Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

Provided is a flavor inhaler. This flavor inhaler comprises a housing portion that has an opening and houses at least a portion of a consumable material via the opening, a heating portion that is inserted into the consumable material housed in the housing portion and heats the consumable material from the interior thereof, and a guide portion that forms the opening and causes the cross-sectional shape of the consumable material, when inserted into the housing portion, to deform so as to conform to the shape of the heating portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a flavor inhaler for inhaling flavors and the like without burning a material. As such a flavor inhaler, for example, one having a non-circular chamber that compresses and holds an inserted consumable material is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent No. 2016 / 0360794 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A heater that heats the inside of a consumable product is useful for miniaturizing a system. On the other hand, if a chamber that compresses the consumable product as in Patent Document 1 is applied to increase heating efficiency, when a user inserts the heater into the consumable product, the consumable product is operated in a compressed state, which may cause stress to be applied to the heater and the consumable product, resulting in damage. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system that can smoothly insert a heater into the consumable product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhaler comprising: a storage section having an opening and configured to store at least a portion of a consumable product through the opening; a heating section inserted into the consumable product stored in the storage section and configured to heat the consumable product from the inside; and a guide section that forms an opening and deforms a cross-sectional shape of the consumable product inserted into the storage section to correspond to the shape of the heating section.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the guide portion changes the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product inserted into the storage portion to correspond to the shape of the heating portion. Therefore, even if the cross-sectional shapes of the consumable product inserted into the storage portion vary, the guide portion can change the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product into a desired shape that corresponds to the shape of the heating portion.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the guide portion has a tapered shape that expands toward the outside of the storage portion.

[0008] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the guide portion has a tapered shape, and thus the insertion of the consumable product is guided, so that the consumable product can be easily accommodated in the accommodating portion.

[0009] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the guide portion is configured so that a minimum inner periphery of the guide portion is equal to or smaller than an outer periphery of the consumable product.

[0010] According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the consumable product passes through the guide portion, the entire circumference of the consumable product comes into contact with the guide portion, so that the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product can be more reliably deformed to conform to the shape of the guide portion.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to third aspects, the guide portion has an inlet portion having an elliptical cross-section provided at the end on the opening side, and is configured so that the major axis of the inlet portion is greater than or equal to the major axis of the consumable product after it has been stored in the storage portion.

[0012] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the inlet portion has an elliptical cross section, the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product can be deformed into an elliptical shape in accordance with the shape of the inlet portion.

[0013] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the guide portion has an inlet portion having an elliptical cross-section provided at the end on the opening side, and is configured so that the minor axis of the inlet portion is approximately the same length as the diameter of the consumable product before it is stored in the storage portion.

[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the minor axis of the inlet portion is approximately the same length as the diameter of the consumable product before it is accommodated in the accommodation portion, so that wobbling of the consumable product in the direction of the minor axis of the inlet portion can be suppressed.

[0015] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, an end portion on the opening side of the heating part protrudes further toward the opening side than an end portion of the guide part opposite to the opening.

[0016] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by making the end portion on the opening side of the heating portion protrude toward the opening side further than the end portion on the opposite side to the opening of the guide portion, deformation of the consumable product inserted into the opening by the heating portion can be reliably initiated.

[0017] In the seventh aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the heating portion is flat, the guide portion has an inlet portion with an elliptical cross section provided at the end on the opening side, and the width direction of the heating portion coincides with the major diameter direction of the inlet portion.

[0018] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the width direction of the heating part is aligned with the major axis direction of the guide part having an elliptical cross section, so that the consumable product inserted into the storage part can be deformed to conform to the shape of the heating part, thereby making it possible to bring the consumable product into close contact with the heating part and improving the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating part to the consumable product.

[0019] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the heating portion is configured so that the maximum width of the heating portion is greater than 30% of the major axis of the consumable product after it is accommodated in the accommodating portion.

