JP2005034021A - Electronic Cigarette - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic cigarette which gives a sufficient amount of a flavoring ingredient from a smoking-starting time, when a smoker simulatively smokes. <P>SOLUTION: This electronic cigarette 1 is characterized by having a casing 2 which has a foot 4 and an approximately bar-like whole shape, a discharging means (the first discharging means 14) which is disposed in the casing 2 and has at least one discharging head for discharging a liquid flavor-producing medium from a liquid flavor-producing medium-charged cavity by driving an actuator, and a control means 27 which is disposed in the casing 2 and controls the driving of the discharging means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, various types of pseudo smoking tools have been proposed for tasting tobacco-like flavors without burning tobacco.
For example, there has been proposed a pseudo smoking device in which a heating element and a solid flavor generating medium are provided in a heat insulating tube, and the heat insulating tube and the power source of the heating element are wrapped in an overwrapping paper and formed into a cigarette shape (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In the simulated smoking device having such a configuration, by supplying electric energy from the power source to the heating element, the flavor generating medium is heated to generate a flavor component, and the flavor component and the air taken into the simulated smoking device By sucking the air-fuel mixture, it is possible to taste a flavor similar to tobacco.
However, in the simulated smoking device having such a configuration, since it takes time to raise the temperature of the flavor generating medium, it takes time for the flavor generating medium to generate a sufficient amount of flavor components, and simulated smoking. A sufficient amount of flavor component cannot be obtained at the start of the smoking process, and a sensation similar to that of tobacco cannot be obtained from the start of the pseudo smoking.
[0004]
In addition, since the amount of flavor components produced by the flavor generating medium cannot be controlled with high accuracy, the amount of flavor components cannot be adjusted according to the amount of inhalation, and a sensation similar to tobacco cannot be obtained. .
Furthermore, since it does not have the function of generating smoke similar to tobacco or the function of generating fire types similar to tobacco, a feeling similar to tobacco cannot be obtained.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-232481
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic cigarette in which a sufficient amount of flavor components can be obtained from the beginning of smoking and a feeling similar to that of tobacco can be obtained when a smoker performs pseudo-smoking.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below.
The electronic cigarette of the present invention has a suction port and a casing whose overall shape is substantially rod-shaped,
At least one provided in the casing and ejecting the flavor generating medium as droplets from a nozzle communicating with the cavity by driving an actuator to change a pressure in the cavity filled with the liquid flavor generating medium An ejection means having an ejection head;
Control means provided in the casing and for controlling driving of the discharge means.
[0008]
Thereby, by driving the discharge means by the control means, the droplets of the flavor generating medium are discharged into the casing, and the flavor component is supplied into the casing. In this state, holding the suction port side of the casing over the mouth and breathing in, the mixture of the air flowing into the casing and the flavor component in the casing flows into the mouth, and the flavor component diffuses into the mouth. You can taste a flavor similar to tobacco.
[0009]
In this case, since a sufficient amount of flavor generating medium droplets are discharged into the casing from the start of driving of the discharge means, a sufficient amount of flavor components can be obtained from the start of suction, which is similar to that of tobacco. Is obtained.
In addition, the use of substances that do not contain harmful substances, unpleasant odors, tastes, etc. in the flavor generation medium may cause harm or discomfort to the surrounding people or smokers themselves when smoking. Can be prevented.
[0010]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, it is preferable that the electronic cigarette has an atomizing unit that is provided in the casing and atomizes droplets of the flavor generating medium discharged from the discharge unit.
Thereby, the droplets of the flavor generating medium discharged into the casing by driving the discharge means are atomized (miniaturized) by the atomization means. In this state, holding the suction side of the casing over the mouth and breathing in, the air-fuel mixture of the air flowing into the casing and the mist-like flavor component in the casing flows into the mouth, and the flavor component flows into the mouth. It can diffuse and taste like tobacco.
In this case, since the flavor component that has been atomized by the atomizing means can be sucked into the mouth, a feeling as if cigarette smoke has been sucked can be obtained.
[0011]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, the atomizing means is preferably a heating means that heats and atomizes the droplets of the flavor generating medium discharged from the discharging means.
Thereby, since the flavor component particles heated by the heating means of the atomization means can be sucked into the mouth, the flavor component can be efficiently diffused in the mouth, and the smoke of the cigarette is sucked in. A feeling like time is obtained.
[0012]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, it is preferable that the atomizing unit is a vibrating unit that vibrates and atomizes the droplets of the flavor generating medium discharged from the discharging unit.
