Flavor inhaler and method for manufacturing flavor inhaler

JP7609978B2Active Publication Date: 2025-01-07JAPAN TOBACCO INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023516931
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-04-28
Publication Date
2025-01-07
Estimated Expiration
2041-04-28

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Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to arrange a placement section for a material of interest in a housing and store the material of interest in the housing even when a division surface of the housing is displaced from a plane at which a largest opening can be secured. A flavor inhaler is provided with: a first housing which has an opening and has, formed therein, a storage section in which a material of interest is stored; and a placement section which has an outer shape that matches the inner surface of the storage section, also has an inner space in which the material of interest is placed, and is arranged in the inside of the storage section. In the flavor inhaler, the opening area of the opening is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the storage section when the first housing is cut by a plane parallel to the opening and is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the placement section including the inner space when the placement section is cut by a plane parallel to the opening, and the placement section has a first placement section and a second placement section that is incorporated with the first placement section.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler and a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] In flavor inhalers, a housing made of metal such as aluminum is generally provided on the outermost part of the device for the purpose of improving the aesthetics. Here, since it is difficult to form a structure for supporting the contained object in a metal housing, it is necessary to place a placement part on which the contained object is placed inside the housing to contain the contained object. In addition, since the flavor inhaler is assumed to be used by gripping it, it is preferable to make the housing rounded overall so that it is easy to grip.

[0003] One known example of such a flavor inhaler is one in which a rounded housing is divided at the most protruding part of the housing to ensure the largest opening, and a placement section for the contained item is inserted into the housing through this opening (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 218885 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the flavor inhaler described in Patent Document 1, if the housing is divided at its most protruding part, the joint between the housings will be noticeable and the joint may catch on the hand during use or when removing it from a bag, for example, which may cause discomfort to the user.

[0006] In order to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable, it is possible to divide the housing into two housings, one large and one small, by shifting the dividing surface of the housing from the surface that can secure the largest opening. In this case, although the user is prevented from feeling uncomfortable, the issue is how to arrange the placement part for the contained object in the larger housing. In other words, by shifting the dividing surface of the housing from the surface that can secure the largest opening, the opening becomes smaller, and it may not be possible to insert the placement part for the contained object through the opening of the housing.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the problems described above, and aims to provide an aroma inhaler and a method for manufacturing an aroma inhaler that can accommodate an object by positioning a placement portion for the object to be accommodated within the housing, even if the dividing surface of the housing is shifted from the surface that ensures the largest opening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a flavor inhaler is provided, which includes a first housing having an opening and a storage section formed therein for storing an object to be stored, and a mounting section having an outer shape conforming to the inner surface of the storage section and having an internal space on which the object to be stored is placed, the opening area of ​​the opening being smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the storage section when the first housing is cut on a plane parallel to the opening and the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting section including the internal space when the mounting section is cut on a plane parallel to the opening, and the mounting section has a first mounting section and a second mounting section combined with the first mounting section.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the mounting portion on which the object to be contained is placed is divided into a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion that is combined with the first mounting portion. Therefore, even if the dividing surface of the housing is shifted from the surface that can secure the largest opening, the mounting portion for the object to be contained can be positioned within the housing to accommodate the object to be contained.

[0010] In the second form of the present invention, in the first form, the first mounting portion has a first engagement portion provided at the combination point with the second mounting portion, and the second mounting portion has a second engagement portion provided at the combination point and engages with the first engagement portion.

[0011] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first and second mounting portions can be positioned relative to each other by engaging the first and second engaging portions with each other.

[0012] In a third form of the present invention, in the second form, with respect to the width direction, thickness direction and height direction which are perpendicular to each other in the first housing, the first engagement portion has a width direction first engagement portion, a thickness direction first engagement portion and a height direction first engagement portion, and the second engagement portion has a width direction second engagement portion, a thickness direction second engagement portion and a height direction second engagement portion, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are positioned in the width direction by the width direction first engagement portion and the width direction second engagement portion engaging with each other, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are positioned in the thickness direction by the thickness direction first engagement portion and the thickness direction second engagement portion engaging with each other, and the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are positioned in the height direction by the height direction first engagement portion and the height direction second engagement portion engaging with each other.

[0013] According to the third aspect of the present invention, by engaging the first widthwise engaging portion with the second widthwise engaging portion, engaging the first thicknesswise engaging portion with the second thicknesswise engaging portion, and engaging the first heightwise engaging portion with the second heightwise engaging portion, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion can be positioned relative to each other in the widthwise, thickness and height directions which are perpendicular to each other in the first housing.

[0014] In a fourth form of the present invention, in the third form, the first housing has a bottom and a wall portion erected from the outer edge of the bottom, and the first widthwise engagement portion and the second widthwise engagement portion face the bottom, the first thicknesswise engagement portion and the second thicknesswise engagement portion face the wall portion, and the first heightwise engagement portion and the second heightwise engagement portion face the wall portion.

[0015] According to the fourth aspect of the present application, the first widthwise engagement portion and the second widthwise engagement portion face the bottom portion, and the first thicknesswise engagement portion and the second thicknesswise engagement portion, as well as the first heightwise engagement portion and the second heightwise engagement portion face the wall portion, thereby enabling the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion to be positioned relative to each other in the widthwise, thicknesswise and heightwise directions of the first housing.

