Flavor-generating article and smoking system

Abstract

Provided is a flavor-generating article configured to be heated by a first heating member and a second heating member to generate a flavor. This flavor-generating article has a flavor-generating segment including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed near the first heating member out of the first heating member and the second heating member. The second portion is disposed near the second heating member out of the first heating member and the second heating member. The flavor-generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and the width, the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness. During smoking of the flavor-generating article, the second portion is located downstream of the first portion.

Description

Fragrance-generating article and smoking system

[0001] The present invention relates to a fragrance-generating article and a smoking system.

[0002] Conventionally, a non-combustion heating type fragrance inhaler that generates an aerosol or the like by heating a material without burning the material containing a fragrance source is known. As an example of a fragrance-generating article used in such a fragrance inhaler, one having an overall flat shape is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Translation Publication No. 2019-500854

[0004] When a conventional fragrance-generating article is used in a fragrance inhaler, the delivery of the aerosol or fragrance is not constant, which may give the user a sense of discomfort. In particular, in the early stage of the smoking session (early heating stage), the entire fragrance-generating article is heated at once and the delivery amount of the aerosol or fragrance increases, while in the later stage of the smoking session (late heating stage), the aerosol source or fragrance source contained in the fragrance-generating article is depleted, and the delivery amount of the aerosol or fragrance tends to decrease.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to stabilize the delivery amount of the aerosol or fragrance throughout the smoking session.

[0006] According to the first aspect, there is provided a fragrance-generating article configured to be heated by a first heating member and a second heating member to generate a fragrance. This fragrance-generating article has a fragrance generation segment including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed near the first heating member among the first heating member and the second heating member. The second portion is disposed near the second heating member among the first heating member and the second heating member. The fragrance-generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and the width, the length being greater than or equal to the width, and the width being greater than the thickness. When the fragrance-generating article is smoked, the second portion is located downstream of the first portion.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, in a flavor-generating article which may have an overall flattened shape, the first part and the second part are arranged near the first heating member and the second heating member, respectively, and the second part is located downstream of the first part, so that the first part and the second part can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first and second parts and smoking it in the early part of a smoking session, and heating the other part of the first and second parts and smoking it in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session. The first part and the second part may be separate from each other, in contact with each other, or formed integrally with each other. The first part and the second part may also be in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet. The first part and the second part may have different compositions or the same composition.

[0008] The aforementioned flavor-generating segment may include at least plant-based raw materials.

[0009] In this case, plant-derived flavors can be provided to the user. The plant ingredients may include, for example, at least one of tobacco ingredients and non-tobacco ingredients.

[0010] The flavor-generating article may have a container for housing the flavor-generating segment inside.

[0011] In this case, handling can be made easier by preventing users from directly touching the flavor-generating segment when handling the flavor-generating article. Furthermore, since the flavor-generating segment can be protected by the container, damage to the flavor-generating segment can be prevented. The container can be formed, for example, from pulp mold.

[0012] The container has an air inlet for taking air into the container and an air outlet for discharging air containing the flavor generated from the flavor generating segment from inside the container, and the air inlet and the air outlet may be formed at the first end of the container in the direction of its length.

[0013] In this case, air flows in through an air inlet at the first end and flows out through an air outlet at the first end, thus forming an airflow channel that circulates within the container, a so-called counterflow type airflow channel. This makes it possible to miniaturize the flavor-generating item (especially in the length direction).

[0014] The first and second portions may be filled into the container so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the container.

[0015] In this case, the first and second parts are filled into the container in such a way that there are no substantial gaps between them and the container. Therefore, the air flowing into the container can be brought into contact with the first and second parts, allowing for efficient delivery of the flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts.

[0016] The first heating member is in contact with the first portion, and the second heating member is in contact with the second portion. The sum of the length in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface between the first heating member and the first portion and the length in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface between the second heating member and the second portion may be shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating segment.

[0017] In this case, since the flavor generating segment extends beyond the first and second heating members, overheating of the flavor generating segment can be suppressed. The first and second heating members may be in direct contact with the first and second parts, respectively, or they may be indirectly in contact via a container for the flavor generating article and a chamber containing the flavor generating article. When the first and second heating members are indirectly in contact with the first and second parts via a container and a chamber, respectively, the contact surface refers to the contact surface between the part of the container or chamber corresponding to the length of the first or second part and the first or second heating member.

[0018] The second portion may extend beyond the second heating member toward the first end of the container where the air inlet and air outlet are formed.

[0019] In this case, since the second part has a portion that extends from the second heating member, the flavor or aerosol generated in the second part during the heating preparation of the second part can be prevented from leaking out of the air inlet and air outlet by that portion.

[0020] The flavor generating article may have a third functional part positioned between the second part and the first end of the container in which the air inlet and air outlet are formed.

[0021] In this case, the third functional part can add flavor or other aromas to the flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts. Furthermore, the third functional part can suppress aerosol leakage from the air inlet and air outlet. The third functional part preferably contains a fragrance. In particular, the third functional part preferably contains menthol. Since the third functional part, which is less susceptible to heating, is positioned between the second part and the first end, the depletion of highly volatile menthol due to heating can be suppressed. As a result, throughout the entire smoking session, the third functional part can add flavor or other aromas to the flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts. Specifically, for example, the third functional part can be formed by impregnating a filter material with a fragrance such as menthol.

[0022] The flavor-generating article has a functional segment including a first functional part and a second functional part, wherein the first functional part is located near the first heating member among the first and second heating members, and the second functional part may be located near the second heating member among the first and second heating members.

[0023] In this case, in a flavor-generating article that may have an overall flattened shape, the first functional part and the second functional part are arranged near the first heating member and the second heating member, respectively, so that the first functional part and the second functional part can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first or second functional parts and smoking in the early part of a smoking session, and heating the other of the first or second functional part and smoking in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session. The first and second functional parts may be separate from each other, in contact with each other, or formed integrally with each other.

[0024] The first functional portion may contain a fragrance or an aerosol source, and the second functional portion may also contain a fragrance or an aerosol source.

[0025] In this case, the amount of flavor or aerosol delivered can be increased. The flavorings contained in the first and second functional parts may be the same or different. If the flavorings contained in the first and second functional parts are different, different flavors can be provided by heating either the first or second functional part in the early and late stages of a smoking session. Furthermore, the first and second functional parts do not have to contain plant materials. Specifically, for example, the first and second functional parts may be filter materials on which flavorings are supported. Alternatively, the first and second functional parts may be in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet containing at least a flavoring.

[0026] When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the second portion is located downstream of the first portion, the first functional portion, and the second functional portion. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the first functional portion is located downstream of the first portion and the second functional portion. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the first portion may be located downstream of the second functional portion.

[0027] In this case, when the flavor-generating article is smoked, air can flow in the order of the second functional part, the first part, the first functional part, and the second part. Therefore, when the first part and the first functional part are heated by the first heating member, some of the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part and the first functional part condenses and remains in the second part, which is in a relatively low temperature state. Subsequently, when the second part and the second functional part are heated by the second heating member, flavor or aerosol containing the condensed flavor or aerosol is generated from the second part. As a result, a high amount of aerosol or flavor delivery can be achieved even in the later stages of the smoking session, and the amount of aerosol or flavor delivery can be made more stable throughout the smoking session.

[0028] When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the first portion may be located downstream of the first functional portion, and the second portion may be located downstream of the second functional portion.

[0029] In this case, when the first part and the first functional part are heated by the first heating element, the flavor or aerosol generated in the first functional part can be supplied to the user along with the flavor contained in the first part. Similarly, when the second part and the second functional part are heated by the second heating element, the flavor or aerosol generated in the second functional part can be supplied to the user along with the flavor contained in the second part. Therefore, the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor-generating article can be efficiently delivered.

[0030] The first and second parts may include green tobacco, and the first and second functional parts may include an aerosol source.

[0031] The inclusion of an aerosol source in green tobacco may reduce its storage stability. By including an aerosol source in the first and second functional components, the amount of aerosol source required in green tobacco can be reduced, or the need for an aerosol source in green tobacco can be eliminated. Therefore, in this case, the amount of aerosol delivered can be increased while suppressing the decrease in the storage stability of green tobacco.

[0032] The flavor-generating article may have a separator that extends in the direction of its length and the direction of its width, and that divides the space between the first and second parts.

[0033] In this case, the first and second parts can be positioned at any location within the space separated by the separator, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the first and second parts in the flavor-generating article. Specifically, for example, the first and second parts can be separated by a separator so that they do not come into contact with each other. The separator may be made of a material with low gas permeability. The separator may also have multiple holes or notches and be configured to be substantially permeable to gas.

[0034] The first portion and the second portion may be filled into the container so as to be in contact with the separator.

[0035] In this case, the first and second parts are filled into the container in such a way that there is no substantial gap between them and the separator. Therefore, the air flowing into the container can be brought into contact with the first and second parts, allowing for efficient delivery of the flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts.

[0036] The container is configured to house the separator inside, and has a first gap between the first end of the container and the separator. An air passage may be formed inside the container, passing through the air inlet, the first gap, and the air outlet.

[0037] In this case, the air flowing in from the air inlet flows through the first gap to the air outlet, thereby cooling the flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts.

[0038] The separator constitutes the first heating member and the second heating member, and the first heating member and the second heating member may include a susceptor made of an induction heating material.

[0039] In this case, the first and second parts can be heated while the first and second heating members partition the space between them. Furthermore, since the first and second heating members include a susceptor, they can be heated by an induction heating coil provided in the flavor inhaler. The susceptor may include, for example, at least one of metal and carbon. More specifically, the susceptor may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ferromagnetic materials, ferromagnetic alloys, ferrite iron, ferromagnetic steel, and stainless steel.

[0040] The container has a second end opposite to the first end on which the air inlet and air outlet are formed, the container is configured to house the separator inside, and has a second gap between the second end and the separator, and an air passage may be formed inside the container that passes through the air inlet, the second gap and the air outlet.

