Flavor inhalation system
By positioning a first fragrance source closer to the heating unit and using a gas-impermeable member to isolate it from a second source, the fragrance attracting system enhances initial aerosol delivery and maintains fragrance output during heating.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2024/001442
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Conventional fragrance attracting systems face challenges in delivering sufficient fragrance or aerosol at the initial stage of heating.
The fragrance attracting system includes a consumable material with a first fragrance source closer to the heating unit, separated by a gas-impermeable member from a second fragrance source, which suppresses water vapor movement to prioritize rapid heating of the first source, enhancing initial aerosol delivery.
This configuration ensures a higher delivery amount of aerosol at the initial stage of heating, providing sufficient fragrance throughout the heating process.
Smart Images

Figure JP2024001442_24072025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Flavor suction system
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flavor inhalation system.
[0002] Conventionally, a flavor inhalation system has been used, which includes a flavor inhaler equipped with a consumable material and a heating unit for heating the consumable material. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a flavor inhaler having a chamber for accommodating a consumable material including a flavor-generating article and a heating unit for heating the consumable material accommodated in the chamber. In the flavor inhalation system, it is desired to improve the delivery of flavor or aerosol at the initial stage of heating.
[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 084775
[0004] The present disclosure provides a flavor inhalation system that can deliver a sufficient amount of aerosol at the initial stage of heating.
[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a flavor inhaler equipped with a heating unit and a consumable material, wherein the consumable material has a first flavor source, a second flavor source, and a gas-impermeable member that separates at least a portion of the first flavor source from the second flavor source, and when the consumable material is heated by the heating unit of the flavor inhaler, the first flavor source of the consumable material is positioned closer to the heating unit than the second flavor source.
[0006] In the first aspect, the first flavor source, which is located inside the consumable material closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler, is separated from the second flavor source by a gas-impermeable member. When the heating unit of the flavor inhaler starts heating the consumable material, the first flavor source generates heat first. However, if water vapor generated by the heat generation of the first flavor source moves to the second flavor source, heat escapes from the first flavor source, preventing rapid heating of the first flavor source. Here, in the first aspect, the gas-impermeable member inhibits the movement of water vapor from the first flavor source to the second flavor source, and the first flavor source is heated preferentially. Thus, according to the first aspect, when the heating unit of the flavor inhaler starts heating the consumable material, the first flavor source is heated quickly, increasing the amount of aerosol delivered in the initial heating stage and providing a sufficient flavor in the initial heating stage.
[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the first aspect, wherein the first flavor source has a hollow portion therein, and the second flavor source is disposed in the hollow portion of the first flavor source.
[0008] In the second aspect, in the consumable material, the first flavor source disposed closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler has a hollow portion, and the second flavor source is disposed in this hollow portion via a gas-impermeable member. When the heating unit of the flavor inhaler starts heating the consumable material, the first flavor source is heated from the outside, and the gas-impermeable member prevents water vapor generated by the heat generation of the first flavor source from moving into the hollow portion, so that the first flavor source is heated preferentially without heat escaping from the first flavor source to the second flavor source. Thus, according to the second aspect, the first flavor source is heated quickly, increasing the amount of aerosol delivered in the initial heating stage, and providing a sufficient flavor in the initial heating stage.
[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the first and second aspects, wherein the first flavor source includes at least one sheet.
[0010] In the third aspect, the first flavor source disposed inside the consumable product closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler is configured to include a sheet. The inclusion of the sheet in the first flavor source suppresses the movement of water vapor within the first flavor source. Therefore, according to the third aspect, the first flavor source is heated more quickly, and a sufficient flavor is obtained in the initial heating stage.
[0011] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to the third aspect, wherein the sheet of the first flavor source is subjected to at least one of crimping, slitting, and embossing.
[0012] In the fourth aspect, the sheet contained in the first flavor source disposed closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler is subjected to at least one of crimping, slitting, and embossing. Generally, a crimped, slitting, or embossing sheet shrinks less when heated than an unprocessed sheet. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect, shrinkage of the first flavor source, which is rapidly heated, is suppressed. Furthermore, by processing the sheet in this manner, the surface area can be increased compared to an unprocessed sheet, thereby increasing the amount of flavor or aerosol generated from the flavor source.
[0013] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the third and fourth aspects, wherein the sheet of the first flavor source is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the opposing ends of the cylindrically formed first flavor source in the circumferential direction are overlapping or spaced apart.
[0014] In the fifth aspect, the sheet contained in the first flavor source disposed closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler is rolled into a cylindrical shape. The first flavor source includes the rolled sheet, which further suppresses the movement of water vapor within the first flavor source. Therefore, according to the fifth aspect, the first flavor source is heated more quickly, and a sufficient flavor is obtained in the initial stage of heating.
[0015] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the consumable material has a wrapper that encases the first flavor source, the second flavor source, and the gas-impermeable member, and the sheet of the first flavor source is fixed to the wrapper at its outermost layer, and the sheet of the second flavor source is fixed to the gas-impermeable member at its innermost layer.
[0016] In the sixth aspect, the consumable product has a wrapper that encases each component, and the sheet contained in the first flavor source, which is positioned closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler, is fixed to the wrapper at its outermost layer and to the gas-impermeable member at its innermost layer. Thus, according to the sixth aspect, by configuring the consumable product so that the wrapper, the first flavor source sheet, the gas-impermeable member, and the second flavor source are arranged from the outside to the inside, a stable configuration is achieved, and shrinkage of the consumable product due to heating is suppressed. The outermost and innermost layers of the sheet can be defined regardless of whether the sheet is a single sheet or multiple sheets. Specifically, when the sheet is a single sheet, the outer surface and the inner surface of the sheet are the outermost and innermost layers, respectively. Furthermore, when multiple sheets are layered, the outer surface of the outermost sheet and the inner surface of the innermost sheet are the outermost and innermost layers, respectively. Furthermore, misalignment of the first flavor source sheet can be suppressed.
[0017] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system of the sixth aspect, wherein the distance between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member is 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.
[0018] In the seventh aspect, in the consumable product, the distance between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member is 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. Here, the region between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member is the region where the sheet of the first flavor source is located closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler. Therefore, according to the seventh aspect, by setting the distance between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member to a suitable value, it is possible to achieve both rapid heating of the first flavor source and sufficient heat conduction to the second flavor source, thereby obtaining a suitable flavor throughout the entire heating period.
[0019] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the sixth and seventh aspects, wherein the filling rate of the first flavor source in the space between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member is 20% or more and 75% or less.
[0020] In the eighth aspect, the filling rate of the first flavor source in the space between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member in the consumable product is 20% or more and 75% or less. Thus, according to the eighth aspect, by setting the filling rate of the first flavor source between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member to a suitable value, it is possible to achieve both rapid heating of the first flavor source and sufficient heat conduction to the second flavor source, thereby achieving a more suitable flavor throughout the heating period.
[0021] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the second flavor source includes any one of a cut rag, a sheet, a sheet that has been processed to at least one of crimping and gathering, and a plurality of strands extending approximately parallel to one another.
[0022] In the ninth aspect, in the consumable material, the second flavor source, which is disposed at a position farther from the heating unit of the flavor inhaler than the first flavor source, includes any one of a cut rag, a sheet, a sheet processed with at least one of crimping and gathering, and a plurality of strands extending approximately parallel to one another. Thus, according to the ninth aspect, by forming the second flavor source into a predetermined shape, air can easily flow through the second flavor source, making it easier to deliver the flavor or aerosol generated from the second flavor source.
[0023] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the glycerin content of the second flavor source is approximately the same as or greater than the glycerin content of the first flavor source.
[0024] In the tenth aspect, the second flavor source in the consumable material is disposed farther from the heating unit of the flavor inhaler than the first flavor source and contains approximately the same or a larger amount of glycerin as the first flavor source. Considering that the first flavor source is heated preferentially in the early stage of the heating period, and then the second flavor source, which receives heat conduction from the first flavor source, is heated thereafter, it is preferable that the second flavor source can provide a sufficient aerosol from the middle of the heating period onwards. Therefore, according to the tenth aspect, the second flavor source having a sufficient glycerin content can ensure the provision of a sufficient flavor throughout the entire heating period.
[0025] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein in the consumable material, the filling weight of the second flavor source is greater than the filling weight of the first flavor source.
[0026] In the eleventh aspect, the second flavor source, which is disposed in the consumable material farther from the heating unit of the flavor inhaler than the first flavor source, has a larger filling weight than the first flavor source. Considering that the first flavor source is heated preferentially at the beginning of the heating period, and then the second flavor source, which receives heat conduction from the first flavor source, is heated thereafter, it is preferable that the second flavor source can provide a sufficient amount of flavor from the middle of the heating period onwards. Therefore, according to the eleventh aspect, by sufficiently filling the consumable material with the second flavor source, it is possible to ensure the provision of a sufficient amount of flavor throughout the entire heating period.
[0027] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the gas-impermeable member has an air permeability of 0 to 40 CORESTA units.
[0028] In the twelfth aspect, the gas-impermeable member separating the first flavor source disposed closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler from the second flavor source within the consumable product has an air permeability of 0 to 40 CORESTA units. Therefore, according to the twelfth aspect, the gas-impermeable member can sufficiently suppress the transfer of water vapor from the first flavor source to the second flavor source, making it possible to heat the first flavor source preferentially at the beginning of the heating period.
[0029] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the gas-impermeable member is paper or glassine paper.
[0030] In the thirteenth aspect, the gas-impermeable member separating the first flavor source disposed closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler from the second flavor source inside the consumable product is paper or glassine paper. Thus, the thirteenth aspect provides a gas-impermeable member with a simple configuration that can sufficiently suppress the transfer of water vapor from the first flavor source to the second flavor source.
[0031] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the gas-impermeable member is sheet-like and formed into a cylindrical shape, and opposite ends of the cylindrically formed gas-impermeable member that are opposed in the circumferential direction are overlapped or spaced apart.
[0032] In the fourteenth aspect, the gas-impermeable member separating the first flavor source and the second flavor source, which are located closer to the heating unit of the flavor inhaler inside the consumable product, is in the form of a sheet and is rolled up into a cylindrical shape. The separation of the first flavor source and the second flavor source by the gas-impermeable member in the form of a rolled-up cylindrical sheet sufficiently suppresses the transfer of water vapor from the first flavor source to the second flavor source. Therefore, according to the fourteenth aspect, the first flavor source is rapidly heated at the beginning of the heating period, and a sufficient flavor is obtained at the beginning of the heating period.
[0033] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the heating section of the flavor inhaler is of a peripheral heating type that heats the consumable material from the periphery.
[0034] In the fifteenth aspect, the heating unit of the flavor inhaler is of a peripheral heating type that heats the consumable material from the periphery. That is, in the flavor inhalation system, the heating unit, the first flavor source, the gas-impermeable member, and the second flavor source are arranged in this order from the outside to the inside. Thus, according to the fifteenth aspect, in a flavor inhalation system having a peripheral heating type flavor inhaler, when the heating unit of the flavor inhaler starts heating the consumable material, the first flavor source is heated quickly, the amount of aerosol delivered in the initial heating stage is increased, and a sufficient flavor is obtained in the initial heating stage.
