Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

A flavor inhaler is disclosed, the flavor inhaler comprising: a housing having a vent opening; a battery positioned in a space in the interior of the housing, the space communicating with the vent opening; and a cover member covering at least a portion of the ventilation opening, in which the cover member is adhered to the housing in a manner that allows the cover member to be removed from the housing, the cover member constitutes a bottom surface of a recess formed in an outer surface of the housing, and a depth of the recess is smaller than a thickness of the cover member.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally known flavor inhalers heat a material containing a flavor source to generate an aerosol or the like without burning the material. In such a flavor inhaler, gases or the like generated by a battery increase the pressure inside the flavor inhaler, which may cause the flavor inhaler to malfunction or be damaged. In PTL 1, an aerosol generating device is provided with a ventilation opening to prevent an increase in pressure inside the housing.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] [PTL 1] WO 2021 / 023890 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] In PTL 1, an attachment member positioned to cover the ventilation opening is arranged at one end of the aerosol generating device. However, there is still room for further improvement in such a covering member.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system having an improved covering member.

[0009] Solution to the Problem

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler includes: a housing having a ventilation opening; a battery disposed inside the housing in a space communicating with the ventilation opening; and a covering member covering at least a part of the ventilation opening, wherein the covering member is adhered to the housing such that the covering member can be separated from the housing, the covering member constitutes a bottom surface of a recess formed on an outer surface of the housing, and a depth of the recess is less than a thickness of the covering member.

[0011] According to the first aspect, a flavor inhaler having a compact configuration can be provided, the flavor inhaler having a ventilation opening more stably covered by the covering member, and the covering member being not easily displaced or detached.

[0012] The gist of a second aspect is that, in the first aspect, the covering member includes a peripheral portion facing the housing along a central axis of the ventilation opening, and an adhesive is provided between the peripheral portion and the housing.

[0013] According to the second aspect, the covering member and the housing can be adhered together by utilizing the properties of the adhesive.

[0014] The basic point of the third aspect is that, in the second aspect, the adhesive is provided in a strip-like manner, wherein the width of the adhesive at a part of the outer peripheral portion is smaller than the width of the adhesive at other parts of the outer peripheral portion.

[0015] According to the third aspect, when the interior of the flavor inhaler is at a desired pressure, the covering member can be peeled off more reliably.

[0016] The basic point of the fourth aspect is that either the second aspect or the third aspect further includes a first region surrounded by the adhesive, in which no adhesive is provided between the outer peripheral portion and the housing.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, when the interior of the flavor inhaler is at a desired pressure, the covering member can be peeled off more reliably.

[0018] The basic point of the fifth aspect is that any one of the second aspect to the fourth aspect further includes a second region where no adhesive is provided, and the second region extends along a surface on which the covering member extends from one side of the ventilation opening of the outer peripheral portion to the other side of the outer peripheral portion.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, the pressure increase inside the flavor inhaler can be reduced.

[0020] The basic point of the sixth aspect is that, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the amount or property of the adhesive at the outer peripheral portion is non-uniform.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, the covering member can be provided with a portion that is easily peeled off so as to facilitate peeling off the covering member when the interior of the flavor inhaler is at a desired pressure.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect, a flavor inhalation system is provided. The flavor inhalation system includes a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, and a consumable material.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, a flavor inhalation system with a compact configuration can be provided, and the flavor inhalation system has a ventilation opening more stably covered by the covering member, and the covering member is not easily displaced or detached. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler containing a consumable material;

[0026] Figure 3 is showing along Figure 1 ​​​Cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along arrow 3-3 therein;

[0027] Figure 4 is a bottom surface view of the flavor inhaler;

[0028] Figure 5 is an oblique view showing the bottom surface of the flavor inhaler;

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the ventilation opening and the covering member;

[0030] Figure 7 is a conceptual view showing the ventilation opening;

[0031] Figure 8 is a plan view of the flavor inhaler with the sliding cover in the open position;

[0032] Figure 9 is a plan view of the flavor inhaler with the sliding cover in the closed position;

[0033] Figure 10 is a conceptual view showing the flavor inhaler connected to an external device;

[0034] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler showing the magnet and Hall sensor of the sliding cover;

[0035] Figure 12 is a conceptual view showing the detection of the position of the sliding cover;

[0036] Figure 13 is a conceptual view showing the detection of the position of the sliding cover;

[0037] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the ventilation opening and the covering member according to Variant 1-1;

[0038] Figure 15 is a conceptual view showing the distribution of the adhesive according to Variant 1-1;

[0039] Figure 16 is a conceptual view showing the distribution of the adhesive according to Variant 1-2;

[0040] Figure 17 is a conceptual view showing the distribution of the adhesive according to Variant 1-3;

[0041] Figure 18 is a conceptual view showing the distribution of the adhesive according to Variant 1-4; ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0042] Figure 19 schematically shows a plan view of a flavor inhaler according to Variant 2-1;

[0043] Figure 20 schematically shows a plan view of a flavor inhaler according to Variant 2-2; and

[0044] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement of magnets and Hall sensors in a conventional flavor inhaler. Detailed Description

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following-described drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference signs and will not be described repeatedly.

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler 100 accommodating a consumable material 120 inserted through an orifice 110. For ease of description, an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system can be applied to the drawings described in this specification. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis is oriented vertically upward, the X-Y plane is arranged to cut across the flavor inhaler 100 in the horizontal direction, and the Y-axis is arranged to extend from the front surface to the rear surface of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z-axis direction can also refer to the insertion direction of the consumable material 120 accommodated in a chamber 50 to be described later. The X-axis direction can also refer to the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 120. The Y-axis direction can also refer to the lateral direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 120.

