Heating unit for flavor suction device and flavor suction device

Abstract

The present invention provides a heating unit for a flavor inhaler that heats a solid smokeable substance containing a smokeable substance to atomize the smokeable substance, and provides an integrated heating unit for a flavor inhaler in which the fixed part can withstand use even under high-temperature heating. [Solution] The heating unit for the flavor inhaler has an opening 51 and a side surface 52 surrounding the opening, a partition 50 that partitions a receiving section 53 for receiving the inhalable substance 30, a heating section 60 that heats the partition section, a fixing section 80 that fixes the heating section to the partition section, and a first heat insulating section 70 that is disposed between the heating section and the fixing section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a heating unit for a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, flavor extractors are known for extracting flavors and aromas without burning the materials. A flavor extractor, for example, has a chamber for containing a flavor-generating article and a heater for heating the flavor-generating article contained in the chamber (see, for example, Patent Documents 1-3). [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 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] According to the first embodiment, a heating unit for a flavor inhaler is provided that heats a smokeable substance to atomize it. The heating unit for a flavor inhaler has an opening and a side surface surrounding the opening, and comprises a partition section that partitions a receiving section for the smokeable substance, a heating section that heats the partition section, a fixing section that fixes the heating section to the partition section, and a first insulating section disposed between the heating section and the fixing section. The smokeable substance may be a solid smokeable substance.

[0005] According to the first embodiment, since the heating section is fixed to the compartment section by the fixing section, the compartment section and the heating section can be substantially integrated. In this case, the first heat insulating section can reduce the influence of heat from the heating section to the fixing section, so that the fixing section can withstand use even under high-temperature heating. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, an integrated heating unit for a flavor inhaler that is capable of high-temperature heating is provided. Such an integrated unit has high stability against shocks and vibrations, which can be advantageous for mass production of the unit itself and for mass production of flavor inhalers incorporating the unit.

[0006] The heating section may be located on the outer surface of the compartment (opposite the housing section). The heating section is, for example, a resistance heating section, which can heat the compartment by heat conduction. The resistance heating section has, for example, a heating element, which may be a heating track. The heating section may be a film heater. A film heater may have a structure in which a layer made of an electrical insulating material and a layer made of a heating track are superimposed. Alternatively, for example, the heating section may have a structure in which a layer made of a heating track is placed between two layers made of electrical insulating material. The electrical insulating material may be, for example, polyimide, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or Teflon®-based fluororesin. The heating track may be, for example, stainless steel or a metal such as copper. By using these materials for the electrical insulating material and the heating track, an easily manufactured and highly reliable flexible heating structure can be obtained.

[0007] The heating section may have a first portion located on the opposite side of the opening and a second portion located on the opening side. Preferably, the heater power density of the second portion is higher than that of the first portion, or the heating rate of the second portion is higher than that of the first portion, or the heating temperature of the second portion is higher than that of the first portion at any given time. Preferably, the second portion covers the outer surface of the compartment corresponding to 1 / 2 or more of the smokeable material in the longitudinal direction of the smokeable material when the smokeable material is positioned at a desired location within the compartment. This allows the heating section to heat up while suppressing energy consumption. The time until the first puff can be performed after activation can be shortened.

[0008] When the heating unit heats the smokable substance, the maximum temperature of the temperature profile is preferably selected from 250°C or higher and 310°C or lower, 250°C or higher and 300°C or lower, or 250°C or higher and 290°C or lower. Here, the temperature of the heating unit refers to the temperature of a location that generates heat for heating the smokable substance, such as the temperature of a resistive heating unit or the temperature of a susceptor. By setting the maximum temperature of the temperature profile when the heating unit heats the smokable substance within any of these temperature ranges, rapid temperature rise of the smokable substance becomes possible without damaging the device.

[0009] The first heat insulating part preferably contacts the heating part and the fixing part. Thereby, the heating unit for the flavor absorber can have a simpler and more stable structure compared to the case where the first heat insulating part does not contact either the heating part or the fixing part.

[0010] The heating part has a main surface parallel to the side surface of the partitioning part, and the first heat insulating part is preferably arranged to extend along the main surface of the heating part. Thereby, the first heat insulating part can effectively insulate the heating part. Here, being parallel to the side surface of the partitioning part includes being substantially parallel to the side surface of the partitioning part. Also, the first heat insulating part is preferably arranged to cover all of the main surface of the heating part.

[0011] The wall thickness of the partitioning part is preferably substantially uniform. Thereby, it becomes possible to heat the entire partitioning part more uniformly. This simplifies the structure of the partitioning part and facilitates high-precision manufacturing. The uniform thickness here includes a substantially uniform thickness. The thickness of the partitioning part is, for example, 0.04 mm or more and 1.00 mm or less, preferably 0.04 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less, and more preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.10 mm or less.

[0012] The compartment may have a bottomed or bottomless cylindrical member. The compartment may also have a bottom. Alternatively, the heating unit for the flavor inhaler may have a stopper inside or outside the compartment against which a consumable (hereinafter simply referred to as "consumable") containing a smokeable substance inserted into the compartment's containment section is abutted. Preferably, the bottom or stopper supports a portion of the consumable so that at least a portion of the end face of the consumable is exposed. The bottom or stopper of the compartment may have a protrusion or a groove. The bottom or stopper of the compartment may also have a hole for drawing air into the compartment. The compartment may be made of, for example, a highly thermally conductive metal such as stainless steel, a heat-resistant resin, or paper. The compartment may be, for example, a bottomed cylindrical container or a bottomless cylindrical body, and may be cylindrical or rectangular.

[0013] The compartment may include a susceptor. In this case, the heating section includes a cylindrical induction coil surrounding the sides of the compartment, and the first insulating section preferably has magnetic permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulating properties). Here, "non-conductivity" includes being substantially non-conductive. This provides an integrated, stable IH (induction heating) assembly.

[0014] The sides of the compartment may include a susceptor. This allows the compartment to efficiently receive energy from the induction coil (magnetic field lines generated around the induction coil) compared to the case where only the bottom of the compartment includes a susceptor. More specifically, the sides of the compartment may include a tubular susceptor surrounding the housing and have a current path surrounding the housing. This results in an annular current path, which can efficiently generate eddy currents. Alternatively, the sides of the compartment may be composed of a susceptor and have a current path surrounding the housing. In this case, since the sides of the compartment themselves are composed of a susceptor, the compartment can have a simple and inexpensive configuration.

[0015] In this specification, the term "susceptor" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and specifically to a material intended for heating a "smoking substance." The susceptor is positioned to transfer heat to the "smoking substance." When the susceptor is located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced within the susceptor and magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor cause the susceptor to heat up.

[0016] Susceptors are made of aluminum, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof (e.g., nichrome and s It is preferable that the material includes at least one selected from the group consisting of stainless steel. The shape of the scepter is arbitrary and may be, for example, granular, rod-shaped, strip-shaped, tubular, or cylindrical. If the shape of the suscepter is tubular with an annular electrical channel, eddy currents can be generated efficiently. Multiple susceptors of the same shape may be arranged in the compartment, or susceptors of different shapes may be arranged.

[0017] In this specification, "having magnetic permeability" means that the relative permeability is greater than 1 and less than 1.000001. Examples of materials having both magnetic permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulation) include glass, plants, wood, paper, and resins such as PEEK.