As a result, the scented flavor component that is vibrated by the vibrating means of the atomizing unit can be sucked into the mouth, so that the flavor component can be efficiently diffused in the mouth, and when the cigarette smoke is sucked A feeling like this is obtained.
[0013]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, it is preferable that the atomizing means is detachable from the casing.
Thereby, an atomization means can be easily attached to a casing as needed.
In the electronic cigarette according to the present invention, it is preferable that the electronic cigarette includes a mounting portion on which a cartridge having a storage portion in which a liquid flavor generating medium is stored is detachably mounted.
Thus, by attaching the cartridge to the mounting portion of the casing, the flavor generating medium is supplied from the storage portion to the discharge means, and by removing the cartridge from the mounting portion of the casing, the flavor generation medium from the storage portion to the discharge means Is stopped.
[0014]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, it is preferable that the discharge means is provided in the cartridge.
As a result, the discharge means is attached to and detached from the casing integrally with the cartridge by attaching and detaching the cartridge to and from the mounting portion of the casing.
The electronic cigarette of the present invention preferably has a power switch for turning on / off the power supply by attaching / detaching the cartridge to / from the mounting portion.
Thus, the power is turned on via the power switch by attaching the cartridge to the mounting portion of the casing, and the power is turned off via the power switch by removing the cartridge from the mounting portion of the casing.
[0015]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, it is preferable that a power source is provided in the casing.
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, it is preferable that the electronic cigarette has a detecting means for detecting an air volume flowing through the casing.
Thereby, the air volume of the air flowing through the casing or the air-fuel mixture of air and flavor is detected by the detection means, and based on the detection result of this detection means (in response to the signal from the detection means), the control means Thus, various controls can be performed.
[0016]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit controls the driving of the discharge unit based on the detection result of the detection unit.
Thereby, the air volume of the air flowing through the casing or the air-fuel mixture of air and flavor is detected by the detection means, and based on the detection result of this detection means (in response to the signal from the detection means), the control means Thus, the drive of the discharge means is controlled, and the discharge amount of the flavor generating medium discharged from the discharge means is controlled by turning ON / OFF the discharge means.
Therefore, since the flavor component of the amount according to the smoker's inhalation power can be taken into the mouth, the sensation as if the smoke of cigarette was inhaled can be obtained.
[0017]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, it is preferable that a light emitting means is provided at the tip of the casing, and the driving of the light emitting means is controlled by the control means based on the detection result of the detecting means.
Thereby, the air volume of the air flowing through the casing or the air-fuel mixture of air and flavor is detected by the detection means, and based on the detection result of this detection means (in response to the signal from the detection means), the control means Thus, the driving of the light emitting means is controlled, and the ON / OFF of the light emitting means and the amount of light are controlled.
Therefore, the light quantity of the light emitting means can be increased or decreased according to the smoker's suction force, so that a feeling as if cigarette smoke was sucked can be obtained.
[0018]
In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, the electronic cigarette has smoke generating means for generating pseudo smoke from the front end portion of the casing, and the driving of the smoke generating means is controlled by the control means based on the detection result of the detecting means. Such a configuration is preferable.
Thereby, the air volume of the air flowing through the casing or the air-fuel mixture of air and flavor is detected by the detection means, and based on the detection result of this detection means (in response to the signal from the detection means), the control means Thus, the driving of the smoke generating means is controlled, and the ON / OFF of the smoke generating means and the amount of smoke are controlled.
Therefore, it is possible to generate pseudo smoke from the smoke generating means, stop the generation of smoke, or adjust the amount of generated smoke according to the smoker's inhalation power, so inhale the cigarette smoke You can get the same feeling as when.
[0019]
The electronic cigarette of the present invention preferably has a heating means for heating the air flowing through the casing or the air-fuel mixture containing air and flavor components.
Thereby, the air flowing through the casing or the mixture of air and flavor components is heated by the heating means, so that a feeling as if cigarette smoke has been sucked in is obtained.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an electronic cigarette (pseudo smoking tool) of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.
1 to 5 show a first embodiment of an electronic cigarette according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the entire electronic cigarette, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the discharge means, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic cigarette.
For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the left side is described as “tip”, and the right side is described as “base end”.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic cigarette 1 is a cartridge having a cigarette body 100 having a round bar shape (bar shape), that is, a substantially columnar shape, and a storage portion in which a liquid flavor generating medium is stored. 21.
The cigarette body 100 includes a casing 2, a first discharge means (discharge means) 14 and a second discharge means (smoke generation means) 17 that discharge droplets of a flavor generating medium into the casing 2, a first discharge means 14, And a control unit 27 that controls driving of the second discharge unit 17 and the like.