[0035] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a consumable material and a flavor inhaler having a heating section for heating the consumable material, the flavor inhalation system providing an aerosol delivery profile having at least two maxima, wherein the amount delivered in a first peak in the aerosol delivery profile is approximately the same as or greater than the amount delivered in another peak.
[0036] In the sixteenth aspect, the delivery profile of the flavor inhalation system has at least two maxima, and the delivery amount at a first peak is substantially the same as or greater than the delivery amount at the other peaks. Here, the first peak is the first maxima in one session from the start of inhalation to the end of inhalation by the user, and is the largest maxima that exists within 30% of one session from the start of inhalation to the end of inhalation by the user. Thus, according to the sixteenth aspect, when the flavor inhaler starts heating the consumable material, a sufficient aerosol is delivered into the user's oral cavity at the initial stage of heating.
[0037] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the delivery amount in the aerosol delivery profile includes a delivery amount of glycerin.
[0038] In the seventeenth aspect, the glycerin delivery profile of the flavor inhalation system has at least two maxima, and the amount of glycerin delivered in the first peak is substantially the same as or greater than the amount of glycerin delivered in the other peaks. Thus, according to the seventeenth aspect, when the flavor inhaler starts heating the consumable material, a sufficient amount of glycerin is delivered into the user's oral cavity at an early stage of heating.
[0039] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the sixteenth and seventeenth aspects, wherein the delivery amount in the aerosol delivery profile includes a delivery amount of nicotine.
[0040] In the eighteenth aspect, the nicotine delivery profile of the flavor inhalation system has at least two maxima, and the amount of nicotine delivered in the first peak is substantially the same as or greater than the amount of nicotine delivered in the other peaks. Thus, according to the eighteenth aspect, when the flavor inhaler starts heating the consumable material, a sufficient amount of nicotine is delivered into the user's oral cavity at an early stage of heating.
[0041] A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, wherein the flavor inhaler includes a control unit that controls the heating unit to provide the aerosol delivery profile.
[0042] In the nineteenth aspect, the flavor inhaler of the flavor inhalation system has a control unit, and the control unit controls the heating of the consumable material by the heating unit to realize a predetermined aerosol delivery profile. Thus, according to the nineteenth aspect, by appropriately controlling the control unit, a preferred aerosol delivery profile can be realized and the aerosol can be delivered into the user's oral cavity at a preferred timing.
[0043] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the nineteenth aspect, wherein the control unit is configured to control the temperature of the heating unit toward a first target temperature during a first period, control the temperature of the heating unit toward a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature during a second period after the first period, and control the temperature of the heating unit toward a third target temperature higher than the second target temperature and lower than the first target temperature during a third period after the second period.
[0044] In the above-mentioned twentieth aspect, the control unit of the flavor inhaler controls the temperature of the heating unit to a first target temperature during a first period, controls the temperature of the heating unit to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature during a second period after the first period, and controls the temperature of the heating unit to a third target temperature higher than the second target temperature but lower than the first target temperature during a third period after the second period. Generally, the aerosol delivery profile of the flavor inhalation system (and the temperature profile inside the consumable product) follows the heating profile of the heating unit (and the temperature profile of the heating unit) controlled by the control unit. Thus, according to the twentieth aspect, by controlling the temperature of the heating unit by the control unit based on a predetermined heating profile, a preferred aerosol delivery profile can be achieved and the aerosol can be delivered to the user's oral cavity at a preferred timing.
[0045] A 21st aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the 19th and 20th aspects, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to control the heating unit in a plurality of heating modes including a first heating mode and a second heating mode.
[0046] In the twenty-first aspect, the heating unit can be controlled using a plurality of heating modes, including a first heating mode and a second heating mode. Therefore, according to the twenty-first aspect, a preferred aerosol delivery profile can be selected by combining the plurality of heating modes. For example, the aerosol delivery amount can be improved to provide a strong flavor, or the aerosol delivery amount in one session can be leveled out to extend the duration of one session.
[0047] A twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system of the twenty-first aspect, wherein in the second heating mode, the first target temperature is set higher or lower than in the first heating mode.
[0048] In the 22nd aspect, in the second heating mode, the first target temperature is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode. Therefore, according to the 22nd aspect, the high first target temperature in the second heating mode can improve the aerosol delivery amount at the beginning of one session. Furthermore, the low first target temperature in the second heating mode can suppress the aerosol delivery amount at the beginning of one session and level out the aerosol delivery amount in one session.
[0049] A 23rd aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the 21st and 22nd aspects, wherein in the second heating mode, the second target temperature is set higher or lower than in the first heating mode.
[0050] In the 23rd aspect, in the second heating mode, the second target temperature is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode. Therefore, according to the 23rd aspect, by setting the second target temperature in the second heating mode higher, it is possible to improve the aerosol delivery amount in the middle of one session. Furthermore, by setting the second target temperature in the second heating mode lower, it is possible to suppress the aerosol delivery amount in the middle of one session and level out the aerosol delivery amount in one session.
[0051] A 24th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the 21st to 23rd aspects, wherein in the second heating mode, the third target temperature is set higher or lower than in the first heating mode.
[0052] In the 24th aspect, in the second heating mode, the third target temperature is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode. Therefore, according to the 24th aspect, by setting the third target temperature in the second heating mode high, it is possible to improve the aerosol delivery amount in the latter half of one session. Furthermore, by setting the third target temperature in the second heating mode low, it is possible to suppress the aerosol delivery amount in the latter half of one session and level out the aerosol delivery amount in one session.
[0053] 15 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler containing a consumable material. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along arrows a-a in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a chamber and a heating unit. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the chamber alone. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5B-5B in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 6A-6A in FIG. 15B. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 6B-6B ... consumable material placed at a desired position in the chamber as shown in FIG. 15B. FIG. 15 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable material. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor generating body taken along arrows b-b in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor generating body not including glassine paper and a first flavor source, corresponding to FIG. 9A. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the first flavor source. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a specific configuration of the second flavor source shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a heating profile of the heating unit. FIG. 15 is a view showing a delivery profile of glycerin according to this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a view showing a delivery profile of nicotine according to this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a consumable material according to a modified example. FIG. 15 is a plan view taken along arrows 19 is a perspective view of an example of a tip plug; FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a tip plug; FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a consumable product according to a modified example; FIG. 22 is a plan view taken along the arrows dd in FIG.
[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure 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.
[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flavor inhaler 100 housing a consumable product 200 inserted through the opening 110. For ease of explanation, the drawings described in this specification may include an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the X-Y plane is positioned to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is positioned to extend from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the consumable product 200 housed in the chamber 50 (described later). The X axis can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 200. The Y axis can also be referred to as the lateral direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 200.
[0056] The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate a flavor-containing aerosol by heating, for example, a stick-shaped consumable product 200 having a flavor source containing an aerosol source. As an example, the consumable product 200 is configured to include a smokable article containing a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source at its tip in the negative Z-axis direction, and a filter at another location. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. While the present embodiment describes the consumable product 200 as being stick-shaped, the consumable product used in the flavor inhaler 100 is not limited to this. For example, the consumable product may be configured to include a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol source. Furthermore, the cartridge may have a heating unit.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the flavor inhaler 100 has a housing 102 composed of an upper housing 104 and a lower housing 106, and a slide cover 108.
[0058] The housing 102 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 100, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand and inhale the aerosol. Regarding the housing 102, the upper housing 104 is formed from a resin such as polycarbonate, and the lower housing 106 is formed from a metal such as aluminum. However, the material of the housing 102 is not limited to these and can be any suitable resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers.
[0059] The upper housing 104 has an opening 110 for receiving the consumable product 200, and the slide cover 108 is slidably attached to the upper housing 104 to close the opening 110. Specifically, the slide cover 108 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the upper housing 104 between a closed position, at which the opening 110 of the upper housing 104 is closed, and an open position (the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ), at which the opening is open. For example, a user can manually operate the slide cover 108 to move the slide cover 108 between the closed position and the open position. In this way, the slide cover 108 can allow or restrict access of the consumable product 200 to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100.
[0060] 1 and 2 show the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100 such that the joint surface between the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 intersects obliquely with the XY plane, but the configuration of the housing 102 is not limited to this. For example, the housing 102 may be configured from three or more members.
[0061] The flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source, thereby charging the power source. In addition, connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal may allow data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to be transmitted to an external device.
[0062] Next, a description will be given of the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the line aa shown in Figure 1.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, a power supply unit 20, an atomizing unit 30, and a control unit 80 are provided in the internal space of the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100.
[0064] The control unit 80 includes a substrate 82. The substrate 82 includes, for example, a microprocessor and is capable of controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the atomization unit 30. This allows the control unit 80 to control the heating of the consumable product 200 by the atomization unit 30. The control unit 80 also includes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface 28. The control unit 80 is capable of communicating with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.
[0065] The power supply unit 20 has a power source 21 electrically connected to a circuit board 82 of the control unit 80. The power source 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source 21 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 30 via the circuit board 82. This allows the power source 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the consumable product 200.
[0066] The atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50 extending in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 200, a heating unit 40 (not shown in FIG. 3 ) surrounding a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a generally cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the consumable product 200. The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the consumable product 200 accommodated in the chamber 50. As an example, a susceptor may be provided inside or adjacent to the consumable product 200, and the heating unit 40 may include an induction coil for inductively heating the susceptor.
[0067] The heat insulating section 32 is disposed to surround the chamber 50 and the heating section 40. The heat insulating section 32 may be made of, for example, aerogel. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is provided between the slide cover 108 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the slide cover 108 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100, and guides the insertion of the consumable product 200 into the chamber 50 by inserting the consumable product 200 into the insertion guide member 34.
[0068] Furthermore, the nebulizer 30 and the control unit 80 are covered by a heat diffusion sleeve 70 and disposed within the interior space of the housing 102. The heat diffusion sleeve 70 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, and dissipates heat generated by the nebulizer 30 within the housing 102. The heat diffusion sleeve 70 may be configured to be disposed only within the upper housing 104 without interfering with the lower housing 106. Furthermore, an open area may be provided in the heat diffusion sleeve 70 to avoid interfering with communication with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28 of the control unit 80. While metal members generally interfere with electromagnetic waves, the open area of the heat diffusion sleeve 70 at least serves as a path through which the control unit 80 can communicate with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.
[0069] (Details of the configuration of the atomization unit) The configuration of the atomization unit 30 of this embodiment will be described in detail below. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating unit 40. Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the chamber 50 alone. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 5B-5B shown in Fig. 5A. Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 6A-6A shown in Fig. 5B. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 6B-6B shown in Fig. 5B. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 6B in a state in which the consumable product 200 has been placed at a desired position in the chamber 50.
[0070] As described above, the atomization unit 30 includes the heating unit 40, the chamber 50, and the insertion guide member 34. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, a strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected between the heating unit 40 and the chamber 50. For ease of explanation, the heat insulating unit 32 is not shown in Fig. 4.
[0071] 5A and 5B, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member including an opening 52 into which the consumable product 200 is inserted and a cylindrical sidewall portion 60 that houses the consumable product 200. The chamber 50 is preferably formed from a material that is heat resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and may be formed from, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. This allows for effective heating of the consumable product 200 from the chamber 50.
