Patent Publication Number: US-2019183183-A1

Title: Non-combustion flavor inhaler

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2016/075035 filed Aug. 26, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The embodiments described herein relate generally to a non-combustion flavor inhaler. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Currently, a non-combustion flavor inhaler (hereinafter also referred to simply as a flavor inhaler) which generates a flavor without combustion and allows a user to inhale its flavor has been put to practical use. 
     A flavor inhaler comprising an aroma substance tank disposed on its outer circumferential surface to allow the user to enjoy the fragrance more clearly is known (see JP 2013-521074 A). 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of the present invention provide a non-combustion flavor inhaler capable of stimulating a sense of smell by wafting a flavor to the user&#39;s nose only at non-puffing and stimulating senses of taste and smell by allowing a flavor to be inhaled in a user&#39;s oral cavity at puffing. 
     In this case, “at puffing” means the time when the user holds the mouthpiece end side of the flavor inhaler in the mouth and inhales. In addition, “at non-puffing” means the time when the user does not hold the mouthpiece end side of the flavor inhaler in user&#39;s mouth or inhale. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustion flavor inhaler that is provided with an aerosol generation unit, a flavor generation unit, and a mouthpiece end, the aerosol generation unit is provided with an aerosol source storage section for storing an aerosol source and an aerosol generation mechanism for generating an aerosol from the aerosol source, the flavor generation unit is provided with a flavor source storage section for storing a flavor source, the aerosol generation unit is provided with a first flow path extending from within the aerosol generation unit to the mouthpiece end, and the flavor source storage section is provided with a second flow path comprising at least one hole communicating with the outside and a third flow path extending from within the flavor source storage section to the first flow path or to the mouthpiece end. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a non-combustion flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizer unit shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a flavor generating unit of an atomizer unit in the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a flavor generating unit of an atomizer unit in a flavor inhaler according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a flavor generating unit of an atomizer unit in a flavor inhaler according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a flavor generating unit of an atomizer unit in a flavor inhaler according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a flavor generating unit of an atomizer unit in a flavor inhaler according to a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a flavor generating unit of an atomizer unit in a flavor inhaler according to a sixth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A non-combustion flavor inhaler according to the embodiments will be described below in detail. 
     First Embodiment 
     A first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a non-combustion flavor inhaler  100  according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 2  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizer unit  120  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , the non-combustion flavor inhaler  100  comprises a power supply unit  110  and an atomizer unit  120  disposed on, for example, the mouthpiece end side of the power supply unit  110 . The power supply unit  110  has a non-mouthpiece end and includes a first connection portion  111  at the other end. The atomizer unit  120  has a mouthpiece end  128  and includes a second connection section  121  at the other end. For example, a female thread and a male thread which can be screwed with each other are formed at the first connection portion  111  and the second connection portion  121 , respectively. The power supply unit  110  and the atomizer unit  120  are detachable from each other via the first connection portion  111  and the second connection unit  121 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the atomizer unit  120  comprises, for example, a cylindrical second housing  122 . A mouthpiece end  128  defined by sealing an opening end with, for example, a wall portion  129  integrated with the second housing  122 , is formed on one of ends of the cylindrical second casing  122 , and the second connection portion  121  is formed on the other end. In the second housing  122 , the aerosol generation unit  130  and a flavor generation unit  140  are arranged in this order from the first connection portion side. 
     The female thread, which is the second connection portion  121 , includes a recess  121   a  hollowed out in the axial direction. A plurality of air intake holes  124  for introducing outside air into a first flow path are opened in the second connection portion  121  so as to reach the recess  121   a  from its outer circumferential surface. A fourth flow path  125  formed of a pipe body, which penetrates the central portion of the second connection portion  121  and communicates with the inside of the power supply unit  110 , is provided in the second housing  122 . A cylindrical first partition wall  123  extending from the second connection portion  121  toward the mouthpiece end and communicating with the fourth flow path  125  is provided in the center of the second housing  122 . A first flow path  126  is formed in the first partition wall  123 . A first inhalation hole  151  to allow a user to inhale the gas in the flavor inhaler  100  is opened at the center of the wall portion  129  of the mouthpiece end  128  of the second housing  122 . The first inhalation hole  151  communicates with the first flow path  126 . 