[0047] The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate a flavor-containing aerosol by heating, for example, a rod-shaped consumable material 120 having a flavor source containing an aerosol source. As an example, the consumable material 120 includes a smokable substance containing a flavor source (such as tobacco) and an aerosol source on the end side in the negative Z-axis direction, and also includes a filter on another part. Examples of aerosol base materials that can be cited include glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the consumable material 120 is described as being rod-shaped, but the consumable material used in the flavor inhaler 100 is not limited to this shape. For example, the consumable material can be configured to include a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol source. In addition, the cartridge can include heating components.

[0048] As Figure 1 ​​​As shown, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a housing 102 formed by an upper housing 104 and a lower housing 106, and a sliding cover 108.

[0049] The housing 102 forms the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and has a size suitable for a user's hand. When the user uses the flavor inhaler 100, the user can inhale the aerosol while holding the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand. It should be noted that in this case, regarding the housing 102, the upper housing 104 is formed of a resin (such as polycarbonate), and the lower housing 106 is formed of a metal (such as aluminum). However, the housing 102 is not limited to the above materials and can also be made of, for example, resin, and any suitable material can be selected, such as especially polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers.

[0050] The upper housing 104 includes an orifice 110 for receiving the consumable material 120, and the sliding cover 108 is slidably attached to the upper housing 104 to close the orifice 110. Specifically, the sliding cover 108 is configured to be able to move along the outer surface of the upper housing 104 between a closed position closing the orifice 110 of the upper housing 104 and an open position opening the orifice ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 the position shown). For example, the user can manually operate the sliding cover 108 to move the sliding cover 108 between the closed position and the open position. Thus, the sliding cover 108 can allow or restrict the consumable material 120 from entering the interior of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0051] Herein, Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100, wherein the mating surfaces of the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 intersect obliquely with the X-Y plane, but the housing 102 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the housing 102 can also be formed of three or more components.

[0052] The flavor inhaler 100 may further include terminals, which are not shown in the drawings. For example, the terminals can be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to an external power source. When the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, the external power source can be connected to the terminals so that current is supplied from the external power source to the power source, and the power source can be charged. In addition, by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminals, data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 can be sent to an external device.

[0053] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. Figure 3 is along Figure 1Cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 when viewed in the direction of arrow 3-3 shown.

[0054] As Figure 3 shown, a power supply unit 20, an atomization unit 30, and a control unit 80 are provided in the internal space of the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0055] The control unit 80 includes a board 82. The board 82 may include, for example, a microprocessor, etc., and may control the power supply from the power supply unit 20 to the atomization unit 30. This enables the control unit 80 to control the heating of the consumable material 120 by the atomization unit 30. In addition, the control unit 80 includes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface 28. The control unit 80 can communicate with an external device via the Bluetooth interface 28.

[0056] The power supply unit 20 includes a power supply 21 electrically connected to the board 82 of the control unit 80. For example, the power supply 21 may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 30 via the board 82. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 to appropriately heat the consumable material 120.

[0057] The atomization unit 30 includes: a chamber 50 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the consumable material 120; a heating component 40 ( Figure 3 not shown in the figure), which surrounds a part of the chamber 50; a heat insulation part 32; and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the consumable material 120. The heating component 40 is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 50 to heat the consumable material 120 accommodated in the chamber 50. For example, a sensor may also be provided inside or near the consumable material 120, and the heating component 40 may be configured to include an induction coil for inductively heating the sensor.

[0058] The heat insulation part 32 is arranged to cover the chamber 50 and the heating component 40. For example, the heat insulation part 32 may be an aerogel. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of, for example, a resin material (such as PEEK, PC, or ABS), and is provided between the sliding cover 108 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the sliding cover 108 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100, and when the consumable material 120 is inserted into the insertion guide member 34, the insertion guide member guides the consumable material 120 into the chamber 50.

[0059] In addition, the atomization unit 30 and the control unit 80 are covered by the heat dissipation sleeve 70 and disposed in the inner space of the housing 102. The heat dissipation sleeve 70 is made of a material with relatively high thermal conductivity (such as metal) to dissipate the heat generated in the atomization unit 30 to the inside of the housing 102. The heat dissipation sleeve 70 can be configured not to interfere with the lower housing 106 and be disposed only inside the upper housing 104. In addition, the heat dissipation sleeve 70 can be provided with an open area so as not to interfere with the communication with an external device through the Bluetooth interface 28 of the control unit 80. Although metal components generally interfere with electromagnetic waves, the control unit 80 can communicate with an external device via the Bluetooth interface 28 at least through the open area of the heat dissipation sleeve 70 as a path.

[0060] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100. Figure 5 is a perspective view including the bottom surface 200 of the flavor inhaler 100. The flavor inhaler 100 has a first recess 230 formed in the bottom surface 200. The first recess 230 is formed surrounded by the housing bottom surface 201, which is the bottom surface of the housing 102 including the lower housing 106.

[0061] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the first recess 230. The flavor inhaler 100 includes a covering member 210. The housing 102 includes an inner housing 103. The inner housing 103 is located inside the lower housing 106. An air vent 220 is formed in the inner housing 103, and the covering member 210 is disposed to cover at least a part of the air vent 220. The covering member 210 defines the first recess 230. The outer surface 211 (which is the outer surface of the covering member 210) constitutes the bottom surface of the first recess 230. The side portion of the first recess 230 is formed by the lower housing 106.