[0018] The bottom of the compartment is preferably made of a material that is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating). If the bottom of the compartment has a susceptor, the tip of the smokeable substance may be locally overheated. Therefore, by making the bottom of the compartment of the above material, induction heating does not occur at the bottom of the compartment, and the smokeable substance can be heated uniformly from the side compared to when the bottom contains a susceptor.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that the heating unit for the flavor inhaler has a second insulating section between the compartment and the induction coil. In this case, the second insulating section may be permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating). Here, "non-conductive" includes being substantially non-conductive. This provides an integrated, stable IH (induction heating) assembly. It also has at least one of the following effects: The second insulating section reduces the transfer of heat from the susceptor to the sheath of the Litz wire that can constitute the induction coil. The second insulating section suppresses the transfer of heat from the susceptor to the induction coil, making it difficult for heat to move from the housing to the outside. It can reduce overheating of the housing due to the heat of the susceptor. In addition, since the second insulating section is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating), heat generation is less likely to occur in the second insulating section, and it is possible to efficiently heat the susceptor, which is placed inside the second insulating section, with magnetic field lines generated by the induction coil.

[0020] The first and second insulation sections have the same configuration. This makes the heating unit for the flavor inhaler simpler and less expensive compared to the case where the first and second insulation sections have different configurations. At least one of the first or second insulation section may have a portion located between adjacent wires of the induction coil. That is, the first insulation section may have a portion located between adjacent wires of the induction coil, or the second insulation section may have a portion located between adjacent wires of the induction coil. This allows the position of the induction coil along its long axis to be fixed, enabling stable induction heating. Both the first and second insulation sections may have portions located between adjacent wires of the induction coil. This allows the position of the induction coil along its long axis to be fixed even further, enabling more stable induction heating.

[0021] The first and second insulation sections may form an integrated insulation section. This makes the insulation structure of the heating unit for the flavor inhaler simpler. The induction coil is embedded in the integrated insulation section, or at least the inside and outside of the induction coil Both sides may be partially covered with an integrated insulating section. This allows the induction coil to be firmly fixed in place. The second insulating section may be in contact with both the compartment and the induction coil. This allows the heating unit for the flavor inhaler to have a more stable structure compared to when the second insulating section is not in contact with either the compartment or the induction coil.

[0022] At least one of the first or second insulating section has air and a support section that maintains a predetermined distance between the heating section and the compartment when the heating section is fixed to the compartment, or restricts the movement of air contained in the first or second insulating section, with air between the support sections. In other words, the first insulating section may have the aforementioned support sections and air provided between the support sections, the second insulating section may have the aforementioned support sections and air provided between the support sections, or both the first and second insulating sections may have the aforementioned support sections and air provided between the support sections. This makes it possible to more effectively insulate the heat emitted from the resistance heating section, susceptor, etc., for heating the smokeable substance. The thickness of at least one of the first or second insulating section can be, for example, 0.10 mm to 3.00 mm, 0.30 mm to 1.50 mm, or 0.50 mm to 1.0 mm. In other words, the thickness of the first insulation section may be 0.10 mm or more and 3.00 mm or less, 0.30 mm or more and 1.50 mm or less, or 0.50 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less; the thickness of the second insulation section may be 0.10 mm or more and 3.00 mm or less, 0.30 mm or more and 1.50 mm or less, or 0.50 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less; or the thickness of the first and second insulation sections may be 0.10 mm or more and 3.00 mm or less, 0.30 mm or more and 1.50 mm or less, or 0.50 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for the arrangement of the first or second insulation section while maintaining the desired insulation performance. The thermal conductivity of at least one support section of the first or second insulation section is preferably 0.300 W / m / K or less, more preferably 0.100 W / m / K or less, and most preferably 0.050 W / m / K or less.In other words, the thermal conductivity of the support portion of the first insulation section is preferably 0.300 W / m / K or less, more preferably 0.100 W / m / K or less, and most preferably 0.050 W / m / K or less. Similarly, the thermal conductivity of the support portion of the second insulation section is preferably 0.300 W / m / K or less, more preferably 0.100 W / m / K or less, and most preferably 0.050 W / m / K or less. The thermal conductivity of the support portions of both the first and second insulation sections is preferably 0.300 W / m / K or less, more preferably 0.100 W / m / K or less, and most preferably 0.050 W / m / K or less. This makes it possible to reduce the thermal conductivity of the first or second insulation section.

[0023] The thermal conductivity of at least one of the first or second insulating section is preferably 0.050 W / m / K or less, more preferably 0.026 W / m / K or less, and most preferably 0.013 W / m / K or less. In other words, the thermal conductivity of the first insulating section is preferably 0.050 W / m / K or less, more preferably 0.026 W / m / K or less, and most preferably 0.013 W / m / K or less; the thermal conductivity of the second insulating section is preferably 0.050 W / m / K or less, more preferably 0.026 W / m / K or less, and most preferably 0.013 W / m / K or less; and the thermal conductivity of both the first and second insulating sections is preferably 0.050 W / m / K or less, more preferably 0.026 W / m / K or less, and most preferably 0.013 W / m / K or less. This allows for more effective insulation of the heat emitted from the resistance heating section, susceptor, etc., for heating the smoky substance. The thermal conductivity of at least one of the first or second insulating section may vary depending on, for example, the thickness of the first or second insulating section, the thermal conductivity of the support section, the shape or volume of the support section, the volume of air provided between the support sections, etc.

[0024] The support portion of at least one of the first or second insulation portion may be, for example, a fiber, nonwoven fabric, woven cloth, or porous material. That is, the support portion of the first insulation portion may be a fiber, nonwoven fabric, woven cloth, or porous material, and the support portion of the second insulation portion may be a fiber, nonwoven fabric, woven cloth, or porous material, and the support portions of the first and second insulation portions may be fiber The material may be fiber, nonwoven fabric, woven cloth, or porous material. Furthermore, at least one support portion of the first or second insulation portion can be made of any material capable of exhibiting the desired insulation performance, such as ceramic, glass, aerogel, plant, wood, or paper. In other words, the support portion of the first insulation portion may be made of ceramic, glass, aerogel, plant, wood, or paper, the support portion of the second insulation portion may be made of ceramic, glass, aerogel, plant, wood, or paper, and the support portions of both the first and second insulation portions may be made of ceramic, glass, aerogel, plant, wood, or paper. It is preferable that at least one support portion of the first or second insulation portion is flexible. In other words, it can be said that it is preferable that the support portion of the first insulation portion is flexible, the support portion of the second insulation portion is flexible, and the support portions of both the first and second insulation portions are flexible. This makes it easier to assemble the first or second insulation section and allows it to be assembled into compartments of various shapes. At least one of the support sections of the first or second insulation section can be made of any material capable of exhibiting the desired insulation performance, such as metal fibers, organic compound fibers, ceramic fibers such as glass fibers, sheet-like ceramic fibers such as sheet-like glass fibers, glass wool, Superwool®, rock wool, or mineral wool. In other words, the support portion of the first insulation section may be composed of, for example, metal fibers, organic compound fibers, ceramic fibers such as glass fibers, sheet-like ceramic fibers such as sheet-like glass fibers, glass wool, Superwool (registered trademark), rock wool, or mineral wool, and the support portion of the second insulation section may be composed of, for example, metal fibers, organic compound fibers, ceramic fibers such as glass fibers, sheet-like ceramic fibers such as sheet-like glass fibers, glass wool, Superwool (registered trademark), rock wool, or mineral wool, and the support portions of the first and second insulation sections may be composed of, for example, ceramic fibers such as glass fibers, sheet-like ceramic fibers such as sheet-like glass fibers, glass wool, Superwool (registered trademark), rock wool, or mineral wool.Other examples of ceramic fibers include carbon fibers, alumina fibers, and silicon carbide fibers. Examples of materials constituting metal fibers include metals, alloys, metals or alloys coated with organic compound resins such as plastics, and materials with a non-metallic core completely covered by metal or alloy. Examples of metals constituting metals or alloys include aluminum, stainless steel, and iron. Examples of organic compound fibers are also included. Examples include fibrous materials made from highly heat-resistant materials such as PEEK. Furthermore, if at least the support portion is made of ceramic fibers such as glass fibers, it can also be expected to reduce radiant heat transfer from areas that have become hot due to the heat emitted from the resistance heating section or susceptor to heat the smokeable substance.

