Heater assembly and container

Abstract

To provide a heater assembly and a container used in a flavor suction device.SOLUTION: A heater assembly 30 includes: a container 40 having a cylindrical portion 41 forming a chamber 40C storing a flavor generation article; and a heater 50 arranged at a peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The container includes: a first channel 43 extending along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction crossing with the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion; and a second channel 44 passing through the inside of the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion. The first channel communicates with the second channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater assembly and a container used in a fragrance attractor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fragrance attractor that heats a fragrance-generating article without combustion is known. The fragrance attractor has a chamber for accommodating the fragrance-generating article and a heater for heating the fragrance-generating article accommodated in the chamber (for example, Patent Documents 1-3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first feature is a heater assembly including a container having a cylindrical portion forming a chamber for accommodating a fragrance-generating article and a heater disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. The container extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and includes a first channel adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and a second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion. The first channel communicates with the two channels.

[0005] A second feature is that, in the first feature, the heater is disposed so as to contact the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0006] The third feature is that, in the first feature or the second feature, the heater has a heating element and a base material that supports the heating element, and the gist is that the heating element is provided along a placement target portion on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion other than the portion adjacent to the first channel.

[0007] The fourth feature is that, in the third feature, the placement target portion includes a first placement portion and a second placement portion that is farther from the first channel than the first placement portion on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, and the gist is that the watt density of the heating element in the first placement portion is higher than the watt density of the heating element in the second placement portion.

[0008] The fifth feature is that, in any one of the first feature to the fourth feature, the heater has a heating element and a base material that supports the heating element, the cylindrical portion has a first end portion that receives the flavor generating article and a second end portion provided on the opposite side of the first end portion in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and the gist is that the heating element is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion so as to be spaced apart from the second end portion.

[0009] The sixth feature is that, in the fifth feature, the container has a bottom plate portion that closes the second end portion, and the gist is that the heating element is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion without being provided on the bottom plate portion.

[0010] The seventh feature is that, in any one of the first feature to the sixth feature, the cylindrical portion has an abutting portion that abuts against the tip of the flavor generating article when the flavor generating article is accommodated in the chamber.

[0011] The eighth feature is that, in any one of the first to sixth features, the container has a bottom plate portion, and a pedestal provided on the bottom plate portion of the container and abutting against the tip of the fragrance-generating article when the fragrance-generating article is housed in the chamber, and the gist is that the pedestal further forms an annular gap communicating with the first channel and the second channel around the pedestal.

[0012] The ninth feature is that, in any one of the first to eighth features, the tubular portion is constituted by a heat-conductive member.

[0013] The tenth feature is that, in any one of the first to ninth features, the tubular portion has a first end for receiving the fragrance-generating article and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end in the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion, the container has a bottom plate portion closing the second end, and the gist is that the tubular portion has a third channel communicating the first channel and the second channel.

[0014] The eleventh feature is that, in the tenth feature, the channel from the first channel to the third channel includes an inclined channel or a curved channel.

[0015] The twelfth feature is that, in any one of the first to eleventh features, the tubular portion includes a first portion partitioning the chamber and a second portion projecting outside the chamber in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion, and the gist is that the second portion extends along the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion and forms the first channel.

[0016] The thirteenth feature is that, in the twelfth feature, in a state where the fragrance-generating article is housed in the chamber, the first portion contacts the outer peripheral surface of the fragrance-generating article, and the second portion is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the fragrance-generating article.

[0017] The 14th feature is that in the 12th feature or the 13th feature, when the flavor-generating article is accommodated in the chamber, the first part is configured to at least partially compress the flavor-generating article in the arrangement direction of the first part and the second part.

[0018] The gist of the 15th feature is that in any one of the 12th feature to the 14th feature, the first part has an elliptical circumference in a cross section with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical part.

[0019] The gist of the 16th feature is that in any one of the 1st feature to the 11th feature, the container has a channel-forming member that forms the first channel, and the channel-forming member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part.

[0020] The gist of the 17th feature is that in the 6th feature, the 7th feature citing the 6th feature, and any one of the 16th features, the heater assembly includes a sensor used for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided on the bottom plate portion.

[0021] The gist of the 18th feature is that in any one of the 12th feature to the 15th feature, the heater assembly includes a sensor used for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided on the second part.

[0022] The 19th feature is that in the 16th feature, the heater assembly includes a sensor used for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided on the channel-forming member. The gist of the 22nd feature is that the heater assembly includes a sensor used for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided on the channel-forming member.

[0023] The gist of the 20th feature is that in any one of the 1st feature to the 19th feature, the container has a region formed on at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part, and having a higher heat emissivity than the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical container.

[0024] The gist of the 21st feature is that, in any one of the 1st to 20th features, the container further has a bottom plate portion, and further includes a heat insulating member covering the cylindrical portion and the bottom plate portion of the container.

[0025] The gist of the 22nd feature is that, in any one of the 1st to 21st features, it further includes a film made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the cylindrical member, provided between the cylindrical portion and the heater.

[0026] The gist of the 23rd feature is that, in any one of the 1st to 22nd features, the first channel forms an air flow path from the outside of the heater assembly toward the second channel, and further includes an inhibiting member that inhibits the fluid flow in the reverse direction of the first channel.

[0027] The gist of the 24th feature is that, in the 23rd feature, the inhibiting member is a partition wall that blocks a part of the first channel.

[0028] The gist of the 25th feature is that, in the 23rd feature, it further includes a lid member movable between a first position where the opening of the container is exposed and a second position where the opening is covered, and the inhibiting member is the lid member in the first position.

