the time for vapor or aerosol to be generated from both the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet will be prolonged, and there is a risk that the time of one session from the start to the end of smoking of the flavor generating article will be shortened. Also, if the contact area exceeds 70%, there is also a risk that the first spacer will overly narrow the flow path area of the first air flow path.

[0025] The ratio of the thickness of the first flavor source sheet to the thickness of the first spacer may be 0.2 or more and 10 or less.

[0026] In this case, it is possible to appropriately generate vapor or aerosol while suppressing the burning of the first flavor source sheet. Further, the heat of the first flavor source sheet can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet at an appropriate rate. If the above ratio is less than 0.2, the thickness of the first flavor source sheet is too thin, and the aerosol source held by the first flavor source sheet may be depleted, and the first flavor source sheet may burn. Or, if the above ratio is less than 0.2, the first spacer is too thick, and the rate at which the first spacer conducts heat becomes slow. After the vapor or aerosol has completely evaporated from the first flavor source sheet, there is a risk that vapor or aerosol may be generated from the second flavor source sheet. That is, there may be a period during which the amount of generated vapor or aerosol is small. On the other hand, if the above ratio exceeds 10, the thickness of the first flavor source sheet is too thick, making it difficult for heat to conduct through the first flavor source sheet, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol cannot be appropriately generated from the first flavor source sheet. Or, if the above ratio exceeds 10, the first spacer is too thin, and the width of the first air flow path becomes too small, and there is a risk that the amount of air passing through to contact the heated first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet decreases. Further, if the above ratio exceeds 10, the rate at which the first spacer conducts heat becomes fast, and the time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet becomes long, and there is a risk that the time for one session from the start to the end of smoking of the flavor generating article becomes short.

[0027] The ratio of the thermal conductivity of the first spacer to the thermal conductivity of the first flavor source sheet is 1.5 or more, preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and 1500 or less, preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 500 or less, and even more preferably 200 or less.

[0028] In this case, heat from the first flavor source sheet can be transferred to the second flavor source sheet at an appropriate rate. If the above ratio is less than 1.5, the transfer of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet will be slow, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet only after the vapor or aerosol has finished evaporating from the first flavor source sheet. In other words, there is a risk that there will be a period of time when the amount of vapor or aerosol generated is low. If the above ratio is greater than 1500, the transfer of heat from the first flavor source sheet to the second flavor source sheet will be faster, and the time during which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first and second flavor source sheets will be longer, and there is a risk that the time of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating item will be shortened.

[0029] The first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet may differ from each other in at least one of the following: flavor, thickness, aerosol source content, and surface shape.

[0030] If the flavors are different, the first and second flavor source sheets can generate different flavors. Therefore, by adjusting the amount of each flavor delivered, the user can be supplied with the desired flavor. Also, if the thickness is different, a relatively thin flavor source sheet will heat up quickly, allowing for efficient delivery of the initial flavor or aerosol. In contrast, a relatively thick flavor source sheet will heat up more slowly, allowing the generation of vapor or aerosol to continue until the latter half of smoking. If the aerosol source content is different, a flavor source sheet with a relatively low aerosol source content will heat up quickly, allowing for efficient delivery of the initial vapor or aerosol. In contrast, a flavor source sheet with a relatively high aerosol source content will heat up more slowly, allowing the generation of vapor or aerosol to continue until the latter half of smoking. Furthermore, if the surface shape of each flavor source sheet is different, a tobacco sheet with a relatively large surface area can deliver the initial vapor or aerosol efficiently. In contrast, with flavor source sheets having a relatively small surface area, the temperature rise is slower, and the generation of vapor or aerosol can be sustained until the latter half of smoking.

[0031] The flavor-generating article has the aforementioned heating source, and the heating source may include a susceptor capable of induction heating.

[0032] In this case, the first or second flavor source sheet can be heated by inductively heating the susceptor of the flavor generating article with an induction coil provided in the flavor suction device.

[0033] According to a second embodiment, a smoking system is provided that includes the flavor generating article and a flavor inhaler having a heating source for heating the first flavor source sheet and one or more of the second flavor source sheets. In this smoking system, the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heating source, is heated before the second flavor source sheet.

[0034] According to the second embodiment, the first flavor source sheet is heated before the second flavor source sheet, and the heat from the heated first flavor source sheet is conducted to the second flavor source sheet via the first spacer, thereby heating the second flavor source sheet. As a result, the flavor sources are heated sequentially starting from the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heating source, so that vapor or aerosol can be stably supplied to the user for one session, from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating article.

[0035] According to a third embodiment, a smoking system is provided which includes the flavor generating article and a flavor inhaler having an induction coil for inductively heating the heat source. In this smoking system, the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heat source, is heated before one or more second flavor source sheets.

[0036] According to the third embodiment, the first flavor source sheet is heated before the second flavor source sheet, and the heat from the heated first flavor source sheet is conducted to the second flavor source sheet via the first spacer, thereby heating the second flavor source sheet. As a result, the flavor sources are heated sequentially starting from the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heating source, so that vapor or aerosol can be stably supplied to the user for one session, from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating article.

