Aroma Attractor

Abstract

The present invention prevents a member of a flavor inhaler from coming off of the flavor inhaler.　This flavor inhaler comprises a first housing and a second housing connected to the first housing. The first housing comprises a first contact surface coming into contact with the second housing. The length of the second housing in a first direction parallel to the first contact surface is shorter than the length of the outer edge of the first contact surface of the first housing in the first direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a flavor inhaler for inhaling flavors and the like without burning a material. The flavor inhaler has, for example, a chamber for accommodating a flavor-generating article and a heater for heating the flavor-generating article accommodated in the chamber. In addition, in such a flavor inhaler, a member that is detachably attached to the outside of the device for the purpose of protecting or customizing the device is known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 084161 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the above-mentioned member can be detachably attached to the flavor inhaler by a magnet. It is assumed that such a detachable member may be unintentionally detached from the flavor inhaler due to an external force applied when the user is handling the flavor inhaler. Specifically, for example, when the user puts the flavor inhaler in or out of a bag or a pocket of clothes, the bag or clothes may get caught on the member, and the member may be unintentionally detached from the flavor inhaler.

[0005] One of the objects of the present invention is to prevent a member of the flavor inhaler from coming off the flavor inhaler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first embodiment, there is provided a flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler includes a first housing and a second housing connected to the first housing. The first housing has a first abutment surface that abuts against the second housing. The length of the second housing in a first direction parallel to the first abutment surface is smaller than the length of an outer edge of the first abutment surface of the first housing in the first direction.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the second housing abuts against the first housing at the first abutment surface, and the length of the second housing in the first direction is shorter than the length of the outer edge of the first abutment surface of the first housing in the first direction. This allows the second housing to be attached to the first housing without protruding from the first abutment surface in the first direction, thereby preventing any member from getting caught on the second housing and coming off the first housing.

[0008] The second form is characterized in that, in the first form, when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface, the outer edge of the second housing in the first direction is located inside the outer edge of the first abutment surface of the first housing in the first direction.

[0009] According to the second aspect, the second housing does not protrude from the first abutment surface in a predetermined first direction parallel to the first abutment surface, so that any member can be further prevented from getting caught on the second housing and coming off the first housing.

[0010] The third aspect is characterized in that in the first or second aspect, the device has an atomization section for a consumable product, and the first housing is configured to hold the atomization section when the second housing is not connected to the first housing.

[0011] According to the third aspect, the second housing can be prevented from coming off from the first housing that holds the atomization portion. Even if the second housing comes off from the first housing, the atomization portion can be prevented from detaching from the first housing.

[0012] The fourth form is characterized in that, in any of the first to third forms, when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface, the outer edge of the second housing is located inside the outer edge of the first abutment surface of the first housing.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, the second housing does not protrude from the first contact surface in any direction parallel to the first contact surface, so that it is possible to further prevent any member from getting caught on the second housing and coming off the first housing.

[0014] The fifth form is characterized in that, in any of the first to fourth forms, the second housing has a second abutment surface that abuts against the first abutment surface of the first housing, and when the second housing is connected to the first housing, the second housing is spaced apart from the first housing except for the second abutment surface of the second housing.

[0015] According to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the first and second abutment surfaces due to a portion of the second housing other than the second abutment surface coming into contact with the first housing. In other words, it is possible to prevent the first housing from being connected to the second housing so as to float. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the flavor inhaler through the gap between the first and second abutment surfaces.

[0016] The sixth form is based on any one of the first to fifth forms, and has a magnet and a magnetic body attracted to the magnet, one of the magnet and the magnetic body being held directly or indirectly in the first housing, and the other of the magnet and the ferromagnetic body being held directly or indirectly in the second housing, and the magnet and the magnetic body are configured to maintain a state in which the second housing is connected to the first housing.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, since the first housing and the second housing are connected by magnetic force, the second housing can be easily attached to and detached from the first housing.

[0018] A seventh aspect is based on the sixth aspect, and is characterized in that the magnet and the magnetic body are spaced apart from each other when the second housing is connected to the first housing.

[0019] If the magnet and the magnetic body come into contact with each other, depending on the design accuracy of the first housing and the second housing, a gap may occur between the second housing and the first abutment surface of the first housing. According to the seventh embodiment, the magnet and the magnetic body do not come into contact with each other, but rather attract each other, thereby maintaining the first housing and the second housing in a connected state, and therefore it is possible to prevent a gap from occurring between the second housing and the first abutment surface of the first housing. Furthermore, for example, when an atomization unit is provided, heat transferred from the atomization unit to the magnet is not easily transferred to the magnetic body because air with low thermal conductivity is present in the gap. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second housing from becoming too hot.

[0020] The eighth form is based on the sixth or seventh form and further includes a yoke surrounding the magnet, the magnet having a first surface facing the magnetic body, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and the yoke covers at least a portion of the side surface of the magnet and the second surface of the magnet.

