HK1246102B - Manufacturing method for atomizing unit, atomizing unit, and non-combustion type fragrance aspirator - Google Patents

Description

Manufacturing method of atomization unit, atomization unit and non-burning fragrance inhaler

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an atomizing unit having a heating element for atomizing an aerosol source without combustion, the atomizing unit and a non-combustion type aroma inhaler.

Background Art

Currently, non-combustion-type aroma inhalers that absorb aromas without combustion are known. These non-combustion-type aroma inhalers include an atomizing unit that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion. The atomizing unit includes a liquid holding member that holds the aerosol source and a heating element (atomizing unit) that atomizes the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2013/110210

Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2013/110211

Summary of the Invention

The main content of the first feature is to provide a method for manufacturing an atomization unit, which comprises step A, in which a heating element that is a part of the atomization unit constituting an atomization aerosol source is processed into a heater shape, and an oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element by supplying power to the heating element.

The main content of the second feature is that, in the first feature, the step A is performed when the heating element is not in contact with or close to the aerosol source.

The main content of the third feature is that in the first feature or the second feature, the manufacturing method of the atomization unit has a step B of making the liquid retaining component contact or approach the heating element, the liquid retaining component is a component that retains the aerosol source, and the step A is performed in a state where the liquid retaining component is in contact or approach the heating element.

The main content of the fourth feature is that, in the third feature, the step A is performed in a state where the liquid holding member is in contact with a storage container, and the storage container is a member that stores the aerosol source.

The main content of the fifth feature is that, in the fourth feature, the step A is performed before the aerosol source is filled into the storage container.

The sixth feature, in any one of the third to fifth features, is characterized in that the liquid retaining member has a thermal conductivity of 100 W/(m·K) or less.

The seventh feature, in any one of the third to sixth features, is that the liquid retaining member is made of a flexible material, and the heater has a coil shape, which is the shape of the heating element wound around the liquid retaining member.

The eighth feature mainly relates to any one of the third to seventh features, wherein step A is performed with the liquid retaining member straddling an air flow path including a flow path of the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit.

The ninth feature mainly relates to the eighth feature, wherein the step A is performed with at least one end of the liquid retaining member protruding outside the tubular member forming the air flow path.

The tenth feature is mainly that, in any one of the first to ninth features, the step A is performed while the heating element is in contact with an oxidizing substance.

The main content of the eleventh feature is that, in any one of the first to tenth features, the step A includes the step of supplying power to the heating element based on a condition for confirming the operation of the atomizing unit.

The main content of the twelfth feature is that in the eleventh feature, the condition is: the same voltage as the power supply mounted on the non-burning fragrance inhaler assembled with the atomization unit is applied to the heating element for 1.5 to 3.0 seconds for m times, where m is an integer greater than 1.

The main content of the thirteenth feature is that, in any one of the first to twelfth features, the step A includes the step of intermittently supplying electric power to the heating element.

The main content of the fourteenth feature is to provide an atomizing unit comprising: a heating element having a heater shape; and an aerosol source in contact with or close to the heating element, wherein an oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element.

The fifteenth feature is mainly characterized in that, in the fourteenth feature, a distance between mutually adjacent conductive members forming the heating element is 0.5 mm or less.

The main content of the sixteenth feature is that, in the fourteenth feature or the fifteenth feature, the heater is in a coil shape.

The main content of the seventeenth feature is to provide a non-burning flavor inhaler, which comprises: an atomization unit according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth features and a filter arranged on the flow path of the aerosol generated from the atomization unit and closer to the mouthpiece than the heating element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a diagram showing a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment;

FIG2 is a diagram showing an atomizing unit 111 according to an embodiment;

FIG3 is a diagram showing a heating element (atomizing portion 111R) according to the embodiment;

FIG4 is a diagram showing a heating element (atomizing portion 111R) according to the embodiment;

FIG5 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the atomizing unit 111R according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes the embodiment. In addition, in the following drawings, the same or similar parts are marked with the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and there are cases where the dimensional ratios thereof may differ from the actual dimensional ratios.

Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, it is apparent that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships or ratios.

[Overview of Embodiments]

In the atomization unit described in the background art, a heating element processed into a heater shape is used. Assuming that the power output (e.g., voltage) for the heating element is constant, it is preferable to reduce the spacing between adjacent conductive components forming the heating element processed into a heater shape from the perspective of increasing the amount of aerosol per unit power output. However, if the spacing between adjacent conductive components is reduced, short circuits in the conductive components forming the heating element are likely to occur during the manufacturing process of the heating element.

The method for manufacturing an atomizing unit of the embodiment includes step A of forming an oxide film on the surface of a heating element constituting a part of the atomizing unit of an atomizing aerosol source by supplying power to the heating element after the heating element is processed into a heater shape.

In an embodiment, an oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element by supplying power to the heating element while the heating element is processed into a heater shape. Therefore, while the spacing between adjacent conductive components forming the heating element can be reduced, the oxide film formed on the surface of the heating element can be used to suppress short circuits in the conductive components forming the heating element. Furthermore, compared to processing the heating element into a heater shape after the oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element, peeling of the oxide film formed on the surface of the heating element can be easily suppressed.

[Implementation Method]

(Non-burning aroma inhaler)

The following describes a non-burning aroma inhaler according to an embodiment. FIG1 is a diagram showing a non-burning aroma inhaler 1 according to an embodiment. The non-burning aroma inhaler 100 is an apparatus that can absorb aroma components without burning, and has a shape extending in a direction from the non-nozzle end toward the nozzle end (i.e., a predetermined direction A). FIG2 is a diagram showing an atomization unit 111 according to an embodiment. In addition, it should be noted that the non-burning aroma inhaler 100 is referred to as the aroma inhaler 100 below.

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

The inhaler body 110 forms the main body of the flavor inhaler 100 and is shaped to accommodate a cigarette cartridge 130. Specifically, the inhaler body 110 includes an inhaler housing 110X, with the cigarette cartridge 130 connected to the mouthpiece-side end of the housing 110X. The inhaler body 110 includes an atomizer unit 111, which atomizes the aerosol source without combustion, and an electronics unit 112. The atomizer unit 111 and electronics unit 112 are housed within the housing 110X.

In the embodiment, the atomizing unit 111 includes a first barrel 111X that forms part of the aspirator housing 110X. As shown in FIG2 , the atomizing unit 111 includes a storage container 111P, a core string 111Q, an atomizing unit 111R, and a tubular member 111S. The storage container 111P, the core string 111Q, and the atomizing unit 111R are housed in the first barrel 111X. The first barrel 111X has a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) extending along a predetermined direction A.

Storage container 111P is an example of a storage container, serving as a component for storing an aerosol source. Storage container 111P has a structure (size, material, construction, etc.) suitable for storing an aerosol source used in multiple puffs. For example, storage container 111P can be a porous body made of a material such as a resin fiber mesh, or it can be a cavity for storing an aerosol source. Preferably, storage container 111P can store a larger amount of aerosol source per unit volume.

The core string 111Q is an example of a liquid retaining component, which serves as a component for retaining the aerosol source supplied from the storage container 111P. The core string 111Q has a structure (size, material, structure, etc.) suitable for moving a portion of the aerosol source that can be stored in the storage container 111P (for example, the aerosol source used in one puffing action) from the storage container 111P to a position in contact with or close to the atomization part 111R and retaining it. The core string 111Q can also be a component that moves the aerosol source from the storage container 111P to the core string 111Q by capillary action. In addition, the core string 111Q moves the aerosol source toward the core string 111Q by contacting the storage container 111P. In the case where the storage container 111P is a cavity, the contact of the core string 111Q with the storage container 111P means that the core string 111Q is exposed to the cavity (storage container 111P). However, it should be noted that after the aerosol source is filled into storage container 111P, core string 111Q is positioned so as to contact the aerosol source filled in the cavity (storage container 111P). For example, core string 111Q can be made of glass fiber or porous ceramic. Core string 111Q is preferably heat-resistant enough to withstand the heating of atomizing section 111R.