[0037] The flavor inhaler has a control unit that controls the heating source, and the control unit stops heating the heating source when it detects a predetermined number of puffs or when a predetermined time has elapsed, and at 30% of the predetermined number of puffs or predetermined time, the aerosol source content of the second flavor source sheet, which is furthest from the heating source, may be greater than that of the first flavor source sheet.

[0038] In this case, since a relatively large amount of aerosol source remains on the second flavor source sheet at 30% of the end of a smoking session, vapor or aerosol can be generated from the second flavor source sheet until the end of smoking.

[0039] The flavor inhaler has a control unit that controls the induction coil, and the control unit stops supplying power to the induction coil when it detects a predetermined number of puffs or when a predetermined time has elapsed, and at 30% of the predetermined number of puffs or predetermined time, the aerosol source content of the second flavor source sheet, which is furthest from the heating source, may be greater than that of the first flavor source sheet.

[0040] In this case, since a relatively large amount of aerosol source remains on the second flavor source sheet at 30% of the end of a smoking session, vapor or aerosol can be generated from the second flavor source sheet until the end of smoking.

[0041] The first flavor source sheet is closest to the heat source, and the amount of flavor and aerosol sources contained in the first flavor source sheet and one or more second flavor source sheets may increase as the distance from the heat source increases.

[0042] In this case, the second flavor source sheet, located away from the heat source, contains a relatively large amount of flavor and aerosol sources, generating vapor or aerosol during the latter half of a session, from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating article. Therefore, the amount of vapor or aerosol generated during the latter half of a session can be increased.

[0043] The first flavor source sheet is closest to the heat source, and the amount of flavor and aerosol sources contained in the first flavor source sheet and one or more second flavor source sheets may decrease as the distance from the heat source increases.

[0044] In this case, since the first or second flavor source sheet closer to the heat source contains a relatively large amount of flavor and aerosol sources, the temperature rise of the first or second flavor source sheet closer to the heat source becomes gradual, and the generation of vapor or aerosol can be sustained until the latter half of smoking. Therefore, the generation of vapor or aerosol can be stabilized throughout one session, from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating article. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view of a flavor suction device for heating a flavor-generating article according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a flavor inhaler. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of another example of a flavor inhaler. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of an item that produces flavor. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a side view of the flavor-generating article as seen from the second opening of the case shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the flavor-generating article as seen from arrow 6-6 shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a flavor-generating article, as seen from arrow 6-6 in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a side view of the flavor-generating article 10 as seen from the second opening of the case shown in Figure 4, according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a flavor inhaler for heating a flavor-generating article according to this embodiment. The flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate vapor or aerosol by heating a first flavor source sheet or a second flavor source sheet contained in the flavor-generating article. As shown in the figure, the flavor inhaler 100 has a first housing 110, a second housing 120, and a suction port 130. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be configured to be detachable from each other. The suction port 130 may be detachably connected to one end of the second housing 120 or may be formed integrally with the second housing 120.

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a flavor inhaler 100. As shown in the figure, the flavor inhaler 100 has a battery 140, a heating unit 150, a control unit 170 located inside the first housing 110, and a cooling unit 160 located inside the second housing 120. As shown in the figure, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are rotatably connected to each other by a hinge. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may also be connected to each other in a way that allows for complete separation, such as by snap-fit ​​or screw-fitting. By completely separating the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 in this way, the cooling unit 160, the suction port 130, and the heating unit 150 can be easily cleaned.

[0049] The battery 140 is configured to supply power to the heating unit 150 and the control unit 170, etc. For example, the battery 140 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 140 may be rechargeable by an external power source. The cooling unit 160 is configured to cool the aerosol generated from the flavor generating article 10. The cooling unit 160 may be, for example, a space through which the passing vapor or aerosol is naturally cooled. Alternatively, the cooling unit 160 may be filled with one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, and aluminum foil. By placing or filling the cooling unit 160 with these materials, the aerosol can be cooled more efficiently.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the heating unit 150 has a heating blade 150a (corresponding to an example of a heating source) that is inserted into the flavor generating article 10. That is, the heating unit 150 is an internal heating type heater that heats the flavor generating article 10 from the inside. The heating blade 150a has a substrate, such as resin, and a heating track formed on the surface of the substrate, and may have a thickness of, for example, about 0.5 mm. Also, in the illustrated example, the heating unit 150 has two heating blades 150a. In the flavor inhaler 100, one flavor generating article 10 may be attached to either heating blade 150a, or two flavor generating articles 10 may be attached to their respective heating blades 150a. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of aerosol generated from the flavor generating article 10. The flavor inhaler 100 may have one heating blade 150a, or it may have two or more heating blades 150a. The heating unit 150 is configured to heat the flavor-generating article 10 to, for example, 200°C to 300°C.

[0051] The control unit 170 consists of a CPU and memory, and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the control unit 170 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 170 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).

[0052] Alternatively, the control unit 170 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 170 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. In the illustrated example, the control unit 170 is positioned between the battery 140 and the heating unit 150 to suppress heat transfer from the heating unit 150 to the battery 140.

