Flavor inhaler and smoking system

Abstract

To provide a flavor inhaler and a smoking system with which a grasping force on a smoking article inserted in a chamber may be sufficiently secured.SOLUTION: A flavor inhaler includes: an accommodating portion that includes an opening formed at one end to allow insertion of a smoking article, and that houses the smoking article; a heating unit that is disposed along an axial direction of the accommodating portion, and that heats the smoking article housed in the accommodating portion; and a grasping portion 87 that grasps a side surface of the smoking article housed in the accommodating portion, where an inner side surface of the accommodating portion includes a first region 50A that overlaps the heating unit in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axial direction of the accommodating portion, and a second region 50B that is a region other than the first region, and that is present along the axial direction of the accommodating portion between the other end of the accommodating portion and an end portion of the heating unit on the other end side, where the grasping portion is provided in the second region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to flavor inhalers and smoking systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in flavor inhalers that use smoking articles such as sticks, it is known to provide a mechanism for holding the stick inserted into the chamber of the flavor inhaler to prevent it from falling out. For example, see Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, a protrusion for holding the smoking article is provided in a position that overlaps vertically with the internal heater of the chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special table number 2020-516268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To generate aerosol in a flavor inhaler, a smoking article inserted into a chamber is heated by a heating element. In this case, the smoking article may be locally thinned near the heated area near the heating element due to the heating. Therefore, gripping the smoking article near the heated area may not be sufficient.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler and a smoking system that can ensure sufficient gripping force for a smoking article inserted into a chamber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising: a storage section for storing smoking articles, the storage section having an opening at one end through which smoking articles can be inserted; a heating section arranged along the axial direction of the storage section for heating the smoking articles stored in the storage section; and a gripping section for gripping the side of the smoking article stored in the storage section, wherein the inner surface of the storage section includes, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage section, a first region overlapping with the heating section, and a second region other than the first region that exists along the axial direction of the storage section between the other end of the storage section and the end of the heating section on the other end side, and the gripping section is provided in the second region.

[0007] In the first aspect, the gripping portion for gripping the smoking article within the storage portion is provided in a second region that is distinct from the first region in which the heating portion is disposed along the axial direction of the storage portion. Thus, according to the first aspect, by gripping the smoking article in the non-heating region that does not come into contact with the heating portion, a sufficient gripping force can be ensured for the smoking article stored in the storage portion.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the above-mentioned first aspect, wherein in a cross section cut along the central axis of the storage portion and passing through the grip portion, formulas (1) and (2) are satisfied, W1 ≥ W2 (1) W3≧W2 (2) In the formulas (1) and (2), W1 is the radial length of the first region, W2 is the radial length of the second region, and W3 is the radial length of the smoking article corresponding to the first region, which is a flavor inhaler.

[0009] In the second aspect, in a cross section cut along the central axis of the housing portion and passing through the grip portion, the radial length of the second region in which the grip portion is provided is Since the second region protrudes toward the heating unit, the radial length of the second region where the gripping portion is provided is shorter than the radial length of the smoking article in the first region where the gripping portion is not provided. Also, in the same cross-sectional view, the radial length of the second region where the gripping portion is provided is shorter than the radial length of the smoking article in the first region that is not pressed by the gripping portion. Therefore, according to the second aspect, the internal space of the storage unit is compressed radially inward in the non-heating region that does not contact the heating unit, thereby ensuring sufficient gripping force for the smoking article stored in the storage unit.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the second aspect, wherein the grip portion is a convex portion that protrudes inward of the housing portion in the second region.

[0011] In the third aspect, the gripping portion for gripping the smoking article is configured as a protrusion that protrudes into the inside of the storage compartment, and therefore, according to the third aspect, a sufficient gripping force can be exerted on the smoking article stored in the storage compartment toward the inside of the storage compartment.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the third aspect, wherein the other end of the storage section is provided with a bottom member that constitutes the bottom of the storage section, the bottom member being configured as an integral part of the storage section or as a separate member, and the convex portion being provided near the bottom.

[0013] In the fourth aspect, a bottom member is provided to form the bottom of the storage compartment, and a gripping portion for gripping a smoking article is provided near this bottom. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect, the smoking article can be stably gripped near the bottom of the storage compartment. Furthermore, in the fourth aspect, the bottom member can be configured integrally with the storage compartment or as a separate member, thereby increasing the flexibility of the storage compartment configuration.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the fourth aspect, wherein the convex portion extends from the bottom portion of the storage portion toward the one end.

[0015] In the fifth aspect, the gripping portion for gripping the smoking article is configured as a convex portion that extends vertically upward from the bottom of the storage compartment and faces inward of the storage compartment, thereby enabling a sufficient gripping force to be exerted inward on the smoking article stored in the storage compartment near the bottom of the storage compartment.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the fifth aspect, wherein the convex portion has an inclined portion near an end portion on the one end side of the storage portion, inclining so as to move away from the central axis of the storage portion as it approaches the one end.

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the tip of the protrusion that extends vertically upward from the bottom of the storage compartment and toward the inside of the storage compartment is provided with an inclined portion that is inclined away from the central axis of the storage compartment. Therefore, according to the sixth aspect, the protrusion can be prevented from interfering with the insertion of smoking articles into the storage compartment.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the convex portion has a pair of ridges.

[0019] In the seventh aspect, the convex portion extending vertically upward from the bottom of the storage compartment and toward the inside of the storage compartment has a pair of ridges. Therefore, according to the seventh aspect, the pair of ridges sandwich the sides of the smoking article, allowing the smoking article to be stably held within the storage compartment.

[0020] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the seventh aspect, wherein the protrusion is formed at the other end of the storage portion. The flavor inhaler is inclined toward the central axis of the storage section as it moves away from the center.

[0021] In the eighth aspect, the convex portion including the pair of ridges is inclined toward the central axis of the storage compartment. Therefore, according to the eighth aspect, when the pair of ridges are pressed by the smoking article inserted into the storage compartment and spread radially outward, the pair of ridges press the smoking article radially inward in reaction, allowing the smoking article to be stably held within the storage compartment.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the gripping portion is provided at a position spaced apart from the heating portion toward the other end of the storage portion along the axial direction of the storage portion in a cross-sectional view passing through the central axis of the storage portion.