[0016] In a fifth aspect of the present application, in the fourth aspect, the first thickness direction engagement portion and the second thickness direction engagement portion are provided on each of a pair of opposing wall portions, and the first height direction engagement portion and the second height direction engagement portion are provided on each of a pair of opposing wall portions.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect of the present application, by providing the first thickness direction engaging portion and the second thickness direction engaging portion, as well as the first height direction engaging portion and the second height direction engaging portion on each of a pair of opposing wall portions, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion can be more firmly positioned.

[0018] In a sixth aspect of the present application, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the thickness direction first engagement portion and the height direction first engagement portion are integrally formed, and the thickness direction second engagement portion and the height direction second engagement portion are integrally formed.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the present application, by integrally forming the first thickness direction engaging portion and the first height direction engaging portion, and integrally forming the second thickness direction engaging portion and the second height direction engaging portion, it is possible to achieve positioning of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion with a simple configuration.

[0020] In a seventh form of the present application, in any of the second to sixth forms, the first engagement portion is one of a convex portion and a concave portion provided on the first mounting portion at the combination point, and the second engagement portion is the other of a convex portion and a concave portion provided on the second mounting portion at the combination point, and the concave portion has a shape corresponding to the convex portion.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect of the present application, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion can be positioned relative to each other by engaging one of the convex portion and the concave portion provided on the first engagement portion with the other of the convex portion and the concave portion provided on the second engagement portion.

[0022] In an eighth form of the present application, in any of the second to seventh forms, the first housing has a communication hole in a wall portion erected from the outer edge of the bottom portion, connecting the inside and outside of the storage portion, and at least one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion has a protrusion that can engage with the communication hole.

[0023] According to the eighth aspect of the present application, at least one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion can be positioned relative to the first housing by engaging a protrusion provided on at least one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion with a communicating hole provided in a wall portion of the first housing.

[0024] In a ninth form of the present application, in the eighth form, the protrusion is provided on at least one of the end opposite the first engagement portion provided at the end of the first mounting portion on the second mounting portion side, and the end opposite the second engagement portion provided at the end of the second mounting portion on the first mounting portion side.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect of the present application, by providing a protrusion on at least one of the end of the first mounting portion opposite the first engagement portion and the end of the second mounting portion opposite the second engagement portion, at least one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion can be more firmly positioned relative to the first housing.

[0026] In a tenth form of the present application, in the eighth or ninth form, the first housing has a communication hole in each of a pair of opposing wall portions that connects the inside and outside of the accommodating portion, the first mounting portion has a first protrusion that can engage with one of the communication holes, and the second mounting portion has a second protrusion that can engage with the other of the communication holes.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect of the present application, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion can be positioned relative to the first housing by engaging the first protrusion provided on the first mounting portion and the second protrusion provided on the second mounting portion with communicating holes provided in each of a pair of opposing wall portions of the first housing.

[0028] In an eleventh form of the present application, in any of the second to tenth forms, the device further includes a slide member slidably arranged relative to the first housing and a sensor for detecting the movement of the slide member, the slide member being slidably arranged on the first mounting portion and the sensor being fixed to the second mounting portion.

[0029] According to the eleventh aspect of the present application, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other, so that the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are positioned relative to each other, and the operation of the sliding member can be accurately detected using a sensor.

[0030] In a twelfth form of the present application, in any of the first to eleventh forms, a second housing covering the opening of the first housing and a lid covering at least a portion of the second housing are further provided, and a marking relating to the flavor inhaler is printed on the outer surface of the second housing, and the lid covers all of the marking.

[0031] According to the twelfth aspect of the present application, the aesthetic appearance of the flavor inhaler can be improved by covering the markings on the outer surface of the second housing with the lid portion.

[0032] In a thirteenth aspect of the present application, a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler is provided. The method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler includes a housing having an opening and a storage section for storing an object inside, a first storage section having an outer shape conforming to the inner surface of the storage section and disposed in the storage section on which the object is placed, and a second storage section combined with the first storage section, the method including inserting the first storage section from the opening of the housing, rotating the first storage section to place it at a predetermined position in the housing, and inserting the second storage section from the opening of the housing in a state in which the second storage section is deformed, and placing it at the predetermined position in the housing.

