HK1244639B - Non-combusting flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Description

Non-burning aroma inhaler

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having an atomizing portion configured to atomize an aerosol source without combustion.

Background Art

Known non-combustion type flavor inhaler with the atomizing portion that is constituted by the mode of atomizing an aerosol source without accompanying combustion.As such non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler (Patent Document 1) that the amount of aerosol generated from the atomizing portion is switched by the user is proposed.

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0123990

Summary of the Invention

The purpose of the first feature is to provide a non-burning flavor inhaler, which comprises: an atomizing section, which is configured to atomize an aerosol source without combustion; a power supply, which stores power supplied to the atomizing section; a control section, which is configured to control the power supply to the atomizing section in a mode selected from a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes including: a plurality of action modes for generating aerosol from the atomizing section; a restriction mode that is set separately from the plurality of action modes and restricts the drive of the atomizing section.

The purpose of the second feature is that, in the first feature, the multiple action modes are switched sequentially according to a pre-set switching order, and the indicators representing the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization section in two adjacent action modes in the switching order have a difference of more than a certain value from each other.

The purpose of the third feature is that, in the second feature, the indicator is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization part in the series of puffing actions which is a series of puffing actions repeated a specified number of times, i.e., the total aerosol amount, and the total aerosol amounts in two action modes adjacent in the switching sequence differ from each other by more than 2.0 mg, or, the indicator is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization part in one puffing action, i.e., the standard aerosol amount, and the standard aerosol amounts in two action modes adjacent in the switching sequence differ from each other by more than 0.3 mg, or, the indicator is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization part per unit time, i.e., the aerosol amount per unit time, and the aerosol amounts per unit time in two action modes adjacent in the switching sequence differ from each other by more than 0.15 mg/second.

The purpose of the fourth feature is that, in the second feature, the indicator is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization section in a series of puffing actions, i.e., the total aerosol amount, which is a series of actions in which the puffing action is repeated a predetermined number of times, and the total aerosol amounts in two adjacent action modes in the switching sequence differ by more than 2.0 mg.

The purpose of the fifth feature is that, in the second feature, the indicator is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization section in one inhalation action, i.e., the standard aerosol amount, and the standard aerosol amounts in two adjacent action modes in the switching sequence have a difference of more than 0.3 mg.

The purpose of the sixth feature is that, in the second feature, the indicator is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization section per unit time, i.e., the aerosol amount per unit time, and the aerosol amounts per unit time in two adjacent action modes in the switching sequence have a difference of more than 0.15 mg/second.

The purpose of the seventh feature is that, in any one of the first to sixth features, the non-burning fragrance inhaler has a light-emitting element that emits light in a mode selection state, and the mode selection state is an instantaneous state at the moment of switching from a certain mode to a different mode, or a state from the moment to a certain period of time, and the light-emitting manner of the light-emitting element in the mode selection state is different from the light-emitting manner of the light-emitting element just before the moment.

The purpose of the eighth feature is that, in any one of the first to sixth features, there is a light-emitting element that emits light in at least any one of a mode selection state, a suction state and a non-suction state, the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting element includes a first suction light-emitting mode in the multiple action modes and a second suction light-emitting mode in the restriction mode, the second suction light-emitting mode is different from the first suction light-emitting mode, the mode selection state is an instantaneous state at the moment of switching the mode from a certain mode to a different mode, or a state from the moment to a certain period of time, the suction state is a state in which a suction action is performed, and the non-suction state is a state in which no suction action is performed.

The purpose of the ninth feature is that, in the seventh feature or the eighth feature, the color temperature of the light emitting mode of the light emitting element is below 5500K.

The purpose of the tenth feature is that, in the ninth feature, the light emitting modes of the light emitting elements in the multiple modes differ from each other by more than 200K.

The gist of the eleventh feature is that, in the seventh or eighth feature, the light emitting element emits light in such a manner that a ^* has a positive value in the Lab color space.

The gist of the twelfth feature is that, in the eleventh feature, color differences ΔE ^* ab between the light emission patterns of the light emitting element in the plurality of modes differ by 3.0 or more.

The purpose of the thirteenth feature is that, in any one of the first to twelfth features, there is provided an operation interface for switching the mode of controlling the power supply to the atomization section through user operation, the operation interface is composed of a button, and the user operation is to press the button.

The purpose of the fourteenth feature is that, in any one of the first to twelfth features, there is provided an operation interface for switching the mode of controlling the power supply to the atomization section through user operation, the operation interface is composed of an annular component, and the user operation is to rotate the annular component.

The fifteenth feature is intended to be a feature in which, in any one of the first to fourteenth features, the control unit does not supply power to the atomizing unit until a certain period has elapsed since any one of the plurality of modes was selected, and supplies power to the atomizing unit after the certain period has elapsed.

The purpose of the sixteenth feature is that, in any one of the first to fifteenth features, there is provided a connecting device for connecting the electrical unit having the power supply and the atomizing unit having the atomizing section, wherein the connecting device constitutes a device for switching a mode of controlling the power supply to the atomizing section.

The purpose of the seventeenth feature is that, in any one of the first to sixteenth features, a sensor is provided that outputs a response value that changes according to air sucked from the non-nozzle end toward the nozzle end, and the control unit determines whether to perform the suction action based on the response value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a non-burning flavor inhaler 100 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the atomizing unit 111 according to the first embodiment.