[0023] In the above 9th aspect, a gripping portion is provided vertically below the heating portion. Therefore, according to the above 9th aspect, when a non-circular compression chamber that can improve the heating efficiency of smoking articles is adopted as the storage portion, the inserted smoking article is pressed at the compressed part of the storage portion where the heating portion is located, and then the side of the smoking article is gripped vertically below by the gripping portion, thereby fixing the smoking article in the internal space of the storage portion.

[0024] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the smoking article has a flavor source-filled portion filled with a flavor source, and the gripping portion grips the flavor source-filled portion of the smoking article housed in the housing portion.

[0025] In the tenth aspect, the gripping portion grips the flavor source-filled portion of the smoking article, which is filled with a flavor source, and therefore the holding force is improved compared to gripping other portions with lower density.

[0026] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a smoking system comprising a smoking article and a flavor inhaler, wherein the flavor inhaler has a storage section that stores the smoking article and has an opening formed at one end through which the smoking article can be inserted, a heating section that is arranged along the axial direction of the storage section and heats the smoking article stored in the storage section, and a gripping section that grips the side of the smoking article stored in the storage section, wherein the inner surface of the storage section, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage section, includes a first region that overlaps with the heating section, and a second region that is a region other than the first region and exists along the axial direction of the storage section between the other end of the storage section and the end of the heating section on the other end side, and the gripping section is provided in the second region.

[0027] In the eleventh aspect, the gripping portion for gripping the smoking article within the storage portion is provided in a second region that is distinct from the first region in which the heating portion is disposed along the axial direction of the storage portion. Thus, according to the eleventh aspect, by gripping the smoking article in the non-heating region that does not come into contact with the heating portion, a sufficient gripping force can be ensured for the smoking article stored in the storage portion.

[0028] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a smoking system according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the smoking article has a flavor source-filled portion filled with a flavor source, and the gripping portion of the flavor inhaler grips the flavor source-filled portion of the smoking article contained in the storage portion.

[0029] In the above-mentioned 12th aspect, in the smoking system, the gripping portion grips the flavor source-filled portion of the smoking article that is filled with a flavor source, thereby improving the holding force of the smoking article within the flavor inhaler compared to gripping other portions with lower density.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a smoking article according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the smoking article includes a conductive member inside a filled flavor source, the heating unit of the flavor inhaler generates a magnetic field that varies over time, and the conductive member of the smoking article generates heat based on the variation of the magnetic field. It is a smoking system.

[0031] In the thirteenth aspect, the flavor inhaler generates a fluctuating magnetic field, which causes the conductive member built into the flavor source filled in the flavor inhaler to heat up, thereby generating flavor. Thus, according to the thirteenth aspect, the smoking system can generate flavor without heating the flavor inhaler itself.

[0032] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a smoking system according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the conductive member includes a plurality of members discretely arranged inside the flavor source.

[0033] In the fourteenth aspect, the flavor source of the smoking article includes a plurality of conductive members spaced apart from one another, thereby improving the flexibility of the design of the smoking article with a built-in heated member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable product. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along the arrow 3-3 shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5A-5A shown in FIG. 4B. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5B-5B in FIG. 4B. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chamber and a heating unit. [Figure 7]FIG. 5C is the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5B with the consumable placed in a desired position within the chamber. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5B, illustrating the mutual arrangement of the heating element and extensions according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the chamber as seen from vertically above. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber showing the mutual arrangement of a heating element and an extension according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber showing the mutual arrangement of an internal heater and an extension according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber showing the relative arrangement of a susceptor portion and an extension portion according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber showing the relative arrangement of a built-in susceptor and an extension portion according to a modification of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber showing the relative arrangement of a high-frequency generator and an extension according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0036] FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100. For ease of explanation, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system may be used in the drawings described in this specification. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the XY plane is positioned to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is positioned to extend from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the consumable goods contained in the chamber 50 of the atomization unit 30 (described later) or the axial direction of the cylindrical heat insulating unit. The X axis can also be referred to as a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the Y axis can also be referred to as a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the first direction. Furthermore, the X axis can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable goods, and the Y axis can also be referred to as the lateral direction of the flavor inhaler 100 in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable goods.

[0037] The flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by, for example, heating a stick-shaped consumable product having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 includes an outer housing 101, a slide cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 100, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand and inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be constructed by assembling multiple members. The outer housing 101 may be made of, for example, polycarbonate, ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0039] The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving consumables, and the slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close this opening. Specifically, the slide cover 102 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) at which the slide cover 102 closes the opening of the outer housing 101, and an open position at which the slide cover 102 opens the opening. For example, a user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. This allows or restricts access of consumables to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100 through the slide cover 102.

[0040] The switch unit 103 is used to switch the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 on and off. For example, as will be described later, a user can supply power from the power source 21 to the heating device 40 and heat the consumable material without burning it by operating the switch unit 103 while the consumable material is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100. Note that the switch unit 103 may be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101 or a switch located inside the outer housing 101. When the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In the first embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.

[0041] The flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source, thereby charging the power source. In addition, connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal may allow data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to be transmitted to an external device.

[0042] Next, a consumable product used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable product 110. In the first embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable product 110 can form a smoking system. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the consumable product 110 has a smokable article 111, a tubular member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115. The smokable article 111 is wrapped in a first wrapping paper 112. The tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are wrapped in a second wrapping paper 113 that is different from the first wrapping paper 112. The second wrapping paper 113 also wraps a portion of the first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111. This connects the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111. However, the second wrapping paper 113 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114, hollow filter portion 116, and filter portion 115 may be connected to the smokable article 111 using the first wrapping paper 112. A lip release agent 117 is applied to the outer surface of the second wrapping paper 113 near the end on the filter portion 115 side to prevent the user's lips from sticking to the second wrapping paper 113. The portion of the consumable product 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as a mouthpiece for the consumable product 110. The consumable product 110 is an example of a smoking article of the present disclosure. The smokable product 111 is an example of a flavor source of the present disclosure.

