Heating device and heating system

Abstract

To provide a heating device and a heating system having a new configuration.SOLUTION: A heating device 20 that can heat a smokable substance 16 contained in a consumption product 10 is provided. The heating device 20 includes: an air inlet; a housing 30; a heating element 42 that heats the smokable substance 16 from inside thereof; a chamber 50 positioned inside the housing 30 and having a side wall surrounding a side face of the smokable substance 16; a first gap at least partly defined in a space between an inner peripheral face of a side wall of the chamber 50 and a side face of the consumption product 10 stored in the chamber; and a second gap between the housing 30 and an outer peripheral face of a side wall of the chamber 50. A thickness of the first gap is larger than a thickness of the second gap.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating device and a heating system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an aroma attractor for attracting aromas and the like without burning materials is known. As such an aroma attractor, for example, an electrically heated aerosol generation system having a cavity for accommodating a smoking article in a housing is known (Patent Document 1). In this electrically heated aerosol generation system, an internal air flow channel is provided between the housing and the cavity, and it is said that the air can be preheated by the air passing through the internal air flow channel and being supplied to the smoking article. Further, Patent Document 1 also describes that the housing is cooled by providing the internal air flow channel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a heating device and a heating system having a new structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating device capable of heating a smokable substance contained in a consumable. The heating device includes an air inlet, a housing, a heating element for heating the smokable substance from the inside, a chamber located within the housing and having a side wall surrounding the side surface of the smokable substance, a first gap at least partially defined by the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber and the side surface of the consumable accommodated in the chamber, and a second gap between the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber. The thickness of the first gap is greater than the thickness of the second gap.

[0006] According to the above first aspect, since there are a plurality of gaps and the thickness of the first gap, which is the gap closest to the heating element, is relatively large, the convection of air in the gap can be restricted or reduced as compared with the case where there is one gap, and at least one of the following can be achieved. Since the heat of the heating element and the heated smokable substance can be suppressed or reduced from being transmitted to the chamber and the housing through the first gap, the temperature rise on the housing surface can be reduced, and the heat taken away from the smokable substance by the chamber can be reduced. In particular, since the heat taken away from the outer peripheral side of the smokable substance can be reduced, an aerosol can be more sufficiently generated from the smokable substance even in the latter half of the smoking operation. Also, since the heat transfer to the chamber can be suppressed or reduced, the heat transfer to the inside of the heating device through the chamber can also be reduced. Note that the reduction of the heat transfer to the inside of the heating device is preferable from the viewpoint of device protection.

[0007] In this specification, the "first gap" refers to a gap at least partially defined by the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber located at a position corresponding to the length of the smokable substance in the chamber in the insertion direction of the smokable substance in a state where the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber and the side surface of the consumable accommodated in the chamber. The thickness of the first gap refers to "the distance in the direction extending radially from the axis passing through the center of the chamber and extending in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction of the consumable) of the heating device in the first gap". Also, the thickness of the first gap specifically refers to "in the first gap, the radial direction from the axis passing through the center of the chamber and extending in the longitudinal direction of the heating device" It may be considered as "the longest distance among the distances in the extending direction", or "in the first gap, the shortest distance among the distances in the direction extending radially from the axis passing through the center of the chamber and extending in the longitudinal direction of the heating device". Similarly, the "second gap" refers to the gap existing between the housing located at a position corresponding to the length of the smokable substance in the chamber in the insertion direction of the smokable substance and the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber when the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber. The thickness of the second gap refers to "the distance in the direction extending radially from the axis passing through the center of the chamber and extending in the longitudinal direction of the heating device in the second gap". Also, specifically, the thickness of the second gap may be considered as "the longest distance among the distances in the direction extending radially from the axis passing through the center of the chamber and extending in the longitudinal direction of the heating device in the second gap", or "the shortest distance among the distances in the direction extending radially from the axis passing through the center of the chamber and extending in the longitudinal direction of the heating device in the second gap". In other words, the "first gap" and the "second gap" are gaps located radially outside the smokable substance accommodated in the chamber in the insertion direction of the smokable substance. Also, in this specification, the state where "the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber" means the state where the consumable is correctly positioned at the intended position in the chamber in order to generate aerosol from the consumable (for example, when the chamber has a bottom wall against which the inserted consumable abuts, the state where the consumable abuts at least a part of the bottom, or when the heating device has an abutting portion against which the inserted consumable abuts inside or outside the chamber, the state where the consumable abuts at least a part of the abutting portion).

[0008] The heating element has a shape that can be inserted into a smokable substance such as a pin or a blade. The heating element may include a support portion such as a substrate or a core that has heat resistance to heating, such as ceramic or heat-resistant resin, and has a rigidity that allows insertion into the smokable substance, and a heat-generating portion such as a resistive heatable heating track formed on the surface or inside of the support portion. Not limited to this, the heating element may be a susceptor that is inductively heated by an induction coil. The term "susceptor" in this specification means a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat and means a material for the purpose of heating a "smokable substance". The susceptor is disposed at a position where heat can be transmitted to the "smokable substance". When the susceptor is located in a variable electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor and magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor cause heating of the susceptor. The heating element can also be a portion that contacts the smokable substance when the consumable is positioned at a desired position within the chamber.

[0009] The susceptor preferably includes a material selected from at least one of the group consisting of aluminum, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof (e.g., nichrome and stainless steel). The shape of the susceptor is arbitrary and may be, for example, granular, rod-shaped, strip-shaped, tubular, or cylindrical. If the shape of the susceptor is tubular having an annular electric current path, eddy currents can be efficiently generated. A plurality of susceptors having the same shape or susceptors having different shapes may be arranged in the partition portion.

[0010] When a susceptor is employed as the heating element, the housing and / or the chamber preferably have permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulation). Thereby, it is difficult for the housing and / or the chamber to generate heat by the induction coil, and the susceptor can be efficiently heated. Examples of materials having permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulation) include resins such as glass, plants, wood, paper, and PEEK.

[0011] The induction coil can be, for example, a flat coil or a cylindrical coil. The induction coil can be provided on the opposite side of the consumable through the bottom wall of the chamber or surrounding the chamber in a state where the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber.

