HK1246103B - Non-combustion type flavor inhaler, flavor inhalation component source unit, and atomizing unit - Google Patents

Description

Non-combustion type aroma inhaler, aroma source unit and atomization unit

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having an atomizing unit having an atomizing portion for atomizing an aerosol source without combustion, a flavor source unit and an atomizing unit configured to be connectable to the non-combustion type flavor inhaler.

Background Art

Conventionally, non-combustion flavor inhalers for inhaling flavor without combustion are known. These non-combustion flavor inhalers include an atomizing unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion and a tobacco source disposed closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizing unit (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-506594

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5041555

Summary of the Invention

The gist of the first feature is a non-combustion flavor inhaler comprising: an atomizing unit having an atomizing portion for atomizing an aerosol source without combustion; a flavor source disposed closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizing unit; an acid generating source that emits acid; an aerosol flow path for directing the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit to the mouthpiece; and an acid flow path for directing the acid released from the acid generating source to the mouthpiece without passing through the atomizing portion, wherein the aerosol flow path includes at least a first flow path for directing the aerosol through the flavor source and toward the mouthpiece.

The gist of the second feature is that, in the first feature, the acid flow path is a flow path that guides the acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the flavor source.

The summary of the third feature is that, in the first feature or the second feature, the flavor source is downstream of the acid generator and is provided between the acid generator and the atomization unit in a path connecting the acid generator and the atomization unit.

The fourth feature is that, in the third feature, the flavor source is downstream of the acid generator and is provided between the acid generator and the atomization unit in the entire path connecting the acid generator and the atomization unit.

The gist of the fifth feature is that, in any one of the first to fourth features, the flavor source is a tobacco source.

The gist of the sixth feature is that, in the fifth feature, the flavor source is a tobacco source, and the tobacco source is a tobacco source in which an aqueous solution prepared by adding water at a weight ratio of 10 to the tobacco source has an alkaline pH.

The seventh feature is gist of the first feature, wherein the acid flow path is a flow path that guides the acid through the flavor source to the mouthpiece side.

The summary of the eighth feature is that, in any one of the first to seventh features, the aerosol flow path includes, in addition to the first flow path, a second flow path different from the first flow path.

The summary of the ninth feature is that, in the eighth feature, the aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path is smaller than the aerosol reduction rate in the first flow path.

The summary of the tenth feature is that, in the eighth feature or the ninth feature, the acid flow path and the second flow path are at least partially shared.

An eleventh characteristic aspect is summarized as follows: in the tenth characteristic aspect, the acid generation source is provided in the second flow path.

The gist of the twelfth feature is that, in any one of the eighth to eleventh features, at least a portion of the first flow path is a flow path for an aerosol generated by the atomization section, and at least a portion of the second flow path is a flow path for an aerosol generated by another atomization section different from the atomization section.

The summary of the thirteenth feature is that, in any one of the first to tenth features, the atomizing unit is not present upstream of the acid generation source.

The gist of the fourteenth feature is that, in any one of the first to thirteenth features, the device comprises: a first vent hole for introducing air into the atomizing unit; and a second vent hole provided separately from the first vent hole and introducing air into the acid generating source.

The essence of the fifteenth feature is that in the fourteenth feature, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes a flavor source unit, the flavor source unit includes the flavor source and a unit body for accommodating the flavor source, the unit body is structured to be connectable to the inhaler body constituting the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the inhaler body includes the second vent, the unit body includes an air flow path provided with the acid generating source, and at least one of the inhaler body and the unit body includes a positioning function for determining the relative position of the inhaler body and the unit body so that the second vent is connected to the air flow path.

The gist of the sixteenth feature is that, in any one of the first to fifteenth features, the non-combustion flavor inhaler includes a mixing chamber for mixing flavor components captured by the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit and the acid released from the acid generating source.

The essence of the seventeenth feature is a flavor and aroma source unit comprising: a flavor and aroma source; and a unit main body configured to be connectable to an inhaler main body constituting a non-combustion flavor inhaler and to accommodate the flavor and aroma source. When the unit main body is connected to the inhaler main body, at least a portion of an aerosol flow path is formed, and at least a portion of an acid flow path is formed. The aerosol flow path guides the aerosol to the inhalation mouth side. The aerosol is generated by an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion. The acid flow path guides the acid released from the acid generating source to the inhalation mouth side without passing through the atomization unit. The aerosol flow path provided in the flavor and aroma source unit includes at least a first flow path that guides the aerosol through the flavor and aroma source and guides it to the inhalation mouth side.

The gist of the eighteenth feature is that, in the seventeenth feature, the flavor source is a tobacco source.

The summary of the nineteenth feature is that, in the eighteenth feature, the flavor source is a tobacco source, and the tobacco source is a tobacco source in which an aqueous solution prepared by adding water in a weight ratio of 10 times the tobacco source has an alkaline pH.

The summary of the twentieth feature is that, in any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth features, the acid flow path provided in the flavor and aroma source unit is a flow path that guides the acid to the mouthpiece side without passing through the flavor and aroma source.

The gist of the twenty-first feature is that, in any one of the seventeenth to twentieth features, the aerosol flow path provided in the flavor source unit includes, in addition to the first flow path, a second flow path different from the first flow path.

The gist of the twenty-second feature is that, in the twenty-first feature, the aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path is smaller than the aerosol reduction rate in the first flow path.

The summary of the twenty-third feature is that, in the twenty-first feature or the twenty-second feature, the acid flow path provided in the flavor source unit is at least partially shared with the second flow path.

The summary of the twenty-fourth feature is that, in the twenty-third feature, the acid generation source is provided in the second flow path.

The gist of the twenty-fifth feature is that, in any one of features 21 to 24, at least a portion of the first flow path is a flow path for an aerosol generated by the atomization section, and at least a portion of the second flow path is a flow path for an aerosol generated by another atomization section different from the atomization section.

The summary of the twenty-sixth feature is that, in any one of the seventeenth to twenty-third features, the atomizing section does not exist upstream of the acid generation source in a state in which the unit body and the aspirator body are connected.

The summary of the twenty-seventh feature is that, in any one of the seventeenth to twenty-sixth features, a mixing chamber is provided for mixing the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit and the acid released from the acid generation source.

The gist of the twenty-eighth feature is an atomization unit comprising: an atomizing portion that atomizes an aerosol source that does not contain nicotine without combustion; an acid generating source that releases acid; and a connecting portion that connects the flavor source to the downstream side of the atomizing portion so as to direct the aerosol generated by the atomizing portion to the flavor source, wherein the acid released from the acid generating source is directed to the mouthpiece side without passing through the atomizing portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 10 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the aerosol flow path according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 according to Modification 1. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a cartridge 200 according to a second modification.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a cartridge 200 according to a second modification.

FIG6 is a diagram for explaining the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 according to the second modification.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 according to Modification 3. FIG.

FIG8 is a diagram for explaining the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 according to Modification 4. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an aerosol flow path 140 and an acid flow path 150 according to a fifth modification.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes the embodiment. It should be noted that in the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from the actual ratios.

Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. In addition, it is obvious that the dimensional relationships and ratios among the drawings may differ from each other.

[Overview of Embodiments]

Against this backdrop, the inventors conducted extensive research and discovered that adding acid to the aerosol that captures flavor and aroma components from a tobacco source can enhance the flavor and aroma. On the other hand, simply adding acid to the aerosol source, as described in Patent Document 2, can degrade components of the atomization unit (e.g., the heating wire).

The non-combustion flavor inhaler of the embodiment comprises: an atomizing unit having an atomizing portion that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion; a flavor source disposed closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizing unit; an acid generating source that releases acid; an aerosol flow path that guides the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit to the mouthpiece; and an acid flow path that guides the acid released from the acid generating source to the mouthpiece without passing through the atomizing portion, wherein the aerosol flow path includes at least a first flow path that guides the aerosol through the flavor source and toward the mouthpiece.

