Heater assembly and flavor inhaler

Abstract

To provide a heater assembly for a flavor inhaler improved in a mode in which aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source with a heater leaks from an inlet.SOLUTION: A heater assembly 30 comprises a heater that atomizes an aerosol source, an atomization chamber extending along a predetermined direction to form at least part of an aerosol channel through which aerosol passes, the aerosol being generated when the aerosol source is heated by the heater, and an intake channel that supplies air from an inlet to the atomization chamber. The intake channel includes a first channel extending along the predetermined direction and communicating with the inlet, a second channel extending from the first channel along an intersecting direction as viewed in a section of the heater assembly along the predetermined direction, and a third channel extending from the second channel along the predetermined direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater assembly and a flavor inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers that heat a flavor-generating article without combustion have been known. The flavor inhalers include a heater that atomizes an aerosol source, an atomization chamber having at least a portion of a channel for the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source with the heater, and an air intake channel that supplies air from an inlet to the atomization chamber (e.g., Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2001-521123 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2015-504667 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2006-505281 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A first feature is summarized as a heater assembly comprising: a heater that atomizes an aerosol source; an atomization chamber that extends along a predetermined direction as at least a part of an aerosol channel through which aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source by the heater passes; and an intake channel that supplies air from an inlet to the atomization chamber, wherein the intake channel includes: a first channel that extends along the predetermined direction and is connected to the inlet; a second channel that extends from the first channel along a cross direction that intersects the predetermined direction in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly along the predetermined direction; and a third channel that extends from the second channel along the predetermined direction.

[0005] A second feature is the first feature, wherein the third channel is adjacent to the atomization chamber in the cross direction.

[0006] A third feature is summarized as the first or second feature, wherein the second channel has a shape extending along an inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

[0007] A fourth feature is summarized as follows: in the third feature, the second channel includes a channel extending in a first direction along an inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel, and a channel extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

[0008] A fifth feature is summarized as the third feature, wherein the second channel has a shape that extends spirally along an inner circumference or an outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

[0009] A sixth feature is summarized as being related to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the heater assembly has a first end provided on a side where air flows into the atomization chamber from the intake channel and a second end provided on a side where aerosol flows out of the atomization chamber, and the third channel is provided at a position adjacent to the atomization chamber in a range between the first end and the second end.

[0010] A seventh feature is any one of the first to sixth features, wherein the aerosol source is a columnar article having a columnar shape, and the atomization chamber accommodates the columnar article and supports the columnar article at a first end provided on the side where air flows into the atomization chamber from the intake channel.

[0011] An eighth feature is summarized as any one of the first to seventh features, wherein when air is sucked in from the inlet, the atomization chamber directs the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow in the third channel.

[0012] A ninth feature is summarized as the seventh feature or the eighth feature quoting the seventh feature, in which at least a portion of the second channel is formed by an outer side surface of the columnar article when the columnar article is inserted into the atomization chamber.

[0013] A tenth feature is summarized as the seventh feature or the eighth feature citing the seventh feature, in that the heater assembly includes a cylindrical member provided along an outer side surface of the columnar member at a position adjacent to the second channel, and at least a portion of the second channel is defined by the outer side surface of the cylindrical member.

[0014] An eleventh feature is summarized as any one of the first to tenth features, wherein the inlet is arranged alongside the outlet from which the aerosol is guided in the cross direction.

[0015] A twelfth feature is summarized as the eleventh feature, wherein the heater assembly includes a collar member having a cavity that forms at least a part of the aerosol channel.

[0016] A thirteenth feature is summarized as the twelfth feature, wherein at least a portion of the second channel is formed by the collar member.

[0017] A fourteenth feature is summarized as the twelfth or thirteenth feature, wherein the cavity of the collar member includes at least a part of the aerosol channel and the first channel.

[0018] A fifteenth feature is summarized as any one of the first to fourteenth features, wherein the heater assembly includes a container having a cavity that includes the atomization chamber and the third channel.

[0019] A sixteenth feature is a flavor inhaler having the heater assembly according to any one of the first to fifteenth features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a generating device 120 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a heater assembly 30 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a heater assembly 30 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a collar member 31 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a collar member 31 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a container 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a container 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a container 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second channel 82 according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining leakage of aerosol according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a cylindrical member 90 according to the first modified example. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a cylindrical member 90 according to the first modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a cylindrical member 90 according to the first modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second channel 82 according to the first modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining leakage of aerosol according to the first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 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 dimensions may differ from those of the actual parts.

