Heating assembly and flavor suction device comprising the same

Abstract

To provide a suction device cartridge and a suction device having a new structure.SOLUTION: A heating assembly comprises: a first cylinder member 42 comprising a first opening 42a into which a flavor generating article can be inserted, at one end, and comprising a second opening 42b forming an air inlet, at the other end; a heating member 43; and a heat insulating material. The heating assembly also comprises a second cylinder member 45 arranged so as to surround the first cylinder member. A closed region 54 is provided between the first cylinder member and the second cylinder member. The heating member and the heat insulating material are housed in the closed region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating assembly and a flavor inhaler including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning the material have been known. For example, a smoking material heating device that forms an aerosol by heating smoking material made of tobacco containing volatile components is known as such a flavor inhaler (see Patent Document 1). The smoking material heating device described in Patent Document 1 has a hollow cylindrical heater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-522551 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a heating assembly and a flavor inhaler having a new structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating assembly including a first cylindrical member having a first opening at one end through which a flavor-generating article can be inserted and a second opening at the other end forming an air inlet, a heating member, and a thermal insulator. The heating assembly further includes a second cylindrical member disposed surrounding the first cylindrical member, a sealed region between the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member, and the heating member and the thermal insulator are housed in the sealed region.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhaler including the above-described heating assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1A] 1 is an overall perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1B] 1 is an overall perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state in which a smoking article is held. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a smoking article. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a heating assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection between the heating assembly and the outer fin. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a heating assembly. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing a simplified axial positional relationship between a substrate portion of a smoking article and a heating element and an inner tube of the flavor inhaler in the flavor inhaler of the present embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0009] FIG. 1A is an overall perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. FIG. 1B is an overall perspective view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment in a state in which a smoking article is held. The flavor inhaler 10 according to this embodiment is, for example, a flavor source containing an aerosol source (corresponding to an example of a flavor-generating substrate). The device is configured to generate a flavor-containing aerosol by heating a smoking article 110 (which corresponds to an example of a flavor-generating article) having the device.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the flavor inhaler 10 has a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, and a lid portion 14. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form the outermost housing 11 of the flavor inhaler 10. The housing 11 is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 10, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 10 in their hand and inhale the flavor.

[0011] The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 1B , the cover 12 has an opening 12a through which a smoking article 110 can be inserted. The lid portion 14 is configured to open and close the opening 12a of the cover 12. Specifically, the lid portion 14 is attached to the cover 12 and configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position that closes the opening 12a and a second position that opens the opening 12a. In this way, the lid portion 14 can permit or restrict access of the smoking article 110 to the interior of the flavor inhaler 10 (the opening of the outer fin 17 or the opening of the top cap 48, which will be described later).

[0012] The switch 13 is used to turn the flavor inhaler 10 on and off. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B , when a user operates the switch 13 while the smoking article 110 is inserted into the opening 12a, power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating element (not shown), allowing the smoking article 110 to be heated without burning. When the smoking article 110 is heated, aerosol evaporates from the aerosol source contained in the smoking article 110, and the flavor of the flavor source is absorbed into the aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor by inhaling the portion of the smoking article 110 protruding from the flavor inhaler 10 (the portion shown in FIG. 1B ). Note that in this specification, the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 10 refers to the direction in which the smoking article 110 is inserted into the opening 12a.

[0013] Next, the configuration of the smoking article 110 used in the flavor inhaler 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking article 110. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the smoking article 110 has a substrate portion 110A including a filler 111 (which corresponds to an example of a flavor-generating substrate) and a first cigarette paper 112 around which the filler 111 is wrapped, and a mouthpiece portion 110B forming the end opposite to the substrate portion 110A. The substrate portion 110A and the mouthpiece portion 110B are connected by a second cigarette paper 113 that is different from the first cigarette paper 112. However, it is also possible to omit the second cigarette paper 113 and connect the substrate portion 110A and the mouthpiece portion 110B using the first cigarette paper 112.

[0014] The mouthpiece section 110B in FIG. 2 has a cardboard tube section 114, a filter section 115, and a hollow segment section 116 disposed between the cardboard tube section 114 and the filter section 115. The hollow segment section 116 is composed of, for example, a packed layer having one or more hollow channels and a plug wrapper covering the packed layer. Because the packed layer has a high fiber packing density, when inhaling, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow channels and hardly any flow within the packed layer. In smoking article 110, when it is desired to reduce the loss of aerosol components due to filtration by the filter section 115, shortening the length of the filter section 115 and replacing it with the hollow segment section 116 is effective in increasing the amount of aerosol delivered.

[0015] Although the suction mouth portion 110B in FIG. 2 is composed of three segments, in this embodiment, the suction mouth portion 110B may be composed of one or two segments, or may be composed of four or more segments. For example, the hollow segment portion 116 may be omitted. Alternatively, the paper tube portion 114 and the filter portion 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other to form the suction mouth portion 110B.

[0016] 2, the longitudinal length of the smoking article 110 is preferably 40 mm to 90 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 75 mm, and even more preferably 50 mm to 60 mm. The circumference of the smoking article 110 is preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 17 mm to 24 mm, and even more preferably 20 mm to 23 mm. Furthermore, the length of the substrate 110A of the smoking article 110 may be 20 mm, the length of the first cigarette paper 112 may be 20 mm, the length of the hollow segment 116 may be 8 mm, and the length of the filter 115 may be 7 mm, although the lengths of these individual segments can be changed as appropriate depending on manufacturing suitability, required quality, and the like.

[0017] In this embodiment, the filler 111 of the smoking article 110 may contain an aerosol source that generates an aerosol when heated to a predetermined temperature. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituent components can be selected depending on the application. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol source in the filler 111 is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoints of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good smoking flavor, it is usually 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and usually 50% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less.