FIG3 is a diagram showing a module structure of the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining mode switching according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an annular member 30A according to Modification 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an annular member 30A according to Modification 1. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes embodiments of the present invention. In the following drawings, identical or similar components are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and that dimensional ratios and other aspects may differ from actual dimensions and other aspects.

Therefore, the following description should be used as a reference for determining specific dimensions, etc. In addition, the drawings obviously include parts having different size relationships or ratios.

[Public Summary]

In the non-burning flavor inhaler disclosed in the background art, the user can switch the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization part. Whether this switching (mode switching) actually works, that is, whether the aerosol amount changes, is mainly judged by taste. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult for the user to confirm the change.

The purpose of the non-burning flavor inhaler of the embodiment is to include: an atomization part, which is configured to atomize an aerosol source without accompanying combustion; a power supply, which stores electricity supplied to the atomization part; a control part, which is configured to control the power supply to the atomization part in a mode selected from a plurality of modes, and the plurality of modes include: a plurality of action modes for generating aerosol from the atomization part; a restriction mode that is set separately from the plurality of action modes and limits the drive of the atomization part.

In the embodiment, the multiple operation modes include, in addition to the multiple operation modes, a limited mode that limits the driving of the atomizing unit. Therefore, by switching the mode for controlling the power supply to the atomizing unit to the limited mode, the user can clearly perceive a reduction in aerosol output. Consequently, the user can easily understand whether the switch in the amount of aerosol generated from the atomizing unit (mode switching) is actually working.

Here, the restricted mode only needs to be a mode that restricts the driving of the atomizing unit. Therefore, the restricted mode can be a mode in which the power supply to the atomizing unit is stopped. Alternatively, the restricted mode can be a mode in which power is supplied to the atomizing unit. However, the amount of power supplied to the atomizing unit in the restricted mode is preferably less than a prescribed value (a value that generates aerosol below the level of user perception).

But, should be noted that restriction mode is different from the state that whole non-burning type flavor inhaler is cut off power supply. For example under restriction mode, control circuit etc. are continued to carry out power supply (being in energized state).

[First embodiment]

(Non-burning aroma inhaler)

The following describes a first embodiment of a non-combustion aroma inhaler. Figure 1 illustrates a non-combustion aroma inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. The non-combustion aroma inhaler 100 is a device for inhaling aroma components without combustion and has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A, i.e., from the non-mouthpiece end toward the mouthpiece end. Figure 2 illustrates an atomization unit 111 according to the first embodiment. It should be noted that the non-combustion aroma inhaler 100 will be referred to as simply the aroma inhaler 100.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the flavor inhaler 100 includes an inhaler body 110 and a cigarette cartridge 130 .

The inhaler body 110 forms the main body of the flavor inhaler 100 and is shaped to accommodate a cigarette cartridge 130. Specifically, the inhaler body 110 comprises a cylindrical body 110X, with the cigarette cartridge 130 connected to the mouthpiece end of the cylindrical body 110X. The inhaler body 110 includes an atomizing unit 111 and an electrical unit 112, which are configured to atomize an aerosol source without combustion.

In the first embodiment, the atomizing unit 111 has a first barrel 111X that constitutes a portion of the barrel 110X. As shown in FIG2 , the atomizing unit 111 has a reservoir 111P, a core 111Q, and an atomizing unit 111R. The reservoir 111P, the core 111Q, and the atomizing unit 111R are housed in the first barrel 111X. The reservoir 111P holds an aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 111P is a porous body made of a material such as a resin fiber mesh. The core 111Q is an example of an aerosol absorption unit that absorbs the aerosol source held in the reservoir 111P. For example, the core 111Q is made of glass fiber. The atomizing unit 111R atomizes the aerosol source absorbed by the core 111Q. The atomizing unit 111R is composed of, for example, a heating resistor (for example, a heating wire) wound around the core 111Q at a predetermined interval.

The aerosol source is a liquid such as glycerol or propylene glycol. For example, as described above, the aerosol source is held by a porous body made of a material such as a resin fiber mesh. The porous body can be made of either a non-tobacco material or a tobacco material. Furthermore, the aerosol source may include a flavor source containing a nicotine component, or alternatively, may not include a flavor source containing a nicotine component, or may include a flavor source containing a component other than nicotine, or alternatively, may not include a flavor source containing a component other than nicotine.

In the first embodiment, a heating type unit that atomizes the aerosol source by heating is exemplified as the atomizing unit 111. However, the atomizing unit 111 may also be an ultrasonic type unit that atomizes the aerosol source by using ultrasonic waves.

The electrical unit 112 includes a second barrel 112X that forms part of the barrel 110X. In the first embodiment, the electrical unit 112 has a vent 112A. As shown in Figure 2 , air introduced through the vent 112A is directed toward the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing portion 111R). Specifically, the electrical unit 112 includes a power supply 10, a sensor 20, a button 30, a light-emitting element 40, and a control circuit 50.

The power supply 10 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. It stores the power required to operate the non-burning flavor inhaler 100. For example, the power supply 10 stores power for the sensor 20, the light-emitting element 40, and the control circuit 50. Furthermore, the power supply 10 stores power for the atomization unit 111 (atomization section 111R).