[0021] According to the eighth embodiment, the yoke can direct the magnetic flux of the magnet to the first surface side, i.e., the magnetic body side, so that the first housing and the second housing can be connected more strongly. Also, when a magnetic sensor is provided in the flavor inhaler, the influence of the magnet on the magnetic sensor can be suppressed.

[0022] A ninth aspect is based on the eighth aspect, and is characterized in that the yoke has a side wall portion covering a part of the side surface of the magnet, and the magnet protrudes from the side wall portion of the yoke toward the magnetic body.

[0023] The yoke may be formed of, for example, a ferritic stainless steel plate. According to the ninth embodiment, the magnet protrudes from the side wall of the yoke toward the magnetic body, so that the side wall of the yoke is prevented from protruding beyond the magnet and being exposed. This makes it possible to save the effort of neatly processing the end of the side wall of the yoke on the magnetic body side when processing the yoke material.

[0024] The tenth form is based on any one of the first to ninth forms, and has a recess and a protrusion for positioning the first housing and the second housing relative to each other, the first housing having either the recess or the protrusion, and the protrusion is configured to fit into the recess.

[0025] According to the tenth embodiment, since the flavor inhaler has a recess and a protrusion, the relative positions of the first and second housings can be easily determined by connecting the second housing to the first housing so that the protrusion fits into the recess. Also, in a state in which the second housing is connected to the first housing, the position of the second housing can be prevented from shifting with respect to the first housing.

[0026] According to an eleventh embodiment, there is provided a flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler includes an atomizing unit, a first housing that accommodates the atomizing unit, a second housing that is connected to the first housing, a magnet that is disposed in one of the first housing or the second housing, and a magnetic body that is disposed in the other of the first housing or the second housing. The magnet and the magnetic body are configured to maintain a state in which the second housing is connected to the first housing. When the first housing is connected to the second housing, the magnet is spaced apart from the magnetic body.

[0027] According to the eleventh embodiment, the first housing and the second housing are connected by magnetic force, so that the second housing can be easily attached to and detached from the first housing. If the magnet and the magnetic body come into contact with each other, the heat of the atomization unit contained in the first housing is easily transferred to the second housing through the magnet and the magnetic body. According to the eleventh embodiment, the magnet is separated from the magnetic body, so that the heat of the atomization unit is not easily transferred to the second housing due to the presence of air between the magnet and the magnetic body. As a result, the second housing can be prevented from becoming too hot.

[0028] According to the twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the flavor inhaler may have a first part provided in the first housing and a second part provided in the second housing and facing the first part. It is preferable that a first distance between the magnet and the magnetic body is larger than a distance between the first part and the second part. The first part and the second part may face each other in a direction in which the magnet and the magnetic body face each other.

[0029] According to the twelfth embodiment, since the magnet is separated from the magnetic body, the heat of the atomization unit is not easily transferred to the second housing. As a result, the second housing can be prevented from becoming too hot. In addition, when a force is applied to the outer surface of the second housing, the second housing may bend. In this regard, since the distance between the magnet and the magnetic body is greater than the distance between the first part and the second part, even if the second housing is bent in a direction in which the magnetic body and the magnet face each other, the first part and the second part come into contact with each other before the magnet comes into contact with the magnetic body. Therefore, the magnet can be prevented from coming into contact with the magnetic body.

[0030] According to a thirteenth aspect, the first portion may be a first housing portion provided in the first housing, and the second portion may be a second housing portion provided in the second housing and facing the first housing portion. A magnet may be disposed in one of the first housing portion or the second housing portion. A magnetic body may be disposed in the other of the first housing portion or the second housing portion. It is preferable that a first distance between the magnet and the magnetic body is greater than a second distance between peripheral portions of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0031] According to the thirteenth embodiment, since the magnet is separated from the magnetic body, the heat of the atomization unit is not easily transferred to the second housing. As a result, the second housing can be prevented from becoming too hot. In addition, when a force is applied to the outer surface of the second housing, the second housing may bend. In this regard, since the distance between the magnet and the magnetic body is greater than the second distance between the respective peripheral portions of the first housing and the second housing, even if the second housing is bent in a direction in which the magnet and the magnetic body face each other, the first housing and the second housing come into contact with each other before the magnet comes into contact with the magnetic body. Therefore, the magnet can be prevented from coming into contact with the magnetic body. As a result, the transfer of heat due to the magnet coming into contact with the magnetic body can be prevented.

[0032] According to a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, the magnetism detecting device further includes a magnetic detection element that detects magnetism of the magnet, and a yoke that houses the magnet and is located between the magnet and the magnetic detection element, the yoke having a side wall that surrounds the magnet, and a third distance between the side wall and the magnetic body is greater than the second distance. The third distance between the side wall and the magnetic body may be the size of a gap in a direction in which the magnet and the magnetic body face each other.