[First embodiment]

(Non-burning aroma inhaler)

The following describes a first embodiment of a non-combustion flavor inhaler. FIG1 illustrates a non-combustion flavor inhaler 10 according to the first embodiment. The non-combustion flavor inhaler 10 is a device for inhaling flavor components without combustion and has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A from the non-inhalation end toward the inhalation end. It should be noted that the non-combustion flavor inhaler 10 will be referred to as simply the flavor inhaler 10 below.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the flavor inhaler 10 includes an inhaler body 100 and a cigarette cartridge 200 .

The inhaler body 100 constitutes the main body of the flavor inhaler 10 and has a shape capable of connecting to the cigarette cartridge 200. The inhaler body 100 includes a first unit 110 and a second unit 120. Specifically, the inhaler body 100 includes a barrel 100X, and the cigarette cartridge 200 is connected to the mouth end of the barrel 100X.

The first unit 110 includes a first cylindrical body 110X that forms a portion of the cylindrical body 100X. The first unit 110 includes an atomizing unit 111 that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion and an acid generating source 112 that releases acid. The atomizing unit 111 and the acid generating source 112 are housed in the first cylindrical body 110X.

In the first embodiment, the atomizing unit 111 includes a storage portion 111P, an atomizing core 111Q, and an atomizing portion 111R. The storage portion 111P holds an aerosol source. For example, the storage portion 111P is a porous body made of a material such as a resin mesh. The atomizing core 111Q extracts the aerosol source held in the storage portion 111P. For example, the atomizing core 111Q is made of glass fiber. The atomizing portion 111R atomizes the aerosol source extracted from the atomizing core 111Q. The atomizing portion 111R is composed of, for example, an electric heating wire wound around the atomizing core 111Q at a given interval.

The aerosol source is a liquid such as a polyol. The polyol is glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, sorbitol, or a combination thereof. The aerosol source may not contain nicotine. The aerosol source is held by a porous body made of a material such as a resin mesh, for example, as described above. The porous body may be made of a non-tobacco material or a tobacco material. It should be noted that the aerosol source may include a flavor source containing flavor components. Alternatively, the aerosol source may not contain a flavor source containing flavor components. The aerosol source that does not contain a flavor source preferably has a pH that is approximately neutral. Approximately neutral refers to a pH of 7±1. In this way, damage to the atomization section 111R caused by the acid released from the acid generating source 112 and the alkaline component contained in the flavor source 210 can be suppressed, and the effect of improving the flavor and aroma accompanying the mixing of the acid described later can be obtained.

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 be an ultrasonic type unit that atomizes the aerosol source by ultrasonic waves.

The acid generating source 112 releases an acid. Examples of the acid include inorganic acids (phosphoric acid, etc.), saturated aliphatic acids, unsaturated aliphatic acids, saturated alicyclic acids, unsaturated alicyclic acids, aromatic acids (including heterocyclic aromatic acids), organic acids (polycarboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, alkoxy acids, keto acids, oxygen-containing acids, thio acids, amino acids, etc.), and combinations thereof. For example, the acid is 3-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid, pyruvic acid, 2-oxopentanoic acid, 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid, 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid, 2-oxooctanoic acid, 4-oxopentanoic acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxyadipic acid (galactaric acid), 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid), 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, or combinations thereof.

In the first embodiment, the acid released from the acid generating source 112 is volatilized by the air flow generated by suction and has a vapor pressure that can be transported to the mouthpiece side. The acid generating source 112 preferably contains a volatile acid (for example, an acid having a vapor pressure of 0.1 kPa or more at 20°C), but the embodiment is not limited to this. The acid generating source 112 may contain an acid that is not volatile at room temperature or an acid that is difficult to volatilize (for example, an acid that has a vapor pressure of less than 0.1 kPa at 20°C) and a heating mechanism, and volatilize the acid by heating. It should be noted that when using an acid that is not volatile at room temperature or an acid that is difficult to volatilize, when the aerosol passes through the acid generating source 112, the acid generating source 112 may not contain a heating mechanism (for example, the method shown in Figures 13, 15 and 16 described later). The acid generating source 112 can be given a flavoring such as menthol.

In the first embodiment, it should be noted that the acid generation source 112 is arranged in parallel with the atomization unit 111 in a direction perpendicular to the given direction A.

The second unit 120 includes a second barrel 120X that forms a portion of the barrel 100X. The second unit 120 is an electrical unit that includes a power supply for driving the fragrance inhaler 10 and a control circuit for controlling the fragrance inhaler 10. The power supply and the control circuit are housed in the second barrel 120X. The power supply is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The control circuit is, for example, composed of a CPU and a memory. In the first embodiment, the second unit 120 includes an air vent 120A. The air introduced through the air vent 120A is directed to the atomization unit 111 (atomization portion 111R) and the acid generation source 112 as shown in FIG2 .

The cigarette cartridge 200 is an example of a flavor source unit that is structured to be connectable to the inhaler body 100 constituting the flavor inhaler 10. The cigarette cartridge 200 is arranged on the flow path of the gas (hereinafter, air) inhaled from the inhalation mouth, on the side closer to the inhalation mouth than the atomizer unit 111. In other words, the cigarette cartridge 200 does not necessarily have to be arranged on the side closer to the inhalation mouth than the atomizer unit 111 in physical space, but only needs to be arranged on the side closer to the inhalation mouth than the atomizer unit 111 on the aerosol flow path that guides the aerosol generated by the atomizer unit 111 to the inhalation mouth. That is, in the first embodiment, the "inhalation mouth side" can be considered to be synonymous with the "downstream" of the flow of the aerosol, and the "non-inhalation mouth side" can be considered to be synonymous with the "upstream" of the flow of the aerosol.

Specifically, the cigarette cartridge 200 includes a cigarette cartridge body 200X, a flavor source 210 , a net 220 , and a filter 230 .

The cigarette cartridge body 200X has a cylindrical shape extending along a given direction A. The cigarette cartridge body 200X accommodates the flavor source 210 .

The flavor source 210 is located closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizer 111 in the flow path of air inhaled through the mouthpiece. The flavor source 210 imparts flavor components to the aerosol generated by the aerosol source. In other words, the aroma imparted by the flavor source 210 to the aerosol is carried toward the mouthpiece.

In the first embodiment, the flavor source 210 is comprised of a raw material sheet that imparts flavor and aroma components to the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111. These flavor and aroma components may also include, for example, nicotine. The size of the raw material sheet is preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm. Furthermore, the size of the raw material sheet is preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm. The smaller the size of the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 210, the greater its specific surface area, making it easier for the flavor and aroma components to be released from the raw material sheet. Therefore, the amount of raw material sheet required to impart a desired amount of flavor and aroma components to the aerosol can be reduced. The raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 210 can be a granular molded body made from shredded tobacco or tobacco raw material. However, the flavor source 210 may also be a sheet-shaped molded body made from tobacco raw material. Furthermore, the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 210 need only contain flavor and aroma components and does not necessarily have to be made from tobacco raw material. The aroma source may also be provided with a flavor such as menthol.

Here, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor and aroma source 210 are obtained by, for example, sieving in accordance with JIS Z 8815 using a stainless steel sieve conforming to JIS Z 8801. For example, the raw material pieces are sieved through a stainless steel sieve with a mesh size of 0.71 mm using a dry and mechanically vibrating method for 20 minutes, thereby obtaining raw material pieces that can pass through the 0.71 mm mesh. Subsequently, the raw material pieces are sieved through a stainless steel sieve with a mesh size of 0.212 mm using a dry and mechanically vibrating method for 20 minutes, thereby removing raw material pieces that can pass through the 0.212 mm mesh. In other words, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor and aroma source 210 are those that pass through a stainless steel sieve with a predetermined upper limit (mesh size = 0.71 mm) and do not pass through a stainless steel sieve with a predetermined 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 and aroma source 210 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve with a predetermined lower limit. It should be noted that the upper limit of the size of the raw material sheet constituting the flavor and aroma source 210 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve with a given upper limit.

