Heater Assembly and Container

Abstract

To provide a heater assembly and a container used in a flavor suction device.SOLUTION: A heater assembly 30 includes: a container 40 having a cylindrical portion 41 forming a chamber 40C storing a flavor generation article; and a heater 50 arranged at a peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The container includes: a first channel 43 extending along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction crossing with the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion; and a second channel 44 passing through the inside of the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion. The first channel communicates with the second channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a flavor inhaler that heats a flavor generating article without combustion. The flavor inhaler has a chamber that houses the flavor generating article and a heater that heats the flavor generating article housed in the chamber (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

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

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

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

[0007] A fourth feature is based on the third feature, and the target arrangement portion includes a first arrangement portion and a second arrangement portion on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, the second arrangement portion being farther from the first channel than the first arrangement portion, and a watt density of the heating element in the first arrangement portion is higher than a watt density of the heating element in the second arrangement portion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0020] A 17th feature is characterized in that, in the 6th feature or any of the 7th to 16th features which cite the 6th feature, the heater assembly includes a sensor used to detect a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided in the bottom plate portion.

[0021] An 18th feature is based on any of the 12th to 15th features, wherein the heater assembly includes a sensor used to detect a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided in the second portion.

[0022] The 19th feature is the 16th feature, wherein the heater assembly is The present invention provides a sensor for detecting a temperature change occurring within the assembly, the sensor being provided in the channel forming member.

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

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

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

[0026] A 23rd feature is summarized in that, in any of the 1st to 22nd features, the first channel further includes an obstruction member that forms an air flow path from an outside of the heater assembly toward the second channel and obstructs fluid flow in the reverse direction of the first channel.

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

[0028] A 25th feature is characterized in that in the 23rd feature, the container further includes a lid member movable between a first position that exposes an opening of the container and a second position that covers the opening, and the obstructing member is the lid member in the first position.

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

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

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

[0032] Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, the drawings may of course include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

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

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

[0035] In the outline of the disclosure, it is assumed that the heater is disposed on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion forming the chamber, and the first channel communicating with the second channel passing through the chamber is adjacent to the chamber. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating with the lower side of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a structure that closes the bottom surface of the heater assembly can be adopted. Therefore, the dead space below the heater assembly can be effectively utilized.

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

[0037] 1, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a flavor generating article 110 and an inhaler body 120. In the embodiment, a case is illustrated in which a puffing action is performed while the flavor generating article 110 is held in the user's mouth. Air inhaled by the user is guided into the user's mouth in the order of air flow 100A, air flow 100C, and air flow 100B.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0054] (heater) A heater according to an embodiment will be described below. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining a heater 50 according to an embodiment. As described above, the heater 50 has a base material 51 and a heating element 52.

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

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

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

[0058] 6 and 7, the heating element 52 is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 so as to be spaced apart from the second end portion 40Y. The heating element 52 is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 without being provided on the bottom plate portion 42.

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

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

[0061] In the embodiment, the heating element 52 is provided on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 in a portion to be disposed (the peripheral surface of the first portion 41A) other than the portion adjacent to the first channel 43. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the air (air flow 100A) flowing through the first channel 43 from being heated more than necessary. In addition, in view of the fact that the portion adjacent to the first channel 43 cannot directly heat the flavor-generating article 110, the heating element 52 is not disposed in a portion that does not contribute to heating the flavor-generating article 110, so that the energy required for heating the flavor-generating article 110 can be saved.

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

[0063] In the embodiment, the container 40 has a constricted portion 41S that comes into contact with the flavor generating article 110 when the flavor generating article 110 is accommodated in the chamber 40C. With such a configuration, the flavor generating article 110 can be easily positioned in the chamber 40C, and the third channel 45 that communicates with the first channel 43 and the second channel 44 can be easily secured.

