Heater assembly and container

Abstract

To provide a heater assembly and a container used by a flavor sucker.SOLUTION: A heater assembly 30 includes: a container 40 having a cylindrical part 41 forming a chamber 40C storing a flavor-generating article; and a heater 50 placed on a peripheral surface of the cylindrical part. The container includes: a first channel 43 extending along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical part and adjacent to the chamber in the direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical part; and a second channel 44 passing the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical part. The first channel is coupled to the second channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers that heat a flavor-generating article without combustion have been known. The flavor inhalers have a chamber that houses the flavor-generating article and a heater that heats the flavor-generating article housed in the chamber (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2001-521123 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5963375 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2016 / 207407 Brochure Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first feature is a heater assembly comprising: a container having a cylindrical portion forming a chamber for containing a flavor-generating article; and a heater arranged on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, wherein the container extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and comprises a first channel adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion; and a second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and the first channel is in communication with the two channels.

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

[0006] A third feature is characterized in that, in the first or second feature, the heater has a heating element and a substrate supporting the heating element, and the heating element is provided along a target portion of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion other than a portion adjacent to the first channel.

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

[0008] A fifth feature is characterized in that, in any of the first to fourth features, the heater has a heating element and a substrate supporting the heating element, the tubular portion has a first end that receives the flavor-generating article and a second end that is provided on the opposite side of the first end in the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion, and the heating element is provided along the circumferential surface of the tubular portion so as to be spaced apart from the second end.

[0009] A sixth feature is the fifth feature, wherein the container has a bottom plate portion that closes the second end, and the heating element is not provided in the bottom plate portion but is provided along a circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0010] A seventh feature is that in any of the first to sixth features, the cylindrical portion has an abutment portion that abuts against the tip of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is contained in the chamber.

[0011] An eighth feature is summarized as follows: in any of the first to sixth features, the container has a bottom plate portion, and further includes a base provided on the bottom plate portion of the container and abutting against a tip portion of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is contained in the chamber, the base forming an annular gap around the base that communicates with the first channel and the second channel.

[0012] A ninth feature is summarized in that in any one of the first to eighth features, the cylindrical portion is made of a thermally conductive member.

[0013] The tenth feature is that, in any of the first to ninth features, the cylindrical portion has a first end that receives the flavor-generating article and a second end that is located on the opposite side of the first end in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, the container has a bottom plate portion that closes the second end, and the cylindrical portion has a third channel that connects the first channel and the second channel.

[0014] An eleventh feature is summarized as the tenth feature, wherein the channel extending from the first channel to the third channel includes an inclined channel or a curved channel.

[0015] A twelfth feature is summarized as being related to any of the first to eleventh features, wherein the cylindrical portion includes, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, a first portion that defines the chamber and a second portion that protrudes outward beyond the chamber, and the second portion extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and forms the first channel.

[0016] A thirteenth feature is that, in the twelfth feature, when the flavor-generating article is contained in the chamber, the first portion contacts the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article and the second portion is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article.

[0017] A fourteenth feature is the twelfth or thirteenth feature, wherein the first portion is configured to at least partially compress the flavor-generating article in the alignment direction of the first portion and the second portion when the flavor-generating article is contained in the chamber.

[0018] A fifteenth feature is summarized as any one of the twelfth to fourteenth features, in that the first portion has an elliptical circumference in a cross section with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion.

[0019] A sixteenth feature is summarized as being related to any of the first to eleventh features, wherein the container has a channel forming member that forms the first channel, and the channel forming member is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0020] A seventeenth feature is summarized as being related to the sixth feature or any of the seventh to sixteenth features that cite the sixth feature, wherein the heater assembly includes a sensor used to detect a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided in the bottom plate portion.

[0021] An eighteenth feature is summarized as being related to any of the twelfth to fifteenth features, wherein the heater assembly includes a sensor used to detect a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided in the second portion.

[0022] The nineteenth feature is the sixteenth feature, wherein the heater assembly is The present invention is characterized in that a sensor is provided for detecting a temperature change occurring within the assembly, and the sensor is provided in the channel forming member.