[0062] In this embodiment, the power source 21 includes a battery 22. The battery 22 is disposed in the space SP1 formed inside the housing 102. The battery 22 can be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The battery 22 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The air vent 220 communicates with the space SP1 in which the battery 22 is disposed. In this embodiment, the air vent 220 opens toward the bottom surface 200 of the flavor inhaler 100, but there is no particular limitation on the position of the air vent 220 as long as the air vent communicates with the space SP1.

[0063] The covering member 210 is adhered to the adhesive surface 202, which is the outer surface of the inner housing 103. The covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 are configured to be separable. In other words, the covering member 210 can be peeled off from the adhesive surface 202 with a force that does not damage the covering member 210 or the inner housing 103. Preferably, the covering member 210 is arranged over the entire ventilation opening 220. In this case, the covering member 210 can be configured to separate from the adhesive surface 202 based on the pressure in the space SP1. For example, when the pressure inside the flavor inhaler 100 exceeds a threshold pressure that does not adversely affect the devices inside the flavor inhaler 100, the covering member 210 is configured such that a gap is formed between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202, and gas is released from the space SP1. There may be a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the covering member 210 and the inner circumferential surface of the lower housing 106. This enables the smooth release of gas when a flow path is formed between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202. The gap is preferably narrow to prevent water, dust, etc. from accumulating in the first recess 230. In this way, preferably, at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the covering member 210 is slightly separated from the inner circumferential surface of the lower housing 106. In other words, preferably, the covering member 210 is slightly smaller than the first recess 230 along the adhesive surface 202.

[0064] There is no particular limitation on the shape of the covering member 210 as long as it can cover at least a portion of the ventilation opening 220. Preferably, the covering member 210 is in the shape of a sheet or a seal to increase the adhesion area and achieve compactness. There is no particular limitation on the material of the covering member 210, and it can be paper or a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate, or polyvinyl chloride. Preferably, the covering member 210 includes a waterproof synthetic resin to prevent water from entering the interior of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0065] There is a possibility that a member adhered to the housing 102 or the like may be peeled off by a user, or peeled off or displaced due to contact with an external member. In the flavor inhaler 100 of the present embodiment, the covering member 210 covering the ventilation opening 220 is disposed in the first recess 230, whereby it is difficult to come into contact with the user's finger or an external member, and thus these problems can be reduced. Leakage of the adhesive onto the surface of the housing 102 can also be prevented. Further, the depth D1 of the first recess 230 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210. If the depth D1 is too large, the smoothness of the outer surface of the flavor inhaler 100 is lost, and the risk of debris such as water and dust depositing in the first recess 230 increases. If the thickness T1 is too small, the covering member 210 is easily torn due to contact with a pointed object or the like. The depth D1 being smaller than the thickness T1 makes the flavor inhaler 100 more compact while taking these into consideration. Further, the depth D1 of the first recess 230 being smaller than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210 helps to identify defective products because, during the manufacture of the flavor absorber 100, if a plurality of the coating members 210 are accidentally placed one on top of the other, the covering member 210 will protrude from the bottom surface 201 of the housing. As a non-limiting example, the thickness T1 of the covering member 210 is 0.2 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, and the depth D1 of the first recess 230 is 0.2 mm or less.

[0066] Figure 7 is a conceptual view showing the ventilation opening 220 in the inner surface 203, which is the inner surface of the inner housing 103. In the example shown, the ventilation opening 220 is defined by a cylindrical side wall around its central axis AX. Further, a plurality of ventilation openings 220 are formed on the inner surface 203, and each ventilation opening 220 is disposed at a position corresponding to the center and each vertex of a hexagon. However, there are no particular limitations on the shape, number, and position of the ventilation opening 220. It should be noted that, in the example shown, the lower housing 106 and the inner housing 103 are separate members, but they may also be integrally formed.

[0067] The flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable material 120 constitute a flavor inhalation system. The flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor inhalation system of the present embodiment include: a housing 102 having a ventilation opening 220; a battery 22 disposed within the housing 102 in a space SP1 communicating with the ventilation opening 220; and a covering member 210 covering at least a part of the ventilation opening 220, wherein the covering member 210 is adhered to the housing 102 such that the covering member can be separated from the housing 102, the covering member 210 constitutes the bottom surface of a first recess 230 formed in the bottom surface 201 (which is the outer surface of the housing 102), and the depth D1 of the first recess 230 is less than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210. In this way, a flavor inhaler 100 and a flavor inhalation system with a compact configuration can be provided, the flavor inhaler and the flavor inhalation system having a ventilation opening 220 more stably covered by the covering member 210, which is not easily displaced or detached.

[0068] Figure 8 is a plan view of the flavor inhaler 100 when the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1. Figure 9 is a plan view of the flavor inhaler 100 when the sliding cover 108 is in the second position P2. The flavor inhaler 100 has a second recess 530 formed in its upper surface 500. The flavor inhaler 100 includes an interface portion 510. The interface portion 510 includes an orifice 520 formed in the upper surface 500 and a connection portion 521. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned orifice 110 into which the consumable material 120 is inserted is referred to as the first orifice 110, and the orifice 520 is referred to as the second orifice 520. In the illustrated example, the first orifice 110 and the interface portion 510 are formed in the second recess 530, but the first orifice 110 and the interface portion 510 do not necessarily have to be formed in a recess.

[0069] The interface portion 510 mediates the exchange of information, data, electricity, etc. between the control unit 80 or the power supply unit 20 and the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. In the present embodiment, the connection portion 521 includes connection terminals for an external device. The terminals of the external device are inserted into the second orifice 520 and electrically connected to the connection terminals of the connection portion 521. In the illustrated example, the connection terminals of the connection portion 521 have a plate-like shape protruding inside the second opening 520, but there is no particular limitation on the shape of the connection portion 521 as long as electrical connection can be made.