[0012] The heating device has an air flow path from the air inlet to the inside of the chamber, and the air flow path may include a first air flow path passing through the second gap and the first gap. Thereby, since air reaches the first gap through the second gap, air can be supplied from the first gap to the smokable substance. In this case, for example, by forming holes or notches in a member (such as a wrapping paper) forming the side surface of the consumable, or making the member forming the side surface of the consumable a gas-permeable member, when the user sucks the consumable, the air supplied to the first gap can be taken into the consumable from the side surface of the consumable. Further, the chamber may have a bottom portion against which the consumable inserted into the chamber abuts. The bottom portion may have a concave portion or a convex portion for supporting a part of the consumable positioned at a desired position in the chamber so that at least a part of the end surface of the consumable is exposed inside the chamber. In this case, when the user sucks the consumable, the air supplied to the first gap through the second gap can be taken into the consumable from the end surface of the consumable. Also, since the thickness of the first gap is larger than the thickness of the second gap, the flow velocity of the air reaching the first gap becomes relatively low, and cooling of the chamber due to air convection can be suppressed or reduced. Thereby, heat loss from the outer peripheral side of the smokable substance can be reduced.

[0013] In the heating device, the first gap and the second gap may be configured not to communicate with each other in a state where the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber. Thereby, since the convection of air between the first gap and the second gap can be inhibited, the heat insulation performance in the first gap and the second gap can be further improved.

[0014] The chamber may have a bottom wall with an opening. The air flow path may include a second air flow path that communicates with the opening of the bottom wall of the chamber. Thus, when including the first air flow path passing through the second gap and the first gap, in addition to the supply of air from the first gap to the smokable substance, air can be supplied from the opening of the bottom wall of the chamber to the end of the smokable substance. Therefore, the air flow rate ratio between the first air flow path and the second air flow path can be easily adjusted. That is, for example, the ratio between the amount of air taken into the consumable from the side of the smokable substance and the amount of air taken into the consumable from the end face of the smokable substance can be easily adjusted. Thereby, the freedom degree of the supply of air to the consumable can be improved.

[0015] The housing has an insertion end where the consumable is inserted, and the heating device includes a branch path that branches from the air inlet into the first air flow path and the second air flow path. In the insertion direction of the consumable, they may be located in the order of the insertion end, the bottom wall, the branch path, and the air inlet. Thereby, since the length of the second air flow path can be easily made shorter than that of the first air flow path, the ratio of the amount of air supplied from the second air flow path to the end of the smokable substance can be easily increased. As a result, air can be efficiently supplied to the smokable substance while suppressing or reducing the cooling of the chamber due to the convection of air in the first gap.

[0016] The amount of air supplied from the second air flow path to the smokable substance when the user sucks the consumable may be more than the amount of air supplied from the first air flow path to the smokable substance. Thereby, while suppressing or reducing the cooling of the chamber due to the convection of air in the first air flow path, aerosol can be efficiently released from the smokable substance.

[0017] The heating device may have a positioning portion that positions the position of the heating device in the insertion direction of the consumable of the smokable substance so that a part of the heating device does not contact the side surface corresponding to the smokable substance of the consumable when the smokable substance is heated. Thereby, the heat of the heated smokable substance being dissipated through a part of the heating device can be suppressed or reduced.

[0018] The heating device may have a guide portion that contacts the consumable and guides the smokable substance to the heating element. A part of the heating device may be the guide portion. Thereby, when the positioning portion positions the position of the smokable substance in the insertion direction of the consumable so that the guide portion does not contact the side surface corresponding to the smokable substance of the consumable, the heat of the heated smokable substance can be suppressed or reduced from being dissipated through the guide portion. When the position of the smokable substance in the insertion direction is positioned, the heat of the heated smokable substance can be suppressed or reduced from being dissipated through the guide portion.

[0019] Preferably, the volume of the first void is larger than the volume of the second void. The chamber may have a contact portion that contacts the housing. The contact portion is preferably disposed at a position that does not overlap with the heating element in the insertion direction of the consumable. Thereby, since the heating element is provided at a position separated from the contact portion of the chamber, the heat of the heating element is suppressed or reduced from being transmitted to the housing or the inside of the device through the contact portion. As a result, the smokable substance can be efficiently heated, and the temperature rise inside the housing or the device can be suppressed or reduced. In the insertion direction of the consumable, one end of the side wall of the chamber is preferably located closer to the insertion end portion of the housing than the heating element. Thereby, since the first void and the second void are partitioned by the side wall of the chamber, the convection of air between the first void and the second void is suppressed or reduced, and the heat of the first void can be suppressed or reduced from being transmitted to the second void.

[0020] The bottom wall of the chamber may be configured to be movable along the insertion direction of the consumable with respect to the housing. Thereby, after the use of the consumable, by moving the chamber away from the heating element (i.e., toward the insertion end portion of the housing) with the smokable substance disposed in the chamber, it is possible to suppress or reduce the spillage of the smokable substance such as tobacco flakes from the consumable, or to easily remove the smokable substance from the heating element. Alternatively, the consumable can be easily removed from the housing after the use of the consumable.

[0021] The heating device may be connected to the chamber and may have an operating part such as a lever, a part of which is exposed outside the housing. Thereby, by the user operating the operating part, the bottom wall of the chamber can be moved relative to the housing along the insertion direction of the consumable. The operating part is preferably connected to the contact part of the chamber. Thereby, when the contact part is provided at a position relatively separated from the heating element, the transfer of the heat of the heating element to the contact part is suppressed or reduced. For this reason, by connecting the operating part to the contact part, it is difficult for the heat of the heating element to be transferred to the operating part, and the user can operate the operating part more safely.

[0022] The smokable substance may be wrapped by a first roll paper having air permeability. The first roll paper may be provided with a lid having air permeability and preventing the smokable substance from falling. The lid may be pasted on the first roll paper with glue or fixed to the first roll paper by frictional force. The lid can be, for example, a paper filter or an acetate filter. The consumable may have a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member can be a paper tube or a hollow filter.