[0023] A twentieth feature is summarized as being any of the first to nineteenth features, wherein the container has an area formed on at least a part of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, the area having a higher thermal emissivity than the outer surface of the cylindrical container.

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

[0025] A twenty-second feature is summarized in that, in any of the first to twenty-first features, the heater further includes a film made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the cylindrical member and disposed between the cylindrical portion and the heater.

[0026] A 23rd feature is summarized as being related to any of the first to 22nd features, in that the first channel forms an air flow path from the outside of the heater assembly toward the second channel and further includes an obstruction member that obstructs fluid flow in the reverse direction of the first channel.

[0027] A twenty-fourth feature is summarized as the twenty-third feature, wherein the obstructing member is a partition wall that blocks a part of the first channel.

[0028] A 25th feature is summarized as the 23rd feature, further comprising a lid member movable between a first position exposing an opening of the container and a second position covering the opening, and the obstructing member is the lid member in the first position.

[0029] A 26th feature is a container having a cylindrical portion forming a chamber for accommodating a flavor-generating article, the container comprising: a first channel extending along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion; and a second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion forming a surface on which a heater is disposed; and the first channel communicating with the two channels. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a heater assembly 30 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a container 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a container 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a container 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the heater 50 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the heater 50 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a container 40 according to the first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a container 40 according to the second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a container 40 according to the second modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a container 40 according to the third modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a container 40 according to the third modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a contact portion according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a contact portion according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a contact portion according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a contact portion according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a container 40 according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a heater 50 according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a heater 50 according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a heater 50 according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to the sixth modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a container 40 according to the second modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a container 40 according to the second modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a container 40 according to the second modified example. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a container 40 according to the second modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a container 40 according to the second modified example. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a container 40 according to the second modified example. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a partition wall 49 according to the third modified example. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a partition wall 49 according to the third modified example. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a partition wall 49 according to the third modified example. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a cover member LD according to the third modified example. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating the cover member LD according to the third modified example. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a heat insulating member 70 according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a base 80 according to the seventh modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0032] Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following explanation. Of course, there may be cases where the dimensional relationships and ratios differ between the drawings.

[0033] [Disclosure Summary] In the flavor inhalers of the background art described above, various improvements have been made to the arrangement of the channel for introducing air into the chamber and the heater. However, in view of the compact size of the flavor inhaler and the efficient generation of aerosol, further improvements in the arrangement of the channel and the heater are desired.

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

[0035] In the summary of the disclosure, it is assumed that a heater is disposed on the circumferential surface of a cylindrical portion forming a chamber, and a first channel communicating with a second channel passing through the chamber is adjacent to the chamber. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a channel communicating with the heater assembly below in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a structure that closes the bottom of the heater assembly can be adopted. Therefore, the dead space below the heater assembly can be effectively utilized.

[0036] [Embodiment] (flavor aspirator) The flavor inhaler according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment.

[0037] 1, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a flavor-generating article 110 and an inhaler main body 120. In the embodiment, a case where a puffing action is performed while the user holds the flavor-generating article 110 in their mouth is illustrated. Air inhaled by the user is guided into the user's oral cavity in the order of airflow 100A, airflow 100C, and airflow 100B.

[0038] The flavor-generating article 110 is a substrate containing a component capable of generating a flavor, and has a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. For example, the flavor-generating article 110 may be composed of shredded tobacco, a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into granules, or a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into a sheet. The flavor-generating article 110 may generate an aerosol when heated, and may include an aerosol source containing various polyols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or 1,3-butanediol to promote the generation of the aerosol. The flavor-generating article 110 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor-generating article 110 may include a flavoring such as menthol.

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

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

[0041] The control circuit 20 is configured with a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of the inhaler main body 120. For example, the control circuit 20 starts heating the flavor-generating article 110 in response to a user's operation on an input device such as a push button or slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the flavor-generating article 110 after a certain time has elapsed. If the number of puffing actions by the user exceeds a certain value, the control circuit 20 may stop heating the flavor-generating article 110 even before the certain time has elapsed since the start of heating the flavor-generating article 110. For example, the puffing action is detected by a sensor 60 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later.