Core cord 111Q has a thermal conductivity of 100 W/(m·K) or less. The thermal conductivity of core cord 111Q is preferably 50 W/(m·K) or less, and more preferably 10 W/(m·K) or less. This prevents excessive heat transfer from the heating element to storage container 111P via core cord 111Q. Core cord 111Q may also be made of a flexible material. Core cord 111Q preferably has a heat resistance of 300°C or greater, and more preferably has a heat resistance of 500°C or greater.

The atomizing section 111R atomizes the aerosol source held by the core rope 111Q. The atomizing section 111R is, for example, a heating element processed into a heater shape. The heating element processed into a heater shape is arranged to be in contact with or close to the core rope 111Q that holds the aerosol source. An oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element. Here, the proximity of the heating element to the core rope 111Q means: maintaining a distance between the heating element and the core rope 111Q, and maintaining the distance between the heating element and the aerosol source to a degree that the aerosol source can be atomized by the heating element when the core rope 111Q holds the aerosol source. The distance between the heating element and the core rope 111Q also depends on the type of the aerosol source or the core rope 111Q, the temperature of the heating element, etc., but a distance of, for example, less than 3 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, can be considered.

The aerosol source is a liquid such as glycerol or propylene glycol. For example, as described above, the aerosol source is held by a porous body made of a material such as a resin fiber mesh. The porous body can be made of either a non-cigarette material or a cigarette material. Furthermore, the aerosol source can contain a flavoring component (e.g., nicotine). Alternatively, the aerosol source can be free of flavoring components.

The cylindrical member 111S is an example of a cylindrical member that forms an air flow path 111T, which includes the flow path of the aerosol generated from the atomizing section 111R. The air flow path 111T is the flow path for air flowing in from the inlet 112A. Here, the core string 111Q is arranged so as to straddle the air flow path 111T. At least one end (both ends in FIG. 2 ) of the core string 111Q extends outside the cylindrical member 111S, and the portion of the core string 111Q extending outside the cylindrical member 111S contacts the storage container 111P.

The electronic unit 112 has a second barrel 112X that constitutes a part of the aspirator housing 110X. In an embodiment, the electronic unit 112 has an inlet 112A. As shown in Figure 2, the air flowing in from the inlet 112A is introduced into the atomization unit 111 (atomization part 111R). The electronic unit 112 has a power supply for driving the fragrance aspirator 100 and a control circuit for controlling the fragrance aspirator 100. The power supply and the control circuit are housed in the second barrel 112X. The second barrel 112X has a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) extending along a predetermined direction A. The power supply is, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The control circuit is, for example, composed of a CPU and a memory.

The cigarette cartridge 130 can be connected to the inhaler body 110 constituting the flavor inhaler 100. Compared with the atomization unit 111, the cigarette cartridge 130 is arranged on the mouthpiece side on the air flow path 111T. In other words, the cigarette cartridge 130 does not necessarily have to be arranged on the mouthpiece side of the atomization unit 111 in physical space, as long as it is arranged on the mouthpiece side of the atomization unit 111 on the air flow path 111T. That is, in the embodiment, the "mouthpiece side" can be considered to have the same meaning as the "downstream" of the air flow flowing in from the inlet 112A, and the "non-mouthpiece side" can be considered to have the same meaning as the "upstream" of the air flow flowing in from the inlet 112A.

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

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

Compared to the atomizing unit 111, the flavor source 132 is provided on the mouthpiece side of the air flow path 111T. The flavor source 132 imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated by the aerosol source. In other words, the flavor imparted by the flavor source 132 to the aerosol is transmitted to the mouthpiece.

