Flavor inhalation system

Abstract

Provided is a flavor inhalation system. This flavor inhalation system comprises: a flavor generating article having a flavor source that generates a flavor upon being heated; and a flavor inhaler having a housing portion that houses the flavor source and an antenna that emits microwaves. A first region including a region in which the electric field intensity of microwaves emitted from the antenna is strongest and a second region in which the electric field intensity is weaker than that in the first region are formed in the housing portion. The flavor source includes a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region when the flavor generating article is positioned in a desired position of the flavor inhaler. The first portion includes no carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized by heating, and the second portion includes a carbonizable substance.

Description

Flavor suction system

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhalation system.

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalation systems for inhaling flavors and the like without burning materials have been known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). As such flavor inhalation systems, a system is known in which a flavor source that generates a flavor when heated is heated by microwaves (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 002165 International Publication No. 2020 / 007879 Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 110876492

[0004] In the flavor inhalation system disclosed in Patent Document 3, when the flavor source is heated by microwaves, some substances contained in the flavor source are overheated and carbonized, which may have an undesirable effect on the smoking taste.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and has an object to prevent carbonization of substances contained in a flavor source.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhalation system comprising: a flavor generating article having a flavor source that generates a flavor when heated; a container for accommodating the flavor source; and a flavor inhaler having an antenna for emitting microwaves, wherein a first region including a region where the electric field strength of the microwaves irradiated from the antenna is strongest and a second region where the electric field strength is weaker than that of the first region are formed within the container; and the flavor source includes a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region when the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, wherein the first portion does not contain a carbonizable material that is easily carbonized by heating, and the second portion contains a carbonizable material.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized by heating in the second portion of the flavor source, which corresponds to the second region having a weaker electric field strength than the first region, it is possible to prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves, thereby preventing carbonization of the substances contained in the flavor source.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the antenna is a pin-type antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, the first region is a region near the tip of the pin-type antenna, and the second region is a region near the base end of the pin-type antenna.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized by heating in the second portion of the flavor source corresponding to the second region near the base end of the pin-shaped antenna, it is possible to prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves, thereby preventing carbonization of the substances contained in the flavor source.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the antenna is a pin-type antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, the first region is a region near the tip of the pin-type antenna, and the second region is a region on the opposite side of the base end of the pin-type antenna from the tip of the pin-type antenna.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized by heating in the second portion of the flavor source, which corresponds to the second region on the opposite side of the base end of the pin antenna relative to the tip of the pin antenna, it is possible to prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves, thereby preventing carbonization of substances contained in the flavor source.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the flavor source in the second or third aspect has a hollow portion into which a pin-type antenna can be inserted.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by inserting a pin antenna into the hollow portion of the flavor source, the flavor source does not come into close contact with the pin antenna, thereby preventing components of the heated flavor source from adhering to the pin antenna.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, when the flavor-generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler, the tip of the pin-type antenna is positioned so as to overlap the flavor source in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by positioning the tip of a pin-type antenna having a strong electric field strength so that it overlaps with the flavor source in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, microwaves irradiated from the pin-type antenna can be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first region is a region close to the antenna in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, and the second region is a region far from the antenna in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized by heating in the second portion of the flavor source corresponding to the second region farther from the antenna, it is possible to prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves, thereby preventing carbonization of the substances included in the flavor source.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first portion includes an aerosol-generating material that generates an aerosol when heated, and the second portion includes a flavor-generating material that generates a flavor when heated.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generated in the first portion and the flavor generated in the second portion can be mixed in the flavor source.

[0020] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect which references the second aspect, the flavor-generating article further has an outer casing member which surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap between the flavor source and the outer casing member, a first air flow path which is formed in the outer casing member and the first portion and which seals and connects the outside of the flavor-generating article to at least the first portion, and a second air flow path which is formed in the second portion and which connects at least the second portion to the gap.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, an air flow path is formed in which air flowing in from outside the flavor-generating article passes through the first air flow path, the first portion, the second portion, the second air flow path, and the gap in that order, thereby enabling the aerosol generated in the first portion to be efficiently mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion.

[0022] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect which is a reference to the sixth aspect, the flavor-generating article further includes an outer casing member which surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap between the flavor source and the outer casing member, a third air flow path formed in the outer casing member, the first part, and the second part on the proximal end side of the flavor-generating article, which seals and connects at least the first part to the outside of the flavor-generating article, and a fourth air flow path formed in at least the second part on the distal end side of the flavor-generating article, which connects at least the second part to the gap.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, an air flow path is formed in which air flowing in from outside the flavor-generating article passes through the third air flow path, the first part, the second part, the fourth air flow path, and the gap in that order, thereby enabling the aerosol generated in the first part to be efficiently mixed with the flavor generated in the second part.

[0024] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect which recites the sixth aspect, the flavor source has a hollow portion into which an antenna can be inserted, and the flavor-generating article further has an outer casing member which surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap between it and the flavor source, a fifth air flow path formed in the hollow portion, and a sixth air flow path formed in the gap, which has a flow path area smaller than that of the fifth air flow path, and which merges with the fifth air flow path before reaching the proximal end of the flavor-generating article.

[0025] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, by inserting an antenna into the hollow portion of the flavor source, the flavor source does not come into close contact with the antenna. Therefore, it is possible to prevent components of the heated flavor source from adhering to the antenna. Furthermore, the fast-flowing flavor generated in the second portion and passing through the sixth air flow path is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion and passing through the fifth air flow path before reaching the proximal end of the flavor-generating article, thereby enabling efficient mixing of the aerosol and the flavor.

[0026] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the second portion includes a microwave absorber that absorbs microwaves and generates heat.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the second portion includes a microwave absorber, so that the second portion can be heated efficiently.

[0028] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the distance between the tip of the longitudinal antenna of the flavor-generating article and the second portion is 0.1 mm or more.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, by making the distance between the tip of the antenna and the second portion in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 0.1 mm or more, it is possible to further prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves.

[0030] 1. A schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2. A schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention. 3. A schematic diagram showing the electric field intensity distribution of microwaves irradiated from the pin-type antenna shown in FIG. 1. 4. An enlarged cross-sectional view showing an excerpt of a portion of the flavor inhalation system shown in FIG. 1. 5. A cross-sectional view of the flavor source taken along arrows A-A in FIG. 5. 6. A cross-sectional view of the flavor source taken along arrows B-B in FIG. 5. 7. Another schematic view showing the air flow in a flavor generating article. 8. Another enlarged cross-sectional view showing an excerpt of a portion of the flavor inhalation system shown in FIG. 1. 9. Another enlarged cross-sectional view showing an excerpt of a portion of the flavor inhalation system shown in FIG. 1. 10. Another schematic view showing the air flow in a flavor generating article. 11. A cross-sectional view of the flavor source taken along arrows C-C in FIG. 11. 12. A cross-sectional view of the flavor source taken along arrows D-D in FIG. 11. 13. Another schematic view showing the air flow in a flavor generating article.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. In this specification, the "longitudinal direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, in other words, the direction in which the flavor-generating article is inserted into the flavor inhaler.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor inhalation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, a flavor inhalation system 10 according to this embodiment includes a flavor generating article 20 and a flavor inhaler 100. The flavor inhaler 100 is preferably a portable or handheld device.