In the first embodiment, the flavor source 210 is a tobacco source to which an alkaline substance is added (for example, an example of a flavor source containing a nicotine component). The pH of an aqueous solution formed by adding 10 times the weight ratio of water to the tobacco source is preferably greater than 7, more preferably greater than 8. As a result, the flavor components generated by the tobacco source can be efficiently obtained through the aerosol. As a result, when the desired amount of flavor components is given to the aerosol, the amount of the tobacco source can be suppressed. On the other hand, the pH of an aqueous solution formed by adding 10 times the weight ratio of water to the tobacco source is preferably less than 14, more preferably less than 10. As a result, damage (corrosion, etc.) to the flavor inhaler 10 (for example, the cigarette cartridge 200 or the inhaler body 100) can be suppressed.

It should be noted that the aroma and flavor components generated by the aroma and flavor source 210 are transported via aerosol, and the aroma and flavor source 210 itself does not need to be heated.

The net 220 is positioned to seal the opening of the cartridge body 200X on the non-inhalation side relative to the flavor source 210. The filter 230 is positioned to seal the opening of the cartridge body 200X on the inhalation side relative to the flavor source 210. The net 220 is sized to prevent the passage of the raw material sheets constituting the flavor source 210. For example, the net 220 has a mesh size of 0.077 mm or larger and 0.198 mm or smaller. The filter 230 is made of an air-permeable material. For example, the filter 230 is preferably an acetate filter. The filter 230 is sized to prevent the passage of the raw material sheets constituting the flavor source 210.

(Aerosol flow path and acid flow path)

The following describes the aerosol flow path and acid flow path of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the aerosol flow path and acid flow path of the first embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 10 with the cigarette cartridge 200 connected to the inhaler body 100.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the flavor inhaler 10 includes an aerosol flow path 140 and an acid flow path 150 .

The aerosol flow path 140 is a flow path that guides the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111 toward the mouthpiece. In other words, when the cartridge 200 is connected to the inhaler body 100, the aerosol flow path 140 is formed that guides the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111 toward the mouthpiece.

In the first embodiment, the aerosol flow path 140 is composed of a first flow path that guides the aerosol through the flavor source 210 to the mouthpiece side.

The acid flow path 150 directs the acid released from the acid generator 112 toward the mouthpiece without passing through the atomization unit 111 (atomization portion 111R). In other words, when the cartridge 200 is connected to the inhaler body 100, the acid flow path 150 is formed to direct the acid generated by the acid generator 112 toward the mouthpiece. In the example shown in FIG2 , the acid flow path 150 directs the acid through the flavor source 210 and toward the mouthpiece.

In the first embodiment, flavor components captured by the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111 and the acid released from the acid generator 112 are mixed in the cartridge 200. In other words, the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 have a common flow path in the cartridge 200.

In the first embodiment, the flavor and aroma source 210 is located downstream of the acid generating source 112 and between the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111 in the path connecting the two. Specifically, the flavor and aroma source 210 is preferably located downstream of the acid generating source 112 and between the two throughout the entire path connecting the two. It should be noted that the path connecting the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111 allows passage of not only gas flowing from upstream to downstream but also gas flowing from downstream to upstream.

It should be noted that a "flow path" can be considered to refer to the space through which the gas directed from upstream to downstream passes during the suction action, and a "path" is a physical space connecting two places. In addition, it should be noted that when using terms such as "passing" or "not passing" as the definition of a "flow path", the term "the gas generated or released from part A passes through part B" means that the gas directed from upstream to downstream passes through part B, and means that part B is arranged downstream of part A. On the other hand, it should be noted that the term "the gas generated or released from part A does not pass through part B" means that the gas directed from upstream to downstream does not pass through part B, and means that part B is not arranged downstream of part A. For example, "an acid flow path that directs the acid released from the acid generating source to the suction port side without passing through the atomizing section" means that there is no atomizing section on the downstream side of the acid generating source, and means that the atomizing section is arranged on the upstream side of the acid generating source, or is arranged in parallel with the acid generating source.

That is, in the example shown in FIG2 , it should be noted that, after the cigarette cartridge 200 is connected to the inhaler body 100, even if airflow is generated from downstream to upstream, it is difficult for the acid released from the acid generating source 112 to be directly directed to the atomizing unit 111. Furthermore, it should be noted that even if the acid released from the acid generating source 112 diffuses, it is difficult for the acid released from the acid generating source 112 to be directly directed to the atomizing unit 111.

In the first embodiment, when the cartridge body 200X is connected to the inhaler body 100, at least a portion of the aerosol flow path 140 and at least a portion of the acid flow path 150 are formed. The aerosol flow path 140 directs aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111, which atomizes the aerosol source without combustion, toward the mouthpiece. The acid flow path 150 directs acid generated by the acid generation source 112 toward the mouthpiece without passing through the atomization unit 111R. In other words, at least a portion of the aerosol flow path 140 and at least a portion of the acid flow path 150 are formed by the cartridge body 200X.

Here, it should be noted that the components constituting the acid flow path 150 (eg, the cylindrical body 100X, the cartridge body 200X, and the net 220 ) are made of acid-resistant components.

(Function and Effect)

In the first embodiment, since the acid flow path 150 that guides the acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the atomizing portion 111R is provided, deterioration of components constituting the atomizing unit 111 can be suppressed, and the inhalation flavor can be improved.

In the first embodiment, the flavor source 210 is provided between the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111 in the path (all paths) connecting the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111. Therefore, the acid generated by the acid generating source 112 is less likely to be directed directly to the atomizing unit 111, and degradation of the components constituting the atomizing unit 111 is less likely to occur. Furthermore, because the flavor source 210 is a tobacco source (a tobacco source having an alkaline pH value obtained by adding 10 times the weight of water to the tobacco source), the acid released from the acid generating source 112 is neutralized by the flavor source 210. Therefore, the acid generated by the acid generating source 112 is less likely to be directed directly to the atomizing unit 111, and degradation of the components constituting the atomizing unit 111 is less likely to occur.

In the first embodiment, the flavor source 210 is a tobacco source (a tobacco source having an alkaline pH formed by adding 10 times the weight of water to the tobacco source). Therefore, the flavor components generated by the tobacco source can be efficiently captured via aerosol, reducing losses due to aerosol source consumption. Because the flavor components can be efficiently captured, the amount of tobacco source can be reduced while obtaining the desired amount of flavor components.

In the first embodiment, the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) is not located upstream of the acid generating source 112. In other words, the aerosol flow path 140 directs the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) toward the mouthpiece without passing through the acid generating source 112. Therefore, the aerosol is not filtered by the acid generating source 112, which can reduce aerosol loss and improve the flavor and aroma of the inhalation.

[Variation 1]

Modification 1 of the first embodiment will be described below using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 10 with the cartridge 200 connected to the inhaler body 100. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

Specifically, in the first embodiment, the acid flow path 150 directs the acid toward the mouthpiece via the flavor source 210. In contrast, in Modification 1, as shown in FIG3 , the acid flow path 150 directs the acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the flavor source 210. Furthermore, the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) is not located upstream of the acid generating source 112. In other words, the aerosol flow path 140 directs the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) toward the mouthpiece without passing through the acid generating source 112.