[0022]
The overall shape of the casing 2 has a round bar shape (bar shape), that is, a substantially cylindrical shape. The base end portion (one end portion in the longitudinal direction) corresponding to the cigarette filter of the casing 2 is provided with a gripping portion 7. At the center of the gripping portion 7, air or air and flavor are provided. A channel 3 having a predetermined length for circulating an air-fuel mixture containing components is provided along the longitudinal direction.
[0023]
In the present embodiment, the flow path 3 has a circular cross section, and its base end opens (opens) in the center of the end surface of the gripper 7 on the base end side, and this opening is flavored. It is formed in the suction port 4 for sucking components (air mixture including air and flavor components) into the mouth.
The front end of the flow path 3 is formed on a tapered surface 5 that gradually increases in diameter toward the front end, and the intake port (side port) 6 that penetrates the casing 2 in the radial direction is formed in the maximum diameter portion of the taber surface 5. A plurality are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and the inside of the flow path 3 is opened to the outer surface side of the casing 2 through the intake port 6. The shape of the intake port 6 can be, for example, a cross-sectional square shape, a circular cross-sectional shape, or the like (in this embodiment, a cross-sectional square shape). When the breathing part 7 is held by the mouth and breathes in, air is taken into the flow path 3 through the intake port 6, and this air circulates in the flow path 3 toward the suction port 4. Into the mouth.
[0024]
A portion of the casing 2 corresponding to the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the flow path 3 is provided with a first discharge means 14 serving as a discharge means so as to face the flow path 3, and is driven by the driving of the first discharge means 14. Fine droplets of the flavor generating medium are discharged into the path 3. The droplets of the flavor generating medium discharged into the flow path 3 by the first discharge means 14 are mixed with the air flowing through the flow path 3 and flow through the flow path 3 to become an air-fuel mixture from the suction port 4. It flows into the mouth.
The constituent material of the casing 2 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various resins, various metals, various ceramics, wood, and paper.
[0025]
The flavor generation medium is a medium that can generate a flavor by discharging it as droplets without being burned, and is appropriately selected according to the use and the like. This flavor generating medium includes, for example, predetermined substances among various substances extracted from natural products and their constituent components. As the flavor substance contained in the flavor generation medium, for example, menthol, caffeine, precursors such as glycosides that generate flavor by thermal decomposition, tobacco components such as tobacco extract components and tobacco smoke pseudo-condensate components, etc. are used. be able to. In this case, it is preferable to detoxify the flavor generating medium, and it is preferable to remove harmful components.
In addition, the flavor generation medium can include a substance that generates an aerosol when heated, for example, to add smoke to the flavor. Examples of substances that generate aerosols include polyols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, lower alcohols, saccharides, and mixtures thereof.
[0026]
The first ejection means 14 employs a fluid jet method (for example, an ink jet method). The fluid jet method is a method in which an actuator is driven to change the pressure in a cavity (pressure chamber) filled with a fluid such as a liquid, thereby ejecting the fluid as droplets from a nozzle communicating with the cavity. Examples of the fluid jet method include a film boiling fluid jet method such as a thermal jet method (bubble jet method (“Bubble Jet” is a registered trademark)), a piezoelectric method (piezo method), an electrostatic method, and the like. . However, it is not limited to these methods, and any method having the same function may be used.
[0027]
2. Description of the Related Art A film boiling fluid jet type discharge head such as a thermal jet type (bubble jet type (“Bubble Jet” is a registered trademark)) or the like includes a film boiling type actuator having a heating element (heater) that generates heat when energized. In this film boiling fluid jet system, for example, a heating element is heated by energization, thereby generating bubbles, and droplets are ejected by the pressure of the bubbles (change in fluid pressure due to the bubbles).
[0028]
In addition, a piezoelectric (piezo type) ejection head includes a piezoelectric element (piezo element), and includes a piezoelectric actuator that uses the piezoelectric effect (piezo effect) of the piezoelectric element. In this piezoelectric system, for example, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, and the volume of the cavity (pressure chamber) is changed by displacing (deforming) the piezoelectric element. Discharge.
[0029]
Further, the electrostatic discharge head includes an electrostatic actuator. In this electrostatic method, for example, a voltage is applied between the opposing electrodes of the electrostatic actuator to generate a Coulomb force, and the diaphragm is displaced (deformed) to change the volume of the cavity (pressure chamber). By changing the pressure in the cavity 51, droplets are ejected.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first ejection unit 14 includes a plurality (four in the illustrated example) of fluid jet type ejection heads 15 having nozzles 16 that eject the droplets of the flavor generating medium. ing. That is, the first ejection unit 14 includes a head unit having a plurality of fluid jet type ejection heads 15. The number of ejection heads 15 is not limited to four, and may be one, two, three, or five or more.