[0043] The smokable article 111 may include a flavor source, such as tobacco in a shredded or granular form, and an aerosol source. The first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111 may be a breathable sheet material. The tubular member 114 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the consumable product 110 includes the smokable article 111, the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115, but the configuration of the consumable product 110 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter portion 116 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114 and the filter portion 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0044] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the arrow 3-3 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 3, an inner housing 10 is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100. The inner housing 10 can be made of, for example, polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK, a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum, but the material of the inner housing 10 is not particularly limited. A power supply unit 20 and an atomization unit 30 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10. Furthermore, a circuit unit (not shown) is provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10.

[0045] The circuit unit includes, for example, a microprocessor, and can control the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the atomization unit 30. In this way, the circuit unit can control the heating of the consumable product 110 by the atomization unit 30.

[0046] The power supply unit 20 has a power source 21 electrically connected to the circuit unit. The power source 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source 21 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 30 via the circuit unit. This allows the power source 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the consumable product 110.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50 extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable product 110, a heating device 40 surrounding a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the consumable product 110. The heating device 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the consumable product 110 accommodated in the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 3, a bottom member 36 may be provided at the bottom of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 supports the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 has an uneven surface on which the consumable product 110 contacts, and an air flow path is formed between the surface on which the consumable product 110 contacts and the bottom member 36. A pair of extensions 87 extend vertically upward from the bottom member 36. Details of the chamber 50, the heating device 40, the bottom member 36, and the extensions 87 will be described later. The chamber 50 is an example of a storage unit of the present disclosure.

[0048] The heat insulating part 32 has a generally cylindrical shape and is disposed so as to surround the chamber 50. The heat insulating part 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 is formed from a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is disposed between the sliding cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100, and guides the insertion of the consumable product 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the consumable product 110 into the insertion guide member 34.

[0049] Next, the structure of the chamber 50 will be described. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5A-5A in FIG. 4B. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 4B. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating device 40. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member including an opening 52 into which the consumable product 110 is inserted and a cylindrical side wall 60 that accommodates the consumable product 110. The chamber 50 has an internal storage space 68 for heating the consumable product 110. A flange 52a is formed at the end of the chamber 50 that defines the opening 52. The chamber 50 is preferably formed of a heat-resistant material with a low thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. This allows for efficient heating from the chamber 50 to the consumable 110 .

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B , the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses against a portion of the consumable product 110, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the consumable product 110. In this specification, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the consumable product 110 is appropriately heated, a position of the consumable product 110 when the user smokes, or a position where the consumable product 110 contacts the base member 36 (described below). The contact portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The separation portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in FIG. 6 , the heating device 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heating device 40 be disposed without any gaps on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat, bending of the strip-shaped electrode 48 can be suppressed when the strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected to a heating device 40 disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 as shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

[0052] 4A, 4B, and 5B, the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 arranged in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other and are parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50 that is located between the contact portions 62.

[0053] 5B, an inner surface 66a of the spaced portion 66 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. The spaced portion 66 is also disposed adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4B , the chamber 50 may have a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that the bottom member 36 shown in FIG. 3 can pass through and be positioned inside the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may be fixed to the inside of the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 with an adhesive or the like, and constitutes the bottom wall of the storage section that stores the consumable product 110. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 supports a portion of the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a portion of the end face of the consumable product 110 is exposed. The bottom 56 may also support a portion of the consumable product 110 so that the exposed end face of the consumable product 110 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 7 ), which will be described later. The bottom member 36 has an uneven surface that comes into contact with the consumable product 110, and may be formed of, for example, but not limited to, a resin material such as PEEK, metal, glass, or ceramic.

[0055] 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion 54 between the opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the consumable product 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-retaining portion 54 and the consumable product 110. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the non-retaining portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the heating device 40 has a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element 42 is positioned so as to heat the contact portion 62 without contacting the separation portion 66 of the chamber 50. Specifically, the heating element 42 is positioned only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62. As shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the heating element 42, the heating device 40 preferably has an electrical insulating member 44 covering at least one side of the heating element 42. In the first embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is positioned so as to cover both sides of the heating element 42. The heating element 42 is an example of a heating unit of the present disclosure.

[0057] Specifically, when power is supplied to the strip-shaped electrode 48 shown in Figure 6, a current flows through the heating element 42 of the heating device 40, causing the heating element 42 to generate heat. However, the power supplied to the electrode 48 does not reach the electrically insulating member 44 of the heating device 40. Therefore, only the heating element 42 of the heating device 40 that surrounds the chamber 50 generates heat. As described above, the heating element 42 does not contact the separation portion 66 of the chamber 50, but is disposed only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62. With the above configuration, the heating device 40 that surrounds the chamber 50 directly heats only the contact portion 62 that presses against a portion of the consumable product 110.

[0058] Figure 7 is the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5B of the state in which the consumable product 110 has been placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in Figure 7, when the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the consumable product 110 can be pressed into contact with the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. Meanwhile, a gap 67 is formed between the consumable product 110 and the spaced portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and an air flow path between the end face of the consumable product 110 positioned in the chamber 50 and the bottom member 36. This allows air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and flow into the inside of the consumable product 110. In other words, an air flow path is formed between the consumable product 110 and the spaced portion 66.

[0059] Next, the structure of the bottom member 36 in the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom member 36. The bottom member 36 has a shaft portion 36a and a flat plate portion 36b. As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft portion 36a protrudes to the outside of the chamber 50 through a hole 56a (see FIG. 4B) in the chamber 50. One end of the shaft portion 36a is connected to the approximate center of one surface of the flat plate portion 36b. In the cross section of the chamber 50 shown in FIG. 5B, the flat plate portion 36b has a shape that, in a plan view, is approximately the same as the inner surface of the side wall portion 60 of the chamber 50. Specifically, the flat plate portion 36b has a flat plate portion 81 on the side opposite to the surface to which the shaft portion 36a is connected, and this flat plate portion 81 is formed by a pair of linear The pair of linear portions 81a and the arc-shaped portion 81b connecting the linear portions 81a.