[0022] Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following explanation. Of course, there may be cases where the dimensional relationships and ratios differ between the drawings.

[0023] [Disclosure Summary] In the flavor inhalers of the background art described above, various ideas have been put into the arrangement of the intake channel and the heater, but no consideration has been given to the manner in which the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source by the heater leaks from the inlet, and improvement in the manner in which the aerosol leaks from the inlet is desired.

[0024] A heater assembly according to the outline of the disclosure includes a heater that atomizes an aerosol source, an atomization chamber that extends along a predetermined direction as at least a part of an aerosol channel through which aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source by the heater passes, and an intake channel that supplies air from an inlet to the atomization chamber. The intake channel includes a first channel that extends along the predetermined direction and communicates with the inlet, a second channel that extends from the first channel along the intersecting direction in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly along the predetermined direction, and a third channel that extends from the second channel along the predetermined direction.

[0025] According to the summary of the disclosure, the intake channel has a crank shape including a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. With this configuration, even in the case where aerosol flows back from the atomization chamber toward the inlet, the bend from the third channel to the second channel and the bend from the second channel to the first channel increase the resistance of the intake channel, so that the temperature of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel can be reduced by pressure loss.

[0026] [Embodiment] (flavor aspirator) The flavor inhaler according to the embodiment will be described below. Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a columnar member 110 is not inserted, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the columnar member 110 is inserted.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a columnar member 110 constituting an aerosol source and a generator 120 for generating an aerosol from the columnar member 110. The flavor inhaler 100 generates an aerosol without combustion. The flavor inhaler 100 may be a portable inhaler.

[0028] The columnar member 110 is a member that at least constitutes the solid aerosol source, and has a columnar shape extending along a predetermined direction X. For example, the columnar member 110 may be composed of cut tobacco, a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into particles, or a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into a sheet. The columnar member 110 may include a wrapping material that is wrapped around the solid aerosol source. The columnar member 110 may have a filter.

[0029] The pillar 110 may generate an aerosol upon heating and may include an aerosol source, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or various polyols, such as 1,3-butanediol, to promote aerosol generation. The pillar 110 may also be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The pillar 110 may also include a flavoring, such as menthol.

[0030] The generator 120 has an operation unit 210 that turns on the power of the generator 120, and a lid 220 that covers an opening 30X provided in a heater assembly 30, which will be described later. The operation unit 210 may have a function of turning off the power of the generator 120. The lid 220 is configured to be slidable, and exposes the opening 30X when the columnar member 110 is inserted. The lid 220 may be configured to be rotatable. Details of the generator 120 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

[0031] (Generation device) The generating device according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the generating device 120 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the AA cross section shown in Fig. 1.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the generating device 120 includes a battery 10, a control circuit 20, and a heater assembly 30.

[0033] The battery 10 stores power used by the generating device 120. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0034] The control circuit 20 is configured with a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls the operation of the generating device 120. The control circuit 20 starts heating the columnar member 110 when the operation unit 210 turns on the power of the generating device 120. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when a certain time has passed since the start of heating. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when a certain number of puffing operations have been performed since the start of heating. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when the operation unit 210 turns off the power of the generating device 120. The puffing operation may be detected by a sensor (not shown). The sensor may be provided in the bottom plate portion 41 (e.g., the separation portion 41B) described below.

[0035] The heater assembly 30 generates an aerosol by heating the columnar member 110. The heater assembly 30 has an opening 30X, and the columnar member 110 is inserted into the heater assembly 30 through the opening 30X. The heater assembly 30 has a collar member 31, a container 40, and a heater 50. The heater assembly 30 may also have a heat insulating member 60. However, the heat insulating member 60 does not have to be part of the heater assembly 30. Details of the collar member 31 and the container 40 will be described later, so here, the heater 50 and the heat insulating member 60 will be mainly described.