The sensor 20 outputs a response value that changes according to air drawn from the non-nozzle end toward the nozzle end (i.e., the user's puffing action). The sensor 20 is, for example, a microphone sensor.

The button 30 is configured to be pressable from the outside toward the inside of the non-burning flavor inhaler 100. In an embodiment, the button 30 is located at the non-mouthpiece end of the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 and is configured to be pressable in a direction from the non-mouthpiece end toward the mouthpiece end (i.e., a predetermined direction A). For example, if the button 30 is pressed a predetermined number of times continuously, the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 is powered on. Alternatively, if a predetermined time has passed since a puff was taken, the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 is powered off.

The light-emitting element 40 is a light source such as an LED or a lamp. The light-emitting element 40 is disposed on a sidewall extending along the predetermined direction A. The light-emitting element 40 is preferably disposed near the non-mouthpiece end. This allows the user to more easily see the light pattern of the light-emitting element 40 during a puff, compared to a situation where the light-emitting element is disposed near the non-mouthpiece end along the axis of the predetermined direction A. The light pattern of the light-emitting element 40 serves to inform the user of the status of the non-combustion flavor inhaler 100.

The control circuit 50 controls the operation of the non-burning flavor inhaler 100. Specifically, the control circuit 50 controls the light emission pattern of the light emitting element 40 and controls the power supplied to the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing portion 111R).

The cigarette cartridge 130 is configured to be connectable to the inhaler body 110 that constitutes the flavor inhaler 100. In the flow path of gas (hereinafter, air) inhaled from the mouthpiece, the cigarette cartridge 130 is positioned closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizer unit 111. In other words, the cigarette cartridge 130 does not necessarily need to be physically located on the mouthpiece side of the atomizer unit 111; it only needs to be located on the mouthpiece side of the aerosol flow path that guides the aerosol generated by the atomizer unit 111 toward the mouthpiece. That is, in the first embodiment, "mouthpiece side" can be considered synonymous with "downstream" of the aerosol flow, and "non-mouthpiece side" can be considered synonymous with "upstream" of the aerosol flow.

Specifically, the cigarette cartridge 130 includes: a cigarette cartridge body 131, a flavor source 132, a mesh 133A, and a filter part 133B.

The cartridge body 131 has a cylindrical shape extending in a predetermined direction A. The cartridge body 131 houses a flavor source 132.

In the air flow path inhaled from the mouthpiece, the flavor source 132 is provided on the mouthpiece side relative to the atomization unit 111. The flavor source 132 imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated by the aerosol source. In other words, the flavor imparted by the flavor source 132 to the aerosol is delivered to the mouthpiece.

In the first embodiment, the flavor source 132 is composed of a raw material sheet that imparts flavor components to the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111. The size of the raw material sheet is preferably not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 1.2 mm. The size of the raw material sheet is more preferably not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 0.7 mm. The smaller the size of the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132, the larger the specific surface area, and therefore, the easier it is for the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 to release flavor components. Therefore, when imparting a desired amount of flavor components to the aerosol, the amount of raw material sheet can be suppressed. As the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132, a shaped body formed by shaping tobacco shreds or tobacco raw material into granules can be used. However, the flavor source 132 can also be a shaped body formed by shaping tobacco raw material into a sheet. In addition, the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 can also be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 132 can also be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol.

Here, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 are obtained by, for example, screening using a stainless steel sieve conforming to JIS Z 8801 and sieving using JIS Z 8815. For example, the raw material pieces are screened using a stainless steel sieve with a mesh size of 0.71 mm for 20 minutes using a dry method and mechanical vibration, and the raw material pieces that pass through the 0.71 mm mesh are obtained. Next, the raw material pieces are screened using a stainless steel sieve with a mesh size of 0.212 mm for 20 minutes using a dry method and mechanical vibration, and the raw material pieces that pass through the 0.212 mm mesh are removed. In other words, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 are those that pass through the stainless steel sieve with an upper limit (mesh size = 0.71 mm) but cannot pass through the stainless steel sieve with a lower limit (mesh size = 0.212 mm). Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve with a lower limit. In addition, the upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel screen that defines the upper limit.

In the first embodiment, the flavor source 132 is a tobacco source having an alkaline pH. The pH of the tobacco source is preferably greater than 7, more preferably greater than 8. By setting the pH greater than 7, the flavor components generated by the tobacco source can be efficiently delivered via the aerosol. This allows the amount of the tobacco source to be reduced while delivering the desired amount of flavor components to the aerosol. Furthermore, the pH of the tobacco source is preferably below 12, more preferably below 10. Setting the pH below 12 more effectively prevents damage (e.g., corrosion) to the flavor inhaler 100 (e.g., the cartridge 130 or the inhaler body 110).

Additionally, it should be noted that the aroma components generated from the aroma source 132 are delivered via the aerosol without the need to heat the aroma source 132 itself.

Mesh 133A is configured to block the opening of the cartridge body 131 on the non-mouthpiece side relative to the flavor source 132, while filter 133B is configured to block the opening of the cartridge body 131 on the mouthpiece side relative to the flavor source 132. Mesh 133A is coarse enough to prevent the raw material sheets constituting the flavor source 132 from passing through. The mesh size of mesh 133A can be, for example, 0.077 mm to 0.198 mm. Filter 133B is made of an air-permeable material. Filter 133B is preferably, for example, an acetate filter. Filter 133B is coarse enough to prevent the raw material sheets constituting the flavor source 132 from passing through.