[0070] The first position P1 is a position where the sliding cover 108 covers at least a part of the interface portion 510. At the first position P1, the sliding cover 108 impedes the connection of an external device to the connection portion 521. Preferably, the first position P1 is an open position where the consumable material 120 can be inserted into the first orifice 110, as in the example shown.

[0071] The second position P2 is a position that covers at least a part of the first orifice 110. At the second position P2, the sliding cover 108 impedes the insertion of the consumable material 120 into the first orifice 110. At the second position P2, as in the example shown, preferably, an external device can be connected to the connection portion 521.

[0072] The sliding cover 108 is a member configured to be movable between the first position P1 and the second position P2. In the present embodiment, the sliding cover 108 is moved by sliding, but the movable member can also be moved between the first position P1 and the second position P2 by pivoting or the like. In order to configure the flavor inhaler 100 in a compact manner, preferably, the movable member can slide between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0073] The first orifice 110 and the interface portion 510 are preferably formed on the upper surface 500, which is an end face of the longitudinally extending housing 102. This reduces the distance traveled by the sliding cover 108 and allows for a simple and compact configuration of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the sliding cover 108 is configured to be movable between the first position P1 and the second position P2, in the first position, the sliding cover covers at least a part of the interface portion 510, particularly covering the second orifice 520, and in the second position, the sliding cover covers at least a part of the first orifice 110. When the consumable material 120 is inserted into the first orifice 110, it may be difficult to form a connection between the connection portion 521 and the external device. Accordingly, the adverse effects on the interface portion 510 caused by foreign substances (such as second-hand smoke generated by heating the consumable material 120 or smoke exhaled by the user) can be reduced. When the interface portion 510 is in use, such as when the terminal of an external device is connected to the connection portion 521, it may also be difficult for the user to insert the consumable material 120 into the first orifice 110. Accordingly, when the interface portion 510 is in use, heating of the consumable material 120 can be prevented, and the generation of foreign substances (such as second-hand smoke) can be reduced. In this way, in the present embodiment, by making it difficult to insert the consumable material 120 and use the interface portion 510 simultaneously, the negative impact on the interface portion 510 caused by foreign substances can be reduced.

[0075] Preferably, when the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1, it does not cover the first orifice 110. When the consumable material 120 is inserted into the first orifice 110, this can prevent the connection portion 521 from connecting to an external device. Therefore, the adverse effects on the interface portion 510 caused by foreign substances (such as second-hand smoke) can be further reduced.

[0076] Preferably, when the sliding cover 108 is in the second position P2, it does not cover the interface portion 510, and in particular does not cover the second orifice 520. When the interface portion 510 is in use, this can prevent the user from inserting the consumable material 120 into the first orifice 110. For example, the connection between the connection portion 521 and the external device can be achieved only when the first orifice 110 is covered by the sliding cover 108. With this arrangement, when the interface portion 510 is in use, the consumable material 120 will not be heated, thereby reducing the generation of foreign substances (such as second-hand smoke) and reducing the adverse effects on the interface portion 510 caused by foreign substances.

[0077] In view of the foregoing, more preferably, the sliding cover 108 is configured to be movable between the first position P1 and the second position P2. In this first position, the sliding cover covers at least a part of the interface portion 510 and does not cover the first orifice 110. In this second position, the sliding cover covers at least a part of the first orifice 110 and does not cover the interface portion 510.

[0078] Figure 10 is a conceptual view showing the connection of the flavor inhaler 100 to an external device 900. The connection portion 521 is electrically connected to the external device 900 via the external terminal 910 and the conductor 920. At least one of a computer, a power source, an input device, and an indicating device can be configured to be connected as the external device 900. This can enable setting or charging of the flavor inhaler 100, or displaying information about the flavor inhaler 100, etc. From a similar perspective, the connection portion 521 is preferably electrically connected to at least one of the control unit 80 and the power supply unit 20 inside the flavor inhaler 100.

[0079] Preferably, the connection portion 521 includes a USB port capable of communicating according to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. This can achieve various functions such as data input / output and charging, and utilizes the convenience of USB connection such as plug and play.

[0080] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the shape of the first orifice 110 and the shape of the second orifice 520 are preferably different. This can reduce the risk of accidentally inserting the consumable material 120 into the second orifice 520 or inserting the external terminal 910 into the first orifice 110. This can prevent scratches and prevent foreign substances from entering the interior of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0081] The flavor inhaler 100 preferably includes a detector that detects whether the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1 or the second position P2. Hereinafter, the key points of detecting the sliding cover 108 including a magnet by a detector including a Hall sensor will be described.

[0082] Figure 11 FIG. is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the Hall sensor 600 and the magnet 60 arranged in the sliding cover 108. Figure 11 Corresponding to Figure 1 an enlarged view of a cross-section taken at 3-3 at the top of the flavor inhaler 100 in, and some component illustrations are appropriately omitted according to the relevance to the following description. Figure 11 FIG. shows the sliding cover 108 in the first position P1, which covers the second orifice 520 on the upper surface 500 side of the connection 521.

[0083] The magnet 60 is arranged inside the sliding cover 108. In the illustrated example, the magnet 60 is supported by a support member (not shown) and is configured to move integrally with the sliding cover 108. There is no particular limitation on the size of the magnet 60 or its position relative to the sliding cover 108, as long as the magnet moves as the sliding cover 108 moves. There is no particular limitation on the type of the magnet, but a permanent magnet is preferred because no wiring is required.