[0042] Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may start heating the flavor-generating article 110 in response to the start of a puffing action, and may stop heating the flavor-generating article 110 in response to the end of the puffing action. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the flavor-generating article 110 when a certain time has elapsed since the start of a puffing action, even before the end of the puffing action. In an embodiment, the control circuit 20 is disposed between the battery 10 and the heater assembly 30, and suppresses heat transfer from the heater assembly 30 to the battery 10.

[0043] The heater assembly 30 is an assembly that heats the flavor-generating article 10. As shown in FIG.

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

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

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

[0047] The heater 50 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and heats the flavor-generating article contained in the chamber 40C. The heater 50 may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 or on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. The heater 50 may be in contact with the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the heater 50 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

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

[0049] The sensor 60 is used to detect a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly 30. For example, the sensor 60 is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermocouple. The sensor 60 may be provided on the base plate portion 42. Alternatively, the sensor 60 may be provided on the inner or outer surface of the second portion 41B (described later) adjacent to the first channel 43. The sensor 60 may be used to detect a puffing action based on a temperature change occurring due to air flowing through the first channel 43. Furthermore, the sensor 60 may be used to control heating of the flavor-generating article 10 by the control circuit 20. In particular, the control circuit 20 may be configured to stop supplying power to the heating element 52 when the temperature of the heater assembly 30 or another portion within the inhaler 120, measured directly or indirectly by the sensor 60, exceeds a certain value.

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

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the cylindrical portion 41 of the container 40 is divided into a first portion 41A that defines the chamber 40C and a second portion 41B that extends outward from the chamber 40C in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. The chamber 40C includes a second portion 41B extending from the first portion 41A. The second portion 41B extends along the longitudinal direction A and forms a first channel 43. That is, when the flavor-generating article 110 is housed in the chamber 40C, the first portion 41A contacts the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110, and the second portion 41B is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110. The first portion 41A and the second portion 41B may be integrally molded.

[0052] Here, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the first portion 41A may have substantially the same shape as the flavor-generating article 110. For example, if the flavor-generating article 110 is cylindrical, the first portion 41A may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the second portion 41B may protrude outward beyond the chamber 40C, and may have, for example, an arc shape.

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

[0054] (heater) 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating a heater 50 according to an embodiment. As described above, the heater 50 includes a substrate 51 and a heating element 52.

[0055] 6, heater 50 includes a lead wire portion 53 continuous with heating element 52. Lead wire portion 53 is connected to battery 10 via control circuit 20, for example.

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

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

[0058] 6 and 7, the heating element 52 is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 so as to be spaced apart from the second end portion 40Y. The heating element 52 is not provided on the bottom plate portion 42, but is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0059] (Action and effect) In the embodiment, on the premise that the heater 50 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 forming the chamber 40C, the first channel 43 communicating with the second channel 44 passing through the chamber 40C is adjacent to the chamber 40C. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating with the lower side of the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure that closes the bottom surface of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, Furthermore, since the air passing through first channel 43 can be preliminarily heated by heater 50 disposed on the circumferential surface of cylindrical portion 41, a decrease in the temperature of flavor-generating article 110 housed in chamber 40C is suppressed, and an effect of enabling aerosol to be efficiently generated from flavor-generating article 110 can be expected.

[0060] In this embodiment, the heater 50 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41. Therefore, the heater 50 can be easily assembled.

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

[0062] In the embodiment, the watt density of the heating element 52A in the first arrangement portion 41A1 is The watt density of the heating element 52B in the position portion 41A2 may be higher than that of the heating element 52B in the position portion 41A2. According to this configuration, since the heating element 52 is not disposed in the portion adjacent to the first channel 43, a decrease in the temperature of the flavor-generating article 110 at the position adjacent to the first channel 43 can be suppressed.

[0063] In the embodiment, the container 40 has a constricted portion 41S that abuts against the flavor-generating article 110 when the flavor-generating article 110 is housed in the chamber 40C. With this configuration, the flavor-generating article 110 can be easily positioned within the chamber 40C, and the third channel 45 that connects the first channel 43 and the second channel 44 can be easily secured.