(Module Structure)

The following describes the module structure of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the module structure of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG3 , the control circuit 50 includes a control unit 51. The control unit 51 is connected to the sensor 20 and the operation interface 80, and is also connected to the atomizing unit 111R and the light-emitting element 40. The operation interface 80 is used to switch the power supply mode of the atomizing unit 111R through user operation. In the first embodiment, the operation interface 80 is a button 30.

First, the control unit 51 controls the power supply to the atomizing unit 111R in a mode selected from a plurality of modes. In the first embodiment, the control unit 51 determines whether a puffing action is being performed based on the response value output by the sensor 20. The control unit 51 supplies power to the atomizing unit 111R during a puffing state and does not supply power to the atomizing unit 111R during a non-puffing state.

The plurality of modes include a plurality of operation modes in which aerosol is generated from the atomizing unit 111R, and a restriction mode which is set separately from the plurality of operation modes and restricts the driving of the atomizing unit 111R.

The multiple operation modes are modes for the user to inhale aerosols, and the amount of aerosol generated from atomizing section 111R in each operation mode is different. Preferably, the multiple operation modes are switched sequentially according to a pre-set switching order. For example, as shown in FIG4 , if there are four operation modes, the switching order is set as: first operation mode → second operation mode → third operation mode → fourth operation mode → restricted mode. In this case, preferably, the indicators representing the amount of aerosol generated from atomizing section 111R in two adjacent operation modes in the switching order differ by at least a certain value.

Here, the switching order of the modes is preferably set so that the indicators representing the aerosol amount in adjacent modes increase in size to the maximum extent possible. For example, consider a scenario where the indicators representing the aerosol amount are, in descending order, action mode A, action mode B, action mode C, and action mode D. In this case, the switching order is preferably action mode C → action mode A → action mode D → action mode B → restricted mode. Alternatively, it is preferably action mode B → action mode D → action mode A → action mode C → restricted mode. Thus, when the action modes are arranged in descending order (or descending order) of the indicators representing the aerosol amount, the switching order is preferably set so that the switching order of action modes with adjacent indicators is discontinuous. Furthermore, if the switching order of action modes with adjacent indicators cannot be continuous, the switching order is preferably set so that the restricted mode is inserted between these action modes.

The indicator can be the amount of aerosol generated from atomizing unit 111R during a series of puffs, which consists of a predetermined number of puffs repeated. In this case, the total amount of aerosol generated between two adjacent operating modes in the switching sequence differs by at least 2.0 mg. This allows the user to easily detect the difference in aerosol volume when switching between operating modes applicable to atomizing unit 111R.

Furthermore, when each action mode is selected, the total amount of aerosol (i.e., the total aerosol amount) generated by a series of actions, each of which is repeated a predetermined number of times, can be measured using an aerosol amount measuring device for conventional cigarettes. Specifically, the measurement can be performed using a method based on an international standard method related to smoking machines, known as the ISO method. In the present invention, when measuring the aerosol amount using this method, the predetermined number of puffs is set to seven and the measurement is performed. More specifically, with a Cambridge filter placed at the mouthpiece end of the non-combustion flavor inhaler of the present invention, a series of operations was repeated seven times, wherein the series of operations consisted of a two-second 35ml puff action followed by a 58-second interval (a waiting time during which no puffing was performed). The total amount of aerosol was then measured by quantitatively analyzing the components collected by the Cambridge filter. The analysis was performed under the same conditions in each action mode, thereby measuring the total amount of aerosol in each action mode. In addition, WO2007010407 (HARTMANN DIDIER et al.) describes in detail the smoking conditions and more specific analysis methods stipulated in the above-mentioned international standard method.

Alternatively, the indicator may be the amount of aerosol generated from atomizing unit 111R during a single puff, i.e., the standard aerosol volume. In this case, the standard aerosol volumes for two adjacent operating modes, when switched sequentially, differ by at least 0.3 mg. This allows the user to easily detect the difference in aerosol volume when switching between operating modes applicable to atomizing unit 111R.

The aerosol volume in a single puff can be measured by repeating the aforementioned total aerosol volume measurement conditions seven times. Alternatively, the total volume obtained under the aforementioned total aerosol volume measurement conditions can be calculated by dividing the total volume obtained under the aforementioned total aerosol volume measurement conditions by seven, representing the number of repetitions. Based on these measurement conditions, it can be seen that, as long as the operating conditions of the non-combustion flavor inhaler do not fluctuate drastically, the standard aerosol volume is 1/7 of the total aerosol volume. In other words, as long as the operating conditions meet the aforementioned conditions, a difference of 0.3 mg or more in the standard aerosol volume is greater than a difference of 2.0 mg in the total aerosol volume (since 2.0 mg/7 < 0.3).

Alternatively, the indicator may be the amount of aerosol generated per unit time from atomizing unit 111R after a puff, i.e., the aerosol volume per unit time. In this case, the aerosol volume per unit time under two adjacent operating modes in the switching sequence differs by at least 0.15 mg/s. Thus, when the operating mode applicable to atomizing unit 111R is switched, the user can easily perceive the difference in aerosol volume.

