Housing and fragrance inhaler having the housing

Abstract

A housing and a fragrance inhaler having a novel structure are provided. The housing includes: a first housing capable of accommodating a heating element; a second housing surrounding the first housing; and a heat dissipation member disposed at least partially between the first and second housings and having a higher thermal conductivity than the first and second housings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing and a fragrance inhaler having the housing. Background Art

[0002] Flavor inhalers for inhaling flavor without burning a material are known. For example, a smokeless cigarette system is known that uses an igniter including an insulating sleeve that substantially surrounds a generally cylindrical heater, has an outer surface, and is made of a heat-insulating material. The insulating sleeve has a thickness selected to maintain the temperature of the outer surface at 40 degrees Celsius or below (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: (Japanese) Patent No. 5133891 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a housing and a fragrance inhaler having a new structure.

[0008] Technical solutions to technical problems

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a housing is provided, comprising: a first housing capable of accommodating a heat generating element; a second housing surrounding the first housing; and a heat dissipation component disposed at least partially between the first and second housings and having a higher thermal conductivity than the first and second housings.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhaler including the above-mentioned housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A It is an overall perspective view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 1B It is an overall perspective view of the flavor inhaler of this embodiment in a state where the smoking article is maintained.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of a smoking article.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view in the direction of arrow 3-3 is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 Shows a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly.

[0016] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the flavor inhaler with the outer shell removed.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance inhaler.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a side view showing the heat sink.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a side view schematically showing the relationship between the heating element, inner case, heat sink, and outer case.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a side view showing the inner shell.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a side view showing the inner case provided with heat sinks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are denoted by identical reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0023] Figure 1A It is an overall perspective view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. Figure 1B The flavor inhaler 10 of this embodiment is configured to generate aerosol containing flavor by, for example, heating a smoking article 110 having a flavor source including an aerosol source.

[0024] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the fragrance inhaler 10 comprises a top case 11A, a bottom case 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, and a lid 14. The top case 11A and the bottom case 11B are connected to form the outermost housing 11 (second housing) of the fragrance inhaler 10. Housing 11 is sized to fit the user's hand. When using the fragrance inhaler 10, the user can hold the fragrance inhaler 10 in their hand and inhale the fragrance.

[0025] The top case 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is joined to the top case 11A so as to close the opening. Figure 1B As shown, the cover 12 has an opening 12a through which a smoking article 110 can be inserted. The cover 14 is configured to open and close the opening 12a of the cover 12. Specifically, the cover 14 is attached to the cover 12 and is configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position that closes the opening 12a and a second position that opens the opening 12a. Thus, the cover 14 can allow or restrict the smoking article 110 from entering the interior of the flavor inhaler 10.

[0026] The switch 13 is used to switch the start and stop of the work of the fragrance inhaler 10. For example, the user Figure 1B The smoking article 110 is inserted into the opening 12a as shown, and the switch 13 is operated to supply power from a power source (not shown) to a heating element (not shown), thereby heating the smoking article 110 without burning. When the smoking article 110 is heated, the aerosol source contained in the smoking article 110 evaporates into an aerosol, and the fragrance of the fragrance source is mixed into the aerosol. The user inhales the protruding portion (at the end) of the fragrance inhaler 10 of the smoking article 110. Figure 1B It should be noted that, in this specification, the length direction of the flavor inhaler 10 refers to the direction in which the smoking article 110 is inserted into the opening 12a.

[0027] Next, the structure of the smoking article 110 used in the flavor inhaler 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking article 110. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the smoking article 110 comprises a filling 111; a base portion 110A comprising a first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the filling 111; and a mouthpiece 110B that forms the end opposite the base portion 110A. The base portion 110A and the mouthpiece 110B are connected by a second wrapping paper 113 that is different from the first wrapping paper 112. However, the second wrapping paper 113 can be omitted, and the base portion 110A and the mouthpiece 110B can be connected using the first wrapping paper 112.

[0028] Figure 2 The mouthpiece 110B in the smoking article 110 comprises a paper tube 114, a filter 115, and a hollow section 116 disposed between the paper tube 114 and the filter 115. The hollow section 116 is formed, for example, by a filling layer having one or more hollow channels and an envelope covering the filling layer. Due to the high density of the fibers in the filling layer, air or aerosol flows only through the hollow channels during inhalation and hardly flows through the filling layer. In smoking article 110, if it is desired to reduce the loss of aerosol components due to filtration in the filter 115, shortening the filter 115 and replacing it with the hollow section 116 is effective in increasing the amount of aerosol delivered.