[0018] The filler 111 of the smoking article 110 of this embodiment may contain tobacco shreds as a flavor source. The material of the tobacco shreds is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina or ribs can be used. The content of the filler 111 in the smoking article 110 is, for example, 200 mg to 400 mg, preferably 250 mg to 320 mg, for a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm. The moisture content of the filler 111 is, for example, 8 wt % to 18 wt %, preferably 10 wt % to 16 wt %. This moisture content suppresses the occurrence of stains and improves the suitability for wrapping during the manufacture of the substrate 110A. There are no particular limitations on the size or preparation method of the tobacco shreds used as the filler 111. For example, dried tobacco leaves shredded to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm may be used. Alternatively, dried tobacco leaves may be crushed and homogenized to an average particle size of approximately 20 μm to 200 μm, processed into a sheet, and then shredded to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Furthermore, the above-mentioned sheet may be gathered without being shredded and used as filler 111. Filler 111 may also contain one or more flavorings. While the type of flavoring is not particularly limited, menthol is preferred from the viewpoint of providing a good smoking experience.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first cigarette paper 112 and the second cigarette paper 113 of the smoking article 110 can be made from base paper having a basis weight of, for example, 20 gsm or more and 65 gsm or less, and preferably 25 gsm or more and 45 gsm or less. The thickness of the first cigarette paper 112 and the second cigarette paper 113 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of rigidity, breathability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking, it is 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less, preferably 20 μm or more and 75 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first cigarette paper 112 and the second cigarette paper 113 of the smoking article 110 may contain a filler. The filler content may be 10% by weight or more and less than 60% by weight, and preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the first cigarette paper 112 and the second cigarette paper 113. In this embodiment, the filler content is preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less, based on the preferred basis weight range (25 gsm or more and 45 gsm or less). Examples of fillers that can be used include calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. Paper containing such filler exhibits a bright white color that is desirable from the viewpoint of appearance when used as cigarette paper for the smoking article 110, and can maintain its whiteness permanently. By incorporating a large amount of such filler, the cigarette paper can have an ISO whiteness of 83% or more, for example. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of practical use as cigarette paper for the smoking article 110, the first cigarette paper 112 and the second cigarette paper 113 preferably have a tensile strength of 8 N / 15 mm or more. This tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content. Specifically, this can be increased by reducing the filler content below the upper limit of the filler content indicated in each of the basis weight ranges exemplified above.

[0021] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 10 shown in Figures 1A and 1B will be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows 3-3 in Figure 1A. As shown in Figure 3, the flavor inhaler 10 has a power supply unit 20, a circuit unit 30, and a heating unit 40 in the internal space of the housing 11. The circuit unit 30 has a first circuit board 31 and a second circuit board 32 electrically connected to the first circuit board 31. The first circuit board 31 is disposed, for example, extending in the longitudinal direction as shown in the figure. This separates the power supply unit 20 and the heating unit 40 from each other by the first circuit board 31. As a result, the transfer of heat generated in the heating unit 40 to the power supply unit 20 is suppressed.

[0022] The second circuit board 32 is disposed between the power supply unit 20 and the switch 13, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first circuit board 31. The switch 13 is disposed adjacent to the second circuit board 32. When a user presses the switch 13, a part of the switch 13 may come into contact with the second circuit board 32.

[0023] The first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32 include, for example, a microprocessor, and can control the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40. This allows the first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32 to control the heating of the smoking article 110 by the heating unit 40.

[0024] The power supply unit 20 has a power source 21 electrically connected to the first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32. 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 heating unit 40 via at least one of the first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32. This allows the power source 21 to supply power to the heating unit 40 so as to appropriately heat the smoking article 110. As shown in the figure, the power source 21 is disposed adjacent to the heating assembly 41 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating unit 40. This prevents the longitudinal length of the flavor inhaler 10 from increasing even if the size of the power source 21 is increased.

[0025] The flavor inhaler 10 also has a terminal 22 that can be connected to an external power source. The terminal 22 can be connected to a cable such as a micro USB. If the power source 21 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal 22 allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source 21, thereby charging the power source 21. Furthermore, connecting a data communication cable such as a micro USB to the terminal 22 may allow data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 10 to be transmitted to an external device.

[0026] As shown in the figure, the heating unit 40 has a heating assembly 41 extending in the longitudinal direction. The heating assembly 41 is composed of multiple cylindrical members and forms a cylindrical body as a whole. The heating assembly 41 is configured to be able to store a portion of the smoking article 110 therein, and has the functions of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the smoking article 110 and heating the smoking article 110 from the outer periphery.

[0027] The bottom housing 11B is formed with a vent 15 (corresponding to an example of an air inlet) for allowing air to flow into the heating assembly 41. Specifically, the vent 15 is in fluid communication with one end (the left end in FIG. 3 ) of the heating assembly 41. The flavor inhaler 10 also has a cap 16 that is detachable from the vent 15. The cap 16 is configured to allow air to flow into the heating assembly 41 from the vent 15 even when attached to the vent 15, and may have, for example, a through-hole or a notch (not shown). Attaching the cap 16 to the vent 15 can prevent substances generated from the smoking article 110 inserted in the heating assembly 41 from dropping out of the housing 11 through the vent 15.

[0028] The other end of the heating assembly 41 (the right end in FIG. 3 ) is fluidly connected to the opening 12a (corresponding to an example of an air outlet) shown in FIG. 1B . A substantially cylindrical outer fin 17 is provided between the cover 12 having the opening 12a and the other end of the heating assembly 41. The outer fin 17 engages with the downstream end of a top cap 48, which will be described later. When a smoking article 110 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 through the opening 12a of the cover 12 as shown in FIG. 1B , the smoking article 110 passes through the outer fin 17, and at least the filler 111 (see FIG. 2 ) of the smoking article 110 is disposed inside the heating assembly 41. That is, the outer fin 17 forms part of the opening for accommodating the smoking article 110. The outer fin 17 is preferably formed so that the opening on the cover 12 side (the right side in FIG. 3 ) is larger than the opening on the heating assembly 41 side (the left side in FIG. 3 ). This makes it easier to insert the smoking article 110 into the outer fin 17 through the opening 12a. Furthermore, when no smoking article 110 is inserted inside the heating assembly 41, the user can clean the inside of the heating assembly 41 by inserting a tool such as a brush through the opening 12a. The cleaning tool can also be inserted from one end (the left end in FIG. 3 ) of the heating assembly 41. In this case, the cap 16 is removed from the vent 15 of the flavor inhaler 10.