[0029] The 26th feature is a container having a cylindrical portion forming a chamber for accommodating a fragrance generating article, a first channel extending along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, wherein the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion constitutes a surface on which the heater is disposed, and the first channel communicates with the second channel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the respective dimensions may be different from the actual ones.

[0032] Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Of course, there may be cases where the relationships and ratios of the dimensions are different between the drawings.

[0033] [Summary of the Disclosure] In the aroma attractor of the background art described above, various contrivances have been made regarding the arrangement of the channel for taking air into the chamber and the heater. However, from the viewpoint of making the aroma attractor small and efficiently generating aerosol, further improvement in the arrangement of the channel and the heater is desired.

[0034] The heater assembly according to the summary of the disclosure includes a container having a cylindrical portion forming a chamber for accommodating an aroma-generating article, and a heater disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. The container includes a first channel extending along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion. The first channel communicates with the two channels.

[0035] In the summary of the disclosure, on the premise that the heater is disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion forming the chamber, the first channel communicating with the second channel passing through the chamber is adjacent to the chamber. According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating below the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a structure for closing the bottom surface of the heater assembly can be adopted. Therefore, the dead space below the heater assembly can be effectively utilized.

[0036] [Embodiment] [Aroma Attractor] Hereinafter, the flavor inhaler according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a flavor generating article 110 and an inhaler body 120. In the embodiment, a case where the puff operation is performed with the user holding the flavor generating article 110 is exemplified. The air inhaled by the user is guided into the user's oral cavity in the order of the air flow 100A, the air flow 100C, and the air flow 100B.

[0038] The flavor generating article 110 is a base material containing a component capable of generating a flavor and has a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. For example, the flavor generating article 110 may be composed of cut tobacco, a molded body obtained by granulating tobacco raw materials, a molded body obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into a sheet shape, or the like. The flavor generating article 110 may generate an aerosol with heating and may include an aerosol source containing various polyols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or 1,3 - butanediol to promote the generation of the aerosol. The flavor generating article 110 may be composed of a plant other than tobacco (for example, mint, herb, etc.). The flavor generating article 110 may contain a fragrance such as menthol.

[0039] The inhaler body 120 includes a battery 10, a control circuit 20, and a heater assembly 30.

[0040] The battery 10 stores the electric power used in the inhaler body 120. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium - ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0041] The control circuit 20 is composed of a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls the operation of the suction unit main body 120. For example, the control circuit 20 starts heating the flavor generating article 110 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 flavor generating article 110 when a certain period of time has elapsed. The control circuit 20 may end the heating of the flavor generating article 110 even before a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating of the flavor generating article 110 when the number of puff operations by the user exceeds a certain value. For example, the puff operation is detected by a sensor 60 shown in FIG. 2 described later.

[0042] Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may start heating the flavor generating article 110 in response to the start of a puff operation, and end the heating of the flavor generating article 110 in response to the end of the puff operation. The control circuit 20 may end the heating of the flavor generating article 110 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 embodiment, the control circuit 20 is disposed between the battery 10 and the heater assembly 30, and suppresses heat transfer from the heater assembly 30 to the battery 10.

[0043] The heater assembly 30 is an assembly that heats the flavor generating article 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the heater assembly 10 includes a container 40, a heater 50, and a sensor 60.

[0044] The container 40 has a cylindrical portion 41 and a bottom plate portion 42. The cylindrical portion 41 forms a chamber 40C that houses the flavor generating article 10. The cylindrical portion 41 is made of a heat conductive member. The heat conductive member is not particularly limited, but is, for example, aluminum or stainless steel (SUS). The cylindrical portion 41 has a first end portion 40X that receives the flavor generating article 10, and a second end portion 40Y that is provided on the opposite side of the first end portion 40X in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 41 (hereinafter, the longitudinal direction A). The bottom plate portion 42 closes the second end portion 40Y. That is to say, the container 40 has a cup shape composed of the cylindrical portion 41 and the bottom plate portion 42. The container 40 may be integrally formed by a method such as deep drawing of a metal plate.

[0045] The container 40 has a first channel 43, a second channel 44, and a third channel 45. The first channel 43 is a flow path for the air flow 100A. The first channel 43 extends along the longitudinal direction A. The first channel 43 is adjacent to the chamber 40C in a direction (hereinafter referred to as the intersecting direction B) intersecting the longitudinal direction A. The second channel 44 is a flow path for the air flow 100B. The second channel 44 extends along the longitudinal direction A. The second channel 44 passes through the chamber 40C. The third channel 45 is a flow path for the air flow 100C. The third channel 45 is provided on the side of the bottom plate portion 42 and extends along the intersecting direction B. The first channel 43 communicates with the second channel 44 via the third channel 45.

[0046] Here, the chamber 40C is a cavity that houses the fragrance-generating article 10, and it may be considered as the portion occupied by the fragrance-generating article 10. As described above, the second channel 44 is a flow path passing through the chamber 40C, and it may be considered as a flow path passing through the fragrance-generating article 10. The second channel 44 may be considered to be synonymous with the chamber 40C, or it may be considered as a part of the chamber 40C.

[0047] The heater 50 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and heats the fragrance-generating article housed in the chamber 40C. The heater 50 may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 or on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. The heater 50 may be in contact with the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. In FIG. 2, a case where the heater 50 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is illustrated.

[0048] The heater 50 has a base material 51 (base materials 51A and 51B) and a heating element 52. The heating element is sandwiched between the base material 51A and the base material 51B. The base material 51 supports the heating element. For example, the base material 51 is composed of a film such as polyimide. For example, the heating element 52 is composed of a resistive heating element such as metal. For example, the metal constituting the heating element 52 may be one or more metals selected from nickel alloy, chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum rhodium. The heater 50 may be adhered to the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, or may be supported on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 by a separate support member. In FIG. 2, by installing a heat shrink tube (not shown) outside the heater 50, the heater 50 may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 by the heat shrink tube.