[0029] Figure 2 The mouthpiece 110B is composed of three parts. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 110B can be composed of one or two parts, or four or more parts. For example, the hollow section 116 can be omitted, and the paper tube 114 and the filter 115 can be arranged adjacent to each other to form the mouthpiece 110B.

[0030] exist Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal length of the smoking article 110 is preferably 40 mm to 90 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 75 mm, and even more preferably 50 mm to 60 mm. The circumference of the smoking article 110 is preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 17 mm to 24 mm, and even more preferably 20 mm to 23 mm. Furthermore, the length of the base portion 110A of the smoking article 110 may be 20 mm, the length of the first wrapping paper 112 may be 20 mm, the length of the hollow section 116 may be 8 mm, and the length of the filter portion 115 may be 7 mm. However, the lengths of these components may be appropriately modified based on manufacturing suitability, required quality, and other factors.

[0031] In this embodiment, the filler 111 of the smoking article 110 may contain an aerosol source that generates an aerosol when heated at a specified temperature. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and various natural extracts and / or their constituent components can be selected according to the intended use. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. The amount of the aerosol source in the filler 111 is not particularly limited, but from the perspective of sufficiently generating an aerosol and imparting a good flavor, it is generally 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and is generally 50% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less.

[0032] The filler 111 of the smoking article 110 in this embodiment may contain shredded tobacco as a flavor source. The material of the shredded tobacco is not particularly limited, and publicly known materials such as tobacco leaves or tobacco stems can be used. When the content of the filler 111 in the smoking article 110 is in the range of 22 mm in circumference and 20 mm in length, it is, for example, 200 mg to 400 mg, preferably 250 mg to 320 mg. The moisture content of the filler 111 is, for example, 8 wt% to 18 wt%, preferably 10 wt% to 16 wt%. Such a moisture content suppresses the generation of stains during rolling and makes the rolling adaptability of the base material portion 110A good during manufacture. The size of the shredded tobacco used as the filler 111 or its preparation method is not particularly limited. For example, shredded tobacco obtained by cutting dried tobacco leaves into shredded tobacco with a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm can be used. Alternatively, dried tobacco leaves can be pulverized and homogenized to an average particle size of approximately 20 to 200 μm, and then chopped into shredded tobacco with a width of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. Alternatively, the sheet-processed material can be collected and used as filler 111 without chopping. Filler 111 can contain one or more flavorings. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, but menthol is preferred for imparting a good flavor.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first and second wrapping papers 112, 113 of the smoking article 110 can be made from base paper having a weight per square meter of, for example, 20 gsm to 65 gsm, preferably 25 gsm to 45 gsm. The thickness of the first and second wrapping papers 112, 113 is not particularly limited, but from the perspectives of rigidity, air permeability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking, is 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably 20 μm to 75 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 50 μm.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first and second wrapping papers 112, 113 of the smoking article 110 may contain fillers. The filler content can be 10% to 60% by weight, preferably 15% to 45% by weight, relative to the total weight of the first and second wrapping papers 112, 113. In this embodiment, the filler content is preferably 15% to 45% by weight, relative to the preferred weight per square meter (25 gsm to 45 gsm). Examples of fillers include calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. Paper containing such fillers can achieve an excellent, bright white color and maintain its whiteness over time, particularly when used as wrapping paper for the smoking article 110. By including a high amount of such fillers, the ISO whiteness of the wrapping paper can be achieved, for example, to an ISO whiteness of 83% or higher. Furthermore, for practical use as wrapping paper for the smoking article 110, the first and second wrapping papers 112, 113 preferably have a tensile strength of 8N / 15mm or higher. This tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content. Specifically, the weight per square meter can be increased by reducing the filler content to less than the upper limit of the filler content shown in the above-exemplified range of weight per square meter.