[0023] The hollow filter may be composed of a filling layer having one or more hollow channels and a plug wrapper covering the filling layer. Since the filling density of the fibers in the filling layer is high, during suction, air and aerosol will only flow through the hollow channels, and hardly flow inside the filling layer. The hollow filter may have a mouthpiece composed of an adjacent filter part or the like.

[0024] The length of the smokable substance in the longitudinal direction 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 smokable substance is preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 17 mm to 24 mm, and even more preferably 20 mm to 23 mm. Also, the length of the smokable substance may be 12 mm to 22 mm, the length of the first roll paper may be 12 mm to 22 mm, the length of the hollow filter may be 7 mm to 26 mm, and the length of the filter part may be 6 mm to 20 mm.

[0025] The smokable substances contained in the consumable can contain an aerosol source that is heated at a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol. The type of the aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extract substances from various natural products and / or their constituent components can be selected according to the use. Examples of the aerosol source include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol source in the solid smokable substance (weight% based on the total weight of the smokable substance) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of sufficiently generating an aerosol and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and usually 50% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less.

[0026] As the smokable substance, tobacco such as lamina and midrib, or other known plants can be used. Also, the shape of the smokable substance such as tobacco may be in the form of flakes, sheets, strings, powders, granules, pellets, slurries, or porous forms. The range of the content of the smokable substance such as tobacco in the consumable is, for example, 200 mg to 400 mg, preferably 250 mg to 320 mg when the size of the smokable substance is 20 mm to 23 mm in circumference and 18 mm to 22 mm in length. The moisture content (weight % based on the total weight of the smokable substance) of the smokable substance containing tobacco or the like as the smokable substance is, for example, 8 weight % to 18 weight %, preferably 10 weight % to 16 weight %. With such a moisture content, the occurrence of bleeding is suppressed or reduced, and the winding-up suitability during manufacturing is improved. There are no particular restrictions on the size and preparation method of the tobacco flakes used as an example of the smokable substance. For example, dried tobacco leaves cut to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm may be used. Also, dried tobacco leaves may be pulverized and homogenized to an average particle size of about 20 μm to 200 μm, sheet-processed, and then cut to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm for use. Further, the sheet-processed material may be gathered without cutting and used as the smokable substance. Furthermore, the smokable substance may be liquid, and the liquid may have viscosity. In this case, the smokable substance may mostly consist of an aerosol source. The content of the aerosol source in the liquid smokable substance (weight % based on the total weight of the smokable substance) can be 80 weight % or more, 90 weight % or more, or 95 weight % or more. Also, the smokable substance may contain one or more kinds of flavors. The type of the flavor is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting a good taste, it is preferably menthol.

[0027] The consumable may have a second roll paper different from the first roll paper that winds at least one of a cylindrical member, a hollow filter part, and a filter part. The second roll paper may wind a part of the first roll paper that winds a smokable substance. The first roll paper and the second roll paper of the consumable can be made from a base paper having a basis weight of, for example, 20 gsm to 65 gsm. The thickness of the first roll paper and the second roll paper is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 μm to 100 μm from the viewpoints of rigidity, air permeability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking.

[0028] The first roll paper and the second roll paper of the consumable may contain a filler. The content of the filler can be 10% by weight to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the first roll paper and the second roll paper, and is preferably 15% by weight to 45% by weight. With respect to the preferred basis weight range (25 gsm to 45 gsm), the filler is preferably 15% by weight to 45% by weight. As the filler, for example, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin, etc. can be used. Paper containing such a filler exhibits a bright white color that is preferable from the viewpoint of appearance for use as the roll paper of the consumable and can maintain whiteness permanently. By containing a large amount of such a filler, for example, the ISO whiteness of the roll paper can be made 83% or more. Also, from a practical viewpoint for use as the roll paper of the consumable, the first roll paper and the second roll paper preferably have a tensile strength of 8 N / 15 mm or more. This tensile strength can be increased by reducing the content of the filler. Specifically, the tensile strength can be increased by reducing the content of the filler below the upper limit of the content of the filler shown in the range of each basis weight exemplified above.

[0029] In addition, as long as the effects of the first aspect are not inhibited in the first aspect, the features of other aspects can be combined or applied.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a heating system is provided. The heating system includes the above heating device and a consumable including a smokable substance to be heated by the heating device. The consumable can be positioned at a desired position within the heating device. Here, the "desired position within the heating device" where the consumable is positioned refers to a position where heating suitable for generating an aerosol from the smokable substance can be performed.

[0031] In addition, in the second aspect, features of other aspects can be combined or applied as long as they do not inhibit the operations and effects of the second aspect.

[0032] According to a third aspect, a heating system is provided, which includes a heating device capable of heating a smokable substance contained in a consumable and a consumable including a smokable substance to be heated by the heating device. The heating system has an air inlet, a housing, a heating element for heating the smokable substance from the inside, a chamber located within the housing and having a side wall surrounding the side of the smokable substance, a first gap at least partially defined by the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber and the side of the consumable housed in the chamber, and a second gap between the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber. The thickness of the first gap is greater than the thickness of the second gap.

[0033] According to the third aspect, since there are a plurality of voids and the thickness of the first void, which is the void closest to the heating element, is relatively large, the convection of air in the voids can be restricted or reduced compared to the case where there is one void. As a result, at least one of the following can be achieved. Since the heat of the heating element and the heated smokable material can be suppressed or reduced from being transmitted to the chamber and the housing through the first void, the temperature rise on the housing surface can be reduced, and the heat being taken away from the smokable material by the chamber can be reduced. In particular, since heat can be reduced from being taken away from the outer peripheral side of the smokable material, even in the latter half of the smoking operation, aerosol can be more sufficiently generated from the smokable material. Also, since the heat transfer to the chamber can be suppressed or reduced, the heat transfer to the inside of the heating device through the chamber can also be reduced. Note that the reduction of heat transfer to the inside of the heating device is preferable from the viewpoint of device protection. Also, according to the second aspect, the heating element may be provided in the heating device or in the consumable. When the heating element is provided in the consumable, a susceptor for heating the smokable material from the inside may be provided in the consumable.