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

[0065] In the embodiment, the cylindrical portion 41 of the container 40 includes, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, a first portion 41A that defines the chamber 40C and a second portion 41B that protrudes outward beyond the chamber 40C. With this configuration, the air inlet, the first channel 43, and the second channel 44 (chamber 40C) can be realized by a single member (cylindrical portion 41), thereby simplifying the structure of the heater assembly 30.

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

[0067] In the embodiment, the sensor 60 is provided on the base plate portion 42. With this configuration, the base plate portion 42 is spaced apart from the heating element 52, so the sensor 60 is not excessively affected by the heat generated by the heating element 52, and the base plate portion 42 is spaced apart from the user's oral cavity, so the sensor 60 is not excessively affected by the outside air. Therefore, in cases where the sensor 60 is used to detect a puffing operation, for example, the accuracy with which the sensor 60 detects temperature changes can be improved.

[0068] (Change example 1) Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

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

[0070] However, the embodiment and modified example 1 are not limited to this. The second portion 41B may protrude outward beyond the chamber 40C in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. The second portion 41B may have a rectangular shape or a shape that combines a rectangle and an arc.

[0071] (Change example 2) Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

[0072] In Modification Example 2, a description will be given of variations in the shape of cylindrical portion 41. In Modification Example 2, as in the embodiment, cylindrical portion 41 includes, in a cross section perpendicular to longitudinal direction A, a first portion 41A that defines chamber 40C and a second portion 41B that protrudes outward beyond chamber 40C.

[0073] 9, when the cross section of the flavor-generating article 110 is circular, the cylindrical portion 41 may have an elliptical shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, a first channel 43 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110. The portion of the cylindrical portion 41 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110 constitutes a first portion 41A, and the portion that is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110 constitutes a second portion 41B.

[0074] 10, when the cross section of the flavor-generating article 110 is circular, the tubular portion 41 may have a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, a first channel 43 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110. The portion of the tubular portion 41 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110 constitutes a first portion 41A, and the portion that is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110 constitutes a second portion 41B.

[0075] (Change example 3) The third modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

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

[0077] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the container 40 may have a channel-forming member 46 that has a circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. The member 46 may have a cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, the first channel 43 is formed inside the channel-forming member 46. The channel-forming member 46 may be bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 or may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 41.

[0078] 12 , the container 40 may have a channel-forming member 46 having an elliptical shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, which accommodates the cylindrical portion 41. In other words, the channel-forming member 46 may have an elliptical cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, the first channel 43 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the channel-forming member 46 and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. The channel-forming member 46 may be bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, or may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 41.

[0079] (Action and effect) In the third modified example, the container 40 has a channel forming member 46 that forms the first channel 43. With this configuration, the first channel 43 and the second channel 44 (chamber 40C) are separated by at least the cylindrical portion 41, so that it is possible to suppress unintended inflow of air from the first channel 43 to the second channel 44. The unintended inflow of air is inflow of air through a flow path other than the third channel 45 described above.

[0080] 12, the heater 50 disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is disposed inside the first channel 43. In other words, since the first channel 43 is not interposed between the heater 50 and the chamber 40C, energy can be transmitted from the heater 50 to the flavor-generating article 110 more efficiently than in the case shown in FIG.

[0081] (Change example 4) The fourth modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

[0082] In the fourth modification, a variation of the contact portion that contacts the flavor-generating article 110 when the flavor-generating article 110 is housed in the chamber 40C will be described.

[0083] For example, as shown in Fig. 13, a container 40 has ribs 41R standing upright from a bottom surface 42. Although two ribs 41R are shown in Fig. 13, the number of ribs 41R is arbitrary.

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

[0085] For example, as shown in FIG. 15(A), in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 41A that defines the chamber 40C may narrow toward the second end 41Y. In such a case, the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 41A that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article 110 functions as an abutment portion. Here, in addition to the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 41A, the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 41B may also narrow toward the second end 41Y. According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the channels extending from the first channel 43 to the third channel 45 include inclined channels or curved channels. Inclined channels or curved channels The channel may be considered to be part of the first channel 43 or part of the third channel 45. The airflow 100D is created through the inclined or curved channel, so that the air flows smoothly from the first channel 43 to the second channel 44.