[0036] The heater 50 is disposed on the outer side surface of the container 40. In particular, the heater 50 is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the outer side surface (periphery) of the container 40. The heater 50 atomizes the aerosol source. Specifically, the heater 50 heats the columnar member 110 housed in the container 40. FIG. 3 illustrates a case in which the heater 50 is disposed on the outer side surface of the container 40. The heater 50 may be configured by a substrate formed of a film such as polyimide and a heating element formed of a resistance heating element such as metal. The heating element may be sandwiched between the two substrates. The metal constituting the heating element may be one or more metals selected from a nickel alloy, a chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum-rhodium.

[0037] The heat insulating member 60 is disposed outside the heater 50 so as to cover the container 40. The heat insulating member 60 may be a vacuum heat insulating member having a double structure. The heat insulating member 60 may be made of a heat insulating material such as aerogel or silicon.

[0038] (heater assembly) The heater assembly according to the embodiment will be described below. Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views showing a heater assembly 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 shows the heater assembly 30 in the AA cross section shown in Figure 1, with a columnar member 110 inserted. Figure 5 shows the heater assembly 30 in the AA cross section shown in Figure 2, with a columnar member 110 not inserted. The heater 50 and heat insulating member 60 described above are omitted from Figures 4 and 5.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heater assembly 30 includes a collar member 31 and a container 40.

[0040] The collar member 31 has a cylindrical shape and is made of, for example, a plastic synthetic resin. The collar member 31 has an opening 30X for receiving the columnar member 110. The opening 30X includes an inlet 120IN for introducing air into the heater assembly 30 when the columnar member 110 is inserted into the heater assembly 30, and an outlet 120OUT for discharging the aerosol from the heater assembly 30.

[0041] In this embodiment, the outlet 120OUT is the portion occupied by the post 110 because the aerosol passes through the post 110. The inlet 120IN is the portion not occupied by the post 110. The opening 30X is larger than the inlet 120IN and the outlet 120OUT to facilitate insertion of the post 110. The collar member 31 may function as an insertion guide for the post 110.

[0042] In the embodiment, the inlet 120IN is provided alongside the outlet 120OUT in a cross direction Y that crosses the predetermined direction X. Although not particularly limited, the cross direction Y may be considered to be a direction having an angle of -45° to 45° with respect to a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction X.

[0043] The container 40 has a shape that extends along a predetermined direction X. The container 40 is a member that houses the columnar member 110 that is inserted via the collar member 31. The container 40 is made of a thermally conductive member (for example, a metal such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless)). When the columnar member 110 is inserted, the container 40 has a portion (hereinafter referred to as an atomization chamber) that is occupied by the columnar member 110.

[0044] The container 40 has a first end 40 provided on the side where air flows from the intake channels (first channel 81 to fourth channel 84 in FIG. 5) into the atomization chamber (fifth channel 85 in FIG. 5). A second end 40B is provided on the side where air flows out from the atomization chamber.

[0045] The container 40 has a bottom plate portion 41 and a cylindrical portion 42. The bottom plate portion 41 closes the first end 40A. That is, the container 40 has a cup shape defined by the bottom plate portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 42. The container 40 may be integrally formed by a technique such as drawing a metal plate.

[0046] The base plate portion 41 has a seat portion 41A and a spaced portion 41B at the first end 40A. Specifically, when the columnar member 110 is inserted, the seat portion 41A is in contact with the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and supports the columnar member 110. The spaced portion 41B has a shape that protrudes in a direction away from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110. Because the portion occupied by the columnar member 110 is the atomization chamber, the seat portion 41A may be considered to constitute a part of the atomization chamber. The spaced portion 41B may be considered to constitute a part of the intake channel (fourth channel 84 in FIG. 5 ).

[0047] Under these conditions, the heater assembly 30 has a first channel 81, a second channel 82, a third channel 83, a fourth channel 84, a fifth channel 85, and a sixth channel 86.

[0048] The first channel 81 is a channel that extends along the predetermined direction X and is connected to the inlet 120IN. The second channel is a channel that extends from the first channel 81 along a cross direction Y that intersects with the predetermined direction X, in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30 along the predetermined direction X. The third channel 83 is a channel that extends from the second channel 82 along the predetermined direction X. The fourth channel 84 is a channel that communicates from the third channel 83 to the fifth channel 85. The fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 are channels that extend along the predetermined direction X and are connected to the outlet 120OUT.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first channel 81 to the fourth channel constitute an intake channel that supplies air from the inlet 120IN to the atomization chamber (the fifth channel 85 in FIG. 5). The fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 constitute a channel for the aerosol (hereinafter referred to as the aerosol channel) that is generated by heating the aerosol source (here, the columnar member 110) with the heater 50. The fifth channel 85 constitutes the atomization chamber that constitutes at least a part of the aerosol channel.