[0033] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present application, the mounting portion on which the contained object is placed is divided into a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion which is combined with the first mounting portion, and the first mounting portion is inserted through an opening in the housing and rotated to place it at a predetermined position in the housing, and the second mounting portion is deformed and inserted through the opening in the housing and placed at a predetermined position in the housing.By doing so, even if the dividing surface of the housing is shifted from the surface which ensures the largest opening, it is possible to obtain an aroma inhaler which can place the mounting portion for the contained object within the housing and can contain the contained object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a flavor generating article. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along the arrow 3-3 shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A]5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4B. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 4B. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chamber and the heating section. [Figure 7] FIG. 5C is the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5B with the flavor generating article positioned in a desired location within the chamber. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the outer housing. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the first housing. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the first housing. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the first housing. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first housing. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] 11 is a front view showing a position where the first and second mounting portions are combined at a position corresponding to the bottom of the first housing. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a perspective view showing a position where the first and second mounting portions are combined at a position corresponding to a wall portion of the first housing on the negative X-axis direction side. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a perspective view showing a position where the first and second mounting portions are combined at a position corresponding to a wall portion of the first housing on the X-axis positive side. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is another perspective view showing the position where the first and second mounting portions are combined at a position corresponding to the wall portion of the first housing on the negative X-axis direction side. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first placement portion. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second placement section. [Figure 22]6A to 6C are explanatory views showing a procedure for attaching the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion to the first housing. [Figure 23] 6A to 6C are explanatory views showing a procedure for attaching the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion to the first housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0036] FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment. In the drawings described in this specification, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system may be attached for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the XY plane is arranged to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is arranged to extend from the front side to the back side of the flavor inhaler 100. The X axis can also be referred to as the width direction of the first housing 120 described later. The Y axis can also be referred to as the thickness direction of the first housing 120. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of a flavor-generating article contained in the chamber 50 of the atomization unit 30 described later, the axial direction of the chamber 50, or the height direction of the first housing 120.

[0037] The flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment is a device having a rounded exterior, and is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor, for example, by heating a stick-shaped flavor generating article having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 has an outer housing 101, a slide cover 102, a switch unit 103, and a terminal 104. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and has a size that fits in the user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 100, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 in his / her hand and inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be constructed by assembling a plurality of members described later. The outer housing 101 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum. The outer housing 101 may have a member made of resin, such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers.

[0039] The outer housing 101 has an entrance portion (not shown) for receiving a flavor-generating article, and the slide cover 102 (corresponding to an example of a slide member) is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 so as to close the entrance portion. Specifically, the slide cover 102 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) for closing the entrance portion of the outer housing 101 and an open position for opening the entrance portion. For example, the user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. This allows or restricts the access of the flavor-generating article to the inside of the slide cover 102 and the flavor inhaler 100.

[0040] The switch unit 103 is used to switch the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 on and off. For example, when a user operates the switch unit 103 with a flavor-generating article inserted in the flavor inhaler 100, power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating unit (not shown), and the flavor-generating article can be heated without being burned. The switch unit 103 may be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101, or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. When the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In this embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.

[0041] The terminal 104 is an interface such as a USB that connects the flavor inhaler 100 to an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, the external power source can be connected to the terminal 104 to cause the external power source to pass a current through the power source and charge the power source. In addition, the flavor inhaler 100 can be configured to transmit data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to an external device by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal 104.

[0042] Next, a flavor generating article used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. In this embodiment, a smoking system can be configured by the flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor generating article 110. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the flavor generating article 110 has a smokable article 111, a tubular member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115.

[0043] The smokable article 111 is wrapped in a first cigarette paper 112. The tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are wrapped in a second cigarette paper 113 that is different from the first cigarette paper 112. The second cigarette paper 113 also wraps a portion of the first cigarette paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111. This connects the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111. However, the second cigarette paper 113 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111 may be connected using the first cigarette paper 112. A lip release agent 117 is applied to the outer surface of the second cigarette paper 113 near the end portion on the filter portion 115 side to facilitate releasing the user's lips from the second cigarette paper 113. The portion of flavor generating article 110 to which lip release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of flavor generating article 110 .

[0044] The smokable article 111 may include a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source. The first wrapping paper 112 for wrapping the smokable article 111 may be a breathable sheet member. The tubular member 114 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the illustrated example, the flavor generating article 110 includes the smokable article 111, the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115, but the configuration of the flavor generating article 110 is not limited thereto. For example, the hollow filter portion 116 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114 and the filter portion 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0045] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 3, a mounting section 10 is provided inside an outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100, on which objects to be contained, such as a power supply section 20 and an atomizing section 30, are mounted. The mounting section 10 is made of resin, for example, and may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers. The mounting section 10 may include a portion formed of a metal such as aluminum. Here, from the viewpoints of heat resistance, processability, and strength, the mounting section 10 is preferably made of polycarbonate. The power supply section 20 and the atomizing section 30 are provided in an internal space 11 of the mounting section 10. The power supply unit 20 and the atomizing unit 30 cannot be replaced after the flavor inhaler 100 is assembled. The outer housing 101 and the placement unit 10 may be collectively referred to as a housing.

[0046] The power supply unit 20 includes a power supply 21. The power supply 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the atomizing unit 30. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the atomizing unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the flavor-generating article 110.

[0047] As shown in the figure, the atomization section 30 has a chamber 50 extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor generating article 110, a heating section 40 covering a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulating section 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the flavor generating article 110. The heating section 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the flavor generating article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50. As shown in the figure, a bottom member 36 may be provided at the bottom of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 can function as a stopper for positioning the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 has an uneven surface with which the flavor generating article 110 abuts, and can define a space capable of supplying air to the surface with which the flavor generating article 110 abuts. The bottom member 36 is made of, for example, a resin, and in particular, may be made of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that the bottom member 36 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity in order to suppress the transfer of heat to the heat insulating portion 32, etc.