[0049] The sensor 60 is used to detect the temperature change that occurs within the heater assembly 30. For example, the sensor 60 is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermocouple. The sensor 60 may be provided on the bottom plate portion 42. Alternatively, the sensor 60 may be provided adjacent to the first channel 43 on the inner surface or the outer surface of the second portion 41B described later. The sensor 60 may be used to detect the puff operation due to the temperature change caused by the air flowing through the first channel 43. Further, the sensor 60 may be used for the heating control of the flavor generating article 10 by the control circuit 20. In particular, the control circuit 20 may be configured to stop the power supply to the heating element 52 when the temperature of the heater assembly 30 or other parts within the suction device 120 measured directly or indirectly by the sensor 60 exceeds a certain value.

[0050] (Container) Hereinafter, the container according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the container 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view of the container 40 according to the embodiment as seen from the P direction, Q direction, and R direction shown in FIG. 3.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the cylindrical portion 41 of the container 40 includes a first portion 41A that partitions the chamber 40C and a second portion 41B that protrudes outward from the chamber 40C in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A. The second portion 41B extends along the longitudinal direction A and forms a first channel 43. That is, in a state where the fragrance-generating article 110 is accommodated in the chamber 40C, the first portion 41A contacts the outer peripheral surface of the fragrance-generating article 110, and the second portion 41B is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the fragrance-generating article 110. The first portion 41A and the second portion 41B may be integrally molded. Here, in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A, the first portion 41A may have a shape substantially the same as that of the fragrance-generating article 110. For example, when the fragrance-generating article 110 has a cylindrical shape, the first portion 41A may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A, the second portion 41B only needs to protrude outward from the chamber 40C and may have, for example, an arc shape.

[0052]

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the container 40 has a constricted portion 41S. The constricted portion 41S constitutes a contact portion that contacts the fragrance-generating article 110 when the fragrance-generating article 110 is accommodated in the chamber 40C. The constricted portion 41S may be a portion that is constricted inside the cylindrical portion 41 without changing the thickness of the cylindrical portion 41 itself.

[0054] (Heater) Hereinafter, the heater according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the heater 50 according to the embodiment. As described above, the heater 50 has a base material 51 and a heating element 52.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the heater 50 includes a lead wire portion 53 that is continuous with the heating element 52. For example, the lead wire portion 53 is connected to the battery 10 via the control circuit 20.

[0056] ​As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heater 50 is wound around the cylindrical portion 41 of the container 40. Here, the heating element 52 is provided along the portion to be disposed other than the portion adjacent to the first channel 43 on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. In the embodiment, the heating element 52 is not provided along the circumferential surface of the second portion 41B, but is provided along the circumferential surface of the first portion 41A. That is, the circumferential surface of the first portion 41A constitutes the portion to be disposed. However, the base material 51 (base materials 51A and 51B) may be provided along a part or all of the circumferential surface of the second portion 41B, or may not be provided along the circumferential surface of the second portion 41B. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the heating element 52 may be provided along the circumferential surfaces of both the first portion 41A and the second portion 41B.

[0057] Here, the circumferential surface of the first portion 41A includes a first disposed portion 41A1 and a second disposed portion 41A2 that is farther from the first channel 43 than the first disposed portion 41A1. The watt density of the heating element 52A in the first disposed portion 41A1 may be higher than the watt density of the heating element 52B in the second disposed portion 41A2. It may be higher.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heating element 52 is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 so as to be spaced apart from the second end portion 40Y. The heating element 52 is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 without being provided on the bottom plate portion 42.

[0059] (Operation and Effect) In the embodiment, on the premise that the heater 50 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 forming the chamber 40C, the first channel 43 communicating with the second channel 44 passing through the chamber 40C is adjacent to the chamber 40C. According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating below the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure for closing the bottom surface of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, the bottom of the heater assembly 30 The square dead space can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, since the air passing through the first channel 43 can be preliminarily heated by the heater 50 disposed on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41, a temperature drop of the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 40C can be suppressed, and an effect of efficiently generating an aerosol from the flavor generating article 110 can also be expected.

[0060] In the embodiment, the heater 50 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41. Therefore, the assembly of the heater 50 is easy.

[0061] In the embodiment, the heating element 52 is provided on the placement target portion (the peripheral surface of the first portion 41A) other than the portion adjacent to the first channel 43 on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the air (air flow 100A) flowing through the first channel 43 from being heated more than necessary. Further, in view of the fact that the flavor generating article 110 cannot be directly heated at the portion adjacent to the first channel 43, by not disposing the heating element 52 at the portion that does not contribute to the heating of the flavor generating article 110, the energy required for heating the flavor generating article 110 can be saved.

[0062] In the embodiment, the watt density of the heating element 52A in the first placement portion 41A1 may be higher than the watt density of the heating element 52B in the second placement portion 41A2. According to such a configuration, in view of the fact that the heating element 52 is not disposed at the portion adjacent to the first channel 43, it is possible to suppress a temperature drop of the flavor generating article 110 at the position adjacent to the first channel 43. placement portion 41A2 may be higher. According to such a configuration, in view of the fact that the heating element 52 is not disposed at the portion adjacent to the first channel 43, it is possible to suppress a temperature drop of the flavor generating article 110 at the position adjacent to the first channel 43. According to such a configuration, in view of the fact that the heating element 52 is not disposed at the portion adjacent to the first channel 43, it is possible to suppress a temperature drop of the flavor generating article 110 at the position adjacent to the first channel 43.