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

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

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

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

[0068] (Change example 1) Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

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

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

[0071] (Change example 2) Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0081] (Change example 4) Modification 4 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0088] In the fifth modified example, a variation of the heater 50 will be described. In the fifth modified example, a case in which the container 40 has two first channels 43 as shown in FIG. 17 will be described. In FIG. 17, A1 and A2 are symbols representing the outer peripheral surface of the first part 41A, and B1 and B2 are symbols representing the outer peripheral surface of the second part 41B. In FIG. 18 to FIG. 20 shown below, the parts of the heater 50 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the first part 41A are marked with the symbols A1 and A2, and the parts of the heater 50 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the second part 41B are marked with the symbols B1 and B2. That is, in the heater assembly 30 after assembly, the areas marked with the symbols A1, A2, B1, and B2 in FIG. 18 face the areas marked with the same symbols in FIG. 17. This is the same for the examples shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20.

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

[0090] For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 may be divided into two heating parts. The two heating parts are arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the first part 41A, and the other part is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the second part 41B. The lead wire 53 may be provided at a part connecting the two heating parts.

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

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

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

[0094] In the sixth modified example, similarly to the embodiment, by arranging the first channel 43 adjacent to the chamber 40C, it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating with the lower side of the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure that closes the bottom surface of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the control circuit 20 below the heater assembly 30. As a result, the dead space below the heater assembly 30 can be effectively utilized.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0105] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 25, the pair of straight line parts 41A5, 41A5 of the first part 41A and the curved part 41A3 in the vicinity thereof press the outer surface of the flavor generating article 110 in the direction of the arrow in the figure (diagonally downward), so that it is possible to prevent the flavor generating article 110 from entering the internal space of the second part 41B. When the container 40 is incorporated into the flavor inhaler, the internal space of the second part 41B can form the first channel 43 (see FIG. 2) that functions as an air flow path, so that by preventing the flavor generating article 110 from entering there, it is possible to prevent an increase in the airflow resistance of the air flow path in the flavor inhaler. Note that the container 40 of this example may have a cross section that can compress the flavor generating article as described above over the entire length, or may have only a part of the length. The container 40 in FIG. 25 has the above-mentioned cross section over most of the length except for the upper and lower ends.

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

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

[0108] The cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41A may be uniform regardless of the position in the longitudinal direction, or may vary depending on the position in the longitudinal direction. For example, when the first portion 41A has the cross sections of Figs. 26 and 27 at different positions in the longitudinal direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41A in Fig. 27 can be made smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41A in Fig. 26. The cross-sectional area of ​​the portion 41A means the area of ​​a virtual circle or ellipse that overlaps with the inner circumference of the first portion 41A. By making the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41A formed by an ellipse relatively small in this way, the flavor generating article can be strongly compressed, and as a result, the outer circumference of the flavor generating article can be strongly attached to the inner circumference of the first portion 41A. Generally, in the flavor generating article 110, a tobacco part containing tobacco raw materials is arranged at the tip side, and a paper tube part containing a filter is arranged at the base side. Here, the tobacco part is easily deformed by an external force, but the paper tube part is not easily deformed. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange an elliptical inner circumference as shown in FIG. 27 for the tobacco part, and a circular inner circumference as shown in FIG. 26 for the paper tube part.

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

[0110] 28 and 29 are diagrams for explaining a partition wall 49 according to a third modified example. In Fig. 28 and Fig. 29, the partition wall 49 is a plate-like member made of plastic, rubber, or the like. The partition wall 49 may be provided at one location along the longitudinal direction of the second portion 41B, or at multiple locations. The partition wall 49 may be provided at an angle from the attachment position toward the bottom plate portion 42, as shown in Fig. 30.

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

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

[0113] At least one partition 49 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the first end 40X. The partition 49 may be provided in the channel forming member 46 shown in FIG.

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

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

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

[0117] (Additional change example 4) The following describes an additional modification example 4 of the embodiment. In the additional modification example 4, for example, the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40 shown in FIG.

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

[0119] Furthermore, the heat insulating member 70 may be an integrated heat insulating member in which the first heat insulating member 71 covering the cylindrical member 41 and the second heat insulating member 72 covering the bottom plate portion 42 are continuous without any seams. For example, the heat insulating member 70 may be an heat insulating member such as a vacuum heat insulating container covering the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0129] (Additional change example 7) The following describes an additional modified example 7 of the embodiment. In the additional modified example 7, the container 40 shown in Fig. 2, for example, has a base 80 that is provided on the bottom plate portion 42 and comes into contact with the tip of the flavor generating article 110 when the flavor generating article 110 is accommodated in the chamber 40C.