[0025] The air volume ratio of at least one of the first or second insulation section is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 65% ​​or more, and most preferably 80% or more. It is also preferable that it be 95% or less. In other words, the air volume ratio of the first insulation section is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 65% ​​or more, most preferably 80% or more, and also preferably 95% or less. The air volume ratio of the second insulation section is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 65% ​​or more, most preferably 80% or more, and also preferably 95% or less. The air volume ratio of both the first and second insulation sections is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 65% ​​or more, most preferably 80% or more, and also preferably 95% or less. Note that "air volume ratio" refers to the ratio of the volume of air to the volume of the support section and air. By setting the air volume ratio within these ranges, it becomes easier to obtain appropriate compressive stress in the insulation section while maintaining higher insulation performance.

[0026] The compressive stress of at least one support portion of the first or second insulation section is 0.1 N / mm². 2 More than 1.0N / mm 2 The following is preferred: 0.1 N / mm 2 More than 0.5N / mm 2 The following is even more preferable: 0.1 N / mm2 Above 0.3 N / mm 2 Below is most preferable. That is, for the compressive stress of the support portion of the first 2 heat insulation portion is 0.1 N / mm or more and 1.0 2 N / mm or less, preferably 0.1 N / mm or more and 0.5 2 N / mm or less, more preferably 0.1 N / mm or more and 2 0.3 N / mm or less, and can be said to be most 2 preferable. For the compressive stress of the second 2 heat insulation portion, it is 0.1 N / mm or more and 1.0 2 N / mm or less, preferably 0.1 N / mm or more and 0.5 2 N / mm or less, more preferably 0.1 N / mm or more and 2 0.3 N / mm or less, and can be said to be most 2 preferable. For the compressive stresses of the first 2 and second heat insulation portions, they are 0.1 2 N / mm or more and 1.0 N / mm or less, preferably 0.1 2 N / mm or more and 0.5 N / mm or less, more 2 preferably 0.1 N / mm or more and 0.3 N / mm or less, 2 and can be said to be most preferable. Thereby, 2 even when the first heat insulation portion or the 2 second heat insulation portion is fixed under pressure 2 by, for example, a fixing portion, the change in the

[0027] shape of the first heat insulation portion or the 2 second heat insulation portion is suppressed, and a 2 decrease in the heat insulation function due to a 2 reduction in the volume of air contained in the 2 heat insulation portion can be reduced. Also, 2 appropriate flexibility of the first heat insulation 2The following is most preferable: In other words, the compressive stress in the thickness direction of the insulation sheet of the first insulation section is 0.1 N / mm². 2 More than 1.0N / mm 2 The following is preferred: 0.1 N / mm 2 More than 0.5N / mm 2 The following is even more preferable: 0.1 N / mm 2 More than 0.3N / mm 2 The following is arguably the most preferable, and the compressive stress in the thickness direction of the insulation sheet in the second insulation section is 0.1 N / mm². 2 More than 1.0N / mm 2 The following is preferred: 0.1 N / mm 2 More than 0.5N / mm 2 The following is even more preferable: 0.1 N / mm 2 More than 0.3N / mm 2 The following is arguably the most preferable, and the compressive stress in the thickness direction of the insulation sheets in the first and second insulation sections is 0.1 N / mm². 2 More than 1.0N / mm 2 The following is preferred: 0.1 N / mm 2 More than 0.5N / mm 2 The following is even more preferable: 0.1 N / mm 2 More than 0.3N / mm 2 The following is arguably the most preferable. This suppresses changes in the shape of the first or second insulation section even when it is fixed by, for example, a fixing section under pressure in the thickness direction of the insulation sheet, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulation function due to a reduction in the volume of air contained in the insulation section. Furthermore, it can maintain appropriate flexibility in the first or second insulation section, improving the ease of arranging the first or second insulation section.

[0028] The density of the air provided between the support parts of at least one of the first or second insulation sections is preferably uniform in the thickness direction of the first or second insulation section. In other words, it can be said that the density of the air provided between the support parts of the first insulation section is preferably uniform in the thickness direction of the first insulation section, the density of the air provided between the support parts of the second insulation section is preferably uniform in the thickness direction of the second insulation section, and the density of the air provided between the support parts of the first and second insulation sections is preferably uniform in the thickness direction of the first or second insulation section. This allows the first or second insulation section to have more uniform insulation performance. Uniformity here includes being substantially uniform. The thickness direction of the first or second insulation section can also be said to be the direction perpendicular to the side surface of the compartment, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the compartment, or the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the smokeable substance is inserted into the compartment.

[0029] The density of the air between the support parts of at least one of the first or second insulation parts is preferably uniform in the width direction of the first or second insulation part. In other words, it can be said that the density of the air between the support parts of the first insulation part is preferably uniform in the width direction of the first insulation part, the density of the air between the support parts of the second insulation part is preferably uniform in the width direction of the second insulation part, and the density of the air between the support parts of the first and second insulation parts is preferably uniform in the width direction of the first or second insulation part. As a result, the first or second insulation part is more It can have uniform thermal insulation performance. Uniformity here includes being substantially uniform. The width direction of the first or second thermal insulation section can also be said to be the direction parallel to the side surface of the compartment, or the longitudinal direction of the compartment, or the direction in which the smokeable substance is inserted into the compartment.

[0030] The fixing part may be a biasing part that biases the heating part toward the compartment. The biasing part may be, for example, a ring or sheet that shrinks with heat, or an elastic ring or elastic sheet made of rubber or the like. It is preferable that the biasing part is configured to shrink with heat. This allows the biasing part to fix the heating part more securely, and assembly is easy because the fixing part can be placed in a predetermined position in its un-shrunk state, and then the fixing part can be shrunk to fix the heating part. The biasing part covers the compartment and the heating part and extends in the longitudinal direction of the compartment (towards the compartment). It is preferable that the contraction rate in the circumferential direction of the compartment (which can also be called the circumferential direction with the longitudinal direction of the compartment as the axis) is higher than the contraction rate in the circumferential direction of the compartment (which can also be called the insertion direction of the smokeable substance). The biasing portion is in the circumferential direction of the compartment It is even more preferable that the biasing portion shrinks only in the longitudinal direction of the compartment. Since the biasing portion does not shrink in the longitudinal direction of the compartment, the range in the longitudinal direction of the compartment where the fixing portion can be fixed is not reduced, so the heating portion can be fixed more securely. The heat resistance temperature of the biasing portion is set considering the flexibility of the biasing portion (heat resistance (Materials that reach excessively high temperatures, such as ceramics, may have flexibility issues.) For example, 150°C to 300°C, 150°C to 270°C, or 150°C to 2 You can choose from those that are 30℃ or below.