[0063] In the embodiment, the container 40 has a constricted portion 41S that abuts on the flavor generating article 110 when the flavor generating article 110 is accommodated in the chamber 40C. According to such a configuration, the positioning of the flavor generating article 110 in the chamber 40C is easy, and the third channel 45 that communicates the first channel 43 and the second channel 44 can be easily secured.

[0064] In the embodiment, the container 40 has a bottom plate portion 42 that closes the second end portion 40Y of the cylindrical portion 41, and the third channel 45 is provided on the side of the bottom plate portion 42. According to such a configuration, an air flow (air flow 100C) from the first channel 43 to the second channel 44 can be generated by the bottom plate portion 42.

[0065] In the embodiment, the cylindrical portion 41 of the container 40 includes a first portion 41A that partitions the chamber 40C and a second portion 41B that protrudes outside the chamber 40C in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A. According to such a configuration, the air inlet, the first channel 43, and the second channel 44 (chamber 40C) can be realized by one member (cylindrical portion 41), and the structure of the heater assembly 30 can be simplified.

[0066] In the embodiment, by arranging the first channel 43 adjacent to the chamber 40C, it is not necessary to provide a channel that communicates below the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure that closes the bottom surface of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, the space below the heater assembly 30 can be used for purposes other than the channel.

[0067] In the embodiment, the sensor 60 is provided on the bottom plate portion 42. According to such a configuration, since the bottom plate portion 42 is separated from the heating element 52, the sensor 60 is not affected by excessive heat generated from the heating element 52, and since the bottom plate portion 42 is away from the user's oral cavity, the sensor 60 is not affected by excessive external air. Therefore, in a case where the sensor 60 is used for detecting the puff operation, the accuracy of the sensor 60 for detecting a temperature change can be improved.

[0068] (Modification Example 1) Hereinafter, Modification Example 1 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0069] In the embodiment, the second portion 41B has an arc shape in the orthogonal cross-section with respect to the longitudinal direction A. In contrast, in Modification Example 1, as shown in FIG. 8, the second portion 41B has a U shape that opens toward the chamber 40C in the orthogonal cross-section with respect to the longitudinal direction A. Specifically, the second portion 41B has an arc portion 41B1 and a pair of straight portions 41B2. Similar to the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 is not provided along the peripheral surface of the second portion 41B, but is provided along the peripheral surface of the first portion 41A. Note that the base material 51 (base materials 51A and 51B) of the heater 50 may be provided along the pair of straight portions 41B2 of the second portion 41B or may further be provided along the arc portion 41B1.

[0070] However, the embodiment and Modification Example 1 are not limited thereto. The second portion 41B only needs to project outward from the chamber 40C in the orthogonal cross-section with respect to the longitudinal direction A. The second portion 41B may have a rectangular shape or may have a shape combining a rectangle and an arc.

[0071] (Modification Example 2) Hereinafter, Modification Example 2 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0072] In Modification Example 2, a variation in the shape of the cylindrical portion 41 will be described. Also in Modification Example 2, similar to the embodiment, the cylindrical portion 41 includes a first portion 41A that partitions the chamber 40C and a second portion 41B that projects outward from the chamber 40C in the orthogonal cross-section with respect to the longitudinal direction A.

[0073] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the cross-section of the flavor generating article 110 is circular, the cylindrical portion 41 may have an elliptical shape in a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, a first channel 43 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110. Among the cylindrical portion 41, the portion in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 constitutes a first portion 41A, and the portion spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 constitutes a second portion 41B.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the cross-section of the flavor generating article 110 is circular, the cylindrical portion 41 may have a rectangular shape in a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, a first channel 43 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110. Among the cylindrical portion 41, the portion in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 constitutes a first portion 41A, and the portion spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 constitutes a second portion 41B.

[0075] (Modification Example 3) Hereinafter, Modification Example 3 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0076] In Modification Example 3, the container 40 has a channel forming member that forms the first channel 43. The channel forming member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0077] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the container 40 may have a channel forming member 46 having a circular shape in a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A. In other words, the channel forming member 46 may have a cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, the first channel 43 is formed inside the channel forming member 46. The channel forming member 46 may be adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 or may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 41.

[0078] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the container 40 may have a channel forming member 46 having an elliptical shape that accommodates the cylindrical portion 41 in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A. In other words, the channel forming member 46 may have an elliptical cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, the first channel 43 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the channel forming member 46 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41. The channel forming member 46 may be adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 or may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 41.

[0079] (Function and Effect) In Modification 3, the container 40 has a channel forming member 46 that forms the first channel 43. According to such a configuration, since the first channel 43 and the second channel 44 (chamber 40C) are partitioned at least by the cylindrical portion 41, it is possible to suppress the unintentional inflow of air from the first channel 43 to the second channel 44. The unintentional inflow of air is the inflow of air through a flow path other than the third channel 45 described above.

[0080] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the heater 50 disposed on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is disposed inside the first channel 43. In other words, since the first channel 43 does not intervene between the heater 50 and the chamber 40C, energy can be efficiently transmitted from the heater 50 to the fragrance generating article 110 as compared with the case shown in FIG. 9.

[0081] (Modification 4) Hereinafter, Modification 4 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0082] In Modification 4, a variation of the contact portion that contacts the fragrance generating article 110 when the fragrance generating article 110 is accommodated in the chamber 40C will be described.

[0083] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the container 40 has ribs 41R that stand upright from the bottom surface 42. In FIG. 13, two ribs 41R are illustrated, but the number of ribs 41R is arbitrary.