[0086] 16, the bottom surface 42 of the container 40 may have a shape that protrudes inward into the chamber 40C. In such a case, the portion of the bottom surface 42 that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article 110 functions as a contact portion. Such a shape of the bottom surface 42 performs the same function as the rib 41R described above.

[0087] (Change example 5) The fifth modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

[0088] In Modification Example 5, a variation of the heater 50 will be described. In Modification Example 5, a case will be described in which the container 40 has two first channels 43 as shown in FIG. 17. In FIG. 17, A1 and A2 are symbols representing the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 41A, and B1 and B2 are symbols representing the outer peripheral surface of the second portion 41B. In FIGS. 18 to 20 shown below, the parts of the heater 50 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 41A are labeled A1 and A2, and the parts of the heater 50 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the second portion 41B are labeled B1 and B2. That is, in the assembled heater assembly 30, the areas labeled A1, A2, B1, and B2 in FIG. 18 face the areas labeled with the same symbols in FIG. 17. This also applies to the examples shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0089] 18, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 may be divided into two heating portions. The two heating portions are arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 41A, and the other portion is arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 41B. The lead wire 53 may be provided at one end of the heater 50.

[0090] 19, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 may be divided into two heating portions. The two heating portions are arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 41A, and the other portion is arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 41B. The lead wire 53 may be provided at the portion connecting the two heating portions.

[0091] For example, as shown in Fig. 20, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 does not have to be divided into two heating portions. The two heating portions of the heater 50 are arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 41A, and the other portion is arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 41B. The lead wire 53 may be provided at the portion connecting the two heating portions.

[0092] (Change example 6) The sixth modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

[0093] In the embodiment, the control circuit 20 is disposed between the battery 10 and the heater assembly 30. In contrast, in the sixth modification, the control circuit 20 is provided below the heater assembly 30, as shown in FIG.

[0094] In the sixth modification, similarly to the embodiment, the first channel 43 is disposed adjacent to the chamber 40C, so that it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating with the lower side of the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure that closes the bottom surface of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, it is possible to dispose the control circuit 20 below the heater assembly 30. This allows the dead space below the heater assembly 30 to be used effectively.

[0095] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

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

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

[0098] (Additional change example 1) The following describes an additional modification example 1 of the embodiment. In the additional modification example 1, for example, the container 40 shown in Fig. 2 has a region formed on at least a part of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, the region having a higher thermal emissivity than the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical container 41.

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

[0100] Furthermore, the area with high thermal emissivity is not limited to blackening the inner surface of the tubular member 41, but may also be roughened by oxidizing and corroding the inner surface of the tubular member 41, mechanically roughened, or by forming an oxide film on the inner surface of the tubular member 41.

[0101] This allows the thermal emissivity of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 to be significantly increased compared to aluminum or stainless steel (SUS) that forms the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. This allows for enhanced heating of the flavor-generating article 110 by thermal radiation.

[0102] The region with high thermal emissivity may be provided on the entire inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 41, or may be provided only on the first portion 41A, excluding the second portion 41B shown in FIG.

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

[0104] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a substantially cylindrical flavor-generating article 110 housed in the container 40 of FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 25, the flavor-generating article 110 is pressed radially inward (diagonally downward in the drawing) by the straight portions 41A5, 41A5 of the first portion 41A and the curved portion 41A3 adjacent thereto. As a result, the outer surface of the flavor-generating article 110 comes into close contact with the inner surface of the first portion 41A. Since the first portion 41A of the container 40 is directly heated by various heaters, the heating efficiency of the flavor-generating article 110 can be improved by having the flavor-generating article 110 come into close contact with the inner surface of the first portion 41A. For comparison, the dashed line in FIG. 25 indicates the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article 110 before it is housed in the container 40 and compressed.

[0105] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 25, the pair of straight portions 41A5, 41A5 of the first portion 41A and the adjacent curved portion 41A3 press the outer surface of the flavor-generating article 110 in the direction of the arrow in the figure (diagonally downward), thereby preventing the flavor-generating article 110 from entering the internal space of the second portion 41B. When the container 40 is incorporated into a flavor inhaler, the internal space of the second portion 41B can form a first channel 43 (see FIG. 2) that functions as an air flow path. Therefore, by preventing the flavor-generating article 110 from entering therein, an increase in the airflow resistance of the air flow path in the flavor inhaler can be prevented. Note that the container 40 of this example may have a cross-section that allows the flavor-generating article to be compressed as described above over the entire longitudinal direction, or may have a cross-section only over a portion of the longitudinal direction. The container 40 in FIG. 25 has the above-described cross-section over most of its longitudinal direction except for its upper and lower ends.