[0034] Note that in the third aspect, the features of other aspects can be combined or applied as long as they do not inhibit the actions and effects of the third aspect.

[0035] According to the fourth aspect, there is provided a heating device capable of heating a smokable material contained in a consumable. The heating device includes a housing, a heating element for heating the smokable material from the inside, a chamber located within the housing and having a side wall surrounding the side surface of the smokable material, and a first void defined at least in part by the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber and the smokable material accommodated in the chamber. The thickness of the first void is 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. Preferably, the thickness of the first void is 1.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0036] According to the fourth aspect, since the thickness of the first gap is 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, when smoking in the heating device, it is possible to effectively suppress or reduce the chamber from taking heat from the smokable substance. Specifically, the outermost layer of the smokable substance can be heated to a temperature exceeding the temperature at which aerosol sources such as glycerin and propylene glycol contained in the smokable substance evaporate (for example, about 250°C). As a result, since aerosol can be effectively generated from substantially the entire smokable substance, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol generated particularly in the latter half of the smoking operation. If the thickness of the first gap is less than 1.5 mm, the temperature of the outermost layer of the smokable substance is much lower than the temperature at which the aerosol source evaporates (for example, about 250°C), and there is a risk that aerosol may not be properly generated. Also, if the thickness of the first gap exceeds 3.0 mm, although the outermost layer of the smokable substance can be sufficiently heated, the size of the heating device (housing) becomes unnecessarily large. When the thickness of the first gap exceeds 2.0 mm, the effect of reducing the chamber from taking heat from the smokable substance becomes small even when the thickness is increased. In view of the size of the heating device, the thickness of the first gap is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. In this specification, the "latter half of the smoking operation" refers to the latter half of the smoking operation performed on one consumable. As a result, the amount of aerosol generated can be increased. If the thickness of the first gap is less than 1.5 mm, the temperature of the outermost layer of the smokable substance is much lower than the temperature at which the aerosol source evaporates (for example, about 250°C), and there is a risk that aerosol may not be properly generated. Also, if the thickness of the first gap exceeds 3.0 mm, although the outermost layer of the smokable substance can be sufficiently heated, the size of the heating device (housing) becomes unnecessarily large. When the thickness of the first gap exceeds 2.0 mm and the thickness is increased, the effect of reducing the chamber from taking heat from the smokable substance becomes small. In view of the size of the heating device, the thickness of the first gap is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 2.0 m m or less. Note that in this specification, the "latter half of the smoking operation" refers to the latter half of the smoking operation performed on one consumable.

[0037] In addition, in the fourth aspect, as long as the effects of the fourth aspect are not inhibited, the features of other aspects can be combined or applied.

[0038] According to the fifth aspect, there is provided a heating device capable of heating a smokable substance contained in a consumable. The heating device includes a housing, a heating element that heats the smokable substance from the inside, a chamber located in the housing and having a side wall that surrounds the side surface of the smokable substance, and a guide portion having an inner surface that contacts the consumable and guides the smokable substance to the heating element. The distance in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable between the inner surface of the side wall of the chamber and the inner surface of the guide portion is 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. Preferably, the inner surface of the side wall of the chamber and the inner surface of the guide The distance in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable between the inner surface of the bowl part is 1.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0039] According to the fifth aspect, the distance in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable between the inner surface of the side wall of the chamber and the inner surface of the guide part is 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. That is, since the inner surface of the guide part contacts the consumable, the distance between the inner surface of the side wall of the chamber and the inner surface of the guide part substantially corresponds to the distance between the outer surface of the consumable and the inner surface of the side wall of the chamber. Therefore, according to the fifth aspect, in a state where the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the thickness of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the smokable substance and the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber is approximately 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. Thereby, when smoking in the heating device, it is possible to effectively suppress or reduce the chamber from taking heat from the smokable substance. Specifically, the outermost layer of the smokable substance can be heated beyond the temperature (for example, about 250°C) at which the aerosol sources such as glycerin and propylene glycol contained in the smokable substance evaporate. As a result, since the aerosol can be effectively generated from substantially the whole of the smokable substance, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol generated particularly in the latter half of the smoking operation. If the thickness of the above gap is less than 1.5 mm, the temperature of the outermost layer of the smokable substance is significantly lower than the temperature (for example, about 250°C) at which the aerosol source evaporates, and there is a risk that the aerosol may not be appropriately generated. Further, if the thickness of the above gap exceeds 3.0 mm, although the outermost layer of the smokable substance can be sufficiently heated, the size of the heating device (housing) becomes unnecessarily large. If the thickness of the above gap exceeds 2.0 mm, the effect of reducing the heat taken by the chamber from the smokable substance becomes small even if the thickness is increased. Therefore, in view of the size of the heating device, the distance in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable between the inner surface of the side wall of the chamber and the inner surface of the guide part, that is, the thickness of the above gap, is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0040] ​​In addition, as long as the effects of the fifth aspect are not inhibited in the fifth aspect, the features of other aspects can be combined or applied.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-section of the heating system according to this embodiment. The heating system 100 according to this embodiment includes a consumable 10 and a heating device 20. The heating device 20 is preferably a portable device or a handheld device. As shown in FIG. 1, the consumable 10 includes a smokable substance 16 heated by the heating device 20, a hollow filter 14, and a filter portion 12. The heating device 20 includes a battery 22, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 24, a housing 30, and a heating unit 40.