[0041] In this case, a so-called counterflow type airflow channel can be formed, in which air flowing in from the air inlet is discharged to the air outlet through a second gap located at the end of the container. This allows for efficient delivery of flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts of the container. Furthermore, by forming a counterflow type airflow channel, the flavor-generating article can be miniaturized (especially in the length direction).

[0042] The separator includes a first separator portion that contacts the first portion and a second separator portion that contacts the second portion, the first separator portion and the second separator portion being adjacent in the direction of the length, a third gap being formed between the first separator portion and the second separator portion, and an air passage being formed inside the container that passes through the air inlet, the third gap and the air outlet.

[0043] In this case, the air flowing in from the air inlet flows through the third gap to the air outlet, and the air passing through the third gap can cool the fragrance or aerosol generated in the first part located upstream. Note that the first separator part and the second separator part may be integrated or may be separate members from each other. When the first separator part and the second separator part are integrated, the separator may have an opening or notch that forms the third gap.

[0044] The separator has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the thickness direction, the first part is arranged to face the first surface of the separator, and the second part may be arranged to face the second surface of the separator.

[0045] In this case, since the first part and the second part can be partitioned by the separator, it is possible to suppress the first part and the second part from contacting each other.

[0046] The first functional part may be arranged to face the second surface of the separator, and the second functional part may be arranged to face the first surface of the separator.

[0047] In this case, since the first functional part and the second functional part can be partitioned by the separator, it is possible to suppress the first functional part and the second functional part from contacting each other.

[0048] According to the second aspect, a smoking system is provided. This smoking system has the fragrance-generating article and a fragrance aspirator having the first heating member and the second heating member configured to heat the fragrance generation segment of the fragrance-generating article.

[0049] According to the second embodiment, the first heating member and the second heating member of the flavor inhaler can heat the first and second parts of the flavor generating article, so that the first and second parts can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first and second parts and smoking in the early part of a smoking session, and heating the other part and smoking in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session.

[0050] In the above smoking system, the second portion may extend beyond the second heating member toward the first end of the container in which the air inlet and air outlet are formed.

[0051] In this case, since the second part has a portion that extends from the second heating member, the flavor or aerosol generated in the second part during the heating preparation of the second part can be prevented from leaking out of the air inlet and air outlet by that portion.

[0052] In the above smoking system, the flavor generating article may have a third functional part positioned between the second part and the first end of the container in which the air inlet and air outlet are formed.

[0053] In this case, the third functional part can add flavor or other aromas to the flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts. Furthermore, the third functional part can suppress aerosol leakage from the air inlet and air outlet. The third functional part preferably contains a fragrance. In particular, the third functional part preferably contains menthol. Since the third functional part, which is less susceptible to heating, is positioned between the second part and the first end, the depletion of highly volatile menthol due to heating can be suppressed. As a result, throughout the entire smoking session, the third functional part can add flavor or other aromas to the flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts. Specifically, for example, the third functional part can be formed by impregnating a filter material with a fragrance such as menthol.

[0054] In the above smoking system, the container has a second end opposite to the first end on which the air inlet and air outlet are formed, the container is configured to house the separator inside, and has a second gap between the second end and the separator, and an air passage may be formed inside the container that passes through the air inlet, the second gap and the air outlet.

[0055] In this case, a so-called counterflow type airflow channel can be formed, in which air flowing in from the air inlet is discharged to the air outlet through a second gap located at the end of the container. This allows for efficient delivery of flavor or aerosol generated in the first and second parts of the container. Furthermore, by forming a counterflow type airflow channel, the flavor-generating article can be miniaturized (especially in the length direction).

[0056] The first heating member and the second heating member may be arranged to sandwich the flavor-generating article from the direction of its thickness.

[0057] In this case, since the first heating member and the second heating member are spaced apart with the flavor generating article in between, when the first heating member heats the first portion, it is possible to suppress the heating of the second portion by the first heating member. Similarly, when the second heating member heats the second portion, it is possible to suppress the heating of the first portion by the second heating member.

[0058] According to a third embodiment, a smoking system is provided. This smoking system comprises a flavor generating article and a flavor inhaler having an induction heating coil for generating heat from the first heating member and the second heating member of the flavor generating article.

[0059] In this case, the first heating element and the second heating element can be heated by an induction heating coil provided in the flavor inhaler.

[0060] In the above-described smoking system, the flavor inhaler may have a control unit that controls the heating of the first heating member and the second heating member, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the control unit may be configured to control the heating of the first heating member and the second heating member such that the first portion is heated by the first heating member, and then the second portion is heated by the second heating member.

[0061] In this case, the first part can be heated to generate flavor or aerosol, and then the second part can be heated to generate flavor or aerosol. Therefore, when the first part is heated by the first heating element, some of the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part condenses and remains in the second part, which is at a relatively low temperature. Subsequently, when the second part is heated by the second heating element, flavor or aerosol containing the condensed flavor or aerosol is generated from the second part. As a result, a high amount of aerosol or flavor can be delivered even in the later stages of a smoking session, and the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be made more stable throughout the smoking session. Note that the heating of the first part and the heating of the second part may be performed partially simultaneously.

[0062] In the above smoking system, the flavor-generating article may have a marker indicating its orientation when received by the flavor inhaler, and the flavor inhaler may have a sensor for detecting the marker.

[0063] In this case, the flavor-generating item can be detected by the flavor suction device's sensor to determine whether or not it has been received into the flavor suction device in the correct orientation.

[0064] In the above smoking system, the flavor inhaler comprises a chamber configured for inserting the flavor generating article, a housing that houses the chamber, and a mouthpiece having an inhalation opening. The housing has a first air inlet and a second air inlet. When the flavor generating article is inserted into the chamber in a first orientation, the air inlet communicates with the first air inlet and the air outlet communicates with the inhalation opening. When the flavor generating article is inserted into the chamber in a second orientation, rotated 180° from the first orientation with respect to the direction of insertion into the chamber, the air inlet communicates with the second air inlet and the air outlet communicates with the inhalation opening.

[0065] In this case, regardless of whether the flavor-generating article is inserted into the chamber in the first or second orientation, air can be supplied from the first or second air inlet to the air inlet of the flavor-generating article, and air can be discharged from the air outlet of the flavor-generating article to the suction opening. Therefore, the operability when the user inserts the flavor-generating article into the chamber can be improved.

[0066] According to a third embodiment, a smoking system is provided having a flavor-generating article and a flavor inhaler. The flavor-generating article has a flavor-generating segment including a first part and a second part. The smoking system has a first heating member and a second heating member configured to heat the flavor-generating segment. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the first part is positioned near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the second part is positioned near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member. The flavor-generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the second part is located downstream of the first part.

[0067] According to the third embodiment, in a flavor-generating article which may have an overall flattened shape, the first part and the second part are arranged near the first heating member and the second heating member, respectively, and the second part is located downstream of the first part, so that the first part and the second part can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first and second parts and smoking it in the early part of a smoking session, and heating the other part of the first and second parts and smoking it in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session. The first part and the second part may be separate from each other, in contact with each other, or formed integrally with each other. The first part and the second part may also be in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet. The first part and the second part may have different compositions or the same composition.

[0068] According to a fourth embodiment, a flavor-generating article is provided. This flavor-generating article includes a flavor-generating segment comprising a first portion and a second portion, and a first heating member and a second heating member configured to heat the flavor-generating segment. The first portion is positioned near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member. The second portion is positioned near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member. The flavor-generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the second portion is located downstream of the first portion.

[0069] According to the fourth embodiment, in a flavor-generating article which may have an overall flattened shape, the first part and the second part are arranged near the first heating member and the second heating member, respectively, and the second part is located downstream of the first part, so that the first part and the second part can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first and second parts and smoking it in the early part of a smoking session, and heating the other part of the first and second parts and smoking it in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session. The first part and the second part may be separate from each other, in contact with each other, or formed integrally with each other. The first part and the second part may also be in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet. The first part and the second part may have different compositions or the same composition.

[0070] According to a fifth embodiment, a smoking system is provided comprising a flavor-generating article and a flavor inhaler. The flavor-generating article has a flavor-generating segment comprising a first portion and a second portion. The flavor inhaler has a first heating member and a second heating member configured to heat the flavor-generating segment. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the first portion is positioned near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the second portion is positioned near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member. The flavor-generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness. When the flavor-generating article is smoked, the second portion is located downstream of the first portion.

[0071] According to the fifth embodiment, in a flavor-generating article which may have an overall flattened shape, the first part and the second part are arranged near the first heating member and the second heating member, respectively, and the second part is located downstream of the first part, so that the first part and the second part can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first and second parts and smoking it in the early part of a smoking session, and heating the other part of the first and second parts and smoking it in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session. The first part and the second part may be separate from each other, in contact with each other, or formed integrally with each other. The first part and the second part may also be in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet. The first part and the second part may have different compositions or the same composition.

[0072] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a smoking system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is an enlarged schematic side view of the flavor generating article shown in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article at the line 2B-2B shown in Figure 2A. This is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article at the line 2C-2C shown in Figure 2A. This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the flavor generating article used in the smoking system shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the flavor generating article used in the smoking system shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the flavor generating article used in the smoking system shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the smoking system shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the smoking system shown in Figure 1. This is an enlarged schematic side view of the flavor generating article shown in Figure 7. This is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article at the line 8B-8B shown in Figure 8A. This is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article at the line 8C-8C shown in Figure 8A. This is a schematic perspective view of the flavor inhaler with the mouthpiece removed.

[0073] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In the following drawings, the dimensions of each part have been appropriately changed for clarity.