[0084] There is no particular limitation on the embodiment of the sliding cover 108 as long as it can move between the first position P1 and the second position P2. In the illustrated example, a first protrusion 61 extending in the Z-axis direction is fixed to the upper surface 500 of the housing 102, and an elongated hole is formed in a plate-like member (not shown in the drawings) that extends in the X-axis direction, is fixed to the sliding cover 108, and extends along the XY plane. The inner wall of the elongated hole is configured to slide along the first protrusion 61. The first orifice 110 and the second orifice 520 are formed at the center of the upper surface 500 in the Y-axis direction, and for improving stability, the first protrusion 61 and the elongated hole are formed on both sides (i.e., the outer sides of the first orifice 110 and the second orifice 520 in the Y-axis direction). However, a guiding member may be provided on the upper surface 500 of the housing 102, and the sliding cover 108 may slide along the guiding member. The plate-like member is preferably made of metal to increase strength.

[0085] In addition, in the illustrated example, a biasing member 63 is disposed in the sliding cover 108. The biasing member 63 includes an elastic member, such as metal, which extends in a plate shape in the X-axis direction, and a engaging portion 630 is formed at an end of the elastic member. When the sliding cover 108 is moved to the second position P2, the second protrusion 62 fixed to the upper surface 500 engages with the negative Z-axis side of the engaging portion 630. The engaging portion 630 is provided with a stepped portion or the like so that the second protrusion 62 is difficult to move when engaging with the second protrusion 62. The assembly can be configured such that an audible click sound is generated when the second protrusion 62 engages with the stepped portion of the engaging portion 630. The biasing member 63 is configured to bias the second protrusion 62 such that the engaging portion 630 does not disengage from the second protrusion 62 under a slight force, but disengages when the user slides the sliding cover 108 by hand. This allows the sliding cover 108 to be more stably held in the second position P2. The flavor inhaler 100 may include another set of the second protrusion 62 and the biasing member 63 such that the sliding cover 108 can be stably held in this manner when in the first position P1. It should be noted that it is not necessary to dispose the second protrusion 62 and the biasing member 63 in the flavor inhaler 100.

[0086] The Hall sensor 600 is disposed at a position where the magnet 60 can be detected in the first position P1 or the second position P2. There is no particular limitation on the position of the Hall sensor 600 as long as the Hall sensor can detect different magnitudes of magnetic fields when the magnet 60 is in the first position P1 and the second position P2, or the Hall sensor can detect the magnetic field when in only one of these positions. In the illustrated example, the distance between the Hall sensor 600 and the first position P1 is less than the distance between the Hall sensor 600 and the second position P2. Therefore, the assembly can be implemented such that the Hall sensor 600 can detect the magnet 60 of the sliding cover 108 in the first position P1, while the Hall sensor 600 cannot detect the magnet 60 of the sliding cover 108 in the second position P2. The Hall sensor 600 is electrically connected to the control unit 80. For a simpler configuration, the Hall sensor 600 is preferably disposed on the plate 82 as in the illustrated example. In addition, for detecting the magnetic field of the magnet 60 with high sensitivity, the Hall sensor is preferably disposed at an end of the plate 82 on the upper surface 500 side.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the sliding cover 108 is configured to move along the upper surface 500 extending substantially parallel to the XY plane, and the plate 82 is disposed along the YZ plane intersecting the upper surface 500. This arrangement allows the plate 82 to extend along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100, and allows a wider plate 82 to be disposed in the compact flavor inhaler 100 while reducing the distance traveled by the sliding cover 108 and maintaining a simple configuration.

[0088] Figure 21 is a conceptual view showing the detection of the magnet 1060 in the sliding cover 1080 of a conventional flavor inhaler. Hereinafter, the direction passing through the two magnetic poles of the magnet is referred to as the magnet direction, and the direction of the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor is referred to as the detection direction. In a conventional flavor inhaler, the housing 1102 and the plate 1082 are arranged in parallel, and the magnet direction (arrow A1100) passing through the magnetic poles of the magnet 1060 is arranged perpendicular to the housing 1102. In this case, the detection direction (arrow A1200) of the magnetic field at the Hall sensor 1600 and the magnet direction can be on a straight line, enabling efficient detection by the Hall sensor 1600. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the Hall sensor 600 is arranged on the plate 82 extending along the surface intersecting the upper surface 500 of the housing 102 (as Figure 11 shown), it is not easy to arrange the magnetic field detection direction and the magnet direction on the same line.

[0089] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the magnet 60 and the Hall sensor 600 in the first position P1 in the present embodiment. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the magnet 60 and the Hall sensor 600 in the second position P2 in the present embodiment.

[0090] The sliding cover 108 is configured to be movable along the first surface S100, which corresponds to the upper surface 500 of the housing 102. The magnet 60 is arranged in the sliding cover 108 such that the magnet direction passing through the N pole and the S pole of the magnet 60 is along the first surface S100. In Figure 12 it, the magnet direction is schematically shown by the arrow A100. The angle between the first surface S100 and the magnet direction is preferably not more than 30 degrees, more preferably not more than 15 degrees. The smaller angle between the first surface S100 and the magnet direction makes it easier to arrange the longer magnet 60. The longer the magnet 60, the stronger the magnetic force, which further helps the Hall sensor 600 to detect the magnetic field.

[0091] The plate 82 is arranged to intersect the magnet direction. In other words, the plate 82 is arranged along the second surface S200, which is the surface intersecting the magnet direction. The angle between the magnet direction and the second surface S200 is preferably greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 120 degrees, more preferably greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees, and still more preferably, the magnet direction and the second surface S200 are substantially perpendicular. The closer this angle is to perpendicular, the easier it is to configure the angle between the detection direction and the magnetic field direction of the magnet 60 at the Hall sensor 600 to be smaller, and thus the easier it is to detect the magnetic field.