[0033] 1, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a high-frequency oscillator 101, a waveguide 102, a battery 103, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 104, a pin-type antenna 106, an antenna mount 108, a support 110, a housing 112, and a chamber (accommodating portion) 114. The flavor-generating article 20 includes a flavor source 40 that generates a flavor when heated by the flavor inhaler 100. The detailed configuration of the flavor-generating article 20 will be described later.

[0034] The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to atomize a flavor generating substance or an aerosol generating substance contained in a flavor source 40 of the flavor generating article 20. The flavor source 40 constitutes a part of the flavor generating article 20, which has, for example, a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The flavor generating article 20 may be, for example, a tobacco stick in which the flavor source 40 contains tobacco.

[0035] In the illustrated example, the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to receive a columnar flavor-generating article 20. As illustrated, the high-frequency oscillator 101, the waveguide 102, the battery 103, the PCB 104, the pin-type antenna 106, the antenna mount 108, and the support 110 can be arranged in a direction in which the flavor-generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100. The housing 112 is a case that houses the high-frequency oscillator 101, the waveguide 102, the battery 103, the PCB 104, the pin-type antenna 106, the antenna mount 108, and the support 110.

[0036] The radio frequency oscillator 101 is, for example, a semiconductor (solid state) oscillator, and generates a radio frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency. Examples of the semiconductor oscillator include an LDMOS transistor, a GaAs FET, a SiC MESFET, and a GaN HFET. In this specification, the term "radio frequency electromagnetic field" refers to a radio frequency electromagnetic field between 3 Hz and 3 THz. Furthermore, the term "microwave" refers to a radio frequency electromagnetic field between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. The radio frequency oscillator 101 may generate, but is not limited to, microwaves with a frequency of 2.40 to 2.50 GHz. In this embodiment, the radio frequency oscillator 101 generates microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz.

[0037] The high-frequency oscillator 101 may include an amplifier for amplifying the high-frequency electromagnetic field. The high-frequency oscillator 101 itself may have the amplifier function, or an amplifier may be provided using an electronic component separate from the high-frequency oscillator 101.

[0038] Although magnetron oscillators are also used as devices for generating high-frequency electromagnetic fields, when a semiconductor oscillator is used as the high-frequency oscillator 101, the main body can be made smaller than when a magnetron oscillator is used. Furthermore, semiconductor oscillators can operate at a lower operating voltage than magnetron oscillators, and have high frequency stability and output stability. However, the high-frequency oscillator 101 of this embodiment may be a magnetron oscillator as long as it can generate a high-frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency.

[0039] The microwaves generated by high-frequency oscillator 101 propagate through waveguide 102 and are guided to pin-type antenna 106. Note that a coaxial cable may be used instead of waveguide 102. Furthermore, when high-frequency oscillator 101 and pin-type antenna 106 are directly connected, waveguide 102 or the coaxial cable may be omitted.

[0040] Waveguide 102 connects high-frequency oscillator 101 and pin antenna 106 and is a tube that guides microwaves generated by high-frequency oscillator 101 to pin antenna 106. Waveguide 102 may be provided with an isolator that protects high-frequency oscillator 101 by absorbing reflected waves that are not absorbed by flavor-generating article 20 and return toward high-frequency oscillator 101. Waveguide 102 may also be provided with a power monitor that detects the power of the incident wave from high-frequency oscillator 101 and the power of the reflected wave from flavor-generating article 20, or an impedance matching unit that matches the impedance on the high-frequency oscillator 101 side with the impedance on the flavor-generating article 20 side to reduce the power of the reflected wave.

[0041] The battery 103 stores power used by the flavor inhaler 100. Specifically, the battery 103 may supply power to the high-frequency oscillator 101 and the PCB 104. For example, the battery 103 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 103 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0042] The PCB 104 is configured with a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the PCB 104 starts heating the flavor source 40 in response to a user's operation on an input device such as a push button or slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the flavor source 40 after a certain period of time has elapsed. If the number of puffing actions by the user exceeds a certain value, the PCB 104 may stop heating the flavor source 40 even before the certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating the flavor source 40. For example, the puffing action is detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0043] The PCB 104 may start heating the flavor source 40 in response to the start of a puffing action and stop heating the flavor source 40 in response to the end of the puffing action. The PCB 104 may stop heating the flavor source 40 when a certain time has elapsed since the start of the puffing action, even before the end of the puffing action. In the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment, the PCB 104 is disposed between the battery 103 and the high-frequency oscillator 101.

[0044] The pin-type antenna 106 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the flavor source 40 along the longitudinal direction, and is configured to irradiate microwaves from the inside of the flavor source 40. The pin-type antenna 106 is arranged so as to overlap the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction when the flavor-generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.

[0045] In this specification, "a state in which the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at the desired position of the flavor inhaler 100" refers to a state in which the flavor generating article 20 is correctly positioned at the intended position of the flavor inhaler 100 in order to generate flavor or aerosol from the flavor generating article 20.

[0046] The antenna length of pin antenna 106 can be set appropriately depending on the frequency of the high-frequency electromagnetic waves to be radiated. For example, if the frequency of the microwaves generated by pin antenna 106 is 2.45 GHz (wavelength of approximately 120 mm), the antenna length can be set to approximately 30 mm (i.e., 1 / 4 wavelength). The antenna diameter is, for example, 1 mm. The shape of pin antenna 106 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a flat plate shape or a shape with a chamfered tip.

[0047] Antenna mount 108 is a member for attaching pin-type antenna 106 to housing 112. Antenna mount 108 may define the bottom of chamber 114 in housing 112, in which at least flavor source 40 of flavor-generating article 20 is accommodated. Note that, on the inner surface of housing 112 corresponding to chamber 114, a shielding member such as a metal mesh having openings equal to or smaller than half the length of microwaves may be arranged so as to surround the accommodation space accommodating flavor-generating article 20, in order to prevent leakage of electromagnetic waves in the direction of the mouthpiece.

[0048] Support portion 110 is provided on antenna mount 108 and is a member for supporting the upstream end portion of flavor-generating article 20. Support portion 110 may also form an air flow path on the side of support portion 110 that supplies air to the upstream end portion of flavor-generating article 20. Antenna mount 108 and support portion 110 may be formed of, for example, a material that has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less and does not substantially absorb microwaves.