Regarding the aerosol volume per unit time, the aforementioned single-puff aerosol volume measurement conditions can be replaced with a 17.5 ml aerosol volume per second, rather than a 2-second 35 ml aerosol volume measurement. Furthermore, when performing quantitative aerosol volume analysis and the peak is weak (small amount detected), the accuracy of the quantitative analysis can be improved by performing the above operation multiple times and then dividing the result by the number of times. Based on these measurement conditions, as long as the operating conditions of the non-combustion fragrance inhaler do not fluctuate drastically, the aerosol volume per unit time is 1/2 of the standard aerosol volume. In other words, as long as the operating conditions meet the above conditions, a difference of 0.15 mg/second in the aerosol volume per unit time is equivalent to a difference of 0.3 mg or more in the standard aerosol volume.

The amount of aerosol represented by each indicator can be controlled by various methods, such as the number of continuous puffing actions allowed, the maximum power supply time to the heating resistor when the suction sensor detects suction, the heating temperature of the heating resistor, the type of material constituting the heating resistor, deliberate power changes accompanied by the cumulative number of puffs, and power load (Duty) control.

The restriction mode can be any mode that limits the driving of the atomizing unit 111R. Therefore, the restriction mode can be a mode that stops the power supply to the atomizing unit 111R. Alternatively, the restriction mode can be a mode that stops the power supply to the sensor 20. It should be noted that when the power supply to the sensor 20 is stopped, the power supply to the atomizing unit 111R is also stopped. By setting the restriction mode to a mode that stops the power supply to the atomizing unit 111R, or setting the restriction mode to a mode that stops the power supply to the sensor 20, aerosol generation can be stopped, thereby allowing the user to more clearly perceive the difference between the modes and other operation modes. More specifically, the user can more clearly perceive the above-mentioned difference, thereby allowing the user to easily and intuitively understand that the operation interface 80 is an interface for managing changes in the aerosol amount.

Alternatively, the restricted mode is a mode in which power is supplied to the atomizing section 111R. However, preferably, the amount of power supplied to the atomizing section 111R in the restricted mode is less than a specified value (a value that generates less aerosol than the user's noticeable level). Specifically, for example, power can be supplied to heat the heating resistor to a temperature below 100°C. If the temperature is below 100°C, the generation of aerosol at a user-noticeable level can be effectively suppressed. In addition, by heating to below 100°C, it is easy to bring the temperature of the heating resistor close to the desired value when the operation mode is selected again. In other words, preheating can be performed. In addition, by heating to below 100°C, it is possible to suppress the trace amount of aerosol generated by the heating resistor heated in the operation mode during rapid cooling. This trace amount of aerosol is generated by the rapid condensation of gas remaining near the heating resistor. In addition, heating below 100°C can also be terminated after a specified time. By terminating heating after the specified time, it is possible to suppress the aforementioned gas condensation while reducing standby power.

However, it should be noted that the restriction mode is different from a state where the power is cut off for the entire non-burning flavor inhaler 100. For example, in the restriction mode, the power supply to the light emitting element 40 or the control circuit 50 continues (is in an energized state).

In the first embodiment, the control unit 51 switches the mode for controlling the power supply to the atomization unit 111R based on a user operation on the operation interface 80. The user operation includes a first operation for switching between two operation modes included in the plurality of operation modes and a second operation for switching between any one of the plurality of operation modes and the restricted mode. The second operation (for example, switching from the fourth operation mode to the restricted mode in the example shown in FIG4 ) is different from the first operation (for example, switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, switching from the second operation mode to the third operation mode, and switching from the third operation mode to the fourth operation mode in the example shown in FIG4 ). As a result, the user can clearly perceive the meaning of switching to the restricted mode.

Here, let's take the case where the operation interface 80 is button 30 as an example. The user operation is pressing button 30. In this case, the first operation is, for example, pressing button 30 for a first time. The second operation is, for example, pressing button 30 for a second time longer than the first time. This allows the user to clearly perceive the intention to switch to the restricted mode. Of course, the first and second operations are different from the operation of continuously pressing button 30 a predetermined number of times (the power-on operation).

In the first embodiment, the control unit 51 preferably does not supply power to the atomizing unit 111R from the time any of the multiple modes is selected until a predetermined period has elapsed, and then resumes supplying power to the atomizing unit 111R after the predetermined period has elapsed. The predetermined period is preferably short, specifically, preferably less than 2 seconds, and more preferably less than 1 second. Since aerosol generation is not caused by mode switching, the user can easily detect an erroneous mode switch (erroneous operation or incorrect operation). Furthermore, the operating conditions for the power supply to the atomizing unit 111R and other components change dramatically with the mode switching, thereby reducing the load on the components of the non-combustion flavor inhaler 100. The power supply to the atomizing unit 111R may be stopped without stopping the power supply to the sensor 20. Alternatively, the power supply to the atomizing unit 111R may be stopped by stopping the power supply to the sensor 20.

Second, the control unit 51 controls the light-emitting element 40. Specifically, the control unit 51 controls the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting element 40 in at least one of the following states: a mode selection state, a puffing state, and a non-puffing state. The mode selection state refers to the instantaneous state at the moment of switching from one mode to a different mode, or the state from that moment until a certain period of time has passed. The puffing state refers to the state in which a puff is being taken. The non-puffing state refers to the state in which no puff is being taken (a standby state between puffs).