Here, the acid flow path 150 is spatially separated from the aerosol flow path 140. It should be noted that "spatially separated" means that the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 are spatially separated upstream of the structure (the mixing chamber 110C in FIG. 3 ) provided for mixing the flavoring components captured by the aerosol with the acid.

Specifically, the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 are separated by a partition 110D provided in the inhaler body 100. The cigarette cartridge 200 is disposed within the aerosol flow path 140. It should be noted that the partition 110D separates the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 on the upstream side of the mixing chamber 110C.

In Modification 1, the flavor and aroma components captured by the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111 and the acid released from the acid generator 112 are mixed in a mixing chamber 110C located downstream of the cigarette cartridge 200. That is, the mixing chamber 110C is located downstream of the filter 230 provided to prevent the raw material sheet constituting the flavor and aroma source 210 from falling off. In addition, the flavor and aroma source 210 is located between the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111 in the path connecting the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111. In detail, it is preferred that the flavor and aroma source 210 be located downstream of the acid generator 112 and between the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111 in the entire path connecting the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3 , it should be noted that after the cartridge 200 is connected to the inhaler body 100 , even if an air flow from downstream to upstream is generated, it is difficult to directly guide the acid generated by the acid generating source 112 to the atomizing unit 111 .

Here, it should be noted that the members constituting the acid flow channel 150 (for example, the cylinder 100X and the partition 110D) are made of members having acid resistance.

(Function and Effect)

In the first modification, similarly to the first embodiment, the acid flow path 150 is provided to guide the acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the atomizing portion 111R. This can suppress degradation of components constituting the atomizing unit 111 and improve the flavor of the inhalation.

In Modification 1, the acid flow path 150 directs the acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the flavor source 210. Therefore, the acid generated by the acid generator 112 is directed toward the mouthpiece without being filtered by the flavor source 210, thereby suppressing acid loss and improving flavor. In particular, when an aqueous solution containing 10 times the amount of water added to the flavor source 210 by weight has an alkaline pH, the acid generated by the acid generator 112 is directed toward the mouthpiece without being neutralized by the flavor source 210. This further suppresses acid loss and improves flavor.

In Modification 1, the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) is not located upstream of the acid generating source 112. In other words, the aerosol flow path 140 directs the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) toward the mouthpiece without passing through the acid generating source 112. Therefore, the aerosol is not filtered by the acid generating source 112, which reduces aerosol loss and improves the flavor and aroma of the inhalation.

[Variation 2]

The following describes a second variation of the first embodiment using Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge 200 according to the second variation, and Figure 5 is a view of the cartridge 200 according to the second variation as viewed from the mouthpiece. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 10 with the cartridge 200 connected to the inhaler body 100. The following primarily describes the differences from the first embodiment.

Specifically, in the first embodiment, the aerosol flow path 140 comprises a first flow path that directs aerosol through the flavor source 210 and toward the mouthpiece. In contrast, in the second variation, the aerosol flow path 140 includes, in addition to the first flow path that directs aerosol through the flavor source 210 and toward the mouthpiece, a second flow path distinct from the first flow path. Furthermore, the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) is not located upstream of the acid generating source 112. In other words, the aerosol flow path 140 directs the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) toward the mouthpiece without passing through the acid generating source 112.

It should be noted that the acid flow path 150 is spatially separated from the aerosol flow path 140. It should be noted that "spatially separated" here means that the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 are spatially separated upstream of the structure (mixing chamber 110C in FIG6 ) provided for mixing the flavor and aroma components captured by the aerosol with the acid. In Modification 2, it should be noted that the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 are separated by a partition 110D, which separates the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 upstream of the mixing chamber 110C.

In Modification 2, the aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path is preferably smaller than the aerosol reduction rate in the first flow path. Here, "reduction rate" refers to the ratio of the amount of aerosol lost in the flow path (inflow - outflow) to the amount of aerosol flowing into the flow path (inflow) (i.e., (inflow - outflow) / inflow).

4 and 5 , the cigarette cartridge 200, serving as the cigarette cartridge body 200X, comprises an inner body 201, an outer body 202, and ribs 203. It should be noted that the flavor source 210 is omitted in FIG.

The inner body 201 has a cylindrical shape extending in a given direction A. The inner body 201 houses a flavor source 210. A net 220 is provided on the non-inhalation side of the inner body 201, and a filter 230 is provided on the inhalation side of the inner body 201.

The outer body 202 has a cylindrical shape extending in a given direction A. The outer body 202 accommodates the inner body 201. The outer body 202 is fixed to the inner body 201 via ribs 203 extending in the given direction A. Gaps 204 extending in the given direction A are formed between adjacent ribs 203.

As shown in FIG6 , when a cigarette cartridge 200 according to Modification 2 is used, the aerosol flow path 140 includes a first flow path 140A that directs aerosol through the flavor source 210 toward the mouthpiece, and a second flow path 140B that is distinct from the first flow path 140A. The aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path 140B is lower than that in the first flow path 140A. Furthermore, the amount of aerosol that passes through the second flow path 140B and is directed toward the mouthpiece is preferably greater than the amount of aerosol that passes through the first flow path 140A and is directed toward the mouthpiece.

It should be noted that the first flow path 140A is a flow path passing through the inner side of the inner body 201, and the second flow path 140B is a flow path passing through the gap 204. In the second modification, the second flow path 140B is a flow path that guides the aerosol to the mouthpiece without passing through the flavor source 210. In addition, the second flow path 140B is substantially hollow.

In the second modification, both the first flow path 140A and the second flow path 140B are mainly formed in the cartridge body 200X, and the branching portion 145 between the first flow path 140A and the second flow path 140B is provided outside the cartridge body 200X.

In Variation 2, the flavor and aroma components captured by the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111 and the acid released from the acid generator 112 are mixed in a mixing chamber 110C located downstream of the cigarette cartridge 200. Specifically, the mixing chamber 110C is located downstream of the filter 230, which is provided to prevent the raw material sheet constituting the flavor and aroma source 210 from falling off. Furthermore, in the path connecting the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111, the flavor and aroma source 210 is located between the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111. Specifically, in the path connecting the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111, the flavor and aroma source 210 is preferably located between the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111. As shown in FIG6 , the flavor source 210 is downstream of the acid generating source 112 and is disposed between the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111 in the main path connecting the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111 (the acid generating source 112, the mixing chamber 110C, the inner side of the inner body 201, and the atomizing unit 111).

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6 , it should be noted that after the cartridge 200 is connected to the inhaler body 100 , even if an air flow from downstream to upstream is generated, it is difficult to directly guide the acid generated by the acid generating source 112 to the atomizing unit 111 .

(Function and Effect)

In the second modification, similarly to the first embodiment, the acid flow path 150 is provided to guide the acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the atomizing portion 111R. This can suppress degradation of components constituting the atomizing unit 111 and improve the flavor of the inhalation.

In Modification 2, a second flow path 140B is provided, separate from the first flow path 140A, which directs aerosol through the flavor source 210 and toward the mouthpiece. The aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path 140B is lower than that in the first flow path 140A. This allows the aerosol passing through the first flow path 140A to obtain a desired amount of flavor components from the flavor source 210, while the aerosol passing through the second flow path 140B efficiently replenishes any aerosol deficiency. This reduces aerosol source consumption and energy loss required for atomization.

In Modification 2, the second flow path 140B directs aerosol toward the mouthpiece without passing through the flavor source 210. Therefore, since aerosol in the second flow path 140B is not filtered by the flavor source 210, the reduction of aerosol in the second flow path 140B is suppressed, allowing for efficient replenishment of aerosol shortages. Furthermore, the degradation of the flavor source 210 due to aerosol passing through the second flow path 140B can be suppressed, and the loss of aerosol source consumption can be reduced.