[0053] The flavor generating article 10 is heated by the heating unit 150, generating an aerosol source or a vapor or aerosol of a flavor source. The aerosol generated in the flavor generating article 10 is cooled by passing through the cooling unit 160 and reaches the user's mouth through the inhalation port 130 by the user's inhalation. The vapor generated in the flavor generating article 10 can be cooled by the cooling unit 160 and atomized into an aerosol. In this embodiment, the flavor generating article 10 is plate-shaped or card-shaped.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another example of the flavor inhaler 100. The flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 3 differs from the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 2 in the configuration of the heating unit 150. Specifically, the heating unit 150 has an induction coil 150b for induction heating of a susceptor (corresponding to an example of a heat source). The susceptor may be provided in the flavor inhaler 100 or on the flavor generating article 10. For example, the flavor inhaler 100 may have a susceptor that is inserted into the flavor generating article 10 when the flavor generating article 10 is placed in the heating unit 150. Alternatively, the flavor generating article 10 may have a susceptor that is induction heated by the induction coil 150b. The flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 3 may have an electromagnetic shield (not shown) between the heating unit 150 and the control unit 170 to suppress electromagnetic waves generated by the induction coil 150b from reaching the control unit 170.

[0055] Next, the flavor generating article 10 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the flavor generating article 10. The flavor generating article 10 has a raw material section 30 that generates vapor or aerosol, and a case 20 that houses the raw material section 30 inside. The flavor generating article 10 shown in Figure 4 does not have a nozzle or filter, and a cooling section, and has only a raw material section 30. In this case, since the structure of the flavor generating article 10 is simple, continuous production of the flavor generating article 10 is easy, and the weight of waste after use of the flavor generating article 10 can be kept relatively low. In addition, since there is no need to provide a cooling function or a filter function to the flavor generating article 10, the design freedom of the cooling section 160 and the nozzle 130 (or filter) in the flavor inhaler 100 is improved. Specifically, for example, in the cooling section 160 of the flavor inhaler 100, the cooling function can be easily improved by processing to increase the surface area in order to promote heat dissipation. On the other hand, the flavor generating article 10 may be provided with a cooling section, a filter, or a nozzle.

[0056] The case 20 has a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a first opening 21 and a second opening 22 opposite the first opening 21. In other words, the case 20 is cylindrical. The shape of the flavor generating article 10 is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may be cylindrical or the like. The heating blade 150a of the heating section 150 or the susceptor of the flavor suction device 100 can be inserted into the second opening 22. The first opening 21 allows vapor or aerosol to pass from the raw material section 30 toward the cooling section 160. The first opening 21 and the second opening 22 may have substantially the same opening shape. The case 20 may be made of paper, for example. In this case, the case 20 can be manufactured inexpensively and easily. More specifically, the case 20 may be made of pulp mold. The case 20 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 case 20 may be made of air-impermeable paper. In this case, it is possible to prevent vapors or aerosols generated from the flavor source 50 from leaking out of unintended parts of the case 20.

[0057] By housing the raw material section 30 in the case 20, the user can remove the flavor-generating article 10 from the heating section 150 without directly touching the hot raw material section 30 after use. Furthermore, housing the raw material section 30 in the case 20 helps maintain its shape. The inner surface of the case 20 may be lined with metal foil such as aluminum. This suppresses heat radiation from the heating section 150 and the raw material section 30 heated by the heating section 150, allowing the raw material section 30 to be heated efficiently. The flavor-generating article 10 may also consist only of the raw material section 30 without the case 20.

[0058] Figure 5 is a side view of the flavor generating article 10 as seen from the second opening 22 of the case 20 shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 10 as seen from arrow 6-6 shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the raw material section 30 of the flavor generating article 10 includes a first flavor source sheet 31, one or more second flavor source sheets 32, a first spacer 33, and a first air passage A1. One or more second flavor source sheets 32 do not come into contact with the heating source 80. The first spacer 33 comes into contact with one of the first flavor source sheets 31 and the second flavor source sheets 32 and is provided between them. The first air passage A1 is provided between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the flavor generating article 10 has a first air passage A1 between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​provided by the first spacer 33, which increases the amount of air passing through the first and second flavor source sheets 31 and 32. This allows for efficient delivery of vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating article 10 to the user and improves the supply of vapor or aerosol. Furthermore, since the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​does not directly contact the heating source 80, the heat from the heated first flavor source sheet 31 is conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​via the first spacer 33, causing the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​to be heated. As a result, the flavor sources are sequentially heated starting from the first flavor source sheet 31, which is closer to the heating source 80, allowing for a stable supply of vapor or aerosol to the user throughout one session, from the start to the end of smoking with the flavor generating article 10.

[0060] The heating source 80 shown in Figure 5 may be the heating blade 150a shown in Figure 2, or a susceptor provided in the flavor inhaler 100 in the example shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the flavor generating article 10 may have the heating source 80 shown in Figure 5, and this heating source 80 may include an induction-heatable susceptor. In this case, the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​can be heated by induction heating of the susceptor of the flavor generating article 10 with an induction coil 150b provided in the flavor inhaler 100 as shown in Figure 3.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 5, the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​are flat sheets. The heating source 80 also has a flat shape corresponding to the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32. However, it is not limited to this, and the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​may be curved sheets. In this case, the heating source 80 may have a curved shape corresponding to the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32. Specifically, for example, the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​may have an S-shaped curved cross-section when viewed from the side as shown in Figure 5. In that case, it is preferable that the heating source 80 also has a similarly curved cross-section.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, it is preferable to arrange a first flavor source sheet 31 and one or more second flavor source sheets 32 on each side of the heating source 80. In this case, the amount of vapor or aerosol that can be generated by the flavor generating article 10 can be increased. However, the arrangement is not limited to this, and the first flavor source sheet 31 and one or more second flavor source sheets 32 may be arranged on either side of the heating source 80.