[0074] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a smoking system 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the smoking system 1000 includes a flavor generating article 100 and a flavor inhaler 200. The flavor inhaler 200 includes a chamber 210 into which the flavor generating article 100 is inserted, a housing 220 that houses the chamber 210, and a mouthpiece 230. The mouthpiece 230 has an inhalation opening 230a through which the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating article 100 passes. As shown in the figure, the inhalation opening 230a is configured to communicate the space inside the housing 220 with the space outside the flavor generating article 100. If the flavor generating article 100 is provided with a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece 230 may be omitted. The chamber 210 may have a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the flavor generating article 100. The chamber 210 is preferably made of a material that is heat resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0075] The flavor inhaler 200 has an induction heating coil 240 provided on the flavor generating article 100, configured to generate heat for a first heating member and a second heating member, which will be described later. Specifically, the induction heating coil 240 includes a first induction heating coil 240a configured to generate heat for the first heating member, which will be described later, and a second induction heating coil 240b configured to generate heat for the second heating member, which will be described later. As shown in the figure, when the flavor generating article 100 is inserted into the chamber 210 of the flavor inhaler 200, the first induction heating coil 240a may be arranged to surround the first heating member, and the second induction heating coil 240b may be arranged to surround the second heating member. In this embodiment, when the flavor inhaler 200 has an induction heating coil 240, the chamber 210 may be made of an insulating material such as resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic.

[0076] As shown in Figure 1, a power supply 250 and a control unit 260 are provided inside the housing 220 of the flavor inhaler 200. The power supply 250 is configured to supply power to the first induction heating coil 240a and the second induction heating coil 240b via the control unit 260. The control unit 260 is configured to control the heating of the first heating element and the second heating element of the flavor generating article 100, which will be described later. Specifically, the control unit 260 includes a circuit board such as a microprocessor and is configured to independently control the heating of the first heating element and the second heating element by controlling the independent supply of power from the power supply 250 to the first induction heating coil 240a and the second induction heating coil 240b, respectively.

[0077] The power supply 250 is, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 250 is electrically connected to the first induction heating coil 240a and the second induction heating coil 240b via the control unit 260. As a result, the power supply 250 can supply power to the first induction heating coil 240a and the second induction heating coil 240b so as to properly heat the flavor generating article 100.

[0078] Figure 2A is an enlarged schematic side view of the flavor-generating article 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the flavor-generating article 100 along the line 2B-2B shown in Figure 2A. Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the flavor-generating article 100 along the line 2C-2C shown in Figure 2A. The flavor-generating article 100 of this embodiment has a length L1, a width W1 perpendicular to the length L1, and a thickness T1 perpendicular to both the length L1 and the width W1, wherein the length L1 is greater than or equal to the width W1, and the width W1 is greater than the thickness T1. That is, the flavor-generating article 100 may have an overall flattened shape. Specifically, for example, the flavor-generating article 100 may have a length L1 of 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less, a width W1 of 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and a thickness T1 of 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0079] The flavor generating article 100 is configured to generate flavor by being heated by a first heating member 300A and a second heating member 300B. That is, the flavor generating article 100 is a non-combustion heating type flavor generating article. In the illustrated example, the flavor generating article 100 is provided with a first heating member 300A and a second heating member 300B configured to heat the flavor generating segment 10. The first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B include a susceptor made of an induction heating material. This allows the induction heating coil 240 provided in the flavor inhaler 200 shown in Figure 1 to generate heat. However, the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B may also be provided in the flavor inhaler 200 shown in Figure 1. The susceptor may include, for example, at least one of a metal and carbon. More specifically, the susceptor may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ferromagnetic materials, ferromagnetic alloys, ferrite iron, ferromagnetic steel, and stainless steel. The first heating member 300A has a first surface 301A that extends in the direction of length L1 and width W1, and a second surface 302A that is opposite to the first surface 301A in the direction of thickness T1. The second heating member 300B has a third surface 301B that extends in the direction of length L1 and width W1, and a fourth surface 302B that is opposite to the third surface 301B in the direction of thickness T1. As shown in Figure 2A, the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B are aligned in the direction of length L1, and are arranged such that the first surface 301A of the first heating member 300A and the third surface 301B of the second heating member 300B face the same direction. The first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B may be separate components that are separated from each other, or they may be a single integrated component.

[0080] As shown in Figure 2A, the flavor generating article 100 has a flavor generating segment 10 which includes a first portion 10A and a second portion 10B. The first portion 10A is positioned near the first heating member 300A of the two heating members 300B. The second portion 10B is positioned near the second heating member 300B of the two heating members 300A and 300B. When the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, the second portion 10B is located downstream of the first portion 10A. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the first portion 10A is positioned to contact the first surface 301A of the first heating member 300A, and the second portion 10B is positioned to contact the fourth surface 302B of the second heating member 300B.

[0081] According to the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the first part 10A and the second part 10B are positioned near the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, respectively, and the second part 10B is located downstream of the first part 10A. Therefore, the first part 10A and the second part 10B can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first part 10A and the second part 10B for smoking in the early part of a smoking session, and heating the other part of the first part 10A and the second part 10B for smoking in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session. The first part 10A and the second part 10B may be separated from each other as shown in Figure 2A. The first part 10A and the second part 10B may also be in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet. The first part 10A and the second part 10B may have different compositions or the same composition.

[0082] (Composition and manufacturing method of the first part 10A and the second part 10B) When the first part 10A and the second part 10B are in the form of sheets, the first part 10A and the second part 10B may be composed of multiple sheets laminated together, or of sheets that have been crimped. The thickness of the sheets may be 50 μm or more and 2000 μm or less. The first part 10A and the second part 10B may also be formed using sheet strips (cuts) manufactured by cutting a sheet. The strips may also be of the so-called strand type, in which a sheet having a length approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the first part 10A and the second part 10B is cut approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first part 10A and the second part 10B and filled into the roll paper. The width of the strips may be 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0083] The sheet may be manufactured using one of the following methods: The first is to produce a paper-made sheet using a papermaking process. The second is to produce a cast sheet by mixing a suitable solvent such as water with a mixture containing plant raw materials, a binder, an aerosol source, etc., homogenizing it, and then thinly casting the homogenized material onto a metal plate or metal plate belt and drying it. The third is to produce a rolled sheet by mixing a suitable solvent such as water with plant raw materials, homogenizing the mixture, and then extruding it into a sheet. Details regarding the types of homogenized sheets described above are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009".

[0084] If the first part 10A and the second part 10B have the form of granules, the granules may be substantially spherical. The average particle size (D50) of the granules may be 1000 μm or less, and may be 700 μm or less, 600 μm or less, 550 μm or less, or 400 μm or more. If the first part 10A and the second part 10B have the form of a block, the block may be, for example, a block in which the above-mentioned plurality of granules are bound together by a binder.

[0085] If the first part 10A and the second part 10B are in the form of a tablet, the shape of the tablet is not particularly limited and may be, for example, disc-shaped, elliptical, rectangular, etc. The number of tablets in each of the first part 10A and the second part 10B is preferably 2 to 20, more preferably 4 to 10, and even more preferably 6 to 8. If the number of tablets is smaller than the above range, when filling the first part 10A and the second part 10B with tablets, the tablets may become large and difficult to manufacture. On the other hand, if the number of tablets is larger than the above range, it may become difficult for air to pass between the tablets, and the suction resistance may increase. It is preferable that the multiple tablets are arranged so as not to overlap each other when housed in the container 20. The length and width of the tablets may be 0.1 mm to 10 mm, and preferably 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The thickness of the tablets may be 0.5 mm to 4 mm, and preferably 1.0 mm to 2 mm. Furthermore, it is preferable that the tablets have a thickness such that they come into contact with the inner surface of the container 20 and the separators (first heating element 300A and second heating element 300B). When each of the first part 10A and the second part 10B has multiple tablets, the shape and size of each tablet may be the same or different. For example, each of the first part 10A and the second part 10B may have six disc-shaped tablets that are substantially the same shape and size, and these six tablets may be arranged in a 2x3 configuration. The 2x3 configuration may be, for example, an arrangement in which two tablets are arranged along the longitudinal direction and three tablets are arranged along the width direction.

[0086] The surface of the lock may be surface-treated. For example, grooves or depressions may be formed on the surface of the lock. If the surface of the lock that comes into contact with the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B (the surface closer to the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B) has grooves or depressions, an air passage is formed between the lock and the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, making it easier for aerosols generated by heating to be delivered through the air passage. The lock may also have a core and a coating layer that covers at least a part of the core. Preferably, the coating layer covers the entire core. Having a coating layer improves the water resistance of the core during storage. The coating layer can be formed using, for example, sugars such as sucrose, D-mannitol, erythritol, sorbitol, xylitol, and trehalose, or hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hypromellose, polyvinyl alcohol, pullulan, alginate, pectin, gellan gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, and acacia gum. The thickness of the coating layer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving the water resistance of the core while making it difficult to inhibit the generation of aerosols from the core, it is preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0087] Tablets can be manufactured, for example, by the following methods: a wet process in which a mixture of plant raw materials, a binder, an aerosol source, etc., is mixed, a suitable solvent such as water is added, the mixture is granulated, the granules are dried and sized, and then compressed (tableted). Alternatively, a dry process in which a mixture of plant raw materials, an aerosol source, etc., is compressed and granulated using a screw feeder or the like without adding a solvent such as water or a binder, the granules are sized, and then compressed (tableted).

[0088] The first part 10A and the second part 10B preferably contain at least plant-based raw materials. In addition, the first part 10A and the second part 10B may also contain, for example, a binder, an aerosol source, fibers, flavorings, etc.

[0089] The plant raw material may be a tobacco raw material. Alternatively, the plant raw material may be a non-tobacco plant raw material. The non-tobacco plant raw material is not particularly limited, but for example, plants used as herbs or spices can be used. Specific examples of plants used as herbs or spices include dill seeds, rosemary, star anise, cloves, oregano, ginger, and chamomile. The plant raw material is a plant pulverized product or a plant-derived component. The plant pulverized product is obtained by pulverizing plants. Pulverization can be carried out using a known pulverizer, and may be dry or wet pulverization. The particle size (D90) of the plant pulverized product can be, for example, 20 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, preferably 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less. The particle size (D50) of the plant pulverized product is preferably 20 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0090] Plant-derived components are substances or mixtures that exhibit flavor extracted from plant raw materials. Methods for obtaining plant-derived components include, for example, extracting components contained in plant pulverized material with a solvent such as water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof, or collecting components released by heat treatment of plant pulverized material in a collection solvent. The amount of plant raw material contained in the first part 10A and the second part 10B is preferably 5% by weight or more and 80% by weight or less, more preferably 20% by weight or more and 80% by weight or less, even more preferably 30% by weight or more and 80% by weight or less, and particularly preferably 40% by weight or more and 80% by weight or less.