In an embodiment, the flavor source 132 is composed of a raw material sheet that imparts flavor components to the aerosol generated from the atomization unit 111. The size of the raw material sheet is preferably not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 1.2 mm. The size of the raw material sheet is more preferably not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 0.7 mm. The smaller the size of the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132, the larger the specific surface area, so the flavor components are more easily released from the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132. Therefore, when imparting a desired amount of flavor components to the aerosol, the amount of raw material sheet can be suppressed. As the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132, shredded tobacco or a granular molded body formed by shaping the cigarette raw material can be used. However, the flavor source 132 can also be a shaped body formed by shaping the cigarette raw material into a sheet. In addition, the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 can also be composed of plants other than cigarettes (such as mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 132 can also be imparted with flavorings such as menthol.

Here, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 are obtained by, for example, using a stainless steel sieve conforming to JIS Z 8801 and screening according to JIS Z 8815. For example, the raw material pieces are screened using a 0.71 mm mesh stainless steel sieve by dry and mechanical vibration for 20 minutes, obtaining raw material pieces that pass through the 0.71 mm mesh stainless steel sieve. Next, the raw material pieces are screened using a 0.212 mm mesh stainless steel sieve by dry and mechanical vibration for 20 minutes, removing raw material pieces that pass through the 0.212 mm mesh stainless steel sieve. In other words, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 are those that pass through a stainless steel sieve of a predetermined upper limit (mesh size = 0.71 mm) and do not pass through a stainless steel sieve of 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 source 132 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve of the predetermined lower limit. In addition, the upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 132 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve that specifies the upper limit.

In an embodiment, the flavor source 132 is a tobacco source to which an alkaline substance is added. The pH of an aqueous solution in which water is added at a weight ratio of 10 times that of the tobacco source is preferably greater than 7, and more preferably greater than 8. Thus, the flavor components generated by the tobacco source can be efficiently output through the aerosol. Thus, when the desired amount of flavor components is imparted to the aerosol, the amount of the tobacco source can be suppressed. On the other hand, the pH of an aqueous solution in which water is added at a weight ratio of 10 times that of the tobacco source is preferably less than 14, and more preferably less than 10. Thus, damage (corrosion, etc.) to the flavor inhaler 100 (e.g., the cigarette cartridge 130 or the inhaler body 110) can be suppressed.

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

The mesh 133A is provided in such a manner as to block the opening of the cartridge body 131 on the non-mouthpiece side relative to the flavor source 132, and the filter 133B is provided in such a manner as to block the opening of the cartridge body 131 on the mouthpiece side relative to the flavor source 132. The mesh 133A has a thickness that prevents the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 from passing through. The thickness of the mesh 133A may be, for example, a mesh size of 0.077 mm or more and 0.198 mm or less. The filter 133B is made of an air-permeable material. The filter 133B is preferably, for example, an acetate fiber filter. The filter 133B has a thickness that prevents the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 from passing through. It should be noted here that the filter 133B is provided on the flow path of the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 111, closer to the mouthpiece side than the atomization unit 111.

(Structure of heating element)

The following describes the heating element (atomizing unit 111R) of the embodiment. Figures 3 and 4 show the heating element (atomizing unit 111R) of the embodiment. Note that Figures 3 and 4 only show the heater portion of the atomizing unit 111R.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the heater portion of atomizing section 111R has a heater shape that is formed by bending the conductive member forming the heating element while extending in a predetermined direction B. Predetermined direction B is, for example, the direction in which core string 111Q, which is in contact with or close to the heating element, extends. As described above, an oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element (conductive member).

As shown in FIG3 , the heater may have a shape (a coil shape) in which a conductive member is bent in a spiral shape and extends in a predetermined direction B. Alternatively, as shown in FIG4 , the heater may have a shape in which a conductive member is bent in a wave shape (here, a rectangular wave shape) and extends in a predetermined direction B.

Here, the interval I between the mutually adjacent conductive parts in the conductive parts forming the heating element is less than 0.5 mm. The interval I is preferably less than 0.4 mm, and more preferably less than 0.3 mm. It should be noted here that the interval I refers to the interval between the conductive parts adjacent to each other in the specified direction B. In addition, "adjacent to each other" means that the conductive parts formed with the oxide film are adjacent in a state where no other parts (such as the core rope 111Q) exist between the conductive parts formed with the oxide film.