[0048] The heat insulating part 32 is generally cylindrical and is disposed so as to cover the chamber 50. The heat insulating part 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 is provided between the slide cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the housing through the opening of the outer housing 101, the claws engage with the housing and the insertion guide member 34 is configured to be unable to escape outside the housing. The insertion guide member 34 is made of, for example, resin, and may be formed of, in particular, polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The insertion guide member 34 may be formed of metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. In addition, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, the insertion guide member 34 is preferably PEEK. When the slide cover 102 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100 and guides the insertion of the flavor generating article 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the flavor generating article 110 into the through hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34. When in the open position, the slide cover 102 is configured to cover at least a part of the insertion guide member 34 in the axial direction of the chamber 50 while exposing the through hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34 to the outside. In Fig. 3, the state in which the slide cover 102 is closed to cover the entire through hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0049] The flavor inhaler 100 further has a first holding part 37 and a second holding part 38 which hold both ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32. The first holding part 37 is arranged so as to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the negative Z-axis direction side. The second holding part 38 is arranged so as to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the slide cover 102 side (the positive Z-axis direction side).

[0050] Next, the structure of the chamber 50 will be described. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 4B-4B in Fig. 4A. Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5A-5A in Fig. 4B. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5B-5B in Fig. 4B. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating unit 40.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the chamber 50 may have a cylindrical shape including an opening 52 into which the flavor generating article 110 is inserted and a cylindrical side wall portion 60 that accommodates the flavor generating article 110. A flange portion 52a is formed at an end portion that defines the opening 52 of the chamber 50. The chamber 50 is arranged so that the flange portion 52a provided on the opposite side of the bottom portion 56 faces the opening of the outer housing 101. The chamber 50 is preferably formed of a material that has heat resistance and a small thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed of, for example, stainless steel or the like. The chamber 50 may be formed of a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, or the like in addition to metal. This allows effective heating from the chamber 50 to the flavor generating article 110. The chamber 50 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may have a cup shape.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B, the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the flavor generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses a part of the flavor generating article 110, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the flavor generating article 110. In this specification, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the flavor generating article 110 is appropriately heated, or a position of the flavor generating article 110 when a user smokes. The contact portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The separation portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in FIG. 6, the heating portion 40 is placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 is placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gap. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, it is preferable that the heating portion 40 including the adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat, when the strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heating unit 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 as shown in Figure 6, it is possible to suppress bending of the strip-shaped electrode 48. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Also, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

[0054] 4A, 4B, and 5B, the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other so as to be parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 that is disposed between the contact portions 62.

[0055] 5B, an inner surface 66a of the spaced portion 66 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. In addition, the spaced portion 66 is disposed adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4B, the chamber 50 may have a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that the bottom member 36 shown in FIG. 3 may penetrate and be disposed inside the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may be fixed to the inside of the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 by an adhesive or the like. The adhesive interposed between the bottom member 36 and the bottom 56 may be made of a resin material such as an epoxy resin. Alternatively, an inorganic adhesive such as cement or welding may be used. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 may support a part of the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a part of the end surface of the flavor generating article 110 is exposed. The bottom 56 may support a part of the flavor generating article 110 so that the exposed end surface of the flavor generating article 110 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 7) described later.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4A, 4B and 5A, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-holding portion 54 between the opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the flavor-generating article 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-holding portion 54 and the flavor-generating article 110. Also, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a that connects the inner surface of the non-holding portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the heating unit 40 has a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element 42 is preferably arranged so as to heat the contact portion 62 without contacting the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 42 is preferably arranged only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62. The heating element 42 may have a difference in heating capacity between a portion that heats the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50 and a portion that heats the contact portion 62. Specifically, the heating element 42 may be configured to heat the contact portion 62 to a higher temperature than the separated portion 66. For example, the arrangement density of the heating track of the heating element 42 in the contact portion 62 and the separated portion 66 may be adjusted. In addition, the heating element 42 may have substantially the same heating capacity around the entire circumference of the chamber 50 and be wound around the outer circumference of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the heating unit 40 preferably has, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrically insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. In this embodiment, an electrical insulator 44 is disposed over both sides of the heating element 42 .

[0059] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5B in a state where the flavor-generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 7, when the flavor-generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the flavor-generating article 110 can be pressed against the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. On the other hand, a gap 67 is formed between the flavor-generating article 110 and the spaced portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and an end face of the flavor-generating article 110 positioned in the chamber 50. This allows air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and flow into the inside of the flavor-generating article 110. In other words, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the flavor-generating article 110 and the spaced portion 66.