In the second modification, the second flow path 140B is substantially hollow, so that the reduction of aerosol in the second flow path 140B is further suppressed, and the aerosol shortage can be efficiently supplemented.

In Modification 2, the amount of aerosol directed to the mouthpiece through the second flow path 140B is greater than the amount of aerosol directed to the mouthpiece through the first flow path 140A. Therefore, degradation of the flavor source 210 can be suppressed while sufficient aerosol is directed to the mouthpiece.

In Modification 2, the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) is not located upstream of the acid generating source 112. In other words, the aerosol flow path 140 directs the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) toward the mouthpiece without passing through the acid generating source 112. Therefore, the aerosol is not filtered by the acid generating source 112, which can reduce aerosol loss and improve the flavor and aroma of the inhalation.

In Modification 2, the flavor source 210 is comprised of a raw material sheet, which imparts flavor and aroma components to the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111. This increases the specific surface area compared to a shaped body formed from tobacco raw material into a sheet or filament shape, making it easier to release the flavor and aroma components from the raw material sheet constituting the flavor and aroma source 210. Therefore, while the flavor and aroma source 210 imparts a desired amount of flavor and aroma components to the aerosol, the volume of the raw material sheet constituting the flavor and aroma source 210 can be reduced, thereby minimizing the size of the component housing the flavor and aroma source 210 (here, the cartridge body 200X).

Furthermore, while the flavor source 210 is susceptible to degradation when using a raw material sheet having a larger surface area than a shaped body formed from tobacco raw material into a sheet or filament shape, as described above, by providing a second flow path 140B, separate from the first flow path 140A that directs aerosol through the flavor source 210 and toward the mouthpiece, degradation of the flavor source 210 is suppressed. Specifically, by using a raw material sheet with a large specific surface area and the second flow path 140B, degradation of the flavor source 210 can be suppressed, while also reducing the volume of the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 210 and the size of the component housing the flavor source 210 (here, the cartridge body 200X).

[Variation 3]

Modification 3 of the first embodiment will be described below using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 10 with the cartridge 200 connected to the inhaler body 100. The following mainly describes differences from Modification 2.

Specifically, in Modification 2, acid flow path 150 is provided separately from second flow path 140B. In contrast, in Modification 3, acid flow path 150 and at least a portion of second flow path 140B are shared. However, in Modification 3, the aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path is preferably lower than that in the first flow path. While the aerosol reduction rate in a portion (i.e., in the gap where the acid generating source is located) may be higher than that in first flow path 140A, the overall aerosol reduction rate in second flow path 140B is preferably lower than that in first flow path 140A.

Specifically, in Modification 3, as shown in FIG7 , the acid generator 112 is not arranged side by side with the atomization unit 111 in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction A, but is instead disposed downstream of the atomization unit 111. In Modification 3, the acid generator 112 is disposed within the void 204 of the cigarette cartridge 200 (i.e., the second flow path 140B).

When a plurality of gaps 204 are provided in the cigarette cartridge 200 , the acid generating source 112 may be disposed in all of the gaps 204 or in a portion of the gaps 204 .

That is, the entire acid flow path 150 that guides the acid released from the acid generating source 112 to the suction port side is in common with at least a portion of the second flow path 140B formed by the gap 204. In other words, the gap 204 functions as the acid flow path 150 and also as the second flow path 140B.

In Modification 3, when the cartridge body 200X is connected to the inhaler body 100, at least a portion of the aerosol flow path 140 and at least a portion of the acid flow path 150 are formed. The aerosol flow path 140 directs aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111, which atomizes the aerosol source without combustion, toward the mouthpiece. The acid flow path 150 directs acid generated by the acid generating source 112 toward the mouthpiece without passing through the atomization unit 111R. In Modification 3, at least a portion of the aerosol flow path 140 and the entire acid flow path 150 are formed by the cartridge body 200X.

In Modification 3, the flavor and aroma components captured by the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111 and the acid released from the acid generator 112 are mixed in a mixing chamber 110C located downstream of the cigarette cartridge 200. Specifically, the mixing chamber 110C is located downstream of the filter 230, which is provided to prevent the raw material sheet constituting the flavor and aroma source 210 from falling off.

(Function and Effect)

In the third modification, similarly to the first embodiment, the acid flow path 150 is provided to guide the acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the atomizing portion 111R. This can suppress degradation of components constituting the atomizing unit 111 and improve the flavor of the inhalation.

In Modification 3, the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111 do not need to be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction A. Therefore, by adopting a structure that forms an acid flow path 150 (see FIG. 3 ) that directs acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the flavor source 210, a dead space adjacent to the cigarette cartridge 200 in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction A is eliminated. In other words, by reducing the dead space within the flavor inhaler 10, the flavor inhaler 10 can be miniaturized, at least in the cross-section perpendicular to the predetermined direction A.

In variant 3, the flavor source 210 and the acid generator 112 are included in a cartridge 200 that is structured to be connectable to the inhaler body 100 constituting the flavor inhaler 10. Therefore, the acid generator 112 can be easily loaded, unloaded, or replaced. The acid generator 112 and the entire acid flow path 150 are housed in the cartridge 200. Compared to the atomization unit 111, the cartridge 200 is replaced more frequently, thereby relaxing the acid resistance requirements for components that come into contact with the acid. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a single cartridge 200 that includes the optimal (satisfactory) combination of the flavor source 210 and the acid as a set.

Here, as in Modification 3, in the method of ventilating the aerosol and the acid generating source 112, the acid contained in the acid generating source 112 is preferably an acid that is soluble in the aerosol and is non-volatile or poorly volatile at room temperature (for example, an acid having a vapor pressure of less than 0.1 kPa at 20°C). This suppresses the migration of the acid to the flavor source 210 and the atomizing section 111R, and by using the aerosol as a carrier for the non-volatile or poorly volatile acid, a sufficient amount of acid can be supplied.

[Variation 4]

Modification 4 of the first embodiment will be described below using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 10 with the cartridge 200 connected to the inhaler body 100. The following mainly describes differences from Modification 3.

Specifically, in Modification 3, the flavor inhaler 10 directs the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111 toward the acid generating source 112. In contrast, in Modification 4, as shown in FIG8 , the flavor inhaler 10 includes a vent 120B, through which air introduced to the acid generating source 112 is directed. The vent 120B, which directs air to the acid generating source 112, is provided separately from the vent 120A, which directs air to the atomization unit 111. The spatial placement of the vent 120B is intended to be independent of the upstream/downstream position of the air flow path; for example, it is located closer to the mouthpiece than the atomization unit 111.

In variant 4, the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) is not present upstream of the acid generating source 112. In other words, the aerosol flow path 140 is a flow path that directs the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111 (atomizing section 111R) toward the mouthpiece without passing through the acid generating source 112. The acid flow path 150 is spatially separated from the aerosol flow path 140. It should be noted here that "being spatially separated" means that the aerosol flow path 140 and the acid flow path 150 are spatially separated upstream of a structure (mixing chamber 110C in FIG. 8 ) provided for mixing the aroma and flavor components captured by the aerosol with the acid.

Here, to prevent the air introduced from vent 120B from mixing with the aerosol generated by atomization unit 111, the flow path of the air introduced from vent 120B and the flow path of the aerosol generated by atomization unit 111 are separated by partition 110E. It should be noted that partition 110E separates aerosol flow path 140 from acid flow path 150 on the upstream side of mixing chamber 110C. It should be noted that gap 204 not connected to vent 120B can form the aforementioned second flow path 140B. Alternatively, the acid generator 112 can also be provided in gap 204 not connected to vent 120B.