In the embodiment, the heating element preferably includes a resistance heating element such as metal. The metal constituting the heating element is, for example, one or more metals selected from nickel alloys, chromium alloys, stainless steel, and platinum-rhodium.

(Manufacturing Method)

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the atomizing unit according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG5 , in step S11, the atomizing unit 111 composed of the storage container 111P, the core rope 111Q and the atomizing part 111R is assembled. For example, step S11 includes a step (step B) of bringing the core rope 111Q into contact with or close to the atomizing part 111R (heating element), and includes a step of arranging the storage container 111P, the core rope 111Q and the atomizing part 111R in the first cylinder 111X. Step S11 includes a process of arranging the cylindrical component 111S in the first cylinder 111X in addition to the storage container 111P, the core rope 111Q and the atomizing part 111R. For example, step S11 may also include a process of bringing the storage container 111P into contact with the core rope 111Q. Step S11 may also include a process of arranging the core rope 111Q in a manner that straddles the air flow path 111T. Step S11 may include a step of extending one end (in this case, both ends) of the core rope 111Q to the outside of the cylindrical member 111S.

Here, the atomizing portion 111R is formed of a heating element processed into a heater shape. The heater shape may be a spiral shape (coil shape) as shown in FIG3 or a wave shape as shown in FIG4.

In step S12, while the heating element is processed into a heater shape, power is supplied to the heating element to form an oxide film on its surface (step A). Specifically, step S12 is performed with the core rope 111Q in contact with or close to the atomizing unit 111R (heating element). In an embodiment, step S12 is preferably performed in an air atmosphere.

In the embodiment, step S12 is a process for confirming the operation of the atomizing unit 111. The conditions for confirming the operation of the atomizing unit 111 may be, for example, conditions that simulate the supply of power to the heating element in response to a user's suction action. In step S12, power may be supplied to the heating element while air is circulated through the air flow path 111T, simulating a user's suction action.

The conditions for confirming the operation of the atomization unit 111 are preferably, for example: applying the same voltage as the power supply mounted on the fragrance inhaler 100 to the heating element for 1.5 to 3.0 seconds for m (m is an integer greater than 1) times. M is preferably greater than 5, more preferably greater than 10. The same voltage as the power supply mounted on the fragrance inhaler 100 refers to the rated voltage of the battery constituting the power supply. For example, when the power supply is a lithium-ion battery, the voltage applied to the heating element is approximately 3.7V, and when the power supply is a nickel-metal hydride battery, the voltage is approximately 1.2V. When a plurality of batteries are connected in series, the voltage applied to the heating element is an integer multiple of the rated voltage.

Here, the interval between the treatments applied to the heating element is preferably 5 seconds or more, more preferably 15 seconds or more, and most preferably 30 seconds or more. Thus, because the temperature of the heating element decreases during the treatment interval in which the voltage is applied to the heating element, the situation in which the heating element becomes too high a temperature during the treatment in which the voltage is applied to the heating element is suppressed. On the other hand, the interval between the treatments applied to the heating element is preferably 120 seconds or less, more preferably 60 seconds or less. Thus, the treatment for forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element can be performed in a short time.

In step S13, the storage container 111P is filled with the aerosol source. Step S13 may also include the step of attaching a cover to the storage container 111P to prevent leakage of the aerosol source after the aerosol source is filled. That is, the aerosol source may be filled and the cover attached after the atomization unit 111 is assembled. Furthermore, in step S13, the fragrance inhaler 100 is assembled after the atomization unit 111 is assembled. However, if the atomization unit 111 is circulated without the fragrance inhaler 100 assembled, the fragrance inhaler 100 assembly step may be omitted.

In an embodiment, step S12 is preferably performed after the atomization unit 111 is assembled and before the storage container 111P is filled with the aerosol source. For example, step S12 may be performed when the heating element is not in contact with or close to the aerosol source. Step S12 may be performed when the core rope 111Q is in contact with the storage container 111P. Step S12 may be performed when the core rope 111Q spans the air flow path 111T. Step S12 may be performed when one end (both ends in this case) of the core rope 111Q is extended to the outside of the tubular member 111S. In addition, in the case where the heating element has a spiral shape (coil shape) as shown in FIG. 3 , step S12 may be performed when the heating element is wound around the core rope 111Q.