[0031] The biasing portion may be a sheet member or a string member (which can be wrapped around to form a ring). The biasing portion may be composed of at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyester, polyurethane, nylon, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), gelatin, and polysaccharides. It is preferable that the biasing portion be composed of polyimide.

[0032] The heating unit for the flavor inhaler may further have an electromagnetic shield between the fixed part and the induction coil. The electromagnetic shield may include, for example, Ni-Zi ferrite.

[0033] An induction coil may consist of a single wire, but from the viewpoint of effective heat generation, it may be a helical Litz wire. A Litz wire has a core made of metal and a sheath made of an electrical insulator covering the core. The core of a single wire or Litz wire preferably contains a material selected from at least one of the group consisting of copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, gold, and alloys thereof such as stainless steel. The sheath of the Litz wire may be, for example, polyimide or polyester. The heat resistance temperature of the sheath is determined considering the flexibility of the sheath (materials with excessively high heat resistance temperatures may become ceramic or the like, and have flexibility). (There may be problems from this perspective) For example, 150°C to 300°C, 150°C to 2 You may choose from those with a temperature of 70°C or lower, or between 150°C and 230°C.

[0034] The induction coil may be wound in a helical (three-dimensional spiral) or spiral (two-dimensional vortex) shape. The induction coil may be a bent spiral coil, or it may be flat. The induction coil may be adjacent to the section, surround the section, or protrude into the interior of the section, but by arranging it to surround the section, energy can be efficiently supplied to the heat-generating part of the section. There may be one or more induction coils. As an example of a configuration surrounding the section, the induction coil may be configured in a helical shape to surround the section, or a spiral coil may be curved to surround the section, or there may be multiple planar coils surrounding the section, but a helical configuration surrounding the section allows for a simpler configuration and can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0035] The frequency applied to the induction coil is approximately 80kHz to 500kHz. The frequency may be approximately 150 kHz to 250 kHz, more preferably 190 kHz to 210 kHz. Alternatively, the frequency applied to the induction coil may be 1 MHz to 30 MHz, preferably 2 MHz to 10 MHz, and even more preferably 5 MHz to 7 MHz. These frequencies may be determined considering the properties of the susceptor, such as its material and shape.

[0036] The heating unit for the flavor inhaler may be configured to operate in a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of at most approximately 0.5 Tesla (T) to 2.0 Tesla (T).

[0037] A solid smokeable substance may be rolled in a first breathable rolling paper. The first rolling paper may be provided with a lid that is breathable and prevents the smokeable substance from falling out. The lid may be glued to the first rolling paper or fixed to the first rolling paper by friction. The lid may be, for example, a paper filter or an acetate filter. The consumables may have a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member may be a paper tube or a hollow filter.

[0038] A hollow filter may consist of a packed bed having one or more hollow channels and a plug wrapper covering the packed bed. Due to the high density of fibers packed in the packed bed, when inhaled, air or aerosols flow only through the hollow channels, and hardly any flow occurs within the packed bed itself. The hollow filter may have a mouthpiece made up of adjacent filter sections, etc.

[0039] The longitudinal length of the solid smokeable material is preferably 40mm to 90mm, more preferably 50mm to 75mm, and even more preferably 50mm to 60mm. The circumference of the solid smokeable material is preferably 15mm to 25mm, more preferably 17mm to 24mm, and even more preferably 20mm to 23mm. The length of the solid smokeable material may be 12mm to 22mm, the length of the first rolling paper may be 12mm to 22mm, the length of the hollow filter section may be 7mm to 26mm, and the length of the filter section may be 6mm to 20mm.

[0040] The smokeable substance contained in the consumables may contain an aerosol source that generates an aerosol when heated at a predetermined temperature. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and various extracts from natural products and / or their 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 solid smokeable substance (weight %) relative to the total weight of the smokeable substance is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good aroma and 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.

[0041] As a solid smokeable substance, tobacco such as laminas and bones, or other known plants may be used as a flavor source. The shape of the flavor source such as tobacco may be shredded, sheet-like, string-like, powder-like, granular, pellet-like, slurry-like, or porous. The range of content of smokeable substance such as tobacco in the consumable is, for example, 200 mg to 400 mg, and preferably 250 mg to 320 mg, when the size of the smokeable substance is 20 mm to 23 mm in circumference and 18 mm to 22 mm in length. The moisture content (weight %) of the smokeable substance containing tobacco as a flavor source is, for example, 8% to 18% by weight, and preferably 10% to 16% by weight. Such a moisture content suppresses the occurrence of rolling stains and improves the suitability for rolling during manufacturing. There are no particular restrictions on the size of the tobacco shreds used as an example of a smokeable substance or the method of preparing them. For example, dried tobacco leaves shredded to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm may be used. Furthermore, dried tobacco leaves are crushed to an average particle size of approximately 20 μm to 200 μm and then processed into a sheet. The material may be processed and then cut into strips 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm wide. Furthermore, the above-mentioned sheet-processed material may be gathered rather than cut and used as the smokeable material. In addition, the smokeable material may be liquid, and the liquid may have viscosity. In this case, the smokeable material may consist mostly of an aerosol source. The content of the aerosol source in the liquid smokeable material (weight %) relative to the total weight of the smokeable material can be 80% or more by weight, 90% or more by weight, or 95% or more by weight. The smokeable material may also contain one or more flavorings. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, but menthol is preferred from the viewpoint of providing a good smoking taste.

[0042] The consumable may have a cylindrical member, a hollow filter section, and a second wrapping paper different from the first wrapping paper, on which at least one of the filter sections is wound. The second wrapping paper may also have a portion of the first wrapping paper on which the smokeable substance is wound. The first and second wrapping papers of the consumable can be made from base paper having a basis weight of, for example, 20 gsm to 65 gsm. The thickness of the first and second wrapping papers is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 μm to 100 μm from the viewpoint of rigidity, breathability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking.

[0043] The first and second rolls of the consumables may contain fillers. The filler content can range from 10% to 60% by weight of the total weight of the first and second rolls, and is preferably 15% to 45% by weight. For a preferred basis weight range (25gsm to 45gsm), the filler content is preferably 15% to 45% by weight. Examples of fillers that can be used include calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. Paper containing such fillers exhibits a desirable bright white color from the viewpoint of appearance when used as consumable rolls, and can maintain its whiteness permanently. By including a large amount of such filler, for example, the ISO whiteness of the rolls can be increased to 83% or more. Furthermore, from a practical viewpoint when used as consumable rolls, it is preferable that the first and second rolls have a tensile strength of 8N / 15mm or more. This tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content. Specifically, the tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content to less than the upper limit of the filler content shown for each basis weight range exemplified above.

[0044] In addition, in the first embodiment, features of other embodiments can be combined or applied as long as they do not hinder the operation and effect of the first embodiment.

[0045] According to a second embodiment, a flavor inhaler is provided. The flavor inhaler has the flavor inhaler heating unit described above and an external insulation part. The external insulation part is positioned between the fixed part and the housing. As a result, the flavor inhaler has the first insulation part of the flavor inhaler heating unit and the external insulation part, which improves the heating efficiency of the inhalable substance and suppresses the temperature rise of the housing. In other words, the first insulation part keeps the compartment warm in a relatively small space close to the heating part, and the external insulation part reduces overheating of the outer surface of the housing in a relatively large space far from the heating part.