[0033] According to the fourteenth embodiment, by using the yoke, it is possible to increase the force that attracts the second housing to the first housing, while providing a magnetic shield so that the magnetism of the magnet is not detected by the magnetic detection element. Furthermore, since the third distance is greater than the second distance, even if the second housing is deflected in a direction in which the magnetic body and the magnet face each other, the first housing portion and the second housing portion come into contact with each other before the magnetic body comes into contact with the yoke. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the magnetic body from coming into contact with the yoke. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat transfer that transfers the heat generated by the atomization portion to the surface of the second housing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the transfer of heat caused by the magnetic body coming into contact with the yoke. [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] FIG. 2 is a front view of the flavor inhaler with the outer panel removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable product; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along the arrows 5-5 in FIG. 1B. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of frame 7A shown in FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of frame 7B shown in FIG. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of frame 7C shown in FIG. [Figure 7D] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 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 Cartesian 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 to the back of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 contained in the chamber 50 of the atomization unit 30 described later. The X-axis direction can also be referred to as the device longitudinal direction on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110, or the direction in which the heating unit and the power supply unit are aligned. The Y-axis direction can also be referred to as the device transverse direction on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product.

[0037] The flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of heating a consumable material. Specifically, the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by heating, for example, a stick-type consumable material having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

[0038] 1A to 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 has an outer housing 101, a slide cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and has a size that fits in a user's hand. When a user uses the flavor inhaler 100, the user can inhale aerosol by holding the outer housing 101 in his / her hand.

[0039] 1B and 1C, the outer housing 101 has an outer panel 70 (corresponding to at least a part of the members constituting the second housing) and an outer case 80 (corresponding to at least a part of the members constituting the first housing) so as to be divided in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the outer housing 101 can be formed by connecting the outer panel 70 to the outer case 80 in the Y-axis direction. The outer panel 70 can be configured to be detachable from the outer case 80.

[0040] The slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 so as to close an opening (not shown) for inserting consumables. 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 FIGS. 1A and 1B) for closing an opening (not shown) of the outer housing 101 and an open position for opening the opening (not shown). For example, a user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. In this way, the slide cover 102 can permit or restrict access of the consumables to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0041] 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 consumable material inserted in the flavor inhaler 100, power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating unit (not shown), and the consumable material can be heated without being burned. The switch unit 103 may have a switch provided outside the outer housing 101, or may have 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.

[0042] The flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, the external power source may be connected to the terminal to allow current to flow from the external power source to the power source and charge the power source. In addition, a data transmission cable may be connected to the terminal to allow data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to be transmitted to an external device.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a front view of the flavor inhaler 100 with the outer panel 70 removed. FIG. 3 is a front view of the inner surface side of the outer panel 70. As shown in FIG. 2, the flavor inhaler 100 has an inner panel 10 (corresponding to at least a part of the members constituting the first housing) inside the outer case 80. That is, the inner panel 10 is accommodated inside the outer housing 101. Even when the outer panel 70 is removed from the flavor inhaler 100, the outer housing 101 can hold the inner panel 10 so that the inner panel 10 does not come off from the outer case 80. Therefore, the outer case 80 and the inner panel 10 can together constitute a first housing to which the outer panel 70, which can constitute a second housing, is attached and detached.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the flavor inhaler 100 has a magnet 62 for maintaining the outer panel 70 connected to the outer case 80. In the illustrated example, the magnet 62 is held by the inner panel 10 held by the outer case 80. That is, the magnet 62 is indirectly held by the outer case 80. Not limited to this, the magnet 62 may be directly held by the outer case 80. If there is only one magnet 62, the force with which the outer panel 70 is attracted to the outer case 80 is weak, and there is a risk that the connection may be easily broken. For this reason, it is preferable that two or more magnets 62 are provided in the flavor inhaler 100. In the example shown in FIG. 2, two magnets 62 are held by the inner panel 10 so as to be spaced apart in the Z direction. The magnet 62 may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet using a power source.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer panel 70 has an attraction member 64 (corresponding to an example of a magnetic material) that is attracted to the magnet 62. The attraction member 64 may be formed of any material that is attracted to the magnet 62, for example, a magnetic material such as ferritic stainless steel or cold-rolled steel plate. The attraction member 64 may also be a magnet oriented so as to be attracted to the magnet 62. In the illustrated example, the attraction member 64 is directly held by the outer panel 70, but this is not limiting, and the attraction member 64 may be indirectly held by the outer panel 70 via a member separate from the outer panel 70. The attraction member 64 may be attached to the outer panel 70 so as to face the magnet 62 when the outer panel 70 is connected to the outer case 80.