[0060] The flat plate portion 36b is disposed inside the chamber 50 and can be fixed to the inner surface of the bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50, for example, by adhesive. The bottom member 36 may be formed integrally with the chamber 50. When the flat plate portion 36b of the bottom member 36 is fixed to the bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50, the flat portion 81 is disposed so as to face the opening 52 of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 further has a pair of protrusions 83 on the flat portion 81. The pair of protrusions 83 each extend substantially parallel to the linear portion 81a of the flat portion 81 and are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the pair of protrusions 83 are each disposed on the linear portion 81a, and a portion thereof is also disposed on the arc-shaped portion 81b. The pair of protrusions 83 have end faces 83a in the extending direction, side faces 83b facing each other, and an upper face 83c. In the first embodiment, the side faces 83b of the pair of protrusions 83 are flat, and a linear groove 85 is formed between the side faces 83b. This groove 85 opens toward the storage space 68 of the chamber 50. The groove 85 defines an air flow path that communicates with the end face of the consumable product 110 placed at a desired position within the chamber 50. This air flow path extends along the bottom surface of the storage portion formed by the chamber 50 and the bottom member 36. The groove 85 is formed to pass through the center of the flat portion 81 of the bottom member 36.

[0062] 8, a pair of extending portions 87 extend vertically upward from the upper surface 83c of each of the pair of protrusions 83. The extending portions 87 abut or are adjacent to the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 that contacts and presses the consumable product 110 in the chamber 50, and grip the outer periphery of the consumable product 110 inside the chamber 50. The pair of extending portions 87 are an example of the gripping portion and protrusion of the present disclosure.

[0063] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the relative positions of the heating element 42 of the heating device 40 and the extension portion 87 in the vicinity of the chamber 50 in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0064] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the arrows 9-9 in Figure 5B, showing the relative arrangement of the heating element 42 and the extension portion 87. Specifically, the central axis C1 of the chamber 50 extends in the Z-axis direction in Figure 9, and the contact portion 62 of the side of the chamber 50 that comes into contact with the consumable product 110 is shown. As described above, the heating element 42 of the heating device 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50, and therefore a pair of heating elements 42 are shown radially outward of the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50 in Figure 9. Note that, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the first guide portion 58 and non-holding portion 54 of the chamber 50 are located above the heating element 42 in the Z-axis direction.

[0065] Also, the bottom member 36 that constitutes the bottom of the chamber 50 is shown below in the Z-axis direction in Fig. 9. As described above, the extension portions 87 protrude radially inward from the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 with respect to the central axis C1 of the chamber 50, and therefore, in Fig. 9, a pair of extension portions 87 extend in the Z-axis direction. Here, as shown in Fig. 9, the extension portions 87 do not overlap with the heating element 42 along the Z-axis direction. In other words, the end of the extension portion 87 in the positive Z-axis direction is configured so as not to reach the height of the end of the heating element 42 in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0066] In the internal space of the chamber 50, a region along the Z-axis direction corresponding to the location where the heating element 42 is disposed is defined as a first region 50A, and a region that is distinct from the first region 50A and is defined by the end face of the first region 50A in the negative Z-axis direction and the bottom member 36 is defined as a second region 50B. The first region 50A is a location that is directly heated by the heating element 42. In the first embodiment, the extension portion 87 is provided only in the second region 50B and is configured not to reach the first region 50A.

[0067] Consider a situation where a consumable product 110 is placed in a desired position within the chamber 50. 8, the tip of the consumable product 110 contacts the upper surfaces 83c of the pair of protrusions 83 of the bottom member 36, and is supported from vertically downward (i.e., in the negative direction of the Z axis) by the upper surfaces 83c of the protrusions 83. Furthermore, since the extensions 87 extend vertically upward from the upper surfaces 83c of the protrusions 83 and have a thickness in the radial direction toward the central axis C1 of the chamber 50, the outer surface near the tip of the consumable product 110 is pressed radially inward by the extensions 87. In other words, the extensions 87 grip the consumable product 110, and the consumable product is stably held inside the chamber 50.

[0068] The internal space of chamber 50 shown in Fig. 9 can also be expressed as follows. Fig. 9 shows a cross section of chamber 50 passing through central axis C1 of chamber 50 and extension portion 87. In the cross section of Fig. 9, extension portion 87 protrudes radially inward toward central axis C1 of chamber 50 in second region 50B, and therefore the following formula (1) holds true. W1 ≥ W2 (1) Here, W1 is the radial length of the first region 50A, and W2 is the radial length of the second region 50B. Furthermore, when the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the consumable product 110 is pressed radially inward toward the central axis C1 of the chamber 50 by the extension portion 87 in the second region 50B, and therefore the following equation (2) holds true: W3≧W2 (2) Here, W3 is the radial length of the consumable product 110 in the first region 50A when the consumable product 110 is placed in a suitable position in FIG. 9, although this is not shown. In the above formulas (1) and (2), the equal sign holds for the portion of the second region 50B where the extension portion 87 is not placed. The radial length of the internal space of the chamber 50 or the consumable product 110 refers to the distance perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the chamber 50 in a cross-sectional view passing through the central axis C1. Since FIG. 9 shows an XZ plane perpendicular to the Y axis, the distance in the X-axis direction is the radial length. However, the radial length of the internal space of the chamber 50 is not limited to the X-axis direction. The radial length of the internal space of the chamber 50 can be appropriately defined on the XY plane depending on how the cross-section passing through the central axis C1 of the chamber 50 is taken. A more detailed explanation will be given using FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the chamber 50 as viewed from the positive Z-axis direction (i.e., vertically upward). Dashed line S1 corresponds to a cross-sectional view passing through the central axis C1 of the chamber 50 shown in Figure 9, and the length of dashed line S1 is the radial length in this cross-sectional view. On the other hand, a cross-sectional view passing through the separation portion 66 can also be considered, as shown by dashed line S2, and in this case the length of dashed line S2 is the radial length in this cross-sectional view. The radial length of the consumable product 110 placed at a desired position within the chamber 50 is also defined in the same way as for the chamber 50.

[0069] The extension portion 87 that grips the consumable product 110 is disposed in the second region 50B that does not overlap with the heating element 42 along the Z-axis direction, and therefore grips the consumable product 110 at a location different from the location that is directly heated by the heating element 42. The outer surface of the consumable product 110 that is disposed at a desired position within the chamber 50 may be locally thinned in the first region 50A due to heating by the heating element 42. The extension portion 87 of the first embodiment grips the outer surface of the consumable product 110 at the second region 50B that is distinct from the first region 50A, and therefore can stably hold the consumable product 110 without being affected by heating by the heating element 42.