[0035] Next, Figure 1A and Figure 1B The internal structure of the fragrance inhaler 10 shown will be described. Figure 3 yes Figure 1A The cross-sectional view in the direction of arrow 3-3 is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the fragrance inhaler 10 includes a power supply unit 20, a circuit unit 30, and a heating unit 40 within the internal space of an outer shell 11 and an inner shell 18 (first housing). The outer shell 11 and inner shell 18 will be described later. The circuit unit 30 includes a first circuit substrate 31 and a second circuit substrate 32 electrically connected to the first circuit substrate 31. The first circuit substrate 31 is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction, as shown in the figure. Thus, the power supply unit 20 and the heating unit 40 are separated by the first circuit substrate 31. As a result, heat generated in the heating unit 40 is prevented from being transferred to the power supply unit 20.

[0036] The second circuit board 32 is disposed between the top case 11A and the power supply unit 20, extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first circuit board 31. The switch 13 is disposed adjacent to the second circuit board 32. When the user presses the switch 13, a portion of the switch 13 comes into contact with the second circuit board 32.

[0037] The first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32 include, for example, a microprocessor and can control the power supply from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40 .

[0038] The power supply unit 20 includes a power supply 21 electrically connected to the first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32. The power supply 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the heating unit 40 via at least one of the first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the heating unit 40 to appropriately heat the smoking article 110. Furthermore, as shown, the power supply 21 is positioned adjacent to the heating unit 40 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating unit 40. This allows the flavor inhaler 10 to be prevented from increasing in length, even if the power supply 21 is increased in size.

[0039] The aroma inhaler 10 also has a terminal 22 that can be connected to an external power source. Terminal 22 can be connected to a data cable, such as a micro USB cable. If the power source 21 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the power source to terminal 22 allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source 21, thereby charging the power source 21. Furthermore, by connecting a data transmission cable, such as a micro USB cable, to terminal 22, data related to the operation of the aroma inhaler 10 can be transmitted to an external device.

[0040] As shown, the heating unit 40 includes a heating element 41 extending in the longitudinal direction. The heating element 41 is composed of multiple cylindrical components, forming a cylindrical body as a whole. The heating element 41 is configured to accommodate a portion of the smoking article 110. It functions to define the air flow path for the smoking article 110 and to heat the smoking article 110 from the outside.

[0041] The bottom shell 11B is formed with a vent 15 for allowing air to flow into the interior of the heating assembly 41. Specifically, the vent 15 is formed at one end portion ( Figure 3The left end of the heating element 41 is in fluid communication. Furthermore, the flavor inhaler 10 includes a cover 16 that is removably attached to the vent 15. The cover 16 is configured to allow air to flow from the vent 15 into the interior of the heating element 41 even when attached to the vent 15. For example, the cover 16 may include a through-hole or notch (not shown). By attaching the cover 16 to the vent 15, substances produced by the smoking article 110 inserted into the heating element 41 are prevented from dripping through the vent 15 to the exterior of the housing 11.

[0042] The other end of the heating assembly 41 ( Figure 3 The right end of Figure 1B The opening 12a shown is in fluid communication. Between the cover 12 having the opening 12a and the other end of the heating assembly 41, a generally cylindrical outer wing 17 is provided. Figure 1B As shown, when the flavor inhaler 10 is inserted from the opening 12a of the cover 12, a portion of the smoking article 110 is placed inside the heating assembly 41 through the outer wing 17. Therefore, it is preferred that the outer wing 17 is formed so that the opening on the cover 12 side is larger than the opening on the other end side of the heating assembly 41. This makes it easy to insert the smoking article 110 from the opening 12a into the interior of the outer wing 17. Furthermore, when the smoking article 110 is not inserted into the interior of the heating assembly 41, the user can clean the interior of the heating assembly 41 by inserting an implement such as a brush from the opening 12a. The cleaning implement can also be inserted from one end ( Figure 3 In this case, remove the cover from the vent 15 of the fragrance inhaler 10.

[0043] exist Figure 1B In the state where the smoking article 110 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 from the opening 12a, the user can remove the protruding portion of the smoking article 110 from the flavor inhaler 10, that is, Figure 2 When the filter 115 shown is inhaled, air flows from the vent 15 into the interior of the heating assembly 41. The inflowing air traverses the interior of the heating assembly 41 and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated by the smoking article 110. Therefore, the side closer to the vent 15 of the heating assembly 41 is the upstream side, and the side closer to the opening 12a of the heating assembly 41 (the side closer to the outer wing 17) is the downstream side.