[0020] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, by making the maximum width of the heating section greater than 30% of the major axis of the consumable product after it is accommodated in the accommodating section, the consumable product inserted into the accommodating section can be deformed into a flattened shape, thereby bringing the consumable product into closer contact with the heating section.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the heating part has a pointed end on the opening side.

[0022] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the end portion on the opening side of the heating part has a sharpened shape, so that the heating part can be easily inserted into the consumable product.

[0023] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the heating portion is a PTC heater.

[0024] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, by using a PTC heater, it is possible to efficiently heat consumables without using a control device or the like.

[0025] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhalation system, comprising a consumable material and a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

[0026] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the guide portion changes the cross-sectional shape of the consumable material inserted into the storage portion to correspond to the shape of the heating portion, so that it is possible to obtain a flavor inhalation system having a flavor inhaler that can change the cross-sectional shape of the consumable material into a desired shape corresponding to the shape of the heating portion by the guide portion even if the cross-sectional shapes of the consumable material inserted into the storage portion vary.

[0027] In a twelfth form of the present invention, in the eleventh form, the consumer product has an inserted portion into which a heating portion that heats the consumer product from the inside is inserted, and the inserted portion includes an annular sheet arranged to surround the inserted heating portion.

[0028] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the inserted portion includes an annular sheet arranged to surround the inserted heating portion, so that the shape of the consumable product can be easily deformed when the heating portion is inserted into the consumable product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention in a width direction of a heater. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention in a thickness direction of a heater. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heater shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the heater shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable product according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the tobacco part perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumer product shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a consumable material is housed in a flavor inhaler. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a consumable material is housed in a flavor inhaler. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a consumable material is housed in a flavor inhaler. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view showing a state in which a consumable material is housed in a flavor inhaler. [Figure 11] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the pressing ribs in the width direction of the heater. FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the pressing ribs in the width direction of the heater. FIG. [Figure 13] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the pressing ribs in the thickness direction of the heater. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. In the following embodiment, a tobacco stick is taken as an example of a consumable product, but the consumable product is not limited to tobacco as long as it generates a flavor when heated.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a flavor inhaler 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention in the width direction of a heater 120. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a flavor inhaler 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention in the thickness direction of the heater 120.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a housing (storage section) 110 and a heater (heating section) 120. The housing 110 has an opening 10 at one end, and accommodates at least a part of a consumable product 200 (described later) inserted into the opening 10 through the opening 10. The housing 110 is made of resin, for example, and may be formed of, in particular, PC (Polycarbonate), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (PolyEtherEtherKetone), or a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Here, the housing 110 is configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110 is smallest near the opening 10.

[0033] Furthermore, the housing 110 has a shaping guide (guide portion) 20 and a pressing rib (urging portion) 30. The shaping guide 20 forms the opening 10 and deforms the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 to correspond to the shape of the heater 120. The pressing rib 30 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 110 and presses the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 toward the heater 120, thereby deforming the shape of the consumable product 200. The detailed configurations of the shaping guide 20 and the pressing rib 30 and their function of deforming the consumable product 200 will be described later.

[0034] Moreover, an air intake hole (not shown) is provided on the opposite side of the opening 10 of the housing 110, i.e., on the bottom of the housing 110. Air is supplied to the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 through this air intake hole, thereby forming a bottom-flow type flavor inhaler 100. The air intake hole may be provided in a member that constitutes the bottom of the housing 110, and communicate with the consumable product 200 through the inside of the member. By providing the air intake hole on the opposite side of the opening 10 of the housing 110, the configuration near the opening 10 of the housing 110 can be simplified. Also, convection can be suppressed from occurring in the air layer 40 (described later), and the heat insulating performance of the air layer 40 can be maintained.

[0035] The heater 120 is a flat PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater that is inserted into the consumable product 200 housed in the housing 110 and heats the consumable product 200 from the inside. The heater 120 also changes the shape of the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 to match the shape of the heater 120. The function of the heater 120 to change the shape of the consumable product 200 will be described later. Here, the shaping guide 20, the holding rib 30 and the heater 120 change the shape of the consumable product 200 after it is housed in the housing 110 from the shape of the consumable product 200 before it is housed in the housing 110.