[0046] As described above, the magnet 62 and the suction member 64 are configured to maintain the outer panel 70 connected to the outer case 80. That is, since the outer panel 70 and the outer case 80 are connected by magnetic force, not by mechanical fastening means (for example, connection by screw fastening or adhesive), the outer panel 70 can be easily attached to and detached from the outer case 80 without using a tool such as a screwdriver or applying a large force to break the adhesion. Therefore, the flavor inhaler 100 has a suitable structure for a user who wants to replace the outer panel 70 with a preferred one. In the example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the magnet 62 is provided on the outer case 80 and the suction member 64 is provided on the outer panel 70, but the magnet 62 may be provided on the outer panel 70 and the suction member 64 may be provided on the outer case 80.

[0047] Next, a consumable material used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable material 110. In this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable material 110 may constitute a smoking system. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the consumable material 110 has a smokable article 111, a tubular member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115. The smokable article 111 is wrapped with a first cigarette paper 112. The tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are wrapped with a second cigarette paper 113 different from the first cigarette paper 112. The second cigarette paper 113 also wraps a part 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 may be connected to the smokable article 111 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 of the filter portion 115 side to prevent the user's lips from sticking to the second cigarette paper 113. The portion of the consumable product 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of the consumable product 110. In addition, an opening V may be provided concentrically in the circumferential direction of the tubular member 114 that performs the cooling segment function in the consumable product 110. The opening V provided in the tubular member 114 is usually a hole for promoting the inflow of air from the outside due to the user's inhalation, and this inflow of air can lower the temperature of the components and air flowing in from the smokable article 111.

[0048] The smokable article 111 may include a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source. Furthermore, the first wrapping paper 112 that wraps 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 consumable product 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 consumable product 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. Furthermore, the airflow resistance in the longitudinal direction of each consumable product 110 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ease of smoking, it is usually set to 8 mmH 2 O or more, 10mmH 2 O or more is preferable, and 12 mmH 2 More preferably, it is 100 mmH or more. 2 O or less, 80mmH 2 It is preferable that the temperature is 60 mmH or less. 2 It is more preferable that the value is 0 or less.

[0049] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 5, an inner panel 10 is housed inside the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100. The inner panel 10 is made of resin, for example, and may be made of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. From the viewpoint of heat resistance and strength, it is preferable that the inner panel 10 is made of PEEK. However, the material of the inner panel 10 is not particularly limited. A power supply unit 20 and an atomization unit 30 for the consumables 110 are provided in the internal space of the inner panel 10. Furthermore, the outer housing 101 may be made of, for example, resin, in particular, polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or may be formed of a metal such as aluminum.

[0050] 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 atomization unit 30 via a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) or the like (not shown). This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the consumable product 110.

[0051] As shown in the figure, the atomizing unit 30 has a chamber 50 extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable product 110, a heating unit 40 surrounding a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the consumable product 110. The chamber 50 is preferably formed of a material having heat resistance and a small thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. As shown in the figure, a bottom member 36 may be provided at the bottom of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may function as a stopper for positioning the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 has an uneven surface with which the consumable product 110 abuts, and may define a space capable of supplying air to the surface with which the consumable product 110 abuts. The bottom member 36 may be formed of, for example, a resin material such as PEEK, a metal, glass, or ceramic, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the material constituting the bottom member 36 may be a material having lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting the chamber 50. When joining the bottom member 36 to the bottom of the chamber 50, an adhesive that may be made of a resin material such as an epoxy resin or an inorganic material may be used.

[0052] The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the consumable product 110 contained in the chamber 50. Specifically, the heating unit 40 may include a heating element, such as a heating track, and an electrically insulating sheet covering at least one surface of the heating element.

[0053] The heat insulating part 32 is generally cylindrical and is disposed so as to surround the chamber 50. The heat insulating part 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is provided between the slide cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 50. The flavor inhaler 100 also has a first holding part 37 and a second holding part 38 for holding the heat insulating part 32. The first holding part 37 and the second holding part 38 can be formed of an elastomer such as silicone rubber. As shown in FIG. 5, the first holding part 37 holds the end of the heat insulating part 32 on the Z-axis positive side. The second holding part 38 holds the end of the heat insulating part 32 on the Z-axis negative side.

[0054] The insertion guide member 34 has a function of guiding the insertion of the consumable product 110. Specifically, when the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 guides the insertion of the consumable product 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the consumable product 110 into the insertion guide member 34. In this embodiment, since the insertion guide member 34 may come into contact with the chamber 50, it is preferable that the insertion guide member 34 is made of PEEK from the viewpoint of heat resistance. As shown in FIG. 5, the sliding cover 102 is movable between an open position and a closed position in the direction D1.

[0055] The flavor inhaler 100 has a first chassis 22 extending in the Z-axis direction between the power source 21 and the atomizing unit 30, and a second chassis 23 extending to cover the slide cover 102 side of the power source 21. The first chassis 22 and the second chassis 23 are configured to partition a space in which the power source 21 is accommodated within the inner panel 10. Although not shown, the flavor inhaler 100 accommodates a printed circuit board equipped with a control unit, and the control unit is connected to the power source 21, the heating unit 40, a slide cover position detection unit (not shown) that detects that the slide cover 102 has moved to the open position, a light source unit (not shown) that notifies the remaining capacity of the power source 21 by lighting, a switch unit 103, and a magnetic detection element described later.