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

[0131] As a result, the air flowing through the first channel 43 swirls in the annular gap formed by the base 80, and flows evenly into the flavor generating article 110 from the portion other than the base 80 that abuts on the tip of the flavor generating article 110. Therefore, the consumption of the base material contained in the flavor generating article 110 is equalized, and the smoking taste is also uniformized.

Claims

1. A container for use in an inhaler and for containing a flavor-generating article, comprising: The bottom plate and a cylindrical portion including a first portion that presses against an outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article when the flavor generating article is contained in the container, When the flavor-generating article is contained, a first channel is formed between at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article and at least a portion of an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the container; When the flavor-generating article is contained, a third channel is formed between the tip end of the flavor-generating article and the bottom plate portion, the first channel communicates with a second channel passing through the flavor generating article via the third channel, and only the air that has passed through the first channel is supplied to the second channel; A container, wherein the base portion is configured to close an end of the cylindrical portion.

2. 2. The container according to claim 1, the cylindrical portion has the first portion and the second portion in a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, A container, wherein the second portion is spaced apart from an outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article when the flavor generating article is contained in the container.

3. 3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, The container has a temperature sensor configured to detect a change in temperature due to the puffing action.

4. 4. The container according to claim 3, The temperature sensor is configured to detect puffing by a change in temperature caused by air flowing through the first channel.

5. 5. The container according to claim 3 or 4, The temperature sensor is adapted to detect temperature changes occurring within a heater assembly that includes the vessel.

6. A container according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The temperature sensor is used by a control circuit to control heating of the flavor generating article.

7. 7. The container according to claim 6, The control circuit is configured to cut off power supply when a temperature inside the aspirator measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a certain value.

8. A container according to any one of claims 3 to 7, The container, wherein the temperature sensor is covered by heat shrink tubing.

9. An inhaler system including an inhaler having a container for containing a flavor generating article, and the flavor generating article, the container has a bottom plate portion and a cylindrical portion including a first portion that presses an outer circumferential surface of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is contained in the container, a first channel is formed between at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article and at least a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion of the container when the container contains the flavor generating article; a third channel is formed between the tip of the flavor generating article and the base plate portion when the container contains the flavor generating article; the first channel communicates with a second channel passing through the flavor generating article via the third channel, and only the air that has passed through the first channel is supplied to the second channel; The base portion is configured to close an end of the tubular portion.

10. 10. The inhaler system according to claim 9, the cylindrical portion has the first portion and the second portion in a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, The second portion is spaced apart from an outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article when the flavor generating article is contained in the container.

11. The inhaler system according to claim 9 or 10, The inhaler system includes a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature change due to puffing.

12. 12. The inhaler system according to claim 11, The temperature sensor is configured to detect a puffing action by a temperature change caused by air flowing through the first channel.

13. 13. The inhaler system according to claim 11 or 12, the inhaler includes a heater assembly including the container; The temperature sensor is adapted to detect a temperature change occurring within the heater assembly.

14. The inhaler system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, The inhaler has a control circuit, The inhaler system, wherein the temperature sensor is used for controlling heating of the flavor generating article by the control circuit.

15. 15. The inhaler system according to claim 14, The control circuit is configured to stop supplying power when a temperature inside the inhaler measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a certain value.

16. The inhaler system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, The aspirator system, wherein the temperature sensor is covered by heat shrink tubing.

17. 10. The inhaler system according to claim 9, a heater assembly including the vessel; A control circuit.

18. 18. The inhaler system according to claim 17, The inhaler system has a push button for initiating heating of the flavor generating article.

19. 18. The inhaler system according to claim 17, The control circuit controls the heater assembly to terminate heating of the flavor generating article when the number of puffs exceeds a certain value.

20. 18. The inhaler system according to claim 17, The control circuit controls the heater assembly to terminate heating of the flavor generating article when a certain time has elapsed since the start of heating.

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