[0060] Next, the structure of the outer housing 101 will be described. FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of the outer housing 101. As shown in FIG. 8, the outer housing 101 has a first housing 120 having an opening 121, a second housing 130 covering the opening 121 of the first housing 120, and a lid portion 140 covering at least a part of the second housing 130. Each of the first housing 120, the second housing 130, and the lid portion 140 is a single structure without any joints. The second housing 130 is fixed to the first housing 120 by any fastening means. The lid portion 140 is fixed to the second housing 130 by a magnet or the like, and is detachable by the user. Here, the outer edge of the opening 121 of the first housing 120, the outer edge of the second housing 130, and the outer edge of the lid portion 140 are substantially aligned with each other. Therefore, when the first housing 120, the second housing 130 and the cover portion 140 are assembled, the joint portion can be reduced to one location, and the aesthetic appearance of the flavor inhaler 100 can be improved.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the outer housing 101. FIG. 9 shows the state in which the second housing 130 is fixed to the first housing 120 together with the lid 140. As shown in FIG. 9, the outer surface of the second housing 130 may be provided with a display section 131 on which performance indications and cautions related to the flavor inhaler 100 are written. When the lid 140 is attached to the second housing 130, the display section 131 cannot be seen from the outside, so that the aesthetic appearance of the flavor inhaler 100 when in use can be improved. The lid 140 can be removed by the user, so that the user can check the display section 131 as necessary.

[0062] Fig. 10 is a front view showing first housing 120. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing first housing 120. Fig. 12 is a side view showing first housing 120. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing first housing 120. As shown in Figs. 10 to 13, first housing 120 is composed of a bottom portion 122 and a wall portion 123 standing from the outer edge of bottom portion 122 and forming opening 121. First housing 120 has a shape in which its length in the width direction (X-axis direction) becomes shorter from the Z-axis positive direction to the Z-axis negative direction.

[0063] A storage section 124 is formed inside first housing 120 to store objects to be stored, such as power supply section 20 and atomization section 30, together with placement section 10. A communication hole 125 that communicates between the inside and outside of storage section 124 and is opened and closed by slide cover 102 is formed in wall section 123 on the Z-axis positive side of first housing 120. A communication hole 126 that communicates between the inside and outside of storage section 124 and exposes terminal 104 (see FIG. 1C) to the outside is formed in wall section 123 on the Z-axis negative side of first housing 120.

[0064] Here, the opening area of ​​opening 121 is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​accommodating portion 124 when first housing 120 is cut along a plane parallel to opening 121. Specifically, in Fig. 11, the length of opening 121 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the maximum length of first housing 120 in the X-axis direction, and in Fig. 12, the length of opening 121 in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the maximum length of first housing 120 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the dividing surface of outer housing 101 is disposed so as to be shifted from the surface that can secure the largest opening.

[0065] Next, the structure of the mounting portion 10 will be described. FIG. 14 is a side view showing the mounting portion 10. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the mounting portion 10. In FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the mounting portion 10 has an outer shape that conforms to the inner surface of the accommodation portion 124 of the first housing 120. In addition, the opening area of ​​the opening 121 of the first housing 120 is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting portion 10 including the internal space 11 when the mounting portion 10 is cut on a plane parallel to the opening 121. Therefore, if the mounting portion 10 is made into a single member, the mounting portion 10 cannot be inserted from the opening 121 of the first housing 120. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the mounting portion 10 is divided into a first mounting portion 150 and a second mounting portion 160 that is combined with the first mounting portion 150.

[0066] As described below, the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 are inserted into the first housing 120 and then combined with each other. By dividing the mounting portion 10 into the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 that is combined with the first mounting portion 150, even if the dividing surface of the outer housing 101 is shifted from the surface that can secure the largest opening, the mounting portion 10 on which the contained objects such as the power supply unit 20 and the atomization unit 30 are placed can be disposed in the first housing 120 to accommodate the contained objects.

[0067] Here, the slide cover 102 is slidably provided on the first mounting portion 150. A sensor (not shown) for detecting the opening and closing operation of the slide cover 102 is fixed to the second mounting portion 160. The sensor detects the opening and closing operation of the slide cover 102, thereby controlling the on / off of the heating portion 40. As described above, the mounting portion 10 is preferably made of polycarbonate in consideration of heat resistance and processability, but the first mounting portion 150 is made of a material having higher slidability than the second mounting portion 160 in order to reduce the sliding resistance of the slide cover 102. Specifically, POM (polyoxymethylene) or a polycarbonate (PC) having a high slidability grade can be used. In this case, the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 are fixed to the first housing 120 by an adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like, but in consideration of the adhesiveness of the adhesive, it is preferable to use a polycarbonate (PC) having a high slidability grade.

[0068] Moreover, the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 are divided at a position farther toward the positive Z-axis direction side than the center of the mounting portion 10 in the Z-axis direction. This is because the first mounting portion 150 is made of a material with higher slidability than the second mounting portion 160, and the material cost is higher, so that the first mounting portion 150 is made smaller. Furthermore, by dividing the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 in this manner, as described below, after the first mounting portion 150 is inserted into the first housing 120, the first mounting portion 150 can be rotated and placed at a predetermined position in the first housing 120. Furthermore, by dividing the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 in this manner, a heat exhaust port 170 for releasing heat can be formed in a portion where the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 are combined and where the heating portion 40 generates a large amount of heat.