[0036] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the heater shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the heater shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the heater 120 has a PTC element 121, at least two metal plates 122, and a holding member 123. The PTC element 121 is sandwiched between the metal plates 122 from both sides and adhered by, for example, a conductive adhesive paste. As the conductive adhesive paste, for example, a so-called anisotropic conductive adhesive in which conductive particles are uniformly dispersed in an epoxy adhesive can be used.

[0037] The metal plate 122 may be made of an iron alloy containing nickel (Ni) with a low thermal expansion coefficient, such as Invar (registered trademark). This can prevent the metal plate 122 from peeling off from the adhesion between the PTC element 121 due to thermal expansion when the PTC element 121 generates heat. Furthermore, by sandwiching the PTC element 121 between at least two metal plates 122, the metal plates 122 can support the PTC element 121 and also function as electrodes.

[0038] The holding member 123 is coupled to the housing 110 when the heater 120 is attached to the housing 110. The holding member 123 may be made of engineering plastic. Engineering plastic has high heat resistance and mechanical strength, and can be inexpensively formed into a desired shape by injection molding or the like, so it is suitable for use as a constituent material of structural members. For example, the holding member 123 may be made of PEEK, which is a type of engineering plastic. PEEK is a thermoplastic resin that has very high heat resistance and high dimensional stability. Therefore, when the holding member 123 is made of PEEK, the holding member 123 can further reduce the influence of heat generated by the heater 120.

[0039] A PTC heater is a heater that uses a resistor having a characteristic (PTC characteristic) whereby when a certain temperature (called the Curie temperature) is reached, the electrical resistance rises suddenly and electricity stops flowing. By utilizing the PTC characteristic, the PTC heater is able to keep the temperature below a certain temperature without using a control device or the like. The heater 120 is made of barium titanate (BaTiO 3 In this case, the heater 120 can be set to a Curie temperature of 350° C., so that the heater 120 can heat the consumable product 200 at a temperature lower than 350° C.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a consumer product 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the tobacco section 210 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumer product 200 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the consumer product 200 has a tobacco section (inserted section) 210 and a paper tube 220. The tobacco section 210 has a through hole 211 in the center into which the heater 120 is inserted. The tobacco section 210 also has a two-layered flavor releasing layer (annular sheet) 212 and an elastically deformable layer (annular sheet) 213 that are arranged to surround the inserted heater 120. A wrapper 214 is wound around the outer periphery of the elastically deformable layer 213.

[0041] The flavor-releasing layer 212 is composed of, for example, a tobacco sheet and a non-tobacco sheet carrying glycerin, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the tobacco sheet, and releases volatile compounds containing flavor when heated by the heater 120. The flavor-releasing layer 212 may include only one of the tobacco sheet and the non-tobacco sheet. The elastically deformable layer 213 is composed of, for example, a nonwoven sheet, a corrugated sheet, a non-tobacco sheet, etc., and is elastically deformable in its thickness direction (i.e., the radial direction of the cylindrical elastically deformable layer 213). The elastically deformable layer 213 contributes to the deformation of the consumable product 200 to conform to the shape of the heater 120 when the heater 120 is inserted.

[0042] As a result, when the heater 120 is inserted into the through-hole 211, the elastic deformation layer 213 elastically deforms in the thickness direction relative to the heater 120, making it easier to contact or approach the heater 120. This allows the flavor releasing layer 212 to be in closer contact with or closer to the heater 120, and the consumable product 200 can be heated efficiently.

[0043] The paper tube 220 cools the volatile compounds released from the flavor-releasing layer 212. Since the tobacco section 210 includes the flavor-releasing layer 212 and the elastically deformable layer 213 arranged to surround the inserted heater 120, the shape of the consumable product 200 can be easily deformed when the heater 120 is inserted into the consumable product 200. The cross-sectional shape of the consumable product 200 may be circular or elliptical.