[0106] 22 and 23, the container 40 of this example further has a hollow upper edge portion UE located between the first portion 41A and the opening OP. In the example of Fig. 23, the opening OP of the container 40 has an inner circumference that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer circumference of the flavor-generating article 110, and the inner circumference of the upper edge portion UE gradually becomes smaller from the opening OP toward the first portion 41A. In other words, the inner peripheral surface of the upper edge portion UE of the container 40 serves to guide the flavor-generating article inserted through the opening OP toward the first portion 41A.

[0107] Next, other examples of the cross-sectional shape of the container 40 will be described. For example, the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 3 may have different cross-sectional shapes at different positions in the longitudinal direction. These different cross-sectional shapes are illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27. The inner periphery of the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 26 is formed by a portion of a circle. On the other hand, the inner periphery of the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 27 is formed by a portion of an ellipse having a major axis intersecting the above-mentioned arrangement direction. Unlike the example shown in FIG. 25, the inner periphery of the first portion 41A shown in FIG. 27 does not have a pair of straight line segments. However, like the example shown in FIG. 25, the flavor-generating articles can be compressed in the above-mentioned arrangement direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 24). The container 40 can be configured so that the cross-section of the first portion 41A continuously changes from the shape shown in FIG. 26 to the shape shown in FIG. 27.

[0108] The cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41A may be uniform regardless of the position in the longitudinal direction, or may vary depending on the position in the longitudinal direction. For example, when the first portion 41A has the cross sections shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 at different positions in the longitudinal direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41A in FIG. 27 can be made smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41A in FIG. 26. The cross-sectional area of ​​portion 41A refers to the area of ​​an imaginary circle or ellipse that overlaps the inner periphery of first portion 41A. By making the cross-sectional area of ​​first portion 41A, which is formed as an ellipse, relatively small, the flavor-generating article can be strongly compressed, and as a result, the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article can be tightly adhered to the inner periphery of first portion 41A. Generally, flavor-generating article 110 has a tobacco portion containing tobacco raw materials arranged at the tip end and a paper tube portion including a filter arranged at the base end. Here, the tobacco portion is easily deformed by external forces, but the paper tube portion is less likely to deform. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange an elliptical inner periphery for the tobacco portion as shown in FIG. 27 and a circular inner periphery for the paper tube portion as shown in FIG. 26.

[0109] (Additional change example 3) Below, a third modified example of the embodiment will be described. In the third modified example, the first channel 43 formed by the second portion 41B can form an air flow path from the outside of the heater assembly and the flavor inhaler in which it is incorporated toward the second channel 44 formed by the first portion 41A (see FIGS. 2 and 3, etc.). The heater assembly of this example and the flavor inhaler in which it is incorporated can be provided with an obstructing member that obstructs the reverse fluid flow through the first channel 43. For example, the container 40 of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 can be provided with a partition wall 49 formed in the second portion 41B that closes a part of the first channel as the obstructing member.

[0110] 28 and 29 are diagrams illustrating a partition wall 49 according to a third modified example. In FIGS. 28 and 29, the partition wall 49 is a plate-like member made of plastic, rubber, or the like. The partition wall 49 may be provided at one location along the longitudinal direction of the second portion 41B, or at multiple locations. The partition wall 49 may be provided at an angle from the attachment position toward the bottom plate portion 42, as shown in FIG.

[0111] The partition 49 may have any shape as long as it allows air to flow in the forward direction from the first end 40X to the second end 40Y in the first channel 43 while inhibiting the flow of hot vapor in the reverse direction from the second end 40Y to the first end 40X.

[0112] As a result, when hot steam flows back from the second end 40Y toward the first end 40X, the hot steam flow collides with the partition wall 49 and slows down, promoting condensation and lowering the temperature of the hot steam.