[0049] The flavor inhaler 100 may have a thermocouple or a radiation thermometer configured to detect the temperature of a desired location in the flavor inhaler 100, such as the chamber 114, in order to control the power of the microwaves. The PCB 104 may control the power supplied to the pin-type antenna 106 based on the detected data of the thermocouple or the radiation thermometer. Note that the PCB 104 may also control the power supplied to the pin-type antenna 106 by detecting the dielectric constant or impedance of a desired component of the flavor inhaler 100, such as the chamber 114, which changes due to heating.

[0050] The flavor inhaler 100 may also have a notification unit that notifies the user of information based on control by the PCB 104. Examples of the information that is notified to the user include detection of insertion of the flavor-generating article 20, start of heating by microwaves, transition to an aerosol inhalable state, error information, and the remaining charge of the battery 103. The notification unit may be composed of a light-emitting element such as an LED, a vibration element such as a vibration motor, or a sound output element. The notification unit may be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element.

[0051] The flavor inhaler 100 may also have a communication unit that is an interface for acquiring information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 and transmitting it to an external data server or a user's mobile terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a data server, etc.), and for receiving data from a data server, etc. For example, the communication unit transmits information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100, such as error information and information about the date and time of use, to a data server, etc. This allows the manufacturer of the flavor inhaler 100 to understand the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 and to create information about updating the firmware built into the PCB 104. The communication unit can receive information about firmware updates.

[0052] The communication unit can communicate with a data server, etc., by, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is a short-range wireless communication, or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), which is a long-range wireless communication. Note that the communication between the communication unit and the data server, etc. is not limited to the above-mentioned wireless communication, and may be another form of wireless communication or wired communication.

[0053] 2 , the flavor generating article 20 according to this embodiment may include a plug element 30, a flavor source 40, a support element 50, a cooling element 60, and a filter element 70. In the direction in which the flavor generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, the plug element 30, the flavor source 40, the support element 50, the cooling element 60, and the filter element 70 are arranged adjacent to each other in this order from the distal end, and are wrapped with tipping paper (exterior member) 80. It is sufficient for the flavor generating article 20 to include at least the flavor source 40, and other components may be omitted as appropriate. The flavor generating article 20 may also include a shielding member such as a metal mesh with openings equal to or smaller than half the length of microwaves to prevent leakage of electromagnetic waves toward the mouthpiece.

[0054] Here, the flavor generating article 20 may be configured by arranging the plug element 30 and flavor source 40 wrapped in a wrapper (exterior member) (not shown), the support element 50, and the cooling element 60 and filter element 70 wrapped in the wrapper side by side, and wrapping the flavor source 40, support element 50, cooling element 60, and filter element 70 with tipping paper 80. The flavor generating article 20 may also be configured by arranging the plug element 30, flavor source 40, and support element 50 wrapped in a wrapper side by side, and the cooling element 60 and filter element 70 wrapped in the wrapper side by side, and wrapping the support element 50, cooling element 60, and filter element 70 with tipping paper 80.

[0055] In this specification, the term "filter" is not limited to a component that filters an object, but also includes any breathable component. Specifically, for example, the term "filter" includes a breathable component having one or more communicating holes or one or more grooves or notches. The material forming the "filter" may be a porous material that is breathable itself, or may be a material that is not breathable itself (e.g., glass, ceramic, cellulose molding), etc.

[0056] The plug element 30 is disposed upstream of the flavor source 40. The plug element 30 may be, for example, an acetate filter, a neo filter, a paper filter, or the like. The plug element 30 may be in contact with the tipping paper (exterior member) 80. The plug element 30 prevents the flavor source 40 from falling off from the flavor-generating article 20. The plug element 30 may also be a center-hole filter having a hollow portion into which a pin-type antenna 106 can be inserted. The diameter of the hollow portion of the plug element 30 may be smaller than, larger than, or substantially the same as the diameter of a hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, which will be described later.

[0057] The flavor source 40 includes a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material that generates an aerosol when heated, and a second portion containing a flavor-generating material that generates a flavor when heated. This allows the aerosol generated in the first portion to be mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion in the flavor source 40. The arrangement of the first and second portions in the flavor source 40 will be described later. Here, the second portion contains a carbonizable material that is easily carbonized when heated, as will be described later, and the first portion does not contain a carbonizable material.

[0058] The length of the flavor source 40 may be equal to or less than the antenna length of the pin-type antenna 106, and the ratio (L1 / L2) of the length L1 of the flavor source 40 to the antenna length L2 of the pin-type antenna 106 may be 1.0 or less.

[0059] The first portion of the flavor source 40 includes a carrier made of, for example, glass, rock wool, or ceramic, and an aerosol-generating substance supported on the carrier. The carrier may be glass fiber filter paper or nonwoven fabric. The type of aerosol-generating substance is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituent components may be selected depending on the application. The aerosol-generating substance is preferably a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or a mixture thereof.

[0060] The second portion of the flavor source 40 may include a flavor generating substance. The flavor generating substance is a substance that generates a flavor when heated. The flavor generating substance may include, for example, tobacco. Specific examples of tobacco include shredded dried tobacco leaves, ground tobacco leaves, and tobacco extracts (extracts made from water, organic solvents, or a mixture thereof). Note that the flavor generating substance does not have to include tobacco.

[0061] The second portion of the flavor source 40 includes a carbonizable substance. Examples of the carbonizable substance include a fiber component such as pulp or cellulose, a binder, and the like. The carbonizable substance may be, for example, a fiber component contained in tobacco, or a fiber component that can be added to the second portion, such as a filler. Such a carbonizable substance may have the function of maintaining the shape of the second portion of the flavor source 40.

[0062] The second portion of the flavor source 40 may include an aerosol-forming substance. The type of aerosol-forming substance is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituent components may be selected depending on the intended use. The aerosol-forming substance is preferably a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or a mixture thereof.

[0063] The second portion of the flavor source 40 may contain a binder. Examples of binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose), HPC (hydroxypropyl cellulose), alginic acid, and sodium alginate. The content of the binder is preferably 1% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the flavor source 40.

[0064] The first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may have any form, such as cut pieces, sheets, particles, granules, pastes, gels, blocks, or molded bodies. The first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be in different forms. Alternatively, the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be formed on the inner surface of the wrapper or tipping paper 80. In this case, the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be formed directly on the inner surface of the wrapper or tipping paper 80 by, for example, printing.