In Modification 4, the flavor and aroma components captured by the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111 and the acid released from the acid generator 112 are mixed in a mixing chamber 110C located downstream of the cigarette cartridge 200. Specifically, the mixing chamber 110C is located downstream of the filter 230, which is provided to prevent the raw material sheet constituting the flavor and aroma source 210 from falling off. Furthermore, the flavor and aroma source 210 is located between the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111 in the path connecting the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111. Specifically, it is preferred that the flavor and aroma source 210 be located between the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111 in the path connecting the acid generator 112 and the atomization unit 111. As shown in FIG8 , the flavor source 210 is downstream of the acid generating source 112 and is disposed between the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111 in the main path connecting the acid generating source 112 and the atomizing unit 111 (the acid generating source 112, the mixing chamber 110C, the inner side of the inner body 201, and the atomizing unit 111).

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8 , it should be noted that after the cartridge 200 is connected to the inhaler body 100 , even if an air flow from downstream to upstream is generated, it is difficult to directly guide the acid generated by the acid generating source 112 to the atomizing unit 111 .

It should be noted that in Modification 4, in order to guide the air introduced from the vent 120B to the gap 204 (air flow path) in which the acid generator 112 is located, the vent 120B must be in communication with the gap 204 when the cartridge 200 is connected to the inhaler body 100. Therefore, in order to ensure that the vent 120B is in communication with the gap 204 (air flow path), it is preferable that at least one of the cartridge 200 and the inhaler body 100 has a positioning function for determining the relative position of the inhaler body 100 and the cartridge 200. An example of such a positioning function is shown below.

Here, in the case where the cigarette cartridge is rotatably mounted on the inhaler body with the long axis direction of the inhaler body (given direction A) as the rotation axis, preferably, one of the cigarette cartridge and the inhaler body has a flow path (a continuous flow path in a ring or a plurality of flow paths arranged in a ring) arranged in an annular shape with the rotation axis as the center, and the other of the cigarette cartridge and the inhaler body has a flow path at a corresponding position in the radial direction relative to the flow path provided on the one of the cigarette cartridge and the inhaler body. Thus, even if the cigarette cartridge is connected to the inhaler body in the circumferential direction centered on the long axis direction of the inhaler body (given direction A), regardless of the relative position of the inhaler body and the cigarette cartridge, the vent hole is connected to the flow path.

Alternatively, in order to uniquely determine the relative positions of the inhaler body and the cigarette cartridge in a circumferential direction centered on the given direction A, guide ribs may be provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical body constituting the inhaler body, and guide grooves may be provided on the outer surface of the cigarette cartridge body. Conversely, guide grooves may be provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical body constituting the inhaler body, and guide ribs may be provided on the outer surface of the cigarette cartridge body. The guide grooves and guide ribs preferably extend along the given direction A.

Alternatively, consider a case where the tubular body constituting the inhaler body has a polygonal or elliptical cavity, and the tobacco cartridge has a polygonal or elliptical cylindrical shape. In this case, the tubular body constituting the inhaler body and the tobacco cartridge preferably have shapes that uniquely define the relative positions of the inhaler body and the tobacco cartridge. Alternatively, the inhaler body and the tobacco cartridge may also have guide ribs or guide grooves to uniquely define the relative positions of the inhaler body and the tobacco cartridge.

Alternatively, the inhaler body and the cigarette cartridge may also have a mark for uniquely determining the relative position of the inhaler body and the cigarette cartridge.

(Function and Effect)

In addition to the advantages of Modifications 2 and 3, Modification 4 also provides the following advantages. Specifically, the acid flow path 150 directs acid toward the mouthpiece without passing through the flavor source 210. Therefore, the acid generated by the acid generator 112 is directed toward the mouthpiece without being filtered by the flavor source 210, thereby suppressing acid loss and improving flavor. In particular, when the aqueous solution formed by adding 10 times the weight of water to the flavor source 210 has an alkaline pH, the acid generated by the acid generator 112 is directed toward the mouthpiece without being neutralized by the flavor source 210, further suppressing acid loss and improving flavor.

[Variation 5]

Modification 5 of the first embodiment will be described below using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 10 with the cartridge 200 connected to the inhaler body 100. The following mainly describes differences from Modification 3.

Specifically, in Modification 3, the flavor inhaler 10 includes a single unit as the atomizing unit 111 that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion. In contrast, in Modification 5, as shown in FIG9 , the flavor inhaler 10 includes a first atomizing unit 111A and a second atomizing unit 111B as the atomizing units 111 that atomize the aerosol source without combustion. Here, the aerosols generated by the first atomizing unit 111A and the second atomizing unit 111B can be mixed before being directed to the tobacco cartridge 200.

It should be noted that FIG3 shows only one example of the arrangement of the first flow path 140A and the second flow path 140B, and also only one example of the arrangement of the first atomizing unit 111A and the second atomizing unit 111B. Therefore, the arrangement of the first atomizing unit 111A and the second atomizing unit 111B is not limited to the example shown in FIG9 . Furthermore, the number of first atomizing units 111A and the number of second atomizing units 111B are also arbitrary.

In Modification 5, the aerosol source atomized by the first atomizing unit 111A can be different from the aerosol source atomized by the second atomizing unit 111B. For example, the aerosol source atomized by the first atomizing unit 111A can be composed of a substance that generates an aerosol that easily absorbs aroma and flavor components from the aroma and flavor source 210, while the aerosol source atomized by the second atomizing unit 111B can be composed of a substance that generates an aerosol containing fragrance. However, the aerosol source atomized by the first atomizing unit 111A and the aerosol source atomized by the second atomizing unit 111B can also be the same.

Here, the acid generating source 112 is disposed in the space 204 of the cigarette cartridge 200 (ie, the second flow path 140B), similarly to the third modification.

When the cartridge 200 is provided with a plurality of gaps 204 , the acid generating source 112 may be disposed in all of the gaps 204 or in a portion of the gaps 204 .

That is, the entire acid flow path 150 that guides the acid released from the acid generating source 112 to the suction port side is connected to the second flow path 140B formed by the gap 204. In other words, the gap 204 functions as the acid flow path 150 and also as the second flow path 140B.

Here, as in Modification 5, in the method of ventilating the aerosol and the acid generating source 112, the acid contained in the acid generating source 112 is preferably an acid that is soluble in the aerosol and is non-volatile or poorly volatile at room temperature (for example, an acid having a vapor pressure of less than 0.1 kPa at 20°C). This suppresses the migration of the acid to the flavor source 210 and the atomizing section 111R, and by using the aerosol as a carrier for the non-volatile or poorly volatile acid, a sufficient supply of acid can be achieved.

[Summary of Implementation Methods]

The following is a summary of the implementation method. Figures 10 to 22 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the positional relationship between the various parts (acid generating source, atomizing unit, flavor source, mixing chamber, etc.) provided in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler and the flow path connecting the various parts. As shown in Figures 10 to 22, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler has at least an acid generating source, an atomizing unit, and a flavor source, and has an acid flow path that guides the acid released from the acid generating source to the mouthpiece side without passing through the atomizing unit. It should be noted that in Figures 10 to 22, the flavor source is, for example, a tobacco source (a tobacco source having an alkaline pH value and an aqueous solution formed by adding water at a weight ratio of 10 times that of the tobacco source).

First, the concept of the first embodiment ( FIG. 2 ) will be explained with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10 , the acid released from the acid generation source and the aerosol generated by the atomization unit are directed to the flavor source. The acid and the flavor components captured by the aerosol mix in the flavor source. In other words, the flavor source also serves as a mixing chamber, mixing the acid and flavor components.

Second, the concept of Modification 1 (FIG. 3) will be explained with reference to FIG11. Acid emitted from the acid generation source is directed to a mixing chamber. Aerosol generated by the atomization unit passes through a flavor source and is directed to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is, for example, located in the mouthpiece. The acid and flavor components captured by the aerosol are mixed in the mixing chamber.