[0044] Here, the non-tobacco sheet may contain a flavor-generating substrate. The flavor-generating substrate is a material that imparts a smoking flavor, and is preferably a tobacco material. The flavor-generating substrate may also contain a flavoring. A flavoring is a substance that provides an aroma or flavor. The flavoring may be a natural flavoring or a synthetic flavoring. As the flavoring, one type of flavoring may be used, or a mixture of multiple types of flavorings may be used. In addition, any flavoring may be used as long as it is a commonly used flavoring, such as essential oils, natural flavorings, synthetic flavorings, etc. In addition, the flavoring may be liquid or solid, and the nature does not matter. In addition, the flavor-generating substrate may contain a refreshing agent or a flavoring.

[0045] The tobacco sheet may contain, for example, tobacco and polyhydric alcohol. The polyhydric alcohol may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds in the tobacco sheet. The polyhydric alcohol may also be added to the elastic deformation layer 213 described above. The tobacco sheet may be formed into a sheet shape by mixing powdered tobacco and polyhydric alcohol with a binder.

[0046] Next, the relationship between the consumable material 200, the housing 110, and the heater 120 when the consumable material 200 is accommodated in the flavor inhaler 100, i.e., when the consumable material 200 is inserted from one end side to the other end side of the housing 110, will be described. Figures 7 to 9 are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the consumable material 200 is accommodated in the flavor inhaler 100. Here, the consumable material 200 is applied to the flavor inhaler 100 to form a flavor inhalation system. Note that in Figures 7 to 9, the flavor releasing layer 212 and the elastically deformable layer 213 of the consumable material 200 are shown as a single annular sheet 215.

[0047] Fig. 7 shows the state when the consumable product 200 passes through the shaping guide 20, in terms of a cross section in the width direction of the heater 120 and a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110 at the inlet portion 22 of the shaping guide 20. Fig. 8 shows the state when the consumable product 200 passes through the pressing rib 30, in terms of a cross section in the width direction of the heater 120 and a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110 at the middle portion and the other end portion of the pressing rib 30. Fig. 9 shows the state when the consumable product 200 is accommodated in a predetermined accommodation position in the housing 110, in terms of a cross section in the width direction of the heater 120 and a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110 near the other end portion of the heater 120.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 7, the shaping guide 20 has a tapered portion 21, an inlet portion 22, and an abutment portion 23. The tapered portion 21 is configured to expand toward one end side of the housing 110, and guides the insertion of the consumable product 200 into the flavor inhaler 100. That is, the shaping guide 20 guides the consumable product 200 to the tip position of the heater 120, and the consumable product 200 can be reliably inserted into the heater 120. Specifically, the shaping guide 20 has a tapered shape that expands toward the outside of the housing 110, thereby guiding the insertion of the consumable product 200, and therefore the consumable product 200 can be easily accommodated in the housing 110.

[0049] The inlet portion 22 is provided at the end of the housing 110 and has an elliptical cross section, and is configured so that the major axis is equal to or greater than the major axis of the consumer product 200 after it is housed in the housing 110, and the minor axis is approximately the same length as the diameter of the consumer product 200 before it is housed in the housing 110. Here, since the end of the shaping guide 20 has an elliptical cross section, the cross-sectional shape of the consumer product 200 can be deformed into an elliptical shape along the shape of the shaping guide 20 as the consumer product 200 is inserted. In addition, since the minor axis of the inlet portion 22 is approximately the same length as the diameter of the consumer product 200 before it is housed in the housing 110, it is possible to suppress the wobbling of the consumer product 200 in the minor axis direction of the shaping guide 20. In addition, even if there is variation in the end face dimensions of the consumer product 200, the consumer product 200 can be shaped into a constant shape by the shaping guide 20, and the consumer product 200 can be smoothly attached to the housing 110.

[0050] The heater 120 and the inlet portion 22 are configured such that the width direction of the heater 120 coincides with the major axis direction of the inlet portion 22. This allows the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 to deform in accordance with the shape of the heater 120. This allows the consumable product 200 to be in close contact with the heater 120, improving the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200.