     The aerosol generation unit  130  is disposed on, for example, the second connection portion  121  side in the second housing  122 . An aerosol source storage section  131 , a holding body  60 , an absorber  70 , and an aerosol generation mechanism  80  are disposed in the second housing  122 . For example, the aerosol source storage section  131  is formed in a cylindrical shape in which an outer wall is defined by the second housing  122 , an inner wall is defined by the first partition wall  123 , an end of the non-mouthpiece end side is defined by the second connection portion  121 , an end of the mouthpiece end side is defined by a second partition wall  127 , to accommodate a cylindrical holding body  60 . The holding body  60  is formed of, for example, a porous resin or a foamed resin, and holds and accommodates an aerosol source. 
     The aerosol source is not particularly limited as long as an aerosol is generated by the aerosol generation mechanism  80  but, for example, an aerosol-forming substance such as glycerin or propylene glycol, water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a natural or artificial flavoring agent (for example, menthol) can be used. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco flavor containing compound or a nicotine containing material. 
     The absorber  70  is formed, for example, in a U shape, in which both ends are held in the aerosol source storage section  131  and a central portion is disposed close to the tip end of a tube body which is the fourth flow path  125 . The absorber  70  is formed of, for example, a bundle of glass fibers, and the liquid aerosol source held by the holding body  60  is moved by a capillary phenomenon. 
     The aerosol generation mechanism  80  may be any mechanism as long as it generates aerosol from an aerosol source and, for example, a mechanism generating the aerosol by heating the aerosol source can be used. The aerosol generation mechanism  80  is, for example, a first heating element. The first heating element  80  is composed of, for example, a coil heater wound around the absorber  70 , which is formed of, for example, stainless steel, copper, a copper alloy, a nickel-chromium alloy, or a superalloy. The first heating element  80  is heated to a temperature at which an aerosol can be generated from an aerosol source, for example, 150° C. to 350° C. The first heating element  80  can be used, for example, of a structure in which the voltage applied to the first heating element  80  is adjusted by a dial operation attached to the flavor inhaler. 
     The flavor generation unit  140  is disposed, for example, between the aerosol generation unit  130  in the second housing  122  and the mouthpiece end and comprises a flavor source storage section  141 . In the flavor source storage section  141 , for example, an outer wall is the second housing  122 , the inner wall is the first partition wall  123 , and the end of the second connection portion side is surrounded by the second partition wall  127 , and the mouthpiece end side is surrounded by a partition wall located on the mouthpiece end side, and a flavor source which generates flavor is stored. A second flow path  144  composed of at least one hole communicating with the outside, for example, a plurality of holes, is provided in the second housing  122  portion. A third flow path  145  composed of a plurality of holes communicating with the first flow path  126  is provided in the cylindrical first partition wall  123  portion. The second flow path  144  and the third flow path  145  preferably comprise flavor-permeable members ( 144   a  and  145   a ). The flavor-permeable member ( 144   a  and  145   a ) is, for example, a porous membrane having a large number of fine pores opened therein. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the flavor-permeable member  144   a  is, for example, provided on the inner surface of the second housing  122  so as to cover the second flow path  144 . The flavor-permeable member  145   a  is, for example, provided on the inner surface of the first partition wall  123  so as to cover the second flow path  144 . The flavor-permeable members ( 144   a  and  145   a ) allow gases such as flavor and air to permeate, and prevent a granular flavor source from flowing out to the outside. 
     The flavor source in the flavor source container  141  may be a flavor source which can adjust the amount or type of flavor generated by physical disruption. For example, the flavor source may be a plurality of capsules containing an artificial or natural flavoring agent. In this case, the capsules are stored in the flavor source storage section  141 , and the portion of the second housing  122  where the second flow path  144  is provided is formed of a flexible material. In such a configuration, the user can crush the capsules which are the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  141  and generate a flavor by pressing the portion of the second housing  122  where the second flow path  144  is provided with a finger or the like. The user can adjust the flavor components and amounts of the generated flavor by selecting the type and amount of capsules to be crushed. The user may generate the flavor included in the capsules by crushing with stimulation such as ultrasonic waves instead of pressing the capsules with a finger or the like. For example, the flavor source may be formed in a shape of highly disintegratable granules, tablets or the like, and the amount of flavor generated may be adjusted by grinding the flavor source having excipients or coating materials added as needed. 