Furthermore, a state in which the heating element is not in contact with or close to the aerosol source means that the distance between the heating element and the aerosol source is not maintained at a level sufficient to allow the heating element to atomize the aerosol source. The distance between the heating element and the aerosol source depends on the type of aerosol source or core string 111Q, the temperature of the heating element, and other factors, but can be, for example, greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm. Furthermore, a state in which the heating element is not in contact with or close to the aerosol source can also mean that the heating element is in contact with or close to the core string 111Q, but the core string 111Q is not holding the aerosol source.

(Function and Effect)

In the manufacturing method of the atomization unit 111 of the embodiment, while the heating element is processed into a heater shape, an oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element by supplying power to the heating element. Therefore, while reducing the spacing between adjacent conductive components forming the heating element, the oxide film formed on the surface of the heating element can be used to suppress short circuits in the conductive components forming the heating element. Furthermore, compared to processing the heating element into a heater shape after the oxide film has been formed on the surface of the heating element, peeling of the oxide film formed on the surface of the heating element can be easily suppressed.

In the embodiment, step S12 is performed when the heating element is not in contact with or close to the aerosol source. This eliminates heat loss associated with atomization of the aerosol source and facilitates uniform formation of the oxide film on the surface of the heating element.

In the embodiment, step S12 is performed with the heating element and the core rope 111Q in contact or proximity. This can more easily suppress peeling of the oxide film formed on the heating element surface than when the core rope 111Q is brought into contact or proximity with the heating element after the oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element.

In the embodiment, step S12 is a process for confirming the operation of the atomizing unit 111, which is part of the manufacturing process of the flavor inhaler 100. Therefore, the oxide film can be formed on the surface of the heating element without adding a new step to the manufacturing process of the flavor inhaler 100.

In the atomizing unit 111 of the embodiment, an oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element. Therefore, the oxide film formed on the surface of the heating element can suppress short circuits of the conductive components forming the heating element while reducing the interval I between adjacent conductive components forming the heating element.

In the embodiment, the interval I between adjacent conductive members forming the heating element is 0.5 mm or less. Assuming a constant power output (eg, voltage) to the heating element, the aerosol amount per unit power output can be increased.

In the embodiment, filter 133B is provided on air flow path 111T closer to the nozzle than atomizing unit 111. Therefore, even if the oxide film formed on the surface of the heating element peels off, the oxide film pieces peeled off from the heating element surface can be captured by filter 133B.

In the embodiment, step S12 is performed after assembling the atomizing unit 111. Therefore, peeling of the oxide film formed on the surface of the heating element can be easily suppressed compared to assembling the atomizing unit 111 after forming the oxide film on the surface of the heating element.

[Other embodiments]

The present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, but the description and drawings forming part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Based on this disclosure, those skilled in the art will clearly understand various alternative embodiments, examples, and application technologies.

In the embodiment, the process of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element (step A) is cited as an example of a process for confirming the operation of the atomization unit 111. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The process of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element (step A) can also be performed before assembling the atomization unit 111 composed of the storage container 111P, the core rope 111Q and the atomization part 111R. However, the process of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element (step A) is preferably performed in a state where the heating element is not in contact with or close to the aerosol source.

An example is given in which the process of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element (step A) is a process for confirming the operation of the atomizing unit 111. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The process of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element (step A) may also include the step of intermittently supplying power to the heating element. As for the conditions for intermittently supplying power to the heating element, as long as an oxide film can be formed on the surface of the heating element, it may be different from the conditions for confirming the operation of the atomizing unit 111. Thus, the situation in which the heating element becomes too high a temperature is suppressed during the process of supplying power to the heating element.