[0056] Next, the specific structure of the outer panel 70 and the outer case 80 will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer case 80 has a first panel portion 80a and a first peripheral wall portion 80b extending from the periphery of the first panel portion 80a at an angle to the first panel portion 80a. The outer case 80 also has an opening 81 defined by the first peripheral wall portion 80b. That is, the outer case 80 may be formed into a box shape having the opening 81 as a whole. As shown in the figure, the atomizing unit 30 and the power source 21 may be stored in the outer case 80 through the opening 81 of the outer case 80. The inner panel 10 is also configured to close the opening 81.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 6, the outer panel 70 is connected to the outer case 80. The outer panel 70 has a second panel portion 70a located so as to face the first panel portion 80a of the outer case 80, and a second peripheral wall portion 70b extending from the periphery of the second panel portion 70a at an angle relative to the second panel portion 70a. The outer panel 70 may be formed only from the second panel portion 70a. In other words, the outer panel 70 may be a substantially flat panel as a whole.

[0058] The first chassis 22 and the inner panel 10 are fastened together by a screw 24. The head of the screw 24 is covered with a magnet 62. In other words, the screw 24 cannot be removed with a tool unless the magnet 62 is removed, so that the user cannot easily disassemble the flavor inhaler 100.

[0059] 7A is an enlarged view of the frame 7A shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the frame 7B shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the first peripheral wall portion 80b of the outer case 80 has a first contact surface 82 that contacts the outer panel 70. The second peripheral wall portion 70b of the outer panel 70 has a second contact surface 72 that contacts the first contact surface 82. In this specification, "contact" includes not only a case where two members are in reliable contact with each other, but also a case where a slight gap (for example, 5 mm or less) exists between the two members due to manufacturing errors. Therefore, a slight gap due to manufacturing errors may exist between the first contact surface 82 and the second contact surface 72.

[0060] It is assumed that a member detachable from the outer case 80, such as the outer panel 70, may be unintentionally removed from the flavor inhaler 100 due to an external force applied thereto when the user is handling the flavor inhaler 100. In this embodiment, the length of the outer panel 70 in a first direction (direction parallel to the XZ plane) parallel to the first abutment surface 82 is smaller than the length of the outer edge of the first abutment surface 82 of the outer case 80 in the first direction. In other words, for example, the length from the first end 74a in the first direction of the outer panel 70 shown in FIG. 7A to the second end 74b in the first direction of the outer panel 70 shown in FIG. 7B is smaller than the length from the first end 82a in the first direction of the first abutment surface 82 shown in FIG. 7A to the second end 82b in the first direction of the first abutment surface 82 shown in FIG. 7B. 7A and 7B, the outer panel 70 can be attached to the outer case 80 so that the outer panel 70 does not protrude from the first contact surface 82 in the first direction, and therefore the outer panel 70 can be prevented from being caught by any member and being removed from the outer case 80. In the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the direction parallel to the first contact surface 82 in the cross section shown in FIG. 6 is described as the first direction, but this is not limited thereto, and the first direction can be any direction parallel to the first contact surface 82. In addition, the first direction can also be, for example, any direction parallel to the cross section of the flavor inhaler 100 where the outer panel 70 is superimposed on the outer case 80.

[0061] It is preferable that the outer case 80 is configured to hold the atomization unit 30 when the outer panel 70 is not connected to the outer case 80. That is, even if the outer panel 70 comes off from the outer case 80, the atomization unit 30 can be prevented from detaching from the outer case 80. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the outer case 80 is configured to hold the inner panel 10 inside, so that the inner panel 10, the power supply unit 20, and the atomization unit 30 can be held even when the outer panel 70 is not connected to the outer case.

[0062] Moreover, when viewed from a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first abutment surface 82, it is preferable that the outer edge of the outer panel 70 in the first direction is located inside the outer edge of the first abutment surface 82 of the outer case 80 in the first direction. This prevents the outer panel 70 from protruding from the first abutment surface 82 in the predetermined first direction parallel to the first abutment surface 82, thereby further preventing any member from getting caught on the outer panel 70 and coming off the outer case 80.

[0063] Furthermore, when viewed from a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first abutment surface 82, the outer edge of the outer panel 70 is preferably located inside the outer edge of the first abutment surface 82 of the outer case 80. In other words, in any direction parallel to the first abutment surface 82 (any direction within the XZ plane), it is preferable that the length of the outer panel 70 in this direction is shorter than the length of the outer edge of the first abutment surface 82 of the outer case 80. As a result, the outer panel 70 does not protrude from the first abutment surface 82 in any direction parallel to the first abutment surface 82, so that it is possible to further prevent any member from getting caught on the outer panel 70 and coming off the outer case 80.