[0091] (Additives to the first part 10A and the second part 10B) The first part 10A and the second part 10B may contain a binder. The binder plays a role in binding the plant raw materials together. From the viewpoint of binding strength of the plant raw materials and flavor, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, or xanthan gum are preferred as binders. One of these binders may be used, or two or more may be used in combination. The amount of binder contained in the first part 10A and the second part 10B may be 1% by weight or more and 30% by weight or less, preferably 1% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less, more preferably 5% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or more and 8% by weight or less.

[0092] The first part 10A and the second part 10B may contain an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a material that generates a smoky aerosol upon heating. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and various natural extracts and / or their components can be selected depending on the application. Specific examples of aerosol sources include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The amount of aerosol source contained in the first part 10A and the second part 10B may be 1% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less, preferably 1% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less, more preferably 5% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or more and 30% by weight or less. The first part 10A and the second part 10B do not need to contain an aerosol source.

[0093] The first part 10A and the second part 10B may contain fibers. If the first part 10A and the second part 10B contain fibers, the fibers may be plant-derived in this embodiment. Plant-derived fibers are biodegradable and therefore have a low environmental impact. The fibers may be porous. Also, if the first part 10A and the second part 10B contain fibers, the fibers may include pulp fibers or non-pulp fibers. Non-pulp fibers are fibers other than pulp fibers. Pulp fibers are aggregates of cellulose fibers extracted from plants such as wood, and are usually used as raw materials for paper. Non-pulp fibers may be dietary fibers. Dietary fibers are food components that are not digested by human digestive enzymes, and in this embodiment, they may be insoluble dietary fibers that do not dissolve in water. From the viewpoint of availability, etc., the dietary fibers may be citrus fibers. Citrus fibers are fibers that mainly use the albedo of citrus fruits as raw materials.

[0094] The amount of fiber contained in the first part 10A and the second part 10B is preferably 0% by weight or more and 80% by weight or less, more preferably 1% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less.

[0095] The first part 10A and the second part 10B may contain flavorings other than plant-based ingredients. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, but examples include fragrances and flavorings. The flavoring can be in any form, for example, liquid or solid. The flavoring may be a single component or a combination of multiple components. The flavoring may also be a material that provides a cooling or warming sensation.

[0096] For example, a wide range of flavoring components can be used, as described in "Collection of Well-Known and Conventional Techniques (Fragrances)" (March 14, 2007, published by the Japan Patent Office), "Dictionary of the Latest Fragrances (Popular Edition)" (February 25, 2012, edited by Soichi Arai, Akio Kobayashi, Izumi Yajima, and Michiaki Kawasaki, Asakura Shoten), and "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products" (June 1972, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company). For example, the flavoring may be menthol. For example, the tasters may be materials that exhibit sweetness, sourness, saltiness, umami, bitterness, astringency, or richness. The amount of flavoring contained in the first part 10A and the second part 10B may be 0% by weight or more and 20% by weight or less, and preferably 5% by weight or more and 13% by weight or less. The first part 10A and the second part 10B do not need to contain flavoring.

[0097] The weights of the first part 10A and the second part 10B may be 50 mg or more and 300 mg or less, 80 mg or more and 250 mg or less, or 100 mg or more and 200 mg or less. In this embodiment, the flavor generating segment 10 is divided into the first part 10A and the second part 10B. In this case, the weights of the first part 10A and the second part 10B can be reduced, so that aerosols or flavors can be generated with a relatively small energy supply.

[0098] As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the flavor generating article 100 preferably has a container 20 for housing the flavor generating segment 10. This makes handling easier by preventing the user from directly touching the flavor generating segment 10 when handling the flavor generating article 100. In addition, the container 20 protects the flavor generating segment 10, thus preventing damage to the flavor generating segment 10. In the illustrated example, the container 20 is configured to house the flavor generating segment 10, as well as a first heating member 300A, a second heating member 300B, and a functional segment 30, which will be described later. The container 20 is preferably formed from, for example, pulp mold.

[0099] Pulp molding refers to the process of molding a pulp slurry, or a molded product obtained by molding a pulp slurry. Here, pulp molding may also refer to a molded product obtained by molding a slurry containing, for example, the residue (extraction residue) after obtaining plant-derived components. In this case, the extraction residue contains fibers of plant raw materials. The slurry for pulp molding preferably includes a medium, extraction residue, fibrous reinforcing material, and binder. The slurry for pulp molding may also contain filler.

[0100] The container 20 may have a cylindrical side wall portion 20a, a first end wall portion 20b that closes one end of the side wall portion 20a, and a second end wall portion 20c that seals the other end of the side wall portion 20a. The first end wall portion 20b is positioned closer to the first portion 10A than to the second portion 10B. The second end wall portion 20c is positioned closer to the second portion 10B than to the first portion 10A. The side wall portion 20a, the first end wall portion 20b, and the second end wall portion 20c may be formed integrally or each may be formed separately. The thickness of the side wall portion 20a, the first end wall portion 20b, and the second end wall portion 20c constituting the container 20 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less. The container 20 may also be provided with guide portions for holding the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B (or the separator 400 described later). Specifically, for example, the container 20 may have a pair of longitudinally extending and opposing guide portions (grooves) in its side wall portion 20a, which house the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B (or the separator 400 described later).

[0101] The container 20 has an air inlet 21 for taking air into the container 20 and an air outlet 22 for discharging air containing flavor generated from the flavor generating segment 10 from inside the container 20. In this case, it is preferable that the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22 are formed at the first end 20d of the container 20 in the direction of length L1. As a result, air flowing in from the air inlet 21 provided at the first end 20d flows out from the air outlet 22 provided at the first end 20d, so an air flow path that circulates inside the container 20, a so-called counterflow type air flow path, can be formed. In this case, the flavor generating article 100 can be miniaturized (especially in the length direction). In the illustrated example, the first end 20d is located at the second end wall portion 20c. That is, in the illustrated example, the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22 are formed at the second end wall portion 20c. Filters or the like may be placed at the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22 to suppress the discharge of the contents of the container 20 to the outside. Furthermore, the second end wall portion 20c is not formed with any openings to prevent air from passing through. The air inlet 21 and air outlet 22 may be composed of one or more openings. The size of these openings is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less. By adjusting the size of the openings, spillage of contents from the air inlet 21 or air outlet 22 can be suppressed. Note that the size of the opening refers to the diameter if the opening is circular, and to the maximum width of the opening if the opening is non-circular.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2A, it is preferable that the flavor-generating article 100 has a marker 102 to indicate the orientation when it is received by the flavor suction device 200 shown in Figure 1. In this case, the flavor suction device 200 shown in Figure 1 has a sensor 212 that detects the marker 102. This allows the sensor 212 of the flavor suction device 200 to detect whether or not the flavor-generating article 100 has been received by the flavor suction device 200 in the correct orientation. In the example shown in Figure 2A, two markers 102 are provided on the side wall portion 20a and the first end wall portion 20b of the container 20, respectively. However, it is not limited to this, and one or more markers 102 can be placed at any position on the container 20.

[0103] As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, it is preferable that the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B are filled into the container 20 so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the container 20. This ensures that the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B are filled into the container 20 so as not to create any substantial gaps between them and the container 20. Therefore, the air flowing into the container 20 can be brought into contact with the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B, and the flavor or aerosol generated in the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B can be efficiently delivered.

[0104] Furthermore, it is preferable that the flavor generating article 100 has a functional segment 30 including a first functional part 30A and a second functional part 30B. In this case, it is preferable that the first functional part 30A is positioned near the first heating member 300A of the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, and that the second functional part 30B is positioned near the second heating member 300B of the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the first functional part 30A is positioned to contact the second surface 302A of the first heating member 300A, and the second functional part 30B is positioned to contact the third surface 301B of the second heating member 300B.

[0105] According to the flavor-generating article 100 shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B are positioned near the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, respectively, so that the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B for smoking in the early part of a smoking session, and heating the other of the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B for smoking in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session. Note that the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B may be separated from each other as shown in Figure 2A.

[0106] Preferably, the first functional part 30A contains a fragrance or aerosol source, and the second functional part 30B also contains a fragrance or aerosol source. In this case, the amount of flavor or aerosol delivered can be increased. The fragrances contained in the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B may be the same or different. If the fragrances contained in the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B are different, different flavors can be provided by heating either the first functional part 30A or the second functional part 30B in the early and late stages of a smoking session. Furthermore, the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B do not have to contain plant materials. Specifically, for example, the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B may be made by supporting a fragrance or aerosol source on a filter material, paper, nonwoven fabric, or cotton. Preferably, the support on which the fragrance or aerosol source is carried is made of a material that is not easily deformed (or does not melt) by heating with a heating element. The first functional portion 30A and the second functional portion 30B may be in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet containing at least a fragrance.

[0107] If the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B are in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet, the matters described in "Composition and Manufacturing Method of the First Part 10A and the Second Part 10B" with respect to the case where the first part 10A and the second part 10B are in the form of a sheet, granules, block, or tablet can also be applied to the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B. However, as stated above, the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B do not need to contain plant materials.