[0072] As shown in Figures 5B and 6B, the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the consumable product 200 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses against a portion of the consumable product 200, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the consumable product 200. In this disclosure, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the consumable product 200 is appropriately heated, or a position of the consumable product 200 when the user smokes. The contact portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The separation portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in Figure 4, the heating portion 40 is placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 be placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, it is preferable that the heating portion 40 including the adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps.
[0073] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat, it is possible to prevent the strip-shaped electrode 48 connected to the heating unit 40, which is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 as shown in Figure 4, from bending. As shown in Figure 5B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5B and 6B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.
[0074] 5A and 5B, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion 54 between the opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the consumable product 200 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-retaining portion 54 and the consumable product 200. Also, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 with a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the non-retaining portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.
[0075] 5A, 5B, and 6B, the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 arranged in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other so as to be parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the consumable product 200 inserted into the chamber 50 that is disposed between the contact portions 62.
[0076] 6B , an inner surface 66a of the separation portion 66 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. In addition, the separation portion 66 is disposed so as to be adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.
[0077] 6B , the chamber 50 may have a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that a bottom member (not shown) can pass through and be positioned inside the chamber 50. The bottom member provided on the bottom 56 supports a portion of the consumable product 200 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a portion of an end surface of the consumable product 200 is exposed. The bottom 56 may also support a portion of the consumable product 200 so that the exposed end surface of the consumable product 200 communicates with a gap 67 (see FIG. 7 ), which will be described later.
[0078] Returning to FIG. 4 , the heating unit 40 includes a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element 42 is preferably arranged so as to heat the contact portion 62 without contacting the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 42 is preferably arranged only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62. The heating element 42 may have a different heating capacity between the portion that heats the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50 and the portion that heats the contact portion 62. Specifically, the heating element 42 may be configured to heat the contact portion 62 to a higher temperature than the separated portion 66. For example, the arrangement density of the heating tracks of the heating element 42 in the contact portion 62 and the separated portion 66 may be adjusted. Alternatively, the heating element 42 may be wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 50 with approximately the same heating capacity around the entire circumference of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 4 , the heating unit 40 preferably includes, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrically insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. In the atomizing unit 30 of this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is disposed so as to cover both sides of the heating element 42 .
[0079] Figure 7 is the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 6B with the consumable product 200 placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in Figure 7, when the consumable product 200 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the consumable product 200 can be pressed into contact with the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. Meanwhile, a gap 67 is formed between the consumable product 200 and the separation portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and an end face of the consumable product 200 positioned in the chamber 50. This allows air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and enter the inside of the consumable product 200. In other words, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the consumable product 200 and the separation portion 66.
[0080] (Details of the Consumable Product) The following describes details of the consumable product 200. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the consumable product 200.
[0081] 8 , the consumable material 200 has a flavor generating body 280 including a flavor source. The flavor generating body 280 may have a second flavor source 240, a glassine paper 230 separating the second flavor source 240 from the first flavor source 220, the first flavor source 220 disposed on the outer surface of the glassine paper 230, and a cover sheet 210 covering the outer surface of the first flavor source 220. In other words, the flavor generating body 280 of the consumable material 200 has the glassine paper 230 positioned between the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240. The glassine paper 230 is an example of a gas-impermeable member of the present disclosure, and the cover sheet 210 is an example of a wrapper of the present disclosure.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 8 , the consumable product 200 preferably has a cooling section 212 downstream of the flavor generating unit 280 and a filter 214 downstream of the cooling section 212. The cooling section 212 is configured to allow the vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating unit 280 to pass through. This allows the vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating unit 280 to be cooled in the cooling section 212. The cooling section 212 may be a hollow member. The cooling section 212 may also have an opening for taking in air from the outside. When the consumable product 200 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, a portion of the cooling section 212 may be exposed from the flavor inhaler 100. If the cooling section 212 has an opening for taking in air from the outside as described above, this opening may be provided in a portion exposed from the flavor inhaler 100. The cooling section 212 may be provided with a filler (e.g., a polylactic acid sheet filled in a gathered shape) that promotes cooling. In this case, the cooling section 212 does not need to have an opening for taking in outside air.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 8 , the consumable product 200 preferably has a tip plug 216 located upstream of the flavor generating body 280. In this case, the tip plug 216 covers the end of the flavor generating body 280, which includes the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240, preventing the flavor source from falling out of the consumable product 200. The length of the tip plug 216 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 1 mm or more. The tip plug 216 can be manufactured to a predetermined length and then cut to any desired length. If the tip plug 216 is less than 1 mm long, it may not maintain its shape when cut, and deformation such as crushing may occur. If the length of the tip plug 216 in the longitudinal direction is 1 mm or more, manufacturing of the tip plug 216 can be relatively easy. From the viewpoint of manufacturability, the length of the tip plug 216 is more preferably 3 mm or more. The tip plug 216 may include an aerosol source. Alternatively, the tip plug 216 may not include tobacco.
[0084] 8, a wrapper 218 is wrapped around the tip plug 216. In the illustrated example, the wrapper 218 is wrapped around not only the tip plug 216 but also the flavor generating body 280, the cooling portion 212, and the filter 214. However, this is not limiting, and the tip plug 216, the flavor generating body 280, the cooling portion 212, and the filter 214 may be wrapped in other wrapping sheets, and each may be wrapped integrally with tipping paper.
[0085] (Details of Flavor Generator) Next, the details of each component of the flavor generator 280 included in the consumable product 200 will be described. Fig. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor generator 280 taken along the arrows b-b in Fig. 8. Fig. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor generator 180 corresponding to Fig. 9A, but not including the glassine paper 230 and the first flavor source 220. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the first flavor source 220. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the specific configuration of the second flavor source 240 shown in Fig. 9A.
[0086] 9A , the flavor generator 280 includes a first flavor source 220 that generates a flavor, a second flavor source 240 that is arranged parallel to the first flavor source 220 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and glassine paper 230 that separates the first flavor source 220 from the second flavor source 240. As shown in FIG. 9A , the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240 are both cylindrical, and the second flavor source 240 is preferably located inside the first flavor source 220. In this case, since the first flavor source 220 is located outside the consumable product 200 and the second flavor source 240 is located inside the first flavor source 220, when the consumable product 200 is heated from the outside in the flavor inhaler 100, the first flavor source 220 can be heated preferentially.
[0087] 9B shows a flavor generating unit 180 that does not include glassine paper 230. The flavor generating unit 180 is configured such that the outer periphery of a second flavor source 240 is covered with a cover sheet 210.
[0088] An example of the details of the configuration of the flavor generator 280 shown in FIG. 9A and the flavor generator 180 shown in FIG. 9B is shown in Table 1 below.
[0089] 8 and 9A , the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240 are cylindrical. In this case, the glassine paper 230 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical first flavor source 220 and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical second flavor source 240, separating the first flavor source 220 from the second flavor source 240. However, the glassine paper 230 is not limited to a configuration that completely separates the first flavor source 220 from the second flavor source 240, as long as it separates at least a portion of the two flavor sources from each other. Furthermore, the cylindrical first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240 may be formed by, for example, rolling a sheet-like flavor source into a cylindrical shape.
[0090] As an example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first flavor source 220 can be configured as a two-layer cylinder by rolling two flavor source sheets 220A and 220B. The flavor source sheet 220A is the inner first layer and has a hollow portion that accommodates the glassine paper 230 and the second flavor source 240 inside. The flavor source sheet 220B is the second layer that is disposed on the outside of the flavor source sheet 220A. Although shown as being spaced apart in FIG. 10 , the opposing ends of the flavor source sheets 220A and 220B may be configured to overlap each other. When the ends of the flavor source sheets 220A (220B) are spaced apart from each other, a slit is formed along the longitudinal direction in a portion of the substantially cylindrical first flavor source 220.
[0091] The flavor sheets 220A and 220B may be sheets containing tobacco, for example. In this case, flavor components contained in tobacco can be provided to the user. Specific examples of tobacco that may be contained in the flavor sheets 220A and 220B include shredded dried tobacco leaves, ground leaf tobacco, and tobacco extract (extracts made from water, organic solvents, or a mixture thereof). Ground leaf tobacco is particles obtained by grinding leaf tobacco. The ground leaf tobacco can have an average particle size of, for example, 30 to 120 μm. Grinding can be performed using a known grinder, and can be either dry grinding or wet grinding. Therefore, ground leaf tobacco is also referred to as leaf tobacco particles. In this embodiment, the average particle size is determined by a laser diffraction / scattering method, specifically, measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer (e.g., Horiba, Ltd. LA-950). The type of tobacco is not limited, and flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, native tobacco, and other Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica tobacco varieties can be used. The amount of tobacco (dry weight) contained in flavor sheets 220A and 220B is not particularly limited, but is 1% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more and 90% by weight or less, and more preferably 80% by weight or less. The flavor sheet 81 may also be formed using an extract extracted from tobacco powder or the like.
[0092] When the flavor sheets 220A and 220B contain tobacco, the tobacco may be supported on a non-tobacco sheet composed of non-tobacco fibers, such as pulp fibers or nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, the flavor sheets 220A and 220B may be formed from tobacco sheets. The flavor sheets 220A and 220B may be tobacco leaf paper sheets, cast sheets, laminated sheets (rolled sheets), or the like. In this case, the designer can select the type of sheet depending on the purpose. The flavor sheets 220A and 220B may further include an aerosol source. In this case, the amount of aerosol delivered to the user can be increased. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituent components can be selected depending on the application. The aerosol source is preferably a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or mixtures thereof. The amount of the aerosol source added is preferably 5% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less, and more preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the tobacco sheet.
[0093] The flavor sheets 220A and 220B may be non-tobacco sheets containing an aerosol source. That is, the flavor sheets 220A and 220B may be non-tobacco sheets made of non-tobacco fibers, such as pulp fibers or nonwoven fabric, containing the aerosol source. In this case, the flavor sheets 220A and 220B can provide the flavor contained in the aerosol source. This allows for free flavor design that is not dependent on the flavor of tobacco.
[0094] Furthermore, the flavor sheets 220A, 220B may contain a binder, and examples of such binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose), etc. The amount of binder is preferably 1% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less with respect to the total weight of the tobacco sheet.
[0095] The thickness of each flavor sheet 220A, 220B is not limited, but is preferably 150 μm to 1000 μm, more preferably 200 μm to 600 μm, in view of the balance between heat transfer efficiency and strength. The thickness of each tobacco sheet may be the same or different.
[0096] In the example of the first flavor source 220 shown in Figure 10, the outer peripheral surface of the outer flavor source sheet 220B may be fixed to the cover sheet 210, and the inner peripheral surface of the inner flavor source sheet 220A may be fixed to the glassine paper 230.
[0097] Although not shown in the figures, the flavor source sheet 220A (220B) may be crimped. The flavor source sheet 220A (220B) may also be embossed. The flavor source sheet 220A (220B) may also be slit. The flavor sheet 220A may be crimped, embossed, or slit, while the flavor sheet 220B may not be crimped, embossed, or slit. The flavor sheet 220B may be crimped, embossed, or slit, while the flavor sheet 220A may not be crimped, embossed, or slit.