[0064] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the outer panel 70 does not contact the outer case 80 except for the second abutment surface 72 of the outer panel 70 when the outer panel 70 is connected to the outer case 80. This can prevent a gap from being formed between the first abutment surface 82 and the second abutment surface 72 due to a portion of the outer panel 70 other than the second abutment surface 72 contacting the outer case 80. In other words, it can be suppressed that the outer edge of the outer panel 70 is connected to the outer case 80 so as to float. This can prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the flavor inhaler 100 through the gap between the first abutment surface 82 and the second abutment surface 72. Similarly, it is preferable that the outer panel 70 does not contact the inner panel 10 when the outer panel 70 is connected to the outer case 80.

[0065] Next, the magnet 62 and the suction member 64 will be described. FIG. 7C is an enlarged view of the frame 7C shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7C, the magnet 62 is accommodated in a concave accommodation portion 10a formed in the inner panel 10, and the suction member 64 is accommodated in a concave accommodation portion 70c formed in the outer panel 70, and may be fixed by adhesive. As shown in FIG. 7C, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the magnet 62 and the suction member 64 are separated so as not to contact each other when the outer panel 70 is connected to the outer case 80. If the magnet 62 and the suction member 64 contact each other, a gap may be generated between the outer panel 70 and the first abutment surface 82 of the outer case 80 depending on the manufacturing accuracy of the outer panel 70 and the outer case 80. According to this embodiment, the magnet 62 and the suction member 64 attract each other without contacting each other, so that the outer panel 70 and the outer case 80 can be maintained in a connected state. This makes it possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the outer panel 70 and the first abutment surface 82 of the outer case 80. However, in this specification, as described above, a gap may be generated between the first abutment surface 82 and the second abutment surface 72 due to a slight manufacturing error.

[0066] The magnet 62 is, for example, a double-sided magnetized magnet. When the surface facing the suction member 64 is one of the N pole or the S pole, and the opposite surface opposite to the facing surface is the other of the N pole or the S pole, it is preferable to use the yoke 55. If one side of the magnet 62 is multi-pole, the yoke 55 is not necessary. As shown in FIG. 7C, the flavor inhaler 100 preferably has a yoke 55 surrounding the magnet 62. The magnet 62 has a first surface 62a facing the suction member 64, a second surface 62b opposite the first surface 62a, and a side surface 62c connecting the first surface 62a and the second surface 62b. As shown in FIG. 7C, the yoke 55 preferably covers at least a part of the side surface 62c of the magnet 62 and the second surface 62b. As a result, the yoke 55 can direct the magnetic flux of the magnet 62 toward the first surface 62a, i.e., the suction member 64, so that the outer panel 70 and the outer case 80 can be more strongly connected. A magnetic sensor (magnetic detection element) may be provided in the flavor inhaler 100. In this case, the yoke 55 can suppress the influence of the magnet 62 on the magnetic sensor (i.e., prevent the magnetic sensor from detecting the magnetism of the magnet 62).

[0067] FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the yoke 55. As shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the yoke 55 has a side wall portion 55a, a cap portion 55b, and a claw portion 55c formed on the side wall portion 55a. The cap portion 55b is fixed in close contact with the second surface 62b of the magnet 62 via an adhesive. The side wall portion 55a surrounds the magnet 62. Specifically, the side wall portion 55a may cover the entire side surface 62c of the magnet 62, but it is preferable that the side wall portion 55a covers a part of the side surface 62c. Also, as shown in FIG. 7C, the magnet 62 preferably protrudes from the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55 toward the attraction member 64. The yoke 55 may be formed of a magnetic material such as a ferritic stainless steel plate or a cold-rolled steel plate. In this embodiment, the magnet 62 protrudes from the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55 toward the attraction member 64, so that the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55 is prevented from protruding from the magnet 62 and being exposed. This makes it possible to eliminate the need to neatly process the end of the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55 on the suction member 64 side when processing the material of the yoke 55.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first surface 62a is an N pole, and the second surface 62b is an S pole. The magnetic field lines are directed from the first surface 62a to the attraction member 64 and from the attraction member 64 to the tip of the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55 close to the attraction member 64, thereby increasing the force of the magnet 62 to attract the attraction member 64. In this embodiment, in order to ensure this effect, the diameter of the attraction member 64 is made larger than the diameter of the side wall portion 55a. More specifically, the width or diameter of the surface of the attraction member 64 facing the yoke 55 is made larger than the width or diameter of the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55. As a result, even if there is an assembly error when the outer panel 70 is connected to the outer case 80, the attraction member 64 can be made to face the tip of the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55, so that a reduction in the effect of the magnet 62 to attract the attraction member 64 can be avoided.