     The other flavor sources contain solid substances which allow air to permeate through the inside of the flavor source storage section, for example, plant origin, plant extract, nicotine, menthol, and natural or artificial flavoring agents. More specifically, examples include shredded tobacco, shaped bodies of tobacco materials in granules, shaped bodies of various flavoring agents in granules, shaped bodies of tobacco materials in sheet form, and plant origins other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, and the like). Besides the shaped bodies, the examples include, for example, granular adsorbents impregnated with plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavoring agents. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, the power supply unit  110  described above comprises a first housing  112  in a cylindrical shape. A switch  30 , a light emitting element  40 , a control circuit  50 , a power supply  10 , and a sensor  20  are arranged in this order from the non-mouthpiece end side, in the first casing  112 . 
     The power supply  10  is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery, and is electrically connected to the sensor  20 , the light emitting element  40 , the control circuit  50 , and the first heating element  80 . The sensor  20  can use a piezoelectric element which detects the airflow in the flavor inhaler  100  generated by the user&#39;s inhaling operation, for example, a negative pressure generated by inhaling gas toward the mouthpiece end. The switch  30  is arranged on, for example, the non-mouthpiece end and sets the power supply  10  of the flavor inhaler  100  to be turned on or off by a push button operated by pushing in the longitudinal direction of the power supply unit  110 . The light emitting element  40  is, for example, a light emitting diode embedded on the non-mouthpiece end side of the outer circumferential surface of the first housing  112  and notifies the user of the state of the flavor inhaler  100  by a light emission pattern or a light emission color. More specifically, the light emitting element  40  is turned on when the power supply  10  is in the ON state, and is turned off when the power supply  10  is in the OFF state. The control circuit  50  is connected to, for example, the power supply  10 , the sensor  20 , the switch  30 , the light emitting element  40 , and the first heating element  80 , and performs feedback control of the first heating element  80  based on, for example, detection of the sensor  20  or controls the light emission pattern of the light emitting element  40 . 
     Next, the operation of the flavor inhaler  100  having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 . The user turns on the power supply  10  of the flavor inhaler  100  with the switch  30  and uses it with the mouthpiece end side in the mouth. 
     As shown in (a) of  FIG. 3 , when the user does not inhale the gas inside the flavor inhaler  100  (at non-puffing), flavor  161  flows to the outside from the flavor source stored in the flavor source storage section  141  through the second flow path  144 . A user holding the flavor inhaler  100  in the mouth can taste the flavor  161  with a sense of smell since the flowing flavor  161  wafts in the nose. 
     As shown in (b) of  FIG. 3 , when the user inhales air in the flavor inhalation device  100  (at puffing), the sensor  20  detects the inhalation operation, and the control signal is output from the control circuit  50  to which the detection signal is input to the first heating element  80 , to heat the first heating element  80 . The aerosol is generated from the aerosol source held in the absorber  70  by heating of the first heating element  80 . In addition, as the user performs the inhaling operation, air flows into the first flow path  126  through the air intake hole  124  and the fourth flow path  125  of the aerosol generation unit. At this time, a first airflow  162  to flow toward the first inhalation hole  151  is generated in the first flow path  126 . The aerosol generated from the aerosol source is urged to flow to the first inhalation hole  151  while accompanied by the first airflow  162 . At the same time, since the pressure inside the flavor source storage section  141  communicating through the first flow path  126  and the third flow path  145  becomes a negative pressure, a second airflow  163  by which external air flows to the first flow path  126  through the second flow path  144 , the flavor source storage section  141 , and the third flow path  145  is generated. The flavor generated from the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  141  flows to the first inhalation hole  151  while accompanied by the second airflow  163 . As a result, a gas mixture of the aerosol and the flavor passes through the first inhalation hole  151  and is inhaled in the user&#39;s oral cavity. 
     According to the first embodiment, since the flavor flows from the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  141  to the outside through the second flow path  144  and wafts in the nose at non-puffing, a user holding the flavor inhaler  100  in the mouth can taste its flavor with an olfactory sense. In contrast, at the puffing, the flavor does not flow from the flavor source to the outside through the second flow path  144 , and the user can inhale the gas mixture of the flavor and the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in the only oral cavity. As a result, the user can enjoy the stimulation of the senses of taste and smell caused by the flavor and the aerosol in the oral cavity without being exposed to the stimulation of the sense of smell due to the flavor from the nose, that is, without making the nose&#39;s sense of smell dull by stimulation from the flavor. 