Each discharge head 15 is formed with a different diameter of the nozzle 16, and for example, by combining ON / OFF of these discharge heads 15, the discharge amount of the flavor generating medium can be adjusted to a predetermined amount. .
[0031]
Hereinafter, a configuration example of the ejection head 15 when the electrostatic method is employed will be described as a representative based on FIG. FIG. 4 shows only one of the plurality of ejection heads 15.
As shown in FIG. 4, the discharge head 15 has a three-layer structure in which a silicon nozzle plate 41 is stacked on the upper side of the silicon substrate 42 and a glass substrate 43 is stacked on the lower side.
[0032]
Between the silicon substrate 42 and the nozzle plate 41, a cavity (pressure chamber) 51 filled with a flavor generating medium, a reservoir 53, and an orifice (supply port) 52 that connects the reservoir 53 and the cavity 51 to each other Is provided. A nozzle (exit) 16 that communicates between the inside and outside of the cavity 51 is provided at a portion corresponding to the cavity 51 of the nozzle plate 41. The part of the silicon substrate 42 facing the cavity 51 is formed on a diaphragm (bottom wall) 45 that is thinner than the other parts.
[0033]
The diaphragm 45 is configured to be elastically deformable (elastically displaceable) in the out-of-plane direction (thickness direction), that is, the vertical direction.
The vibration plate 45, the segment electrode 46 disposed on the upper portion of the glass substrate 43, and the insulating layer 47 and the gap (recessed portion) 54 therebetween constitute the main part of the electrostatic actuator (actuator) 44. .
[0034]
An ejection head driving circuit (voltage applying means) 29 including a driving circuit for applying a driving voltage between the segment electrode 46 and the common electrode 48 facing the segment electrode 46 (between the counter electrodes) is a CPU 28 described later. Charging / discharging between the counter electrodes is performed in accordance with a signal (discharge data) input from. One output terminal of the ejection head drive circuit 29 is connected to each segment electrode 46, and the other output terminal is connected to an input terminal 49 of a common electrode 48 formed on the silicon substrate 42. Since impurities are implanted into the silicon substrate 42 and itself has conductivity, a voltage can be applied (supplied) from the input terminal 49 to the diaphragm 45 (the entire common electrode 48).
[0035]
When a driving voltage is applied between the opposing electrodes from the ejection head driving circuit 29, a Coulomb force is generated between the opposing electrodes, and the diaphragm 45 bends toward the segment electrode 46 side with respect to the initial state shown in FIG. The volume of the cavity 51 increases (expands). In this state, when the electric charge between the counter electrodes is rapidly discharged by the control of the ejection head drive circuit 29, the diaphragm 45 is restored upward by its elastic restoring force, and the diaphragm 45 in the initial state shown in FIG. The volume of the cavity 51 is suddenly reduced (contracted). As a result, the pressure in the cavity 51 increases, and a part of the flavor generating medium that fills the cavity 51 is discharged from the nozzle 16 communicating with the cavity 51 by the compression pressure generated in the cavity 51. Are discharged.
[0036]
An intake port 55 that communicates with the reservoir 53 is provided in the portion of the glass substrate 43 corresponding to the reservoir 53. A base end side of a first supply pipe 33 which will be described later is connected to the intake 55, and a flavor generating medium is supplied into the reservoir 53 from the cartridge 21 which will be described later via the first supply pipe 33 and the intake 55. .
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 2, an air volume sensor 19, which is a detection means, is provided in the middle of the flow path 3 on the base end side (left side in the drawing) of the first discharge means 14 (the root portion of the tapered surface 5 of the flow path 3). The flow rate of a fluid (air or a mixture of air and flavor components) flowing through the flow path 3 is detected by the air volume sensor 19.
A heating means 20 is provided in the middle of the flow path 3 on the front end side (right side in the figure) of the first discharge means 14, and a fluid (air or air) that flows through the flow path 3 by driving the heating means 20. The air-fuel mixture containing the flavor component) is heated, and the fluid heated to a predetermined temperature flows out from the suction port 4. The heating means 20 is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of heating a fluid, and examples thereof include a micro heater. The microheater converts electricity into heat energy, and its shape and method can be arbitrarily selected. Usually, a heater thin film is formed and heat is generated by passing a current through the resistor.