[0069] Here, it is desirable that the first placement portion 150 and the second placement portion 160 are positioned relative to each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, a first engagement portion 151 is provided at a portion where the first placement portion 150 and the second placement portion 160 are combined, and a second engagement portion 161 that engages with the first engagement portion 151 is provided at a portion where the second placement portion 160 and the first placement portion 150 are combined. By engaging the first engagement portion 151 and the second engagement portion 152 with each other, the first placement portion 150 and the second placement portion 160 can be positioned relative to each other. By positioning the first placement portion 150 and the second placement portion 160 relative to each other, the positional accuracy of the slide cover 102 and the sensor can be improved, so that the opening and closing operation of the slide cover 102 can be accurately detected using the sensor.

[0070] It is desirable that the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 are positioned relative to each other in the width direction, thickness direction, and height direction of the first housing 120. Therefore, the first engaging portion 151 and the second engaging portion 161 for realizing this will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a combination portion of the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 at a position corresponding to the bottom portion 122 of the first housing 120. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a combination portion of the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 at a position corresponding to the wall portion 123 on the X-axis negative side of the first housing 120. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a combination portion of the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 at a position corresponding to the wall portion 123 on the X-axis positive side of the first housing 120.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 16, the first mounting portion 150 has a widthwise first engaging portion 152 as the first engaging portion 151, and the second mounting portion 160 has a widthwise second engaging portion 162 as the second engaging portion 161. The widthwise first engaging portion 152 and the widthwise second engaging portion 162 face the bottom portion 122 of the first housing 120. The widthwise first engaging portion 152 is a convex portion extending from the first mounting portion 150, and the widthwise second engaging portion 162 is a concave portion having a shape corresponding to the convex portion. Here, the convex portion and the concave portion may be interchangeable. The widthwise first engaging portion 152 and the widthwise second engaging portion 162 engage with each other, so that the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 can be positioned relative to each other in the width direction of the first housing 120.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 17, the first mounting portion 150 has a first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and a first height direction engaging portion 154 as the first engaging portion 151, and the second mounting portion 160 has a second thickness direction engaging portion 163 and a second height direction engaging portion 164 as the second engaging portion 161. The first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and the first height direction engaging portion 154, as well as the second thickness direction engaging portion 163 and the second height direction engaging portion 164, face the wall portion 123 on the X-axis negative direction side of the first housing 120. The second thickness direction engaging portion 163 and the second height direction engaging portion 164 are convex portions extending from the second mounting portion 160, and the first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and the first height direction engaging portion 154 are concave portions having shapes corresponding to the convex portions. Here, the convex portions and the concave portions may be interchanged. The first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and the second thickness direction engaging portion 163 engage with each other, thereby enabling the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 to be positioned relative to each other in the thickness direction of the first housing 120. Furthermore, the first height direction engaging portion 154 and the second height direction engaging portion 164 engage with each other, thereby enabling the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 to be positioned relative to each other in the height direction of the first housing 120.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 18, the first mounting portion 150 has a first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and a first height direction engaging portion 154 as the first engaging portion 151, and the second mounting portion 160 has a second thickness direction engaging portion 163 and a second height direction engaging portion 164 as the second engaging portion 161. The first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and the first height direction engaging portion 154, as well as the second thickness direction engaging portion 163 and the second height direction engaging portion 164, face the wall portion 123 on the X-axis positive direction side of the first housing 120. The second thickness direction engaging portion 163 and the second height direction engaging portion 164 are convex portions extending from the second mounting portion 160, and the first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and the first height direction engaging portion 154 are concave portions having shapes corresponding to the convex portions. Here, the convex portions and the concave portions may be interchanged. The first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and the second thickness direction engaging portion 163 engage with each other, thereby enabling the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 to be positioned relative to each other in the thickness direction of the first housing 120. Furthermore, the first height direction engaging portion 154 and the second height direction engaging portion 164 engage with each other, thereby enabling the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 to be positioned relative to each other in the height direction of the first housing 120.

[0074] Moreover, the first thickness direction engaging portion 153 and the first height direction engaging portion 154, as well as the second thickness direction engaging portion 163 and the second height direction engaging portion 164 are provided on the wall portion 123 on the X-axis positive direction side and the wall portion 123 on the X-axis negative direction side of the first housing 120, which face each other, respectively. This makes it possible to more firmly position the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160.

[0075] 17 and 18 show the thickness direction first engaging portion 153 and the height direction first engaging portion 154, and the thickness direction second engaging portion 163 and the height direction second engaging portion 164, but the thickness direction first engaging portion 153 and the height direction first engaging portion 154 may be integrally formed, and the thickness direction second engaging portion 163 and the height direction second engaging portion 164 may be integrally formed. FIG. 19 is another perspective view showing a combination portion of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion at a position corresponding to the wall portion on the X-axis negative side of the first housing. As shown in FIG. 19, the second mounting portion 160 has a diagonal second engaging portion 165 extending diagonally (YZ direction) from the second mounting portion 160 as the second engaging portion 161, and the first mounting portion 150 has a diagonal first engaging portion 155 as the first engaging portion 151. By engaging the first diagonal engagement portion 155 and the second diagonal engagement portion 165 with each other, the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 can be positioned relative to each other in the thickness and height directions of the first housing 120 with a simple configuration.