[0051] Furthermore, the abutment portion 23 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 110 and has an elliptical cross section, and is configured so that the minimum inner peripheral length is equal to or less than the outer peripheral length of the consumable product 200. As a result, when the consumable product 200 passes through the shaping guide 20, the entire circumference of the consumable product 200 comes into contact with the abutment portion 23, so that the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product 200 can be more reliably deformed in accordance with the shape of the abutment portion 23. Therefore, even if the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product 200 varies, the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product 200 can be deformed into a desired shape by the shaping guide 20, and the consumable product 200 can be smoothly inserted into the housing 110. Furthermore, since the entire circumference of the consumable product 200 comes into contact with the abutment portion 23, it is possible to prevent the consumable product 200 from falling off.

[0052] Here, the contact portion 23 is configured to be in point contact with the consumable product 200 housed in the housing 110 in a cross section along the longitudinal axis of the housing 110. By the contact portion 23 being in point contact with the consumable product 200, heat transfer from the consumable product 200 to the housing 110 is suppressed, and the heat insulating performance of the flavor inhaler 100 can be improved.

[0053] The heater 120 has a sharp tip. Therefore, the heater 120 can be easily inserted into the consumer product 200. In addition, the end of the heater 120 on the opening 10 side protrudes further toward the opening 10 side than the end of the shaping guide 20 on the opposite side to the opening 10. Specifically, the end of the heater 120 on the opening 10 side protrudes slightly toward one end of the housing 110 beyond the abutting portion 23 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 110. As a result, the end of the heater 120 on the opening 10 side is inserted into the through hole 211 of the consumer product 200 at the same time as the consumer product 200 passes through the shaping guide 20, so that the heater 120 can reliably start to deform the consumer product 200.

[0054] Here, the maximum width of the heater 120 relative to the major axis of the contact portion 23 of the shaping guide 20 is configured to be larger than that of a flavor inhaler having a conventional piercing type heater. For example, the major axis of the contact portion 23 is 7 mm, and the maximum width of the heater 120 is 6 mm. The heater 120 is also configured such that the maximum width of the heater 120 is larger than 30% of the major axis of the consumable product 200 after it is housed in the housing 110, and preferably larger than 40%. As a result, the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 can be deformed into a flattened shape, and the consumable product 200 can be more closely attached to the heater 120.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 8, the heater 120 has a pointed shape and is configured to widen toward the other end. As a result, as the consumable product 200 passes through the shaping guide 20 and is inserted, the shape of the consumable product 200 is deformed to conform to the shape of the heater 120. Specifically, the consumable product 200 is pushed and spread in the width direction of the heater 120. As a result, the consumable product 200 can be brought into close contact with the heater 120, and the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200 can be improved. In addition, the heater 120 pushing and spreading the consumable product 200 can prevent the consumable product 200 from falling off.

[0056] Specifically, the heater 120 has a flat plate shape and changes the outer shape of the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 into an elliptical cross section. At this time, the major axis of the consumable product 200 after being housed in the housing 110 is longer than the diameter of the consumable product 200 before being housed in the housing 110, and the minor axis of the consumable product 200 after being housed in the housing 110 is shorter than the diameter of the consumable product 200 before being housed in the housing 110. The heater 120 changes the outer shape of the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 into an elliptical cross section, thereby shortening the distance in the short side direction of the housing 110 occupied by the consumable product 200. Therefore, the housing 110 can be made thinner. In addition, the heater 120 changes the outer shape of the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 into an elliptical cross section, thereby increasing the contact area between the heater 120 and the consumable product 200. Therefore, the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200 can be improved.

[0057] Moreover, heater 120 is configured so that the circumferential length in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of housing 110 gradually increases from the opening 10 side toward the opposite side to opening 10, that is, from one end side to the other end side. By gradually increasing the circumferential length of heater 120 from one end side to the other end side, the length of contact of the consumable product with the heating unit gradually increases from one end side to the other end side, thereby preventing the consumable product from falling off.