[0098] The configuration of the cylindrical first flavor source 220 is not limited to a two-layer structure, but may be configured to include one layer or three or more layers.
[0099] Furthermore, in the flavor generating body 280 of the consumable product 200, the distance between the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230, which is the space in which the first flavor source 220 is placed, can be configured to be 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. Here, the distance between the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230 is determined by calculating the radii of the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230 from their respective circumferential lengths in the cross section shown in Figure 9A, and then finding the difference between the two radii.
[0100] 9A, the filling rate of the first flavor source 220 in the space between the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230 can be set to 20% or more and 75% or less. Here, the filling rate refers to the proportion of a substance in a given space in a certain cross section.
[0101] Furthermore, in the flavor generating body 280 of the consumable product 200, the glassine paper 230 may be configured to have an air permeability of 0 to 40 CORESTA units.
[0102] Although not shown, the glassine paper 230 can be formed into a cylindrical shape by rolling up glassine paper, similar to the flavor source sheet 220A (220B) of the first flavor source 220 shown in Fig. 10. In this case, similar to what has been described for the first flavor source 220, the opposing ends of the glassine paper sheet may be configured to be spaced apart from each other or to overlap each other.
[0103] Furthermore, in the flavor generating body 280 of the consumable product 200, it is also possible to use paper with low air permeability instead of the glassine paper 230 to separate the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240. The air permeability of the paper can be configured to be, for example, 0 to 40 CORESTA units.
[0104] Although not shown, the second flavor source 240 can be configured in various ways. For example, as described for the first flavor source 220, a sheet-like flavor source may be rolled into a cylindrical shape with multiple layers. In this case, the flavor sheet of the second flavor source 240 may be the same as the flavor sheets 220A and 220B of the first flavor source 220. The flavor source sheet may also be subjected to at least one of crimping and gathering. The second flavor source 240 may also include cut lugs or may be formed to include multiple strands extending approximately parallel to one another. Here, the cut lugs are cut into a shape of a piece and randomly arranged within the second flavor source 240. On the other hand, the strands have a rectangular shape and may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the second flavor source 240 or may be arranged randomly. When cut lugs are used for the second flavor source 240, the width of the cut lugs is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. Furthermore, when strands are used for the second flavor source 240, the width of the strands is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.
[0105] Furthermore, the flavor generating unit 280 (and the consumable material 200 including it) can be configured so that the glycerin content of the second flavor source 240 is approximately the same as or greater than the glycerin content of the first flavor source 220. The glycerin content of the first flavor source 220 may be 5 to 30% by weight, and preferably 10 to 30% by weight, relative to the first flavor source 220. The glycerin content of the second flavor source 240 may be 10 to 40% by weight, and preferably 10 to 35% by weight, relative to the second flavor source 240. Furthermore, the ratio of the glycerin content of the first flavor source 220 to the glycerin content of the second flavor source 240 may be greater than 1:1 and less than 1:3.
[0106] Furthermore, the flavor generating body 280 (and the consumable material 200 including it) can be configured so that the filling weight of the second flavor source 240 is greater than the filling weight of the first flavor source 220. The filling amount of the first flavor source 220 is preferably 50 mg or more and 300 mg or less, and more preferably 80 mg or more and 250 mg or less. The filling amount of the second flavor source 240 is preferably 50 mg or more and 300 mg or less, and more preferably 100 mg or more and 300 mg or less. Furthermore, the ratio of the filling amount of the first flavor source 220 to the filling amount of the second flavor source 240 is preferably greater than 1:1 and less than 1:2.
[0107] The thermal conductivity of the first flavor source 220 can be configured to be higher than the thermal conductivity of the second flavor source 220. In this case, the first flavor source 220 may contain a material with high thermal conductivity, such as calcium carbonate.
[0108] 11 , the second flavor source 240 may include one or more folded or curved sheets, with one of the sheets being laminated with an additional sheet configured to be less likely to shrink when heated than the other sheets. As an example, the second flavor source 240 includes multiple layers, including flavor-generating layers 242 and 244 and suppressing sheets 246A and 246B. In this case, the second flavor source 240 has at least one of a folded structure formed by folding multiple layers and a curved structure formed by curving multiple layers. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the flavor-generating layers 242 and 244 and the suppressing sheets 246A and 246B in the second flavor source 240 extend in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 200, and the cross section of the second flavor source 240 is S-shaped. However, the cross section of the second flavor source 240 is not limited to an S-shape and may be U-shaped, Z-shaped, or have three or more folds or curves. This configuration allows the flavor generating element 280 and the consumable item 200 containing it to more easily maintain their original shape when heated.
[0109] Furthermore, in flavor generating body 280 of consumable product 200, the volume ratio of the regions where first flavor source 220 and second flavor source 240 are disposed (i.e., the volume ratio of the outer region to the inner region divided by glassine paper 230) can be determined as appropriate. As an example, in the outer diameter of consumable product 200 (the distance from the center to the outer periphery of consumable product 200) in the cross section shown in Fig. 9A, the ratio of the distance between the outer periphery of consumable product 200 and glassine paper 230 to the inner diameter of glassine paper 230 (the distance from the center of consumable product 200 to glassine paper 230) can be configured to be 0.07 or more and 0.5 or less.
[0110] The thermal conductivity of the glassine paper 230 can be configured to be higher than the thermal conductivity of the second flavor source 220. In this case, the glassine paper 230 may contain a material with high thermal conductivity, such as calcium carbonate.
[0111] (Heating Profile and Aerosol Delivery Profile) Hereinafter, a heating profile when the control unit 80 heats the heating unit 40 in the flavor inhaler 100 housing the consumable product 200 will be described, as well as an aerosol delivery profile obtained as a result of the heating unit 40 heating the consumable product 200. In this embodiment, the heating profile is a graph showing the time change in the target temperature for control of the heating unit 40. Furthermore, the delivery profile is a graph showing the time change in the amount of main aerosol components delivered into the user's oral cavity per inhalation when the user inhales the consumable product 200.
[0112] Here, the "major aerosol components" refer to visible aerosol components that are generated when various aerosol sources contained in the consumable product 200 are heated to a predetermined temperature or higher. The aerosol sources contained in the consumable product 200 are typically propylene glycol and glycerin. Furthermore, if the consumable product 200 contains a flavor source such as tobacco, the aerosol components derived from the flavor source are also included in the major aerosol components. On the other hand, in this specification, aerosol components derived from water contained in the consumable product 200 are not considered to be major aerosol components.
[0113] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile of the heating unit 40. The vertical axis of Fig. 12 indicates the heater temperature. The horizontal axis of Fig. 12 indicates time. It should be noted that the heating profile shown in Fig. 12 is an example suitable for achieving a desired delivery profile of the main aerosol component, and is not necessarily limited thereto.
[0114] As described above, the heating profile is a graph showing the time change of the target temperature for controlling the heating unit 40. The temperature control of the heating unit 40 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 80 of the flavor inhaler 100 can supply power from the power source 21 to the heating unit 40 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 80 of the flavor inhaler 100 can control the temperature of the heating unit 40 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses.
[0115] In feedback control, the control unit 80 measures or estimates the temperature of the heating unit 40 and controls the power supplied to the heating unit 40, for example, the duty ratio, based on the difference between the measured or estimated temperature of the heating unit 40 and the target temperature. Feedback control may be, for example, PID control. The temperature of the heating unit 40 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of a heating resistor constituting the heating unit 40. This is because the electrical resistance of a heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across the heating resistor. The voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 40.
[0116] As described above, in this embodiment, the power supplied to the heating unit 40 is controlled so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 approaches the target temperature of the heating profile. However, the heating profile may include a portion where the target temperature changes suddenly, and in such a portion, the deviation of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 from the target temperature may temporarily become large.
[0117] 12 , when power supply from power source 21 to heating unit 40 is started in response to a user activation request, control unit 80 first controls the temperature of heating unit 40 toward first target temperature TA1. That is, control unit 80 heats heating unit 40 from the initial temperature toward first target temperature TA1. Once heating unit 40 reaches first target temperature TA1, control unit 80 controls the temperature of heating unit 40 to maintain first target temperature TA1. The period from 0 seconds to 30 seconds shown in FIG. 13 is an example of the first period of the present disclosure.
[0118] Setting the first target temperature TA1 relatively high in the initial stage of heating can increase the rate at which the temperature rises in the heating unit 40. Increasing the rate at which the temperature rises in the heating unit 40 can shorten the period from when power supply to the heating unit 40 starts until the aerosol can be inhaled.
[0119] The control unit 80 may be configured to notify the user that the inhalation period has started during the period in which the temperature of the heating unit 40 is maintained at the first target temperature TA1. The notification that the inhalation period has started can be performed by the control of a notification unit (not shown) by the control unit 80, for example, by changing the light emitting color of a light emitting element such as an LED, changing the light emitting pattern, driving a vibration element, or a combination of these.
[0120] 12 , when 30 seconds have passed since the start of heating, the control unit 80 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 toward a second target temperature TA2 that is lower than the first target temperature TA1. That is, the control unit 80 controls the heating unit 40 to lower the temperature of the heating unit 40 from the first target temperature TA1 and reach the second target temperature TA2. The period from 30 seconds to 45 seconds shown in FIG. 13 is an example of the second period of the present disclosure.
[0121] The control unit 80 may have an off period during which it stops supplying power to the heating unit 40 from time 30 seconds to time 45 seconds. By providing an off period, it is possible to reduce the temperature from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 in the shortest time. The control unit 80 can continue measuring the temperature of the heating unit 40 even during the off period. In this case, the control unit 80 can be configured to resume supplying power to the heating unit 40 when the temperature of the heating unit 40 has decreased to near the second target temperature TA2.
[0122] The off-period is preferably a time interval that prevents a typical user from inhaling two or more times. If a user inhales two or more times during the off-period, the temperature of the heating unit 40 may drop rapidly and fall significantly below the second target temperature TA2. In this case, the amount of aerosol generated from the consumable product 200 may decrease. The first target temperature TA1 and the second target temperature TA2 may be set so that the temperature drop from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 due to natural cooling during the off-period occurs within the above-mentioned time range. Alternatively, the control unit 80 may be configured to measure the elapsed time of the off-period and forcibly resume power supply to the heating unit 40 when the off-period reaches a predetermined upper limit.
[0123] At 45 seconds, the control unit 80 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 toward a third target temperature TA3 that is lower than the first target temperature TA1 and higher than the second target temperature TA2. That is, the control unit 80 controls the heating unit 40 to raise the temperature of the heating unit from the second target temperature TA2 and reach the third target temperature TA3. The period from 45 seconds to 210 seconds shown in FIG. 12 is an example of the third period of the present disclosure.
[0124] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 80 controls the heating unit 40 so that the third target temperature TA3 is reached at time 210 seconds.
[0125] When the heating unit 40 reaches the third target temperature TA3 at time 210 seconds, the control unit 80 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 to maintain the temperature at the third target temperature TA3. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the heating unit 40 to maintain the temperature at the third target temperature TA3 between times 210 seconds and 280 seconds.