Here, the lighting pattern of the light-emitting element 40 in the mode selection state is preferably different from the lighting pattern immediately before the mode is switched from one mode to a different mode. The lighting pattern before this moment can be the lighting pattern of the light-emitting element 40 in the puffing state, the lighting pattern of the light-emitting element 40 in the non-puffing state, or the lighting pattern in which the light-emitting element 40 is not emitting light (is off). This allows the user to visually discern whether a mode switch has been made, making it easy for the user to detect an erroneous mode switch (an incorrect action or incorrect operation). Alternatively, the user can easily confirm whether a mode switch has been made. In this case, the certain period can be a short time of approximately one second, or the certain period can be the time that lasts until the puff is taken. That is, the mode selection state may or may not include the non-puffing state.

Furthermore, the lighting pattern of the light-emitting element 40 includes a first lighting pattern for a plurality of operating modes and a second lighting pattern for a restricted mode. The second lighting pattern is preferably different from the first lighting pattern. This allows the user to easily detect the restricted mode in at least one of the mode selection state, the puffing state, and the non-puffing state. Furthermore, more preferably, the first lighting pattern for each operating mode is different from one another.

For example, the color temperature of the first and second light emission modes is preferably 5500K or less. A light emission mode of 5500K or less can be used, for example, as a light emission mode in the puffing state. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a light emission mode of 5500K or less can also be used as a light emission mode in the mode selection state or the non-puffing state.

Furthermore, the color temperature of the lighting method in each mode is preferably below 5500K and different from one another. In this case, the color temperature of the lighting method in each mode preferably differs by at least 200K. Preferably, the color temperature of the lighting method in each mode decreases in the order of the aerosol amount in each mode. As an indicator of the aerosol amount in each mode, any of the aforementioned total aerosol amount, standard aerosol amount, and aerosol amount per unit time can be used. This maintains a regular relationship between aerosol amount and color temperature, allowing users to easily understand the relationship between color temperature and aerosol.

Alternatively, preferably, the color temperature of the first lighting mode and the second lighting mode have a positive value a ^* in the Lab color space. A lighting mode with a positive value a ^* in the Lab color space can be used, for example, for lighting in the puffing state. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a lighting mode with a positive value a ^* can also be used for lighting in the mode selection state or the non-puffing state.

In addition, preferably, the a ^* of the luminous mode in each mode is a positive value in the Lab color space and is different from each other. In this case, preferably, the color difference ΔE ^* ab of the luminous mode in each mode differs from each other by more than 3.0. Preferably, the a ^* of the luminous mode in each mode increases in the order from more to less aerosol amount in each mode. As an indicator of the aerosol amount in each mode, any of the above-mentioned total aerosol amount, standard aerosol amount, and aerosol amount per unit time can be used. In this way, the relationship between the aerosol amount and the color space can be kept regular, and the user can easily grasp the relationship between the color space and the aerosol.

Furthermore, the lighting pattern for each mode, such as the action mode or the restricted mode, may be different in any of the following states: the mode selection state, the puffing state, and the non-puffing state. However, the lighting pattern for each mode may be different in the puffing state, while the lighting pattern for each mode may be the same in the mode selection state and the non-puffing state.

Furthermore, the lighting patterns in the mode selection state, the puffing state, and the non-puffing state may be different. For example, the lighting pattern in the mode selection state may be blinking of the light emitting element 40, while the lighting pattern in the puffing state may be lighting of the light emitting element 40. The color of the lighting pattern in the non-puffing state may be different from the color of the lighting pattern in the puffing state.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 51 preferably stops supplying power to the atomizing unit 111R from the time any of the multiple modes is selected until a predetermined period has elapsed, that is, in the mode selection state. Instead, the control unit 51 resumes supplying power to the atomizing unit 111R after the predetermined period has elapsed. In this case, during the period when power to the atomizing unit 111R is stopped, the control unit 51 may cause the light emitting element 40 to emit light in a manner different from that used in the puffing and non-puffing states. In this case, the predetermined period is preferably a short time, specifically, preferably less than 2 seconds, and more preferably less than 1 second.

(Function and Effect)

In the first embodiment, the plurality of operation modes further includes a restriction mode for restricting the driving of the atomizing unit 111R. Therefore, by switching the mode for controlling the atomizing unit 111R to the restriction mode, the user can clearly perceive a reduction in aerosol, and can easily understand whether the switching of the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111R (mode switching) is actually working.

[Change Example 1]

Hereinafter, a modification example 1 of the first embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

In the first embodiment, the operation interface 80 for switching the mode of the atomizing unit 111R through user operation is exemplified as a button 30. In contrast, in Modification 1, the operation interface 80 is a rotatable ring-shaped member 30A. The user operation for switching the mode is rotation of the ring-shaped member.

Specifically, as shown in FIG5 , the annular member 30A is rotatable about the rotation axis X. Here, the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 (i.e., the inhaler body 110) includes a handle 90 recessed toward the inside of the non-burning flavor inhaler 100, and the annular member 30A is positioned closer to the mouthpiece than the handle 90. This prevents users from accidentally manipulating the annular member 30A while holding the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 on the handle 90 during inhalation.