[0058] The holding rib 30 is provided so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the housing 110 towards the heater 120 along the thickness direction of the heater 120, and is composed of a pair of tapered surfaces facing each other (see FIG. 2). Note that the holding rib 30 is not limited to this configuration, and it is sufficient that at least one is provided at each of the positions facing each other. Also, the holding rib 30 is arranged so as to overlap with an area where the width of the heater 120 gradually increases in the longitudinal direction of the housing 110. Note that the shape of the holding rib 30 can be selected from any protruding shape.

[0059] Here, the holding rib 30 may be configured so that the protruding distance gradually increases toward the other end side of the housing 110, and the protruding distance is maximum at the position where the width of the heater 120 is maximum, that is, the position where the circumferential length in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110 is maximum. In this case, the length between the tapered surfaces of the holding rib 30 is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the consumable product 200 before being inserted into the housing 110. In addition, the other end side end of the holding rib 30 has a cliff-like shape that is approximately perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 110 to prevent it from slipping out, and is configured so that the holding rib 30 does not overlap the PTC element 121 of the heater 120 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 110.

[0060] As a result, when the consumable product 200 passes through the holding rib 30, the holding rib 30 urges the consumable product 200, which has been pushed out in the width direction of the heater 120, in the thickness direction of the heater 120, so that the consumable product 200 is deformed into a flattened shape. Here, in the middle part of the holding rib 30, as the width of the heater 120 increases, the protruding distance of the holding rib 30 becomes longer, and the consumable product 200 is gradually deformed into a flattened shape.

[0061] In contrast, at the other end of the holding rib 30, both the width of the heater 120 and the protruding distance of the holding rib 30 are at their maximum, and the shape of the consumable product 200 is in its final shape in close contact with the heater 120. Therefore, the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 is biased toward the heater 120 by the holding rib 30, so that the consumable product 200 can be brought into closer contact with the heater 120, and the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200 can be further improved. In addition, the holding rib 30 biases the consumable product 200, thereby preventing the consumable product 200 from falling off.

[0062] 5 and 6, the radial length from the inner periphery to the outer periphery of the tobacco section 210 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 200 may be configured to be greater than the shortest distance between the heater 120 and the pressing rib 30. This allows the pressing rib 30 to reliably bias the consumable product 200 against the heater 120, and further improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200.

[0063] In this way, by providing the holding rib 30 along the thickness direction of the heater 120, the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 can be deformed into a flat shape, and the consumable product 200 can be brought into closer contact with the heater 120. Furthermore, by providing at least one holding rib 30 at each of opposing positions, the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 can be biased toward the heater 120 from opposing directions. Furthermore, by making the length between the tapered surfaces of the holding rib 30 smaller than the diameter of the consumable product 200, the consumable product 200 can be brought into closer contact with the heater 120, and the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200 can be further improved.

[0064] Furthermore, by gradually increasing the protruding distance of the holding rib 30 toward the other end of the housing 110, the consumable product 200 can be gradually deformed, and smooth deformation can be achieved. Also, by forming the other end side of the holding rib 30 into a shape that prevents the consumable product 200 from falling off even if a force is applied in the direction of pulling out the consumable product 200, resistance is generated by the shape that prevents the consumable product 200 from falling off. Also, by making the holding rib 30 not overlap the PTC element 121 of the heater 120 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 110, it is possible to prevent heat generated from the PTC element 121 from escaping to the housing 110 via the holding rib 30.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9, when the consumable product 200 is accommodated in a predetermined accommodation position in the housing 110, the shape of the consumable product 200 maintains the final shape shown in FIG. 8. Here, inside the housing 110, an accommodation space 50 is formed in which the consumable product 200 deformed by the heater 120 is accommodated. In addition, an air layer 40 is formed around the entire circumference of the consumable product 200 between the accommodation space 50 and the housing 110. Since the air layer 40 has low thermal conductivity, it can insulate the consumable product 200 (accommodation space 50) from the housing 110, and the energy required for heating the consumable product 200 can be reduced. In addition, the contact portion 23 contacts the consumable product 200 around the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the consumable product 200, sealing the air layer 40. This suppresses air convection in the air layer 40.