[0029] 1B , when the smoking article 110 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 through the opening 12a and the user inhales on the portion of the smoking article 110 protruding from the flavor inhaler 10, i.e., the filter portion 115 shown in FIG. 2 , air flows into the heating assembly 41 through the vent 15. The flowing air passes through the interior of the heating assembly 41 and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the smoking article 110. Therefore, the side of the heating assembly 41 closer to the vent 15 is the upstream side, and the side of the heating assembly 41 closer to the opening 12a (the side closer to the outer fin 17) is the downstream side.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the heating assembly 41 shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly 41. FIG. 5 shows a side view of the heating assembly 41. The heating assembly 41 includes an inner tube 42 (corresponding to an example of a first cylindrical member), a heating member 43, an aerogel 44 (corresponding to an example of a heat insulating material), and an outer tube 45 (corresponding to an example of a second cylindrical member). The inner tube 42 has a first opening 42a at one end through which the smoking article 110 can be inserted, and a second opening 42b at the other end which forms an air inlet. In this embodiment, the inner tube 42 has a cylindrical shape and is configured to come into contact with at least a portion of the smoking article 110 inserted through the first opening 42a. The second opening 42b is located upstream of the air flow, and the first opening 42a is located downstream.

[0031] The outer tube 45 is disposed surrounding the inner tube 42, and a predetermined gap is formed between the inner tube 42 and the outer tube 45. The heating element 43 may be a flexible film heater, which is configured by sandwiching a heating resistor between two films such as PI (polyimide). The heating element 43 is disposed so as to abut against the inner tube 42. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the heating element 43 is disposed on the outer periphery of the inner tube 42, and the inner surface of the heating element 43 contacts the outer surface of the inner tube 42. The heating element 43 is disposed along the outer periphery of the inner tube 42, and therefore is deformed into a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. It is shaped.

[0032] The heating assembly 41 further includes a first annular member 46 extending circumferentially between the downstream end of the inner pipe 42 (the end on the first opening 42a side) and the downstream end of the outer pipe 45 (the end of the inner pipe 42 closer to the first opening 42a). The heating assembly 41 also includes a second annular member 47 extending circumferentially between the upstream end of the inner pipe 42 (the end on the second opening 42b side) and the upstream end of the outer pipe 45 (the end of the inner pipe 42 closer to the second opening 42b). The first annular member 46 is tightly connected to the downstream end of the inner pipe 42 via a top cap 48 and a heat-shrinkable tube 52, which will be described later. The second annular member 47 is tightly connected to the upstream end of the inner pipe 42 via a bottom cap 50 and a heat-shrinkable tube 52, which will be described later. The first annular member 46 and the second annular member are tightly connected to the outer pipe 45. This provides a sealed region 54 between the inner pipe 42 and the outer pipe 45. The sealed area 54 accommodates the heating element 43 and the aerogel 44 .

[0033] A heat-shrinkable tube 52 is disposed between the heating element 43 and the aerogel 44. The heat-shrinkable tube 52 is cylindrical and maintains the heating element 43 in contact with the inner tube 42. Specifically, the heat-shrinkable tube 52 is disposed on the outer periphery of the heating element 43 and heat-shrinks when heat is applied, thereby applying stress to the heating element 43 so as to press the heating element 43 against the inner tube 42. The heat-shrinkable tube 52 may be formed of a thermoplastic resin such as perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin (PFA). Note that in this embodiment, the heat-shrinkable tube 52 is employed for the purpose of maintaining the heating element 43 in contact with the inner tube 42. However, this is not limiting, and any material that can achieve a similar purpose may be employed. For example, an elastic tube or the like may be employed instead of the heat-shrinkable tube 52.

[0034] The inner pipe 42 is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel, which has high thermal conductivity. This allows heat from the heating element 43 to be easily conducted throughout the inner pipe 42, thereby enabling the inner pipe 42 itself to function as a heating means. The outer pipe 45 can be made of, for example, the same metal material as the inner pipe 42. Note that aerogel 44 is disposed between the heating element 43 and the outer pipe 45, so that heat generated by the heating element 43 is less likely to be transmitted to the outer pipe 45. In this embodiment, aerogel 44 is used to insulate the heat generated by the heating element 43. It can be made of various aerogel materials, such as silica aerogel, carbon aerogel, and alumina aerogel. However, other insulating materials may be used instead of aerogel. For example, fiber-based insulating materials such as glass wool or rock wool, or foam-based insulating materials such as urethane foam or phenolic foam, may be used. Alternatively, the sealed area 54 may be evacuated to form a vacuum-insulated space. When aerogel 44 is used as a heat insulating material, it is preferable that the volume of aerogel 44 occupies 85% or more and 100% or less of the volume of sealed area 54. This makes it possible to suppress the intrusion of air bubbles into sealed space 54, thereby preventing heat from heating element 43, inner tube 42, etc. from being transferred to outer tube 45 via the air bubbles. Even if air bubbles are in the sealed space 54, the air bubbles can move freely depending on the position of heating assembly 41 and transfer heat.

[0035] The heating assembly 41 further includes a top cap 48 and a bottom cap 50. The top cap 48 and the bottom cap 50 may be formed of, for example, a resin material. The top cap 48 is a tubular member having an internal space communicating with the first opening 42a of the inner tube 42, and is configured to allow the smoking article 110 to be inserted therein. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the top cap 48 is connected to the downstream end (the end on the first opening 42a side) of the inner tube 42. One or more protrusions 48a are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the top cap 48, spaced evenly apart in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, four protrusions 48a are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the top cap 48. This provides frictional resistance to the smoking article 110 inserted in the top cap 48, thereby locking the smoking article 110 and preventing the smoking article 110 from accidentally coming out of the flavor inhaler 10.

[0036] The bottom cap 50 is an elongated tubular member having a downstream end 50a connected to the upstream end (the end on the second opening 42b side) of the inner tube 42 and an upstream end 50b opposite the downstream end 50a. The bottom cap 50 forms an internal flow path that introduces air toward the second opening 42b of the inner tube 42. The upstream end 50b (the end on the lower side in the figure) of the bottom cap 50 is disposed close to or adjacent to the ventilation hole 15 shown in FIG. 3. Air from the ventilation hole 15 flows from the upstream end 50b to the downstream end 50a of the bottom cap 50, passes through the inner tube 42 and the top cap 48, and can reach the user's mouth. In other words, the bottom cap 50, the inner tube 42, and the top cap 48 form an air flow path 70 that pneumatically connects the ventilation hole 15 and the opening 12a of the cover 12.