[0069] The above-mentioned magnetic sensor can be used to detect the presence or absence of the outer panel 70. Specifically, the magnet 62 can be provided on the inner surface of the outer panel 70, and a magnetic sensor can be provided on the inner panel 10 or a portion covered by the inner panel 10, with the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55 being positioned between the magnetic sensor and the magnet 62. This makes it difficult for the magnetic sensor to detect the magnetism of the magnet 62, thereby easing the constraints on the placement of the magnetic sensor.

[0070] Moreover, the flavor inhaler 100 preferably has a recess and a protrusion for positioning the outer panel 70 and the outer case 80 relative to each other. Specifically, for example, the outer panel 70 preferably has either a recess or a protrusion, and the protrusion is configured to fit into the recess. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7C, the outer panel 70 has a protrusion 66 (or a peripheral portion 66) that defines the accommodation portion 70c of the suction member 64. The protrusion 66 protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface 82. Moreover, the inner panel 10 has a recess 68 into which the protrusion 66 fits. By connecting the outer panel 70 to the outer case 80 so that the protrusion 66 fits into the recess 68, the relative positions of the outer panel 70 and the outer case 80 can be easily determined. Moreover, in a state in which the outer panel 70 is connected to the outer case 80, the position of the outer panel 70 can be prevented from shifting with respect to the outer case 80. In other words, the outer panel 70 may be restricted from moving relative to the outer case 80 in a direction parallel to the first contact surface 82. In this embodiment, the outer panel 70 has the protrusion 66, but in addition to this or instead of this, the outer panel 70 may have a recess into which the protrusion provided on the inner panel 10 fits.

[0071] 7D, a plurality of claws 55c are provided on the side wall 55a of the yoke 55. The plurality of claws 55c are formed on the outside of the housing portion 10a, and the outer diameter of the side wall 55a of the yoke 55 defined by these claws 55c is larger than the diameter (inner diameter) of the housing portion 10a. Therefore, when the yoke 55 is inserted into the housing portion 10a with the cap portion 55b facing the housing portion 10a, the claws 55c are pressed into the housing portion 10a. This prevents the yoke 55 from slipping out of the housing portion 10a.

[0072] In this embodiment, the cap portion 55b and the bottom surface 10b of the housing portion 10a can be fixed by an adhesive so that the yoke 55 does not come out of the housing portion 10a. Also, let the distance from the first surface 62a of the magnet 62 where it is exposed to the surface 64a of the attracting member 64 where it is exposed (that is, the surface 64a facing the magnet 62) be L1, the distance from the surface 64a of the attracting member 64 to the side wall portion 55a of the yoke 55 be L2, and the distances from the peripheral edge portion 66 of the housing portion 70c of the outer panel 70 to the peripheral edge portion 10c of the housing portion 10a of the inner panel 10 be L3 and L4. In this case, in this embodiment, the smaller one of L1 and L2 is made larger than the smaller one of L3 and L4. When an external force is applied to the outer surface of the outer panel 70, the outer panel 70 bends in a direction in which L1, L2, L3, and L4 become smaller. At this time, the smaller one of L3 and L4 (in this embodiment, L3 < L4 and L3) is made smaller than the smaller one of L1 and L2 (in this embodiment, L1). Therefore, before the magnet 62 comes into contact with the attracting member 64 or the yoke 55, the housing portion 70c of the outer panel 70 comes into contact with the peripheral edge portion 10c of the housing portion 10a of the inner panel 10. Accordingly, the attracting member 64 is configured not to come into contact with either the magnet 62 or the yoke 55. Note that, without being limited to this, the distance between the outer panel 70 and the inner panel 10 at any location may be smaller than the distance L1 or L2 between the magnet 62 and the attracting member 64 or the yoke 55. Thereby, even when the outer panel 70 bends, the outer panel 70 and the inner panel 10 come into contact before the magnet 62 comes into contact with the attracting member 64 or the yoke 55, so that it is possible to prevent the magnet 62 from coming into contact with the attracting member 64 or the yoke 55.

[0073] In addition, since the atomizing unit 30 has the heating unit 40, the heat of the atomizing unit 30 can be transferred to the magnet 62. The heat transferred to the magnet 62 is then transferred to the outer panel 70. The yoke 55 and the magnet 62 are made of metal with a higher thermal conductivity than a resin material. Therefore, if the yoke 55 and the magnet 62 come into close contact with the suction member 64, the suction member 64, which is also made of metal, will heat up in a short time, and heat may be transferred from the suction member 64 to the outer panel 70. Since the outer panel 70 is held by the user, it is desirable to prevent the temperature from rising as much as possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the magnet 62 is separated from the suction member 64, the heat from the magnet 62 is transferred to the suction member 64 through the air (space). As a result, it is possible to make it more difficult for heat to be transferred to the outer panel 70 compared to when the magnet 62 comes into contact with the suction member 64. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the smaller of L3 and L4 (L3 in this embodiment) is made smaller than the smaller of L1 and L2 (L1 in this embodiment). Therefore, even when force is applied from the outer surface of the outer panel 70, heat is transferred from the magnet 62 to the suction member 64 via space (air), making it difficult for the temperature of the outer panel 70 to rise.