[0066] Here, the housing 110 is configured so that the cross-sectional area in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110 is smallest near the opening 10. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of convection in the air layer 40 due to the inflow and outflow of air near the opening 10, and further improve the heat insulating performance of the flavor inhaler 100. Furthermore, the housing 110 is configured so that the cross-sectional area ratio between the air layer 40 and the consumable product 200 is 5:1 to 1:1 at the location where the cross-sectional area in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110 is largest. This allows the air layer 40 to exhibit sufficient heat insulating performance.

[0067] In this manner, the shaping guide 20 deforms the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product 200, the heater 120 deforms the shape of the consumable product 200 to conform to the shape of the heater 120, and the retaining rib 30 biases the consumable product 200 toward the heater 120, thereby deforming the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 into a flattened shape and bringing the consumable product 200 into close contact with the heater 120. This improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200.

[0068] According to the flavor inhaler 100 configured as above, the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 is deformed by the shaping guide 20 to correspond to the shape of the heater 120. Therefore, even if the cross-sectional shapes of the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 vary, the cross-sectional shape of the consumable product 200 can be deformed by the shaping guide 20 into a desired shape corresponding to the shape of the heater 120.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the flavor inhaler 100 configured as described above, the heater 120 causes the outer shape of the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 to deform in accordance with the shape of the heater 120. Therefore, the consumable product 200 can be brought into close contact with the heater 120, and the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200 can be improved.

[0070] Furthermore, even if the shape of the consumable product 200 after being housed in the housing 110 is deformed from the shape of the consumable product 200 before being housed in the housing 110 by the shaping guide 20, the holding rib 30, and the heater 120, an air layer 40 is formed between the housing 110 and the housing space 50 in which the deformed consumable product 200 is housed. Therefore, the air layer 40 with low thermal conductivity can improve the heat insulating performance of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0071] In addition, when the consumable product 200 is accommodated in the housing 110, the abutting portion 23 seals the air layer 40 formed between the housing 110 and the accommodation space 50 in which the deformed consumable product 200 is accommodated, thereby suppressing air convection in the air layer 40 and achieving excellent heat insulating performance. Furthermore, by providing the abutting portion 23 in the vicinity of the opening 10, the volume of the sealed air layer 40 can be increased, thereby improving the heat insulating performance of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0072] Furthermore, by inserting the heater 120 into the consumable product 200 and heating the consumable product 200 from the inside, the heater 120, which is the heat source, does not come into contact with the air layer 40, thereby further improving the heat insulating performance of the flavor inhaler 100. Furthermore, by forming the air layer 40 over the entire outer periphery of the consumable product 200, the heat insulating performance of the flavor inhaler 100 can be further improved.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the heater 120 is a PTC heater, but the heater is not limited to this. For example, the heater may be a flexible polyimide heater configured by sandwiching a heat resistor (heating element) such as stainless steel between two films (substrates) such as PI (polyimide). The heater may also be a pin heater having an elliptical cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110. When such a pin heater is used, the distance of the short side of the housing 110 occupied by the consumable product 200 when the consumable product 200 is inserted is shorter than that of a pin heater having a circular cross section with the same cross-sectional area. Therefore, the housing 110 can be made thinner. In addition, by providing the pressing rib 30 along the short axis of the pin heater, the consumable product 200 inserted into the housing 110 can be deformed into a flat shape, and the consumable product 200 can be more closely attached to the heater.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the intake hole is provided on the side opposite to the opening 10 of the housing 110, i.e., on the bottom of the housing 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an intake hole directly communicating with the air layer 40 may be provided in the opening 10 of the housing 110 or in the housing 110. When the intake hole is provided in the housing 110, an intake hole 111 may be provided in the vicinity of the other end of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 10. Even in this case, since the air layer 40 is sealed by the contact portion 23, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of convection in the air layer 40 near the contact portion 23, and it is possible to allow air to flow in while maintaining the size of the flavor inhaler 100 while preventing a decrease in the insulation efficiency.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the pressing rib 30 is described as being configured by a pair of tapered surfaces facing each other, but is not limited thereto. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are cross-sectional views showing the arrangement of the pressing rib 30 in the width direction of the heater 120. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the pressing rib 30 in the thickness direction of the heater 120.