[0084] For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the container 40 may have a stepped portion 47 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 as a contact portion. The stepped portion 47 is a portion that projects from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 to the inside of the chamber 40C. The stepped portion 47 may be in contact with the bottom surface 42 or may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 42. The stepped portion 47 may be a portion continuous with the entire inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 or may be intermittently provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41. When the stepped portion 47 is intermittently provided, the number of stepped portions 47 is arbitrary. In such a case, the stepped portion 47 may be constituted by a heat dissipation member.

[0085] For example, as shown in FIG. 15(A), in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A, the inner peripheral surface of the first portion 41A that partitions the chamber 40C may narrow as it approaches the second end portion 41Y. In such a case, among the inner peripheral surface of the first portion 41A, the portion that contacts the flavor generating article 110 functions as a contact portion. Here, in addition to the inner peripheral surface of the first portion 41A, the inner peripheral surface of the second portion 41B may also narrow as it approaches the second end portion 41Y. According to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the channel from the first channel 43 to the third channel 45 includes an inclined channel or a curved channel. The inclined channel or the curved channel may be considered as a part of the first channel 43 or may be considered as a part of the third channel 45. Since an air flow 100D passing through the inclined channel or the curved channel is generated, air flows smoothly from the first channel 43 toward the second channel 44.

[0086] For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the bottom surface 42 of the container 40 may have a shape that projects inside the chamber 40C. In such a case, among the bottom surface 4, the portion that contacts the flavor generating article 110 functions as the contact portion. Such a shape of the bottom surface 42 serves the same function as the rib 41R described above.

[0087] (Modification Example 5) Hereinafter, Modification Example 5 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0088] In Modification Example 5, the variations of the heater 50 will be described. In Modification Example 5, as shown in FIG. 17, a case where the container 40 has two first channels 43 will be described. In FIG. 17, A1 and A2 are reference numerals representing the outer peripheral surfaces of the first portion 41A, and B1 and B2 are reference numerals representing the outer peripheral surfaces of the two portions 41B. In FIGS. 18 to 20 shown below, the portions of the heater 50 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 41A are marked with the reference numerals A1 and A2, and the portions of the heater 50 disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the two portions 41B are marked with the reference numerals B1 and B2. That is, in the assembled heater assembly 30, the regions marked with the reference numerals A1, A2, B1, and B2 in FIG. 18 will face the regions marked with the same reference numerals in FIG. 17. The same applies to the examples shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0089] For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 may be divided into two heating portions. The two heating portions are disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 41A, and the other portion is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the two portions 41B. The lead wire 53 may be provided at one end of the heater 50.

[0090] For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 may be divided into two heating portions. The two heating portions are disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 41A, and the other portion is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the two portions 41B. The lead wire 53 may be provided at the portion connecting the two heating portions.

[0091] For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 may not be divided into two heating parts. The heater 50 has two heating parts, one of which is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the first part 41A, and the other is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the two parts 41B. The lead wire 53 may be provided at a portion connecting the two heating parts.

[0092] (Modification Example 6) Hereinafter, Modification Example 6 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

[0093] In the embodiment, the control circuit 20 is arranged between the battery 10 and the heater assembly 30. In contrast, in Modification Example 6, as shown in FIG. 21, the control circuit 20 is provided below the heater assembly 30.

[0094] In Modification Example 6, similar to the embodiment, by arranging the first channel 43 adjacent to the chamber 40C, it is not necessary to provide a channel that communicates below the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure that closes the bottom surface of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, the control circuit 20 can be arranged below the heater assembly 30 and the dead space below the heater assembly 30 can be effectively utilized.

[0095] [Other Embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-described embodiments, the discussions and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0096] In the embodiment, the sensor 60 is provided on the bottom plate portion 42. In such a case, the sensor 60 may be provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 42 or on the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 42. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The sensor 60 may be provided at a position adjacent to the first channel 43. In such a case, the sensor 60 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface of the second portion 41B, or on the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface of the channel forming member 46. According to such a configuration, since the sensor 60 is separated from the heating element 52, the sensor 60 is not affected excessively by the heat generated from the heater 50. Therefore, in a case where the sensor 60 is used for detecting the puff operation or the like, the accuracy of the sensor 60 for detecting the temperature change can be improved.

[0097] In the embodiment, a case where the container 40 has one first channel 43 is illustrated. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The container 40 may have two or more first channels 43. In such a case, the two or more first channels 43 may be evenly arranged on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0098] (Additional Modification Example 1) Hereinafter, Additional Modification Example 1 of the embodiment will be described. In Additional Modification Example 1, for example, the container 40 shown in FIG. 2 has a region formed on at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and having a higher heat emissivity than the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical container 41.

[0099] The region with a high heat emissivity may be formed by blackening the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41. Specifically, a black layer may be provided by applying a carbon pigment to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41 or attaching a graphite film. The material for forming the black layer is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a material having both high heat emissivity and high thermal conductivity, such as carbon, ceramic, silicon, or glass.

[0100] In addition, the region with a high heat emissivity is not limited to blackening the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41 may be oxidized and corroded to make it rough, mechanically roughened, or an oxide film may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41.

[0101] Thereby, the heat emissivity of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 can be significantly increased as compared with aluminum or stainless steel (SUS) forming the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41. Therefore, the heating of the flavor-generating article 110 by heat radiation can be enhanced.

[0102] Note that the region with a high heat emissivity may be provided on the entire inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41, or may be provided only on the first portion 41A, for example, excluding the second portion 41B shown in FIG. 3.