[0065] When the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are in the form of a sheet, it is possible to use a sheet appropriately manufactured by a known method such as a papermaking method, a slurry method, or a rolling method. In the case of a papermaking method, the product can be manufactured by a method including, for example, the following steps: 1) Dried tobacco leaves such as tobacco shreds or tobacco granules are roughly crushed and extracted with water to separate the water extract and the residue. 2) The water extract is dried and concentrated under reduced pressure. 3) Pulp or cellulose is added to the residue, which is then fiberized in a refiner and then made into paper. 4) A concentrated solution of the water extract is added to the paper-made sheet and dried.

[0066] In the case of the slurry method, it can be produced, for example, by a method including the following steps: 1) Mixing crushed tobacco leaves with water, pulp or cellulose, and a binder. 2) Spreading (casting) the mixture into a thin layer and drying. In the case of the rolling method, it can be produced, for example, by a method including the following steps: 1) Mixing crushed tobacco leaves with water, pulp or cellulose, and a binder. 2) Extruding the mixture into a sheet and drying it.

[0067] When the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are in sheet form, the thickness of the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 is, for example, 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, and more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. Furthermore, when the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are in sheet form, the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be wrinkled, folded, or cut into strips. When the sheet-shaped first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are cut into strips, the width of the strips may be, for example, 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0068] When the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are in the form of particles or granules, the average particle diameter of the flavor source 40 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. When the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are molded bodies, the flavor source 40 may be a porous body. Furthermore, when the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 are molded bodies, the flavor source 40 may have a honeycomb structure. Furthermore, the first and second portions of the flavor source 40 may be molded bodies having a hollow portion 41. Furthermore, the molded body may be an extrusion molded body, a tablet molded body, or the like.

[0069] The aerosol-generating material in the first portion of flavor source 40 and the flavor-generating material in the second portion can be heated by microwaves emitted from pin antenna 106. The loading of the flavor-generating material in the second portion of flavor source 40 can be, for example, from 100 mg to 350 mg, and preferably from 120 mg to 250 mg.

[0070] The surface area of ​​the flavor source 40 (the surface area of ​​the flavor source 40 that contributes to aerosol generation) is 150 mm ２ Over 4000mm ２ The second portion of the flavor source 40 may be composed of tobacco leaves in the form of strands. In this case, the width of the tobacco leaves in the form of strands is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0071] The first and second portions of flavor source 40 may be loaded with flavorings. The type of the fragrance is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good fragrance sensation, examples thereof include acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru 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, ... Lonnelol, clary sage extract, cocoa, coffee, konjac oil, coriander oil, cuminaldehyde, davanna oil, delta-decalactone, gamma-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 phenylacetate, 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, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid, lauryl methylpropional Ingredients: methicone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, immortelle absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, robertia jasmine Orris root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, para-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl 2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, gamma-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, delta-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, omega-pentadeca Calactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenylguaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, 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-cyclohexene-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 aldehydes, violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (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, rose pip powder, chamomile flower powder, lemon verbena powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, black tea powder, natural plant flavors (e.g., jasmine oil, lemon oil, vetiver oil, lovage oil), and esters may be selected.

[0072] The flavor source 40 may be provided with a hollow portion 41 that penetrates the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction, into which the pin-type antenna 106 can be inserted. The diameter of the hollow portion 41 may be larger than or the same as the antenna diameter. If the flavor source 40 does not have a hollow portion 41, when the pin-type antenna 106 is inserted into the flavor source 40, components of the heated flavor source 40 may adhere to the pin-type antenna 106. By inserting the pin-type antenna 106 into the hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, the flavor source 40 does not come into close contact with the pin-type antenna 106. Therefore, it is possible to prevent components of the heated flavor source 40 from adhering to the pin-type antenna 106.

[0073] The flavor source 40 may have an element such as a paper layer inside it to prevent direct contact between the flavor source 40 and the pin-type antenna 106. This element may be porous or have a plurality of holes. An air flow path may be formed between the flavor source 40 and the pin-type antenna 106 through the hollow portion 41.

[0074] The support element 50 is disposed in contact with the flavor source 40 between the flavor source 40 and the cooling element 60. The support element 50 may be made of a synthetic fiber such as cellulose acetate tow. The support element 50 prevents the flavor source 40 from being pushed toward the downstream side of the flavor-generating article 20 when the pin-type antenna 106 is inserted into the flavor source 40.

[0075] Furthermore, the support element 50 may be provided with an opening 51 penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the support element 50 to avoid filtering of the flavor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 40. Here, the diameter of the opening 51 may be larger than the diameter of the hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40. Furthermore, instead of providing the opening 51 in the center of the support element 50, a plurality of holes or grooves penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the support element 50 may be provided on the side surface or near the outer edge of the support element 50. The length of the support element 50 may be longer than the length of the flavor source 40. Furthermore, the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 does not have to reach the inside of the opening 51 of the support element 50.

[0076] The cooling element 60 is disposed downstream of the support element 50. The cooling element 60 may be, for example, a paper tube. The cooling element 60 cools the flavor and aerosol generated in the flavor source 40. The interior of the cooling element 60 may be filled with a material such as a sheet to increase the contact area with the flavor and aerosol and promote cooling of the flavor and aerosol.

[0077] The cooling element 60 may also have a plurality of through-holes 61 formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the cooling element 60, penetrating the wall surface. The through-holes 61 are holes for promoting the inflow of air from the outside caused by the user's inhalation, and this inflow of air can further cool the flavor and aerosol generated in the flavor source 40. The plurality of through-holes may also be formed in the support element 50, the flavor source 40, and the plug element 30.

[0078] The cooling element 60 may also be provided with an aperture 62 penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the cooling element 60. The diameter of the aperture 62 may be larger than the diameter of the aperture 51 of the support element 50. The length of the cooling element 60 may be shorter than the length of the support element 50. The hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, the aperture 51 of the support element 50, and the aperture 62 of the cooling element 60 may be arranged to have the same axis.

[0079] The filter element 70 is disposed downstream of the cooling element 60. The filter element 70 may be made of a synthetic fiber such as cellulose acetate tow. The filter element 70 is not particularly limited as long as it has a general filter function. Examples of general filter functions include adjusting the amount of air mixed in when inhaling aerosols, reducing flavors, and reducing nicotine and tar, but it is not necessary for the filter element 70 to have all of these functions.

[0080] When the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100, the cooling element 60 and the filter element 70 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. When the cooling element 60 has a through-hole 61 formed therein, when the flavor generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100, the through-hole 61 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0081] Here, pin antenna 106 shown in Fig. 1 exhibits a characteristic electric field intensity distribution. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the electric field intensity distribution of microwaves irradiated from the pin antenna shown in Fig. 1. This electric field intensity distribution shows the results of a simulation of the electric field intensity when pin antenna 106, which has a diameter of 1.0 mm and a length of 20 mm, is placed at the center of a copper pipe with an inner diameter of approximately 10 mm and a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm. To simplify the simulation, the copper pipe is filled with air.