     In addition, since the flavor inhaler  100  according to the first embodiment comprises the flavor generation unit  140  separately from the aerosol generation unit  130 , the flavor source of the components destroyed at the temperature of the first heating element  80  can be stored in the flavor source storage section  141 . As a result, the user can inhale various flavors. 
     In the first embodiment, various modes to be described below can be adopted in addition to the above-described configuration. 
     The aerosol source can contain only somatosensory contribution components which contribute to taste and stimulation, and the flavor can be contained only in the flavor source. In this structure, since the aerosol does not contain a component contributing to the flavor, the user can taste the flavor without diffusing the flavor to the surroundings. 
     The second flow path is preferably provided only on the user&#39;s nose side. According to this configuration, the flavor generated from the flavor source can be prevented from unnecessarily diffusing to the surroundings and can efficiently stimulate the only user&#39;s sense of smell. 
     The aerosol generation unit and the flavor generation unit accommodated in the second housing can be configured to be detachable. Thus, for example, when the flavor source is reduced, the flavor generation unit has only to be replaced without replacing two units. 
     The third flow path is not limited to the flow path on the first partition wall  123  side but may be, for example, opened on the side wall opposed to the mouthpiece end of the flavor source storage section, as a plurality of holes. 
     In the atomizer unit, the flavor generation unit is disposed closer to the mouthpiece end side than to the aerosol generation unit, but its location is not limited to this. For example, in the atomizer unit, the aerosol generation unit may be disposed closer to the mouthpiece end side than to the flavor generation unit. 
     The aerosol generation unit is configured to comprise the holding body, the absorber, and the first heating element, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a blade heater may be used instead of the coil heater, as the first heating element, and heat the aerosol source which is the shredded tobacco into which the first heating element as the blade heater inserted. 
     A filter may be further provided in the first flow path communicating with the first inhalation hole. As the filter, a tobacco filter, for example, an acetate filter can be used. A foreign substance can be prevented from entering the user&#39;s mouth by providing such a filter in the first flow path. 
     The first heating element is configured to heat when the user inhales the flavor inhaler, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, when the first heating element is configured to continuously heat after turning on the power supply, the first heating element can stably generate fragrance. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A non-combustion flavor inhaler according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view showing a flavor generation unit of an atomizer unit of the flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment is the same as the flavor inhaler shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  explained in the first embodiment, except for the flavor generation unit of the atomizer unit. 
     A flavor generation unit  240  comprises a first partition wall  223  in a cylindrical shape which reaches from a second connection portion to a mouthpiece end  228  inside a second housing  222  in a cylindrical shape. The mouthpiece end  228  is defined by sealing an open end of the second housing  222  with, for example, a wall portion  229  integrated with the second housing  222 . The inside of the first partition wall  223  in the cylindrical shape functions as a first flow path  226 . In a flavor source storage section  241 , for example, an outer wall is surrounded by the second housing  222 , the inner wall is surrounded by the first partition wall  223 , the end on the second connection portion side is surrounded by a second partition wall  227 , and the other end is surrounded by the mouthpiece end  228 , and a flavor source which generates flavor is stored. 
     A second flow path  244  composed of a plurality of holes communicating with the outside is provided in the second housing  222  portion corresponding to the flavor source storage section  241 . A first inhalation hole  251  to allow a user to inhale is opened at the center (i.e., a portion opposed to the first flow path  226 ) of a wall portion  229  defining the mouthpiece end  228  of the second housing  222 . A third flow path  252  composed of a plurality of holes communicating with the outside so as to extend from the flavor source storage section  241  to the mouthpiece end  228 , is provided at a portion corresponding to the flavor source storage section  241  of the wall portion  229 . The third flow path  252  serves as a second inhalation hole. 
     Next, the operation of the flavor inhaler having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . The user turns on a power supply  10  of the flavor inhaler with a switch  30  and uses it with holding the mouthpiece end side in the mouth. 
     At non-puffing, the flavor flows to the outside from the flavor source stored in the flavor source storage section  241  through the second flow path  244 . A user holding the flavor inhaler in the mouth can taste the flavor with the sense of smell since the flowing flavor wafts in the nose. 