[0113] It is preferable that at least one partition wall 49 is provided near the first end portion 40X. The partition wall 49 may also be provided in the channel forming member 46 shown in FIG.

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

[0115] 32 is a diagram showing the flavor inhaler 100 when the cover member LD is in the open position. When the cover member LD is in the open position, a user can insert the flavor-generating article 110 into the container 40 through the opening OP. In this example, the cover member LD in the open position can have the function of the above-mentioned obstructing member. Specifically, the cover member LD can be inserted into the container 40 even when it is in the open position. 28 and 29, the lid member LD can block the flow of hot vapor in the reverse direction while allowing air to flow in the forward direction through the first channel 43. The flavor inhaler 100 may include both the lid member LD and the partition wall 49.

[0116] Furthermore, instead of the obstructing member described above, a backflow prevention mechanism for preventing the backflow of air in the first channel may be provided, for example, in the second portion 41B shown in FIG. 3. The backflow prevention mechanism may be provided in the same location as the partition wall 49 so as to block the entire first channel. The backflow prevention mechanism may be formed, for example, from a flexible material, and allows air to flow in the forward direction from the first end 40X to the second end 40Y while blocking the flow of hot vapor in the reverse direction from the second end 40Y to the first end 40X. When the backflow prevention mechanism is provided in the channel forming member 46 shown in FIG. 11, a known check valve may be used.

[0117] (Additional change example 4) The following describes a fourth modified example of the embodiment. In the fourth modified example, the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion of the container 40 shown in FIG.

[0118] Fig. 33 is a diagram illustrating a heat insulating member 70 according to modified example 4. In Fig. 33, the heat insulating member 70 may have a first heat insulating member 71 that covers the cylindrical member 41 and a second heat insulating member 72 that covers the bottom plate portion 42. The first heat insulating member 71 and the second heat insulating member 72 are heat insulating members that use vacuum heat insulating material, aerogel, silicon, or the like as a heat insulating material.

[0119] Furthermore, the heat insulating member 70 may be a seamless, integrated heat insulating member in which the first heat insulating member 71 covering the cylindrical member 41 and the second heat insulating member 72 covering the bottom plate portion 42 are continuous. For example, the heat insulating member 70 may be a heat insulating member such as a vacuum heat insulating container that covers the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42.

[0120] As a result, the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40 is covered with the heat insulating member 70, so that heat can be prevented from reaching the control circuit 20 and the battery 10 by circulating around from the bottom surface of the container 40.

[0121] Furthermore, when the insulating member 70 is composed of a first insulating member 71 and a second insulating member 72, the lead wire portion 53 of the heater 50 arranged on the outer surface of the tubular member 41 can be passed between the first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72.

[0122] The first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 may be insulating members made of materials having the same thermal conductivity, or may be insulating members made of materials having different thermal conductivities. That is, the insulating performance of the first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 may be the same, or one may have higher insulating performance. In an embodiment in which the heater 50 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41, it is preferable to enhance the insulating performance of the first insulating member 71. Therefore, the insulating performance of the second insulating member 72 may be lower than that of the first insulating member 71.

[0123] (Additional change example 5) The following describes a fifth modified example of the embodiment. In the fifth modified example, for example, the heater 50 and the sensor 60 shown in Fig. 2 are covered with a heat-shrinkable tube (not shown).

[0124] That is, in the above-described embodiment, the heat shrink tube was installed only on the outside of the heater 50, but in the additional modification example 5, the heat shrink tube is installed so as to cover the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40.

[0125] This allows the heater 50 and the sensor 60 to be fixed together when the sensor 60 for detecting the puffing action is provided on the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40.

[0126] (Additional change example 6) The following describes a sixth modified example of the embodiment. In the sixth modified example, a film having a higher thermal conductivity than the cylindrical member 41 is provided between the cylindrical member 41 and the heater 50 shown in FIG.

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

[0128] This allows the heat generated in the pattern portion of heater 50 to be uniformized by the film made of a material with high thermal conductivity, and allows the outer surface of flavor-generating article 110 to be uniformly heated. This uniformizes the consumption of the components capable of generating flavor contained in flavor-generating article 110, and also uniforms the smoking taste. Furthermore, this prevents flavor-generating article 110 from being locally heated, and prevents the aerosol source from being depleted in that area.