[0038]
In addition, you may make it attach the heating means 20 to the gripping part 7 as needed so that it can be attached or detached to the gripping part 7. FIG.
Further, the heating means 20 is provided on the upstream side of the first discharge means 14, that is, on the tip side (left side in FIG. 2), and flows through the flow path 3 by driving the heating means 20 and reaches the first discharge means 14. It may be configured to heat the previous air (the air before being mixed with the droplets of the flavor generating medium).
[0039]
A cartridge chamber (mounting portion) 8 having a predetermined depth whose upper surface opens to the outer surface side of the casing 2 is provided at the longitudinal center of the casing 2 (the left portion of the flow path 3 in the drawing). A cartridge 21 containing (filling) a liquid flavor generating medium is detachably mounted in the chamber 8. A cartridge detection / power switch 9 is provided on one end surface (left side in FIG. 2) of the cartridge chamber 8 in the axial direction. When the cartridge 21 is mounted (attached) to the cartridge chamber 8, the cartridge detection / power switch 9 is turned ON, the mounted state of the cartridge 21 is detected, the power supply 26 is turned ON, and the cartridge 21 is removed from the cartridge chamber 8. When the cartridge is removed (removed), the cartridge detection / power switch 9 is turned OFF, the unmounted state of the cartridge 21 is detected, and the power supply 26 is turned OFF.
[0040]
The cartridge 21 has a cartridge main body (casing) 210 whose overall shape is box-shaped. The interior of the cartridge body 210 is divided into two chambers, a first chamber 22 and a second chamber 23, and a predetermined amount of liquid flavor generating medium is stored (filled) in each of the first chamber 22 and the second chamber 23. Yes. The flavor generation medium stored in the first chamber 22 and the flavor generation medium stored in the second chamber 23 may be the same or different.
[0041]
The constituent material of the cartridge main body (casing) 210 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various resins.
The interior of the cartridge body 210 may be a single chamber. The cartridge 21 is provided with the first discharge means 14 described above (the cartridge 21 and the first discharge means 14 are integrated), and these are integrally formed in the cartridge chamber (mounting portion) of the casing 2 (cigarette body 100). 8 may be configured to be detachably mounted.
[0042]
On the lower surface side of the first chamber 22 of the cartridge body 210, a portion to be pierced 221 into which a sharp end portion 331 on the distal end side of the first supply tube 33 described later is pierced is formed. Similarly, on the lower surface side of the second chamber 23, a portion to be punctured 231 into which a sharp end 341 on the proximal end side of the second supply pipe 34 described later is punctured is formed. When the cartridge 21 is mounted in the cartridge chamber 8, the sharp end 331 of the first supply tube 33 and the sharp end 341 of the second supply tube 34 are respectively connected to the puncture portion 221 and the puncture target of the cartridge main body 210. The part 231 is punctured and penetrated. Thereby, the inside of the first chamber 22 and the first supply pipe 33 communicate with each other, and the inside of the second chamber 23 and the second supply pipe 34 communicate with each other.
[0043]
At the outer peripheral edge of the casing 2, a first supply pipe 33 that communicates between the portion corresponding to the first chamber 22 of the cartridge chamber 8 and the first discharge means 14 in the axial direction, and the cartridge chamber 8. A second supply pipe 34 communicating with each other in the axial direction is embedded between a portion corresponding to the second chamber 23 and a second discharge means 17 described later. A sharp end (puncture needle) 331 is formed at the distal end of the first supply tube 33, and a sharp end (puncture needle) 341 is formed at the proximal end of the second supply tube 34. ing. The flavor generating medium is supplied from the first chamber 22 of the cartridge 21 to the first discharge means 14 and from the second chamber 23 to the second discharge means 17 through the first supply pipe 33 and the second supply pipe 34, respectively. The
[0044]
At the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the casing 2 (the portion on the left side of the casing chamber 8 in the drawing), a power source (power source unit) 26 is provided on the proximal end side, and the first discharge means 14 and the second discharge means 17 are provided on the distal end side. The air volume sensor 19, the heating means 20, the power source 26, and the control means 27 for controlling the driving of the light emitting means 32 described later are incorporated. The power source 26 may be configured to be detachably mounted in the casing 2.
[0045]
As the power supply 26, for example, a battery such as a primary battery or a secondary battery can be used. In this case, it is possible to reduce the size and weight by using a fuel cell having a high energy density. The fuel cell may be shaped like a cartridge so that it can be easily replaced.