Third, the concept of variant example 2 (FIG. 6) is explained with reference to FIG12. The acid released from the acid generating source is directed to the mixing chamber. The aerosol generated by the atomization part is passed through the flavor source and directed to the mixing chamber, and at the same time, is directed to the mixing chamber without passing through the flavor source. The mixing chamber is provided in the mouthpiece component, for example. The cigarette cartridge (flavor source unit) having the flavor source not only has a first flow path that allows the aerosol to pass through the flavor source and be directed to the mouthpiece side, but also has a second flow path that allows the aerosol to pass through the flavor source and be directed to the mouthpiece side. The acid and the flavor components captured by the aerosol are mixed in the mixing chamber.

Fourth, the concept of variant example 3 (FIG. 7) is explained with reference to FIG13. The aerosol generated by the atomization unit passes through the acid generating source and is directed to the mixing chamber. At the same time, it passes through the flavor source and is directed to the mixing chamber. The acid generating source, the flavor source, and the mixing chamber constitute a cigarette cartridge (flavor source unit). In addition to having a first flow path that allows the aerosol to pass through the flavor source and be directed to the mouthpiece side, the cigarette cartridge may also have a second flow path that allows the aerosol to be directed to the mouthpiece side without passing through the flavor source. The acid and the flavor components captured by the aerosol are mixed in the mixing chamber.

Fifth, the concept of modification 4 (FIG. 8) is explained with reference to FIG14. The aerosol generated by the atomization unit is passed through the flavor source and directed to the mixing chamber. The acid released from the acid generating source is directed to the mixing chamber. The acid generating source, the flavor source and the mixing chamber constitute a cigarette cartridge (flavor source unit). Here, the vent for introducing air to the acid generating source is different from the vent for introducing air to the atomization unit. In addition to having a first flow path that allows the aerosol to pass through the flavor source and be directed to the mouthpiece side, the cigarette cartridge may also have a second flow path that allows the aerosol to be directed to the mouthpiece side without passing through the flavor source. The acid and the flavor components captured by the aerosol are mixed in the mixing chamber.

As described above, the concepts of the embodiments have been described, but the positional relationships between the components provided in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler and the flow paths connecting the components are not limited thereto. For example, the embodiments may include the following aspects.

For example, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the atomization unit, the acid generating source, and the flavor source can be arranged in series from upstream to downstream. For example, these components can be arranged in series from upstream to downstream in the order of the atomization unit, the acid generating source, and the flavor source as shown in Figure 15. It should be noted that in the example shown in Figure 15, the acid and the flavor components captured by the aerosol are mixed in the flavor source. In other words, the flavor source also serves as a mixing chamber for mixing the acid and the flavor components. Alternatively, the atomization unit, the flavor source, and the acid generating source can be arranged in series from upstream to downstream in the order of the atomization unit, the acid generating source, and the acid generating source as shown in Figure 16. It should be noted that in the example shown in Figure 16, the acid and the flavor components captured by the aerosol are mixed in the acid generating source. In other words, the acid generating source also serves as a mixing chamber for mixing the acid and the flavor components.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG17 , the aerosol generated by the atomization unit and the acid released from the acid generation source may be mixed in a mixing chamber and then directed to a flavor source.

As described above, it should be noted that various modifications can be made as long as the structure allows the acid released from the acid generation source to be guided to the inlet side without passing through the atomizing portion.

Furthermore, as in Modification 5 ( FIG. 9 ), a case where the non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes a plurality of atomizing units (a first atomizing unit and a second atomizing unit) will be described with reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 22 .

For example, as shown in Figure 18, aerosols generated by multiple atomization units are mixed in a mixing chamber and then directed to an acid generator and a flavor source, respectively. Aerosols containing acid released from the acid generator and aerosols containing flavor captured by the flavor source mix in the mixing chamber. In this case, the flow path passing through the acid generator is a second flow path that does not pass through the flavor source. In this case, the aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path is preferably lower than the aerosol reduction rate in the first flow path passing through the flavor source.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19, the aerosol generated by the first atomization section is directed toward the acid generating source without mixing with the aerosol generated by the second atomization section. The aerosol generated by the second atomization section is directed toward the flavor source without mixing with the aerosol generated by the first atomization section. The aerosol generated by the first atomization section flows through the second flow path, which does not pass through the flavor source, while the aerosol generated by the second atomization section flows through the first flow path, which passes through the flavor source. In this case, the aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path is preferably lower than the aerosol reduction rate in the first flow path.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 20, the aerosol generated by the first atomization section is directed to the acid generating source without being mixed with the aerosol generated by the second atomization section. The aerosol generated by the second atomization section is directed to the flavor source without being mixed with the aerosol generated by the first atomization section. The flow path of the aerosol generated by the second atomization section includes the first flow path passing through the flavor source and the second flow path A not passing through the flavor source. It should be noted that the flow path of the aerosol generated by the first atomization section is also the second flow path B not passing through the flavor source. In this case, the reduction rate of the aerosol in the second flow path A is preferably smaller than the reduction rate of the aerosol in the first flow path. The reduction rate of the aerosol in the second flow path B can be smaller than the reduction rate of the aerosol in the first flow path.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 21, the aerosol generated by the first atomization unit is directed to the acid generating source without mixing with the aerosol generated by the second atomization unit. The aerosol generated by the second atomization unit is directed to the flavor source without mixing with the aerosol generated by the first atomization unit. The flow path of the aerosol generated by the first atomization unit includes a flow path that passes through the acid generating source (hereinafter, flow path A) and a flow path that does not pass through the acid generating source (hereinafter, flow path B). In this case, the reduction rate of the aerosol in flow path B is preferably smaller than the reduction rate of the aerosol in flow path A.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 22, the embodiment may be a combination of Figures 20 and 21. Specifically, the flow path of the aerosol generated by the first atomization unit may include a flow path that passes through the acid generator and a flow path that does not pass through the acid generator, and the flow path of the aerosol generated by the second atomization unit may include a flow path that passes through the flavor source and a flow path that does not pass through the flavor source.

It should be noted that in Figures 18 to 22, the acid generating source and the flavor source may constitute a flavor unit. In this case, the flow path of the aerosol generated by the first atomizing unit is an example of the second flow path, and the flow path of the aerosol generated by the second atomizing unit is an example of the first flow path.

Here, in the method of ventilating the aerosol and the acid generating source ( Figures 13 , 15 , 16 , and 18 to 22 ), the acid contained in the acid generating source is preferably soluble in the aerosol and non-volatile or poorly volatile at room temperature (for example, an acid having a vapor pressure of less than 0.1 kPa at 20°C). This suppresses the migration of the acid to the flavor source or the atomization unit, and by using the aerosol as a carrier for the non-volatile or poorly volatile acid, a sufficient supply of acid can be achieved.

[Other embodiments]

The present invention has been described through the above embodiments, but the description and drawings forming part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the invention. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can derive various alternative embodiments, examples, and application techniques from this disclosure.

In the embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 200 does not include the atomization unit 111, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the cigarette cartridge 200 and the atomization unit 111 may constitute one unit.

In the embodiment, the flavor source 210 is contained in the cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 is configured to be connected to the inhaler body 100 constituting the flavor inhaler 10. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the inhaler body 100 may house the flavor source 210 without the cartridge 200.

In the embodiment, the case where a portion of the second flow path 140B is formed by the gap 204 of the cigarette cartridge 200 (variation 2 to variant 5) is described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, a portion of the second flow path 140B can be composed of a groove extending along a given direction A on the outer side surface of the cigarette cartridge body 200X of the cigarette cartridge 200. In addition, the reduction rate of the aerosol in the second flow path 140B is preferably smaller than the reduction rate of the aerosol in the first flow path 140A. There is no limit on the number of times the second flow path 140B enters and exits the cigarette cartridge 200 downstream toward the aerosol flow path.