[0063] At least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​may contain tobacco. Specific examples of tobacco include shredded dried tobacco leaves, crushed tobacco leaves, or tobacco extract (extract from water, organic solvents, or mixed solutions thereof). Crushed tobacco leaves are particles obtained by crushing tobacco leaves. The average particle size of the crushed tobacco leaves can be, for example, 30 to 120 μm. Crushing can be performed using a known crushing machine, 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). Furthermore, the type of tobacco is not limited, and yellow varieties, Burley varieties, Oriental varieties, native varieties, and other Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica varieties can be used. The amount of tobacco contained in the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 80% by weight, more preferably 10 to 50% by weight.

[0064] If at least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​contains tobacco, the tobacco may be supported on a sheet made of non-tobacco fibers such as pulp fibers or nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, at least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​may be formed from a tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet can be a sheet made from tobacco leaves, a cast sheet from tobacco leaves, a rolled sheet from tobacco leaves, etc. The tobacco sheet 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.

[0065] At least one of the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​may contain a fragrance. In this case, the fragrance can be supplied to the user in addition to the flavor or aerosol. The type of fragrance is 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-citronella Ronellol, 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, Ethyl 2-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, veratrol At least one of the following may be selected: aldehydes, 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.

[0066] The first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​may differ from each other in at least one of the following aspects: flavor, thickness, aerosol source content, and surface shape. If the flavors are different, different flavors can be generated from the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32. Therefore, by adjusting the amount of each flavor delivered, the user can be supplied with the desired flavor. Also, if the thicknesses are different, a relatively thin flavor source sheet will have a faster temperature rise, allowing for efficient delivery of the initial flavor or aerosol. In contrast, a relatively thick flavor source sheet will have a slower temperature rise, allowing the generation of vapor or aerosol to continue until the latter half of smoking. If the aerosol source content is different, a flavor source sheet with a relatively low aerosol source content will have a faster temperature rise, allowing for efficient delivery of the initial vapor or aerosol. In contrast, a flavor source sheet with a relatively high aerosol source content will have a slower temperature rise, allowing the generation of vapor or aerosol to continue until the latter half of smoking. Furthermore, if the surface shapes of the flavor source sheets differ, tobacco sheets with a relatively large surface area can efficiently deliver the initial vapor or aerosol. In contrast, flavor source sheets with a relatively small surface area will experience a slower temperature rise, and the generation of vapor or aerosol may persist until the later stages of smoking.

[0067] The flavor generating article 10 may have a single first spacer 33, but it is preferable to have multiple first spacers 33 as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the flavor generating article 10 may have multiple first spacers 33 spaced apart in the width direction. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the flavor generating article 10 may have multiple first spacers 33 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first spacers 33 may be substantially granular or columnar. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, it is preferable that the first spacers 33 are spaced equally apart in the longitudinal or width direction of the flavor generating article 10.

[0068] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of the flavor-generating article 10 as seen from the line 6-6 shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7, the first spacer 33 may have an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the first air passage A1 formed by the first spacer 33 extends in the longitudinal direction. Not limited to the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the multiple first spacers 33 may be arranged in any pattern and may have any shape. The third spacer 34, which will be described later, may also be arranged in the same way as the first spacer 33 shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7, and may have the same shape or size as the first spacer 33.

[0069] The first spacer 33 preferably contains at least one of the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals. In this case, the first spacer 33 may have considerable strength, so that it is possible to prevent the first spacer 33 from collapsing and blocking the first air passage A1. Also, since the first spacer 33 may have considerable thermal conductivity, the heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 can be efficiently conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32. More specifically, the first spacer 33 may contain calcium carbonate.

[0070] The thermal conductivity of the first spacer 33 is preferably 0.1 w / (m·k) or more and 300 w / (m·k) or less. In this case, heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​at an appropriate rate. If the thermal conductivity of the first spacer 33 is less than 0.1 w / (m·k), the conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​will be slow, and there is a risk that steam or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​after the steam or aerosol has finished evaporating from the first flavor source sheet 31. In other words, there is a risk that there will be a period of time when the amount of steam or aerosol generated is low. If the thermal conductivity of the first spacer 33 exceeds 300 w / (m·k), heat conduction from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​will be accelerated, increasing the time it takes for vapor or aerosol to be generated from both the first and second flavor source sheets 31 and 32, which may shorten the duration of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating article 10. More preferably, the thermal conductivity is 1 w / (m·k) or more, even more preferably 2 w / (m·k) or more, and even more preferably 100 w / (m·k) or less, and even more preferably 30 w / (m·k) or less.