[0108] Furthermore, the first functional portion 30A and the second functional portion 30B may contain at least one of flavorings other than plant raw materials, binders, aerosol sources, and fibers. In this case, the matters described in "Additives to the First and Second Parts 10A and 10B" regarding the case in which the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B contain flavorings other than plant raw materials, binders, aerosol sources, and fibers can also be applied to the first and second functional portions 30A and 10B. The amount of aerosol source contained in the first functional portion 30A or the second functional portion 30B may be greater than the amount of aerosol source contained in the first portion 10A or the second portion 10B. In this case, the first functional portion 30A or the second functional portion 30B can supply a sufficient aerosol source. Also, in the first portion 10A or the second portion 10B, the relatively small amount of aerosol source reduces the heat capacity of the first portion 10A or the second portion 10B. This improves the heating efficiency of the first part 10A or the second part 10B. The amount of flavoring contained in the first functional part 30A or the second functional part 30B may be greater than the amount of flavoring contained in the first part 10A or the second part 10B. The weight of the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B may be 50 mg or more and 300 mg or less, 80 mg or more and 250 mg or less, or 100 mg or more and 200 mg or less. In this embodiment, the functional segment 30 is divided into the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B. In this case, the weight of the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B can be reduced, so that aerosols or flavors can be generated with a relatively small energy supply.

[0109] As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, it is preferable that the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B extend in the direction of length L1 and the direction of width W1. In this case, the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B function as separators that divide the space for the arrangement of the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B. In this case, the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B can be placed at any position in the space separated by the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B which function as separators, thereby improving the design freedom of the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B in the flavor generating article 100. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B can be separated by a separator so that they do not come into contact with each other. Furthermore, the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B function as separators, allowing the first part 10A and the second part 10B to be heated while the space in which they are arranged is partitioned by the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B. The first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators, may be made of a material with low gas permeability. Alternatively, the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators, may have a plurality of holes or notches and be configured to be substantially permeable to gas.

[0110] As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, it is preferable that the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B are filled into the container 20 so as to be in contact with the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators. In this case, the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B are filled into the container 20 so as not to create a substantial gap between them and the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators. Therefore, the air flowing into the container 20 can be brought into contact with the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B, and the flavor or aerosol generated in the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B can be efficiently delivered. More specifically, the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B are filled into the space partitioned by the container 20 and the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators.

[0111] Similarly, as shown in Figures 2A to 2C, it is preferable that the first functional portion 30A and the second functional portion 30B are filled into the container 20 so as to be in contact with the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators. In this case, the first functional portion 30A and the second functional portion 30B are filled into the container 20 so as not to create a substantial gap between them and the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators. Therefore, the air flowing into the container 20 can be brought into contact with the first functional portion 30A and the second functional portion 30B, and the flavor or aerosol generated in the first functional portion 30A and the second functional portion 30B can be efficiently delivered. More specifically, the first functional portion 30A and the second functional portion 30B are filled into the space partitioned by the container 20 and the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators.

[0112] The container 20 is configured to house a first heating member 300A and a second heating member 300B that function as a separator. In this case, it is preferable that the flavor generating article 100 has a first gap S1 between the first end 20d of the container 20 and the separator (in this case, the second heating member 300B), and that an air passage is formed inside the container 20 passing through an air inlet 21, the first gap S1, and an air outlet 22. In this case, the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 flows through the first gap S1 to the air outlet 22, thereby cooling the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part 10A and the second part 10B.

[0113] The container 20 has a second end 20e opposite to a first end 20d where an air inlet 21 and an air outlet 22 are formed. In the illustrated example, the second end 20e is located at the first end wall portion 20b. Here, it is preferable that the container 20 has a second gap S2 between the second end 20e and the separator (in this case, the first heating member 300A), and that an air passage is formed inside the container 20 passing through the air inlet 21, the second gap S2, and the air outlet 22. In this case, a so-called counterflow type air passage can be formed in which air flowing in from the air inlet 21 is discharged to the air outlet 22 through the second gap S2 located at the end of the container 20, so that the flavor or aerosol generated in the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B arranged in the container 20 can be efficiently delivered. Furthermore, by forming a counterflow type air passage, the flavor generating article 100 can be miniaturized (especially in the length direction).

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, which function as separators, include the first heating member 300A, which is in contact with the first portion 10A and functions as the first separator portion, and the second heating member 300B, which is in contact with the second portion 10B and functions as the second separator portion. Here, it is preferable that the first heating member 300A (first separator portion) and the second heating member 300B (second separator portion) are adjacent to each other in the direction of length L1, and that a third gap S3 is formed between the first heating member 300A (first separator portion) and the second heating member 300B (second separator portion). This allows for the formation of an air passage inside the container 20 that passes through the air inlet 21, the third gap S3, and the air outlet 22. In this case, the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 flows through the third gap S3 to the air outlet 22, and the air passing through the third gap S3 can cool the flavor or aerosol generated in the upstream first portion 10A. As described above, the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B may be separate members or a single integrated member. If the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B are a single integrated member, the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B may have openings or notches that form the third gap S3.

[0115] As shown in Figure 2A, in this embodiment, the first portion 10A is positioned on the first surface 301A of the first heating member 300A, and the first functional portion 30A is positioned on the second surface 302A. Also, the second functional portion 30B is positioned on the third surface 301B of the second heating member 300B, and the second portion 10B is positioned on the fourth surface 302B. Furthermore, the air inlet 21 of the container 20 is positioned closer to the second functional portion 30B and the first portion 10A than the center in the direction of thickness T1, and the air outlet 22 of the container 20 is positioned closer to the second portion 10B and the first functional portion 30A than the center in the direction of thickness T1. As a result, when the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 can flow in the order of second functional portion 30B, first portion 10A, first functional portion 30A, and second portion 10B.

[0116] Thus, when the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, it is preferable that the second part 10B is located downstream of the first part 10A, the first functional part 30A, and the second functional part 30B. Similarly, when the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, it is preferable that the first functional part 30A is located downstream of the first part 10A and the second functional part 30B. Furthermore, when the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, it is preferable that the first part 10A is located downstream of the second functional part 30B. In this case, when the first part 10A and the first functional part 30A are heated by the first heating member 300A, a portion of the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part 10A and the first functional part 30A condenses and remains in the second part 10B, which is in a relatively low temperature state. Subsequently, when the second part 10B and the second functional part 30B are heated by the second heating member 300B, a flavor or aerosol containing the condensed flavor or aerosol is generated from the second part 10B. Therefore, a high amount of aerosol or flavor delivery can be achieved even in the later stages of a smoking session, thus making the amount of aerosol or flavor delivery more stable throughout the smoking session. When smoking the flavor generating article 100, it is preferable that the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 flows in the order of second functional part 30B, first part 10A, first functional part 30A, and second part 10B, and the arrangement of the second functional part 30B, first part 10A, first functional part 30A, and second part 10B is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2A.

[0117] In the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 1, when the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, the control unit 260 is preferably configured to control the heating of the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B so that the first part 10A is heated by the first heating member 300A, and then the second part 10B is heated by the second heating member 300B. In this case, the first part 10A can be heated to generate flavor or aerosol, and then the second part 10B can be heated to generate flavor or aerosol. Therefore, when the first part 10A is heated by the first heating member 300A, a portion of the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part 10A condenses and remains in the second part 10B, which is in a relatively low temperature state. Subsequently, when the second part 10B is heated by the second heating member 300B, flavor or aerosol containing the condensed flavor or aerosol is generated from the second part 10B. Therefore, a high amount of aerosol or flavor delivery can be achieved even in the later stages of a smoking session, thus making the amount of aerosol or flavor delivery more stable throughout the smoking session. The heating of the first part 10A and the heating of the second part 10B may be performed partially simultaneously.

[0118] Furthermore, since the flavor-generating article 100 shown in Figures 2A to 2C has a functional segment 30, different functional segments 30 can be heated in the early and late stages of a smoking session. Therefore, even in the later stages of a smoking session, flavor or aerosol generated from the functional segment 30 can be provided, thus providing a substantially uniform flavor throughout the entire smoking session. Also, for example, if the first functional portion 30A and the second functional portion 30B contain different flavorings, different flavors can be provided in the early and late stages of a smoking session.

[0119] Figure 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the flavor generating article 100 used in the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3 differs from the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figures 2A to 2C in the positions of the first part 10A, the second part 10B, the first functional part 30A, and the second functional part 30B, as well as the lengths of the second part 10B and the second functional part 30B. The other components of the flavor generating article 100 in Figure 3 are the same as those of the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figures 2A to 2C.

[0120] Specifically, in the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3, the first functional part 30A is positioned on the first surface 301A of the first heating member 300A, and the first part 10A is positioned on the second surface 302A. In addition, the second functional part 30B is positioned on the third surface 301B of the second heating member 300B, and the second part 10B is positioned on the fourth surface 302B. That is, in the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3, when the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, the first part 10A is located downstream of the first functional part 30A, and the second part 10B is located downstream of the second functional part 30B. In this case, when the first part 10A and the first functional part 30A are heated by the first heating member 300A, the flavor or aerosol generated in the first functional part 30A can be supplied to the user along with the flavor contained in the first part 10A. Similarly, when the second portion 10B and the second functional portion 30B are heated by the second heating member 300B, the flavor or aerosol generated in the second functional portion 30B can be supplied to the user along with the flavor contained in the second portion 10B. Therefore, the flavor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating article 100 can be efficiently delivered.

[0121] Furthermore, in the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3, the first heating member 300A is in contact with the first part 10A, and the second heating member 300B is in contact with the second part 10B. Here, the sum of the length in the direction of length L1 of the contact surface between the first heating member 300A and the first part 10A, and the length in the direction of length L1 of the contact surface between the second heating member 300B and the second part 10B, is shorter than the length in the direction of length L1 of the flavor generating segment 10. In this case, since the flavor generating segment 10 extends beyond the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, overheating of the flavor generating segment 10 can be suppressed. Here, the length in the direction of length L1 of the flavor generating segment 10 refers to the sum of the lengths in the direction of length L1 of the first part 10A and the second part 10B.