[0103] (Additional Modification Example 2) Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 22, an additional modification example 2 of the embodiment will be described. In the additional modification example 2, for example, the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 22 can be configured to at least partially compress the article in the arrangement direction of the first portion 41A and the second portion 41B when a flavor-generating article is accommodated in the container 40. The arrangement direction of the first portion 41A and the second portion 41B may be simply referred to as the "arrangement direction" hereinafter. FIG. 23 is a top view of the opening OP of the container 40 in FIG. 22 viewed in the longitudinal direction A, and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the container 40 at the point SC in FIG. 22. The inner periphery of the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 24 can be configured to compress the article in the above-described arrangement direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 24) when a flavor-generating article is accommodated in the container 40. In particular, the inner periphery of the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 24 has a curved portion 41A3 that can contact the outer periphery of the smoking article, and a pair of straight portions 41A5, 41A5 that extend from both end portions 41A4, 41A4 of the curved portion 41A3 toward the top portion 41B3 in the protruding direction of the second portion 41B. The curved portion 41A3 in this example can be formed by a part of an ellipse having a major axis that intersects the above-described arrangement direction.

[0104] ​FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a substantially cylindrical fragrance generating article 110 housed in a container 40 in FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 25, the fragrance generating article 110 is pressed radially inward (diagonally downward in the figure) by the straight portions 41A5, 41A5 of the first portion 41A and the curved portions 41A3 in the vicinity thereof. As a result, the outer surface of the fragrance generating article 110 comes into close contact with the inner surface of the first portion 41A. Since the first portion 41A of the container 40 is directly heated by various heaters, the heating efficiency of the fragrance generating article 110 can be improved by bringing the fragrance generating article 110 into close contact with the inner surface thereof. The dashed line in FIG. 25 shows the outer periphery of the fragrance generating article 110 in a state before being housed and compressed in the container 40 for comparison.

[0105] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 25, since the pair of straight portions 41A5, 41A5 of the first portion 41A and the curved portions 41A3 in the vicinity thereof press the outer surface of the fragrance generating article 110 in the direction of the arrow in the figure (diagonally downward), it is possible to suppress the fragrance generating article 110 from entering the internal space of the second portion 41B. When the container 40 is incorporated into a fragrance suction device, the internal space of the second portion 41B can form a first channel 43 (see FIG. 2) that functions as an air flow path. By suppressing the fragrance generating article 110 from entering there, it is possible to prevent an increase in the ventilation resistance of the air flow path in the fragrance suction device. Note that the container 40 of this example may have a cross-section that can compress the fragrance generating article as described above throughout the longitudinal direction, or may have it only in a part of the longitudinal direction. The container 40 in FIG. 25 has the cross-section described above in most of the longitudinal direction except for its upper and lower end portions.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the container 40 of this example further has a hollow upper edge portion UE located between the first portion 41A and the opening OP. In the example of FIG. 23, the opening OP of the container 40 has an inner circumference that is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer circumference of the fragrance generating article 110, and the inner circumference of the upper edge portion UE gradually decreases from the opening OP toward the first portion 41A. That is, the inner circumferential surface of the upper edge portion UE of the container 40 serves to guide the fragrance generating article inserted from the opening OP toward the first portion 41A.

[0107] Next, another example of the cross-sectional shape of the container 40 will be described. For example, the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 3 may have different cross-sectional shapes at different positions in the longitudinal direction. Those different cross-sectional shapes are illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27. The inner circumference of the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 26 is formed by a part of a circle. On the other hand, the inner circumference of the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 27 is formed by a part of an ellipse having a major axis intersecting the above-described arrangement direction. Different from the example of FIG. 25 described above, although the inner circumference of the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 27 does not have a pair of straight portions, similar to the example of FIG. 25, the flavor-generating article can be compressed in the above-described arrangement direction (vertical direction in FIG. 24). The container 40 can be configured such that the cross-section of the first portion 41A continuously changes from the shape shown in FIG. 26 to the shape shown in FIG. 27.

[0108] Note that the area of the cross-section of the first portion 41A may be uniform regardless of the position in the longitudinal direction, or may change according to the position in the longitudinal direction. For example, when the first portion 41A has the cross-sections of FIGS. 26 and 27 at different positions in the longitudinal direction, the cross-sectional area of the first portion 41A in FIG. 27 can be made smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first portion 41A in FIG. 26. Here, the cross-sectional area of the first portion 41A means the area of a virtual circle or ellipse overlapping the inner circumference of the first portion 41A. By relatively reducing the cross-sectional area of the first portion 41A formed in an ellipse in this way, the flavor-generating article can be strongly compressed, and as a result, the outer circumference of the flavor-generating article can be strongly adhered to the inner circumference of the first portion 41A. Generally, in the flavor-generating article 110, a tobacco portion containing a tobacco raw material is disposed on the tip side, and a paper tube portion containing a filter is disposed on the root side. Here, the tobacco portion is easily deformed by an external force, while the paper tube portion is difficult to deform. Therefore, it is preferable to dispose an elliptical inner circumference as shown in FIG. 27 for the tobacco portion and a circular inner circumference as shown in FIG. 26 for the paper tube portion.

[0109] (Additional Modification Example 3) Hereinafter, an additional modification example 3 of the embodiment will be described. In the additional modification example 3, the first channel 43 formed by the second part 41B can form an air flow path from outside the heater assembly and the aroma attractor in which it is incorporated toward the second channel 44 formed by the first part 41A (see FIGS. 2 and 3, etc.). And the heater assembly of this example and the aroma attractor in which it is incorporated can be provided with an inhibiting member that inhibits the fluid flow in the reverse direction of the first channel 43. For example, the container 40 of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 can be provided with a partition wall 49 formed in the second part 41B and closing a part of the first channel as the above-mentioned inhibiting member.