[0044] The heating device 20 is configured to heat the solid smokable substance 16 to atomize the smokable substance 16. The smokable substance 16 constitutes part of a consumable 10 having, for example, a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The consumable 10 can be, for example, a tobacco stick in which the smokable substance 16 contains tobacco. The battery 22 stores electric power used in the heating device 20. For example, the battery 22 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 22 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0045] The PCB 24 is composed of a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls the operation of the heating device 20. For example, the PCB 24 starts heating the smokable substance 16 in response to a user operation on an input device such as a push button or a slide switch (not shown), and ends the heating of the smokable substance 16 when a certain period of time has elapsed. The PCB 24 may end the heating of the smokable substance 16 even before a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating the smokable substance 16 if the number of puff operations by the user exceeds a certain value. For example, the puff operation is detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0046] Alternatively, the PCB 24 may start heating the smokable substance 16 in response to the start of a puff operation and end the heating of the smokable substance 16 in response to the end of the puff operation. The PCB 24 may end the heating of the smokable substance 16 even before the end of the puff operation when a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the puff operation. In the present embodiment, the PCB 24 is disposed between the battery 22 and the heating unit 40.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the heating device 20 is configured to receive the stick-shaped consumable 10. Also, as shown in the figure, the battery 22, the PCB 24, and the heating unit 40 can be arranged in the direction in which the consumable 10 is inserted into the heating device 20. The housing 30 is a housing that houses the battery 22, the PCB 24, and the heating unit 40. The housing 30 has an air inlet 30a for supplying air to the heating unit 40 and an insertion end 32 in which an opening 34 into which the consumable 10 is inserted is formed.

[0048] The heating unit 40 includes a heating part 42 and a chamber 50. The heating part 42 has a shape that can be inserted into the smokable substance 16 and is configured to heat the smokable substance 16 from the inside. Specifically, the heating part 42 has a blade part 42a (corresponding to an example of a heating element) that is inserted into the smokable substance 16 and a holder part 42b for fixing the heating part 42 to the housing 30. The blade part 42a (heating element) is a part that contacts the smokable substance 16 when the consumable 10 is positioned at a desired position within the chamber 50. The bla de part 42a can have, for example, a resin substrate and a heating track formed on its surface. A lead wire 43 for supplying power from the battery 22 to the blade part 42a is connected to the blade part 42a. The heating part 42 may have a susceptor (corresponding to an example of a heating element) that is inductively heated by an induction coil. In that case, the susceptor is inserted into the smokable substance 16 and is inductively heated by an induction coil (not shown), thereby heating the smokable substance 16.

[0049] Next, the details of the chamber 50 of the heating unit 40 will be described. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of the heating unit 40 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the chamber 50 has a side wall 52 that surrounds the smokable substance 16 and a bottom wall 54 against which the end of the smokable substance 16 abuts. The bottom wall 54 has an opening 54a for supplying air to the end of the smokable substance 16.

[0050] In the heating device 20, a first gap S1 is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50 and the smokable substance 16 of the consumable 10 accommodated in the chamber 50. By providing the first gap S1, an air heat insulation layer is formed around the smokable substance 16, and heat generated from the blade portion 42a of the heating portion 42 can be suppressed or reduced from being transmitted to the chamber 50 and the housing 30 through the first gap S1. Therefore, the temperature rise on the surface of the housing 30 can be reduced, and the heat being taken away from the smokable substance 16 by the chamber 50 can be reduced. In particular, since heat being taken away from the outer peripheral side of the smokable substance 16 can be reduced, even in the latter half of the smoking operation, aerosol can be more sufficiently generated from the smokable substance 16.

[0051] Also, in the heating device 20, a second gap S2 is provided between the housing 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50. In the present embodiment, the thickness A of the first gap S1 is larger than the thickness B of the second gap S2. Also, preferably, the volume of the first gap S1 may be larger than the volume of the second gap S2. Since the heating device 20 has the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 and the thickness A of the first gap S1, which is the gap closest to the blade portion 42a, is relatively large, the convection of the air in the gap can be restricted or reduced compared to the case where there is one gap. As a result, heat of the blade portion 42a and the heated smokable substance 16 can be suppressed or reduced from being transmitted to the chamber 50 and the housing 30 through the first gap S1. Therefore, the temperature rise on the surface of the housing 30 can be reduced, and the heat being taken away from the smokable substance 16 by the chamber 50 can be reduced. In particular, since heat being taken away from the outer peripheral side of the smokable substance 16 can be reduced, even in the latter half of the smoking operation, aerosol can be more sufficiently generated from the smokable substance 16. Also, since the heat transfer to the chamber 50 can be suppressed or reduced, the heat transfer to the inside of the heating device 20 through the chamber 50 can also be reduced. In the illustrated example, the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 are communicated by a third gap S3 that wraps around the end of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50.

[0052] The heating device 20 has an air flow path for supplying air from the air inlet 30a of the housing 30 into the interior of the chamber 50. Specifically, the heating device 20 has a first air flow path F1 passing through the second gap S2 and the first gap S1. Thereby, since air reaches the first gap S1 through the second gap S2, air can be supplied from the first gap S1 to the smokable substance 16. In the present embodiment, for example, holes or cutouts can be formed in a member (such as a roll paper) forming the side surface of the consumable 10, or the member forming the side surface of the consumable 10 can be a member through which gas can permeate. Thereby, when the user sucks the consumable 10, the air supplied to the first gap S1 through the first air flow path F1 can be taken into the interior of the consumable 10 from the side surface of the consumable 10. Further, in the present embodiment, the bottom wall 54 of the chamber 50 may have a recess or a protrusion for supporting a part of the consumable 10 such that at least a part of the end face of the consumable 10 is exposed inside the chamber 50. In this case, when the user sucks the consumable 10, the air supplied to the first gap S1 can be taken into the consumable 10 from the end face of the consumable 10. Also, since the thickness A of the first gap S1 is larger than the thickness B of the second gap S2, the flow velocity of the air reaching the first gap S1 becomes relatively low, and cooling of the chamber 50 due to air convection can be suppressed or reduced. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the heat being taken away from the outer peripheral side of the smokable substance 16. In the illustrated example, the first air flow path F1 passes through the second gap S2, the third gap S3, and the first gap S1.

[0053] The heating device 20 further has a second air flow path F2 that communicates with the opening 54a of the bottom wall 54 of the chamber 50, and a branch path F3 that branches from the air inlet 30a into the first air flow path F1 and the second air flow path F2. Thereby, in addition to supplying air from the first gap S1 to the smokable substance 16, air can be supplied from the opening 54a of the bottom wall 54 of the chamber 50 to the end of the smokable substance 16, so that the air flow rate ratio of the first air flow path F1 and the second air flow path F2 can be easily adjusted. That is, for example, the ratio of the amount of air taken into the consumable 10 from the side surface of the smokable substance 16 and the amount of air taken into the consumable 10 from the end surface of the smokable substance 16 can be easily adjusted. Thereby, the degree of freedom of supplying air to the consumable 10 can be improved. When the air supplied to the first gap S1 from the first air flow path F1 into the interior of the consumable 10 can be taken in as described above, the bottom wall 54 of the chamber 50 may not have the opening 54a.