[0071] Furthermore, the thickness of the first spacer 33 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. In this case, the length of the gap between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32, i.e., the width of the first air passage A1, can be set to 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and the amount of air passing through the first air passage A1 can be secured while heat is appropriately conducted by the first spacer 33. If the thickness of the first spacer 33 is less than 0.1 mm, the width of the first air passage A1 becomes too small, and there is a risk that the amount of air passing through in contact with the heated first flavor source sheet 31 and second flavor source sheet 32 ​​will decrease. Also, if the thickness of the first spacer 33 is less than 0.1 mm, the rate at which the first spacer 33 conducts heat will increase, and the time for vapor or aerosol to be generated from both the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​will increase, and there is a risk that the time of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article 10 will be shortened. On the other hand, if the thickness of the first spacer 33 exceeds 0.5 mm, the rate at which the first spacer 33 conducts heat slows down, and there is a risk that steam or aerosols will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​after the steam or aerosols have finished evaporating from the first flavor source sheet 31. In other words, there is a risk that there will be a period of time when the amount of steam or aerosols generated is low. The thickness of the first spacer 33 is more preferably 0.2 mm or more, and more preferably 0.3 mm or less.

[0072] Preferably, the contact area between the first spacer 33 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is 10% to 70% of the area of ​​the surface of the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​facing the first flavor source sheet 31. In this case, heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​at an appropriate rate while ensuring the flow area of ​​the first air passage A1. If the above contact area is less than 10%, the conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​will be slow, and there is a risk that steam or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​after the steam or aerosol has finished evaporating from the first flavor source sheet 31. In other words, there is a risk that there will be a period of time when the amount of steam or aerosol generated is low. On the other hand, if the contact area exceeds 70%, the heat conduction from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet becomes too fast, increasing the time it takes for vapor or aerosol to be generated from both the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32, which may shorten the duration of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article 10. Also, if the contact area exceeds 70%, the first spacer 33 may narrow the flow area of ​​the first airflow channel A1 too much. Note that if the flavor generating article 10 has multiple first spacers 33, the contact area here refers to the contact area between the multiple first spacers 33 and the second flavor source sheet 32. The contact area is more preferably 20% or more, and more preferably 50% or less.

[0073] The ratio of the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 to the thickness of the first spacer 33 is preferably 0.2 or more and 10 or less. In this case, steam or aerosol can be appropriately generated while suppressing scorching of the first flavor source sheet 31. In addition, heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​at an appropriate rate. If the above ratio is less than 0.2, the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 is too thin, and the aerosol source held by the first flavor source sheet 31 may be depleted, potentially causing the first flavor source sheet 31 to scorch. Alternatively, if the above ratio is less than 0.2, the first spacer 33 is too thick, slowing down the rate at which heat is conducted by the first spacer 33, and there is a risk that steam or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​only after the steam or aerosol has finished evaporating from the first flavor source sheet 31. In other words, there is a risk of a period of time during which the amount of steam or aerosol generated is low. On the other hand, if the above ratio exceeds 10, the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 may be too thick, making it difficult for heat to be conducted through the first flavor source sheet 31, and potentially preventing the proper generation of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet 31. Alternatively, if the above ratio exceeds 10, the first spacer 33 may be too thin, resulting in a width of the first air passage A1 that is too small, potentially reducing the amount of air passing through the heated first flavor source sheet 31 and second flavor source sheet 32. Furthermore, if the above ratio exceeds 10, the rate at which the first spacer 33 conducts heat increases, increasing the time it takes for vapor or aerosol to be generated from both the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32, potentially shortening the duration of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article 10.

[0074] Furthermore, the ratio of the thermal conductivity of the first spacer 33 to the thermal conductivity of the first flavor source sheet 31 is preferably 1.5 or more and 1500 or less. In this case, heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 can be conducted to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​at an appropriate rate. If the above ratio is less than 1.5, the conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​will be slow, and there is a risk that vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​after the vapor or aerosol has finished evaporating from the first flavor source sheet 31. In other words, there is a risk that there will be a period of time in which the amount of vapor or aerosol generated is small. If the above ratio is greater than 1500, the conduction of heat from the first flavor source sheet 31 to the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​will be fast, and the time in which vapor or aerosol is generated from both the first flavor source sheet 31 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​will be longer, and there is a risk that the time of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article 10 will be shortened. Furthermore, the above ratio is more preferably 5 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 1000 or less, even more preferably 500 or less, and most preferably 200 or less.

[0075] The thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. In this case, steam or aerosol can be appropriately generated while suppressing charring of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32. If the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is less than 0.1 mm, the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is too thin, resulting in insufficient strength of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32, which may lead to poor moldability and tearing. In addition, the aerosol source held by the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​may be depleted, which may cause the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​to char. If the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​exceeds 1.0 mm, the thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is too thick, making it difficult for heat to be conducted through the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32, which may prevent the proper generation of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32. The thickness of the first flavor source sheet 31 or the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is more preferably 0.6 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, it is preferable that the flavor generating article 10 has a plurality of second flavor source sheets 32. In this case, a larger amount of vapor or aerosol can be generated in the flavor generating article 10. In the example shown in Figure 5, three second flavor source sheets 32 are arranged on each side of the heating source 80. In this case, the amount of vapor or aerosol that can be generated by the flavor generating article 10 can be further increased. However, the arrangement is not limited to this, and a plurality of second flavor source sheets 32 may be arranged on either side of the heating source 80.