[0126] When the time reaches 280 seconds, the control unit 80 stops the power supply to the heating unit 40. Next, at 290 seconds, the control unit 80 notifies the user that the inhalation period has ended. In other words, even after the power supply to the heating unit has stopped, the user is prompted to inhale the aerosol until a predetermined period (10 seconds) has elapsed, and the residual heat of the heating unit 40 and the consumable product 200 allows the user to enjoy the aerosol. The notification of the end of the inhalation period can be performed by a notification unit (not shown), and can be performed, for example, by changing the light-emitting color or pattern of a light-emitting element such as an LED, by driving a vibration element, or by a combination of these.
[0127] At time 280 seconds, the heat from the heating unit 40 has been sufficiently transferred to the interior of the consumable product 200. Therefore, for 10 seconds from time 280 seconds, a certain amount of aerosol can be generated using only the residual heat from the heating unit 40 and the consumable product 200. However, as with the first and second off periods, aerosol generation is likely to become unstable during these 10 seconds, so it is preferable that the time interval be such that the user does not perform two or more inhalations.
[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 80 can notify the user that the end of the suction period is approaching a predetermined time earlier than the time 280 at which the end of the suction period is notified. Such notification can be made, for example, 20 to 40 seconds before the end of the suction period. Such notification can be made by a notification unit (not shown), and can be made, for example, by changing the light-emitting color or pattern of a light-emitting element such as an LED, by controlling the activation of a vibration element, or by a combination of these.
[0129] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 80 stops the supply of power to the heating unit 40 at time 280 seconds. Alternatively, the control unit 80 may stop the supply of power to the heating unit 40 when the number of inhalation operations by the user exceeds a predetermined number. The inhalation operation by the user can be detected, for example, by the above-described temperature sensor.
[0130] Figure 13 shows a delivery profile for glycerin according to this embodiment. Figure 14 shows a delivery profile for nicotine according to this embodiment.
[0131] The open circles in Fig. 13 represent the glycerin delivery profile (Example 1) when a consumable product 200 including the flavor generator 280 shown in Fig. 9A is used. Meanwhile, the closed circles in Fig. 13 represent the glycerin delivery profile (Comparative Example 1) when a consumable product including the flavor generator 180 (not including the glassine paper 230 and the first flavor source 220) shown in Fig. 9B is used. The following conditions were imposed: preheating was 20 seconds for Example 1 and 25 seconds for Comparative Example 1, and suction was performed at 55 ml / 2 s every 20 seconds. The detailed configurations of the flavor generator 280 according to Example 1 and the flavor generator 180 according to Comparative Example 1 are shown in Table 1 above.
[0132] 13, in Example 1, the amount of glycerin delivered at the initial stage of heating is increased compared to Comparative Example 1. In other words, the rise in the amount of glycerin delivered at the initial stage of heating is improved. This is thought to be because the glassine paper 230 prevents water vapor generated in the first flavor source 220, which is heated first after heating starts, from moving to the second flavor source 240, thereby suppressing heat loss from the first flavor source 220 and allowing the first flavor source to be heated preferentially and quickly.
[0133] 13, in Example 1, the amount of glycerin delivered reaches a maximum at the second puff (inhalation by the user), the fifth puff, and the seventh puff. In other words, in Example 1, the amount of glycerin delivered has three maximum values. The amount delivered at the second puff (first maximum value) is greater than the amount delivered at the fifth puff (second maximum value) and the seventh puff (third maximum value). Note that the maximum value in the present disclosure refers to the point at which the slope of the curve graph obtained by curve fitting discrete data such as that shown in FIG. 13 based on a predetermined statistical method switches from a positive value to a negative value. The statistical method may be, for example, the least squares method.
[0134] The open circles in Fig. 14 represent the nicotine delivery profile (Example 2) when a consumable product 200 including the flavor generator 280 shown in Fig. 9A is used. Meanwhile, the closed circles in Fig. 14 represent the nicotine delivery profile (Comparative Example 2) when a consumable product including the flavor generator 180 (not including the glassine paper 230 and the first flavor source 220) shown in Fig. 9B is used. Note that, as with Fig. 13 , the following conditions were imposed: preheating was 20 seconds for Example 2 and 25 seconds for Comparative Example 2, and puffs of 55 ml / 2 s were taken at 20-second intervals. The detailed configurations of the flavor generator 280 according to Example 2 and the flavor generator 180 according to Comparative Example 2 are shown in Table 1 above.
[0135] 14 , in Example 2, the amount of nicotine delivered at the initial stage of heating is increased compared to Comparative Example 2. In other words, the rise in the amount of nicotine delivered at the initial stage of heating is improved. This is thought to be because the glassine paper 230 prevents water vapor generated in the first flavor source 220, which is heated first after heating starts, from moving to the second flavor source 240, thereby suppressing heat loss from the first flavor source 220 and allowing the first flavor source to be heated preferentially and quickly.
[0136] 14 , in Example 2, the nicotine delivery amount reaches maximum values at the second, fifth, and seventh puffs. In other words, in Example 2, the nicotine delivery amount has three maximum values. The delivery amount at the second puff (first maximum value) is greater than the delivery amount at the fifth puff (second maximum value) and is substantially the same as the delivery amount at the seventh puff (third maximum value). Strictly speaking, the delivery amount at the seventh puff (third maximum value) is greater than the delivery amount at the second puff (first maximum value). In the present disclosure, "substantially the same" refers to the second and subsequent maximum values being 0.85 to 1.15 times the first maximum value for the delivery amount per puff.
[0137] In the flavor inhaler 100, the delivery profile of the main aerosol component mainly depends on the heating profile of the heating unit 40 shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, the delivery profile of the main aerosol component may basically be a profile corresponding to the temperature profile inside the consumable product 200. Since the temperature profile inside the consumable product 200 follows the heating profile of the heating unit 40, it generally tends to take a shape that lags behind the heating profile in time.
[0138] Therefore, by setting the first target temperature TA1 to the highest temperature throughout the entire heating profile, the delivery profile of the main aerosol component tends to form a steeply rising curve in the initial stage of heating.
[0139] As described above, the delivery profile of the main aerosol component mainly depends on the heating profile of the heating section 40. However, the delivery profile of the main aerosol component may vary depending on factors such as the shape of the heating section 40, the shape of the insulating section 32, the size of the consumable product 200, the degree of contact between the heating section 40 and the consumable product 200, and the position of the heated portion of the heating section 40 relative to the consumable product 200. In particular, in this embodiment, the delivery profile of the main aerosol component depends on the internal structure of the flavor generator of the consumable product 200 (see FIG. 9A ). Therefore, in order to achieve a desired delivery profile of the main aerosol component, the heating profile of the heating section 40 and these factors may be appropriately combined.
[0140] For example, when the heating unit has a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the consumable product 200, as in the heating unit 40 of this embodiment, heat transferred to the consumable product 200 is less likely to escape to the outside, and therefore the delivery profile of the main aerosol component is more likely to follow the heating profile of the heating unit 40. Similarly, when a cylindrical insulating unit 32 is disposed radially outside the heating unit 40, heat transferred to the consumable product 200 is less likely to escape to the outside, and therefore the delivery profile of the main aerosol component is more likely to follow the heating profile of the heating unit 40. In this case, the increase speed of the delivery profile in the early stage of heating is relatively fast, and therefore the upward curve of the delivery profile in the early stage of heating may be steeper overall. On the other hand, the decrease speed of the delivery profile in the final stage of heating is relatively slower, and therefore the downward curve of the delivery profile in the final stage of heating may be more gentle overall.
[0141] Furthermore, the smaller the size of the consumable product 200, more specifically, the smaller the diameter of the consumable product 200, the easier it is for heat from the outside of the consumable product 200 to be transmitted to the inside of the consumable product 200. Therefore, the smaller the diameter of the consumable product 200, the easier it is for the delivery profile of the main aerosol component to follow the heating profile of the heating unit 40.
[0142] Furthermore, the closer the contact between the heating unit 40 and the consumable product 200 during use, the easier it is for heat from the heating unit 40 to be transferred to the consumable product 200. In other words, when the consumable product 200 is inserted into the opening 110, the smaller the gap between the consumable product 200 and the chamber 50, the easier it is for the delivery profile of the main aerosol component to follow the heating profile of the heating unit 40.
[0143] Furthermore, the delivery profile of the primary aerosol component may also be attributed to the components constituting the consumable product 200. More specifically, the amount of moisture contained in the consumable product 200 may affect the rate of increase in the delivery profile of the primary aerosol component at the initial stage of heating. For example, if the consumable product 200 contains a relatively high amount of moisture, the heat from the heating unit 40 may be used to vaporize the moisture instead of heating the first flavor source 220, which may slow down the rate of increase in the delivery profile of the primary aerosol component. This may result in a gentler overall slope of the delivery profile at the initial stage of heating. As mentioned above, aerosol derived from moisture in the consumable product 200 is not typically included in the primary aerosol components.
[0144] By taking into consideration the factors affecting the delivery profile as described above and appropriately setting the heating profile of the heating unit 40, a desired delivery profile of the main aerosol components can be achieved.
[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 80 of the flavor inhaler 100 can control the heating unit 40 not only in a single heating mode as shown in Fig. 12 but also in multiple heating modes, for example, two heating modes consisting of a first heating mode and a second heating mode. A user can select an appropriate mode from the two heating modes for each session and control the heating unit 40 accordingly.
[0146] In the second heating mode, the first target temperature TB1 can be set higher or lower than the first target temperature TA1 in the first heating mode.
[0147] In the second heating mode, the second target temperature TB2 can be set higher or lower than the second target temperature TA2 in the first heating mode.
[0148] In the second heating mode, the third target temperature TB3 can be set higher or lower than the third target temperature TA3 in the first heating mode.
[0149] In the above, the flavor inhaler 100 has been described as generating a flavor-containing aerosol by externally contact-heating the chamber 50 containing the stick-shaped consumable product 200 with the heating unit 40. However, the manner of heating the consumable product in the flavor inhaler of the present disclosure is not limited to external contact heating. For example, the chamber 50 containing the consumable product 200 may be used as a susceptor, and the chamber 50 may be inductively heated with an induction coil wound around the chamber 50 to generate a flavor-containing aerosol. In this case, the material and shape of the chamber 50 may be modified as appropriate. Alternatively, a pin-shaped heating unit protruding from the bottom of the chamber 50 may be provided, and the pin-shaped heating unit inside the consumable product 200 may be resistively or inductively heated to generate a flavor-containing aerosol. Furthermore, the shape of the consumable product is not limited to a stick shape. A susceptor may be placed on a non-stick-shaped consumable product contained in the chamber, and the susceptor may be inductively heated to generate a flavor-containing aerosol.
[0150] When an internally heated heating unit is employed, the inner second flavor source is positioned near the heating unit for the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240 shown in Figures 8 and 9A. Therefore, in a flavor inhalation system equipped with an internally heated heating unit, the second flavor source 240 is an example of the first flavor source of the present disclosure, and the first flavor source 220 is an example of the second flavor source of the present disclosure.