[0076] Moreover, it is desirable that the first housing 120 and the first mounting portion 150 are positioned relative to each other. Therefore, a configuration for achieving this will be described. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the first mounting portion 150. As shown in FIG. 20, the first mounting portion 150 is provided with a first protruding portion 156 that protrudes from the first mounting portion 150 on the positive Z-axis direction side. The first protruding portion 156 engages with the inner circumferential surface of the communication hole 125 (see FIG. 13) of the first housing 120. This allows the first mounting portion 150 to be positioned relative to the first housing 120.

[0077] In addition, it is desirable that the first housing 120 and the second mounting portion 160 are positioned relative to each other. Therefore, a configuration for achieving this will be described. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the second mounting portion 160. As shown in FIG. 21, the second mounting portion 160 is provided with a second protruding portion 166 protruding from the second mounting portion 160 on the Z-axis negative positive direction side. The second protruding portion 166 engages with the inner circumferential surface of the communication hole 126 (see FIG. 13) of the first housing 120. This allows the second mounting portion 160 to be positioned relative to the first housing 120. The second protruding portion 166 may accommodate the terminal 104 (see FIG. 1C). By realizing a structure for accommodating the terminal 104 with the second protruding portion 166, it is not necessary to provide the second protruding portion 166 just for the purpose of engaging with the communication hole 126, so that the structure of the flavor inhaler 100 can be simplified and made smaller.

[0078] Here, in the first mounting portion 150, the first engagement portion 151 is provided at the end portion on the second mounting portion 160 side, and the first protrusion portion 156 is provided at the end portion on the opposite side to the second mounting portion 160. This determines the positions of both ends of the first mounting portion 150, making it difficult for positional deviation to occur. Also, in the second mounting portion 160, the second engagement portion 161 is provided at the end portion on the first mounting portion 150 side, and the second protrusion portion 166 is provided at the end portion on the opposite side to the first mounting portion 150. This determines the positions of both ends of the second mounting portion 160, making it difficult for positional deviation to occur. Therefore, the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 can be more firmly positioned with respect to the first housing 120. Note that only one of the first protrusion portion 156 and the second protrusion portion 166 may be provided.

[0079] Next, a method of attaching the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 to the first housing 120 will be described. FIGS. 22 and 23 are explanatory diagrams showing a procedure of attaching the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 to the first housing 120. As shown in FIG. 22, (a) first, the first mounting portion 150 is inserted sideways into the first housing 120, and the first mounting portion 150 is rotated in the first housing 120. (b) Next, the first protrusion 156 of the first mounting portion 150 is engaged with the communication hole 125 of the first housing 120 to position the first mounting portion 150. (c) Next, the second mounting portion 160 is inserted into the first housing 120. At this time, since first housing 120 has a shape in which its widthwise length (X-axis direction) shortens from the positive direction of the Z axis to the negative direction of the Z axis (see FIG. 10), when inserting second mounting portion 160 into first housing 120, the narrower side of second mounting portion 160 is inserted first and slid toward the negative direction of the Z axis, and then the upright portions on both sides of second mounting portion 160 in the X-axis direction are pinched and tilted inward to insert it into first housing 120.

[0080] At this time, as shown in FIG. 23, (a) by pinching the upright portions on both sides of the second mounting portion 160 in the X-axis direction and tilting them inward, the second mounting portion 160 is deformed and can be inserted into the first housing 120. (b) Next, the second mounting portion 160 is completely inserted into the first housing 120. (c) Next, by releasing the second mounting portion 160, the second mounting portion 160 spreads due to the principle of a leaf spring, and the first engaging portion 151 and the second engaging portion 161 engage with each other. Note that after that, the first mounting portion 150 and the second mounting portion 160 may be bonded and fixed to the first housing 120 by an adhesive. As a result, even if the dividing surface of the outer housing 101 is shifted from the surface that can secure the largest opening, the mounting portion 10 on which the contained object such as the power supply unit 20 and the atomization unit 30 is placed can be arranged in the first housing 120 to contain the contained object.

[0081] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical ideas of the present invention as long as it has the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0082] For example, the flavor inhaler 100 of the present embodiment has a so-called counter-flow type air flow passage in which air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end face of the flavor generating article 110, but is not limited thereto, and may have a so-called bottom-flow type air flow passage in which air is supplied into the chamber 50 from the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. The heating element 42 is not limited to a resistance heating type, but may be an induction heating type. In that case, the heating element 42 can heat the chamber 50 by induction heating. In addition, when the flavor generating article 110 has a susceptor, the heating element 42 can heat the susceptor of the flavor generating article 110 by induction heating. Note that, although the structure in which the heating element 42 is disposed around the chamber 50 to raise the temperature of the flavor generating article 110 in the chamber 50 has been described, the method of raising the temperature of the flavor generating article 110 in the chamber 50 may be a method of directly applying the heating element 42 to the flavor generating article 110 or a method of generating frictional heat by vibration between materials in the flavor generating article 110. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10...Placement section 11…Interior space 20...Power supply section 30...Atomization section 100...Flavor aspirator 101…Outer housing 102...Slide cover 110...Flavor-generating items 120…First housing 121...Aperture 122…Bottom 123...Wall part 124…Storage section 125...Communication hole 126…Communication hole 130…Second housing 131...Display section 140...Lid part 150…First placement section 151...first engagement portion 152: first engagement portion in width direction 152...second engagement portion 153...direction first engagement portion 154...direction first engagement portion 155...direction first engagement portion 156...first protrusion 160...Second placement section 161...second engagement portion 162: Width direction second engagement portion 163...direction second engagement portion 164...direction second engagement portion 165...direction second engagement portion 166…Second protrusion 170…Heat exhaust port