[0077] Furthermore, it is preferable that the flavor generating article 10 is in contact with a pair of second flavor source sheets 32 and has a third spacer 34 provided between them, and a second air passage A2 provided between the pair of second flavor source sheets 32. In this case, the third spacer 34 provides a second air passage A2 between the second flavor source sheets 32, so the amount of air passing through in contact with each of the second flavor source sheets 32 can be increased. This allows the vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating article 10 to be efficiently delivered to the user, and the supply amount of vapor or aerosol can be improved. Also, in this case, heat can be conducted from one second flavor source sheet 32 ​​to the other second flavor source sheet 32 ​​via the third spacer 34. Therefore, the second flavor source sheets 32 closest to the heating source 80 are heated sequentially, so vapor or aerosol can be stably supplied to the user for one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article 10.

[0078] The flavor generating article 10 may have a single third spacer 34 between a pair of second flavor source sheets 32, but it is preferable to have multiple third spacers 34 between a pair of second flavor source sheets 32, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the flavor generating article 10 may have multiple third spacers 34 spaced apart in the width direction between a pair of second flavor source sheets 32. In the example shown in Figure 5, the third spacers 34 may be substantially granular or columnar. The third spacers 34 are preferably spaced equally apart in the longitudinal or width direction of the flavor generating article 10, similar to the first spacers 33 shown in Figures 5 and 6. The third spacers 34 may have an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction, similar to the first spacers 33 shown in Figure 7. However, the third spacers 34 may be arranged in any pattern or have any shape.

[0079] The material or properties of the third spacer 34 may be the same as those of the first spacer 33 described above. In this case, the third spacer 34 can achieve the same effects as the first spacer 33. That is, the third spacer 34 preferably contains at least one of the group consisting of carbonate, ceramics, carbon, and metal, similar to the first spacer 33. More specifically, the third spacer 34 may contain calcium carbonate. Similar to the first spacer 33, the thermal conductivity of the third spacer 34 is preferably 0.1 w / (m·k) or more, more preferably 1 w / (m·k) or more, even more preferably 2 w / (m·k) or more, and preferably 300 w / (m·k) or less, more preferably 100 w / (m·k) or less, and even more preferably 30 w / (m·k) or less. Similar to the first spacer 33, the thickness of the third spacer 34 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, and preferably 0.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less. The contact area between the third spacer 34 and the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is 10% or more of the area of ​​the surfaces of the two opposing second flavor source sheets 32, preferably 20% or more, and 70% or less, and preferably 50% or less. The ratio of the thickness of the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​to the thickness of the third spacer 34 is preferably 0.2 or more and 10 or less. The ratio of the thermal conductivity of the third spacer 34 to the thermal conductivity of the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​is preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 5 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, and preferably 1500 or less, even more preferably 1000 or less, even more preferably 500 or less, and most preferably 200 or less.

[0080] The first flavor source sheet 31 is preferably configured to be in direct or indirect contact with the heating source 80. In this case, the heating source 80 can efficiently heat the first flavor source sheet 31, and as a result, the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​can be heated via the first spacer 33. In the example shown in Figure 5, the first flavor source sheet 31 is in direct contact with the heating source 80.

[0081] Figure 8 is a side view of the flavor generating article 10 as seen from the second opening 22 of the case 20 shown in Figure 4, according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the flavor generating article 10 may have a second spacer 35 provided between the first flavor source sheet 31 and the heat source 80, which are in contact with each other. In this case, since the heat source 80 and the first flavor source sheet 31 are indirectly in contact via the second spacer 35, the heat from the heat source 80 can be conducted to the first flavor source sheet 31 via the second spacer 35. In addition, since the heat source 80 is not in direct contact with the first flavor source sheet 31, it is possible to prevent components of the heated first flavor source sheet 31 from adhering to the heat source 80 and contaminating the heat source 80.

[0082] The second spacer 35, like the first spacer 33, preferably contains at least one of the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals. More specifically, the second spacer 35 may contain calcium carbonate. Furthermore, in order to efficiently conduct heat from the heat source 80 to the first flavor source sheet 31, it is preferable that the second spacer 35 is in contact with the entire surface of each of the opposing surfaces of the heat source 80 and the first flavor source sheet 31, as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the second spacer 35 may be placed on both sides of the heat source 80. However, it is not limited to this, and the second spacer 35 may be placed on only one side of the heat source 80.

[0083] Next, the smoking system according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the smoking system includes a flavor generating article 10 shown in Figures 4 to 8 and a flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 2. In this smoking system, as described above, the first flavor source sheet 31, which is closer to the heating source 80 (heating blade 150a), is heated before the second flavor source sheet 32. As a result, the flavor sources are heated sequentially starting from the first flavor source sheet 31, which is closer to the heating source 80, so that vapor or aerosol can be stably supplied to the user for one session, from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article 10. In this smoking system, the flavor inhaler 100 has a control unit 170 that controls the heating source 80 (see Figure 2). The control unit 170 can stop heating the heating source 80 when it detects a predetermined number of puffs or when a predetermined time has elapsed. In the above smoking system, it is preferable that the second flavor source sheet 32, which is furthest from the heating source 80, has a higher aerosol source content than the first flavor source sheet 31 at 30% of the predetermined number of uses or time elapsed. In this case, at 30% of the time elapsed from the start to the end of one session, a relatively large amount of aerosol source remains in the second flavor source sheet 32, so that vapor or aerosol can be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​at least until the end of smoking.