     In contrast, at the puffing, as the user performs the inhaling operation, air flows into the first flow path  226  through the air intake hole  124  and the fourth flow path  125  of the aerosol generation unit. At this time, a first airflow  262  to flow toward the first inhalation hole  251  is generated in the first flow path  226 . The aerosol generated from the aerosol source is urged to flow to the first inhalation hole  251  while accompanied by the first airflow  262 . At the same time, since the pressure inside the flavor source storage section  241  becomes a negative pressure by the user inhaling through the third flow path  252  serving as a second inhalation hole, a second airflow  263  by which external air flows to the flavor source storage section  241  through the second flow path  244  is generated. Thereby, the flavor generated from the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  241  is urged to flow to the third flow path (second inhalation hole)  252  through the second flow path  244  while accompanied by the second airflow  263 . As a result, the aerosol and the flavor are inhaled in the user&#39;s oral cavity through the first inhalation hole  251  and the third flow path (second inhalation hole)  252 . 
     Therefore, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the flavor inhaler has the advantage of stimulating the user&#39;s sense of smell by the flavor at non-puffing and stimulating the user&#39;s senses of taste and smell by the flavor at puffing. 
     In addition, providing the flavor-permeable members in the second flow path  244  and the third flow path  252  can prevent the flavor source from flowing into the oral cavity when the user inhales with the flavor inhaler. 
     Third Embodiment 
     A non-combustion flavor inhaler according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view showing a flavor generation unit of an atomizer unit of the flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to the third embodiment is the same as the flavor inhaler shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  explained in the second embodiment, except for the flavor generation unit of the atomizer unit. 
     A flavor generation unit  340  comprises a first partition wall  323  in a cylindrical shape which reaches from a second connection portion to a mouthpiece end inside a second housing  322  in a cylindrical shape. A mouthpiece end  328  is defined by sealing an open end of the second housing  322  with, for example, a wall portion  329  integrated with the second housing  322 . An annular hole  352  is opened in a wall portion  329 . The flavor source storage section  341  is, for example, a cylindrical body in which an outer wall is the second housing  322 , the inner wall is the first partition wall  323 , the end of the second connection portion side is defined by the second partition wall  327 , and the other end is defined to be far from the mouthpiece end  328  in a desired distance, and a flavor source is stored. A cylindrical filter  343  having a desired radical thickness is disposed between the second housing  322  and the first partition wall  323  and between the flavor source storage section  341  and the mouthpiece end  328 . One end of the filter  343  is located at the flavor source storage section  341  and the other end is located in the annular hole  352  of the wall portion  329  to constitute a third flow path extending from the inside of the flavor source storage section  341  to the mouthpiece end  328 . A first flow path  326  is formed inside the first partition wall  323  in the cylindrical shape. At a portion surrounded by an annular hole  352 , of the wall portion  329  which defines the mouthpiece end  328  of the second housing  322  (i.e., a portion opposed to the first flow path  326 ), a first inhalation hole  351  to allow a user to inhale is opened. The other end of the filter  343  located in the annular hole  352  of the wall portion  329  functions as a second inhalation hole. 
     Preferably, the filter  343  is formed of an air-permeable material and is rough enough to prevent the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  341  from flowing out. The same filter as the tobacco filter, for example, acetate filter can be used as the filter  343 . 
     Next, the operation of the flavor inhaler having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 . The user turns on a power supply  10  of the flavor inhaler with a switch  30  and uses it with holding the mouthpiece end  328  side in the mouth. 
     At non-puffing, the flavor flows to the outside from the flavor source stored in the flavor source storage section  341  through the second flow path  344 . A user holding the flavor inhaler in the mouth can taste the flavor with the sense of smell since the flowing flavor wafts in the nose. 
     In contrast, at puffing, as the user performs the inhaling operation, air flows into the first flow path  326  through the air intake hole  124  and the fourth flow path  125  of the aerosol generation unit. At this time, a first airflow  362  to flow toward the first inhalation hole  351  is generated in the first flow path  326 . The aerosol generated from the aerosol source is urged to flow to the first inhalation hole  351  while accompanied by the first airflow  362 . At the same time, since the pressure inside the flavor source storage section  341  becomes a negative pressure by the user inhaling through the filter (third flow path)  343  serving as a second inhalation hole, a second airflow  363  by which external air flows to the flavor source storage section  341  through the second flow path  344  is generated. The flavor generated from the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  341  is thereby urged to flow to the other end through the filter  343 , which is the third flow path, while accompanied by the second airflow  363 . As a result, since the aerosol and the flavor pass through the first inhalation hole  351  and the second inhalation hole and are inhaled in the user&#39;s oral cavity and since the second airflow  363  is inhaled into the user&#39;s oral cavity through the filter  343 , the flavor source is prevented from flowing into the user&#39;s oral cavity. 