[0082] As shown in Figure 3, the electric field strength distribution of the microwaves irradiated from pin-type antenna 106 is shown in regions A1 to A7, with region A1 having the strongest electric field strength, and the electric field strength decreasing in the order of region A1, region A2, region A3, region A4, region A5, region A6, and region A7.

[0083] 3 shows that the electric field strength of the microwaves radiated from pin antenna 106 is strong in the region near the tip of the antenna and weak in the region near the base of the antenna. Also, from Fig. 3, it can be seen that the electric field strength of the microwaves radiated from pin antenna 106 is strong in the region close to the antenna and weak in the region far from the antenna in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0084] Therefore, it is preferable that the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 is arranged so as to overlap the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction when the flavor-generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100. By arranging the tip of the pin-type antenna 106, which has a strong electric field strength, so as to overlap the flavor source 40 in the longitudinal direction, microwaves irradiated from the pin-type antenna 106 can be efficiently transmitted to the flavor source 40.

[0085] Even when an antenna other than the pin-type antenna 106 is used, the electric field strength of the microwaves irradiated from the antenna is strong in areas close to the antenna and weak in areas far from the antenna in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0086] Furthermore, by changing the arrangement of the first and second parts in the flavor source 40 according to the electric field strength distribution of the microwaves irradiated from the pin-type antenna 106, it is possible to prevent the carbonizable material contained in the second part from being carbonized by heating with the microwaves.

[0087] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1. Specifically, the flavor source 40, the pin-type antenna 106, the housing 112, and the chamber 114 are shown in a state in which the flavor-generating article 20 is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.

[0088] As shown in Figure 4, within chamber 114, there are formed a first region 121 near the tip of pin antenna 106, which includes region A1 where the electric field strength of the microwaves irradiated from pin antenna 106 is strongest, and a second region 122 near the base end of pin antenna 106, which has a weaker electric field strength than first region 121.

[0089] Here, in flavor source 40, first portion 42 containing an aerosol-generating material that generates an aerosol when heated is disposed corresponding to first region 121, and second portion 43 containing a flavor-generating material that generates a flavor when heated is disposed corresponding to second region 122. As described above, first portion 42 does not contain a carbonizable material, and second portion 43 contains a carbonizable material.

[0090] In flavor source 40, by including a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized by heating in second portion 43 corresponding to second region 122 near the base end of pin antenna 106, which has a weaker electric field strength than first region 121 near the tip of pin antenna 106, it is possible to prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves. Therefore, carbonization of the substances contained in flavor source 40 can be prevented.

[0091] The second portion 43 may include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including a microwave absorber in the second portion 43, the second portion 43 can be heated efficiently.

[0092] Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 be 0.1 mm or more. By making the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 0.1 mm or more, it is possible to further prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves.

[0093] Furthermore, the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 may be 0.5 mm or more. By setting the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of the pin-type antenna 106 and the second portion 43 to 0.5 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the second portion 43 from coming too close to the pin-type antenna 106 even when the user inserts the flavor-generating article 20 forcefully into the flavor inhaler 100.

[0094] Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 be 3.0 mm or less. If the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 exceeds 3.0 mm, second portion 43 will be separated from pin antenna 106, and heating of second portion 43 may not be promoted.

[0095] In the flavor-generating article 20 using the flavor source 40 having the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 shown in Figure 4, air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor-generating article 20 passes through the interior and / or hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, mixes with the flavor and aerosol, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0096] Next, with reference to Fig. 5, another air flow in the flavor-generating article 20 will be described, from the air that flows in from outside the flavor-generating article 20 until it reaches the user's mouth. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the flavor-generating article 20. In Fig. 5, the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as that shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source taken along arrows A-A in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source taken along arrows B-B in Fig. 5.

[0097] 5 to 7 , the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 is surrounded by tipping paper (outer covering member) 80, and a gap 44 is formed between the flavor source 40 and the tipping paper 80. The flavor-generating article 20 may have a tubular element 21. The tubular element 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surface of the first portion 42 and the inner surface of the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may also cover at least a portion or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surface of the first portion 42 and the inner surface of the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may hold the flavor source 40.

[0098] The tubular element 21 may extend across the flavor source 40 and the support element 50. In this case, the support element 50 may be fixed to the tipping paper (outer covering member) 80 or the filter element 70, and the flavor source 40 may be held to the support element 50 via the tubular element 21. The tubular element 21 may be gas permeable so that the components of the heated flavor source 40 can flow into the hollow portion 41.

[0099] A sealing portion 22 may be provided between the flavor source 40 and the support element 50. The sealing portion 22 may seal the gap between the flavor source 40 and the support element 50 so as to prevent air from flowing from the flavor source 40 or the hollow portion 41 to the support element 50. Note that an element such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular element 21 and the pin-type antenna 106 to prevent components of the heated flavor source 40 from adhering to the pin-type antenna 106.

[0100] Furthermore, a first air flow path 131 is formed in the tipping paper 80 and the first portion 42, sealingly connecting the outside of the flavor-generating article 20 to the hollow portion 41. A second air flow path 132 is formed in the second portion 43, connecting the hollow portion 41 to the gap 44. Here, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tipping paper 80 and a wrapper (exterior member).

[0101] 8 , the tipping paper (outer covering member) 80 and the support element 50 may be in contact with each other. In this case, the support element 50 may be joined to the tipping paper (outer covering member) 80. The flavor source 40 may be supported on the support element 50 via the sealing portion 22. For example, the downstream end of the flavor source 40 may be joined to the sealing portion 22 with an adhesive or the like, and the upstream end of the support element 50 may be joined to the sealing portion 22 with an adhesive or the like. With this structure, the flavor generating article 20 can hold the flavor source 40 inside even if it does not have the tubular element 21. The support element 50 may have a plurality of holes or grooves that penetrate the support element 50 in the longitudinal direction on the side surface or near the outer edge of the support element 50.

[0102] The flavor-generating article 20 may have a tubular element 21 while the tipping paper (exterior member) 80 and the support element 50 are in contact with each other. The tubular element 21 may be supported by the plug element 30 and the support element 50. In this case, the tubular element 21 is supported at two points, the plug element 30 and the support element 50, thereby suppressing vibration of the tubular element 21. Furthermore, even if the flavor-generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100 in a state in which the flavor-generating article 20 is tilted relative to the pin-type antenna 106, the tubular element 21 functions as a protective layer, thereby preventing the pin-type antenna 106 from damaging the flavor source 40, the support element 50, the tipping paper (exterior member) 80, etc.