[0084] The smoking system may also include a flavor-generating article 10 shown in Figures 4 to 8, and a flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 3, which has an induction coil 150b for induction heating of a heating source 80. In this smoking system, as described above, the first flavor source sheet 31, which is closer to the heating source 80 (flavor inhaler 100 or a susceptor provided on the flavor-generating article 10), is heated before the second flavor source sheet 32. As a result, the flavor sources are heated sequentially starting from the first flavor source sheet 31, which is closer to the heating source 80, so that vapor or aerosol can be stably supplied to the user for one session, from the start to the end of smoking the flavor-generating article 10. In this smoking system, the flavor inhaler 100 has a control unit 170 that controls the induction coil 150b (see Figure 3). The control unit 170 can stop the power supply to the induction coil 150b when it detects a predetermined number of puffs or when a predetermined time has elapsed. In the above smoking system, it is preferable that, at 30% of a predetermined number of uses or time elapsed, the aerosol source content of the second flavor source sheet 32, which is furthest from the heating source 80, is greater than that of the first flavor source sheet 31. In this case, at 30% of one session, from the start to the end of smoking, a relatively large amount of aerosol source remains in the second flavor source sheet 32, so vapor or aerosol can be generated from the second flavor source sheet 32 ​​at least until the end of smoking.

[0085] Furthermore, in at least one of the above smoking systems, the first flavor source sheet 31 is closest to the heat source 80, and the amount of flavor and aerosol sources contained in the first flavor source sheet 31 and one or more second flavor source sheets 32 may increase as the distance from the heat source 80 increases. In this case, the second flavor source sheet 32, which is further away from the heat source 80 and generates vapor or aerosol in the latter half of one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article 10, contains a relatively large amount of flavor and aerosol sources. Therefore, the amount of vapor or aerosol generated in the latter half of one session can be increased.

[0086] Alternatively, in at least one of the above smoking systems, the first flavor source sheet 31 may be closest to the heat source 80, and the amount of flavor and aerosol sources contained in the first flavor source sheet 31 and one or more second flavor source sheets 32 may decrease as the distance from the heat source 80 increases. In this case, since the first flavor source sheet 31 or second flavor source sheet 32 ​​closer to the heat source 80 contains a relatively large amount of flavor and aerosol sources, the temperature rise of the first flavor source sheet 31 or second flavor source sheet 32 ​​closer to the heat source 80 becomes gradual, and the generation of vapor or aerosol can be sustained until the latter half of smoking. Therefore, the generation of vapor or aerosol can be stabilized throughout one session from the start to the end of smoking the flavor generating article 10.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Some of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below. (1) First flavor source sheet, One or more second flavor source sheets that do not come into contact with the heat source, A first spacer is provided between the first flavor source sheet and one of the second flavor source sheets, and the first spacer is in contact with them. A flavor generating article having a first air passage provided between the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet. (2) (1) In the flavor-generating articles described above, The first spacer is a flavor-generating article comprising at least one of the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals. (3) In the flavor-generating articles described in (1) or (2), The first spacer is a flavor-generating article containing calcium carbonate. (4) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (3), The first spacer has a thermal conductivity of 0.1 w / (m·k) or more and 300 w / (m·k) or less, and is an article that generates flavor. (5) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (4), Multiple of the above-mentioned second flavor source sheets, A third spacer is provided between a pair of the aforementioned second flavor source sheets, A flavor generating article having a second air passage provided between a pair of the second flavor source sheets. (6) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (5), A flavor-generating article wherein the thickness of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. (7) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (6), The first flavor source sheet is a flavor generating article configured to come into direct or indirect contact with the heating source. (8) (7) In the flavor-generating articles described, A flavor generating article having a first flavor source sheet and a heating source in contact with each other, and a second spacer provided between them. (9) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (8), The first spacer has a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and is used in flavor-generating articles. (10) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (9), A flavor-generating article wherein the contact area between the first spacer and the second flavor source sheet is 10% to 70% of the area of ​​the surface of the second flavor source sheet facing the first flavor source sheet. (11) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (10), A flavor-generating article in which the ratio of the thickness of the first flavor source sheet to the thickness of the first spacer is 0.2 or more and 10 or less. (12) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (11), A flavor-generating article in which the ratio of the thermal conductivity of the first spacer to the thermal conductivity of the first flavor source sheet is 1.5 or more and 1500 or less. (13) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (12), A flavor-generating article in which the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet differ from each other in at least one of their flavor, thickness, aerosol source content, and surface shape. (14) In any of the flavor-generating articles described in (1) to (13), Having the aforementioned heating source, The heating source is a flavor-generating article containing a susceptor capable of induction heating. (15) A smoking system comprising the flavor generating article described in any of (1) to (13), and a flavor inhaler having a heating source for heating the first flavor source sheet and one or more second flavor source sheets, A smoking system in which the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heat source, is heated before the second flavor source sheet. (16) A smoking system comprising the flavor generating article described in (14) and a flavor inhaler having an induction coil for induction heating the heating source, A smoking system in which the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heat source, is heated before the second flavor source sheet. (17) In the smoking system described in (15), The flavor inhaler has a control unit that controls the heating source, The control unit stops heating the heating source when it detects a predetermined number of puffs or when a predetermined time has elapsed. A smoking system in which, at 30% of the predetermined number of times or the predetermined time elapsed, the aerosol source content of the second flavor source sheet, which is furthest from the heating source, is greater than that of the first flavor source sheet. (18) In the smoking system described in (16), The flavor inhaler has a control unit that controls the induction coil, The control unit stops supplying power to the induction coil when it detects a predetermined number of puffs or when a predetermined time has elapsed. A smoking system in which, at 30% of the predetermined number of times or the predetermined time elapsed, the aerosol source content of the second flavor source sheet, which is furthest from the heating source, is greater than that of the first flavor source sheet. (19) In any of the smoking systems described in (15) to (18), The first flavor source sheet is closest to the heating source, A smoking system wherein the amount of flavor and aerosol sources contained in the first flavor source sheet and one or more second flavor source sheets increases as the distance from the heating source increases. (20) In any of the smoking systems described in (15) to (18), The first flavor source sheet is closest to the heating source, A smoking system wherein the amount of flavor and aerosol sources contained in the first flavor source sheet and one or more second flavor source sheets decreases as the distance from the heating source increases. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10: Flavor-generating items 31: First Flavor Source Sheet 32: Second Flavor Source Sheet 33: First Spacer 34: Third Spacer 35: Second spacer 50: Flavor source 80:Heating source 100: Flavor aspirator 150a: Heating blade 150b: Induction coil 170: Control Unit A1: First airflow channel A2: Second airflow channel