[0037] Next, the connection portion between the heating assembly 41 and the outer fin 17 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection portion between the heating assembly 41 and the outer fin 17. As shown in FIG. 6, a hollow rubber material 24 is provided at the connection portion between the outer fin 17 and the top cap 48. Specifically, the upstream end of the outer fin 17 (the end on the first opening 42a side) surrounds at least a portion of the outer periphery of the top cap 48, specifically the outer periphery of the downstream end of the top cap 48. That is, the upstream end of the outer fin 17 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the downstream end of the inner tube 42, and is capable of accommodating the downstream end of the top cap 48. The outer fin 17 has an accommodating portion 17a for accommodating the rubber material 24. Specifically, the accommodating portion 17a of the outer fin 17 forms a predetermined gap between itself and the outer surface of the top cap 48. The rubber material 24 is annular and extends circumferentially between the outer periphery of the top cap 48 and the inner periphery of the outer fin 17. This seals the gap between the top cap 48 and the outer fin 17. The rubber material 24 is not limited to a hollow structure, but may also have a solid structure.

[0038] Next, the relative positional relationships among the inner tube 42, heating element 43, aerogel 44, outer tube 45, top cap 48, bottom cap 50, and heat-shrinkable tube 52 will be described. FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly 41. FIG. 7 is intended to illustrate the relative positional relationships among the components of the heating assembly 41, and the specific shapes and dimensions thereof may differ from the actual ones. Note that the upstream side (lower side in the drawing) of the bottom cap 50 is not shown in FIG. 7.

[0039] As shown in the figure, the upstream end of the top cap 48 (the end closest to the first opening 42a) surrounds the outer periphery of the downstream end of the inner tube 42 (the end closest to the first opening 42a). That is, the upstream end of the top cap 48 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the downstream end of the inner tube 42, and is capable of accommodating the downstream end of the inner tube 42. The connection between the inner surface of the top cap 48 and the outer surface of the inner tube 42 is sealed, for example, with an adhesive, so that gas or aerosols do not pass through the gap between the top cap 48 and the inner tube 42. Furthermore, the downstream end of the heat-shrink tubing 52 (the end closest to the first opening 42a) surrounds the outer periphery of the upstream end of the top cap 48. The heat-shrink tubing 52 is in close contact with the upstream end of the top cap 48. In this way, the heating assembly 41 has overlapping regions in the axial direction between the top cap 48 and the inner tube 42, and between the top cap 48 and the heat-shrink tubing 52. Furthermore, these overlapping regions are in close contact or sealed with each other. This improves the sealing between the top cap 48, the inner tube 42, and the heat shrink tube 52.

[0040] The downstream end 50a of the bottom cap 50 (the end closer to the second opening 42b) surrounds the outer periphery of the upstream end of the inner pipe 42 (the end on the second opening 42b side). That is, the downstream end 50a of the bottom cap 50 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the upstream end of the inner pipe 42, and is capable of accommodating the upstream end of the inner pipe 42. The connecting portion between the inner surface of the bottom cap 50 and the outer surface of the inner pipe 42 is bonded, for example, with an adhesive, and a gap between the bottom cap 50 and the inner pipe 42 is filled with gas or air. The heat shrink tube 52 is configured to prevent aerosols from passing through. Furthermore, the upstream end (the end on the second opening 42b side) of the heat shrink tube 52 surrounds the outer periphery of the downstream end 50a of the bottom cap 50. The heat shrink tube 52 is in close contact with the downstream end 50a of the bottom cap 50. In this way, the heating assembly 41 has overlapping regions in the axial direction between the bottom cap 50 and the inner tube 42, and between the bottom cap 50 and the heat shrink tube 52. Furthermore, these overlapping regions are in close contact or sealed with each other. This improves the sealing performance between the bottom cap 50, the inner tube 42, and the heat shrink tube 52.

[0041] As shown in the figure, the top cap 48, inner tube 42, and bottom cap 50 are arranged side by side in the axial direction, and adjacent caps are airtightly connected to form a tubular assembly with a sealed structure. In this tubular assembly, the joint between the top cap 48 and the inner tube cap, and the joint between the inner tube 42 and the bottom cap 50, can both have a sealed structure that can withstand a negative pressure of 40 kPa to 60 kPa relative to atmospheric pressure. In particular, each joint preferably has a sealed structure that can withstand a negative pressure of 45 kPa to 55 kPa, and typically has a sealed structure that can withstand a negative pressure of 50 kPa.

[0042] Whether each joint has the desired sealing structure can be tested, for example, by the following method. First, with one opening of the top cap 48 or the bottom cap 50 closed, suction is applied from the other opening using a vacuum pump or the like to create a negative pressure inside the tubular assembly. When the negative pressure inside the tubular assembly reaches a desired value (e.g., 50 kPa), suction is stopped and the tubular assembly is left in this state for a certain period of time, and the pressure change inside the tubular assembly is measured. If the pressure change at this time is smaller than a predetermined threshold, each joint is determined to have the desired sealing performance. The leaving time after suction is stopped is, for example, 3 seconds, and the threshold for pressure change is 2.3 kPa.

[0043] The bottom cap 50 has a small-diameter portion 50c with an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 42. A stepped locking portion 50d is formed by the small-diameter portion 50c and a portion of the bottom cap 50 surrounding the outer periphery of the upstream end of the inner tube 42. In other words, the locking portion 50d is a surface that is approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the inner tube 42. As shown in the figure, the upstream end of the inner tube 42 is positioned to abut against the locking portion 50d. Furthermore, the diameter of the small-diameter portion 50c is designed so that when the smoking article 110 is inserted through the first opening 42a, the tip end of the smoking article 110 abuts against the locking portion 50d. This allows the smoking article 110 to be positioned.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the downstream end (the end on the first opening 42a side) and the upstream end (the end on the second opening 42b side) of the inner tube 42 are configured to protrude outside the outer tube 45. Also, as shown in the figure, the heating element 43 is disposed so as to be located between the upstream and downstream ends of the outer tube 45 in the axial direction. In other words, the heating element 43 is configured so as not to come into contact with the upstream end of the inner tube 42 protruding outside the outer tube 45. This makes the temperature of the upstream end of the inner tube 42 lower than the temperature of the axial center of the inner tube 42. As a result, when the smoking article 110 is inserted through the first opening 42a and abuts the locking portion 50d, heating of the tip of the smoking article 110 can be suppressed, thereby preventing unintended aerosol generation from the tip of the smoking article. Furthermore, since the tip of the smoking article 110 is relatively cold, condensation and collection of aerosol are promoted there, preventing aerosol generated downstream from flowing backward through the air flow path 70.