[0050] As described above, in the embodiment, the aerosol flows through the columnar member 110, so the aerosol channel may be considered to be the columnar member 110 itself. The atomization chamber is the portion of the aerosol channel to which heating by the heater 50 contributes. Thus, the atomization chamber is the portion of the cavity of the container 40 that is occupied by the columnar member 110.

[0051] The third channel 83 is adjacent to the atomization chamber (the fifth channel in FIG. 5 ) in the cross direction Y. The third channel 83 is provided at a position adjacent to the atomization chamber in the range between the first end 40A and the second end 40B in the predetermined direction X. In other words, the third channel 83 may be provided over the entire range of the container 40 in the predetermined direction X. As described above, the atomization chamber may be considered to be the columnar member 110, and therefore the third channel 83 is the portion of the cavity of the container 40 that is not occupied by the columnar member 110.

[0052] Next, the flow of gas from the inlet 120IN to the outlet 120OUT will be described. First, the air flowing from the inlet 120IN into the first channel 81 passes through the first channel 81 as an air flow F1 along a predetermined direction X. Second, the air flowing from the first channel 81 into the second channel 82 passes through the second channel 82 as an air flow F2 along a cross direction Y. First, the air flows through the fourth channel 84 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F5. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F6. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F7. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F8. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F9. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F10. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F11. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F12. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F13. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F14. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F15. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F16. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F17. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F18. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F19 ...1. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F14. The air flows through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F15. The

[0053] Here, the direction of the aerosol flow F5 in the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 is opposite to the direction of the air flow F3 in the third channel. That is, when air is sucked from the inlet 120IN, the atomization chamber (fifth channel 85) guides the aerosol generated from the columnar member 110 in the direction opposite to the direction of the air flow in the third channel.

[0054] (Colored parts) The collar member according to the embodiment will be described below. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing a collar member 31 according to the embodiment.

[0055] 6 and 7, the collar member 31 has a cavity 31X including the first channel 81, the second channel 82, and the sixth channel 86 described above. The cavity 31X communicates with the opening 30X (i.e., the inlet 120IN and the outlet 120OUT). The cavity 31X communicates with the third channel 83 and the fifth channel 85 (cavity 40X, described below). The collar member 31 has a protruding portion 32, a notched portion 33, and a wall body 34.

[0056] The protruding portion 32 is a portion that protrudes further into the cavity 31X than the wall body 34. The protruding portion 32 is provided so as to come into contact with the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 when the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 31X. Here, a case where the protruding portion 32 is provided as the protruding portion 32 is illustrated. The protruding portion 32A is continuous along the outer periphery of the cavity 31X.

[0057] The notched portion 33 is provided between the protruding portion 32A and the protruding portion 32B. The notched portion 33 forms a first channel 81 through which the air flowing in from the inlet 120IN passes.

[0058] The wall 34 has a cylindrical shape and forms at least a part of the cavity 31X. The wall 34 is located closer to the container 40 than the protrusion 32 and the notched portion 33. The wall 34 is spaced apart from the outer side surface of the columnar member 110. In other words, a gap is provided between the inner side surface of the wall 34 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110. The inner side surface of the wall 34 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 form a second channel 82 through which air flowing in from the notched portion 33 passes.

[0059] (container) The container according to the embodiment will be described below. Figures 8 to 10 are views showing a container 40 according to the embodiment. Figure 10 is a view showing the cross section BB shown in Figure 5.

[0060] 8 to 10, the container 40 has a cavity 40X including the third channel 83, the fourth channel 84, and the fifth channel 85. The cavity 40X communicates with the cavity 31X of the collar member 31. The container 40 has a bottom plate portion 41 and a cylindrical portion 42.

[0061] The bottom plate portion 41 has a pedestal portion 41A and a spaced portion 41B at the first end 40A. The pedestal portion 41A comes into contact with the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 when the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. That is, the pedestal portion 41A supports the columnar member 110. The spaced portion 41B is spaced from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 when the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. Note that the first end 40A is not limited to the structure shown in the figure, and the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 may be spaced from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110. Alternatively, it may have any structure as long as it can at least partially support the vicinity thereof.