[0151] (Modifications) Modifications of the above-described embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 15 to 20. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a consumable product 300 according to the modification. Figure 16 is a plan view taken along the arrows c-c in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a perspective view of an example of a tip plug 316. Figure 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a tip plug 316. Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aspect of a consumable product 300 according to the modification. Figure 20 is a plan view taken along the arrows dd in Figure 19. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.
[0152] The consumable product 300 shown in Fig. 15 differs from the consumable product 200 shown in Fig. 8 only in that it includes an inhibiting portion 342. The inhibiting portion 342 is located upstream of the flavor generating body 280, which includes the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240, in the consumable product 300, and is configured to allow air to be introduced into the first flavor source 220 from the tip of the consumable product 300 while inhibiting air from flowing into the second flavor source 240. By using the inhibiting portion 342 to inhibit air from flowing into the second flavor source 240 for the flavor generating body 280, which is partially provided in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, it is possible to preferentially introduce air from the tip of the consumable product 300 into the first flavor source 220. This allows vapor or aerosol containing the flavor generated in the first flavor source 220 to be efficiently delivered to the user.
[0153] 15 , the inhibiting portion 342 preferably overlaps with at least a portion of the second flavor source 240 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 300. In this case, it is possible to inhibit air from the tip of the consumable product 300 from flowing directly into the second flavor source 240. It is more preferable that the inhibiting portion 342 overlaps with the entire second flavor source 240 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 300. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the inhibiting portion 342 overlaps with the second flavor source 240 so as to substantially coincide with the second flavor source 240 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 300.
[0154] As shown in Fig. 16, when the size of the gap between the inhibiting portion 342 and the outer periphery of the consumable product 300 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 300 is defined as R, R may be greater than T, where T is the radial thickness of the first flavor source 220 as shown in Fig. 15. In this case, the amount of air flowing in from the tip of the consumable product 300 can be increased, and therefore a larger amount of aerosol generated by the first flavor source 220 can be supplied.
[0155] Furthermore, it is preferable that the area of the inhibiting section 342 as viewed in the longitudinal direction be larger than the area of the second flavor source 240 as viewed in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the area of the inhibiting section 342 is larger than the area of the second flavor source 240 in the direction of air flow. Therefore, by ensuring that the inhibiting section 342 sufficiently overlaps the second flavor source 240 as viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to suppress (block) air that has flowed in from the tip of the consumable product 300 from flowing into the second flavor source 240. Note that the area of the inhibiting section 342 or the second flavor source 240 as viewed in the longitudinal direction here refers to the area of the largest cross section among those perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0156] As shown in FIG. 15, the inhibiting portion 342 is preferably provided on the tip plug 316 located upstream of the flavor generating element 280 .
[0157] As shown in Figure 15, the tip plug 316 may have a recess 303. In this case, it is preferable that the inhibition portion 342 is filled in the recess 303. This prevents the inhibition portion 342 from protruding from the tip plug 316, so that the inhibition portion 342 can be provided without causing any substantial difference in appearance from conventional consumer products. Note that even when the inhibition portion 342 is filled in the recess 303, the inhibition portion 342 may be provided so as to protrude (or protrude) from the recess 303. In the example shown in Figure 15, the inhibition portion 342 is filled in the recess 303 so as to substantially coincide with the recess 303. Alternatively, the inhibition portion 342 may be provided on the surface of the tip plug 316.
[0158] The material constituting the inhibiting portion 342 provided on the tip plug 316 is preferably a flame-retardant material. Specifically, for example, the inhibiting portion 342 is preferably formed from at least one of the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer resin, and modified starch. In this case, particularly when a flammable material such as a paper filter is used for the tip plug 316, it is possible to prevent the consumable product 300 from burning even if the user uses it unintendedly. However, this is not limited to this, and when the inhibiting portion 342 is provided on the tip plug 316, it may be formed from a material that is less breathable than the tip plug 316, for example.
[0159] 15 may be provided with a high-density portion 342a and a low-density portion 304. In this case, the high-density portion 342a may constitute the inhibition portion 342. This suppresses the inflow of air from the low-density portion 304 to the high-density portion 342a, so that the inhibition portion 342 can be formed by the tip plug 316 alone, without attaching another member to the tip plug 316.
[0160] 15 and 16, a method for manufacturing the consumable product 300 is described. First, a flavor generating body 280 is prepared, which includes a first flavor source 220, glassine paper 230, and a second flavor source 240. Next, an inhibiting portion 342 is formed on the tip plug 316 of the consumable product 300.
[0161] 17 and 18, the tip plug 316 of the consumable product 300 may be provided with a filter 350 having a plurality of grooves extending along the length of the consumable product 300.
[0162] 17 , a filter 350 extending along the longitudinal direction and having grooves on its outer periphery can be provided inside the tip plug 316. A filter paper 354 is wrapped around and covers the filter 350. The filter paper 354 may be configured as part of the wrapper 218 that covers the entire consumable product 300, or may be configured as an inner wrapper separate from the wrapper 218. A gap 352 is formed between the outer periphery of the filter 350 and the filter paper 354.
[0163] The inside of the filter 350 can be made of, for example, cellulose acetate fiber tow. The airflow resistance inside the filter 350 is 1 mmH. 2 It is preferable that the pressure is 5 mmH2O or more and 100 mmH2O or less. 2 O or more 50mmH 2 It is more preferable that the pressure is 10 mmH or less. 2 O or more 30mmH 2 It is more preferable that the resistance to airflow inside the filter 350 is equal to or less than 0. The airflow resistance inside the filter 350 can be measured by peeling off the filter wrapper 354 and then covering the grooves on the outer periphery with a rubber packing material so that the fluid flows only inside the filter 350.
[0164] The periphery of the filter 350 is grooved. Specifically, the outer periphery of the filter 350 can be formed from a grooved tape that is wide enough to encase the interior. This grooved tape, which has been given a corrugated shape or the like, encases the interior and becomes a cylindrical rod. When this cylindrical rod is further covered with filter wrapper paper 354, a longitudinally communicating gap 352 is formed between the grooves of the tape and the filter wrapper paper 354 (see the cross-sectional view in Figure 18). From the perspective of flavor, the grooved tape can be formed from a sheet formed by molding cellulose acetate fiber.
[0165] The gap 352 formed between the grooved tape on the outer periphery of the filter 350 and the filter wrapping paper 354 wrapped around it preferably accounts for 15 to 40% of the cross-sectional area of the tip plug 316, and is preferably 0 mmH2O or more and 30 mmH2O or less. 2It is preferable that the filter 350 has an airflow resistance of 0 or less. The gap 352 is arranged to overlap with the first flavor source 220 of the flavor generating unit 280 located downstream in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 300. Meanwhile, the inside of the filter 350 is arranged to overlap with the second flavor source 240 of the flavor generating unit 280 located downstream in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 300.
[0166] In the tip plug 316, the gap 352 with low airflow resistance communicates with the first flavor source 220 of the flavor generating body 280, and the filter 350 with high airflow resistance communicates with the second flavor source 240, so that air flowing in from the tip of the consumable product 300 passes through the tip plug 316 and flows preferentially into the first flavor source 220. With this configuration, in the initial stage of heating, vapor or aerosol containing the flavor generated in the first flavor source 220 can be efficiently delivered to the user.
[0167] 19 and 20, a heat-deformable material 360 that deforms in response to heat and changes its airflow resistance can be provided on the tip plug 316 of the consumable product 300.
[0168] In this case, the heat deformable material 360 in the tip plug 316 can be deformed by heating, and the airflow resistance of the tip plug 316 can be changed by the deformation of the heat deformable material 360 in response to the heating of the consumable product 300. As a result, as the heating of the consumable product 300 by the heating unit 40 progresses, the airflow resistance of the tip plug 316 can be changed to a desired value.
[0169] Specifically, the heat-deformable material 360 is preferably configured to melt from a solid to a liquid upon heating, thereby reducing the airflow resistance of the tip plug 316 to a desired level as heating of the consumable product 300 by the heating unit 40 progresses. Therefore, the consumable product 300 has a high airflow resistance in the early stages of heating, for example, the first puff, that is high enough to reduce the amount of water vapor supplied to the user, and reduces the airflow resistance in the later stages of heating, thereby providing a comfortable inhalation resistance for the user.
[0170] In particular, the heat-deformable material 360 is arranged to overlap the second flavor source 240 of the flavor generating body 280 located downstream in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 300. With this configuration, in the early stages of heating, air flowing in from the tip of the consumable product 300 passes through the tip plug 316 and flows preferentially into the first flavor source 220. On the other hand, from the middle stage of heating onwards, the heat-deformable material 360 melts and the airflow resistance decreases, so that air also flows into the second flavor source 240. Therefore, in the early stages of heating, the first flavor source 220 is heated preferentially and quickly, and from the middle stage of heating onwards, the second flavor source 240 can be heated efficiently, making it possible to achieve a preferable delivery profile of the main aerosol component.
[0171] The heat-deformable material 360 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of a capsule, a gel liquid, a film, and a thread. As a result, the heat-deformable material 360 may deform due to a phase change from solid to liquid or a change in liquid viscosity when heated. The heat-deformable material 360 is preferably deformed by being heated to a temperature of 40°C or higher and 180°C or lower. In this case, heating the flavor generating unit 280, which includes the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240, can deform the heat-deformable material 360 contained in the tip plug 316, which is located upstream of the flavor generating unit 280 in the consumable product 300. Furthermore, in this case, when the tip plug 316 is a filter, such as an acetate filter, a paper filter, or a nonwoven fabric filter, the heat-deformable material 360 can be deformed without the tip plug 316 being denatured by heat.
[0172] In the cross section shown in Figure 20, the area occupied by the heat deformable material 360 relative to the area of the tip plug 316 is preferably 2% or more and 55% or less. If the area is less than 2%, it may be difficult to sufficiently increase the airflow resistance using the heat deformable material 360. If the area is more than 55%, the airflow resistance may be too high. Therefore, as long as the area is within the above numerical range, the heat deformable material 360 can provide the tip plug 316 with the desired airflow resistance.
[0173] 20 , the heat deformable material 360 is preferably disposed approximately at the center of the tip plug 316. In this case, compared to when the heat deformable material 360 is disposed unevenly on the tip plug 316, air can be supplied evenly to the flavor generating body 280 including the downstream first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240, thereby enabling efficient delivery of the vapor or aerosol generated in the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240. In the cross section shown in FIG. 20 , the heat deformable material 360 is preferably disposed in an inner region of a circle concentric with the tip plug 316.
[0174] 19 and 20 , the heat deformable material 360 may be disposed inside the tip plug 316, or a portion of the heat deformable material 360 may be exposed from the tip plug 316. For example, the heat deformable material 360 may be exposed on the upstream end surface or the downstream end surface of the tip plug 316. The timing of the thermal deformation of the heat deformable material 360 can be adjusted by adjusting the longitudinal distance between the heat deformable material 360 and the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240 to be heated. This allows the heat deformable material 360 to be thermally deformed at any timing during heating of the consumable product 300 by the heating unit 40, i.e., the airflow resistance can be changed at any timing during heating of the consumable product 300 by the heating unit 40.