[0044] Next, Figure 3 The structure of the heating assembly 41 is described below. Figure 4A cross-sectional view of the heating assembly 41 is shown. It should be noted that, in the heating assembly 41, the focus here is on the structure of the heating element 50 that heats the smoking article 110 from the periphery. The heating element 50 includes an inner tube 42, a heating member 43, an aerogel 44 (equivalent to an example of a heat insulating material), and an outer tube 45. The inner tube 42 has a first opening 42a at one end through which the smoking article 110 can be inserted, and a second opening 42b forming an air inlet at the other end, and is configured so as to accommodate the smoking article 110. In this embodiment, the inner tube 42 is columnar and is configured so as to contact at least a portion of the smoking article 110 inserted through the first opening 42a. The second opening 42b is located on the upstream side of the air flow, and the first opening 42a is located on the downstream side.

[0045] The outer tube 45 is arranged around the inner tube 42, and a predetermined cylindrical space is formed between the inner tube 42 and the outer tube 45. The heating component 43 is composed of, for example, two films such as PI (polyimide) sandwiching a heating resistor, and can be a flexible film heater. The heating component 43 is arranged in a manner docking with the inner tube 42. Specifically, in the example shown in the figure, the heating component 43 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 42, and the inner surface of the heating component 43 is in contact with the outer surface of the inner tube 42. Since the heating component 43 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 42, it is deformed into a roughly cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0046] Aerogel 44 is disposed in the cylindrical space formed between inner tube 42 and outer tube 45. The presence of aerogel 44 between inner tube 42 and outer tube 45 prevents heat generated by heating element 43 from being transferred to outer tube 45. Furthermore, in this embodiment, aerogel 44 is used to block the heat generated by heating element 43. However, this is not limiting. Other insulating materials may be used, and the cylindrical space formed between inner tube 42 and outer tube 45 may be vacuumed to form a vacuum insulation space.

[0047] Next, Figure 3 The structures of the outer shell 11 and the inner shell 18 are described below. Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the flavor inhaler 10 with the housing 11 removed. Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance inhaler 10. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Inner shell 18 will Figure 3The power supply unit 20, circuit unit 30, and heating unit 40 are housed in the internal space. That is, the inner shell 18 houses the heating element 50 in the heating assembly 41 that heats the outer periphery of the smoking article 110. The top shell 11A and the bottom shell 11B that constitute the outer shell 11 surround the inner shell 18 and house the inner shell 18 in the internal space. A heat sink 60 (equivalent to an example of a heat dissipation component) is provided between the inner shell 18 and the outer shell 11. In this embodiment, the surface of the inner shell 18 ( Figure 5 The side closest to the paper) and the inside ( Figure 5 A heat sink 60 is provided on the inner surface of the housing.

[0048] The inner shell 18 and the outer shell 11 can be made of resin, for example, in particular polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, or a polymer alloy containing a variety of polymers. The inner shell 18 and the outer shell 11 can be made of the same material, or they can be made of other materials with different thermal conductivity. In addition, when the inner shell 18 and / or the outer shell 11 are composed of multiple parts, these multiple parts can be made of the same material, or they can be made of other materials with different thermal conductivity. In addition, the heat sink 60 is made of graphite, for example. Below, with reference to Figure 7 , while explaining the structure of the heat sink 60. Figure 7 FIG is a side view showing the heat sink 60. Figure 7 In the figure, the heat sink 60 has a first surface 60a that contacts the outer surface of the inner housing 18 and a second surface 60b facing the opposite side of the first surface 60a. Furthermore, the heat sink 60 includes a graphite layer 61 formed of a graphite material; a double-sided adhesive paper 62 affixed to one side of the graphite layer 61 to form the first surface 60a; and a single-sided tape 63 affixed to the other side of the graphite layer 61 to form the second surface 60b. For example, the heat sink 60 is a stack of three layers of graphite material (60 micrometers thick, 180 micrometers thick, graphite layer 61), double-sided adhesive paper 62, and single-sided tape 63, resulting in a total thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. The single-sided tape 63 also functions as a protective member, protecting the second surface 60b of the graphite layer 61. Furthermore, the structure of the heat sink 60 is not limited to the above. The graphite layer 61 may have less than 2 layers or more than 4 layers. Other publicly known items with equivalent functions may be used instead of the double-sided adhesive paper 62 and / or the single-sided tape 63.