A predetermined space 10 is provided at the front end portion (the other end portion in the longitudinal direction) of the casing 2, and a portion of the casing 2 facing the space 10 has an intake / discharge port that penetrates the casing 2 in the radial direction. A plurality of (side ports) 11 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and the inside of the space 10 is opened to the outer surface side of the casing 2 through these intake / discharge ports 11. The shape of the intake / discharge port 11 may be, for example, a cross-sectional square shape, a cross-sectional circular shape, or the like (in the present embodiment, a cross-sectional square shape).
[0046]
A second discharge means 17, which is a smoke generating means, is provided on the right side of the casing 2 adjacent to the space 10 in the drawing so as to face the space 10, and the second discharge means 17 is driven to enter the space 10. Fine droplets of the flavor generating medium are ejected. In this case, for example, pseudo smoke (secondary smoke) resembling tobacco smoke (secondary smoke) can be generated by selecting or combining flavor generation media.
[0047]
Since the configuration of the second ejection unit 17 is the same as that of the first ejection unit 14 described above, illustration and description thereof are omitted.
By driving the second discharge means 17, a droplet of the flavor generating medium is discharged into the space 10, and thereby pseudo smoke (secondary smoke) resembling tobacco smoke (secondary smoke) in the space 10. Is generated and discharged from the intake / discharge port 11 to the outside. In this case, the pseudo smoke generated (emitted) is preferably harmless. Further, the generated pseudo smoke may be odorless or odorous. In addition, when odor-like pseudo smoke is generated, the odor is preferably a preferred odor, not a odor such as a sidestream smoke of tobacco.
[0048]
A concave portion 12 having a predetermined depth that opens to the distal end surface of the casing 2 is provided at the distal end portion (a portion adjacent to the space 10) of the casing 2, and the opening portion of the concave portion 12 is blocked by a curved diffusion lens 13. Has been.
A light emitting means 32 is provided on the bottom surface side of the recess 12, and by driving the light emitting means 32 to emit light, a pseudo safe fire type resembling the fire type of tobacco can be generated. A visual effect similar to that of the fire type.
[0049]
The light emission means 32 adjusts the light emission amount according to the signal from the air flow sensor 19 (based on the detection result of the air flow sensor 19). Examples of the light emitting means 32 include a red LED (light emitting diode), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and the like. However, the light emitting means 32 is not limited to this and may have any similar function.
As shown in FIG. 5, the control means 27 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls driving of the first discharge means 14, the second discharge means 17, the heating means 20, the air volume sensor 19, the light emission means 32, the power supply 26, and the like. 28 and a discharge head drive circuit 29 in which a circuit for driving the first discharge means 14 and the second discharge means 17 is incorporated.
[0050]
The electronic cigarette 1 according to the present embodiment can perform various controls by including the control means 27 as described above.
For example, ON / OFF control of generation of pseudo smoke similar to cigarette smoke (secondary smoke) by controlling ON / OFF of the second discharge means 17, and ON / OFF of light emission of the light emitting means 32 And the like can be controlled. Therefore, in places where smoking of cigarettes is prohibited (for example, public places, stations, restaurants, etc.), the generation of pseudo smoke can be turned off and the light emission of the light emitting means can be turned off.
[0051]
In addition, the heating of the air or the air-fuel mixture containing air and flavor components by the heating means 20 can be controlled to be turned off in summer and turned on because warmth is desired in winter.
In addition, because it is close to tobacco, at the beginning of smoking, it can reproduce a weak scent passing through the long passage of tobacco, a state resembling low temperature, and at the end of smoking it is strong for passing through the short passage Control that reproduces the state resembling fragrance and high temperature becomes possible.
[0052]
These controls can also be changed in units of brands by attaching brands to the electronic cigarette 1 and switching pseudo-smoking programming data corresponding to the brands. Alternatively, preferences can be customized for each individual. For example, it is possible to reproduce a state where the scent is mild by a long filter, or to set the number of times of virtual one suction.
[0053]
Also, these pseudo smoking programs are written in the ROM, and the ROM is attached to the cartridge 21 or another cartridge (not shown), and the ROM is attached to or detached from the casing 2 (cigarette body 100) via the cartridge 21 or another cartridge. You may make it possible to attach freely. In addition, a RAM 21 is provided in the cartridge 21 or another cartridge (not shown) that can be detachably attached to the casing 2 (the cigarette body 100), and the pseudo smoking program is downloaded to the RAM through a wireless interface such as Bluetooth. It is good also as a form which transmits or transmits by infrared rays.
[0054]
Further, a memory in which a predetermined pseudo smoking program is written may be incorporated in the casing 2 (the cigarette body 100), and any of the preference patterns may be selected with a dial or the like. In this case, for example, storage of the pseudo smoking program and selection of a preference pattern may be performed by another unit of a pair of lighters.