[0129] (Additional change example 7) The following describes a modified example 7 of the embodiment. In the modified example 7, the container 40 shown in Fig. 2, for example, has a base 80 provided on the bottom plate portion 42 and abutting against the tip of the flavor-generating article 110 when the flavor-generating article 110 is housed in the chamber 40C.

[0130] Fig. 34 is a diagram illustrating a base 80 according to a seventh modified example. In Fig. 34, the base 80 may have a cylindrical shape formed concentrically with the second portion 41B. The base 80 also forms an annular gap around the base 80 that communicates with the first channel 43 and the second channel 44. That is, this annular gap corresponds to the third channel 45, which is a flow path for the airflow 100C.

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

Claims

1. a container having a cylindrical portion forming a chamber for containing a flavor generating article; a heater disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, The container includes a first channel extending along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion; The first channel communicates with the second channel.

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

3. the heater includes a heating element and a substrate supporting the heating element; The heater assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating element is provided along a target portion of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion other than a portion adjacent to the first channel.

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

5. the heater includes a heating element and a substrate supporting the heating element; the tubular portion has a first end for receiving the flavor-generating article and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end in a longitudinal direction of the tubular portion; 5. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is provided along a circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion so as to be spaced from the second end.

6. the container has a bottom portion closing the second end, The heater assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the heating element is not provided on the bottom plate portion but is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

7. 7. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion has an abutment portion that abuts against a tip of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is housed in the chamber.

8. The container has a bottom portion, A heater assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a base provided on the bottom plate portion of the container and abutting against the tip of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is contained in the chamber, the base forming an annular gap around the base that communicates with the first channel and the second channel.

9. 9. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion is made of a thermally conductive material.

10. the tubular portion has a first end for receiving the flavor-generating article and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end in a longitudinal direction of the tubular portion; the container has a bottom portion closing the second end, 10. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion has a third channel that connects the first channel and the second channel.

11. The heater assembly of claim 10 , wherein the channel leading from the first channel to the third channel comprises an angled channel or a curved channel.

12. the cylindrical portion includes, in a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, a first portion that defines the chamber and a second portion that protrudes outward beyond the chamber; 12. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the second portion extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and defines the first channel.

13. The heater assembly of claim 12, wherein when the flavor-generating article is contained in the chamber, the first portion contacts the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article and the second portion is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article.

14. A heater assembly as described in claim 12 or 13, wherein the first portion is configured to at least partially compress the flavor-generating article in the alignment direction of the first portion and the second portion when the flavor-generating article is contained in the chamber.

15. 15. The heater assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first portion has an inner periphery that is elliptical in cross section relative to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion.

16. the container has a channel forming member that forms the first channel; The heater assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the channel forming member is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

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

18. a sensor for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly; 16. The heater assembly of claim 12, wherein the sensor is provided in the second portion.

19. a sensor for detecting a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly; The heater assembly of claim 16 , wherein the sensor is provided on the channel-forming member.

20. 20. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the container has an area formed on at least a part of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, the area having a higher thermal emissivity than the outer surface of the cylindrical container.

21. The container further has a bottom portion, 21. The heater assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a heat insulating member covering the cylindrical portion and the bottom plate portion of the container.

22. 22. The heater assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a film made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the cylindrical member, the film being provided between the cylindrical portion and the heater.

23. the first channel defines an air flow path from an exterior of the heater assembly to the second channel; 23. The heater assembly of claim 1, further comprising an obstruction member that obstructs reverse fluid flow in the first channel.

24. The heater assembly of claim 23 , wherein the obstructing member is a partition wall that blocks a portion of the first channel.

25. a cover member movable between a first position exposing the opening of the container and a second position covering the opening; 24. The heater assembly of claim 23, wherein the obstructing member is the lid member in the first position.

26. A container having a tubular portion forming a chamber for containing a flavor generating article, a first channel extending along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion; a second channel extending through the chamber along the length of the tubular portion; a peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion forms a surface on which a heater is disposed, The first channel communicates with the second channel.

Images