[0070] 2, the portion of the consumable product 110 near the tip is wrapped in a first wrapping paper 112 and filled with smokable material 111. In the first embodiment, the extension 87 grips the portion of the consumable product 110 that is filled with smokable material 111, thereby providing an improved holding force compared to gripping other portions with lower density.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the extensions 87 that grip the outer surface of the consumable product 110 are described as extending from the upper surfaces 83c of the pair of protrusions 83 of the bottom member 36. However, the configuration of the extensions 87 is not limited to this. The extensions 87 can be appropriately arranged in the second region 50B as long as they do not intrude into the first region 50A. As an example, The protruding portion 87 may also be provided at a position spaced apart from the bottom member 36 .

[0072] In the first embodiment, the extension portion 87 is described as being provided so as to abut against or adjacent to the inner surface 62 of the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. However, the arrangement of the extension portion 87 is not limited to this. The extension portion 87 can be appropriately arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 50 as long as it does not intrude into the first region 50A. As an example, the extension portion 87 can be arranged on the inner surface 66 of the separation portion 66 of the chamber 50.

[0073] In the first embodiment, a pair of extensions 87 is provided. However, the number of extensions 87 is not limited to two, and can be changed as appropriate as long as the outer surface of the consumable product 110 can be sufficiently gripped. For example, a single extension may be provided, or three or more extensions may be provided. Furthermore, a single annular extension may be provided.

[0074] [Modification of the first embodiment] A modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. The flavor inhaler according to the modified example of the first embodiment differs from the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment only in the configuration of the extension portion 187 that grips the consumable product 110. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The extension portion 187 is an example of a grip portion and a protrusion of the present disclosure.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber showing the relative arrangement of the heating element 42 and the extension portion 187 according to a modification of the first embodiment. The central axis C1 of the chamber 50, the first guide portion 58, the non-holding portion 54, and the bottom member 36 are not shown in FIG. 11. The bottom member 36 is also not shown in FIG. 11. The extension portion 187 according to the modification of the first embodiment can be configured to extend from the upper surfaces 83c of the pair of protrusions 83 of the bottom member 36. Meanwhile, as described for the first embodiment, the extension portion 187 can be appropriately arranged in the second region 50B as long as it does not intrude into the first region 50A.

[0076] 11, the entire extension 187 is inclined radially inward relative to the central axis C1 of the chamber 50 as it moves in the positive direction of the Z axis. Furthermore, an end 187A of the extension 187 in the positive direction of the Z axis is inclined radially outward relative to the central axis C1 of the chamber 50 as it approaches the tip. End 187A is an example of an inclined portion of the present disclosure.

[0077] The extension portion 187 according to the modification of the first embodiment is entirely inclined radially inward, so that when it is pressed by the inserted consumable product 110 and spreads radially outward, the reaction force presses the consumable product 110 radially inward, thereby providing a stronger gripping force. Furthermore, the extension portion 187 has an end portion 187A in the positive Z-axis direction that is inclined so that the tip is spaced apart radially outward, thereby preventing interference with the consumable product 110 when placing the consumable product 110 in a desired position. In other words, it is possible to prevent the extension portion 187 from interfering with the consumable product 110 when inserting the consumable product 110 into the chamber 50.

[0078] The two features of the extension 187 according to the modified example of the first embodiment, namely, the inclination of the extension 187 so as to be radially inward as a whole and the configuration of the end 187A, do not necessarily have to be combined with each other. It is also possible to employ only one of these features in the flavor inhaler of the present disclosure.

[0079] [Second embodiment: internal heater] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0080] The flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment is different from the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the chamber 250. That is, in the first embodiment, the outer periphery of the chamber 50 is covered with a heating device 40 including a heating element 42 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, whereas the chamber 250 according to the second embodiment is not covered with a heating device. Instead of the heating device 40 of the first embodiment, the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment includes an internal heater 202 arranged around the central axis of the chamber 250 shown in FIG. 12, and a heater support part 204 that supports the internal heater 20 from vertically below. The chamber 250 is an example of a storage part of the present disclosure. The internal heater 202 is an example of a heating part of the present disclosure.

[0081] When the consumable product 110 is inserted into the chamber 250, the internal heater 202 enters the interior of the consumable product 110. When the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position within the chamber 250, the internal heater 202 is located inside the portion of the consumable product 110 that is wrapped with the first wrapping paper 112 and filled with the smokable article 111 (see FIG. 2). Based on this arrangement, the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment can heat the smokable article 111 from the inside using the internal heater 202, and appropriately generate aerosol containing a flavor.

[0082] 9 and 11 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 12, similar to Fig. 11, the central axis C1 of the chamber 250, the first guide portion 58, the non-holding portion 54, and the bottom member 36 are not shown. The heater support portion 204 can be configured to extend from the bottom member 36 that forms the bottom of the chamber 250, for example, but is not limited to this.

[0083] In the second embodiment, two regions are defined within the chamber 250 by the arrangement of the internal heater 202. In the internal space of the chamber 250, a region along the Z-axis direction corresponding to the location where the internal heater 202 is arranged is referred to as a first region 250A, and a region distinct from the first region 250A and defined by the end face of the first region 250A in the negative Z-axis direction and the bottom of the chamber 250 is referred to as a second region 250B. The first region 250A is a region where the inside of the consumable product 110 is directly heated by the internal heater 202.

[0084] The extension portion 287 of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the extension portion 87 of the first embodiment, and grips the outer surface of the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 250. The extension portion 287 is provided in the second region 250B and is configured not to reach the first region 250A. The extension portion 287 is an example of a gripping portion and a protruding portion of the present disclosure.

[0085] The extension portion 287 that grips the consumable product 110 is disposed in the second region 250B that does not overlap with the internal heater 202 along the Z-axis direction, and therefore grips the consumable product 110 at a location different from the location directly heated from the inside by the internal heater 202. The consumable product 110 placed at a desired position within the chamber 250 may locally lose weight in the first region 250A due to heating from the inside by the internal heater 202. The extension portion 287 of the second embodiment grips the outer surface of the consumable product 110 in the second region 250B that is distinct from the first region 250A, and therefore can stably hold the consumable product 110 without being affected by heating by the internal heater 202.