[0046] The flavor inhaler is preferably a portable or handheld device. Furthermore, the outer insulation section is preferably thicker than the first insulation section. This improves the insulation effect. Here, thickness refers to the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the side surface of the compartment. The outer insulation section is positioned to cover at least the entire main surface of the first insulation section. This improves the insulation effect.

[0047] The external insulation may include, for example, a case that defines the internal space. The case may be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, or a synthetic resin such as plastic. The internal space may be, for example, vacuumed or filled with an insulating material such as aerogel. In particular, when aerogel insulation is combined with a first insulating part such as glass fiber or ceramic fiber, the first insulating part heats up Since the radiant heat from the outer insulation part can be reduced before it reaches the aerogel insulation material which is the outer insulation part, even aerogel insulation material with low thermal insulation performance against radiant heat can effectively contribute to insulation. In this case, the emissivity of the first insulation part is preferably 0.7 or higher, and more preferably 0.9 or higher. By selecting the emissivity from the above range, the transmittance is reduced, so that radiant heat transfer from the part where heat is generated to heat the smokeable substance which has the highest temperature in the flavor inhaler can be effectively suppressed. In other words, by combining an outer insulation part made of an insulation material such as aerogel insulation material with low thermal insulation performance against radiant heat, and a first insulation part with an emissivity of preferably 0.7 or higher, and more preferably 0.9 or higher, a synergistic insulation effect that complements each other can be expected.

[0048] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, features of other embodiments can be combined or applied, as long as they do not hinder the operation and effects of the second embodiment.

[0049] According to a third embodiment, a flavor inhaler is provided that heats a smokeable substance to atomize it. The flavor inhaler has a compartment having an opening and sides surrounding the opening, a heating unit that heats the compartment, a housing that houses the compartment and the heating unit, an insulating unit disposed between the sides of the compartment and the housing, and an outer insulating unit disposed between the insulating unit and the housing. The smokeable substance may be a solid smokeable substance. As a result, the flavor inhaler has an insulating unit and an outer insulating unit, which improves the heating efficiency of the smokeable substance and suppresses the temperature rise of the housing. In other words, the insulating unit keeps the compartment warm in a relatively small space close to the heating unit, and the outer insulating unit reduces overheating of the outer surface of the housing in a relatively large space far from the heating unit.

[0050] When the shortest distance between the outer surface of the compartment and the inner surface of the housing is A, it is preferable to position the heat-insulating section within a range of A / 5, preferably A / 10, and more preferably A / 20 from the outer surface of the compartment. This allows for efficient heat retention of the compartment.

[0051] When A is the shortest distance between the outer surface of the compartment and the inner surface of the housing, it is preferable that the outer insulation portion be positioned at a distance of 5A / 6 or more, preferably 4A / 6 or more, and more preferably 3A / 6 or more, from the outer surface of the compartment. This allows for more efficient suppression of overheating of the outer surface of the housing.

[0052] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, features of other embodiments can be combined or applied, as long as they do not hinder the function and effect of the third embodiment.

[0053] According to a fourth embodiment, a heating unit for a flavor inhaler is provided that heats a smokeable substance to atomize it. The heating unit for a flavor inhaler has an opening and sides surrounding the opening, and comprises a compartment that partitions a receiving section for the smokeable substance, a heating section that heats the compartment, and a second insulating section disposed between the compartment and the heating section. The compartment includes a susceptor. The heating section is a cylindrical induction coil surrounding the sides of the compartment. The second insulating section is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating). The smokeable substance may be a solid smokeable substance. "Non-conductive" here includes being substantially non-conductive.

[0054] According to the fourth embodiment, an integrated, stable IH (induction heating) assembly is provided. Furthermore, the second insulating section reduces the transfer of heat from the susceptor to the sheath of the Litz wire that may constitute the induction coil. In addition, the second insulating section suppresses the transfer of heat from the susceptor to the induction coil, thereby reducing the absorption of heat from the susceptor by the induction coil, and as a result, it becomes more difficult for heat to move from the housing to the outside. Similarly, it is possible to reduce overheating of the housing due to the heat of the susceptor. Since the second insulating section is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating), the second Heat generation is less likely to occur in the insulated section, and the susceptor, which is placed inside the second insulated section, can be efficiently heated by magnetic field lines generated by the induction coil.

[0055] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, features of other embodiments can be combined or applied, as long as they do not hinder the operation and effects of the fourth embodiment.

[0056] According to the fifth embodiment, a heating unit for a flavor inhaler is provided that heats a smokeable substance to atomize it. The heating unit for a flavor inhaler has an opening and sides surrounding the opening, and comprises a compartment that partitions a receiving section for the smokeable substance, a heating section that heats the compartment, and a second insulating section disposed between the compartment and the heating section. The second insulating section is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating). The compartment includes a susceptor. The heating section is a cylindrical induction coil surrounding the sides of the compartment. The second insulating section is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating). Here, "non-conductive" includes being substantially non-conductive. The smokeable substance may be a solid smokeable substance.

[0057] According to the fifth embodiment, the compartment is induction heated by the heating unit, but the transfer of heat from the compartment to the heating unit can be reduced by the second insulating unit. In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the heating unit for the flavor inhaler may have an external insulating unit as needed. This can reduce the temperature rise of the housing. In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the heating unit for the flavor inhaler may have an electromagnetic shield as needed.

[0058] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, features of other embodiments can be combined or applied, as long as they do not hinder the operation and effects of the fifth embodiment.

[0059] According to the sixth embodiment, a heating unit for a flavor inhaler is provided that heats a smokeable substance to atomize it. The heating unit for a flavor inhaler has an opening and a side surface surrounding the opening, and comprises a partition section that partitions a receiving section for the smokeable substance, a heating section that heats a susceptor placed in the receiving section, and a fixing section that fixes the heating section to the partition section. The partition section is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating). The heating section is a cylindrical induction coil surrounding the side surface of the partition section. The smokeable substance may be a solid smokeable substance. The partition section may be made of a resin material such as PEEK.

[0060] According to the sixth embodiment, an integrated, stable IH (induction heating) assembly is provided. Furthermore, since the heating unit is configured to heat a susceptor located within the housing, the release of heat from the susceptor through the housing can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, features of other embodiments can be combined or applied, as long as they do not hinder the operation and effects of the sixth embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0062] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first insulation section. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the external insulation section. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the heating unit for the flavor inhaler in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the first and second insulation sections. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the heating unit for the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows yet another example of the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the flavor inhaler. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0063] <First Embodiment> Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. The flavor inhaler 100 is preferably a portable device or a handheld device. As shown in Figure 1, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a battery 10, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 20, a heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler, and a housing 102.