[0122] Similarly, the sum of the lengths in the direction of length L1 of the contact surface between the first heating member 300A and the first functional part 30A, and the lengths in the direction of length L1 of the contact surface between the second heating member 300B and the second functional part 30B, may be shorter than the length of the functional segment 30 in the direction of length L1. In this case, since the functional segment 30 extends beyond the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, overheating of the flavor generating segment 10 can be suppressed. Here, the length of the functional segment 30 in the direction of length L1 refers to the sum of the lengths in the direction of length L1 of the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B.

[0123] Furthermore, in the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3, the second portion 10B may extend from the second heating member 300B toward the first end 20d of the container 20 where the air inlet 21 and air outlet 22 are formed. In this case, since the second portion 10B has a portion that extends from the second heating member 300B, the flavor or aerosol generated in the second portion 10B during the heating preparation of the second portion 10B can be prevented from leaking from the air inlet 21 and air outlet 22 by that portion. Similarly, the second functional portion 30B may extend from the second heating member 300B toward the first end 20d of the container 20. In this case, since the second functional portion 30B has a portion that extends from the second heating member 300B, the flavor or aerosol generated in the second functional portion 30B during the heating preparation of the second functional portion 30B can be prevented from leaking from the air inlet 21 and air outlet 22 by that portion.

[0124] In the flavor-generating article 100 shown in Figure 3, the first functional part 30A preferably contains an aerosol source. In this case, a high aerosol delivery amount can be achieved by heating the first part 10A and the first functional part 30A with the first heating member 300A in the early stages of the smoking session. The second functional part 30B may contain an aerosol source or a flavoring agent.

[0125] In the flavor-generating article 100 shown in Figure 3, the first part 10A and the second part 10B are arranged adjacent to each other in the direction of length L1. Therefore, the first part 10A and the second part 10B may be separate from each other, in contact with each other, or integrally formed with each other. Similarly, in the flavor-generating article 100 shown in Figure 3, the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B are arranged adjacent to each other in the direction of length L1. Therefore, the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B may be separate from each other, in contact with each other, or integrally formed with each other.

[0126] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the flavor generating article 100 used in the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 4 differs from the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3 in that a part of the second part 10B is replaced by the third functional part. The other configurations of the flavor generating article 100 in Figure 4 are the same as those of the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3.

[0127] Specifically, the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 4 has a third functional part 30C positioned between the second part 10B and the first end 20d of the container 20, which has an air inlet 21 and an air outlet 22. In this case, the third functional part 30C can add flavor or aerosol to the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part 10A and the second part 10B. Furthermore, the third functional part 30C can suppress the leakage of aerosol from the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22. It is preferable that the third functional part 30C is positioned so as not to come into contact with the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B. It is preferable that the third functional part 30C contains a flavoring agent. In particular, it is preferable that the third functional part 30C contains menthol or the like. Since the third functional part 30C is positioned between the second part 10B, which is less likely to be heated, and the first end 20d, it is possible to suppress the depletion of highly volatile menthol by heating. As a result, throughout the entire smoking session, the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part 10A and the second part 10B can be enhanced with the flavor from the third functional part 30C. Specifically, for example, the third functional part 30C can be formed by impregnating a filter material with a flavoring agent such as menthol.

[0128] Figure 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the flavor generating article 100 used in the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 5 differs from the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3 in the configuration of the flavor generating segment 10 and the functional segment 30. The other configurations of the flavor generating article 100 in Figure 5 are the same as those of the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 3.

[0129] Specifically, in the flavor-generating article 100 shown in Figure 5, the first part 10A and the second part 10B contain green tobacco, and the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B contain an aerosol source. However, the first part 10A and the second part 10B do not contain an aerosol source (such as glycerin). If an aerosol source is included in green tobacco, the storage stability of the green tobacco may decrease. By including an aerosol source in the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B, the amount of aerosol source to be included in the green tobacco can be reduced, or the need to include an aerosol source in the green tobacco can be eliminated. Therefore, in this case, the amount of aerosol delivered can be increased while suppressing the decrease in the storage stability of the green tobacco. Here, green tobacco refers to tobacco that has not undergone a curing process.

[0130] In the example shown in Figure 5, the first part 10A and the second part 10B are shown as a single unit, but the method is not limited to this, and the first part 10A and the second part 10B may be separated, as shown in Figures 2-4. Also, in the example shown in Figure 5, the first part 10A and the second part 10B are described as containing green tobacco, but the method is not limited to this, and plant materials that deteriorate in flavor when stored in an environment coexisting with an aerosol source (especially polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin) may be used for the first part 10A and the second part 10B. In this case as well, according to the example shown in Figure 5, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol delivered while suppressing the decrease in storage stability of the first part 10A and the second part 10B.

[0131] Figure 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 6 differs from the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 1 in that the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B are provided on the flavor inhaler 200. That is, the flavor inhaler 200 shown in Figure 6 has a first heating member 300A and a second heating member 300B configured to heat the flavor generating segment 10 of the flavor generating article 100.

[0132] Specifically, the first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B of the flavor inhaler 200 shown in Figure 6 may be pin-type or blade-type heaters 300. The heater 300 may have, for example, a pin-shaped or blade-shaped insulator and a resistance heating element formed on its surface, and the first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B may each have independently controlled resistance heating elements. The control unit 260 is configured to supply power from the power supply 250 to each of the resistance heating elements constituting the first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B independently. As a result, the flavor inhaler 200 independently controls the heating of the first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B. For example, by heating one of the first part 10A and the second part 10B for smoking in the early part of the smoking session, and heating the other part of the first part 10A and the second part 10B for smoking in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session.

[0133] In the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 6, the flavor generating articles 100 shown in Figures 2 to 5 can be used. When the flavor generating article 100 is inserted into the chamber 210 of the flavor inhaler 200, the heater 300 may be configured to penetrate the first end wall portion 20b of the container 20 of the flavor inhaler 200. Alternatively, the flavor inhaler 200 may have an opening in the first end wall portion 20b of the container 20 into which the heater 300 is inserted.

[0134] Furthermore, the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 6 preferably has a first gap S1, a second gap S2, and a third gap S3, similar to the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figures 2 to 5. In this case, the heater 300 has an opening or notch near the first end wall portion 20b of the container 20 of the first heating member 300A for forming the second gap S2. Similarly, the heater 300 has an opening or notch between the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B for forming the third gap S3.

[0135] In the example shown in Figure 6, the heater 300 is a resistance heater, but it is not limited to this, and the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B may include susceptors. In this case, the flavor generating article 100 may have the first induction heating coil 240a and the second induction heating coil 240b shown in Figure 1, which independently induction heat the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B.

[0136] Figure 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 7 differs from the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 1 in that the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B are provided on the flavor inhaler 200. That is, the flavor inhaler 200 shown in Figure 6 has a first heating member 300A and a second heating member 300B configured to heat the flavor generating segment 10 of the flavor generating article 100.

[0137] The first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B can be heating elements that generate heat, i.e., their temperature rises, due to electricity from the power supply 250. Specifically, the first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B can be, for example, sheet-shaped heaters such as film heaters. In the example shown in Figure 7, the first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B are provided so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 210. The first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B may also be provided on the inner surface of the chamber 210. The control unit 260 is configured to supply power from the power supply 250 to the first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B independently. As a result, the flavor inhaler 200 independently controls the heating of the first heating element 300A and the second heating element 300B. For example, by heating one of the first part 10A and the second part 10B for smoking in the early part of the smoking session, and heating the other part of the first part 10A and the second part 10B for smoking in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session.

[0138] Figure 8A is an enlarged schematic side view of the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figure 7. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 100 taken along the line 8B-8B shown in Figure 8A. Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 100 taken along the line 8C-8C shown in Figure 8A. The flavor generating article 100 shown in Figures 8A to 8C differs from the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figures 2A to 2C in that it has a separator 400 instead of the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, and the arrangement of the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B. The other configurations of the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figures 8A to 8C are the same as those of the flavor generating article 100 shown in Figures 2A to 2C.

[0139] As shown in the figure, the flavor generating article 100 has a separator 400 that extends in the direction of length L1 and width W1 and partitions the space for the arrangement of the first part 10A and the second part 10B. This allows the first part 10A and the second part 10B to be placed at any position in the space partitioned by the separator 400, thereby improving the design freedom of the first part 10A and the second part 10B in the flavor generating article 100. Specifically, for example, the first part 10A and the second part 10B can be separated by the separator 400 so that they do not come into contact with each other. The separator 400 may be made of a material with low gas permeability such as resin, pulp mold, or paper. The separator 400 may also have a plurality of holes or notches and be configured to be substantially permeable to gas.

[0140] As shown in Figures 8B and 8C, it is preferable that the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B are filled into the container 20 so as to be in contact with the separator 400. In this case, the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B are filled into the container 20 so as to prevent any substantial gaps from forming between them and the separator 400. Therefore, the air flowing into the container 20 can be brought into contact with the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B, and the flavor or aerosol generated in the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B can be efficiently delivered.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8A, the container 20 is configured to house the separator 400 inside. Here, it is preferable that the flavor generating article 100 has a first gap S1 between the first end 20d of the container 20 and the separator 400, and that an air passage is formed inside the container 20 passing through an air inlet 21, the first gap S1, and an air outlet 22. In this case, the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 flows through the first gap S1 to the air outlet 22, thereby cooling the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part 10A and the second part 10B.

[0142] The separator 400 has a first surface 401 and a second surface 402 opposite to the first surface 401 in the direction of thickness T1. Here, it is preferable that the first portion 10A is positioned to face the first surface 401 of the separator 400, and the second portion 10B is positioned to face the second surface 402 of the separator 400. In this case, the separator 400 can separate the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B, thereby preventing the first portion 10A and the second portion 10B from coming into contact with each other.

[0143] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first functional portion 30A is positioned to face the second surface 402 of the separator 400, and the second functional portion 30B is positioned to face the first surface 401 of the separator 400. In this case, the separator 400 can separate the first functional portion 30A from the second functional portion 30B, thereby preventing the first functional portion 30A from coming into contact with each other.