[0045] The axial length of the heat-shrinkable tube 52 is approximately the same as the axial length of the inner tube 42. The heat-shrinkable tube 52 is longer than the heating element 43 in the axial direction, and the heating element 43 is located between the upstream end and downstream end of the heat-shrinkable tube 52. This allows the heat-shrinkable tube 52 to cover the entire heating element 43, and allows the heating element 43 to be in uniform contact with the inner tube 42. The aerogel 44 is located at least as long as the heating element 43 in the axial direction. 3. This allows the heat generated by the heating member 43 to be efficiently blocked.

[0046] The upstream end of the top cap 48 (the end closest to the first opening 42a) is located upstream (lower in the figure) of the downstream end (the end closest to the first opening 42a) of the outer tube 45. The downstream end 50a of the bottom cap 50 is located outside the outer tube 45. In addition, the upstream end of the heat-shrinkable tube 52 (the end closest to the second opening 42b) protrudes outside the outer tube 45 and surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom cap 50 as described above.

[0047] Because the first annular member 46 and the second annular member 47 are substantially in contact with the inner pipe 42 and the outer pipe 45, if they are made of a material with high thermal conductivity, much of the heat from the inner pipe 42 may be transferred to the outer pipe 45 via the first annular member 46 and the second annular member 47. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first annular member 46 and the second annular member 47 may be made of a material with lower thermal conductivity than the inner pipe 42 and the outer pipe 45. Specifically, they may be made of a resin such as a UV-curable resin or an ultraviolet-curable resin. This makes it possible to suppress heat transfer from the inner pipe 42 to the outer pipe 45.

[0048] The heating assembly 41 has a heater tail 56 that electrically connects the heating element 43 to the circuit unit 30 (which corresponds to an example of a control unit) shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 7, at least a portion of the heater tail 56 extends along the outer surface of the inner tube 42 and the outer surface of the bottom cap 50, and protrudes outside the sealed region 54.

[0049] The inner diameter of the bottom cap 50 may be constant from the downstream end 50a to the upstream end 50b. Alternatively, the inner surface of the bottom cap 50 may be tapered, thereby increasing the inner diameter of the bottom cap 50 from the downstream end 50a to the upstream end 50b. When the maximum inner diameter of the bottom cap 50 is Dmax and the inner diameter of the inner tube 42 is Dc, the ratio of Dc to Dmax (Dc / Dmax) is, for example, 1.4 to 2.34, preferably 1.56 to 2.01, and typically 1.75. Therefore, when the inner diameter Dc of the inner tube 42 is 7.00 mm, the maximum diameter Dmax of the bottom cap 50 is, for example, 2.99 mm to 4.99 mm, preferably 3.49 mm to 4.49 mm, and typically 3.99 mm. When the diameter of the smoking article 110 is close to the inner diameter of the inner tube 42, if the maximum diameter of the bottom cap 50 and the maximum inner diameter of the inner tube 42 are within the above range, the tip end of the smoking article 110 can be securely held by the locking portion 50d of the bottom cap 50, while ensuring a sufficient air flow path 70. Note that the diameter of the bottom cap 50 here excludes the inner diameter of the portion surrounding the inner tube 42 and includes the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 50c.

[0050] Next, the positional relationship between the smoking article 110 and the heating assembly 41 when the smoking article 110 is inserted into the flavor attractor 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the axial positional relationship between the base portion 110A of the smoking article 110, the heating member 43, and the inner tube 42 of the flavor attractor 10 in the present embodiment. The axis here means the central axis of the first opening 42a in the flavor attractor 10. When the smoking article 110 is inserted into the first opening 42a, its axis and the central axis of the smoking article 110 partially overlap.