[0049] Here, the thermal conductivity of the inner case 18 or the outer case 11 at an ambient temperature of 20°C is, for example, 0.1 W / mK to 0.8 W / mK, preferably 0.1 W / mK to 0.4 W / mK, and typically 0.2 W / mK. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the graphite heat sink 60 at an ambient temperature of 20°C is, for example, 700 W / mK to 2000 W / mK, preferably 1100 W / mK to 1500 W / mK, and typically 1300 W / mK. Here, the ratio of the thermal conductivity RB of the heat sink 60 to the larger thermal conductivity RA of the inner case 18 or the outer case 11, i.e., RB / RA, is 875 or more and 20,000 or less, preferably 2,750 or more and 15,000 or less, and typically 6,500. It should be noted that the thermal conductivity of the inner housing 18, outer housing 11, and heat sink 60 is not limited to the above. It is sufficient that the thermal conductivity of the heat sink 60 is higher than that of the inner housing 18 or outer housing 11. Furthermore, the heat sink 60 is not limited to graphite and may also be made of metal such as aluminum or copper.

[0050] The heat sink 60 is configured so that the temperature difference (T1 - T2) between the maximum temperature T1 of the external surface of the heating element 50 and the maximum temperature T2 of the external surface of the housing 11 is, for example, 17°C to 27°C. Furthermore, the heat sink 60 is positioned relative to the heating element 50 and the housing 11 so that the maximum temperature T2 of the external surface of the housing 11 is, for example, 43°C to 53°C, typically 48°C. It should be noted that the performance of the heat sink 60 is not limited to that described above.

[0051] Return to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first surface 60a of the heat sink 60 contacts the outer surface of the inner shell 18, while the second surface 60b of the heat sink 60 is separated from the inner surface of the outer shell 11. Specifically, in the area where the heat sink 60 is provided between the inner shell 18 and the outer shell 11, an air layer is formed between the second surface 60b of the heat sink 60 and the inner surface of the outer shell 11. However, this air layer is not required; the second surface 60b of the heat sink 60 may also contact the inner surface of the outer shell 11. Furthermore, when viewing the heating element 50 along its length, i.e., the length of the fragrance inhaler 10, the heat sink 60 is provided over a region that covers the entire length of the heating element 50 and is longer than the heating element 50. On the other hand, in the area where the heat sink 60 is not provided between the inner shell 18 and the outer shell 11, the outer surface of the inner shell 18 and the inner surface of the outer shell 11 are in contact with each other. It should be noted that the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube 45 includes a region 45a extending along the length of the heating element 50 and in contact with the inner surface of the inner shell 18. The heat sink 60 extends across the contact region 45 a in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat generating element 50 .

[0052] Next, refer to Figure 8 , while explaining the positional relationship between the heating element 50, the inner shell 18, the heat sink 60 and the outer shell 11. Figure 8 1 is a side view schematically showing the relationship between the heating element 50, the inner shell 18, the heat sink 60 and the outer shell 11. Figure 8 In the embodiment, a gap, such as an air layer, is formed between the second surface 60b of the heat sink 60 and the inner surface of the housing 11. Furthermore, the heat sink 60 is provided over a range longer than the longitudinal length of the heating element 50. Here, the inner surface of the housing 11 has a partial region 11c facing the heat sink 60, and an area 11d on the outer surface of the housing 11 corresponding to the partial region 11c is configured to be held by a user's hand.

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , while explaining the relationship between the inner shell 18 and the heat sink 60. Figure 9 It is a side view showing the inner housing 18. Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a side view showing the inner shell 18 provided with the heat sink 60. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the embodiment, a recess 18a for arranging the heat sink 60 is formed on the outer surface of the inner shell 18. Furthermore, the depth of the recess 18a is equal to or greater than the thickness of the heat sink 60. Specifically, the ratio of the thickness t of the heat sink 60 to the depth d of the recess 18a, i.e., t / d, is greater than 0.9 and less than 1.0. In other words, the heat sink 60 does not protrude from the recess 18a. It should be noted that in Figure 9 and Figure 10 A similar recess is also formed on the opposite side of the inner shell 18. It should be noted that the recess is not limited to being formed on the inner shell 18, but may be formed on the inner surface of the outer shell 11 or on both the inner shell 18 and the outer shell 11.