[0092] The Hall sensor 600 includes a Hall element and a processing circuit system for processing the output of the Hall element. The processing circuit system includes, for example, an operational amplifier for amplifying the output of the Hall element. In order to more easily detect the magnetic field of the magnet 60, the Hall sensor 600 and its Hall element are arranged to detect a magnetic field substantially parallel to the direction of the magnet. Preferably, the Hall sensor 600 is arranged on the board 82 such that the detection direction of the Hall sensor 600 is substantially perpendicular to the board 82. This allows the Hall sensor 600 to be arranged on the board 82 in a simpler or more compact configuration.

[0093] There is no particular limitation on the type and detection method of the Hall sensor 600 as long as the magnetic field of the magnet 60 can be detected. However, the Hall sensor 600 is preferably configured not to perform bipolar detection. In the present embodiment, since both magnetic poles of the magnet 60 can approach the Hall sensor 600, the detected magnetic field changes in a complex manner, and if both magnetic poles are detected, a complex process may be required to determine the position of the sliding cover 108. For example, by configuring the Hall sensor 600 to perform only unipolar detection, this possibility can be reduced.

[0094] The angle between the first surface S100 and the second surface S200 is preferably greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 120 degrees, more preferably greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees. The board 82 preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the first surface S100. This allows the board 82 to extend in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction even if the distance traveled by the sliding cover 108 is reduced, and a larger area of the board 82 can be installed.

[0095] Preferably, in a state where the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1 or the second position P2 (i.e., in the detected position), the magnetic field direction and the second surface S200 intersect between the two magnetic poles of the magnet 60. More specifically, in Figure 12 , the position of the board 82 in the X-axis direction is preferably between the positions of the two magnetic poles of the magnet 60 in the X-axis direction. This reduces the angle between the detection direction and the magnetic field direction of the magnet 60 at the first position P1 or the second position P2, thereby allowing the magnetic field of the magnet 60 to be detected more sensitively.

[0096] The control unit 80 controls the flavor inhaler 100 based on the output from the Hall sensor 600. Preferably, the control unit 80 controls the heating of the heating component 40 based on the output from the Hall sensor 600. For example, the Hall sensor 600 outputs a signal indicating the detection of a magnetic field (on signal) or a signal indicating the non-detection of a magnetic field (off signal) to the control unit 80. When the control unit 80 receives the on signal, the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1 and the first orifice 110 is in the open state, thereby allowing heating. When the control unit 80 receives the off signal, since the sliding cover 108 is not in the first position P1 and the first orifice 110 is in the closed state, heating can be prevented. With this arrangement, unnecessary heating can be reduced, and a more efficient and safer flavor inhaler can be provided.

[0097] The flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor inhalation system of the present embodiment include: a sliding cover 108 having a magnet 60 and movable along a first surface S100; and a plate 82 including a Hall sensor 600, wherein the magnet 60 is arranged in the sliding cover 108 such that the direction passing through its two magnetic poles is along the first surface S100, and the plate 82 is arranged along a second surface S200 intersecting this direction. Thus, a flavor inhaler 100 and a flavor inhalation system can be provided such that even when the moving direction in which the sliding cover 108 moves together with the magnet 60 intersects the surface on which the plate 82 provided with the Hall sensor 600 extends, the flavor inhaler and the flavor inhalation system can detect the position of the sliding cover 108 with a sufficiently high sensitivity.

[0098] (Variant 1-1)

[0099] In the above embodiment, the amount or properties of the adhesive bonding the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 of the inner housing 103 may be non-uniform due to the position on the adhesive surface 202. For the sake of clarity, the following will be described taking the number of ventilation openings 220 as an example.

[0100] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the ventilation opening 220A and the covering member 210 according to this variant. Figure 15 is a conceptual view showing the ventilation opening 220A and the adhesive layer 300, showing a cross-section 15-15 perpendicular to the central axis AX ( Figure 14 ). The hatching of the lower housing 106 is omitted. In the example shown, the ventilation opening 220A is formed to be rotationally symmetric about the central axis AX, and when viewed from the side of the bottom surface 200, the ventilation opening is a circular through-hole.

[0101] As Figure 14As shown, the covering member 210 has a peripheral portion 215 facing the inner housing 103 along the central axis AX. In this variant, the peripheral portion 215 is a strip formed around the ventilation opening 220A, but there is no particular limitation on the shape of the peripheral portion 215. Hereinafter, the "strip shape" includes the case where the covering member 210 is formed along a closed curve and is circular. Including the case where a plurality of ventilation openings 220 are formed in the flavor inhaler 100 as in the above-described embodiment, the peripheral portion of the covering member 210 facing the wall portion in which the ventilation openings 220 are formed along the central axis AX is referred to as the peripheral portion 215. The peripheral portion 215 faces the adhesive surface 202 of the inner housing 103. The peripheral portion 215 is arranged to surround one or more ventilation openings 220.

[0102] As Figure 15 shown, an adhesive layer 300 (which is a layer of adhesive) is formed between the peripheral portion 215 of the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 of the inner housing 103. There is no particular limitation on the type of the adhesive in the adhesive layer 300, and it may be, for example, a resin or the like. The amount or property of the adhesive layer 300 on the adhesive surface 202 is preferably non-uniform. Therefore, a portion that can be easily peeled off is provided on the covering member 210, so that when the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 is at a desired pressure, the covering member 210 can be peeled off more easily. There is no particular limitation on the properties of the adhesive (which vary depending on the position on the adhesive surface 202), as long as they can affect the ease with which the covering member 210 can be peeled off, and the properties of the adhesive may be, for example, the adhesive strength.