[0051] When the axial length of the heating member 43 is D0 and the axial length of the base portion 110A of the smoking article 110 is L0, the length D0 can be made smaller than the length L0 (D0 < L0). Further, the ratio of the length D0 to the length L0 (D0 / L0) is 0.70 or more and 0.90 or less, preferably 0.75 or more and 0.85 or less, and typically may be 0.80. Therefore, when the length L0 of the base portion 110A is 20 mm, the length D0 of the heating member 43 is 14 mm or more and 18 mm or less, preferably 15 mm or more and 17 mm or less, and typically may be 16 mm. By setting the ratio of the length D0 to the length L0 (D0 / L0) within the above range, the heating member 43 can be miniaturized in the length direction while achieving a desired aerosol generation amount.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 8, the upstream end of the substrate 110A may protrude a distance D1 upstream of the upstream end of the heating element 43. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the upstream and downstream directions of the airflow through the airflow path 70 caused by the user's inhalation (see FIG. 4). Because the protruding portion of the substrate 110A protruding from the heating element 43 does not have the heating element 43 radially outward, its internal temperature may be somewhat lower than that of other portions of the substrate 110A. This suppresses aerosol generation at and near the upstream end of the substrate 110A, thereby preventing aerosol generated there from condensing in the airflow path or from flowing back through the airflow path and leaking to the outside of the device. The ratio (D1 / L0) of the protruding length D1 to the overall length L0 of the substrate 110A may be 0.25 to 0.40, preferably 0.30 to 0.35, and typically 0.325. Therefore, when the overall length L0 of the substrate 110A is 20 mm, the protrusion length D1 may be 5 mm or more and 8 mm or less, preferably 6 mm or more and 7 mm or less, and typically 6.5 mm. Note that the protrusion length D1 here can also be referred to as the axial distance between the upstream end of the heating member 43 and the upstream end of the inner tube 42. By setting the ratio (D1 / L0) of the protrusion length D1 to the length L0 within the above range, it is possible to suppress aerosol generation at and near the upstream end of the substrate 110A while achieving sufficient aerosol generation in other parts of the substrate 110A.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 8, the downstream end of the heating element 43 may protrude downstream from the downstream end of the substrate 110A by a length D2. This allows the downstream end of the substrate 110A and its vicinity to be sufficiently heated, preventing insufficient aerosol generation or aerosol condensation there. The ratio (D2 / L0) of the protruding length D2 of the heating element 43 to the length L0 of the substrate 110A may be 0.075 or more and 0.175 or less, preferably 0.1 or more and 0.15 or less, and typically 0.125. Therefore, when the length L0 of the substrate 110A is 20 mm, the protruding length D2 of the heating element 43 may be 1.5 mm or more and 3.5 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and typically 2.5 mm. By setting the ratio (D2 / L0) of the protrusion length D2 to the length L0 within the above range, sufficient aerosol generation can be achieved at the downstream end of the substrate portion 110A and its vicinity, while preventing the heating member 43 from becoming too large in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] The axial positions of the upstream end of the inner tube 42 and the upstream end of the substrate portion 110A may be approximately the same. Meanwhile, the downstream end of the inner tube 42 may protrude downstream by a length D3 from the downstream end of the substrate portion 110A, similar to the downstream end of the heating element 43. This allows the upstream end of the cardboard tube portion 114 and its vicinity to be heated in addition to the downstream end of the substrate portion 110A and its vicinity, thereby preventing the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 110A from being excessively cooled and condensing at the upstream end of the cardboard tube portion 114 and its vicinity. The ratio (D3 / D2) of the protrusion length D3 of the inner tube 42 to the protrusion length D2 of the heating element 43 may be 2.6 to 3.4, preferably 2.8 to 3.2, and typically 3.0. Therefore, when the protrusion length D2 of the heating element 43 is 2.5 mm, the protrusion length D3 of the inner tube 42 is 6.5 mm or more and 8.5 mm or less, preferably 7.0 mm or more and 8.0 mm or less, and may typically be 7.5 mm. By setting the ratio (D3 / D2) of the protrusion length D3 to the protrusion length D2 within the above range, it is possible to prevent aerosol condensation at and near the upstream end of the cardboard tube portion 114, while suppressing an increase in the size of the heating element 43 in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it provides the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0056] Some of the aspects disclosed in this specification are described below.

[0057] According to a first aspect, there is provided a heating assembly including a first cylindrical member having a first opening at one end through which a flavor-generating article can be inserted and a second opening at the other end forming an air inlet, a heating member, and a thermal insulator. The heating assembly further includes a second cylindrical member disposed surrounding the first cylindrical member, a sealed region between the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member, and the heating member and the thermal insulator are housed in the sealed region.

[0058] According to a second aspect, in the heating assembly of the first aspect, the heating member abuts against the first cylindrical member, and the first cylindrical member is made of a metal material.

[0059] According to the third form, in the heating assembly of the first or second form, the heating element is provided on the outer circumferential side of the first tubular member, a first resin material is provided between the heating element and the insulating material, and the first resin material applies stress to the heating element so as to press the heating element against the first tubular member.

[0060] According to a fourth aspect, in the heating assembly of the third aspect, the first resin material thermally contracts to apply stress to the heating member so as to press the heating member against the first tubular member.

[0061] According to a fifth aspect, in the heating assembly of the third or fourth aspect, an upstream end of the first resin material close to the second opening protrudes outside the second tubular member.

[0062] According to the sixth aspect, the heating assembly of the fifth aspect has a third tubular member into which the flavor-generating article can be inserted and which has an internal space communicating with the first opening of the first tubular member, the third tubular member being connected to the downstream end of the first tubular member on the first opening side, and the downstream end of the first resin material close to the first opening surrounding the outer periphery of the upstream end connected to the first opening of the third tubular member.

[0063] According to a seventh aspect, in the heating assembly of the sixth aspect, the upstream end of the third cylindrical member surrounds an outer periphery of the downstream end of the first cylindrical member.

[0064] According to an eighth aspect, in the heating assembly of any one of the third to seventh aspects, the length of the first resin material in the axial direction is substantially the same as the length of the first cylindrical member in the axial direction.

[0065] According to a ninth aspect, in the heating assembly of any one of the third to eighth aspects, the first resin material is axially longer than the heating element, and the heating element is positioned between the upstream end of the first resin material close to the second opening and the downstream end close to the first opening.

[0066] According to the tenth aspect, in the heating assembly of any one of the third to ninth aspects, there is provided a fourth tubular member connected to the upstream end of the first tubular member on the second opening side and forming an internal flow path for introducing air toward the second opening of the first tubular member, and the upstream end of the first resin material close to the second opening surrounds the outer periphery of the fourth tubular member.

[0067] According to an eleventh aspect, in the heating assembly of the tenth aspect, The downstream end near the second opening surrounds the outer periphery of the upstream end of the first cylindrical member.

[0068] According to the 12th form, in the heating assembly of any of the 1st to 11th forms, the upstream end of the first cylindrical member on the second opening side and the downstream end of the first opening side protrude outside the second cylindrical member, and the heating member is located axially between the upstream end of the second cylindrical member close to the second opening and the downstream end of the second cylindrical member close to the first opening.

[0069] According to the 13th aspect, in a heating assembly of any one of the 1st to 12th aspects, the insulation material extends axially at least between an upstream end of the heating element close to the second opening and a downstream end close to the first opening.

[0070] According to the 14th form, in the heating assembly of any one of the 1st to 13th forms, an annular member extending circumferentially is provided between the end of the first cylindrical member on the first opening side and the end of the second cylindrical member close to the first opening, and between the end of the first cylindrical member on the second opening side and the end of the second cylindrical member close to the second opening.

[0071] According to a fifteenth aspect, in the heating assembly of the fourteenth aspect, the annular member is formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member.

[0072] According to a sixteenth aspect, in the heating assembly of any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the insulating material includes aerogel.

[0073] According to a seventeenth aspect, in the heating assembly of the sixteenth aspect, the ratio of the volume of the insulating material to the volume of the sealed area is 85% or more and 100% or less.