[0062] The cylindrical portion 42 defines a cavity 40X and includes a holding portion 42A and a separating portion 42B. The holding portion 42A contacts the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 110 when the cylindrical member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. As described above, since the atomization chamber is a chamber occupied by the cylindrical member 110, the holding portion 42A may be considered to be a member that defines the atomization chamber. The separating portion 42B is separated from the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 110 when the cylindrical member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. In other words, a gap is provided between the inner side surface of the separating portion 42B and the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 110. The heater 50 described above may be provided at least in a portion of the outer side surface (peripheral surface) of the cylindrical portion 42 that corresponds to the holding portion 42A. The heater 50 may extend at least partially along the entire length of the cylindrical portion 42 in the predetermined direction X.

[0063] Here, the inner side surface of the spaced portion 42B of the cylindrical portion 42 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 form a third channel 83 through which air flowing in from the second channel 82 passes. The spaced portion 41B of the bottom plate portion 41 forms a fourth channel 84 through which air guided from the third channel 83 to the fifth channel 85 passes. It may be considered that a portion of the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and a portion of the spaced portion 42B of the cylindrical portion 42 also form the fourth channel 84. The base portion 41A of the bottom plate portion 41 and the holding portion 42A of the cylindrical portion 42 form a fifth channel 85 (i.e., an atomization chamber).

[0064] In the embodiment, cavity 40X includes third channel 83 and fifth channel 85. Insertion of columnar member 110 into cavity 40X defines third channel 83 and fifth channel 85. As described above, third channel 83 is a portion of cavity 40X that is not occupied by columnar member 110, and fifth channel 85 is a portion of cavity 40X that is occupied by columnar member 110.

[0065] (Channel 2) The second channel according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a second channel 82 according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a CC cross section shown in Fig. 5.

[0066] 11, the second channel 82 is a channel that communicates with the first channel 81 and the third channel 83. As described above, in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30 along the predetermined direction X (see, for example, FIG. 5), the second channel 82 is a channel that extends from the first channel 81 along the intersecting direction Y that intersects with the predetermined direction X.

[0067] Here, the second channel 82 is formed between the inner side surface of the wall 34 of the collar member 31 and the outer side surface of the post-shaped member 110. The second end 40B of the container 40 may be considered to constitute at least a part of the second channel 82.

[0068] In such a case, second channel 82 has a shape that extends along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (i.e., columnar member 110 or sixth channel 86). Specifically, second channel 82 includes channel 821 that extends in a first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel, and channel 822 that extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel.

[0069] (Aerosol leakage) The following describes the leakage of aerosol according to the embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. FIG.

[0070] Here, if aerosol leakage occurs, first channel 81, second channel 82, and third channel 83 will function as aerosol channels instead of as intake channels. For example, a case in which aerosol leakage occurs may occur when the user performs a blowing action without performing a suction action.

[0071] 12, the aerosol generated from the atomization chamber passes through the third channel 83 as an aerosol flow R3 along the predetermined direction X. Subsequently, the aerosol flowing from the third channel 83 into the second channel 82 passes through the second channel 82 as an aerosol flow R2 along the cross direction Y. The aerosol flowing from the second channel 82 into the first channel 81 passes through the first channel 81 as an aerosol flow R1 along the predetermined direction X. In this way, the aerosol leaks from the inlet 120IN.

[0072] That is, the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel repeatedly bends from aerosol flow R3 to aerosol flow R2 and from aerosol flow R2 to aerosol flow R1. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel can be reduced by the pressure loss.

[0073] Furthermore, it is conceivable that turbulence will occur when the aerosol flow R3 collides with the protrusions 32 of the collar member 31. Such turbulence will promote heat exchange with the wall surface of the collar member 31, which is expected to lower the temperature of the aerosol. Similarly, it is conceivable that turbulence will occur when the aerosol flow R2 collides with the wall 34 of the collar member 31. Such turbulence may also contribute to a decrease in the temperature of the aerosol.

[0074] (Action and effect) In this embodiment, the intake channel has a crank shape including a first channel 81, a second channel 82, and a third channel 83. With this configuration, even in the case where a backflow of aerosol occurs from the atomization chamber toward the inlet 120IN, the bend from the third channel 83 to the second channel 82 and the bend from the second channel 82 to the first channel 81 increase the resistance of the intake channel, so that the temperature of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel can be reduced by pressure loss.