[0086] 2, the portion of the consumable product 110 near the tip is wrapped in the first wrapping paper 112 and filled with smokable material 111. In the second embodiment, the extension 287 grips the portion of the consumable product 110 that is filled with smokable material 111, thereby providing an improved holding force compared to gripping other portions with lower density.

[0087] [Third embodiment: heating by electromagnetic induction] A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0088] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber 350 of the third embodiment, corresponding to Fig. 9 and Fig. 11 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 12, similar to Fig. 11, the central axis C1 of the chamber 350, the first guide portion 58, the non-holding portion 54, and the bottom member 36 are not shown.

[0089] The flavor inhaler according to the third embodiment is different from the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the chamber 350. That is, while in the first embodiment the outer periphery of the chamber 50 is covered with a heating device 40 including a heating element 42 as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the chamber 350 according to the third embodiment is not covered with a heating device. Instead of the heating device 40 of the first embodiment, the flavor inhaler according to the third embodiment includes an induction coil 342 wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 350 as shown in Figure 12. The chamber 350 is an example of a storage unit of the present disclosure.

[0090] While the chamber 50 according to the first embodiment can be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic, the chamber 350 according to the third embodiment includes a susceptor portion 350a made of a conductor and a support portion 350b made of an insulator. The susceptor portion 350a is provided at least where the induction coil 342 is wound. The susceptor portion 350a generates heat as a result of an alternating current passing through the induction coil 342, thereby heating the outer surface of the consumable product 110 inserted in the chamber 350. The support portion 350b is provided near the bottom of the chamber 350 and does not generate heat when an alternating current passes through the induction coil 342. The susceptor portion 350a can be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, and the support portion 350b can be made of, for example, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. The susceptor portion 350a and the induction coil 342 are examples of a heating portion according to the present disclosure.

[0091] The heat generation in the susceptor portion 350a of the chamber 350 in the third embodiment will now be described. When an AC current is applied to the induction coil 342 wound around the outer periphery of the susceptor portion 350a, a time-varying magnetic field is generated near the chamber 350. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, fluctuations in the magnetic field generate an electromotive force, and according to Lenz's law, eddy currents flow in the susceptor portion 350a in the opposite direction to the AC current flowing in the coil, so as to cancel out the magnetic field fluctuations. Joule heat generated by the eddy currents causes the susceptor portion 350a to generate heat. At this time, because the support portion 350b is made of an insulator, no eddy currents are generated and heat conduction from the susceptor portion 350a is also hindered.

[0092] In the third embodiment, two regions are defined within the chamber 350 by the arrangement of the induction coil 342. In the internal space of the chamber 350, a region along the Z-axis direction corresponding to the location where the induction coil 342 is arranged is defined as a first region 350A, and a region distinct from the first region 350A and defined by the end face of the first region 350A in the negative Z-axis direction and the bottom of the chamber 350 is defined as a second region 350B. The first region 350A is a region where the outer surface of the consumable product 110 is directly heated by Joule heat generated in the susceptor portion 350a.

[0093] The extension portion 387 of the third embodiment is configured similarly to the extension portion 87 of the first embodiment, and grips the outer surface of the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 350. The extension portion 387 is provided in the second region 350B and is configured not to reach the first region 350A. The extension portion 387 is an example of a gripping portion and a protruding portion of the present disclosure.

[0094] The extension 387 that grips the consumable product 110 does not overlap with the induction coil 342 along the Z-axis direction. Since the extension 387 of the third embodiment is disposed in the second region 350B, which is not directly heated by the Joule heat generated in the susceptor portion 350a and is provided with a support portion 350b made of an insulator, the consumable product 110 is held in a region that is different from the region that is directly heated by the Joule heat generated in the susceptor portion 350a and is difficult to conduct heat from the susceptor portion 350a. The consumable product 110 placed at a desired position in the chamber 350 may be locally thinned in the first region 350A due to external heating caused by the Joule heat generated in the susceptor portion 350a. The extension 387 of the third embodiment holds the outer surface of the consumable product 110 in the second region 350B, which is distinct from the first region 350A, and therefore can stably hold the consumable product 110 without being affected by the Joule heat generated in the susceptor portion 350a.

[0095] 2, the portion of the consumable product 110 near the tip is wrapped in the first wrapping paper 112 and filled with smokable material 111. In the third embodiment, the extension 387 grips the portion of the consumable product 110 that is filled with smokable material 111, thereby providing an improved holding force compared to gripping other portions with lower density.

[0096] Although the above description assumes that the chamber 350 includes the support portion 350b made of an insulator, the insulator portion is not an essential component of the chamber 350 according to the third embodiment. The entire chamber 350, including the susceptor portion 350a, can also be integrally molded from a conductor. Even in this case, Joule heat caused by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 342 is generated only in the susceptor portion 350a around which the induction coil 342 is wound, and the second region 350B is not directly heated by Joule heat. However, with this configuration, the thermal conduction from the first region 350A to the second region 350B is greater than when the support portion 350b made of an insulator is provided.

[0097] [Modification of the Third Embodiment: Susceptor-Incorporated Smoking Article] A modified example of the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 14. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0098] 14 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber 355 according to a modified example of the third embodiment, corresponding to FIGS. 9 and 11 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 14, similar to FIG. 11, the central axis C1 of the chamber 355, the first guide portion 58, the non-holding portion 54, and the bottom member 36 are not shown.

[0099] The flavor inhaler according to the modified third embodiment differs from the flavor inhaler according to the third embodiment in the configuration of the chamber 355. That is, while the chamber 350 in the third embodiment includes conductors such as the susceptor portion 350a, the chamber 355 according to the modified third embodiment is entirely formed of an insulator. The chamber 355 can be formed of, for example, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. The chamber 355 is an example of a storage portion of the present disclosure.