[0074] According to the 18th form, in a heating assembly of any of the 1st to 17th forms, there is provided a heater tail that electrically connects the heating element to a control unit, and at least a portion of the heater tail extends along the outer surface of the first tubular member and protrudes outside the sealed area.

[0075] According to the 19th aspect, in a heating assembly of any of the 1st to 18th aspects, the heating element is configured to heat the flavor-generating article, and when the axial length of the flavor-generating substrate of the flavor-generating article is L0 and the axial length of the heating element is D0, D0 / L0 is 0.7 or more and 0.9 or less.

[0076] According to a twentieth aspect, in the heating assembly of the nineteenth aspect, D0 / L0 is equal to or greater than 0.75 and equal to or less than 0.85.

[0077] According to the 21st form, in the heating assembly of any of the 1st to 20th forms, the heating element is configured to heat the flavor-generating article, and when the axial length of the flavor-generating substrate of the flavor-generating article is L0 and the axial distance between the upstream end of the heating element and the upstream end of the first tubular member is D1, D1 / L0 is 0.25 or more and 0.40 or less.

[0078] According to a 22nd aspect, in the heating assembly of the 21st aspect, D1 / L0 is equal to or greater than 0.30 and equal to or less than 0.35.

[0079] According to a 23rd aspect, in the heating assembly of any one of the first to 22nd aspects, when the flavor-generating article is housed inside the first tubular member such that the upstream end of the flavor-generating article and the upstream end of the first tubular member coincide with each other in the axial direction, the downstream end of the heating member is located downstream of the downstream end of the flavor-generating substrate of the flavor-generating article, and When the axial distance between the downstream end of the member and the downstream end of the flavor-generating substrate of the flavor-generating article is D2 and the axial length of the flavor-generating substrate of the flavor-generating article is L1, D2 / L1 is 0.075 or more and 0.175 or less.

[0080] According to a 24th aspect, in the heating assembly of the 23rd aspect, D2 / L1 is equal to or greater than 0.1 and equal to or less than 0.15.

[0081] According to the 25th form, in a heating assembly of any of the 1st to 23rd forms, when the flavor generating article is contained inside the first tubular member so that the upstream end of the flavor generating article and the upstream end of the first tubular member are aligned in the axial direction, the downstream ends of the heating element and the first tubular member are located downstream of the downstream end of the flavor generating substrate of the flavor generating article, and the downstream end of the first tubular member is located downstream of the downstream end of the heating element, and when the axial distance between the downstream end of the heating element and the downstream end of the flavor generating substrate of the flavor generating article is D2 and the axial distance between the downstream end of the first tubular member and the downstream end of the flavor generating substrate of the flavor generating article is D3, D3 / D2 is 2.6 or more and 3.4 or less.

[0082] According to a 26th aspect, in the heating assembly of the 25th aspect, D3 / D2 is equal to or greater than 2.8 and equal to or less than 3.2.

[0083] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler including the heating assembly according to any one of the first to twenty-sixth aspects.

[0084] According to a 28th aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler having an air flow path for airly communicating an air inlet and an air outlet, the air flow path comprising: a first hollow tube forming a part of an opening for accommodating a flavor source from the outside; a second hollow tube forming a part of a heating assembly; and a third hollow tube having a locking portion for positioning the flavor source, the third hollow tube, the second hollow tube, and the first hollow tube being arranged in this order in a direction from the air inlet to the air outlet, the first hollow tube and the second hollow tube, and the second hollow tube and the third hollow tube each have overlapping regions in the longitudinal direction, and both of the overlapping regions are sealed.

[0085] According to a 29th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of the 28th aspect, the second hollow tube has a cylindrical shape.

[0086] According to a 30th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of the 28th or 29th aspect, the second hollow tube is configured to accommodate the flavor source therein and to be in contact with at least a portion of the flavor source.

[0087] According to a 31st aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 30th aspects, the first hollow tube has a receiving portion in the overlapping region that can receive the downstream end of the second hollow tube and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the downstream end of the second hollow tube.

[0088] According to a 32nd aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 31st aspects, the third hollow tube has a housing portion in the overlapping region that can house the upstream end of the second hollow tube and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the upstream end of the second hollow tube.

[0089] According to the 33rd aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 32nd aspects, the third hollow tube has a first flavor source engaging portion in a region different from the overlap region, the first flavor source engaging portion having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second hollow tube.

[0090] According to a 34th aspect, the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 33rd aspects has a fourth hollow tube arranged to surround the second hollow tube, and the upstream end of the fourth hollow tube surrounds the downstream end of the third hollow tube and / or the downstream end of the fourth hollow tube surrounds the upstream end of the first hollow tube.

[0091] According to a 35th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 34th aspects, the contact portion between the inner surface of the first hollow tube and the outer surface of the second hollow tube in the overlapping region is engaged with an adhesive.

[0092] According to a 36th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 35th aspects, the contact portion between the outer surface of the second hollow tube and the inner surface of the third hollow tube in the overlapping region is engaged with an adhesive.

[0093] According to a 37th aspect, the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 36th aspects has a housing that accommodates at least a portion of each of the first hollow tube, the second hollow tube, and the third hollow tube, the housing having an inlet that communicates with the inside of the third hollow tube, and an end of the third hollow tube other than the end having the overlapping region with the second hollow tube is arranged adjacent to the inlet of the housing.

[0094] According to a 38th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 37th aspects, the first hollow tube has a second flavor source locking portion on its inner surface for locking the flavor source.

[0095] According to a 39th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 38th aspects, the second hollow tube is made of a metal material, and the first hollow tube and the third hollow tube are made of a resin material.

[0096] According to a fortieth aspect, the flavor inhaler of any one of the twenty-eighth to thirty-ninth aspects has a sleeve member with an opening, and the sleeve member forms a part of the opening.

[0097] According to a forty-first aspect, in the flavor inhaler of the fortieth aspect, an end of the first hollow tube different from the end having the overlapping region with the second hollow tube is engaged with the sleeve member.

[0098] According to a forty-second aspect, in the flavor inhaler of the forty-first aspect, a hollow rubber material is provided at the engagement end between the sleeve member and the first hollow tube.

[0099] According to a 43rd aspect, in the flavor inhaler of the 42nd aspect, the sleeve member has a housing portion for housing the rubber material.