Claims

1. 1. A flavor inhaler, comprising: a first housing having an opening and a storage portion formed therein for storing an object to be stored; A placement section that has an outer shape conforming to the inner surface of the storage section and has an internal space in which the object to be stored is placed, and is disposed within the storage section; an opening area of ​​the opening is smaller than a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the storage portion when the first housing is cut along a plane parallel to the opening and a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the placement portion including the internal space when the placement portion is cut along a plane parallel to the opening, The placement portion is A first placement portion; A second placement portion that is combined with the first placement portion, Flavor aspirator.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, the first mounting portion has a first engagement portion provided at a position where the first mounting portion is combined with the second mounting portion, The second placement portion is provided at the combination location and has a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion. Flavor aspirator.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2, In the first housing, in a width direction, a thickness direction, and a height direction which are perpendicular to each other, The first engagement portion includes a width direction first engagement portion, a thickness direction first engagement portion, and a height direction first engagement portion, The second engagement portion includes a width direction second engagement portion, a thickness direction second engagement portion, and a height direction second engagement portion, the first widthwise engaging portion and the second widthwise engaging portion are engaged with each other, thereby positioning the first placement portion and the second placement portion in the width direction; the first thickness direction engaging portion and the second thickness direction engaging portion engage with each other, thereby positioning the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in the thickness direction; The first height direction engaging portion and the second height direction engaging portion engage with each other, thereby positioning the first placement portion and the second placement portion in the height direction. Flavor aspirator.

4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 3, The first housing includes: The bottom and A wall portion extending from an outer edge of the bottom portion, the first widthwise engaging portion and the second widthwise engaging portion face the bottom portion, the first thickness direction engaging portion and the second thickness direction engaging portion face the wall portion, The first height direction engaging portion and the second height direction engaging portion face the wall portion. Flavor aspirator.

5. The flavor inhaler according to claim 4, The first thickness direction engaging portion and the second thickness direction engaging portion are provided for each of the pair of wall portions opposed to each other so as to face the wall portions, The first height direction engaging portion and the second height direction engaging portion are provided for each of the pair of wall portions opposed to each other so as to face the wall portions. Flavor aspirator.

6. The flavor inhaler according to claim 4 or 5, The thickness direction first engaging portion and the height direction first engaging portion are integrally formed, and the thickness direction second engaging portion and the height direction second engaging portion are integrally formed. Flavor aspirator.

7. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 2 to 6, the first engagement portion is one of a convex portion and a concave portion provided on the first placement portion at the combination location, the second engagement portion is the other of the convex portion and the concave portion provided on the second placement portion at the combination location, The recess has a shape corresponding to the protrusion. Flavor aspirator.

8. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 2 to 7, the first housing has a wall extending from an outer edge of a bottom portion thereof and a communication hole connecting the inside and the outside of the storage portion; At least one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion has a protrusion engageable with the communication hole. Flavor aspirator.

9. The flavor inhaler according to claim 8, The protruding portion is provided on at least one of an end portion of the first mounting portion opposite to the first engaging portion provided at an end portion of the second mounting portion on the side of the first mounting portion and an end portion of the second mounting portion opposite to the second engaging portion provided at an end portion of the second mounting portion on the side of the first mounting portion. Flavor aspirator.

10. The flavor inhaler according to claim 8 or claim 9, the first housing has a communication hole in each of the pair of opposing walls that communicates between the inside and the outside of the accommodating portion, the first mounting portion has a first protruding portion engageable with one of the communication holes, the second mounting portion has a second protruding portion engageable with the other of the communication holes; Flavor aspirator.

11. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 2 to 10, a slide member provided slidably relative to the first housing; A sensor for detecting the movement of the slide member, The slide member is slidably provided on the first placement portion, The sensor is fixed to the second mounting portion. Flavor aspirator.

12. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a second housing covering the opening of the first housing; a lid portion that covers at least a portion of the second housing, An indication relating to the flavor inhaler is printed on an outer surface of the second housing, The cover covers all of the display. Flavor aspirator.

13. A housing having an opening and a storage section formed therein for storing an object to be stored; A method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler comprising: a first mounting portion having an outer shape conforming to an inner surface of the storage portion, the first mounting portion being disposed in the storage portion and on which the object to be stored is placed; and a second mounting portion being combined with the first mounting portion, inserting the first mounting portion through the opening of the housing and rotating the first mounting portion to dispose it at a predetermined position of the housing; and inserting the second mounting portion through the opening of the housing while the second mounting portion is in a deformed state, and disposing the second mounting portion at a predetermined position of the housing. A method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler.

Citation Information

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