[0054] According to the aroma inhaler 10 with the above structure, the heating element 50 includes an inner housing 18, which houses the heating element 50; an outer housing 11, which houses the inner housing 18; and a heat sink 60, at least partially disposed between the inner and outer housings 18 and 11, having a higher thermal conductivity than the inner and outer housings 18 and 11. Therefore, heat generated by the heating element 50 can be dissipated through the heat sink 60, preventing localized heating of the housing. Furthermore, the aroma inhaler 10's double-layer structure of the inner and outer housings 18 and 11 improves its waterproof performance. Furthermore, the double-layer structure eliminates design constraints that would arise if the housing of the aroma inhaler 10 were a single layer, which would require integrating the internal component fixing structure with the exterior components.

[0055] Furthermore, the heat sink 60 has a first surface 60a that contacts the outer surface of the inner housing 18 and a second surface 60b facing opposite the first surface 60a, with the second surface 60b separated from the inner surface of the outer housing 11. Therefore, since the heat sink 60 is located within the inner housing 18, an air layer is formed between the second surface 60b of the heat sink 60 and the inner surface of the outer housing 11. This allows the heat generated by the heating element 50 to be efficiently diffused through the heat sink 60, further preventing localized heating of the housing. Specifically, according to Fourier's law, the amount of heat conducted within the heat sink 60 is proportional to the temperature gradient. Therefore, when the heat sink 60 is located closer to the inner housing 18 than the heating element 50, the temperature gradient between the high-temperature portion (the portion with a greater temperature rise due to the heat source) and the low-temperature portion (the portion with a smaller temperature rise) increases, resulting in greater heat conduction. Furthermore, by providing the air layer as a heat insulator, the overall temperature of the outer housing 11 can be lowered. In other words, by sequentially arranging the inner housing 18, the heat sink 60, the air layer, and the outer housing 11, both high heat diffusion and thermal insulation effects can be achieved. In contrast, when heat sink 60 is provided on outer shell 11, and inner shell 18, air layer, heat sink 60, and outer shell 11 are sequentially arranged, the temperature gradient of heat sink 60 becomes relatively small due to the thermal insulation effect of the air layer, and thus the heat diffusion effect becomes relatively small. Furthermore, when heat sink 60 is provided on outer shell 11, since outer shell 11 is separated from top shell 11A and bottom shell 11B, heat sink 60 is also separated. Specifically, when heat sink 60 is provided on outer shell 11 with the same area as when heat sink 60 is provided on inner shell 18, heat sink 60 is separated on the top shell 11A side and the bottom shell 11B side. When heat sink 60 is provided on inner shell 18, heat sink 60 can be provided over a large area without being separated.

[0056] Furthermore, the heating element 50 has a columnar shape. When viewed along its longitudinal direction, the fins 60 cover the entire length of the heating element 50 and are arranged over a range longer than the entire length of the heating element 50. Furthermore, the outer tube 45 includes a region 45a on its outer circumference that extends along the longitudinal direction of the heating element 50 and contacts the inner surface of the inner housing 18. The fins 60 extend transversely to the contact region 45a in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating element 50. Therefore, since the fins 60 are arranged to cover the heating element 50, heat generated by the heating element 50 can be efficiently dissipated through the fins 60, further preventing localized heating of the housing.

[0057] Furthermore, in the region where the heat sink 60 is not provided between the inner housing 18 and the outer housing 11, the outer surface of the inner housing 18 and the inner surface of the outer housing 11 are in contact with each other.