[0075] [Change Example 1] The following describes a first modification of the embodiment. Differences from the embodiment are mainly described below. In the first modification, the heater assembly 30 has a cylindrical member provided along the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 at a position adjacent to the second channel 82.

[0076] (Cylindrical member) The following describes a cylindrical member according to Modified Example 1. Figures 13 to 15 are views for explaining a cylindrical member 90 according to Modified Example 1. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30. Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views showing the container 40. In addition to the container 40, Figures 14 and 15 show the cylindrical member 90 described above.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the heater assembly 30 has a cylindrical member 90. The cylindrical member 90 may be made of a thermally conductive material (for example, a metal such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless)). The cylindrical member 90 may be made of the same material as the container 40. The cylindrical member 90 is provided at a position adjacent to the second channel 82. The cylindrical member 90 is provided along the outer side surface of the columnar member 110. In other words, the cylindrical member The inner side of the shaped member 90 defines the fifth channel 85 mentioned above.

[0078] Here, the container 40 has a tapered portion 43 that widens outward toward the second end 40B. The tapered portion 43 is provided so as to be continuous with the holding portion 42A other than the separating portion 42B in the predetermined direction X. The tapered portion 43 holds the tubular member 90 so that the inner side surface of the tubular member 90 is aligned with the inner side surface of the holding portion 42A. In other words, the tubular member 90 comes into contact with the container 40 at the tapered portion 43.

[0079] On the other hand, the cylindrical member 90 is spaced apart from the separated portion 42B because it is necessary to communicate the second channel 82 with the third channel 83. A gap is provided between the cylindrical member 90 and the separated portion 42B.

[0080] In Modification 1, the cylindrical member 90 may include a portion that overlaps with the container 40 in the cross direction Y. For example, the cylindrical member 90 may include a portion that overlaps with a part of the tapered portion 43, or may include a portion that overlaps with the spaced portion 42B.

[0081] (Channel 2) The following describes the second channel according to Modification 1. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a second channel 82 according to Modification 1. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the cross section taken along line DD shown in Fig. 13 .

[0082] 16, the second channel 82 is a channel that communicates with the first channel 81 and the third channel 83. As described above, the second channel 82 is a channel that extends from the first channel 81 along the intersecting direction Y that intersects with the predetermined direction X in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30 along the predetermined direction X (see, for example, FIG. 13).

[0083] Here, at least a portion of the second channel 82 is defined by the outer side surface of the tubular member 90. For example, the second channel 82 is defined between the inner side surface of the wall 34 of the collar member 31 and the outer side surface of the tubular member 90. The second channel 82 may also be defined between the inner side surface of the holding portion 42A of the container 40 and the outer side surface of the tubular member 90.

[0084] In such a case, second channel 82 has a shape that extends along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (i.e., tubular member 90). Specifically, second channel 82 includes channel 821 that extends in a first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel, and channel 822 that extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel.

[0085] (Aerosol leakage) The following describes leakage of aerosol according to Modification 1. Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining leakage of aerosol according to Modification 1. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of heater assembly 30.

[0086] Basically, the mechanism of aerosol leakage is the same as that shown in Fig. 12. However, it should be noted that the aerosol flowing backward through the second channel 82 (aerosol flow R2) passes outside the tubular member 90.

[0087] (Action and effect) In Modification Example 1, at least a portion of the second channel 82 is formed by the tubular member 90. With this configuration, at least a portion of the second channel 82 is isolated from the columnar member 110, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel. For example, improvement in cooling efficiency can be expected by forming the tubular member 90 from a thermally conductive member.

[0088] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0089] In the above-described embodiments, the second channel 82 is a channel extending in two directions (including channel 821 and channel 822 (see FIGS. 11 and 16)). However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The second channel 82 may also have a channel extending in one direction (for example, either one of channel 821 and channel 822).

[0090] Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiments, the second channel 82 may have a shape that extends spirally along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (the columnar member 110 or the tubular member 90). With such a configuration, the channel length of the second channel 82 is increased, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the aerosol that flows back through the intake channel.

[0091] In the above-described embodiments, the second channel 82 has a shape that extends along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (the columnar member 110 or the tubular member 90). However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The second channel 82 may have a shape that extends along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel. For example, the second channel 82 may be disposed inside the sixth channel 86 described above, and the second channel 82 may be separated from the sixth channel 86 by a partition wall or the like.