In the embodiment, the branch portion 145 between the first flow path 140A and the second flow path 140B is provided outside the cartridge body 200X. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto and the branch portion 145 may be provided inside the cartridge body 200X.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the atomizing unit 111 may be configured so as to be removable or replaceable relative to the aspirator body 100. Similarly, the acid generating source 112 may be configured so as to be removable or replaceable relative to the aspirator body 100. The atomizing unit 111 and the acid generating source 112 may be composed of one unit and configured so as to be removable or replaceable relative to the aspirator body 100. That is, the atomizing unit 111, the acid generating source 112 and the flavor source 210 may each be separately provided as a unit that is replaceable relative to the electrical unit (second unit 120). Alternatively, a unit comprising at least two of the atomizing unit 111, the acid generating source 112 and the flavor source 210 may be provided as a unit that is replaceable relative to the electrical unit (second unit 120).

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiments, the first unit 110 having the atomizing unit 111R and the acid generating source 112 can constitute an atomizing unit that is removable or replaceable relative to the electrical unit (second unit 120). In this case, the first unit 110 has a connection portion downstream of the atomizing unit 111R that connects to the flavor source 210 (the cigarette cartridge 200), thereby directing the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 111R to the flavor source 210 (the cigarette cartridge 200). The connection portion is, for example, a first cylindrical body 110X that houses the atomizing unit 111R and the acid generating source 112 and to which the cigarette cartridge 200 is connected.

In Modification 5, the first atomizer unit 111A and the second atomizer unit 111B are provided in the non-combustion flavor inhaler 10. However, Modification 5 is not limited to this embodiment. Specifically, a flavor source for producing a flavor such as menthol may be provided in place of the second atomizer unit 111B. Alternatively, while the second atomizer unit 111B is provided as in Modification 1, a flavor source for producing a flavor such as menthol may be provided in the second flow path 140B.

In Modifications 3 and 5, no components are installed in the gaps 204 of the cartridge 200 that are not provided with the acid generator 112. However, Modifications 3 and 5 are not limited to this. Specifically, a flavor source for generating a flavor such as menthol can be installed in the second flow path 140B in the gaps 204 that are not provided with the acid generator 112. Alternatively, a flavor source for generating a flavor such as menthol can be installed in the gaps 204 that are provided with the acid generator 112.

The type of the flavor source producing the flavor of menthol or the like is preferably different from the type of the flavor source 210 of the cigarette cartridge 200. For example, the flavor source producing the flavor of menthol or the like is preferably made of a non-tobacco material.

Industrial Applicability

According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a non-combustion type flavor inhaler and a flavor source unit that can suppress deterioration of components constituting an atomization unit and improve inhalation flavor.

Claims (24)

1. A non-combustible fragrance inhaler, comprising: The atomizing unit has an atomizing section that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion; The aroma source is positioned closer to the inhalation port than the atomizing unit. Acid-producing source, which releases acid; An aerosol flow path that guides the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit to the suction port side; and An acid flow path that directs the acid emitted from the acid generation source to the suction port side instead of the atomizing section. The aerosol flow path includes at least a first flow path that allows the aerosol to pass through the aroma source and be guided to the mouthpiece side. The aerosol flow path is a flow path that directs the aerosol to the suction port side without passing through the acid generation source. 2. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the acid flow path directs the acid to the inhalation port side without passing through the fragrance source. 3. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance source is downstream of the acid generation source and is disposed between the acid generation source and the atomizing unit in the path connecting the acid generation source and the atomizing unit. 4. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 3, wherein the fragrance source is downstream of the acid generation source and is located between the acid generation source and the atomizing unit in the entire path connecting the acid generation source and the atomizing unit. 5. The non-combustible aroma inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the aroma source is a tobacco source. 6. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 5, wherein, The aroma source is tobacco. The tobacco source is an aqueous solution with an alkaline pH, prepared by adding 10 times the weight of water to the tobacco source. 7. The non-combustible aroma inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the acid flow path is a flow path that allows acid to pass through the aroma source and be guided to the inhalation port side. 8. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol flow path includes, in addition to the first flow path, a second flow path different from the first flow path. 9. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 8, wherein the aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path is smaller than the aerosol reduction rate in the first flow path. 10. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 8, wherein, At least a portion of the first flow path is a flow path for the aerosol generated by the atomizing section. At least a portion of the second flow path is a flow path for aerosols generated by other atomizing sections different from the atomizing section. 11. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the atomizing section is not present upstream of the acid generation source. 12. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the non-combustible fragrance inhaler comprises: A first vent for introducing air into the atomizing unit; and A second vent is provided, which is provided separately from the first vent, and introduces air into the acid generation source. 13. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 12, wherein, The non-combustible fragrance inhaler includes a fragrance source unit, which comprises the fragrance source and a main body for housing the fragrance source. The main body of the unit is structured to be able to connect with the main body of the inhaler that constitutes the non-combustible fragrance inhaler. The suction device body has the second vent. The main body of the unit has an airflow path equipped with the acid generation source. At least one of the suction body and the unit body has a positioning function for determining the relative position of the suction body and the unit body so that the second vent is connected to the airflow path. 14. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein, The non-combustible fragrance inhaler includes a mixing chamber for mixing fragrance components captured by the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit with acids released from the acid generation source. 15. A fragrance-absorbing source unit, comprising: Aroma source; and The main unit housing the aroma source has a structure that allows it to be connected to the main body of the inhaler, which constitutes a non-combustible aroma inhaler. With the unit body connected to the suction device body, at least a portion of an aerosol flow path and at least a portion of an acid flow path are formed. The aerosol flow path guides the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit, which atomizes the aerosol source without combustion, to the suction port side. The acid flow path guides the acid emitted from the acid generation source to the suction port side without passing through the atomizing unit. The aerosol flow path disposed in the aroma source unit includes at least a first flow path that allows the aerosol to pass through the aroma source and be guided to the mouthpiece side. The aerosol flow path is a flow path that directs the aerosol to the suction port side without passing through the acid generation source. 16. The aroma source unit according to claim 15, wherein the aroma source is a tobacco source. 17. The aroma-absorbing source unit according to claim 16, wherein, The aroma source is tobacco. The tobacco source is an aqueous solution with an alkaline pH, which is prepared by adding 10 times the weight of water to the tobacco source. 18. The aroma source unit according to claim 15, wherein the acid flow path disposed in the aroma source unit is a flow path that directs the acid to the mouthpiece side without passing through the aroma source. 19. The aroma source unit according to claim 15, wherein the aerosol flow path disposed in the aroma source unit includes, in addition to the first flow path, a second flow path different from the first flow path. 20. The aroma source unit according to claim 19, wherein the aerosol reduction rate in the second flow path is smaller than the aerosol reduction rate in the first flow path. 21. The aroma-absorbing source unit according to claim 19, wherein, At least a portion of the first flow path is a flow path for the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit. At least a portion of the second flow path is a flow path for aerosols generated by other atomizing units different from the atomizing unit. 22. The aroma source unit according to claim 15, wherein, when the unit body is connected to the suction device body, the atomizing unit is not present upstream of the acid generation source. 23. The aroma source unit according to claim 15, wherein the atomizing unit includes a mixing chamber for mixing the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit with the acid emitted from the acid generation source. 24. An atomizing unit, comprising: The atomizing section atomizes an aerosol source that does not contain nicotine without combustion. Acid-producing sources that release acid; and The connecting part connects the aroma source to the downstream of the atomizing part so that the aerosol generated by the atomizing part is directed to the aroma source. The acid emitted from the acid generation source is directed to the suction port side without passing through the atomizing section. The aerosol generated from the atomizing section is directed to the suction port side without passing through the acid generation source.