[0110] FIGS. 28 and 29 are diagrams for explaining the partition wall 49 according to the additional modification example 3. In FIGS. 28 and 29, the partition wall 49 is a plate-like member made of plastic, rubber, etc. Also, the partition wall 49 may be provided at one location along the longitudinal direction of the second part 41B, or may be provided at a plurality of locations. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the partition wall 49 may be provided so as to be inclined from the mounting position toward the bottom plate portion 42.

[0111] Note that the partition wall 49 may have any shape as long as it has a shape that allows the forward air flow from the first end 40X to the second end 40Y in the first channel 43 while inhibiting the reverse heat vapor flow from the second end 40Y to the first end 40X.

[0112] Thereby, when the hot vapor flows backward from the second end 40Y toward the first end 40X, the hot vapor flow collides with the partition wall 49 and decelerates, and condensation is promoted, so that the temperature of the hot vapor can be lowered.

[0113] Note that at least one partition wall 49 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the first end 40X. Also, the partition wall 49 may be provided on the channel forming member 46 shown in FIG. 11.

[0114] Next, another example of the inhibiting member will be described. The heater assembly and the fragrance attractor in which it is incorporated may have an inhibiting member at a position spaced apart from the container 40. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the fragrance attractor 100 provided with the inhibiting member of this example. In the fragrance attractor 100 in FIG. 31, the container 40 in FIG. 31 is incorporated as a part of the heater assembly 30. The fragrance attractor 100 in FIG. 31 includes a movable lid member LD for covering the opening OP of the container 40. The lid member LD is movable between a closed position (second position) that covers the opening OP of the container 40 when the fragrance attractor 100 is not in use and an open position (first position) that at least partially exposes the opening OP of the container 40 when the fragrance attractor 100 is in use. The lid member LD in FIG. 31 is in the closed position.

[0115] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the fragrance attractor 100 when the lid member LD is in the open position. When the lid member LD is in the open position, the user can insert the fragrance generating article 110 into the container 40 through the opening OP. In this example, the lid member LD in the open position can be given the function of the above-described inhibiting member. Specifically, by configuring the lid member LD to cover a part of the opening OP of the container 40 even when it is in the open position, the lid member LD can be given the function of the inhibiting member. The lid member LD configured in this way, like the partition wall 49 shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, etc., can allow the forward air flow in the first channel 43 while inhibiting the reverse heat vapor flow. The fragrance attractor 100 may include both the lid member LD and the partition wall 49.

[0116] Alternatively, instead of the inhibition member described above, for example, a backflow prevention mechanism for preventing the backflow of air in the first channel may be provided in the second portion 41B shown in FIG. 3. The backflow prevention mechanism may be provided at the same location as the location where the partition wall 49 is provided so as to block the entire first channel. Further, the backflow prevention mechanism is formed of, for example, a flexible material, allows the forward air flow from the first end portion 40X to the second end portion 40Y to pass through, and blocks the reverse hot steam flow from the second end portion 40Y to the first end portion 40X. Further, when the backflow prevention mechanism is provided in the channel forming member 46 shown in FIG. 11, a known check valve may be used.

[0117] (Additional Modification Example 4) Hereinafter, Additional Modification Example 4 of the embodiment will be described. In Additional Modification Example 4, for example, the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40 shown in FIG. 2 are covered with a heat insulating member 70.

[0118] FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the heat insulating member 70 according to Additional Modification Example 4. In FIG. 33, the heat insulating member 70 may include a first heat insulating member 71 that covers the cylindrical member 41 and a second heat insulating member 72 that covers the bottom plate portion 42. The first heat insulating member 71 and the second heat insulating member 72 are heat insulating members using a vacuum heat insulating material, aerogel, silicon, or the like as the heat insulating material.

[0119] Further, the heat insulating member 70 may be an integral heat insulating member in which the first heat insulating member 71 that covers the cylindrical member 41 and the second heat insulating member 72 that covers the bottom plate portion 42 are continuously connected without a joint. For example, the heat insulating member 70 may be a heat insulating member such as a vacuum heat insulating container that covers the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42.

[0120] Thereby, since the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40 is covered with the heat insulating member 70, it is possible to prevent heat from reaching the control circuit 20 and the battery 10 by flowing around from the bottom surface of the container 40.

[0121] Also, when the heat insulating member 70 is composed of the first heat insulating member 71 and the second heat insulating member 72, the lead wire portion 53 of the heater 50 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41 can be passed between the first heat insulating member 71 and the second heat insulating member 72.

[0122] Note that the first heat insulating member 71 and the second heat insulating member 72 may be heat insulating members made of materials having the same thermal conductivity, or may be heat insulating members made of materials having different thermal conductivities from each other. That is, the heat insulating performance of the first heat insulating member 71 and the second heat insulating member 72 may be the same, or one of them may have higher heat insulating performance. In the aspect where the heater 50 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41, it is preferable to enhance the heat insulating performance of the first heat insulating member 71. Therefore, the heat insulating performance of the second heat insulating member 72 may be lower than that of the first heat insulating member 71.

[0123] (Additional Modification Example 5) Hereinafter, Additional Modification Example 5 of the embodiment will be described. In Additional Modification Example 5, for example, the heater 50 and the sensor 60 shown in FIG. 2 are covered with a heat shrinkable tube (not shown).

[0124] That is, in the above-described embodiment, the heat shrinkable tube was installed only outside the heater 50, whereas in Additional Modification Example 5, the heat shrinkable tube is installed so as to cover the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40.

[0125] Thereby, when the sensor 60 for detecting the puff operation is provided on the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40, the heater 50 and the sensor 60 can be fixed together.