[0064] The heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler is configured to heat a solid inhalable substance 30 to atomize it. The inhalable substance 30 constitutes, for example, a part of a columnar consumable 31 extending along its longitudinal direction. The consumable 31 may be, for example, a tobacco stick containing tobacco as the inhalable substance. The battery 10 stores the power used by the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0065] PCB20 consists of a CPU and memory, and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. For example, PCB20 starts heating the inhalable substance 30 in response to user operation on an input device such as a push button or slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the inhalable substance 30 after a certain period of time has elapsed. PCB20 may also stop heating the inhalable substance 30 even before a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating if the number of puffs performed by the user exceeds a certain value. For example, puffs are detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0066] Alternatively, the PCB 20 may start heating the inhalable substance in response to the start of the puffing operation and stop heating the inhalable substance 30 in response to the end of the puffing operation. The PCB 20 may also stop heating the inhalable substance 30 even before the end of the puffing operation if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the puffing operation. In this embodiment, the PCB 20 is located between the battery 10 and the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to receive a stick-shaped inhalable substance 30. Also, as shown in the illustration, the battery 10, PCB 20, and heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler may be arranged laterally, i.e., perpendicular to the direction in which the inhalable substance 30 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100. The housing 102 is a casing that houses the battery 10, PCB 20, and heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler.

[0068] The heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler includes a compartment 50, a heating section 60, a first insulation section 70, and a fixing section 80. As shown in the figure, the heating section 60 is positioned on the outer surface of the compartment 50, and the first insulation section 70 is positioned between the heating section 60 and the fixing section 80. When assembling the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler, first, the heating section 60 is wrapped around the outer surface of the compartment 50, and then the first insulation section 70 is wrapped around the outside of the heating section 60. Next, the fixing section 80 is wrapped around the outer surface of the heating section 60.

[0069] The partition 50 has an opening 51 and a side surface 52 surrounding the opening 51, and partitions a containment section 53 for receiving the smokeable substance 30. In the illustrated example, the partition 50 is a cylindrical member having a bottom 55. Preferably, the bottom 55 supports the smokeable substance 30 so that at least a portion of the end face of the smokeable substance 30 is exposed. In the illustrated example, the bottom 55 allows air to flow into the containment section 53. A hole 54 is provided for intake, exposing a portion of the end face of the smokeable substance 30. The hole 54 communicates with an air passage 102a formed in the housing 102, and the air passage 102a communicates with the outside of the housing 102. The compartment 50 of the first embodiment may be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel.

[0070] The heating section 60 is configured to heat the partitioned section 50. The heating section 60 is, for example, a resistance heating section and can heat the partitioned section 50 by heat conduction. In the first embodiment, the heating section 60 is a film heater. Specifically, the heating section 60 may have a structure in which an insulating layer 61 made of an electrical insulating material and a heating layer 62 made of a heating track are superimposed. The heating section 60 may also consist only of a heating track. The insulating layer 61 is arranged to cover at least one surface of the heating section 60, preferably covering both surfaces of the heating section 60.

[0071] The first heat insulating section 70 is positioned to be in contact with both the heating section 60 and the fixing section 80. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first heat insulating section 70. As shown in Figure 2, the first heat insulating section 70 may have a support section 71 that maintains a predetermined distance between the heating section 60 and the partition section 50 when the heating section 60 is fixed to the partition section 50, and air 72 provided between the support section 71. That is, the first heat insulating section 70 may have a support section 71 having an air layer inside. Furthermore, it is preferable that the support section 71 of the first heat insulating section 70 is flexible. Specifically, for example, the support section 71 of the first heat insulating section 70 may be made of glass fibers, and may be sheet-shaped glass fibers.

[0072] Preferably, the density of the air 72 provided between the support portions 71 of the first heat insulating portion 70 is uniform in the thickness direction of the first heat insulating portion 70. Furthermore, it is preferable that the density of the air 72 provided between the support portions 71 of the first heat insulating portion 70 is uniform in the width direction of the first heat insulating portion 70.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, the heating section 60 has a main surface parallel to the side surface 52 of the partitioned section 50, and the first heat insulating section 70 is preferably arranged to extend along the main surface of the heating section 60. More preferably, the first heat insulating section 70 covers the entire heating section 60 in the longitudinal direction of the partitioned section 50 (the direction in which the smokeable substance 30 is inserted). Furthermore, it is preferable that the first heat insulating section 70 is arranged to cover the entire main surface of the heating section 60 along the longitudinal direction of the partitioned section 50 in a direction perpendicular to the side surface 52 of the partitioned section 50. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first heat insulating section 70 covers the main surface of the heating section 60 over the entire circumferential direction of the partitioned section 50. Therefore, it is most preferable that the first heat insulating section 70 is arranged to cover the entire main surface of the heating section 60.

[0074] The fixing part 80 is configured to fix the heating part 60 to the partition part 50. This allows the heating part 60 to be fixed in close contact with the outer surface of the partition part 50, further improving heating efficiency and stabilizing the structure around the chamber 50. The fixing part 80 may also be a biasing part 80 that biases the heating part 60 toward the partition part 50. The biasing part 80 may be, for example, a ring or sheet that shrinks with heat, or an elastic ring or elastic sheet made of rubber or the like. It is preferable that the biasing part 80 is configured to shrink with heat. It is preferable that the biasing part 80 has a higher shrinkage rate in the circumferential direction than in the longitudinal direction of the partition part 50 when it covers the partition part 50 and the heating part 60. It is even more preferable that the biasing part 80 shrinks with heat only in the circumferential direction of the partition part 50.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the biasing portion 80 may be a sheet member. Preferably, the biasing portion 80 is made of polyimide.

[0076] In the first embodiment, a first heat insulating section 70 is provided between the fixed section 80 and the heating section 60, so that the transfer of heat from the heating section 60 to the fixed section 80 can be suppressed. This allows the temperature of the heating section 60 to be raised higher than in the conventional method, and the smokeable substance 30 to be heated to a higher temperature. This allows for increased aerosol production and improved flavor, among other things.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment may further have an external insulation section 85. The external insulation section 85 is positioned between the fixing section 80 and the housing 102. Therefore, the flavor inhaler 100 has a first insulation section 70 of the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler and an external insulation section 85. This improves the heating efficiency of the inhalable substance 30 and suppresses the temperature rise of the housing 102. In other words, the first insulation section 70 keeps the compartment 50 warm in a relatively small space close to the heating section 60, and the external insulation section 85 prevents overheating of the outer surface of the housing 102, the PCB 20 and the battery 10 in a relatively large space far from the heating section 60.

[0078] It is preferable that the outer insulation portion 85 is thicker than the first insulation portion 70. It is also preferable that the outer insulation portion 85 is positioned so as to cover the entire main surface of the first insulation portion 70 parallel to the side surface 52 of the compartment portion 50 in a direction perpendicular to the side surface 52 of the compartment portion 50, along the longitudinal direction of the compartment portion 50. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer insulation portion 85 is positioned so as to cover the first insulation portion 70 over the entire circumferential direction of the compartment portion 50.

[0079] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the external insulation section 85. As shown in Figure 3, the external insulation section 85 may include a case 86 that defines the internal space 87. The case 86 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel, or a synthetic resin such as plastic. The internal space 87 may be, for example, evacuated or filled with an insulating material such as aerogel.

[0080] In Figure 1, when the shortest distance between the outer surface of the partition 50 and the inner surface of the housing 102 is A, the first heat insulating section 70 is A / 5, preferably A / 10, from the outer surface of the partition 50. More preferably, it is preferable to be located within the range of A / 20. In other words, partitioned area When L1 is the distance between the outer surface of 50 and the outer surface of the first insulation section 70, L1 is A / 5 or less, preferably A / 10 or less, and more preferably A / 20 or less. This allows for efficient heat retention of the partitioned section 50.