[0144] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8A, it is preferable that the flavor generating article 100 has a second gap S2 between the second end 20e and the separator 400, and that an air passage is formed inside the container 20 passing through an air inlet 21, the second gap S2, and an air outlet 22. In this case, a so-called counterflow type air passage can be formed in which air flowing in from the air inlet 21 is discharged to the air outlet 22 through the second gap S2 located at the end of the container 20, so that the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part 10A and the second part 10B arranged in the container 20 can be efficiently delivered. In addition, by forming a counterflow type air passage, the flavor generating article 100 can be miniaturized (especially in the length direction).

[0145] As shown in Figure 8A, the separator 400 may include a first separator portion 400A that contacts the first portion 10A and a second separator portion 400B that contacts the second portion 10B. Here, it is preferable that the first separator portion 400A and the second separator portion 400B are adjacent in the direction of length L1, a third gap S3 is formed between the first separator portion 400A and the second separator portion 400B, and an air passage is formed inside the container 20 that passes through an air inlet 21, the third gap S3, and an air outlet 22. In this case, the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 flows through the third gap S3 to the air outlet 22, and the air passing through the third gap S3 can cool the flavor or aerosol generated in the upstream first portion 10A. The first separator portion 400A and the second separator portion 400B may be an integrated unit or separate members. When the first separator portion 400A and the second separator portion 400B are integrated, the separator 400 may have an opening or notch that forms the third gap S3.

[0146] As shown in Figures 7 and 8A-8C, when the flavor-generating article 100 is smoked, the first part 10A is positioned near the first heating member 300A of the two heating members 300B, and the second part 10B is positioned near the second heating member 300B of the two heating members 300B. Furthermore, when the flavor-generating article 100 is smoked, the second part 10B is located downstream of the first part 10A. This allows the first part 10A and the second part 10B to be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating and smoking one of the first part 10A and the second part 10B in the early part of the smoking session, and heating and smoking the other part in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session.

[0147] Furthermore, when the flavor-generating article 100 is smoked, it is preferable that the first functional part 30A is positioned near the first heating member 300A, and the second functional part 30B is positioned near the second heating member 300B, among the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B. In this case, the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B can be heated independently. As a result, for example, by heating one of the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B for smoking in the early part of the smoking session, and heating the other of the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B for smoking in the later part of the smoking session, the amount of aerosol or flavor delivered can be stabilized throughout the entire smoking session.

[0148] In the example shown in Figures 7 and 8A, the first functional part 30A is located on the opposite side of the second part 10B via the separator 400, and the second functional part 30B is located on the opposite side of the first part 10A via the separator 400. As a result, when the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, the air flowing in from the air inlet 21 flows in the order of the first functional part 30A, the first part 10A, the second functional part 30B, and the second part 10B.

[0149] In the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 7, when the flavor generating article 100 is smoked, the control unit 260 is preferably configured to control the heating of the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B so that the first part 10A is heated by the first heating member 300A, and then the second part 10B is heated by the second heating member 300B. In this case, the first part 10A can be heated to generate flavor or aerosol, and then the second part 10B can be heated to generate flavor or aerosol. Therefore, when the first part 10A is heated by the first heating member 300A, a portion of the flavor or aerosol generated in the first part 10A condenses and remains in the second part 10B, which is in a relatively low temperature state. Subsequently, when the second part 10B is heated by the second heating member 300B, flavor or aerosol containing the condensed flavor or aerosol is generated from the second part 10B. Therefore, a high amount of aerosol or flavor delivery can be achieved even in the later stages of a smoking session, thus making the amount of aerosol or flavor delivery more stable throughout the smoking session. The heating of the first part 10A and the heating of the second part 10B may be performed partially simultaneously.

[0150] Furthermore, since the flavor-generating article 100 shown in Figures 8A to 8C has a functional segment 30, the first heating member 300A can heat the first part 10A and the first functional part 30A in the early part of the smoking session, and the second heating member 300B can heat the second part 10B and the second functional part 30B in the later part of the smoking session. Therefore, even in the later part of the smoking session, flavor or aerosol generated from the functional segment 30 can be provided, so that a substantially uniform flavor can be provided throughout the entire smoking session. Also, for example, if the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B contain different flavorings, different flavors can be provided in the early and late parts of the smoking session.

[0151] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8A-8C, it is preferable that the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B are arranged to sandwich the flavor generating article 100 from the direction of its thickness T1. In this case, since the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B are spaced apart with the flavor generating article 100 in between, when the first heating member 300A heats the first portion 10A, it is possible to suppress the heating of the second portion 10B by the first heating member 300A. Similarly, when the second heating member 300B heats the second portion 10B, it is possible to suppress the heating of the first portion 10A by the second heating member 300B.

[0152] In the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 7, the first heating member 300A may indirectly contact the first portion 10A via the chamber 210 and container 20, and the second heating member 300B may indirectly contact the second portion 10B via the chamber 210 and container 20. In this case, it is preferable that the sum of the length in the direction of length L1 of the contact surface between the first heating member 300A and the first portion 10A and the length in the direction of length L1 of the contact surface between the second heating member 300B and the second portion 10B is shorter than the length in the direction of length L1 of the flavor generating segment 10. In this case, since the flavor generating segment 10 extends beyond the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B, overheating of the flavor generating segment 10 can be suppressed. The above-mentioned contact surface refers to the contact surface between the portion of the chamber 210 corresponding to the length of the first portion 10A or the second portion 10B and the first heating member 300A or the second heating member 300B.

[0153] Furthermore, in the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the second portion 10B extends from the second heating member 300B toward the first end 20d of the container 20 where the air inlet 21 and air outlet 22 are formed. In this case, since the second portion 10B has a portion that extends from the second heating member 300B, the flavor or aerosol generated in the second portion 10B during the heating preparation of the second portion 10B can be prevented from leaking from the air inlet 21 and air outlet 22 by this portion. Moreover, in the smoking system 1000 shown in Figure 7, the flavor generating article 100 may further have the third functional portion 30C shown in Figure 4.

[0154] Next, the configuration of the air inlet of the flavor inhaler 200 shown in Figures 1, 6, and 7 will be described. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the flavor inhaler 200 with the mouthpiece 230 removed. In Figure 9, for the sake of explanation, the flavor generating article 100 is shown housed in the chamber 210. As shown in the figure, the housing 220 of the flavor inhaler 200 may have a first air inlet 201 and a second air inlet 202. In this case, when the flavor generating article 100 is inserted into the chamber 210 in the first orientation shown in Figure 9, the air inlet 21 communicates with the first air inlet 201 and the air outlet 22 communicates with the suction opening 230a of the mouthpiece 230. In Figure 9, the air inlet 21 and air outlet 22 of the flavor generating article 100 when inserted into the chamber in the first orientation are shown by solid lines. On the other hand, when the flavor generating article 100 is inserted into the chamber 210 in a second orientation, which is a 180° rotation from the first orientation with respect to the insertion direction into the chamber 210 as the axis (axis AX1 in the figure), it is preferable that the air inlet 21 communicates with the second air inlet 202 and the air outlet 22 communicates with the suction opening 230a. In Figure 9, the air inlet 21 and air outlet 22 of the flavor generating article 100 when inserted into the chamber in the second orientation are shown by dashed lines. In this case, regardless of whether the flavor generating article 100 is inserted into the chamber 210 in the first or second orientation, air can be supplied to the air inlet 21 of the flavor generating article 100 from the first air inlet 201 or the second air inlet 202, and air can be discharged from the air outlet 22 of the flavor generating article 100 to the suction opening 230a. Therefore, the operability when the user inserts the flavor generating article 100 into the chamber 210 can be improved.

[0155] As described above, the air inlet 21 is positioned closer to the second functional portion 30B and the first portion 10A than the center in the direction of thickness T1, and the air outlet 22 of the container 20 is positioned closer to the second portion 10B and the first functional portion 30A than the center in the direction of thickness T1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the position of the air inlet 21 in the first orientation does not overlap with the position of the air outlet 22 of the flavor generating article 100 in the second orientation. If these positions were to overlap, there would be a risk that the air outlet 22 and the second air inlet 202 would communicate with each other in the first orientation. However, when the flavor generating article 100 is housed in the chamber 210 and the mouthpiece 230 is attached to the flavor generating article 100, communication between the first air inlet 201 or the second air inlet 202 and the air inlet 21 is ensured, while the mouthpiece 230 prevents air from communicating between the first air inlet 201 or the second air inlet 202 and the air outlet 22.

[0156] In Figure 9, the notches formed in the housing 220 constitute the first air inlet 201 and the second air inlet 202. Alternatively, the openings formed in the housing 220 may constitute the first air inlet 201 and the second air inlet 202. Also, in Figure 9, the air inlet 21 of the flavor generating article 100 is a rectangular opening and the air outlet 22 is a circular opening, but the opening shapes of the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22 are arbitrary.

[0157] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and its equivalents are included. Furthermore, combinations or omissions of the components described in the claims and specification are possible to the extent that at least some of the above-mentioned problems can be solved or at least some of the effects can be achieved.

[0158] Specifically, in the embodiments described above, the flavor generating segment 10 of the flavor generating article 100 was described as having a first part 10A and a second part 10B, but the flavor generating segment 10 may have three or more parts. In this case, the flavor generating article 100 may have three or more heating members corresponding to each part of the flavor generating segment 10. Thus, when the flavor generating article 100 has a flavor generating segment 10 including three or more parts and three or more heating members, any two parts of the flavor generating segment 10 may correspond to the first part 10A and the second part 10B, and the two susceptors corresponding to these may correspond to the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B. Furthermore, the flavor generating article 100 may have a functional segment 30 including three or more functional parts corresponding to the three or more heating members. In this case, the two functional parts corresponding to the first heating member 300A and the second heating member 300B may correspond to the first functional part 30A and the second functional part 30B.