[0175] (Operation of the Present Embodiment) In the present embodiment, the first flavor source 220, which is disposed inside the consumable product 200 closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, is separated from the second flavor source 240 by the glassine paper 230. When the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, the first flavor source 220 generates heat first. However, when water vapor generated by the heat generation of the first flavor source 220 moves to the second flavor source 240, heat escapes from the first flavor source 220, preventing rapid heating of the first flavor source 220. Here, in the present embodiment, the glassine paper 230 inhibits the movement of water vapor from the first flavor source 220 to the second flavor source 240, and the first flavor source 220 is preferentially heated. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the heating section 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, the first flavor source 220 is quickly heated, the amount of aerosol delivered at the initial stage of heating is increased, and sufficient flavor is obtained at the initial stage of heating.
[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flavor source 220 in the consumable product 200, which is disposed closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, has a hollow portion, and the second flavor source 240 is disposed in this hollow portion via the glassine paper 230. When the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, the first flavor source 220 is heated from the outside, and the glassine paper 230 prevents water vapor generated by the heat generation of the first flavor source 220 from moving into the hollow portion. Therefore, the first flavor source 220 is heated preferentially without heat escaping from the first flavor source 220 to the second flavor source 240. Thus, according to this embodiment, the first flavor source 220 is heated quickly, increasing the amount of aerosol delivered in the initial heating stage, and providing a sufficient flavor in the initial heating stage.
[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flavor source 220, which is disposed inside the consumable product 200 at a position closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, is configured to include flavor source sheets 220A and 220B. The first flavor source 220 contains the flavor source sheets 220A and 220B, which suppresses the movement of water vapor within the first flavor source 220. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first flavor source 220 is heated more quickly, and a sufficient flavor can be obtained in the initial stage of heating.
[0178] In this embodiment, the flavor source sheets 220A and 220B included in the first flavor source 220, which is located closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, are subjected to at least one of crimping, slitting, and embossing. Generally, a crimped, slit, or embossed sheet shrinks less when heated than an unprocessed sheet. Therefore, according to this embodiment, shrinkage of the first flavor source 220, which is rapidly heated, is suppressed. Furthermore, by processing the flavor source sheets 220A and 220B in this manner, the surface area can be increased compared to an unprocessed sheet, thereby increasing the amount of flavor or aerosol generated from the first flavor source 220.
[0179] In this embodiment, the flavor source sheets 220A and 220B included in the first flavor source 220, which is disposed closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, are rolled up to form a cylindrical shape. The first flavor source 220 contains the cylindrically rolled flavor source sheets 220A and 220B, which further suppresses the movement of water vapor within the first flavor source 220. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first flavor source 220 is heated more quickly, and a sufficient flavor can be obtained in the initial heating stage.
[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flavor generator 280 of the consumable product 200 has a cover sheet 210 that encases each of the components, and for the flavor source sheets 220A and 220B included in the first flavor source 220, which is located closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, the outer flavor source sheet 220B is fixed to the cover sheet 210, and the inner flavor source sheet 220A is fixed to the glassine paper 230. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by configuring the consumable product 200 (the flavor generator 280) so that the cover sheet 210, flavor source sheet 220B, flavor source sheet 220A, glassine paper 230, and second flavor source 240 are arranged from the outside to the inside, a stable configuration is achieved, and shrinkage of the consumable product 200 due to heating is suppressed. Furthermore, displacement of the flavor source sheets 220A and 220B can be suppressed.
[0181] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230 in the consumable product 200 is 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. Here, the region between the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230 is the region where the flavor source sheets 220A and 220B of the first flavor source 220, which are positioned closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, are disposed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by setting the distance between the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230 to an appropriate value, it is possible to achieve both rapid heating of the first flavor source 220 and sufficient heat conduction to the second flavor source 240, thereby obtaining a suitable flavor throughout the entire heating period.
[0182] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filling rate of the first flavor source 220 in the space between the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230 in the consumable product 200 is 20% or more and 75% or less. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by setting the filling rate of the first flavor source 220 between the cover sheet 210 and the glassine paper 230 to a suitable value, it is possible to achieve both rapid heating of the first flavor source 220 and sufficient heat conduction to the second flavor source 240, thereby achieving a more suitable flavor throughout the entire heating period.
[0183] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second flavor source 240 in the consumable product 200 is disposed at a position farther from the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 than the first flavor source 220 and includes any of a cut rag, a sheet, a sheet that has been processed by at least one of crimping and gathering, and a plurality of strands extending approximately parallel to one another. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by forming the second flavor source 240 into a predetermined shape, air can easily flow through the second flavor source 240, making it easier to deliver the flavor or aerosol generated from the second flavor source 240.
[0184] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second flavor source 240, which is disposed in the consumable product 200 farther from the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 than the first flavor source 220, contains approximately the same amount of glycerin as or a larger amount of glycerin than the first flavor source 220. Considering that the first flavor source 220 is heated preferentially at the beginning of the heating period, and then the second flavor source 240, which receives heat conduction from the first flavor source 220, is heated thereafter, it is preferable that the second flavor source 240 can provide a sufficient amount of flavor from the middle of the heating period onwards. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the second flavor source 240 has a sufficient amount of glycerin, thereby ensuring the provision of a sufficient amount of flavor throughout the entire heating period.
[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second flavor source 240, which is disposed in the consumable product 200 farther from the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 than the first flavor source 220, has a larger filling weight than the first flavor source 220. Considering that the first flavor source 220 is heated preferentially at the beginning of the heating period, and then the second flavor source 240, which receives heat conduction from the first flavor source 220, is heated thereafter, it is preferable that the second flavor source 240 can provide a sufficient amount of flavor from the middle of the heating period onwards. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by sufficiently filling the consumable product 200 with the second flavor source 240, it is possible to ensure the provision of a sufficient amount of flavor throughout the entire heating period.
[0186] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the glassine paper 230 separating the first flavor source 220, which is located closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, from the second flavor source 240 inside the consumable product 200 has an air permeability of 0 to 40 CORESTA units. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the glassine paper 230 can sufficiently suppress the transfer of water vapor from the first flavor source 220 to the second flavor source 240, making it possible to heat the first flavor source 220 preferentially at the beginning of the heating period.
[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flavor source 220, which is located closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, and the second flavor source 240 inside the consumable product 200 are separated by paper or glassine paper. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a gas-impermeable member that can sufficiently suppress the transfer of water vapor from the first flavor source 220 to the second flavor source 240 can be provided with a simple configuration.
[0188] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the glassine paper 230 separating the first flavor source 220, which is located closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, from the second flavor source 240 inside the consumable product 200 is in the form of a sheet and is rolled up into a cylindrical shape. Because the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240 are separated by the glassine paper 230 as a rolled up sheet, the transfer of water vapor from the first flavor source 220 to the second flavor source 240 is sufficiently suppressed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first flavor source 220 is heated quickly at the beginning of the heating period, and a sufficient flavor is obtained at the beginning of the heating period.
[0189] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 is of a peripheral heating type that heats the consumable material 200 from the periphery. That is, in the flavor inhalation system, the heating unit 40, the first flavor source 220, the glassine paper 230, and the second flavor source 240 are arranged in this order from the outside to the inside in the flavor inhalation system. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in a flavor inhalation system having a peripheral heating type flavor inhaler 100, when the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable material, the first flavor source 220 is heated quickly, the amount of aerosol delivered in the initial heating stage is increased, and a sufficient flavor is obtained in the initial heating stage.
[0190] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the delivery profile of the flavor inhalation system including the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable product 200 has at least two maxima, and the delivery amount at the first peak is approximately the same as or greater than the delivery amount at the other peaks. Here, the first peak is the first maxima in one session from the start of inhalation to the end of inhalation by the user, and is the largest maxima that exists within 30% of one session from the start of inhalation to the end of inhalation by the user. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, a sufficient aerosol is delivered into the user's oral cavity at the initial stage of heating.
[0191] In this embodiment, the glycerin delivery profile of the flavor inhalation system including the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable product 200 has at least two maximal values, and the amount of glycerin delivered in the first peak is approximately the same as or greater than the amount of glycerin delivered in the other peaks. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, a sufficient amount of glycerin is delivered into the user's oral cavity at the initial stage of heating.
[0192] In this embodiment, the nicotine delivery profile of the flavor inhalation system including the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable product 200 has at least two maximal values, and the amount of nicotine delivered in the first peak is substantially the same as or greater than the amount of nicotine delivered in the other peaks. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, a sufficient amount of nicotine is delivered into the user's oral cavity in the initial stage of heating.
[0193] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 has a control unit 80, and the control unit 80 controls the heating of the consumable product 200 by the heating unit 40, thereby realizing a predetermined aerosol delivery profile. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by appropriately controlling the control unit 80, a preferred aerosol delivery profile can be realized, and the aerosol can be delivered into the user's oral cavity at a preferred timing.
[0194] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 80 of the flavor inhaler 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 toward a first target temperature TA1 during a first period (0 to 30 seconds in FIG. 12 ), controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 toward a second target temperature TA2 lower than the first target temperature TA1 during a second period (30 to 45 seconds in FIG. 12 ) after the first period, and controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 toward a third target temperature TA3 higher than the second target temperature TA2 but lower than the first target temperature TA1 during a third period (45 to 210 seconds in FIG. 12 ). In general, the aerosol delivery profile of the flavor inhalation system (and the temperature profile inside the consumable product) follows the heating profile of the heating unit 40 (and the temperature profile of the heating unit) controlled by the control unit 80. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 80 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile shown in Figure 12, thereby achieving a preferred aerosol delivery profile and enabling the aerosol to be delivered into the user's oral cavity at a preferred timing.
[0195] In this embodiment, the heating unit 40 can be controlled using multiple heating modes, including a first heating mode and a second heating mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a preferred aerosol delivery profile can be selected by combining multiple heating modes. For example, the aerosol delivery amount can be improved to provide a stronger flavor, or the aerosol delivery amount in one session can be leveled out to extend the duration of one session.
[0196] In this embodiment, the first target temperature in the second heating mode is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the high first target temperature TB1 in the second heating mode can improve the aerosol delivery amount during the first period (time 0 to 30 seconds in FIG. 12 ). Furthermore, the low first target temperature TB1 in the second heating mode can reduce the aerosol delivery amount during the first period and equalize the aerosol delivery amount in one session.
[0197] In this embodiment, the second target temperature in the second heating mode is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a high second target temperature TB2 in the second heating mode can improve the aerosol delivery amount during the second period (times 30 to 45 seconds in FIG. 12 ). A low second target temperature TB2 in the second heating mode can reduce the aerosol delivery amount during the second period and equalize the aerosol delivery amount in one session.
[0198] In this embodiment, the third target temperature in the second heating mode is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a high third target temperature TB3 in the second heating mode can improve the aerosol delivery amount during the third period (45 seconds to 210 seconds in FIG. 12 ) and thereafter. A low third target temperature TB3 in the second heating mode can suppress the aerosol delivery amount during the third period and thereafter, thereby averaging the aerosol delivery amount in one session.