     Therefore, according to the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the flavor inhaler has the advantage of stimulating the user&#39;s olfactory sense by the flavor at non-puffing and stimulating the user&#39;s senses of taste and smell by the flavor at puffing. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     A non-combustion flavor inhaler according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view showing a flavor generation unit of an atomizer unit of the flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the flavor inhaler shown in  FIG. 5  explained in the third embodiment, except for further comprising a second heating element. The same members as those in  FIG. 5  are denoted by the same reference numerals in  FIG. 6  and their explanations are omitted. 
     A flavor generation unit  340  comprises a second heating element  370  to heat a flavor source in the flavor source storage section  341 . The second heating element  370  is, for example, in a cylindrical shape and disposed so as to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface corresponding to most part of the flavor source storage section  341  of the first partition wall  323  which partitions the flavor source storage section  341 . The above-explained power supply  10  is connected to the second heating element  370 . 
     The second heating element  370  is heated to a temperature corresponding to the type of flavor source in the flavor source storage section  341  and is heated to, for example, a temperature lower than the first heating element  80  (room temperature to 250° C.). For example, when the power supply  10  is in the on state and the sensor  20  detects an inhaling operation and the detection signal is output to the control unit, and the control unit outputs a control signal to the power supply  10 , the second heating element  370  is heated. 
     The second heating element  370  is preferably configured to be turned on and off by a user&#39;s operation. Preferably, the second heating element  370  is configured to be able to operate the applied voltage and to adjust the heating temperature by, for example, operating a dial further provided in the flavor inhaler. 
     The flavor source has various aspects explained below. 
     (1) A flavor source similar to that described in the first embodiment can be used. 
     (2) As a flavor source, a capsule of a heat crushable material containing a flavoring agent can be used. A plurality of capsules having different temperatures for heat crushing can be used together and plural types of flavoring agents contained in the capsules can be used together. 
     (3) The flavor source may be a mixture of a liquid crushable capsule containing a flavoring agent and an adsorbent releasing a liquid such as water by heating. 
     (4) The flavor source may contain a fragrance precursor which is thermally decomposed in accordance with the heating temperature of the second heating element  370  to generate a flavor. Examples of the fragrance precursor are, for example, plant origin, plant extract, glycoside, ester, thermally unstable compound having high molecular weight (melanoidin, glycoprotein, and the like). 
     (5) The flavor source may be an adsorbent having different thermal desorption rates, which is impregnated with a flavoring agent. As the adsorbent, for example, a resin adsorbent such as polystyrene, activated carbon or an inorganic mineral can be used. 
     (6) The flavor source may be a polymer having a functional group which can be thermally decomposed to become a flavor. Examples of the polymer are, for example, a cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, an acrylic acid polymer obtained by supporting a perfume component having a carboxylic acid alcohol or an alcohol via an ester bond or ether bond. 
     Next, the operation of the flavor inhaler according to the fourth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     The user turns on a power supply  10  of the flavor inhaler with a switch  30  and uses it with holding the mouthpiece end side in the mouth. For example, when the switch is in the on state, a control signal is output from the control circuit  50  to the second heating element  370  to heat the second heating element  370 . 
     At non-puffing, the flavor flows to the outside from the flavor source stored in the flavor source storage section  341  through the second flow path  344 . At this time, the amount of generation and the components of the flavor generated from the flavor source can be adjusted by the heating temperature of the second heating element  370 . A user holding the flavor inhaler in the mouth can taste the adjusted flavor with the sense of smell since the flowing flavor wafts in the nose. 
     In contrast, at puffing, the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is urged to flow to the first inhalation hole  351  while accompanied by the first airflow  362 , in accordance with the user&#39;s inhaling movement. At the same time, the flavor generated from the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  341  is thereby urged to flow to the other end through the filter  343 , which is the third flow path, while accompanied by the second airflow  363 . As a result, the aerosol and the flavor pass through the first inhalation hole  351  and the second inhalation hole and are inhaled in the user&#39;s oral cavity. At this time, the amount of generation and the components of the flavor generated from the flavor source can be adjusted by the heating temperature of the second heating element  370 . For this reason, a user holding a flavor inhaler in the mouth can taste the aerosol and the adjusted optimum amount of flavor with the senses of taste and smell. 
     Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the flavor inhaler has the advantage of stimulating the user&#39;s sense of smell by the flavor at non-puffing and stimulating the user&#39;s senses of taste and smell by the flavor at puffing. 
     The components and amount of generation of the flavor from the flavor source in the flavor source storage section can be adjusted by adjusting the heating temperature of the second heating element  370  and combining the aspects (1) to (6) describing the flavor source. 
     Since the second heating element  370  is disposed in the first flow path  326 , the second heating element  370  can heat the flavor source and heat the aerosol accompanying the first airflow  362 . The second heating element  370  can adjust the temperature of the first airflow  362  and reduce the particle diameter of the aerosol accompanying the first airflow  362  by heating the first airflow  362 . 
     The stability of placing the flavor source can be improved. That is, even if the flavor generated from the flavor source is a highly volatile component or a degradable component, the flavor can be held without leaking or being deteriorated until heated by the second heating element  370 . 
     Furthermore, the flavor source storage section  341  of the flavor inhaler according to the fourth embodiment can store the flavor source of components which are destroyed at the temperature of the first heating element  80  for generating the aerosol but are not destroyed at the heating temperature of the second heating element  370 . As a result, the user can inhale various flavors. 
     The second heating element does not need to be formed in a cylindrical shape on the inner peripheral shape of the first partition wall but needs only to heat the flavor source. The second heating element may be disposed in, for example, the flavor source storage section. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     A flavor inhaler according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view showing a flavor generation unit of an atomizer unit of the flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the flavor inhaler shown in  FIG. 5  explained in the third embodiment, except for further comprising a shutter. The same members as those in  FIG. 5  are denoted by the same reference numerals in  FIG. 7  and their explanations are omitted. 
     The flavor generation unit  340  comprises a cylindrical shutter  380  which is provided to be slidable on the second housing  322  and which can open or close the second flow path  344  opened to the second housing  322 . The shutter  380  has, for example, a cylindrical shape along the outer circumferential surface of the second housing  322 , and has a length enough to cover the entire surface of the second flow path  344 . 
     The shutter  380  can adjust the amount of flavor generated from the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  341  by the sliding operation shown in (a) of  FIG. 7  to (c) of  FIG. 7  explained below. 
     As shown in (a) of  FIG. 7 , when the shutter  380  is retracted, the second flow path  344  is not covered with the shutter  380 . That is, the opening area of the second flow path  344  is maximized. For this reason, since a relatively large amount of flavor flows from the second flow path  344 , at non-puffing when the user holds the flavor inhaler in the mouth, the flavor greatly stimulates the user&#39;s sense of smell. In contrast, since the second flow path  344  is in the most opened state, at puffing when the user holds the flavor inhaler in the mouth and inhales, the rate of the second airflow  363   a  to the first airflow  362  and second airflow flowing into the oral cavity from the mouthpiece end  328 , i.e., the rate of the airflow flowing from the second flow path  344  through the flavor source storage section  341  and the filter (third flow path)  343 , becomes maximum. 
     As shown in (b) of  FIG. 7 , when the shutter  380  is made to advance to the middle of the second flow path  344 , the second flow path  344  is half covered with the shutter  380 . For this reason, at non-puffing when the user holds the flavor inhaler in the mouth, the flavor which flows from the second flow path  344  and stimulates the user&#39;s sense of smell is halved as compared to the state of (a) of  FIG. 7 . In addition, at puffing when the user holds the flavor inhaler in the mouth and inhales, the rate of the second airflow  363   b  to the first airflow  362  and the second airflow  363   b  flowing from the mouthpiece end  328  decreases as compared with the state of (a) of  FIG. 7 . 
     When the shutter  380  is made to further advance as shown in (c) of  FIG. 7 , the second flow path  344  is completely covered with the shutter  380 . For this reason, since the flavor does not flow from the second flow path  344 , at non-puffing when the user holds the flavor inhaler in the mouth, the flavor does not stimulate the user&#39;s sense of smell. Since only the first airflow  362  accompanying the aerosol flows into the oral cavity from the mouthpiece end, at puffing when the user holds the flavor inhaler in the mouth and inhales, the user can taste only the aerosol. In addition, the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  341  can be prevented from unnecessarily diffusing to the surroundings, by closing with the shutter  380  when not using the flavor inhaler. 