As shown in FIG6 , the surface of the non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 (i.e., the inhaler body 110) is provided with an indicator mark 300 indicating the mode applicable to the atomizing portion 111R. The surface of the annular member 30A is provided with mode marks indicating the position of each mode. The mode marks include an action mode mark 310 (action mode mark 310 ₁ to action mode mark 310 ₄ ) indicating multiple action modes and a restriction mode mark 320 indicating a restriction mode. It should be noted that FIG6 shows the annular member 30A in a state where it is deployed in the rotational direction.

In this case, the interval _P2 between the action mode mark 310 and the restricted mode mark 320 is smaller than the interval _P1 between adjacent action mode marks 310. That is, the first operation for switching between two action modes included in the plurality of action modes is to rotate the annular member 30A by a first angle, and the second operation for switching between any of the plurality of action modes and the restricted mode is to rotate the annular member 30A by a second angle greater than the first angle. This allows the user to clearly perceive the mode switch to the restricted mode.

In Modification 1, the annular member 30A is preferably recessed further inwardly than the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 (i.e., the inhaler body 110). If the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 is cylindrical, the annular member 30A is recessed inwardly by a thickness D relative to the surface of the non-burning flavor inhaler 100. Furthermore, the annular member 30A only needs to be recessed inwardly by a thickness D relative to the surface of the portion of the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 having the largest diameter. Thickness D is preferably 1 mm or greater. Thus, even when the non-burning flavor inhaler 100 is placed horizontally on a flat surface, the annular member 30A will not contact the flat surface, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the annular member 30A.

In Modification 1, the difference between the first and second operations lies in the rotation angle of the annular member, but Modification 1 is not limited to this. The first operation may be an operation in which the annular member is rotated using a first stress, and the second operation may be an operation in which the annular member is rotated using a second stress greater than the first stress. In other words, the ease of rotation (reaction force) of the annular member in the second operation for switching between the operating mode and the restricting mode is greater than the ease of rotation (reaction force) of the annular member in the first operation for switching between the two operating modes.

Here, the annular member 30A may be rotatable through 360° about the rotation axis X. For example, in the example shown in FIG4 , switching from the restricted mode to the first operating mode is permitted. Alternatively, the annular member 30A may be rotatable through 360° about the rotation axis X, but may only be rotatable through a certain angle. For example, in the example shown in FIG4 , switching from the restricted mode to the first operating mode is not permitted, but switching from the restricted mode to the fourth operating mode, and from the fourth mode to the third mode, are permitted.

[Other embodiments]

While the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it should not be understood that the description and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

In an embodiment, the control unit 51 determines whether a puffing action is being performed based on the response value output by the sensor 20. The control unit 51 supplies power to the atomizing unit 111R in the puffing state, and does not supply power to the atomizing unit 111R in the non-puffing state in which a puffing action is not being performed. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The non-burning flavor inhaler 100 may have a suction button instead of the sensor 20 (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge type). The control unit 51 may supply power to the atomizing unit 111R while the suction button is being operated (e.g., pressed). In addition, the control unit 51 does not supply power to the atomizing unit 111R while the suction button is not being operated (e.g., pressed). In this case, the state in which the suction button is being operated is the suction action in which a puffing action is being performed, and the state in which the suction button is not being operated is the non-puff action in which a puffing action is not being performed.

In the aforementioned cartridge-type non-combustion aroma inhaler 100, the operating interface for switching modes is preferably provided separately from the aforementioned suction button. However, the suction button may also constitute the operating interface for switching modes. In this case, mode switching can be performed based on the number of suction button presses, the duration of the presses, or the pressure applied within a specified time period. Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the quantitative analysis of aerosol volume, the aforementioned two-second puffing action is considered to be a two-second press of the suction button.

In the embodiment, the button 30 and the annular member 30A are exemplified as the operation interface 80 for switching modes through user operation. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the non-burning aroma inhaler 100 may include a connecting device connecting the electrical unit 112 and the atomizing unit 111, with the connecting device constituting the means for switching modes. The connecting device may, for example, be comprised of a connector provided on the electrical unit 112 and a connector provided on the atomizing unit 111. Each connector forms an electrical contact between the electrical unit 112 and the atomizing unit 111. If the electrical unit 112 and the atomizing unit 111 are connected by threads, each connector is a male connector having a spiral protrusion and a female connector having a spiral groove. Each connector has multiple electrical contacts, and the mode is determined by the number of electrical contacts. For example, the atomizing unit 111 may include multiple heating resistors (heating wires) disposed at each of the multiple electrical contacts. The number of electrically connected contacts (i.e., heating resistors supplied with power) may be changed based on the degree (depth) of connection of the connector. Modes may be switched by changing the number of heating resistors supplied with power.

In the embodiments, where the mode switching order is predetermined, a case is exemplified in which multiple modes include one restricted mode. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Multiple modes may also include two or more restricted modes. For example, if it is not possible to arrange two adjacent operating modes in a switching order such that the indicator representing the amount of aerosol generated from the atomizing unit 111R differs by a certain value or more, it is preferable to place the restricted mode between these operating modes. This allows the user to clearly perceive changes in aerosol and easily understand whether the switching of the aerosol amount generated from the atomizing unit 111R (mode switching) is actually working.

In the embodiment, the button 30 and the annular member 30A are used as the operation interface 80 for switching the modes of controlling the atomizing unit 111R through user operation. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The operation interface 80 may also be an interface for switching modes by sliding a member. In this case, the second operation for switching between the action mode and the restriction mode is different from the first operation for switching between the two action modes.