[0055]
Further, for example, an RFID (wireless tag) is attached to the casing 2 (cigarette body 100), the cartridge 21 or another cartridge (not shown), another unit, and the simulated smoking program is switched, or the parameters in the simulated smoking program May be switched.
When the breathing part 7 of the electronic cigarette 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above is sandwiched between the lips and inhaled, air flows into the flow path 3 from the intake port 6 and the air volume flowing through the flow path 3 Is detected by the air volume sensor 19, and the first discharge means 14 is driven by the control means 27 in accordance with a signal from the air volume sensor 19 (based on the detection result of the air volume sensor 19), and a predetermined amount is output from the nozzle 16 of the discharge head 15. The droplets of the flavor generating medium are discharged into the flow path 3, the air flowing through the flow path 3 and the flavor components are mixed, and the air-fuel mixture flows into the mouth from the suction port 4, and the flavor enters the mouth. Ingredients can diffuse and taste a flavor similar to tobacco.
[0056]
In this case, since a sufficient amount of the droplets of the flavor generating medium are discharged into the casing 2 from the start of driving of the first discharge means 14, a sufficient amount of flavor from the start of pseudo-smoking (at the start of suction). Ingredients are obtained, and a feeling similar to that of tobacco is obtained.
Further, the second ejection unit 17 is driven by the control unit 27 in accordance with a signal from the air volume sensor 19 (based on the detection result of the air volume sensor 19), and a predetermined amount of flavor is emitted from the nozzle of the ejection head of the second ejection unit 17. The droplets of the production medium are discharged into the space 10, thereby generating pseudo smoke similar to tobacco smoke (secondary smoke) in the space 10, and the smoke is taken in from the intake / discharge port 11 to the space 10. It flows out and the sidestream smoke from this cigarette diffuses around.
Further, the light emitting means 32 emits light in accordance with a signal from the air volume sensor 19 (based on the detection result of the air volume sensor 19), and a visual effect similar to that of a cigarette fire is provided.
[0057]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the electronic cigarette according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged explanatory view, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the electronic cigarette.
Hereinafter, the electronic cigarette 1 of the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the electronic cigarette 1 of the second embodiment, the droplets of the flavor generating medium ejected from each nozzle 16 are fogged so as to face the nozzles 16 of each ejection head 15 of the first ejection means 14. Atomizing means 18 is provided for making (miniaturizing) atomization. Although not shown, similarly, the atomizing means for atomizing (reducing) the droplets of the flavor generating medium ejected from each nozzle 16 so as to face the nozzles 16 of each ejection head 15 of the second ejection means 17. 18 is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the control means 27 has an atomizing means driving circuit 30 in which a circuit for driving the atomizing means 18 is incorporated. Other configurations are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.
[0059]
In this case, as the atomizing means 18, for example, the heating means for receiving and heating the droplets of the flavor generating medium ejected from the nozzles 16 of the ejection head 15 and heating them, or the droplets of the flavor generating medium are received. Vibration means for atomizing by vibrating. Examples of the heating means include a micro heater, and examples of the vibration means include an ultrasonic vibration generator.
[0060]
One of the atomizing means 18 on the first discharge means 14 side and the atomizing means 18 on the second discharge means 17 side may be omitted.
Further, the atomizing means 18 may be configured to be detachably attached to the casing 2 (cigarette body 100).
Further, the atomizing means 18 is provided in the cartridge 21 (the cartridge 21 and the atomizing means 18 are integrated), and these can be integrally attached to and detached from the cartridge chamber (mounting portion) 8 of the casing 2 (cigarette body 100). You may comprise so that it may be mounted | worn with.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the droplets of the flavor generating medium ejected from the nozzles 16 of the first ejection means 14 and the second ejection means 17 are atomized by the corresponding atomization means 18 respectively.
That is, since the droplet of the flavor generating medium discharged from the nozzle 16 of the first discharge means 14 is atomized by the corresponding atomizing means 18, the grip portion 7 of the casing 2 is held in the mouth. When inhaling, the mixture of air flowing into the casing 2 from the intake port 6 and the mist-like flavor component in the casing 2 flows into the mouth, and the flavor component diffuses into the mouth, similar to tobacco You can taste the flavor. In this case, since the flavor component that has been atomized by the atomizing means 18 can be sucked into the mouth, a sensation as if cigarette smoke was sucked is obtained.
[0062]
When the atomizing means 18 is constituted by a microheater, the particles of the flavor generating medium that are heated and become mist flow into the mouth, so that the flavor component can be efficiently diffused in the mouth, You can feel as if you smoked cigarette smoke.