[0092] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiments, the heater 50 may be provided only in the holding portion 42A of the container 40, without being provided in the separation portion 42B of the container 40. With such a configuration, the heater 50 is not disposed in a portion that does not contribute to heating the columnar member 110 (a portion adjacent to the third channel 83), thereby suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the aerosol flowing back through the third channel 83.

[0093] In the embodiments and the like, the heater 50 is disposed on the outer side surface of the container 40. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The heater 50 may be disposed on the inner side surface of the container 40. Alternatively, the heater 50 may have a shape that allows it to be inserted into the columnar member 110.

[0094] In the embodiments, one cavity 40X of the container 40 includes the third channel 83 and the fifth channel 85. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The third channel 83 and the fifth channel 85 may be provided as separate cavities separated by a partition or the like. Similarly, one cavity 31X of the collar member 31 includes the first channel 81, the second channel 82, and the sixth channel 86. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The first channel 81, the second channel 82, and the sixth channel 86 may be provided as separate cavities separated by a partition or the like.

[0095] In the embodiments, the heater assembly 30 has one channel group including a first channel 81, a second channel 82, and a third channel 83, although the second channel 82 may branch off. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the heater assembly 30 may have two or more channel groups. In such a case, the two or more channel groups may not be in communication with each other. Alternatively, the two or more channel groups may share at least some of the channels. For example, the heater assembly 30 may have two or more first channels 81 and a second channel 82 that communicates with both of the two or more first channels 81. In this case, In such cases, the heater assembly 30 may have one third channel 83 or two or more third channels 83.

[0096] In the above-described embodiments, the aerosol source is a solid. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The aerosol source may be a liquid. For example, a liquid retaining member such as a wick is disposed in the atomization chamber, and the aerosol source held by the liquid retaining member is heated by a heater. In such a case, a solid flavor source (e.g., a tobacco source) may be provided downstream of the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source.

Claims

1. A heater assembly comprising: a heater for atomizing the aerosol source; an atomization chamber extending along a predetermined direction as at least a part of an aerosol channel through which the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source by the heater passes; an intake channel for supplying air from an inlet to the atomization chamber; The intake channel is a first channel extending along the predetermined direction and communicating with the inlet; a second channel extending from the first channel along a cross direction intersecting the predetermined direction in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly along the predetermined direction; a third channel extending from the second channel along the predetermined direction.

2. The heater assembly of claim 1 , wherein the third channel is adjacent to the atomization chamber in the cross direction.

3. The heater assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second channel has a shape extending along an inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

4. The heater assembly of claim 3, wherein the second channel includes a channel extending in a first direction along an inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel, and a channel extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

5. The heater assembly of claim 3 , wherein the second channel has a shape that extends spirally along an inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

6. a first end provided on a side where air flows from the intake channel into the atomization chamber; a second end provided on the side where the aerosol flows out of the atomization chamber; The heater assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the third channel is provided at a position adjacent to the atomization chamber in a range between the first end and the second end.

7. the aerosol source is a columnar article having a columnar shape; 7. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the atomization chamber accommodates the columnar article and supports the columnar article at a first end located on the side where air flows from the intake channel into the atomization chamber.

8. 8. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein when air is drawn in through the inlet, the atomization chamber directs the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow in the third channel.

9. A heater assembly as described in claim 7 or claim 8 that relies on claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the second channel is defined by an outer side surface of the columnar article when the columnar article is inserted into the atomization chamber.

10. a cylindrical member provided along an outer side surface of the columnar member at a position adjacent to the second channel; 9. The heater assembly according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the second channel is defined by an outer side surface of the tubular member.

11. 11. A heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inlet is arranged alongside an outlet through which the aerosol is led in the cross direction.

12. The heater assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a collar member having a cavity defining at least a portion of the aerosol channel.

13. The heater assembly of claim 12 , wherein the second channel is defined at least in part by the collar member.

14. 14. The heater assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the cavity of the collar member includes at least a portion of the aerosol channel and the first channel.

15. 15. The heater assembly of claim 1, comprising a container having a cavity containing the atomization chamber and the third channel.

16. A flavor inhaler comprising the heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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