[0081] Furthermore, it is preferable that the external insulation portion 85 is positioned at a distance of 5A / 6 or more, preferably 4A / 6 or more, and more preferably 3A / 6 or more, from the outer surface of the partition portion 50. In other words, when L2 is the distance between the outer surface of the partition portion 50 and the inner surface of the external insulation portion 85, L2 is 5A / 6 or more, preferably 4A / 6 or more, and more preferably 3A / 6 or more. This makes it possible to more efficiently suppress overheating of the outer surface of the housing 102.

[0082] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler in the first embodiment. In the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler shown in Figure 1, the first heat insulating part 70 and the fixing part 80 are positioned only at locations corresponding to the main surface of the heating part 60. In contrast, in the example shown in Figure 4, the first heat insulating part 70 also covers the end face of the heating part 60. That is, in the longitudinal direction of the partitioned part 50, the first heat insulating part 70 is longer than the heating part 60 and covers both ends of the heating part 60. This allows for more efficient heat insulation from the heating part 60. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the fixing part 80 may also cover the end faces of the first heat insulating part 70 and the heating part 60. That is, in the longitudinal direction of the partitioned part 50, the fixing part 80 is longer than the first heat insulating part 70 and the heating part 60 and covers both ends of the first heat insulating part 70 and the heating part 60. This allows the fixing part 80 to more securely fix the heating part 60 to the partition part 50.

[0083] <Second Embodiment> Next, the flavor inhaler 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the second embodiment. The flavor inhaler 100 according to the second embodiment is the first embodiment The configuration of the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler differs from that of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0084] In the second embodiment, the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler includes a partition 50, a second heat insulating section 73, a heating section 60, a first heat insulating section 70, an electromagnetic shield 88, and a fixing section 80.

[0085] The heating section 60 of the second embodiment has a substantially cylindrical induction coil surrounding the side surface 52 of the compartment 50. The compartment 50 may also include a susceptor. The susceptor may be placed on the outer or inner surface of the compartment 50, or it may be included in the side surface 52 that constitutes the compartment 50, but in the illustrated example, the side surface 52 of the compartment 50 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel so that it is inductively heated by the heating section 60. This allows the compartment 50 to efficiently receive energy from the heating section 60 (magnetic field lines generated around the induction coil) compared to the case where only the bottom 55 of the compartment 50 includes a susceptor. More specifically, the side surface 52 of the compartment 50 includes a tubular susceptor surrounding the housing section 53 and has a current path surrounding the housing section 53. As a result, it has an annular current path, so eddy currents can be efficiently generated.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom 55 of the compartment 50 may be formed of a synthetic resin such as PEEK that is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating). If the bottom 55 of the compartment 50 has a susceptor, the tip of the smokeable substance 30 may be locally overheated. Therefore, by forming the bottom 55 of the compartment 50 of a material that is permeable and non-conductive, induction heating does not occur at the bottom 55 of the compartment 50, so the smokeable substance 30 can be heated uniformly from the side compared to the case where the bottom 55 contains a susceptor.

[0087] The first heat insulating section 70 is preferably permeable to magnetism and non-conductive (electrically insulating). The first heat insulating section 70 can protect the electromagnetic shield 88 and the fixing section 80 from the heat of the compartment 50. The second heat insulating section 73 may also be permeable to magnetism and non-conductive (electrically insulating). This provides an IH (induction heating) assembly with a stable configuration in which the components necessary for heating are arranged in layers around the compartment axially, and in which the components necessary for heating are integrated. Such a configuration may be advantageous for mass production of the IH assembly itself, as well as for mass production of flavor inhalers incorporating the IH assembly. Furthermore, it has at least one of the following effects: The sheath of the Litz wire that can constitute the induction coil of the heating section 60 can be protected from the heat of the susceptor (side surface 52 of the compartment 50) by the second heat insulating section 73. The second insulation section 73 suppresses the transfer of heat from the susceptor (side surface 52 of the compartment 50) to the induction coil of the heating section 60, thus making it difficult for heat to move from the housing section 53 to the outside. This prevents the housing 102 from overheating due to the heat from the susceptor (side surface 52 of the compartment 50).

[0088] The first insulation section 70 and the second insulation section 73 have the same configuration. This makes the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler simpler and less expensive compared to the case where the first insulation section 70 and the second insulation section 73 have different configurations. Figure 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the first insulation section 70 and the second insulation section 73. As shown in Figure 6, at least one of the first insulation section 70 or the second insulation section 73 may have portions 70a, 73a located between adjacent wires of the induction coil of the heating section 60. This allows the position of the induction coil in the longitudinal direction to be fixed, enabling stable induction heating. Both the first insulation section 70 and the second insulation section 73 may have portions 70a, 73a located between adjacent wires of the induction coil. This allows the position of the induction coil in the longitudinal direction to be fixed even further, enabling more stable induction heating.

[0089] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the first heat insulating section 70 and the second heat insulating section 73 are integrated into a single heat insulating section 75. This configuration may be used. This allows for a simpler insulation structure for the heating unit 40 of the flavor inhaler. In this case, the induction coil of the heating section 60 may be embedded in an integrated insulation section 75, or at least both the inner and outer sides of the induction coil may be partially covered by the integrated insulation section 75. This allows for a firm fixation of the position of the induction coil.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the second heat insulating portion 73 may be in contact with both the compartment portion 50 and the induction coil of the heating portion 60. This allows the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler to have a more stable structure compared to when the second heat insulating portion 73 is not in contact with either the compartment portion 50 or the induction coil.

[0091] The second insulation section 73, as shown in Figure 2 in the first embodiment, may have support sections and air between them, similar to the first insulation section 70. This allows for more effective heat insulation from the susceptor (side surface 52 of the compartment 50). Furthermore, it is preferable that the support sections of the second insulation section 73 be flexible. This facilitates the assembly of the second insulation section 73 and allows it to be assembled to compartment 50 of various shapes. Specifically, for example, the support sections of the second insulation section 73 may be made of glass fiber.

[0092] Preferably, the density of the air between the support parts of the second insulation section 73 is uniform in the thickness direction of the second insulation section 73. Furthermore, it is preferable that the density of the air between the support parts of the second insulation section 73 is uniform in the width direction of the second insulation section 73.

[0093] As shown in Figure 5, the induction coil of the heating section 60 may be arranged to surround the compartment 50. The induction coil of the heating section 60 may consist of a single wire, but from the viewpoint of effective heating, it may be a helical Litz wire.

[0094] The induction coil of the heating section 60 is helical (three-dimensional spiral) or spiral (two-dimensional spiral). It may be wound in a dimensional vortex shape. The shape of the induction coil may be cylindrical (a bent helical coil or spiral coil) or flat. The coil may be adjacent to the partition 50, surround the partition 50, or protrude into the interior of the partition 50. However, by arranging it to surround the partition 50, energy can be efficiently supplied to the heat-generating part of the partition 50. There may be one or more induction coils. As an example of a configuration surrounding the partition 50, the induction coil may be configured in a helical shape to surround the partition 50, or a spiral coil may be curved to surround the partition 50, or there may be multiple planar coils surrounding the partition 50. However, configuring it in a helical shape to surround the partition 50 allows for a simpler configuration and can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0095] The electromagnetic shield 88, positioned between the fixed part 80 and the induction coil of the heating part 60, may include, for example, Ni-Zi ferrite.