[0100] According to a 44th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 40th to 43rd aspects, the inner diameter of the sleeve member is larger than the outer diameter of the first hollow tube, and the sleeve member surrounds at least a portion of the first hollow tube.

[0101] According to a 45th aspect, the flavor inhaler of any one of the 40th to 44th aspects has a movable cover member for allowing or restricting access of the flavor source to the opening of the sleeve member or the inner wall portion of the first hollow tube.

[0102] According to a 46th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 45th aspects, the second hollow tube defines a part of a space for accommodating a heating element for heating the flavor source. do.

[0103] According to the 47th aspect, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the 28th to 46th aspects, when the maximum inner diameter of the third hollow tube is Smax and the maximum outer diameter of the flavor source is Sc, Sc / Smax is 1.4 or more and 2.34 or less.

[0104] According to the 48th embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of the 47th embodiment, Sc / Smax is 1.56 or more and 2.01 or less. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10...Flavor aspirator 11. Housing 12...Cover 12a…Aperture 14...Lid part 15...Ventilation hole 16...Cap 17...Outer fin 17a... Storage area 21…Power supply 24...Rubber material 30...Circuit section 41...Heating assembly 42…Inner tube 43...heating element 44...Aerogel 45...Outer tube 46...First annular member 47...Second annular member 48...Top cap 50...Bottom cap 50c…Small diameter part 50d…Locking part 52...Heat shrink tubing 54...Enclosed area 56...Heater tail 70...Air flow path 110...Smoking articles 111...Filling

Claims

1. A heating assembly comprising: a first tubular member having a first opening at one end into which a flavor-generating article can be inserted and a second opening at the other end forming an air inlet; a heating member; and a thermal insulator, The device further includes a second cylindrical member disposed to surround the first cylindrical member, A heating assembly, wherein a sealed area is provided between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, and the heating member and the insulating material are housed in the sealed area.

2. 10. The heating assembly of claim 1, the heating member is in contact with the first cylindrical member, A heating assembly, wherein the first tubular member is formed of a metallic material.

3. 3. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, the heating member is provided on the outer circumferential side of the first cylindrical member, a first resin material is provided between the heating member and the heat insulating material; The first resin material applies stress to the heating element to press the heating element against the first tubular member.

4. 4. The heating assembly of claim 3, A heating assembly, wherein the first resin material thermally shrinks to apply stress to the heating member so as to press the heating member against the first tubular member.

5. 5. A heating assembly according to claim 3 or 4, A heating assembly, wherein an upstream end of the first resin material near the second opening protrudes outside the second tubular member.

6. 6. The heating assembly of claim 5, a third cylindrical member into which the flavor-generating article can be inserted and having an internal space communicating with the first opening of the first cylindrical member; the third cylindrical member is connected to a downstream end of the first cylindrical member on the first opening side, A heating assembly, wherein a downstream end of the first resin material near the first opening surrounds an outer periphery of an upstream end of the third tubular member that is connected to the first opening.

7. 7. The heating assembly of claim 6, A heating assembly, wherein the upstream end of the third tubular member circumferentially surrounds the downstream end of the first tubular member.

8. 8. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 7, A heating assembly, wherein the axial length of the first resin material is approximately the same as the axial length of the first cylindrical member.

9. 9. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 8, the first resin material is longer than the heating member in the axial direction; The heating element is positioned between an upstream end of the first resin material near the second opening and a downstream end of the first resin material near the first opening.

10. 10. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 9, a fourth cylindrical member connected to an upstream end of the first cylindrical member on the second opening side and forming an internal flow path for introducing air toward the second opening of the first cylindrical member; An upstream end of the first resin material near the second opening surrounds the outer periphery of the fourth cylindrical member. Hmm, heating assembly.

11. 11. The heating assembly of claim 10, A heating assembly, wherein a downstream end of the fourth tubular member proximate the second opening surrounds an outer periphery of the upstream end of the first tubular member.

12. 12. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, an upstream end of the first cylindrical member on the second opening side and a downstream end of the first cylindrical member on the first opening side protrude outside the second cylindrical member, A heating assembly, wherein the heating element is axially accommodated between an upstream end of the second tubular member proximate the second opening and a downstream end of the second tubular member proximate the first opening.

13. 13. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A heating assembly, wherein the insulation extends axially at least between an upstream end of the heating element near the second opening and a downstream end of the heating element near the first opening.

14. 14. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A heating assembly having annular members extending circumferentially between the end of the first cylindrical member on the first opening side and the end of the second cylindrical member close to the first opening, and between the end of the first cylindrical member on the second opening side and the end of the second cylindrical member close to the second opening.

15. 15. The heating assembly of claim 14, A heating assembly, wherein the annular member is formed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first and second cylindrical members.

16. 16. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The heating assembly, wherein the thermal insulation material comprises aerogel.

17. 17. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, a heater tail electrically connecting the heating element to a control unit; A heating assembly, wherein at least a portion of the heater tail extends along an outer surface of the first tubular member and protrudes outside the sealed area.

18. 18. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the heating element is configured to heat the flavor-generating article; A heating assembly, wherein when the axial length of the flavor generating substrate of the flavor generating article is L0 and the axial length of the heating element is D0, D0 / L0 is 0.7 or more and 0.9 or less.

19. 20. The heating assembly of claim 18, A heating assembly, wherein D0 / L0 is greater than or equal to 0.75 and less than or equal to 0.

85.

20. 20. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19, the heating element is configured to heat the flavor-generating article; A heating assembly in which, when the axial length of the flavor-generating substrate of the flavor-generating article is L0 and the axial distance between the upstream end of the heating element and the upstream end of the first tubular element is D1, D1 / L0 is 0.25 or greater and 0.40 or less.

21. 21. The heating assembly of claim 20, A heating assembly, wherein D1 / L0 is greater than or equal to 0.30 and less than or equal to 0.

35.

22. 22. A heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21, A heating assembly in which, when the flavor-generating article is contained inside the first tubular member so that the upstream end of the flavor-generating article and the upstream end of the first tubular member are aligned axially, the downstream end of the heating member is located downstream of the downstream end of the flavor-generating substrate of the flavor-generating article.

23. A flavor inhaler comprising the heating assembly of any one of claims 1 to 22.

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