[0103] (Variant 1-2)

[0104] In Variant 1-1 described above, the width of the adhesive layer 300 in contact with a part of the peripheral portion 215 may be different from the width of the adhesive layer 300 in contact with other parts of the peripheral portion 215.

[0105] Figure 16 is a conceptual view showing the adhesive layer 300A according to this variant. The adhesive layer 300A is formed in a strip shape with a first width W1. However, at two circumferential positions around the central axis AX, there are gaps 250 between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202, which protrude into the adhesive layer 300A, and the portion of the adhesive layer 300A facing the gaps 250 constitutes a weak region 310 with a second width W2, which is smaller than the first width W1. In the example shown, the adhesive layer 300 has two weak regions 310, but there is no particular limitation on the number and position of the weak regions 310.

[0106] In the flavor inhaler 100 of this variant, the adhesive is arranged in a strip, wherein the width of the adhesive at a part of the peripheral portion 215 is smaller than the width of other parts of the peripheral portion 215. This can make it easier and more reliable to peel off the covering member 210 when the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 is at the desired pressure.

[0107] (Variant 1-3)

[0108] In Variant 1-1, the flavor inhaler 100 may further include an adhesive-free area located between the peripheral portion 215 and the adhesive surface 202 of the housing 102, and the adhesive-free area is surrounded by the adhesive.

[0109] Figure 17 is a conceptual view showing the adhesive layer 300B according to this variant. The flavor inhaler 100 includes a first area 251 surrounded by the adhesive layer 300B in a plane perpendicular to the central axis AX. The first area 251 is an area without adhesive. Preferably, the first area 251 is an air layer. Also, in this case, when the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 is at the desired pressure, the covering member 210 can be peeled off more reliably.

[0110] (Variant 1-4)

[0111] In Variant 1-1, an air flow path communicating with the interior and exterior of the flavor inhaler 100 may be formed through the adhesive layer 300.

[0112] Figure 18 is a conceptual view showing the adhesive layer 300C according to this variant. The flavor inhaler 100 includes a second area 252. The second area 252 is an area without adhesive provided that extends radially between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202. The second area 252 is an air flow path communicating with the interior and exterior of the flavor inhaler 100. In the example shown, since the adhesive layer 300C is annular, the second area 252 extends radially from the inside to the outside of the adhesive layer 300C. In this way, the flavor inhaler 100 further includes an adhesive-free second area 252 that extends along a surface (XY plane) such that the covering member 210 extends from one side of the ventilation opening 220A of the peripheral portion 215 to the other side on this surface. Therefore, the pressure rise inside the flavor inhaler 100 can be restricted.

[0113] (Variant 1-5)

[0114] In the embodiment described above, the adhesive of the adhesive layer 300 can be configured to be easily peeled off due to the effect of heat when the battery 22 generates gas. For example, an adhesive can be used in which the adhesive strength decreases when a temperature higher than the normal temperature range occurs during flavor inhalation. This can make it easier and more reliable to peel off the cover member 210 when the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 is at a desired pressure.

[0115] (Variant 2-1)

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to the second opening 520 , an input portion (such as a button, etc.) may be arranged on the upper surface 500 .

[0117] Figure 19 1 is a plan view schematically showing a flavor inhaler 100A according to the present variation. The flavor inhaler 100A has a substantially similar configuration to the flavor inhaler 100 described above, but differs from the flavor inhaler 100 in that an input portion 522 is provided as the interface portion 510 instead of the second orifice 520 .

[0118] The input portion 522 includes an input device. In the example shown, the input portion 522 is a button. However, the input portion 522 is not limited thereto and may include any input device that may be arranged on the upper surface 500. For example, the input 522 may include a touch panel or a switch, etc. The input portion 522 may serve as an operating portion for a user to operate the components of the flavor inhaler 100A.

[0119] The flavor inhaler 100A is configured such that when the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1, at least a portion of the input portion 522 is covered by the sliding cover 108, and the user cannot operate the input portion 522. Figure 19 As shown, the flavor inhaler 100A is configured so that when the sliding cover 108 is in the second position P2, at least a portion of the first aperture 110 is covered and the consumable material 120 cannot be inserted into the first aperture 110. When the sliding cover 108 is in the second position P2, the user can operate the input portion 522.

[0120] This arrangement may make it difficult for a user to operate the input portion 522 when the consumable material 120 is inserted into the first aperture 110. In addition, when the input portion 522 is in use, it may be difficult for a user to insert the consumable material 120 into the first aperture 110. Therefore, the generation of foreign matter (such as secondhand smoke or smoke exhaled by a user) and the contact of foreign matter with the input portion 522 may be reduced, and the adverse effects of foreign matter on the input portion 522 may be reduced.

[0121] (Variant 2-2)

[0122] In the embodiment described above, in addition to or as an alternative to the second orifice 520, an indicator such as a display may be arranged on the upper surface 500.

[0123] Figure 20 FIG. schematically shows a plan view of a flavor inhaler 100B according to this variant. The flavor inhaler 100B has a configuration substantially similar to that of the flavor inhaler 100 described above, but is different from the flavor inhaler 100 in that an indicator 523 is provided as the interface portion 510 instead of the second orifice 520.