[0096] According to the second embodiment of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 5 or Figure 7 described above, the heating unit 60 including the induction coil can heat the side surface 52 of the compartment 50 by electromagnetic induction. At this time, the first heat insulating unit 70 and the second heat insulating unit 73 can suppress the transfer of heat from the side surface 52 of the compartment 50 to the fixing unit 80 or the electromagnetic shield 88. As a result, the temperature of the compartment 50 can be raised higher than in the conventional method, and the inhalable substance 30 can be heated to a higher temperature, which can contribute to an increase in aerosol generation and an improvement in flavor.

[0097] In the second embodiment, the compartment 50 of the flavor inhaler 100 has a susceptor in the housing 53. It may be done as is. Figure 8 shows another example of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the second embodiment. In the illustrated example, a pin, blade, or plate-shaped susceptor 90 is placed in the housing 53 of the compartment 50. The susceptor 90 is positioned to extend in the longitudinal direction of the compartment 50. When the inhalable substance 30 is inserted and placed in the desired position in the housing 53, the susceptor 90 is inserted and positioned inside the inhalable substance 30. In this state, the inhalable substance 30 can be heated by induction heating of the susceptor 90 by the heating unit 60.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 8, the partition 50 can be formed from a synthetic resin such as PEEK, which is permeable and non-conductive (electrically insulating). As a result, the energy from the heating section 60 (magnetic field lines generated around the induction coil) is not absorbed by the partition 50 and is efficiently transmitted to the susceptor 90.

[0099] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 8, the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler does not necessarily have to include the second heat insulating section 73. This is because, when the smokeable substance 30 is heated, the smokeable substance 30 is present between the susceptor 90 and the heating section 60, so the transfer of heat from the susceptor 90 to the heating section 60 can be reduced.

[0100] Figure 9 shows yet another example of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 9, the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler does not have a susceptor, but instead a susceptor 92 is provided inside the inhalable substance 30. The shape of the susceptor 92 is arbitrary, and for example, a granular, rod-shaped, strip-shaped, tubular, or cylindrical susceptor 92 may be arranged inside the inhalable substance 30. In the example shown in Figure 9, similar to the example in Figure 8, the compartment 50 may be formed of a synthetic resin such as PEEK that has magnetic permeability and non-conductivity (electrical insulation).

[0101] When the smokeable substance 30 is placed in the desired position within the containment section 53, the susceptor 92 is positioned inside the induction coil of the heating section 60. In this state, the susceptor 92 is inductively heated by the heating section 60, thereby heating the smokeable substance 30.

[0102] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, similar to the example shown in Figure 8, the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler does not necessarily have to include the second heat insulating section 73. This is because, when the smokeable substance 30 is heated, the smokeable substance 30 is present between the susceptor 92 and the heating section 60, so the transfer of heat from the susceptor 92 to the heating section 60 can be reduced.

[0103] <Third Embodiment> Next, the flavor inhaler 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the third embodiment. The flavor inhaler 100 according to the third embodiment differs in the configuration of the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler compared to the flavor inhaler 100 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 5. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler does not have a first heat insulating part 70 and a fixing part 80.

[0104] In the third embodiment, the side surface 52 of the compartment 50 is induction heated by the heating unit 60, but the transfer of heat from the compartment 50 to the heating unit 60 can be suppressed by the second heat insulating unit 73. In addition, in the third embodiment, the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler may have an external heat insulating unit 85 if necessary. This can reduce the temperature rise of the housing 102. In addition, in the third embodiment, the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler may have an electromagnetic shield 88 if necessary.

[0105] In the third embodiment, the second heat insulating section 73 is biased and fixed to the partition section 50 by the induction coil of the heating section 60. Therefore, the heating unit 40 for the flavor inhaler is fixed Even without the fixed section 80, the second insulation section 73 can be fixed to the outer surface of the compartment section 50.

[0106] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, specification, and drawings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it produces the function and effect of the present invention. Furthermore, when the shape, degree, etc. is expressed as "at least substantially" in the specification, it is not intended to be limited to "strictly that shape or degree, etc." but rather to include "at least the shape or degree, etc. within the range that produces the intended function." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 30: Smoking substances 40: Heating unit for flavor suction device 50: Partition 51 :Aperture 52: Side view 53: Containment Unit 60: Heating section 70: First insulation section 71: Support part 72: Air 73: Second insulation section 75: Insulation section 80: Fixed part, biasing part 85: External insulation section 88: Electromagnetic shielding 90: Susceptor 92: Susceptor 100: Flavor aspirator 102: Housing

Claims

1. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler that heats a smokeable substance to atomize the smokeable substance, Having an opening and a side surface surrounding the opening, a partition section that demarcates the receiving section for the inhalable substance, A heating section for heating the aforementioned compartment, A fixing part for fixing the heating part to the partitioned part, A heating unit for a flavor inhaler, comprising a first heat insulating section disposed between the heating section and the fixing section.

2. In the heating unit for a flavor inhaler described in claim 1, The heating unit is a heating unit for a flavor inhaler, located on the outer surface of the partitioned section.

3. In a heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, The heating section has a main surface parallel to the side surface of the partitioned section, The first heat insulating section is arranged to cover the entire main surface of the heating section in a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the partitioned section, and is a heating unit for a flavor inhaler.

4. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned heating unit is a film heater, which is a heating unit for a flavor inhaler.

5. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The partitioned section includes a susceptor, The heating section includes a cylindrical induction coil that surrounds the side surface of the partitioned section. The first heat insulating section is a heating unit for a flavor inhaler, having magnetic permeability and non-conductivity.

6. In the heating unit for a flavor inhaler described in claim 5, A heating unit for a flavor inhaler, wherein the side surface of the partitioned portion is composed of the susceptor and the unit has an electric current path surrounding the housing portion.

7. In the heating unit for a flavor inhaler described in claim 5 or 6, A second heat insulating section is provided between the partitioned section and the induction coil. The second heat insulating section is a heating unit for a flavor inhaler, which is permeable to magnetism and non-conductive.

8. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The first heat insulating portion is a heating unit for a flavor inhaler, having a portion located between adjacent wires of the induction coil.

9. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The first heat insulating section comprises air and a support section that maintains a predetermined distance between the heating section and the partition section when the heating section is fixed to the partition section, with the air between the support sections, in the heating unit for a flavor inhaler.

10. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A heating unit for a flavor inhaler, wherein the support portion of the first heat insulating portion is made of glass fiber.

11. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A heating unit for a flavor inhaler, wherein the thickness of the first heat insulating section is 0.10 mm or more and 3.00 mm or less.

12. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 5 to 11, A heating unit for a flavor inhaler, having an electromagnetic shield between the fixed part and the induction coil.

13. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The aforementioned fixing part is a biasing part that biases the heating part toward the partitioned part, in a heating unit for a flavor suction device.

14. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler that heats a smokeable substance to atomize it, Having an opening and a side surface surrounding the opening, a partition section that demarcates the receiving section for the inhalable substance, A heating section for heating the aforementioned compartment, It has a second heat insulating section disposed between the partition section and the heating section, The second heat insulating part has magnetic permeability and nonconductivity, The partitioned section includes a susceptor. The heating section is a cylindrical induction coil that surrounds the side surface of the partitioned section. The second heat insulating section is a heating unit for a flavor inhaler, having magnetic permeability and non-conductivity.

15. A heating unit for a flavor inhaler as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, A flavor inhaler having an external heat insulating part disposed between the fixed part and the housing.

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