[0076] 11, the holding ribs 30 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the housing 110. By arranging the holding ribs 30 in this manner, it is possible to reduce the frictional force acting on the surface of the consumable product 200 when the consumable product 200 is inserted, compared to when the holding ribs 30 are arranged at positions facing each other.

[0077] 2, the holding ribs 30 are arranged in the thickness direction of the heater 120 near the other end of the heater 120 so as to face each other. As shown in Fig. 13, the holding ribs 30 are arranged in the width direction of the heater 120 near the other end of the heater 120 so as to face each other. By arranging the holding ribs 30 in the vicinity of the other end of the heater 120 in this manner, the heater 120 can be reliably brought into close contact with the consumable product 200 up to its tip, and the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 120 to the consumable product 200 can be improved.

[0078] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the components described in the claims and the specification may be combined or omitted within the scope of solving at least part of the above-mentioned problems or achieving at least part of the effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10...Aperture 20... Plastic Surgery Guide 21...Tapered section 22…Entrance 23...Contact part 30…Retaining rib 40…Air layer 50…Containment space 100...Flavor aspirator 110…Housing 111...Air intake 120…Heater 121...PTC element 122...Metal plate 123... Retaining member 200…Consumables 210…Tobacco Section 211...Through hole 212...Flavor release layer 213...Elastic deformation layer 214…Rapper 215…Ring sheet 220…Paper tube

Claims

1. 1. A flavor inhaler, comprising: a storage section having an opening and configured to store at least a portion of the consumable product through the opening; a heating section that is inserted into the consumer product accommodated in the accommodation section and heats the consumer product from the inside; a guide portion that forms the opening and deforms a cross-sectional shape of the consumable product inserted into the storage portion so as to correspond to a shape of the heating portion; Flavor aspirator.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The guide portion has a tapered shape expanded toward the outside of the housing portion. Flavor aspirator.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, The guide portion is configured so that a minimum inner periphery of the guide portion is equal to or less than an outer periphery of the consumable product. Flavor aspirator.

4. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The guide portion has an inlet portion having an elliptical cross section provided at an end portion on the opening side, and is configured so that a major axis of the inlet portion is equal to or larger than a major axis of the consumable product after it is accommodated in the accommodation portion. Flavor aspirator.

5. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The guide portion has an inlet portion having an elliptical cross section provided at an end portion on the opening side, and is configured so that a minor axis of the inlet portion is approximately the same as a diameter of the consumable product before it is accommodated in the accommodation portion. Flavor aspirator.

6. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, an end portion of the heating portion on the opening side protrudes toward the opening side further than an end portion of the guide portion on the opposite side to the opening; Flavor aspirator.

7. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The heating portion is flat, The guide portion has an inlet portion having an elliptical cross section provided at an end portion on the opening side, The width direction of the heating section coincides with the major axis direction of the inlet section. Flavor aspirator.

8. The flavor inhaler according to claim 7, The heating section is configured so that a maximum width of the heating section is greater than 30% of a major axis of the consumable product after it is accommodated in the accommodation section. Flavor aspirator.

9. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The heating section has a pointed end on the opening side. Flavor aspirator.

10. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The heating unit is a PTC heater. Flavor aspirator.

11. 1. A flavor inhalation system, comprising: Consumables and The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Flavor extraction system.

12. A flavor inhalation system according to claim 11, The consumer product has an insertion portion into which a heating portion that heats the consumer product from the inside is inserted, The inserted portion includes an annular sheet arranged to surround the inserted heating portion. Flavor extraction system.

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