[0074] As described above, the structure has been described in which no parts are interposed between the magnetic body 64 and the magnet 62, but a foam member having a closed foam layer, a continuous foam layer, or a semi-continuous foam layer, such as a silicone sponge or a urethane sponge, has a low thermal conductivity and may be placed between the magnetic body 64 and the magnet 62. This ensures that the thickness of the foam member does not become zero even if any force is applied from the outside, so that the magnetic body 64 and the magnet 62 can be more reliably prevented from coming into contact with each other. It is preferable that the foam member is not placed in the portions indicated by L3 and L4 in FIG. 7C and is only interposed between the magnetic body 64 and the magnet 62.

[0075] 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 technical ideas described in the claims and the specification and drawings. 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 provides the functions and effects of the present invention. For example, the heating unit 40 is not limited to a resistance heating type, but may be an induction heating type. In that case, the heating unit 40 can heat the chamber 50 by induction heating. In addition, when the consumable product 110 has a susceptor, the heating unit 40 can heat the susceptor of the consumable product 110 by induction heating. Furthermore, the heating unit 40 may have an internal heating type heater that heats the consumable product 110 from the inside. The consumable product 110 may be a tank containing a liquid. In this case, the heating unit 40 may be configured to atomize the liquid in the tank. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10: Inner panel 10a: Storage section 10c: Periphery 30: Atomization section 55: York 55a: Side wall part 62: Magnet 62a: 1st page 62b: 2nd side 62c: side 64: Suction member 66: Convex part, peripheral part 68: Recess 70: Outer panel 70c: Storage section 72: Second contact surface 74a: First end 74b: Second end 80: Outer case 82: 1st contact surface 100: Flavor aspirator 101: Outer housing 110:Consumables

Claims

1. A first housing; a second housing connected to the first housing; A magnet and a magnetic body that is attracted to the magnet, the first housing has a first panel portion, a first peripheral wall portion extending from a periphery of the first panel portion at an angle to the first panel portion, and an opening defined by the first peripheral wall portion; the first peripheral wall portion has a first abutment surface that abuts against the second housing, the second housing is connected to the first housing so as to cover the opening of the first housing, a length of the second housing in a first direction parallel to the first contact surface is smaller than a length of an outer edge of the first contact surface of the first housing in the first direction; One of the magnet and the magnetic body is held directly or indirectly by the first housing, the other of the magnet and the magnetic body is held directly or indirectly by the second housing, A flavor inhaler, wherein the magnet and the magnetic body are configured to maintain a state in which the second housing is connected to the first housing.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, a flavor inhaler, wherein when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface, an outer edge of the second housing in the first direction is located inside an outer edge of the first abutment surface of the first housing in the first direction.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, having an atomizing portion for a consumable product; A flavor inhaler, wherein the first housing is configured to hold the atomization portion when the second housing is not connected to the first housing.

4. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first contact surface, an outer edge of the second housing is located inside an outer edge of the first contact surface of the first housing.

5. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the second housing has a second abutment surface facing the first abutment surface of the first housing, A flavor inhaler, wherein when the second housing is connected to the first housing, the second housing is spaced apart from the first housing except for the second abutment surface of the second housing.

6. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The flavor inhaler, wherein the magnet and the magnetic body are spaced apart from each other when the second housing is connected to the first housing.

7. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A yoke surrounding the magnet; the magnet has a first surface facing the magnetic body, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface; The flavor inhaler, wherein the yoke covers the second surface of the magnet and at least a portion of the side surface of the magnet.

8. The flavor inhaler according to claim 7, the yoke has a side wall portion covering a part of the side surface of the magnet, The magnet protrudes from the side wall portion of the yoke toward the magnetic body.

9. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a recess and a protrusion for positioning the first housing and the second housing relative to each other; the first housing has either the recess or the protrusion, The flavor inhaler, wherein the protrusion is configured to fit into the recess.

10. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a first receiving portion provided in the first housing; a second housing portion provided in the second housing and facing the first housing portion; The magnet is disposed in one of the first housing portion or the second housing portion, The magnetic body is disposed in the other of the first housing portion or the second housing portion, A flavor inhaler, wherein a first distance between the magnet and the magnetic body is greater than a second distance between the respective peripheral portions of the first storage portion and the second storage portion.

11. The flavor inhaler according to claim 10, a magnetic detection element for detecting the magnetism of the magnet; a yoke that houses the magnet and is located between the magnet and the magnetic detection element, The yoke has a side wall portion surrounding the magnet, A flavor inhaler, wherein a third distance between the side wall portion and the magnetic body is greater than the second distance.

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