[0199] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a case where the type of the heating unit is not limited, the consumable material 200 that generates a flavor when heated by the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 includes a first flavor source 220, a second flavor source 240, and glassine paper 230 that separates at least a portion of the first flavor source 220 from the second flavor source 240. When the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable material 200, one or both of the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240 generate heat, but when water vapor generated in association with the heat generation of the first flavor source 220 and / or the second flavor source 240 moves, heat escapes from the first flavor source 220 and / or the second flavor source 240, preventing the first flavor source 220 and / or the second flavor source 240 from heating quickly. In this embodiment, the glassine paper 230 inhibits the transfer of water vapor between the first flavor source 220 and the second flavor source 240, and one of the flavor sources is heated preferentially. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, one of the flavor sources is heated quickly, increasing the amount of aerosol generated in the initial heating stage, and delivering a sufficient amount of aerosol into the user's oral cavity in the initial heating stage.
[0200] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an external heating unit is employed, the first flavor source 220, which is disposed inside the consumable product 200 closer to the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100, is separated from the second flavor source 240 by the glassine paper 230. When the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, the first flavor source 220 generates heat first, but when water vapor generated by the heat generation of the first flavor source 220 moves to the second flavor source 240, heat escapes from the first flavor source 220, preventing rapid heating of the first flavor source 220. Here, in this embodiment, the glassine paper 230 inhibits the movement of water vapor from the first flavor source 220 to the second flavor source 240, and the first flavor source 220 is preferentially heated. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler 100 starts heating the consumable product 200, the first flavor source 220 is quickly heated, the amount of aerosol generated in the initial stage of heating increases, and sufficient aerosol is delivered to the user's oral cavity in the initial stage of heating.
[0201] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical ideas of the present disclosure as long as it achieves the effects of the present disclosure.
[0202] (Supplementary Note 1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a flavor inhaler equipped with a heating unit and a consumable material, wherein the consumable material has a first flavor source, a second flavor source, and a gas-impermeable member that separates at least a portion of the first flavor source from the second flavor source, and wherein, when the consumable material is heated by the heating unit of the flavor inhaler, the first flavor source of the consumable material is positioned closer to the heating unit than the second flavor source.
[0203] (Supplementary Note 2) A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the first aspect, wherein the first flavor source has a hollow portion therein, and the second flavor source is disposed in the hollow portion of the first flavor source.
[0204] (Supplementary Note 3) A third aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to the first and second aspects, wherein the first flavor source includes at least one sheet.
[0205] (Supplementary Note 4) A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to the third aspect, wherein the sheet of the first flavor source is subjected to at least one of crimping, slitting, and embossing.
[0206] (Appendix 5) A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the third and fourth aspects, wherein the sheet of the first flavor source is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the opposing ends of the cylindrically formed first flavor source in the circumferential direction are overlapped or spaced apart.
[0207] (Appendix 6) A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the consumable material has a wrapper that encases the first flavor source, the second flavor source, and the gas-impermeable member, the sheet of the first flavor source being fixed to the wrapper at its outermost layer, and the sheet of the second flavor source being fixed to the gas-impermeable member at its innermost layer.
[0208] (Supplementary Note 7) A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the distance between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member is 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.
[0209] (Appendix 8) An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the sixth and seventh aspects, wherein the filling rate of the first flavor source in the space between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member is 20% or more and 75% or less.
[0210] (Supplementary Note 9) A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the second flavor source includes any one of a cut rag, a sheet, a sheet that has been processed to at least one of crimping and gathering, and a plurality of strands extending approximately parallel to one another.
[0211] (Supplementary Note 10) A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the glycerin content of the second flavor source is approximately the same as or greater than the glycerin content of the first flavor source.
[0212] (Supplementary Note 11) An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein in the consumable material, the filling weight of the second flavor source is greater than the filling weight of the first flavor source.
[0213] (Supplementary Note 12) A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the gas-impermeable member has an air permeability of 0 to 40 CORESTA units.
[0214] (Supplementary Note 13) A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the gas-impermeable member is paper or glassine paper.
[0215] (Appendix 14) A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the gas-impermeable member is sheet-like and formed into a cylindrical shape, and opposite ends of the cylindrically formed gas-impermeable member that are opposed in the circumferential direction are overlapped or spaced apart.
[0216] (Supplementary Note 15) A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the heating unit of the flavor inhaler is of a peripheral heating type that heats the consumable material from the periphery.
[0217] (Appendix 16) A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a consumable material and a flavor inhaler having a heating section that heats the consumable material, and providing an aerosol delivery profile having at least two maxima, wherein in the aerosol delivery profile, the delivery amount at a first peak is approximately the same as or greater than the delivery amount at another peak.
[0218] (Supplementary Note 17) A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the delivery amount in the aerosol delivery profile includes a delivery amount of glycerin.
[0219] (Supplementary Note 18) An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to the sixteenth and seventeenth aspects, wherein the delivery amount in the aerosol delivery profile includes a delivery amount of nicotine.
[0220] (Supplementary Note 19) A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, wherein the flavor inhaler includes a control unit that controls the heating unit to provide the aerosol delivery profile.
[0221] (Supplementary Note 20) A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system of the eighteenth aspect, wherein the control unit controls the temperature of the heating unit toward a first target temperature during a first period, controls the temperature of the heating unit toward a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature during a second period after the first period, and controls the temperature of the heating unit toward a third target temperature higher than the second target temperature and lower than the first target temperature during a third period after the second period.
[0222] (Supplementary Note 21) A twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to the nineteenth and twentieth aspects, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to control the heating unit in a plurality of heating modes including a first heating mode and a second heating mode.
[0223] (Supplementary Note 22) A twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system of the twenty-first aspect, wherein, in the second heating mode, the first target temperature is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode.
[0224] (Supplementary Note 23) A twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to the twenty-first and twenty-second aspects, wherein in the second heating mode, the second target temperature is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode.
[0225] (Supplementary Note 24) A twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhalation system according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-third aspects, wherein in the second heating mode, the third target temperature is set higher or lower than that in the first heating mode.
[0226] 20 power supply unit 21 power supply 28 Bluetooth interface 30 atomization unit 32 heat insulation unit 34 insertion guide member 40 heating unit 42 heating element 44 electrical insulating member 48 electrode 50 chamber 52 opening 54 non-holding portion 56 bottom portion 56a hole 58 first guide portion 60 side wall portion 62 contact portion 62a inner surface 62b outer surface 66 separation portion 66a inner surface 66b outer surface 67 gap 70 heat diffusion sleeve 80 control unit 81 flavor source 82 substrate 100 flavor inhaler 102 housing 104 upper housing 106 lower housing 108 sliding cover 110 opening 180 flavor generating body 200 consumable material 210 cover sheet 212...Cooling portion 214...Filter 216...Tip plug 218...Wrapper 220...First flavor source 220A...Flavor source sheet 220B...Flavor source sheet 230...Glassine paper 240...Second flavor source 242...Flavor generating layer 244...Flavor generating layer 246A...Suppression sheet 246B...Suppression sheet 280...Flavor generating body 300...Consumable product 303...Recess 304...Low density portion 316...Tip plug 342...Inhibition portion 342a...High density portion 350...Filter 352...Void portion 354...Filter wrapping paper 360...Heat deformable material T...Radial thickness of first flavor source R...Size of gap between the inhibition portion and the outer periphery of the consumable product
Claims
1. A fragrance suction system including a fragrance suction device having a heating part and a consumable material, wherein the consumable material has a first fragrance source, a second fragrance source, and a gas-impermeable member that divides at least a part between the first fragrance source and the second fragrance source, and in a state where the consumable material is heated by the heating part of the fragrance suction device, the first fragrance source of the consumable material is disposed closer to the heating part than the second fragrance source. A fragrance suction system.
2. The first fragrance source has a hollow portion inside, and the second fragrance source is disposed in the hollow portion of the first fragrance source. The fragrance suction system according to claim 1.
3. The first fragrance source includes at least one sheet. The fragrance suction system according to claim 1 or 2.
4. At least one of curling, slitting, or embossing is performed on the sheet of the first fragrance source. The fragrance suction system according to claim 3.
5. The sheet of the first fragrance source is formed in a cylindrical shape, and both end portions facing each other in the circumferential direction of the first fragrance source formed in a cylindrical shape are overlapping or separated. The fragrance suction system according to claim 3 or 4.
6. The consumable material has a wrapper that wraps the first fragrance source, the second fragrance source, and the gas-impermeable member. The sheet of the first fragrance source is fixed to the wrapper in the outermost layer, and the sheet of the first fragrance source is fixed to the gas-impermeable member in the innermost layer. The fragrance suction system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.
7. The distance between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member is 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. The fragrance suction system according to claim 6.
8. The filling rate of the first fragrance source in the space between the wrapper and the gas-impermeable member is 20% or more and 75% or less. The fragrance suction system according to claim 6 or 7.
9. The second fragrance source includes any one of cut tobacco, a sheet, a sheet processed with at least one of curling or gathering, and a plurality of strands extending substantially parallel. The fragrance suction system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. The glycerin content of the second flavor source is substantially the same as or greater than the glycerin content of the first flavor source. The flavor attracting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. In the consumable, the filling weight of the second flavor source is greater than the filling weight of the first flavor source. The flavor attracting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The air permeability of the gas-impermeable member is 0 to 40 Coresta units. The flavor attracting system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. The gas-impermeable member is paper or glassine paper. The flavor attracting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. The gas-impermeable member is in the form of a sheet and is formed into a cylindrical shape. Both ends facing each other in the circumferential direction of the gas-impermeable member formed into a cylindrical shape are overlapping or separated. The flavor attracting system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
15. The heating part of the flavor attractor is an outer peripheral heating type that heats the consumable from the outer periphery. The flavor attracting system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
16. A flavor attracting system comprising a consumable and a flavor attractor having a heating part for heating the consumable, and providing an aerosol delivery profile having at least two maxima. In the aerosol delivery profile, the delivery amount at the first peak is substantially the same as or greater than the delivery amounts at other peaks.
17. The delivery amount in the aerosol delivery profile includes the delivery amount of glycerin. The flavor attracting system according to claim 16.
18. The delivery amount in the aerosol delivery profile includes the delivery amount of nicotine. The flavor attracting system according to claim 16 or 17.
19. The flavor attractor includes a control part for controlling the heating part so as to provide the aerosol delivery profile. The flavor attracting system according to any one of claims 16 to 18.
20. The control unit is configured to control the temperature of the heating unit toward a first target temperature during a first period, control the temperature of the heating unit toward a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature during a second period after the first period, and control the temperature of the heating unit toward a third target temperature higher than the second target temperature and lower than the first target temperature during a third period after the second period, in the fragrance attracting system according to claim 19.
21. The control unit is configured to be able to control the heating unit by a plurality of heating modes including a first heating mode and a second heating mode, in the fragrance attracting system according to claim 19 or 20.
22. In the second heating mode, the first target temperature is set to be higher or lower than that in the first heating mode, in the fragrance attracting system according to claim 21.
23. In the second heating mode, the second target temperature is set to be higher or lower than that in the first heating mode, in the fragrance attracting system according to claim 21 or 22.
24. In the second heating mode, the third target temperature is set to be higher or lower than that in the first heating mode, in the fragrance attracting system according to any one of claims 21 to 23.
Citation Information
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