[0103] Here, the first air flow path 131 can be formed by inserting a tubular member, such as a straw, through the tipping paper 80 and the first portion 42. The second air flow path 132 can be formed appropriately using a known perforation method. Furthermore, the proximal end (downstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction except for the gap 44, and the distal end (upstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] The sealed portions of flavor-generating article 20 are indicated by dashed lines in Figures 5 and 6. This forms an air flow path through which air flowing in from outside flavor-generating article 20 passes sequentially through first air flow path 131, hollow portion 41, second air flow path 132, and gap 44. Note that flavor source 40 may be fixed to plug element 30 shown in Figure 2 by, for example, adhesive, or may be positioned relative to tipping paper 80 by the above-mentioned tubular member.

[0105] As shown by the arrows in Figures 5 to 8, air flowing in from outside the flavor-generating article 20 passes through the first air flow path 131, the hollow portion 41, the second air flow path 132, and the gap 44 in that order, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0106] At this time, air flowing in from outside the flavor-generating article 20 first flows along the first portion 42 and is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42, and then flows along the second portion 43 and is mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion 43. Therefore, the aerosol generated in the first portion 42 can be efficiently mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion 43.

[0107] The first air flow path only needs to connect at least the first portion 42 to the outside of the flavor-generating article 20 in a sealed manner, and the second air flow path only needs to connect at least the second portion 43 to the gap 44. Even in this case, an air flow path is formed in which air flowing in from the outside of the flavor-generating article 20 passes through the first air flow path, the first portion 42, the second portion 43, the second air flow path, and the gap 44 in that order, so that the aerosol generated in the first portion 42 can be efficiently mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion 43.

[0108] Figure 9 is another enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1. Specifically, the flavor source 40, the pin-type antenna 106, the housing 112, and the chamber 114 are shown with the flavor-generating article 20 positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.

[0109] As shown in Figure 9, within chamber 114, there are formed a first region 121 near the tip of pin antenna 106, which includes region A1 where the electric field strength of the microwaves irradiated from pin antenna 106 is strongest, and a second region 122 on the opposite side of the base end of pin antenna 106 from the tip of pin antenna 106, which has a weaker electric field strength than first region 121.

[0110] Here, in flavor source 40, first portion 42 containing an aerosol-generating material that generates an aerosol when heated is disposed corresponding to first region 121, and second portion 43 containing a flavor-generating material that generates a flavor when heated is disposed corresponding to second region 122. As described above, first portion 42 does not contain a carbonizable material, and second portion 43 contains a carbonizable material.

[0111] In flavor source 40, a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized by heating is contained in second portion 43, which corresponds to second region 122 on the opposite side of the base end of pin antenna 106 from the tip of pin antenna 106, where the electric field strength is weaker than in first region 121 near the tip of pin antenna 106. This makes it possible to prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves. Therefore, carbonization of the substances contained in flavor source 40 can be prevented.

[0112] In order to adjust the positions of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 relative to the pin antenna 106, the length of the pin antenna 106 may be adjusted, or the plug element 30 shown in FIG. 2 may be disposed on the proximal end side of the pin antenna 106 of the flavor source 40. The second portion 43 may also include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including a microwave absorber in the second portion 43, the second portion 43 can be heated efficiently.

[0113] Furthermore, the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 is preferably 0.1 mm or more. By making the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 0.1 mm or more, it is possible to further prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves. Furthermore, as described above, the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 may be 0.5 mm or more, and is preferably 3.0 mm or less.

[0114] In the flavor-generating article 20 using the flavor source 40 having the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 shown in Figure 9, air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor-generating article 20 passes through the interior and / or hollow portion 41 of the flavor source 40, mixes with the flavor and aerosol, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0115] At this time, the air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor-generating article 20 first flows along the first portion 42 and is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42, and then flows along the second portion 43 and is mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion 43. Therefore, the aerosol generated in the first portion 42 can be efficiently mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion 43.

[0116] Figure 10 is yet another enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the flavor inhalation system shown in Figure 1. Specifically, the flavor source 40, the pin-type antenna 106, the housing 112, and the chamber 114 are shown with the flavor-generating article 20 positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler 100.

[0117] As shown in Figure 10, within chamber 114, there are formed a first region 121 which is close to pin-type antenna 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and includes region A1 where the electric field strength of the microwaves irradiated from pin-type antenna 106 is strongest, and a second region 122 which is far from pin-type antenna 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and has a weaker electric field strength than first region 121.

[0118] Here, in flavor source 40, first portion 42 containing an aerosol-generating material that generates an aerosol when heated is disposed corresponding to first region 121, and second portion 43 containing a flavor-generating material that generates a flavor when heated is disposed corresponding to second region 122. As described above, first portion 42 does not contain a carbonizable material, and second portion 43 contains a carbonizable material.

[0119] In flavor source 40, second portion 43, which corresponds to second region 122 far from pin antenna 106 and has a weaker electric field strength than first region 121 close to pin antenna 106, contains a carbonizable substance that is easily carbonized by heating, thereby preventing the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves. Therefore, carbonization of the substances contained in flavor source 40 can be prevented.

[0120] The second portion 43 may include a microwave absorber 90 that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. By including a microwave absorber in the second portion 43, the second portion 43 can be heated efficiently.

[0121] Furthermore, the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 is preferably 0.1 mm or more. By making the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 0.1 mm or more, it is possible to further prevent the carbonizable substance from being carbonized by heating with microwaves. Furthermore, as described above, the distance D in the longitudinal direction between the tip of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 may be 0.5 mm or more, and is preferably 3.0 mm or less.

[0122] Furthermore, the distance D1 in the radial direction between the center of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 is preferably 0.1 mm or more. By making the distance D1 in the radial direction between the center of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 0.1 mm or more, it is possible to further prevent the carbonizable material from being carbonized by heating with microwaves. Furthermore, the distance D1 in the radial direction between the center of pin antenna 106 and second portion 43 may be 0.5 mm or more, and is preferably 3.0 mm or less.

[0123] Next, with reference to Fig. 11 , another air flow in the flavor-generating article 20 will be described, from the air that flows in from outside the flavor-generating article 20 until it reaches the user's mouth. Fig. 11 is yet another schematic diagram showing the air flow in the flavor-generating article 20. In Fig. 11 , the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as that shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source taken along arrows C-C shown in Fig. 11 . Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor source taken along arrows D-D shown in Fig. 11 .

[0124] 11 to 13 , the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 is surrounded by tipping paper (outer covering member) 80, and a gap 44 is formed between the flavor source 40 and the tipping paper 80. The flavor-generating article 20 may have a tubular element 21. The tubular element 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surface of the first portion 42 and the inner surface of the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may also cover at least a portion or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surface of the first portion 42 and the inner surface of the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may hold the flavor source 40.

[0125] The tubular element 21 may extend across the flavor source 40 and the support element 50. In this case, the support element 50 may be fixed to the tipping paper (outer covering member) 80 or the filter element 70, and the flavor source 40 may be held to the support element 50 via the tubular element 21. The tubular element 21 may be gas permeable so that the components of the heated flavor source 40 can flow into the hollow portion 41.