     Therefore, stimulation of the user&#39;s sense of smell caused by the flavor can be adjusted at non-puffing, and stimulation of the user&#39;s senses of taste and smell caused by the flavor can be adjusted at puffing, by providing the shutter  380  slidably on the second housing  322  to open and close the second flow path  344 . 
     The flavor generation unit may comprise a second heating element similarly to the flavor generation unit according to the fourth embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . By controlling the opening and closing state of the shutter and the heating temperature of the second heating element, the sense of smell can be stimulated at non-puffing by the flavor and the stimulation of the senses of taste and smell can be adjusted at puffing. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     A flavor inhaler according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view showing a flavor generation unit of an atomizer unit of a flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to the sixth embodiment is the same as the flavor inhaler shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  explained in the first embodiment, except for the flavor generation unit of the atomizer unit. 
     The atomizer unit comprises a second housing  422 , and the second housing  422  is partitioned by a third partition wall  430  in a flat shape which reaches the mouthpiece end  428  from the second partition  427 . The mouthpiece end  428  is defined by sealing an open end of the second housing  422  with, for example, a wall portion  429  integrated with the housing  422 . A wall portion  429  located on the upper side of the second housing  422 , which is partitioned by the third partition wall  430  in a flat shape, is opened in the substantially semi-columnar hole  452 . The inside of the second housing  422  on the lower side of the second housing  422 , which partitioned by the third partition wall  430  in the flat shape, a first flow path  426  defined by the inside of the first partition wall  423 , the third partition wall  430 , and the second housing  422  is formed. In the second housing  422  on the upper side of the second housing  422  partitioned by the third partition wall  430  in the flat shape, a substantially semi-columnar flavor source storage section  441  and a substantially semi-columnar filter  443  are arranged in this order toward the mouthpiece end  428 . That is, the flavor source storage section  441  and the semi-columnar filter  443  are arranged so as to be positioned on the user&#39;s nose side when the user holds the flavor inhaler in the mouth. The flavor source storage section  441  has a semi-columnar shape in which, for example, an outer wall is defined by the second housing  422 , the inner wall is defined by the third partition wall  430 , the end on the second connection portion side is defined by the second partition wall  427  and the end on the mouthpiece end side is defined by the filter  433 , and flavor source is stored. The filter  443  has one end located on the substantially semi-columnar flavor source storage section  441  and the other end located in the substantially semi-columnar hole  452  of the wall section  429 , and constitutes a third flow path extending from the inside of the flavor source storage section  441  to the mouthpiece end  428 . 
     The second flow path  444  including a plurality of holes communicating with the outside is provided in the second housing  422  corresponding to the flavor source storage section  441 . A first inhalation hole  451  to allow a user to inhale is opened at a portion opposed to the first flow path  426  of a wall portion  429  defining the mouthpiece end  428  of the second housing  422 . The other end of the filter  443  located in the substantially semi-columnar hole of the wall portion  429  functions as a second inhalation hole. 
     According to the sixth embodiment, since the flavor flows to the outside from the flavor source in the flavor source storage section  441  through the second flow path  444  at non-puffing, the flavor can stimulate only the user&#39;s sense of smell. 
     On the other hand, at puffing, the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is accompanied by the first airflow  462  flowing from the aerosol source through the first flow path  426 , and is inhaled into the user&#39;s oral cavity through the first inhalation hole  451 . At the same time, the flavor generated from the flavor source is accompanied by the second airflow  463  flowing from the second flow path  444  through the flavor source storage section  441  and the filter  443 , and is inhaled into the user&#39;s oral cavity through the second inhalation hole at the other end of the filter  443 . 
     Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the flavor inhaler has the advantage of stimulating the user&#39;s sense of smell by the flavor at non-puffing and stimulating the user&#39;s senses of taste and smell by the flavor at puffing. 
     In the non-combustion flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , the second heating element to heat the inside of the flavor source storage section may be provided similarly to the flavor inhaler according to the fourth embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , or a slidable shutter may be provided similarly to the flavor inhaler according to the fifth embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In addition, the diameter and the number of the plurality of holes constituting the flow path in the first to sixth embodiments are appropriately selected, based on the properties of the flavor source stored in the flavor source storage section, for example, the strength of flavor, evaporativity, and the like. 
     Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.