When the atomizing means 18 is constituted by an ultrasonic vibration generator, the flavor-generating medium particles that have been vibrated into a mist form flow into the mouth, so that the flavor components can be efficiently diffused into the mouth. And feels like inhaling cigarette smoke.
[0063]
Similarly, the droplets of the flavor generating medium discharged from the nozzle 16 of the second discharge means 17 when the breathing part 7 of the casing 2 is held in the mouth and inhaled are fogged by the corresponding atomizing means 18. As a result, pseudo smoke similar to cigarette smoke (secondary smoke) is generated in the space 10 and flows out from the intake / discharge port 11. Is diffused around. In this case, since the droplets of the flavor generating medium ejected from the second ejection means 17 are atomized by the atomizing means 18, pseudo smoke that is very close to the sidestream smoke of tobacco can be generated. .
[0064]
Moreover, according to this electronic cigarette 1, the same effect as 1st Embodiment mentioned above is acquired.
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each unit can be replaced with any configuration having the same function. . In addition, any other component may be added to the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of an electronic cigarette according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a discharge unit.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic cigarette according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the electronic cigarette according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic cigarette according to a second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic cigarette 2 ... Casing 3 ... Flow path 4 ... Suction port 5 ... Tapered surface 6 ... Taking-in port 7 ... Holding part 8 ... Cartridge chamber 9 ... Detection and power switch 10 ... Space 11 …… Intake / discharge port 12 …… Concavity 13 …… Diffusion lens 14 …… First discharge means 15 …… Discharge head 16 …… Nozzle 17 …… Second discharge means 18 …… Atomization means 19 …… Air volume Sensor 20 ... Heating means 21 ... Cartridge 22 ... First chamber 221 ... Punctured part 23 ... Second chamber 231 ... Punctured part 26 ... Power supply 27 ... Control means 28 ... CPU 29 ... Discharge head drive circuit 30... Atomizing means drive circuit 31... Smoke generating means 32... Light emitting means 33 ... 1st supply pipe 331 ... Sharp end 34 ... 2nd supply pipe 341 ... Sharp end Part 41 ... Nozzle plate 42 ... … Silicon substrate 43 …… Glass substrate 44 …… Electrostatic actuator 45 …… Vibration plate 46 …… Segment electrode 47 …… Insulating layer 48 …… Common electrode 49 …… Input terminal 51 …… Cavity 52 …… Orifice 53… … Reservoir 54 …… Cavity 55 …… Inlet 100 …… Tobacco body 210 …… Cartridge body

Claims (14)

A casing having a suction port and having a substantially rod-like overall shape;
At least one provided in the casing and ejecting the flavor generating medium as droplets from a nozzle communicating with the cavity by driving an actuator to change a pressure in the cavity filled with the liquid flavor generating medium An ejection means having an ejection head;
An electronic cigarette comprising a control means provided in the casing and for controlling driving of the discharge means. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, further comprising: an atomizing unit that is provided in the casing and atomizes droplets of the flavor generating medium discharged from the discharging unit. The electronic cigarette according to claim 2, wherein the atomizing unit is a heating unit that heats and atomizes the droplets of the flavor generation medium discharged from the discharge unit. The electronic cigarette according to claim 2, wherein the atomizing unit is a vibrating unit that vibrates the droplets of the flavor generating medium ejected from the ejecting unit. The electronic cigarette according to claim 2, wherein the atomizing means is detachable from the casing. 6. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting portion on which a cartridge having a storage portion in which a liquid flavor generation medium is stored is detachably mounted. The electronic cigarette according to claim 6, wherein the discharge means is provided in the cartridge. The electronic cigarette according to claim 7, further comprising a power switch that turns on / off a power source by attaching / detaching the cartridge to / from the mounting portion. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein a power source is provided in the casing. The electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising detection means for detecting an amount of air flowing through the casing. The electronic cigarette according to claim 10, wherein the driving of the discharge unit is controlled by the control unit based on a detection result of the detection unit. The electronic cigarette according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a light emitting unit is provided at a tip portion of the casing, and the driving of the light emitting unit is controlled by the control unit based on a detection result of the detection unit. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising smoke generating means for generating pseudo smoke from the front end portion of the casing, wherein the drive of the smoke generating means is controlled by the control means based on a detection result of the detection means. Thru | or 12. The electronic cigarette in any one of 12. The electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising heating means for heating air flowing through the casing or an air-fuel mixture containing air and flavor components.

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