[0159] Some embodiments disclosed herein are described below: (1) A flavor generating article configured to generate flavor when heated by a first heating member and a second heating member, having a flavor generating segment comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is positioned near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, and the second part is positioned near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, and the flavor generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second part is located downstream of the first part. (2) The flavor generating article according to (1), wherein the flavor generating segment comprises at least a plant material. (3) The flavor generating article according to (1) or (2), wherein it has a container for housing the flavor generating segment inside. (4) A flavor generating article as described in (3), wherein the container has an air inlet for taking air into the container and an air outlet for discharging air containing flavor generated from the flavor generating segment from the container, and the air inlet and the air outlet are formed at the first end of the container in the direction of the length. (5) A flavor generating article as described in (3) or (4), wherein the first part and the second part are filled into the container so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the container. (6) A flavor generating article as described in any of (1) to (5), wherein the first heating member is in contact with the first part, the second heating member is in contact with the second part, and the sum of the length in the direction of the length of the contact surface between the first heating member and the first part and the length in the direction of the length of the contact surface between the second heating member and the second part is shorter than the length in the direction of the length of the flavor generating segment.(7) A flavor generating article as described in (5) or (6) with reference to (4), wherein the second portion extends from the second heating member toward the first end of the container in which the air inlet and the air outlet are formed. (8) A flavor generating article as described in any of (5) to (7) with reference to (4), wherein it has a third functional portion disposed between the second portion and the first end of the container in which the air inlet and the air outlet are formed. (9) A flavor generating article as described in any of (1) to (8), wherein it has a functional segment including a first functional portion and a second functional portion, wherein the first functional portion is disposed near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, and the second functional portion is disposed near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member. (10) A flavor generating article as described in (9), wherein the first functional part contains a flavoring or aerosol source, and the second functional part contains a flavoring or aerosol source. (11) A flavor generating article as described in (9) or (10), wherein when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second part is located downstream of the first part, the first functional part, and the second functional part, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the first functional part is located downstream of the first part and the second functional part, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the first part is located downstream of the second functional part. (12) A flavor generating article as described in (9) or (10), wherein when the flavor generating article is smoked, the first part is located downstream of the first functional part, and the second part is located downstream of the second functional part. (13) A flavor generating article as described in (12), wherein the first part and the second part contain green tobacco, and the first functional part and the second functional part contain an aerosol source. (14) A flavor generating article as described in any of (1) to (13), wherein it has a separator that extends in the direction of the length and the direction of the width and divides the space in which the first part and the second part are arranged.(15) A flavor generating article as described in (14) with reference to (13), wherein the first part and the second part are filled into the container so as to be in contact with the separator. (16) A flavor generating article as described in (14) or (15) with reference to (4), wherein the container is configured to house the separator inside, has a first gap between the first end of the container and the separator, and has an air passage formed inside the container passing through the air inlet, the first gap and the air outlet. (17) A flavor generating article as described in any of (14) to (16), wherein the separator constitutes the first heating member and the second heating member, and the first heating member and the second heating member include a susceptor made of an induction heating material. (18) A flavor generating article according to any of (14) to (17) relating to (4), wherein the container has a second end opposite to the first end on which the air inlet and the air outlet are formed, the container is configured to house the separator inside, and has a second gap between the second end and the separator, and an air passage is formed inside the container passing through the air inlet, the second gap and the air outlet. (19) A flavor generating article according to any of (14) to (18), wherein the separator includes a first separator portion in contact with the first portion and a second separator portion in contact with the second portion, the first separator portion and the second separator portion are adjacent in the direction of the length, a third gap is formed between the first separator portion and the second separator portion, and an air passage is formed inside the container passing through the air inlet, the third gap and the air outlet. (20) A flavor generating article as described in any of (14) to (19) by reference to any of (1) to (11), wherein the separator has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the direction of the thickness, the first portion is arranged to face the first surface of the separator, and the second portion is arranged to face the second surface of the separator.(21) A flavor generating article as described in (20), referencing any of (9) to (11), wherein the first functional part is arranged to face the second surface of the separator, and the second functional part is arranged to face the first surface of the separator. (22) A smoking system comprising a flavor generating article as described in any of (1) to (16), and a flavor inhaler having a first heating member and a second heating member configured to heat the flavor generating segment of the flavor generating article. (23) A smoking system as described in (22), wherein the first heating member and the second heating member are arranged to sandwich the flavor generating article from the direction of its thickness. (24) A smoking system comprising a flavor generating article as described in (17), and a flavor inhaler having an induction heating coil that generates heat for the first heating member and the second heating member of the flavor generating article. (25) A smoking system according to any one of (22) to (24), wherein the flavor inhaler has a control unit for controlling the heating of the first heating member and the second heating member, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the control unit is configured to control the heating of the first heating member and the second heating member such that the first part is heated by the first heating member and then the second part is heated by the second heating member. (26) A smoking system according to any one of (22) to (25), wherein the flavor generating article has a marker for indicating the orientation when it is received by the flavor inhaler, and the flavor inhaler has a sensor for detecting the marker.(27) A smoking system as described in any of (22) to (26) relating to (4), wherein the flavor inhaler comprises a chamber configured for the insertion of the flavor generating article, a housing that houses the chamber, and a mouthpiece having an inhalation opening, the housing having a first air inlet and a second air inlet, the air inlet communicating with the first air inlet and the air outlet communicating with the inhalation opening when the flavor generating article is inserted into the chamber in a first orientation, and the air inlet communicating with the second air inlet and the air outlet communicating with the inhalation opening when the flavor generating article is inserted into the chamber in a second orientation rotated 180° from the first orientation with respect to the direction of insertion into the chamber as the axis, the air inlet communicating with the second air inlet and the air outlet communicating with the inhalation opening. (28) A smoking system comprising a flavor generating article and a flavor inhaler, wherein the flavor generating article has a flavor generating segment comprising a first part and a second part, the smoking system comprises a first heating member and a second heating member configured to heat the flavor generating segment, when the flavor generating article is smoked, the first part is positioned near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second part is positioned near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, the flavor generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second part is located downstream of the first part.(29) A flavor generating article comprising: a flavor generating segment including a first part and a second part; a first heating member and a second heating member configured to heat the flavor generating segment, wherein the first part is positioned near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member; the second part is positioned near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member; the flavor generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness; and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second part is located downstream of the first part. (30) A smoking system comprising a flavor generating article and a flavor inhaler, wherein the flavor generating article has a flavor generating segment comprising a first part and a second part, the flavor inhaler has a first heating member and a second heating member configured to heat the flavor generating segment, when the flavor generating article is smoked, the first part is positioned near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second part is positioned near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, the flavor generating article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second part is located downstream of the first part.

[0160] 10...Flavor generating segment 10A...First part 10B...Second part 20...Container 20d...First end 20e...Second end 21...Air inlet 22...Air outlet 30...Functional segment 30A...First functional part 30B...Second functional part 30C...Third functional part 100...Flavor generating item 102...Marker 200...Flavor aspirator 201...First air inlet 202...Second air inlet 210...Chamber 212...Sensor 220...Housing 230...Mouthpiece 230a...Intake opening 240...Induction heating coil 240a...First induction heating coil 240b...Second induction heating coil 260...Control unit 300A...First heating member 300B...Second heating member 400...Separator 400A...First separator part 400B...Second separator section 401...First surface 402...Second surface 1000...Smoking system AX1...Axis L1...Length S1...First gap S2...Second gap S3...Third gap T1...Thickness W1...Width

Claims

1. A flavor generating article configured to generate flavor when heated by a first heating member and a second heating member, having a flavor generating segment comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is positioned near the first heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, the second part is positioned near the second heating member of the first heating member and the second heating member, the flavor generating article having a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and the width is greater than the thickness, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second part is located downstream of the first part.

2. A flavor-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the flavor-generating segment comprises at least a plant-based raw material.

3. A flavor generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flavor generating article has a container for housing the flavor generating segment inside.

4. A flavor generating article according to claim 3, wherein the container has an air inlet for taking air into the container and an air outlet for discharging air containing flavor generated from the flavor generating segment from the container, and the air inlet and the air outlet are formed at the first end of the container in the direction of the length.

5. A flavor-generating article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first portion and the second portion are filled into the container so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the container.

6. A flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first heating member is in contact with the first portion, the second heating member is in contact with the second portion, and the sum of the length in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface between the first heating member and the first portion and the length in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface between the second heating member and the second portion is shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating segment.

7. A flavor generating article according to claim 5 or 6, which references claim 4, wherein the second portion extends from the second heating member toward the first end of the container in which the air inlet and air outlet are formed.

8. A flavor generating article according to any one of claims 5 to 7, referencing claim 4, wherein the flavor generating article has a third functional part disposed between the second part and the first end of the container in which the air inlet and the air outlet are formed.

9. A flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the article has a functional segment including a first functional part and a second functional part, the first functional part being located near the first heating member and the second heating member, and the second functional part being located near the second heating member and the first heating member.

10. A flavor-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the first functional part comprises a fragrance or an aerosol source, and the second functional part comprises a fragrance or an aerosol source.

11. A flavor generating article according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when the flavor generating article is smoked, the second portion is located downstream of the first portion, the first functional portion, and the second functional portion; when the flavor generating article is smoked, the first functional portion is located downstream of the first portion and the second functional portion; and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the first portion is located downstream of the second functional portion.

12. A flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the article has a separator that extends in the direction of the length and the direction of the width and divides the space between the first part and the second part.

13. A flavor generating article according to claim 12, wherein the separator constitutes the first heating member and the second heating member, and the first heating member and the second heating member include a susceptor made of an induction heating material.

14. A smoking system comprising: a flavor generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and a flavor inhaler having a first heating member and a second heating member configured to heat the flavor generating segment of the flavor generating article.

15. A smoking system according to claim 14, wherein the flavor inhaler has a control unit for controlling the heating of the first heating member and the second heating member, and when the flavor generating article is smoked, the control unit is configured to control the heating of the first heating member and the second heating member such that the first portion is heated by the first heating member, and then the second portion is heated by the second heating member.

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