[0126] A sealing portion 22 may be provided between the flavor source 40 and the support element 50. The sealing portion 22 may seal the gap between the flavor source 40 and the support element 50 so as to prevent air from flowing from the flavor source 40 or the hollow portion 41 to the support element 50. Note that an element such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular element 21 and the pin-type antenna 106 to prevent components of the heated flavor source 40 from adhering to the pin-type antenna 106.

[0127] Furthermore, a third air flow path 133 is formed on the proximal end side (downstream side) of the flavor generating article 20 of the tipping paper 80, the first portion 42, and the second portion 43, which sealably connects the outside of the flavor generating article 20 to the hollow portion 41. A fourth air flow path 134 is formed on the distal end side (upstream side) of the flavor generating article 20 of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43, which connects the hollow portion 41 to the gap 44. Here, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tipping paper 80 and a wrapper (exterior member).

[0128] 8 , the tipping paper (outer covering member) 80 and the support element 50 may be in contact with each other. In this case, the support element 50 may be joined to the tipping paper (outer covering member) 80. The flavor source 40 may be supported on the support element 50 via the sealing portion 22. For example, the downstream end of the flavor source 40 may be joined to the sealing portion 22 with an adhesive or the like, and the upstream end of the support element 50 may be joined to the sealing portion 22 with an adhesive or the like. With this structure, the flavor generating article 20 can hold the flavor source 40 inside even if it does not have the tubular element 21. The support element 50 may have a plurality of holes or grooves that penetrate the support element 50 in the longitudinal direction on the side surface or near the outer edge of the support element 50.

[0129] The flavor-generating article 20 may have a tubular element 21 while the tipping paper (exterior member) 80 and the support element 50 are in contact with each other. The tubular element 21 may be supported by the plug element 30 and the support element 50. In this case, the tubular element 21 is supported at two points, the plug element 30 and the support element 50, thereby suppressing vibration of the tubular element 21. Furthermore, even if the flavor-generating article 20 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100 in a state in which the flavor-generating article 20 is tilted relative to the pin-type antenna 106, the tubular element 21 functions as a protective layer, thereby preventing the pin-type antenna 106 from damaging the flavor source 40, the support element 50, the tipping paper (exterior member) 80, etc.

[0130] Here, the third air flow path 133 can be formed by inserting a tubular member, such as a straw, through the tipping paper 80, the first portion 42, and the second portion 43. The fourth air flow path 134 can be formed appropriately using a known perforation method. Furthermore, the proximal end (downstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction except for the gap 44, and the distal end (upstream side) of the flavor source 40 is sealed in the longitudinal direction.

[0131] 12 and 13 show sealed portions of flavor-generating article 20. This forms an air flow path through which air flowing in from outside flavor-generating article 20 passes sequentially through third air flow path 133, hollow portion 41, fourth air flow path 134, and gap 44. Flavor source 40 may be fixed to plug element 30 shown in FIG. 2 by, for example, adhesive, or may be positioned relative to tipping paper 80 by the above-mentioned tubular member.

[0132] As shown by the arrows in Figures 11 to 13, air flowing in from outside the flavor-generating article 20 passes through the third air flow path 133, the hollow portion 41, the fourth air flow path 134, and the gap 44 in that order, passes through the support element 50, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0133] At this time, air flowing in from outside the flavor-generating article 20 first flows along the first portion 42 and is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42, and then flows along the second portion 43 and is mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion 43. Therefore, the aerosol generated in the first portion 42 can be efficiently mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion 43.

[0134] The third air flow path only needs to connect at least the first portion 42 to the outside of the flavor-generating article 20 in a sealed manner, and the second air flow path only needs to connect at least the second portion 43 to the gap 44. Even in this case, an air flow path is formed in which air flowing in from the outside of the flavor-generating article 20 passes through the third air flow path, the first portion 42, the second portion 43, the fourth air flow path, and the gap 44 in that order, so that the aerosol generated in the first portion 42 can be efficiently mixed with the flavor generated in the second portion 43.

[0135] Next, with reference to Fig. 14, another air flow in the flavor-generating article 20 will be described, from the air that flows in from outside the flavor-generating article 20 until it reaches the user's mouth. Fig. 14 is another schematic diagram showing the air flow in the flavor-generating article 20. In Fig. 14, the arrangement of the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 in the flavor source 40 is the same as that shown in Fig. 10.

[0136] 14 , the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 is surrounded by tipping paper (outer covering member) 80, and a gap 44 is formed between the flavor source 40 and the tipping paper 80. The flavor-generating article 20 may have a tubular element 21. The tubular element 21 may be in contact with the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surface of the first portion 42 and the inner surface of the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may also cover at least a part or all of the inner surface of the flavor source 40 (the inner surface of the first portion 42 and the inner surface of the second portion 43). The tubular element 21 may hold the flavor source 40.

[0137] The tubular element 21 may be fixed to the plug element 30. In this case, the flavor-generating article 20 may not have the support element 50. The tubular element 21 may be gas permeable so that the components of the heated flavor source 40 can flow into the hollow portion 41. Note that an element such as a paper layer may be provided between the tubular element 21 and the pin-type antenna 106 to prevent the components of the heated flavor source 40 from adhering to the pin-type antenna 106.

[0138] Furthermore, a fifth air flow path 135 is formed in the hollow portion 41, and a sixth air flow path 136 is formed in the gap 44, the sixth air flow path 136 having a flow path area smaller than that of the fifth air flow path 135 and merging with the fifth air flow path 135 before reaching the proximal end of the flavor generating article 20. Furthermore, the tipping paper 80 may be provided with a guide member 81 that directs the air that has passed through the sixth air flow path 136 toward the hollow portion 41. The guide member 81 may be made of the same material as the tipping paper 80. Here, the outer periphery of the flavor source 40 may be surrounded by the tipping paper 80 and a wrapper (exterior member).

[0139] 15, the guide member 81 may be a hollow element having a hollow portion 82 extending along its longitudinal direction, with an opening 84 of the guide member 81 at its upstream end being larger than an opening 83 of the guide member 81 at its downstream end. In this case, the hollow portion 82 may have a gradually decreasing diameter toward the downstream side. The hollow portion 82 may communicate with the hollow portion 41 on its upstream side and with the opening 62 of the cooling element 60 on its downstream side.

[0140] Furthermore, a portion of the guide member 81 facing the hollow portion 82 may be in contact with the flavor source 40. By having the portion of the guide member 81 facing the hollow portion 82 in contact with the flavor source 40, it is possible to prevent the flavor source 40 from moving downstream. In this case, it is preferable that the guide member 81 and the flavor source 40 be in partial contact with each other so that the sixth air flow path 136 is secured.