In the embodiment, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 is powered on when the button 30 is pressed a predetermined number of times in succession. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 may be powered on by electrically connecting the electrical unit 112 to the atomizing unit 111. Alternatively, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 may be powered off by electrically disconnecting the electrical unit 112 from the atomizing unit 111.

In this embodiment, a cigarette cartridge 130 (flavor source 132) is provided on the mouthpiece side of the atomizing unit 111. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 may not include the cigarette cartridge 130 (flavor source 132). In this case, the aerosol source preferably contains a flavor component. The flavor component contained in the aerosol source is arbitrary.

Example

In order to explain the embodiments of the present invention in more detail, examples will be given below.

Using a modified version of the commercially available VUSE electronic cigarette (manufactured by RJR Corporation), a device capable of achieving multiple modes with different driving voltages was created. Specifically, an electrode electrically connected to the electronic cigarette's windings was electrically disconnected from a power source housed within the electronic cigarette body. Meanwhile, a power source with flexible power input was electrically connected to the end of the electrode via a wire. This method resulted in a device capable of varying the total aerosol volume. The total aerosol volume was altered by appropriately varying the power supply or the duration of power supply.

The total aerosol volume was calculated using a method based on the ISO method, an international standard for smoking machines. More specifically, a Cambridge filter was placed on the mouthpiece of the manufactured non-combustion flavor inhaler. A series of operations was repeated seven times: a 35ml puff for two seconds, followed by a 58-second interval (a waiting period without puffing). The total aerosol volume was then determined by quantitatively analyzing the components collected on the Cambridge filter.

Fifty company-based observers who met the requirements of smokers and were willing to use a non-combustion flavor inhaler were selected for observation. They were asked to smoke freely using the aforementioned device. The researchers then examined whether they could detect changes in the total aerosol volume when the aerosol volume was varied from a certain level to different levels. Specifically, they examined whether they could detect changes in the total aerosol volume when the driving conditions for the total aerosol volume shown in Table 1 (before change) were changed to the driving conditions shown in Table 1 (after change). The experimental conditions and results are shown in Table 1.

[Table 1]

As can be seen from the above, by setting the change in the total aerosol amount between the operation modes to 2.0 mg or more, the user can more clearly perceive the change between the modes.

Industrial applicability

The purpose of the embodiment is to provide a non-burning flavor inhaler that allows a user to easily understand whether the switching of the amount of aerosol generated from the atomization unit is actually working.

Claims (8)

1. A non-combustible aroma attractor, characterized in that it comprises: The atomizing section is configured to atomize the aerosol source without combustion. A power source that stores the electricity supplied to the atomizing unit; The control unit is configured to control the power supply to the atomizing unit in any of multiple modes. The plurality of modes include: a plurality of operating modes for generating aerosols from the atomizing unit; and a limiting mode that is set separately in addition to the plurality of operating modes and restricts the driving of the atomizing unit; The total aerosol amount in two of the multiple action modes differs from each other by more than 2.0 mg. The total aerosol amount is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomizing unit in a series of suction actions that are repeated a predetermined number of times. 2. A non-combustible aroma attractor, characterized in that it comprises: The atomizing section is configured to atomize the aerosol source without combustion. A power source that stores the electricity supplied to the atomizing unit; The control unit is configured to control the power supply to the atomizing unit in any of multiple modes. The plurality of modes include: a plurality of operating modes for generating aerosols from the atomizing unit; and a limiting mode that is set separately in addition to the plurality of operating modes and restricts the driving of the atomizing unit; The standard aerosol amounts in two of the multiple action modes differ from each other by more than 0.3 mg. The standard aerosol quantity is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomizing unit during a single suction action. 3. A non-combustible aroma attractor, characterized in that it comprises: The atomizing section is configured to atomize the aerosol source without combustion. A power source that stores the electricity supplied to the atomizing unit; The control unit is configured to control the power supply to the atomizing unit in any of multiple modes. The plurality of modes include: a plurality of operating modes for generating aerosols from the atomizing unit; and a limiting mode that is set separately in addition to the plurality of operating modes and restricts the driving of the atomizing unit; The aerosol quantity per unit time in two of the multiple action modes differs from each other by more than 0.15 mg/s. The aerosol quantity per unit time is the amount of aerosol generated from the atomizing unit per unit time. 4. The non-combustible aroma attractor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple action modes switch sequentially according to a pre-set switching order. The two action modes are those that are adjacent in the switching order. 5. The non-combustible aroma attractor as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It has a light-emitting element that emits light when the mode is selected. The mode selection state is the instantaneous state at the moment of switching from one mode to another, or the state after a certain period of time from that moment. The light emission mode of the light-emitting element in the mode selection state is different from the light emission mode of the light-emitting element just before the stated time. 6. The non-combustible aroma attractor as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It has an operation interface for switching the mode of controlling the power supply to the atomizing unit through user operation. The user interface consists of buttons. The user action is to press the button. 7. The non-combustible aroma attractor as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The control unit does not supply power to the atomizing unit until a certain period has elapsed after selecting any of the plurality of modes, and then supplies power to the atomizing unit after the certain period has elapsed. 8. The non-combustible aroma attractor as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It is equipped with a sensor that outputs a response value that varies according to the air drawn from the non-mouthlet end toward the mouthlet end. The control unit determines whether to perform a suction action based on the response value.