[0100] Meanwhile, the consumable product 410 according to the modified third embodiment includes a conductive built-in susceptor 412 as shown in FIG. 14 , compared to the consumable product 110 according to the first embodiment. The consumable product 410 according to the modified third embodiment can be configured by providing a conductive built-in susceptor 412 inside the smokable article 111 of the consumable product 110 shown in FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 14 , the built-in susceptor 412 is arranged so as to be positioned in a position corresponding to the induction coil 342 along the Z-axis direction when the consumable product 410 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 355. The built-in susceptor 412 and the induction coil 342 are an example of a heating unit according to the present disclosure. The consumable product 410 is an example of a smoking article according to the present disclosure. The built-in susceptor 412 is an example of a conductive member according to the present disclosure.

[0101] The following describes heat generation in the built-in susceptor 412 of the consumable product 410 inserted into the chamber 355 in a modified example of the third embodiment. When an AC current is applied to the induction coil 342 wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 355 at a predetermined location, a time-varying magnetic field is generated near the chamber 355. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, fluctuations in the magnetic field generate an electromotive force, and according to Lenz's law, eddy currents flow in the built-in susceptor 412 in the opposite direction to the AC current flowing through the coil so as to cancel out the magnetic field fluctuations. Joule heat generated by the eddy currents causes the built-in susceptor 412 to generate heat.

[0102] In a modified example of the third embodiment, two regions are defined within the chamber 355 by disposing the built-in susceptor 412 (or induction coil 342) at a desired position within the chamber 355. In the internal space of the chamber 355, a region along the Z-axis direction corresponding to the location where the built-in susceptor 412 is disposed is defined as a first region 355A, and a region distinct from the first region 355A and defined by the end face of the first region 355A in the negative Z-axis direction and the bottom of the chamber 355 is defined as a second region 355B. The first region 355A is a region where the inside of the consumable product 410 is directly heated by Joule heat generated in the built-in susceptor 412.

[0103] The extension 387 is configured similarly to the extension 87 of the first embodiment, and grips the outer surface of the consumable product 410 inserted into the chamber 355. The extension 387 is provided in the second region 355B and is configured not to reach the first region 355A. The extension 387 is an example of a gripping portion and a protruding portion of the present disclosure.

[0104] The extension portion 387 that grips the consumable product 410 is disposed in the second region 355B that does not overlap with the built-in susceptor 412 and the induction coil 342 along the Z-axis direction, and therefore grips the consumable product 410 at a location different from the location that is directly heated by Joule heat generated in the built-in susceptor 412. The consumable product 410 placed at a desired position in the chamber 355 may be locally thinned in the first region 355A due to internal heating by Joule heat generated in the built-in susceptor 412. The extension portion 387 according to the modification of the third embodiment grips the outer surface of the consumable product 410 in the second region 355B that is distinct from the first region 355A, and therefore can stably hold the consumable product 410 without being affected by Joule heat generated in the built-in susceptor 412.

[0105] 2 for the consumable product 110 of the first embodiment, the portion near the tip of the consumable product 410 is wrapped in the first wrapping paper 112 and filled with smokable material 111. In the modified example of the third embodiment, the extension 387 grips the portion of the consumable product 410 that is filled with smokable material 111, thereby providing an improved holding force compared to gripping other portions with lower density.

[0106] In the above description, the built-in susceptor 412 is provided as a single member at a predetermined position within the consumable product 410. However, the built-in susceptor of the consumable product 410 is not limited to a single member, and multiple particle- or flake-shaped susceptors made of a conductive material may be built into predetermined positions within the consumable product 410. Even in this case, the first region is defined as a region along the Z-axis direction corresponding to the range of arrangement of the particles or flakes that substantially contribute to heating the consumable product 410, thereby allowing the above-mentioned first region 355A and second region 355B to be defined in the internal space of the chamber 355.

[0107] [Fourth embodiment: High frequency dielectric heating] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0108] FIG. 15 shows a chamber 450 according to the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to FIGS. 9 and 11 of the first embodiment. 15, similarly to FIG. 11, the central axis C1 of the chamber 450, the first guide portion 58, the non-holding portion 54, and the bottom member 36 are not shown.

[0109] The flavor inhaler according to the fourth embodiment is different from the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the chamber 450. That is, in the first embodiment, the outer periphery of the chamber 50 is covered with a heating device 40 including a heating element 42 as shown in Figs. 3 and 6, whereas the chamber 450 according to the fourth embodiment is not covered with a heating device. The flavor inhaler according to the fourth embodiment includes a high-frequency generator 442 arranged on the outer periphery of the chamber 450 as shown in Fig. 15, instead of the heating device 40 of the first embodiment. The chamber 450 is an example of a storage unit of the present disclosure. The high-frequency generator 442 is an example of a heating unit of the present disclosure.

[0110] Furthermore, the chamber 450 according to the fourth embodiment is entirely made of an insulating material, similar to the chamber 355 according to the modified example of the third embodiment. The chamber 450 can be made of, for example, a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, or the like.

[0111] The heating of smokable material 111 of consumable product 110 inserted into chamber 355 in the fourth embodiment will now be described. When high-frequency generator 442 is activated, a temporally fluctuating high-frequency electric field is generated in the internal space of chamber 450. The vibration of the electric field vibrates the micro-lattice structure of smokable material 111, which is a dielectric, and the micro-lattice vibration causes smokable material 111 to generate heat, generating aerosol as appropriate.

[0112] In the fourth embodiment, the arrangement of the high-frequency generator 442 defines two regions within the chamber 450. In the internal space of the chamber 450, the region along the Z-axis direction corresponding to the location where the high-frequency generator 442 is arranged is referred to as a first region 450A, and the region distinct from the first region 450A and defined by the end face of the first region 450A in the negative Z-axis direction and the bottom of the chamber 450 is referred to as a second region 450B. The first region 450A is a location where the smokable material 111 of the consumable product 110 is directly heated by the operation of the high-frequency generator 442.

[0113] The extension portion 487 is configured similarly to the extension portion 87 of the first embodiment, and grips the outer surface of the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 450. The extension portion 487 is provided in the second region 450B and is configured not to reach the first region 450A. The extension portion 487 is an example of a gripping portion and a protruding portion of the present disclosure.