[0141] Furthermore, when the flavor-generating article 20 has a guide member 81, the support element 50 may be provided between the flavor source 40 and the guide member 81. The support element 50 can prevent the flavor source 40 from moving downstream. In this case, the support element 50 is preferably made of a non-porous material, such as glass, to prevent aerosols from being adsorbed on the support element 50. The support element 50 may have a plurality of holes or grooves that penetrate the support element 50 in the longitudinal direction on the side surface or near the outer edge of the support element 50.

[0142] The air flowing in from the plug element 30 of the flavor-generating article 20 passes through the fifth air flow path 135 and the sixth air flow path 136, as shown by the arrows in Figures 14 and 15, where it is mixed with the flavor and aerosol, is cooled by the cooling element 60, and then passes through the filter element 70 to reach the user's mouth.

[0143] At this time, the flavor generated in the second portion 43 and passing through the sixth air flow path 136 at a high flow rate collides with the guide member 81 and is directed toward the hollow portion 41, and is mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42 and passing through the fifth air flow path 135 before reaching the proximal end of the flavor-generating article 20. Therefore, the flavor generated in the second portion 43 can be efficiently mixed with the aerosol generated in the first portion 42.

[0144] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the components described in the claims and specification may be combined or omitted to the extent that at least part of the above-described problems can be solved or at least part of the effects can be achieved.

[0145] For example, in this embodiment, pin-type antenna 106 is used as the antenna, but the present invention is not limited to this and the antenna may be a planar antenna, etc. Furthermore, the antenna does not necessarily need to be inserted into flavor-generating article 20, and may be disposed adjacent to flavor-generating article 20 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of housing 112 corresponding to the chamber.

[0146] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the flavor generating article 20 has been described as having a columnar shape, but the shape is not limited thereto, and the shape of the flavor generating article 20 may be flat, cup-shaped, or the like. Furthermore, the cross section of the flavor generating article 20 may be circular, elliptical, or other shapes, such as rectangular or other polygonal cross sections. When the flavor generating article 20 is cup-shaped, it is preferable to use a material having a relative dielectric constant of 10 or less, preferably 4 or less, as the material constituting the cup. Specifically, the material constituting the cup may be glass, rock wool, paper made from ceramic (e.g., glass fiber filter paper), nonwoven fabric, porous molded body, or the like.

[0147] Furthermore, the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment has a so-called counter-flow type air flow path in which air flowing in from the upstream side of the chamber 114 in which the flavor source 40 is housed is supplied to the upstream end face of the flavor-generating article 20, but is not limited to this, and may have a so-called bottom-flow type air flow path in which air is supplied from the bottom of the chamber 114 to the upstream end face of the flavor-generating article 20.

[0148] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10...flavor inhalation system 20...flavor generating article 21...tubular element 22...sealing portion 30...plug element 40...flavor source 41...hollow portion 42...first portion 43...second portion 44...void 50...support element 51...aperture 60...cooling element 61...through hole 62...aperture 70...filter element 80...tipping paper 81...guide member 82...hollow portion 83...opening 84...opening 90...microwave absorber 100...flavor inhaler 101...high frequency oscillator 102...waveguide 103...battery 104...PCB 106...pin-type antenna 108...antenna mount 110...support portion 112...housing 114...chamber 121...first region 122...second region 131...first air flow path 132... Second air flow path 133... Third air flow path 134... Fourth air flow path 135... Fifth air flow path 136... Sixth air flow path

Claims

1. 1. A flavor inhalation system, comprising: a flavor generating article having a flavor source that generates a flavor when heated; a flavor inhaler having a storage section for storing the flavor source and an antenna for irradiating microwaves; A first region including a region where the electric field strength of the microwave irradiated from the antenna is strongest, and a second region where the electric field strength is weaker than that of the first region are formed within the accommodating portion, the flavor source includes a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region when the flavor generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler; the first portion does not contain a carbonizable material that is easily carbonized by heating, and the second portion contains the carbonizable material; Flavor suction system.

2. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, the antenna is a pin-type antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, the first region is a region near a tip of the pin-type antenna, the second region is a region near the base end of the pin-type antenna; Flavor suction system.

3. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, the antenna is a pin-type antenna inserted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, the first region is a region near a tip of the pin-type antenna, The second region is a region on the opposite side of the tip end of the pin antenna from the base end of the pin antenna. Flavor suction system.

4. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 2 or 3, The flavor source has a hollow portion into which the pin-type antenna can be inserted. Flavor suction system.

5. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 2 or 3, a tip of the pin-type antenna being arranged to overlap the flavor source in a longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is positioned at a desired position in the flavor inhaler; Flavor suction system.

6. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, the first region is a region close to the antenna in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article, The second region is a region far from the antenna in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Flavor suction system.

7. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, the first portion includes an aerosol-forming material that is heated to generate an aerosol; the second portion includes a flavor generating substance that generates a flavor upon heating; Flavor suction system.

8. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 2, the first portion includes an aerosol-forming material that is heated to generate an aerosol; the second portion includes a flavor generating substance that generates a flavor upon heating; The flavor-generating article comprises: an exterior member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap between the flavor source and the exterior member; a first air flow path formed in the exterior member and the first portion, the first air flow path hermetically communicating the outside of the flavor-generating article with at least the first portion; a second air flow path formed in the second portion and communicating at least the second portion with the gap; Flavor suction system.

9. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 6, the first portion includes an aerosol-forming material that is heated to generate an aerosol; the second portion includes a flavor generating substance that generates a flavor upon heating; The flavor-generating article comprises: an exterior member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap between the flavor source and the exterior member; a third air flow path formed in the exterior member, the first portion, and the second portion on the proximal end side of the flavor-generating article, the third air flow path hermetically communicating the outside of the flavor-generating article with at least the first portion; a fourth air flow path formed at least on the second portion toward the distal end of the flavor-generating article, the fourth air flow path communicating at least the second portion with the gap; Flavor suction system.

10. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 6, the first portion includes an aerosol-forming material that is heated to generate an aerosol; the second portion includes a flavor generating substance that generates a flavor upon heating; the flavor source has a hollow portion into which the antenna can be inserted, The flavor-generating article comprises: an exterior member that surrounds the outer periphery of the flavor source and forms a gap between the flavor source and the exterior member; a fifth air flow path formed in the hollow portion; a sixth air flow path formed in the gap, having a flow path area smaller than that of the fifth air flow path, and merging with the fifth air flow path before reaching the proximal end of the flavor-generating article; Flavor suction system.

11. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, The second portion includes a microwave absorber that absorbs microwaves and generates heat. Flavor suction system.

12. The flavor inhalation system according to claim 1, a distance between the tip of the antenna and the second portion in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article being 0.1 mm or more; Flavor suction system.