[0054] As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, in the insertion direction of the consumable 10, the branch path F3 is located in the order of the insertion end 32, the bottom wall 54, the branch path F3, and the air inlet 30a. Thereby, since the length of the second air flow path F2 can be easily made shorter than that of the first air flow path F1, the ratio of the amount of air supplied from the second air flow path F2 to the end of the smokable substance 16 can be easily increased. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second air flow path F2 has a shorter flow path length than the first air flow path F1 and a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the first air flow path F1, so the amount of air supplied from the second air flow path F2 to the smokable substance 16 is more than the amount of air supplied from the first air flow path F1 to the smokable substance 16. Thereby, air can be efficiently supplied to the smokable substance 16 while suppressing or reducing the cooling of the chamber 50 due to the convection of air in the second air flow path F2.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the chamber 50 has a contact portion 56 that contacts the housing 30 on the battery 22 side in the insertion direction of the consumable 10. In the present embodiment, the contact portion 56 is fixed to the housing 30, and thus the chamber 50 is fixed to the housing 30. The contact portion 56 can be, for example, a cylindrical or rod-shaped member extending from the side wall 52 or the bottom wall 54 of the chamber 50. As shown in the figure, the contact portion 56 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the blade portion 42a of the heating portion 42 in the insertion direction of the consumable 10. Specifically, the contact portion 56 is arranged on the battery 22 side (the opposite side of the insertion end portion 32 of the housing 30) from the blade portion 42a of the heating portion 42 in the insertion direction of the consumable 10. Thereby, since the blade portion 42a is provided at a position separated from the contact portion 56 of the chamber 50, the heat of the blade portion 42a being transmitted to the housing 30 through the contact portion 56 is suppressed or reduced. As a result, the smokable substance 16 can be efficiently heated, and the temperature rise of the housing 30 can be suppressed or reduced.

[0056] As shown in the figure, it is preferable that one end of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50 (the end on the insertion end portion 32 side) is located on the insertion end portion 32 side of the housing 30 from the blade portion 42a of the heating portion 42 in the insertion direction of the consumable 10. Thereby, since the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 are partitioned by the side wall 52 of the chamber 50, the convection of air between the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 is suppressed or reduced, and the heat of the first gap S1 being transmitted to the second gap S2 can be suppressed or reduced.

[0057] The housing 30 has a guide portion 36, and the consumable 10 is inserted by the guide portion 36 An opening 34 is defined. The guide portion 36 is a cylindrical member whose edge forming the opening 34 extends toward the battery 22 side. The guide portion 36 has an inner surface 36a that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the consumable 10 inserted into the heating device 20 through the opening 34 and guides the smokable substance 16 to the heating portion 42. In the state shown in FIG. 2, that is, when the smokable substance 16 is heated by the heating device 20, the smokable substance 16 is positioned by the bottom wall 54 (corresponding to an example of a positioning portion) so that the guide portion 36 does not contact the side surface of the consumable 10 corresponding to the position of the smokable substance 16 in the insertion direction of the consumable 10. In other words, when the smokable substance 16 is heated by the heating device 20, the length of the guide portion 36 is designed so that the guide portion 36 does not contact the smokable substance 16. Thereby, heat dissipation of the heated smokable substance 16 through the guide portion 36 can be suppressed or reduced.

[0058] <Experimental Example> Next, an appropriate numerical value of the thickness A of the first gap S1 in the heating device 20 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. In this experimental example, the temperature of the outermost layer of the smokable substance 16 was measured when the thickness A of the first gap S1 of the heating device 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was set to 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm, respectively. The blade portion 42a of the heating portion 42 is heated up to reach 350° C. after the start of heating, and is controlled to be constant at 350° C. after reaching 350° C. After the blade portion 42a of the heating portion 42 starts heating, a predetermined amount of suction is performed every 30 seconds to simulate the state in which the user uses the heating device 20. The diameter of the consumable 10 in which a cigarette sheet, which is an example of the smokable substance 16, is wrapped with paper is 7.0 mm, and the blade portion 42a has a pin-like form with a length of 12.0 mm and a diameter of 2.5 mm. That is, in this experimental example, the blade portion 42a constitutes a pin heater. The pin heater has a conductive track in the ceramic and heats itself by resistive heating. The temperature of the heating portion 42 is the value obtained by measuring the maximum temperature on the outer surface of the pin heater.

[0059] Figure 3 is a graph showing the temperature of the outermost layer of the smokable substance 16. In the graph shown in Figure 3, the vertical axis represents temperature and the horizontal axis represents time. As shown in Figure 3, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 1.0 mm, the temperature gradually rises after the start of heating and begins to stabilize around 150 seconds. After approximately 270 seconds, the temperature temporarily drops due to suction every 30 seconds, so the temperature fluctuates between 150°C and 200°C. On the other hand, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 1.5 mm, the temperature gradually rises after the start of heating and begins to stabilize around 90 seconds. After 120 seconds, the temperature fluctuates between approximately 210°C and approximately 260°C. Also, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 2.0 mm, the temperature gradually rises after the start of heating and begins to stabilize around 90 seconds. After 120 seconds, the temperature fluctuates between approximately 200°C and approximately 275°C.

[0060] According to the above experimental examples, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 1.0 mm, the temperature of the outermost layer of the smokable substance 16 does not reach 200°C. Here, the temperature at which aerosol sources such as glycerin and propylene glycol contained in the smokable substance 16 evaporate is, for example, about 250°C. Therefore, it was found that when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 1.0 mm, the heat of the smokable substance 16 is taken away by the chamber 50 and the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the consumable 10 does not rise to the evaporation temperature of the aerosol source. On the other hand, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm, although the temperature of the outermost layer of the smokable substance 16 temporarily drops due to suction, it exceeds 250°C. That is, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm, the chamber 50 is suppressed or reduced from taking heat away from the smokable substance 16, and it was found that the aerosol source can be evaporated from the outermost layer of the smokable substance 16. Therefore, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm, compared with the case where the thickness A is 1.0 mm, the aerosol source can be evaporated from almost the entire smokable substance 16, so the amount of aerosol generated can be increased.