[0058] Furthermore, the inner shell 18 and the outer shell 11 are made of resin, for example. The heat sink 60 is made of graphite, for example. Furthermore, the ratio of the thermal conductivity RB of the heat sink 60 to the larger thermal conductivity RA of the thermal conductivity of the inner shell 18 and the thermal conductivity of the outer shell 11, i.e., RB / RA, is 875 or more and 20,000 or less, preferably 2,750 or more and 15,000 or less, and typically 6,500. The heat sink 60 is configured so that the temperature difference between the maximum temperature T1 of the outer surface of the heating element 50 and the maximum temperature T2 of the outer surface of the outer shell 11, i.e., T1-T2, is, for example, 17 degrees or more and 27 degrees or less. Furthermore, the heat sink 60 is arranged relative to the heating element 50 and the outer shell 11 in such a manner that the maximum temperature T2 of the outer surface of the outer shell 11 is, for example, 43 degrees or more and 53 degrees or less. Therefore, the heat generated by the heating element 50 can be diffused through the heat sink 60, and local heating of the housing can be prevented. Specifically, according to the results of the inventors' experiments, in an environment with an ambient temperature of 25°C, when the surface temperature of the heating element 50 is about 70 degrees, the peak value of the surface temperature of the housing 11 at a position 2.5 mm away from the surface of the heating element 50 is about 48 degrees. It should be noted that when the heat sink 60 is not used, the peak value of the surface temperature of the housing 11 at a position 2.5 mm away from the surface of the heating element 50 is about 60 degrees. That is, it is possible to prevent the local high temperature of the surface of the housing 11. In addition, even if the heat sink 60 is a conductive body, due to the structure in which the heat sink 60 is sandwiched between the resin inner shell 18 and the outer shell 11, it is possible to prevent the substrate from short-circuiting.

[0059] Furthermore, a recess 18a for accommodating the heat sink 60 is formed on at least one of the outer surface of the inner housing 18 and the inner surface of the outer housing 11. The depth of the recess 18a is configured to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the heat sink 60. Specifically, the ratio (t / d) of the thickness t of the heat sink component to the depth d of the recess 18a is greater than 0.9 and less than 1.0. This allows the heat generated by the heating element 50 to diffuse through the heat sink 60, preventing localized high temperatures in the housing and preventing the inner housing 18 or outer housing 11 from becoming thicker, which would otherwise increase the size of the fragrance inhaler 10.

[0060] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims, the specification, and the drawings. It should be noted that any shapes or materials not directly described in the specification or drawings are within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as long as they exhibit the effects and benefits of the present invention.

[0061] Several methods disclosed in this specification are described below.

[0062] According to a first aspect, a housing is provided, comprising: a first housing capable of accommodating a heat generating element; a second housing surrounding the first housing; and a heat dissipating member disposed at least partially between the first and second housings and having a higher thermal conductivity than the first and second housings.

[0063] According to a second aspect, in the housing according to the first aspect, the first housing and the second housing are made of resin.

[0064] According to a third aspect, in the housing of the first or second aspect, the heat dissipating member has a first surface in contact with the outer surface of the first housing and a second surface facing the opposite side of the first surface, the second surface being separated from the inner surface of the second housing.

[0065] According to a fourth aspect, in the housing of any one of the first to third aspects, the outer surface of the first housing and the inner surface of the second housing are in contact with each other in a region where no heat dissipating member is provided between the first and second housings.

[0066] According to a fifth aspect, in the housing of any one of the first to fourth aspects, a recess for arranging the heat dissipating member is formed on at least one of the outer surface of the first housing and the inner surface of the second housing.

[0067] According to a sixth aspect, in the housing of the fifth aspect, a depth of the recessed portion is equal to or greater than a thickness of the heat dissipating member.

[0068] According to the seventh aspect, in the housing of any one of the first to sixth aspects, the heating element has a columnar shape, and the heat dissipation member covers the entire length of the heating element when viewed along its longitudinal direction and is provided in a range longer than the entire length of the heating element.

[0069] According to an eighth aspect, in the housing according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the heat dissipating member is made of at least one of graphite, aluminum, and copper.

[0070] According to a ninth aspect, in the housing of the eighth aspect, the heat dissipating member is made of graphite, and the protective member is provided on a surface of the heat dissipating member on the second housing side.

[0071] According to the tenth aspect, in the housing of any one of the first to ninth aspects, a ratio (RB / RA) of the thermal conductivity (RB) of the heat dissipation member to the larger thermal conductivity (RA) of the thermal conductivity of the first housing and the thermal conductivity of the second housing is greater than or equal to 2500 and less than or equal to 16000.

[0072] According to the eleventh embodiment, in any one of the shells of the first to tenth embodiments, the heat dissipation component is configured to make the temperature difference (T1-T2) between the maximum temperature (T1) of the external surface of the heating element and the maximum temperature (T2) of the external surface of the second shell be greater than or equal to 17 degrees and less than or equal to 27 degrees.