[0114] The extension portion 487 that grips the consumable product 110 is arranged in the second region 450B that does not overlap with the radio frequency generator 442 along the Z-axis direction, and therefore grips the consumable product 110 at a location different from the location that is directly heated by the oscillating electric field generated by the radio frequency generator 442. The consumable product 110 placed at a desired position in the chamber 450 may be locally thinned in the first region 450A due to heating by the oscillating electric field generated by the radio frequency generator 442. The extension portion 487 according to the fourth embodiment grips the outer surface of the consumable product 110 at the second region 450B that is distinct from the first region 450A, and therefore can stably hold the consumable product 110 without being affected by heat generated by the oscillating electric field generated by the radio frequency generator 442.

[0115] 2, the portion of the consumable product 110 near the tip is wrapped in the first wrapping paper 112 and filled with smokable material 111. In the fourth embodiment, the extension 487 grips the portion of the consumable product 110 that is filled with smokable material 111, thereby providing an improved holding force compared to gripping other portions with lower density.

[0116] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, and should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiments, but as being within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. Various modifications are possible. In particular, the embodiments and modified examples can be combined as appropriate. It should be noted that any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present disclosure. For example, the flavor inhaler 100 of the present disclosure has a so-called counterflow air flow path in which air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end face of the consumable product 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the flavor inhaler 100 may have a so-called bottom flow air flow path in which air is supplied into the chamber 50 from the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10...Inner housing 20…Power supply section 21…Power supply 30...Atomization section 32...Insulation section 34...Insertion guide member 36...Bottom member 36a...Shaft part 36b…flat plate part 40...Heating device 42...Heating element 44...Electrical insulating material 48...Electrode 50...Chamber 50A…1st area 50B…Second area 52...Aperture 52a...Flange section 54…Non-holding part 56...Bottom 56a...hole 58...First guide section 58a...Tapered surface 60...Side wall 62...Contact part 62a...Inside 62b…External surface 66…Separation part 66a...Inner 66b…External surface 67...Void 68...Containment space 81...Plane part 81a...Straight section 81b...Arc-shaped portion 83...Protrusion part 83a...end face 83b…side 83c…Top surface 85...Groove 87...Extension part 100...Flavor aspirator 101...Outer housing 102...Slide cover 103...Switch section 110…Consumables 111...Smoking permitted 112...First scroll 113...Second Scroll 114...Cylindrical member 115...Filter section 116...Hollow filter section 117...Lip release agent 187...Extension part 187A...end 202...Internal heater 204...Heater support part 250…Chamber 250A…1st area 250B…Second area 287...Extension part 342...induction coil 350...Chamber 350A…1st area 350B…Second area 350a...susceptor part 350b…Support part 355...Chamba 355A…First area 355B…Second area 387...Extension part 410…Consumables 412...Susceptor part 442...High frequency generator 450...Chamber 450A...First area 450B…Second area 487...Extension part C1…Central axis

Claims

1. a storage section having an opening at one end through which a smoking article can be inserted and storing the smoking article; a heating section disposed along the axial direction of the storage section and configured to heat the smoking articles stored in the storage section; a gripping portion for gripping a side surface of the smoking article accommodated in the accommodation portion; and The inner surface of the storage section is a first region overlapping with the heating portion in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the accommodation portion; a second region that is a region other than the first region and exists between the other end of the accommodation portion and an end portion of the heating portion on the other end side along the axial direction of the accommodation portion; Including, The grip portion is provided in the second region. Flavor aspirator.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, In a cross section cut along the central axis of the storage portion and passing through the grip portion, Formulas (1) and (2) are satisfied, W1≧W2 (1) W3≧W2 (2) In the formula (1) and the formula (2), W1 is the radial length of the first region, W2 is the radial length of the second region, W3 is the radial length of the smoking article corresponding to the first region; Flavor aspirator.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2, The grip portion is a convex portion that protrudes toward the inside of the storage portion in the second region. Flavor aspirator.

4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 3, a bottom member that forms a bottom of the storage section is provided at the other end of the storage section, The bottom member is configured as an integral part of the storage portion or as a separate member, The convex portion is provided near the bottom portion. Flavor aspirator.

5. The flavor inhaler according to claim 4, The protrusion extends from the bottom of the storage portion toward the one end. Flavor aspirator.

6. The flavor inhaler according to claim 5, the protrusion has an inclined portion in the vicinity of an end portion on the one end side of the housing portion, the inclined portion inclining away from the central axis of the housing portion as it approaches the one end, Flavor aspirator.

7. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 3 to 6, The convex portion has a pair of protruding portions. Flavor aspirator.

8. The flavor inhaler according to claim 7, The convex portion is inclined toward the central axis of the housing portion as it moves away from the other end of the housing portion. Flavor aspirator.

9. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the gripping portion is provided at a position spaced from the heating portion toward the other end portion of the accommodation portion along the axial direction of the accommodation portion in a cross-sectional view passing through the central axis of the accommodation portion, Flavor aspirator.

10. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The smoking article includes a flavor source-filled portion filled with a flavor source, the gripping portion grips the flavor source-filled portion of the smoking article accommodated in the accommodation portion; Flavor aspirator.

11. A smoking system comprising a smoking article and a flavor inhaler, The flavor inhaler comprises: a storage section having an opening at one end through which the smoking article can be inserted and storing the smoking article; a heating section disposed along the axial direction of the storage section and configured to heat the smoking articles stored in the storage section; a gripping portion for gripping a side surface of the smoking article accommodated in the accommodation portion; and The inner surface of the storage section is a first region overlapping with the heating portion in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the accommodation portion; a second region that is a region other than the first region and exists between the other end of the accommodation portion and an end portion of the heating portion on the other end side along the axial direction of the accommodation portion; Including, The grip portion is provided in the second region. Smoking system.

12. 12. A smoking system according to claim 11, The smoking article includes a flavor source-filled portion filled with a flavor source, The gripping portion of the flavor inhaler grips the flavor source-filled portion of the smoking article accommodated in the accommodation portion. Smoking system.

13. 13. A smoking system according to claim 11 or 12, the smoking article includes a conductive member within a filled flavor source; The heating unit of the flavor inhaler generates a time-varying magnetic field, The conductive member of the smoking article generates heat based on the fluctuation of the magnetic field. Smoking system.

14. 14. A smoking system according to claim 13, the conductive member includes a plurality of members discretely arranged inside the flavor source; Smoking system.

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