[0126] (Additional Modification Example 6) Hereinafter, Additional Modification Example 6 of the embodiment will be described. In Additional Modification Example 6, for example, a film having a higher thermal conductivity than the cylindrical member 41 is provided between the cylindrical member 41 and the heater 50 shown in FIG. 2.

[0127] The film made of a material with high thermal conductivity is a film made of copper or other metals that has a higher thermal conductivity than the aluminum or stainless steel (SUS) forming the cylindrical portion 41.

[0128] As a result, the heat generated in the pattern portion of the heater 50 can be equalized by the film made of a material with high thermal conductivity, and the outer surface of the flavor-generating article 110 can be evenly heated. Therefore, the consumption of the components capable of generating the flavor contained in the flavor-generating article 110 is equalized, and the taste is also homogenized. Furthermore, the flavor-generating article 110 is prevented from being locally heated, and the depletion of the aerosol source only at that location is also prevented.

[0129] (Additional Modification Example 7) Hereinafter, Additional Modification Example 7 of the embodiment will be described. In Additional Modification Example 7, for example, the container 40 shown in FIG. 2 is provided on the bottom plate portion 42 and has a pedestal 80 that abuts against the tip of the flavor-generating article 110 when the flavor-generating article 110 is housed in the chamber 40C.

[0130] FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the pedestal 80 according to Additional Modification Example 7. In FIG. 34, the pedestal 80 may have a cylindrical shape formed concentrically with the second portion 41B. Further, the pedestal 80 forms an annular gap around the pedestal 80 that communicates with the first channel 43 and the second channel 44. That is, this annular gap corresponds to the third channel 45 that is the flow path of the air flow 100C.

[0131] As a result, the air flowing through the first channel 43 swirls in the annular gap formed by the pedestal 80 and uniformly flows into the flavor-generating article 110 from the portion excluding the pedestal 80 that abuts against the tip of the flavor-generating article 110. Therefore, the consumption of the base material contained in the flavor-generating article 110 is equalized, and the taste is also homogenized.

Claims

1. A container having a cylindrical portion that forms a chamber for containing a fragrance-generating article, and a heater disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, wherein the container includes a first channel that extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and is adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a second channel that passes through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and the first channel is a heater assembly that communicates with the two channels.

2. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heater is disposed so as to contact the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

3. The heater has a heating element and a base material that supports the heating element, and the heater assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the heating element is provided along a placement target portion on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion other than a portion adjacent to the first channel.

4. The placement target portion includes a first placement portion and a second placement portion on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion that is farther from the first channel than the first placement portion, and the heater assembly according to claim 3, wherein the watt density of the heating element in the first placement portion is higher than the watt density of the heating element in the second placement portion.

5. The heater has a heating element and a base material that supports the heating element, wherein the cylindrical portion has a first end for receiving the fragrance-generating article and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and the heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating element is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion so as to be spaced apart from the second end.

6. The container has a bottom plate portion that closes the second end, and the heater assembly according to claim 5, wherein the heating element is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion without being provided on the bottom plate portion.

7. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cylindrical portion has a contact portion that contacts the tip of the fragrance-generating article when the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber.

8. The container has a bottom plate portion, A pedestal provided on the bottom plate portion of the container and contacting the tip of the fragrance-generating article when the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber, the pedestal further comprising an annular gap communicating with the first channel and the second channel around the pedestal, the heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The cylindrical portion is composed of a heat-conductive member, the heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The cylindrical portion has a first end for receiving the fragrance-generating article and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, The container has a bottom plate portion closing the second end, The cylindrical portion has a third channel communicating the first channel and the second channel, the heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The channel from the first channel to the third channel includes an inclined channel or a curved channel, the heater assembly according to claim 10.

12. The cylindrical portion includes a first portion partitioning the chamber and a second portion protruding outside the chamber in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, The second portion extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and forms the first channel, the heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. In a state where the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber, the first portion contacts the outer peripheral surface of the fragrance-generating article, and the second portion is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the fragrance-generating article, the heater assembly according to claim 12.

14. The first portion is configured to at least partially compress the fragrance-generating article in the arrangement direction of the first portion and the second portion when the fragrance-generating article is accommodated in the chamber, the heater assembly according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The first portion has an elliptical inner circumference in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, the heater assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The container has a channel forming member forming the first channel, The channel forming member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and is the heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

17. Comprising a sensor for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, The sensor is provided on the bottom plate portion, and is the heater assembly according to any one of claims 6, 7 to 16 which refer to claim 6.

18. Comprising a sensor for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, The sensor is provided on the second portion, and is the heater assembly according to claims 12 to 15.

19. Comprising a sensor for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, The sensor is provided on the channel forming member, and is the heater assembly according to claim 16.

20. The container has a region with a higher heat emissivity than the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical container, formed on at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and is the heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The container further has a bottom plate portion, The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20 further comprises a heat insulating member covering the cylindrical portion and the bottom plate portion of the container.

22. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21 further comprises a film made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the cylindrical member, provided between the cylindrical portion and the heater.

23. The first channel forms an air flow path from the outside of the heater assembly toward the second channel, The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22 further comprises an inhibiting member for inhibiting a fluid flow in the reverse direction of the first channel.

24. The inhibiting member is a partition wall closing a part of the first channel, and is the heater assembly according to claim 23.

25. The heater assembly according to claim 23 further comprises a lid member movable between a first position for exposing the opening of the container and a second position for covering the opening, The inhibiting member is the lid member in the first position, and is the heater assembly according to claim 23.

26. A container having a cylindrical portion forming a chamber for accommodating a fragrance generating article, A first channel extending along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, A second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion is provided. The circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion constitutes a surface on which a heater is disposed. The first channel is a container communicating with the two channels.

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