[0124] The indicator 523 includes a display device. In the example shown, the indicator 523 is a display such as a liquid crystal monitor. However, the indicator 523 is not limited thereto and may include any display device that can be arranged on the top surface 500. For example, the indicator 523 may include a touch panel, light emitting diodes, etc. If the indicator 523 is a light emitting diode, the state of the flavor inhaler 100B may be indicated by whether the light emitting diode is lit.

[0125] In the flavor inhaler 100B, when the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1, at least a part of the indicator 523 is covered by the sliding cover 108. As Figure 20 shown, the flavor inhaler 100B is configured such that when the sliding cover 108 is in the second position P2, at least a part of the first orifice 110 is covered and the consumable material 120 cannot be inserted into the first orifice 110. The indicator 523 may be configured to be visible to the user when the sliding cover 108 is in the second position P2.

[0126] With this arrangement, when the consumable material 120 is inserted into the first orifice 110, the indicator 523 can be less exposed. In addition, when the indicator 523 is exposed, it may be difficult for the user to insert the consumable material 120 into the first orifice 110. Therefore, the generation of foreign substances such as second-hand smoke or the smoke exhaled by the user and the contact between the foreign substances and the indicator 523 can be reduced, and the adverse effects of the foreign substances on the indicator 523 can be prevented.

[0127] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concepts disclosed in the claims, the specification and the drawings. In addition, any shape or material not directly stated in the specification or the drawings is also within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention of this application, provided that it exhibits the functions and effects of the present invention of this application.

[0128] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flavor inhaler includes: a housing having a ventilation opening; a battery disposed inside the housing in a space communicating with the ventilation opening; and a covering member covering at least a part of the ventilation opening, wherein the covering member is adhered to the housing such that the covering member can be separated from the housing, the covering member forms a bottom surface of a recess formed on an outer surface of the housing, and a depth of the recess is less than a thickness of the covering member.

[0129] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the covering member includes a peripheral portion facing the housing along a central axis of the ventilation opening, and an adhesive is provided between the peripheral portion and the housing.

[0130] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the adhesive is arranged in a strip shape, wherein a width of the adhesive at a part of the peripheral portion is less than a width of the adhesive at other parts of the peripheral portion.

[0131] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second aspect or the third aspect further includes a first region surrounded by the adhesive, in which no adhesive is provided between the peripheral portion and the housing.

[0132] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, any one of the second aspect to the fourth aspect further includes a second region where no adhesive is provided, and the second region extends along a surface on which the covering member extends from one side of the ventilation opening of the peripheral portion to the other side.

[0133] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect, an amount or property of the adhesive at the peripheral portion is non-uniform.

[0134] A flavor inhalation system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, and a consumable material.

[0135] List of reference numerals

[0136] 20... Power supply unit

[0137] 21... Power supply

[0138] 28... Bluetooth interface

[0139] 30... Atomization unit

[0140] 32... Heat insulation component

[0141] 34... Insertion guide member

[0142] 40... Heating component

[0143] 50... Chamber

[0144] 60, 1060... Magnets

[0145] 70... Thermal diffusion sleeves

[0146] 80... Control units

[0147] 82, 1082... Boards

[0148] 100, 100A, 100B... Flavor inhalers

[0149] 102, 1102... Housings

[0150] 103... Inner housings

[0151] 104... Upper housings

[0152] 106... Lower housings

[0153] 108, 1108... Slide covers

[0154] 110... First orifices

[0155] 120... Consumable materials

[0156] 200... Bottom surfaces

[0157] 201... Housing bottom surfaces

[0158] 202... Adhesive surfaces

[0159] 203... Inner housing surfaces

[0160] 210... Covering members

[0161] 211... Outer surfaces of covering members

[0162] 215... Peripheral portions

[0163] 220, 220A... Ventilation openings

[0164] 230... First recesses

[0165] 251... First regions

[0166] 252... Second regions

[0167] 300, 300A, 300B... Adhesive layers

[0168] 500... Upper surfaces of flavor inhalers

[0169] 510... Interface portions

[0170] 520...Second orifice

[0171] 521...Connecting part

[0172] 522...Input part

[0173] 523...Indicator

[0174] 600, 1600...Hall element

[0175] 900...External device

[0176] 910...External terminal

[0177] AX...Central axis of the ventilation opening

[0178] D1...Depth of the first recess

[0179] P1...First position

[0180] P2...Second position

[0181] SP1...Space

[0182] S100...First surface

[0183] S200...Second surface

[0184] T1...Thickness of the covering member

[0185] W1...First width

[0186] W2...Second width

Claims

1. A flavor inhaler, comprising: A housing having a ventilation opening; A battery disposed within the housing in a space communicating with the ventilation opening; And A covering member covering at least a part of the ventilation opening, wherein, The covering member is adhered to the housing such that the covering member can be separated from the housing, The covering member constitutes a bottom surface of a recess formed on an outer surface of the housing, and The depth of the recess is less than the thickness of the covering member.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein, The covering member includes a peripheral portion facing the housing along a central axis of the ventilation opening, and An adhesive is provided between the peripheral portion and the housing.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2, wherein, The adhesive is provided in a strip-like manner, wherein the width of the adhesive at a part of the peripheral portion is less than the width of the adhesive at other parts of the peripheral portion.

4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a first region surrounded by the adhesive, in which the adhesive is not provided between the peripheral portion and the housing.

5. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising: A second region where the adhesive is not provided, the second region extending along a surface on which the covering member extends from one side of the ventilation opening of the peripheral portion to the other side of the peripheral portion.

6. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The amount or property of the adhesive at the peripheral portion is non-uniform.

7. A flavor inhalation system, comprising: The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6; And A consumable material.

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