Claims

1. An article that generates flavor, First flavor source sheet, One or more second flavor source sheets that do not come into contact with the heat source, A first spacer is provided between the first flavor source sheet and one of the second flavor source sheets, and the first spacer is in contact with them. It has a first air passage provided between the first flavor source sheet and one of the second flavor source sheets, The flavor generating article is configured such that the heating source is inserted into it. The first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet are flavor generating articles, the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet extending in a direction in which the heating source is inserted into the flavor generating article.

2. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, The first spacer is a flavor-generating article comprising at least one of the group consisting of carbonates, ceramics, carbon, and metals.

3. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, The first spacer is a flavor-generating article containing calcium carbonate.

4. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, The first spacer has a thermal conductivity of 0.1 w / (m·k) or more and 300 w / (m·k) or less, and is an article that generates flavor.

5. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, Multiple of the above-mentioned second flavor source sheets, A third spacer is provided between a pair of the aforementioned second flavor source sheets, A flavor generating article having a second air passage provided between a pair of the second flavor source sheets.

6. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, A flavor-generating article wherein the thickness of the first flavor source sheet or the second flavor source sheet is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

7. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, The first flavor source sheet is a flavor generating article configured to come into direct or indirect contact with the heating source.

8. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 7, A flavor generating article having a first flavor source sheet and a heating source in contact with each other, and a second spacer provided between them.

9. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, The first spacer has a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and is used to generate flavor.

10. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, A flavor-generating article wherein the contact area between the first spacer and the second flavor source sheet is 10% to 70% of the area of ​​the surface of the second flavor source sheet facing the first flavor source sheet.

11. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, A flavor-generating article in which the ratio of the thickness of the first flavor source sheet to the thickness of the first spacer is 0.2 or more and 10 or less.

12. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, A flavor-generating article in which the ratio of the thermal conductivity of the first spacer to the thermal conductivity of the first flavor source sheet is 1.5 or more and 1500 or less.

13. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, A flavor-generating article in which the first flavor source sheet and the second flavor source sheet differ from each other in at least one of their flavor, thickness, aerosol source content, and surface shape.

14. In the flavor-generating article described in claim 1, Having the aforementioned heating source, The heating source is a flavor-generating article containing a susceptor capable of induction heating.

15. A smoking system comprising the flavor generating article described in claim 1 and a flavor inhaler having a heating source for heating the first flavor source sheet and one or more second flavor source sheets, A smoking system in which the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heat source, is heated before the second flavor source sheet.

16. A smoking system comprising the flavor generating article described in claim 14 and a flavor inhaler having an induction coil for induction heating the heating source, A smoking system in which the first flavor source sheet, which is closer to the heat source, is heated before the second flavor source sheet.

17. In the smoking system described in claim 15, The flavor inhaler has a control unit that controls the heating source, The control unit stops heating the heating source when it detects a predetermined number of puffs or when a predetermined time has elapsed. A smoking system in which, at 30% of the predetermined number of times or the predetermined time elapsed, the aerosol source content of the second flavor source sheet, which is furthest from the heating source, is greater than that of the first flavor source sheet.

18. In the smoking system described in claim 16, The flavor inhaler has a control unit that controls the induction coil, The control unit stops supplying power to the induction coil when it detects a predetermined number of puffs or when a predetermined time has elapsed. A smoking system in which, at 30% of the predetermined number of times or the predetermined time elapsed, the aerosol source content of the second flavor source sheet, which is furthest from the heating source, is greater than that of the first flavor source sheet.

19. In a smoking system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, The first flavor source sheet is closest to the heating source, A smoking system wherein the amount of flavor and aerosol sources contained in the first flavor source sheet and one or more second flavor source sheets increases as the distance from the heating source increases.

20. In a smoking system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, The first flavor source sheet is closest to the heating source, A smoking system wherein the amount of flavor and aerosol sources contained in the first flavor source sheet and one or more second flavor source sheets decreases as the distance from the heating source increases.

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