In the embodiment, an example is given in which the process (step A) of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element is carried out under an atmospheric atmosphere. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the process (step A) of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element can also be carried out in a state where the heating element is in contact with an oxidizing substance. The oxidizing substance can be any substance that can form an oxide film on the surface of the heating element. The oxidizing substance is preferably a liquid having a boiling point higher than the temperature of the heating element that is increased by supplying electricity to the heating element. Examples of oxidizing substances are concentrated nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and the like. For example, in an embodiment in which step S12 is carried out in a state in which the heating element is in contact with an oxidizing substance, the temperature of the heating element that is increased by supplying electricity to the heating element is higher than 40° and lower than the boiling point of the oxidizing substance. Thus, in the process of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element, the amount of electricity supplied to the heating element can be reduced, and an oxide film can be formed on the surface of the heating element even if the temperature of the heating element is low.

In the embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 130 does not include the atomization unit 111, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the cigarette cartridge 130 and the atomization unit 111 may form a single unit.

Although not particularly described in the embodiment, the atomizing unit 111 may be configured to be connected to the aspirator body 110 .

Although not specifically described in the embodiment, the aroma inhaler 100 may also include a cigarette cartridge 130. In such an embodiment, the aerosol source preferably contains an aroma component.

The embodiment merely illustrates an example structure of the atomizing unit 111. Therefore, the structure of the atomizing unit 111 is not particularly limited. For example, step S12 of forming an oxide film on the surface of the heating element may be performed after assembling the unit including at least the storage container 111P, the core rope 111Q, and the atomizing unit 111R.

In the embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 , a spiral or wavy heating element is used as the heater portion of the atomizing section 111R. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the coiled or wavy heating element can be covered by a cylindrical core 111Q, allowing the core 111Q to be in contact with or close to the heating element.

Industrial applicability

According to the embodiment, a method for manufacturing an atomizing unit, an atomizing unit, and a non-burning flavor inhaler are provided, which are capable of suppressing short circuit of a conductive member forming a heating element during a manufacturing process of the heating element.

Claims (16)

1. A method for manufacturing an atomizing unit, characterized in that, It includes: Step A, in which, while the heating element, which constitutes part of the atomizing unit of the atomizing aerosol source, is processed into the shape of a heater, an oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element by supplying electricity to the heating element; Step B involves bringing a liquid holding component into contact with or close to the heating element, wherein the liquid holding component is a component that holds the aerosol source. Step A is performed while the liquid holding component is in contact with or close to the heating element. 2. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step A is performed when the heating element is not in contact with or near the aerosol source. 3. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Step A is performed while the liquid holding component is in contact with the storage container, which is the component that stores the aerosol source. 4. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Step A is performed before the aerosol source is filled into the storage container. 5. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid holding component has a thermal conductivity of less than 100 W/(m·K). 6. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid-holding component is made of a flexible material. The heater is shaped like a coil, which is wound around the heating element of the liquid holding component. 7. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step A is performed with the liquid holding component spanning an airflow path containing the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit. 8. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Step A is performed with at least one end of the liquid holding member extending to the outside of the cylindrical member forming the airflow path. 9. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step A is performed while the heating element is in contact with the oxidizing substance. 10. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step A includes supplying power to the heating element based on the conditions confirmed for the operation of the atomizing unit. 11. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The condition is as follows: the same voltage as the power supply of the non-combustible aroma attractor equipped with the atomizing unit is applied to the heating element for 1.5 to 3.0 seconds for m times, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1. 12. The method for manufacturing the atomizing unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step A includes intermittently supplying power to the heating element. 13. An atomizing unit, which is an atomizing unit manufactured by the manufacturing method of the atomizing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises: Heating element with heater shape, and Aerosol sources that are in contact with or near the heating element An oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating element. 14. The atomizing unit as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The spacing between adjacent conductive components forming the heating element is less than 0.5 mm. 15. The atomizing unit as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The heater is shaped like a coil. 16. A non-combustible aroma attractor, characterized in that it comprises: The atomizing unit according to any one of claims 13 to 15, and A filter is disposed on the flow path of the aerosol generated from the atomizing unit, closer to the mouthpiece than the heating element.