[0073] According to the twelfth aspect, in the housing of any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the heat dissipating member is arranged relative to the heat generating element and the second housing so that the maximum temperature (T2) of the outer surface of the second housing is 43 degrees or higher and 53 degrees or lower.

[0074] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler including the housing according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

[0075] According to the fourteenth embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of the thirteenth embodiment, the heating element includes: an inner tube capable of accommodating a columnar smoking article; a heating component arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube for heating the smoking article from the radially outer side; an outer tube arranged around the inner tube and the heating component to form the outer peripheral surface of the heating element; and a heat insulating material arranged in a cylindrical space between the inner tube and the outer tube.

[0076] According to the fifteenth aspect, in the housing of the fourteenth aspect, the outer tube includes a region on the outer periphery of the outer tube that extends along the longitudinal direction of the heating element and contacts the inner surface of the first housing, and the heat dissipation member extends across the contact region in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating element.

[0077] According to the sixteenth aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, the inner surface of the second housing has a partial area facing the heat dissipation member, and the area corresponding to the partial area on the outer surface of the second housing is configured to be holdable by a user.

[0078] Description of Reference Numerals

[0079] 10…Aromatherapy device

[0080] 11…Housing

[0081] 18…Inner shell

[0082] 42…Inner tube

[0083] 43…Heating element

[0084] 44…Aerogel

[0085] 45…Outer tube

[0086] 50…heating element

[0087] 60…Heat sink

[0088] 60a…Side 1

[0089] 60b…Side 2

[0090] 61…graphite layer

[0091] 62…Double-sided adhesive paper

[0092] 63…Single-sided tape

[0093] 11A…top case

[0094] 11B… bottom shell

Claims

1. A fragrance absorber, wherein: have: Fever body; a first housing capable of housing a heating element; a second housing surrounding the first housing; a heat dissipation component, at least a portion of which is disposed between the first shell and the second shell and has a higher thermal conductivity than that of the first shell and the second shell; The heat dissipation member has a first surface in contact with the outer surface of the first housing and a second surface facing the opposite side of the first surface, the second surface being separated from the inner surface of the second housing. The heating element has: an inner tube capable of accommodating cylindrical smoking articles; a heating member disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube and heating the smoking article from the radially outer side; an outer tube disposed around the inner tube and the heating element to form an outer peripheral surface of the heating element; A heat insulating material is disposed in the cylindrical space between the inner tube and the outer tube.

2. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The first housing and the second housing are made of resin.

3. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein In a region between the first housing and the second housing where the heat dissipation member is not provided, an outer surface of the first housing and an inner surface of the second housing are in contact with each other.

4. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein A recess for arranging the heat dissipating member is formed in at least one of an outer surface of the first housing and an inner surface of the second housing.

5. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 4, wherein: The depth of the recess is equal to or greater than the thickness of the heat dissipation member.

6. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The heating element has a column shape, When the heat generating element is viewed along its longitudinal direction, the heat dissipating member covers the entire length of the heat generating element and is provided in a range longer than the entire length of the heat generating element.

7. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein: The heat dissipation member is made of at least one of graphite, aluminum and copper.

8. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 7, wherein: The heat dissipation component is made of graphite. The protection member is provided on a surface of the heat dissipating member on the second housing side.

9. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein A ratio (RB / RA) of the heat dissipation member's thermal conductivity (RB) to the larger thermal conductivity (RA) of the first housing and the second housing is 2750 or more and 20000 or less.

10. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The heat dissipation member is configured so that a temperature difference (T1-T2) between a maximum temperature (T1) of an outer surface of the heating element and a maximum temperature (T2) of an outer surface of the second housing is 17 degrees or more and 27 degrees or less.

11. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The heat dissipating member is arranged relative to the heat generating element and the second housing so that the maximum temperature (T2) of the outer surface of the second housing is 43 degrees or higher and 53 degrees or lower.

12. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The outer tube includes, on its outer peripheral surface, a region extending along the longitudinal direction of the heating element and in contact with the inner surface of the first housing. The heat dissipation member extends across the contact region in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat generating element.

13. The fragrance inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The inner surface of the second housing has a partial area facing the heat dissipation component. The area of ​​the outer surface of the second housing corresponding to the partial area is configured to be holdable by a user.

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