[0061] Referring to the graph of Fig. 3, it can be seen that the temperature difference when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm is significantly larger than the temperature difference when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is between 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm. In other words, although the difference in the thickness A of the first gap S1 is 0.5 mm in both cases, when the thickness A is decreased from 1.5 mm to 1.0 mm, the heat insulation performance significantly deteriorates, while increasing the thickness A from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm does not cause a significant change in the heat insulation performance of the first gap S1. Then, if the thickness A of the first gap S1 is gradually decreased, it can be said that the heat insulation performance significantly deteriorates with the thickness A of 1.5 mm of the first gap S1 as the critical point. In other words, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is less than 1.5 mm, the deterioration of the heat insulation performance per unit thickness becomes more significant compared to the case where the thickness A is 1.5 mm or more.

[0062] Therefore, according to the above experimental examples, the thickness A of the first gap S1 is preferably 1.5 mm or more. Also, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is significantly larger than 1.5 mm, although the outermost layer of the smokable substance 16 can be sufficiently heated, the heating device 20 (housing 30) becomes unnecessarily large. In addition, it was also found that the temperature during suction every 30 seconds tended to decrease as the thickness A increased. For this reason, from the viewpoints of the size of the heating device 20 and the temperature drop during suction, the thickness A of the first gap S1 is preferably 3.0 mm or less. Referring to the graph of Fig. 3, as described above, even when the thickness A of the first gap S1 is increased from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm, there is no significant change in the heat insulation performance of the first gap S1. Then, when the thickness A of the first gap S1 exceeds 2.0 mm, it is considered that the effect of reducing the heat taken away from the smokable substance 16 by the chamber 50 becomes small. For this reason, in view of the size and heat insulation performance of the heating device 20, the thickness A of the first gap S1 is more preferably 2.0 mm or less. Therefore, considering the size and heat insulation performance of the heating device 20, the thickness A of the first gap S1 is more preferably 2.0 mm or less.

[0063] Further, in the heating device 20 shown in FIG. 2, the inner surface 36a of the guide portion 36 defines an opening 34 into which the consumable 10 is inserted. Since the inner surface 36a of the guide portion 36 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the consumable 10 when the consumable 10 is inserted into the opening 34, the diameter of the inner surface 36a of the guide portion 36 can be said to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the consumable 10. For this reason, the distance in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable 10 between the inner surface of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50 and the inner surface 36a of the guide portion 36 is substantially the same as the magnitude of the thickness A of the first gap S1. Then, according to the above experimental example, the distance in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable 10 between the inner surface of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50 and the inner surface 36a of the guide portion 36 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and more preferably 1.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0064] Next, another embodiment of the heating device 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view of a heating unit 40 of the heating device 20 according to another embodiment. The heating device 20 shown in FIG. 4 is different from the heating device 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the chamber 50 is configured to be movable along the insertion direction of the consumable 10 with respect to the housing 30. Specifically, the contact portion 56 of the chamber 50 is not fixed to the housing 30 but is configured to be slidable with respect to the housing 30. Further, the housing 30 is provided with an opening 30b, and a part of a lever 58 connected to the contact portion 56 is exposed to the outside of the housing 30 through this opening 30b. As an example, the opening 30b communicates with the first air flow path F1 and the second air flow path F2 and can also function as an air inlet. The user can move the chamber 50 connected to the lever 58 in the insertion direction of the consumable 10 by moving the lever 58 along the insertion direction of the consumable 10.

[0065] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, after the consumable 10 is used, with the smokable substance 16 disposed in the chamber 50, by operating the lever 58 to move the chamber 50 toward the insertion end 32, the smokable substance 16 such as shredded tobacco can be removed from the blade portion 42a while suppressing or reducing the spillage of the smokable substance 16 from the consumable 10. A part of the third gap S3 becomes a movable range of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50 when the chamber 50 moves toward the insertion end 32. Even when the chamber 50 moves toward the insertion end 32 to remove the smokable substance 16 from the blade portion 42a, the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 communicate with each other via the third gap S3 by the side wall 52 of the chamber 50. That is, the third gap S3 is not closed by the side wall 52 of the chamber 50.

[0066] Note that the lever 58 may be connected to any location of the chamber 50, but is preferably connected to the contact portion 56. As described above, since the contact portion 56 is provided at a position relatively separated from the blade portion 42a, the heat of the blade portion 42a is suppressed or reduced from being transmitted to the contact portion 56. For this reason, by connecting the lever 58 to the contact portion 56, the heat of the blade portion 42a is less likely to be transmitted to the lever 58, and the user can operate the lever 58 more safely.

[0067] FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of the heating unit 40 of the heating device 20 according to still another embodiment. The heating device 20 shown in FIG. 5 is different from the heating device 20 shown in FIG. 4 in that the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 do not communicate with each other, and that an induction coil 44 and a susceptor 18 (corresponding to an example of a heating element) are provided instead of the heating portion 42. The susceptor 18 is provided inside the smokable substance 16 of the consumable 10. Further, the consumable 10 shown in FIG. 5 is different from the consumables 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 in that a mouthpiece M1 is provided on the guide portion 36 instead of the filter portion 12.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the heating device 20 includes a sliding gap S4 having substantially the same thickness as the thickness of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50, instead of the third gap S3. The sliding gap S4 extends in the insertion direction of the consumable 10. As shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the consumable 10 is positioned at a desired position within the chamber 50, the tip of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50 is substantially inserted into a part of the sliding gap S4 without a gap, and a part of the sliding gap S4 becomes a movable range of the side wall 52 of the chamber 50 when the chamber 50 moves toward the insertion end portion 32. Thereby, the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 are partitioned by the side wall 52 of the chamber 50 and do not communicate with each other. Therefore, since the convection of air between the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 can be inhibited, the heat insulation performance in the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 can be further improved. Note that the second gap S2 may or may not communicate with the air inlet 30a. The sliding gap S4 may have an air hole that communicates with the outside of the housing 30 for discharging air when the chamber 50 moves toward the insertion end portion 32.

[0069] The hollow filter 14 of the consumable 10 is preferably formed of a member having a low thermal conductivity. By positioning the hollow filter 14 within the opening 34 of the housing 30, the hollow filter 14 and the smokable substance 16 can be positioned in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable 10. The hollow filter 14 is not limited to a hollow structure and may be a member having any structure that can allow aerosol to pass through. The mouthpiece M1 may be detachably attached to the consumable 10. The mouthpiece M1 may be repeatedly used for a plurality of consumables 10. After removing the mouthpiece M1, the consumable 10 enters the heating device 20 and is difficult to remove. For this reason, the user can push out the end portion of the consumable 10 from the heating device 20 by operating the lever 58 to move the chamber 50 toward the insertion end portion 32.

[0070] The induction coil 44 can be, for example, a spiral flat coil. As shown in FIG. 5, the induction coil 44 can be provided on the opposite side of the consumable 10 through the bottom wall 54 of the chamber 50 in a state where the consumable 10 is positioned at a desired position within the chamber 50. The induction coil 44 is configured to inductively heat the susceptor 18 provided inside the smokable substance 16 to generate heat. Thereby, the heated susceptor 18 can heat the smokable substance 16 from the inside. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, it is preferable that the housing 30 and / or the chamber 50 (particularly the bottom wall 54) have magnetic permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulation). Thereby, it is difficult for the housing 30 and / or the chamber 50 to generate heat due to the induction coil 44, and the susceptor 18 can be efficiently heated. Examples of materials having magnetic permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulation) include, for example, glass, plants, wood, paper, resins such as PEEK, and the like. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, it is preferable that the housing 30 and / or the chamber 50 (particularly the bottom wall 54) have magnetic permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulation). Thereby, it is difficult for the housing 30 and / or the chamber 50 to generate heat due to the induction coil 44, and the susceptor 18 can be efficiently heated. Examples of materials having magnetic permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulation) include, for example, glass, plants, wood, paper, resins such as PEEK, and the like.

[0071] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims and the specification and drawings. Note that any shape and material not directly described in the specification and drawings are within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as they exhibit the functions and effects of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 10: Consumable 16: Smokable substance 18: Susceptor 20: Heating device 30: Housing 30a: Air inlet 32: Insertion end 34: Opening 36: Guide portion 42: Heating element 50: Chamber 52: Side wall 54: Bottom wall 54a: Opening 56: Contact portion 100: Heating system F1: First air flow path F2: Second air flow path F3: Branch path S1: First gap S2: Second gap

Claims

Claim 1 A heating device capable of heating a smokable substance contained in a consumable, comprising: an air inlet; a housing; a heating element for heating the smokable substance from the inside; a chamber located within the housing and having a side wall surrounding the side of the smokable substance; a first gap at least partially defined by the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber and the side surface of the consumable accommodated in the chamber; a second gap between the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber; and the heating device, wherein the thickness of the first gap is greater than the thickness of the second gap. Claim 2 The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising: an air flow path from the air inlet to the inside of the chamber, wherein the air flow path includes a first air flow path passing through the second gap and the first gap. Claim 3 The heating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an air flow path from the air inlet to the inside of the chamber, wherein the chamber has a bottom wall with an opening, and the air flow path includes a second air flow path communicating with the opening of the bottom wall of the chamber. Claim 4 The heating device according to claim 3, wherein: the housing has an insertion end for inserting the consumable, the air flow path includes a branch path branching from the air inlet into the first air flow path and the second air flow path, and in the insertion direction of the consumable, the insertion end, the bottom wall, the branch path, and the air inlet are arranged in this order. Claim 5 The heating device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: the amount of air supplied from the second air flow path to the smokable substance is greater than the amount of air supplied from the first air flow path to the smokable substance. Claim 6 The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a positioning portion for positioning the position of the consumable in the insertion direction of the consumable so that a part of the heating device does not contact the side surface of the consumable corresponding to the smokable substance when the smokable substance is heated. Claim 7 The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a guide portion in contact with the side surface of the consumable for guiding the smokable substance to the heating element. Claim 8 In the heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A heating device, wherein the volume of the first void is larger than the volume of the second void.

9. In the heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The chamber has a contact portion that contacts the housing, The contact portion is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the heating element in the insertion direction of the consumable, A heating device.

10. In the heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The housing has an insertion end portion into which the consumable is inserted, A heating device, wherein in the insertion direction of the consumable, one end of the side wall of the chamber is located on the side of the insertion end portion of the housing with respect to the heating element.

11. In the heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A heating device, wherein the bottom wall of the chamber is configured to be movable along the insertion direction of the consumable with respect to the housing.

12. A heating system having a heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, And a consumable including a smokable substance heated by the heating device.

13. A heating system having a heating device capable of heating a smokable substance contained in a consumable and a consumable including a smokable substance heated by the heating device, An air inlet, A housing, A heating element for heating the smokable substance from the inside, A chamber located in the housing and having a side wall surrounding the side surface of the smokable substance, A first void at least partially defined by an inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber and a side surface of the consumable accommodated in the chamber, And a second void between the housing and an outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber, A heating system, wherein the thickness of the first void is larger than the thickness of the second void.

14. A heating device capable of heating a smokable substance contained in a consumable, A housing, A heating element for heating the smokable substance from the inside, A chamber located in the housing and having a side wall surrounding the side surface of the smokable substance, And a first void at least partially defined by an inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the chamber and a side surface of the consumable accommodated in the chamber, A heating device, wherein the thickness of the first void is 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.

15. A heating device capable of heating a smokable substance contained in a consumable, a housing, a heating element that heats the smokable substance from the inside, a chamber located within the housing and having side walls surrounding the side surface of the smokable substance, and a guide portion having an inner surface that contacts the consumable and guides the smokable substance to the heating element. The distance in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable between the inner surface of the side wall of the chamber and the inner surface of the guide portion is 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. Heating device 。

Images