Heater assembly and fragrance attractor

Abstract

To improve an issue of leakage of aerosol from an inlet due to heating of an aerosol source by a heater, which has not been taken into consideration conventionally.SOLUTION: A heater assembly includes: a heater for atomizing an aerosol source; an atomization chamber extending in a predefined direction as at least a part of an aerosol channel through which an aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source by the heater passes; and an intake channel for supplying air from an inlet into the atomization chamber. The intake channel includes: a first channel extending in the predefined direction and communicating with the inlet; a second channel extending in the perpendicular direction from the first channel in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly in the predefined direction; and a third channel extending in the predefined direction from the second channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater assembly and a fragrance attractor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fragrance attractor that heats a fragrance-generating article without combustion is known. The fragrance attractor includes a heater that atomizes an aerosol source, an atomization chamber having at least a part of an aerosol channel through which the aerosol generated by the heater heating the aerosol source passes, and an intake channel that supplies air from an inlet to the atomization chamber (for example, Patent Documents 1-3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A first feature is a heater assembly including a heater that atomizes an aerosol source, an atomization chamber that extends along a predetermined direction as at least a part of an aerosol channel through which the aerosol generated by the heater heating the aerosol source passes, and an intake channel that supplies air from an inlet to the atomization chamber. The intake channel extends along the predetermined direction and includes a first channel that communicates with the inlet, a second channel that extends from the first channel along an intersection direction that intersects the predetermined direction in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly along the predetermined direction, and a third channel that extends along the predetermined direction from the second channel. This is the gist.

[0005] The second feature is, in the first feature, that the third channel is adjacent to the atomization chamber in the crossing direction, which is the gist.

[0006] The third feature is, in the first feature or the second feature, that the second channel has a shape extending along the inner circumference or the outer circumference of the aerosol channel, which is the gist.

[0007] The fourth feature is, in the third feature, that the second channel includes a channel extending in a first direction along the inner circumference or the outer circumference of the aerosol channel and a channel extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the inner circumference or the outer circumference of the aerosol channel, which is the gist.

[0008] The fifth feature is, in the third feature, that the second channel has a shape extending spirally along the inner circumference or the outer circumference of the aerosol channel, which is the gist.

[0009] The sixth feature is, in any one of the first feature to the fifth feature, that the heater assembly includes a first end provided on the side where air flows from the intake channel into the atomization chamber and a second end provided on the side where aerosol flows out from the atomization chamber, and the third channel is provided at a position adjacent to the atomization chamber within the range between the first end and the second end, which is the gist.

[0010] The seventh feature is, in any one of the first feature to the sixth feature, that the aerosol source is a columnar article having a columnar shape, and the atomization chamber accommodates the columnar article and supports the columnar article at a first end provided on the side where air flows from the intake channel into the atomization chamber, which is the gist.

[0011] The gist of the eighth feature is that, in any one of the first to seventh features, when air is sucked from the inlet, the atomization chamber guides the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in a direction opposite to the direction of the air flow in the third channel.

[0012] The gist of the ninth feature is that, in the seventh feature or the eighth feature that cites the seventh feature, at least a part of the second channel is constituted by the outer side surface of the columnar article in a state where the columnar article is inserted into the atomization chamber.

[0013] The gist of the tenth feature is that, in the seventh feature or the eighth feature that cites the seventh feature, the heater assembly includes a cylindrical member provided along the outer side surface of the columnar member at a position adjacent to the second channel, and at least a part of the second channel is constituted by the outer side surface of the cylindrical member.

[0014] The gist of the eleventh feature is that, in any one of the first to tenth features, the inlet is provided side by side with the outlet from which the aerosol is led out in the intersecting direction.

[0015] The gist of the twelfth feature is that, in the eleventh feature, the heater assembly includes a collar member having a cavity that constitutes at least a part of the aerosol channel.

[0016] The gist of the thirteenth feature is that, in the twelfth feature, at least a part of the second channel is constituted by the collar member.

[0017] The gist of the fourteenth feature is that, in the twelfth feature or the thirteenth feature, the cavity of the collar member includes at least a part of the aerosol channel and the first channel.

[0018] The gist of the 15th feature is that, in any one of the 1st to 14th features, the heater assembly includes a container having a cavity including the atomization chamber and the third channel.

[0019] The gist of the 16th feature is an aroma attractor having a heater assembly according to any one of the 1st to 15th features.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the respective dimensions may be different from the actual ones.

[0022] Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Of course, there may be cases where the relationships and ratios of the dimensions are different between the drawings.

[0023] [Summary of the Disclosure] In the aroma attractor of the background art described above, various devices have been made for the arrangement of the intake channel and the heater. However, the mode in which the aerosol generated by the heater heating the aerosol source leaks from the inlet has not been considered, and improvement is desired for the mode in which the aerosol leaks from the inlet.

[0024] The heater assembly according to the summary of the disclosure includes a heater that atomizes an aerosol source, an atomization chamber that extends along a predetermined direction as at least a part of an aerosol channel through which the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source by the heater passes, and an intake channel that supplies air to the atomization chamber from an inlet. The intake channel extends along the predetermined direction and includes a first channel that communicates with the inlet, a second channel that extends from the first channel along the intersecting direction in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly along the predetermined direction, and a third channel that extends from the second channel along the predetermined direction.

[0025] According to the summary of the disclosure, the intake channel has a crank shape including a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. According to such a configuration, even when it is assumed that an aerosol backflow occurs from the atomization chamber toward the inlet, the bending from the third channel to the second channel and the bending from the second channel to the first channel increase the resistance of the intake channel, so that the temperature of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel can be lowered by the pressure loss.

[0026] [Embodiment] (Fragrance attractor) Hereinafter, the fragrance attractor according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a fragrance attractor 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the columnar member 110 is not inserted, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the columnar member 110 is inserted.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fragrance attractor 100 includes a columnar member 110 that constitutes an aerosol source, and a generation device 120 that generates an aerosol from the columnar member 110. The fragrance attractor 100 generates an aerosol without combustion. The fragrance attractor 100 may be referred to as a heating type or a non-combustion type fragrance attractor. The fragrance attractor 100 may be a portable type attractor. It may also be called a fragrance attractor of a heating type or a non-combustion type. The fragrance attractor 100 may be a portable type attractor.

[0028] The columnar member 110 is a member that at least constitutes an individual aerosol source and has a columnar shape extending along a predetermined direction X. For example, the columnar member 110 may be constituted by cut tobacco, a molded body obtained by granulating tobacco raw materials, a molded body obtained by forming tobacco raw materials into a sheet shape, or the like. The columnar member 110 may include a wrapping material wound around an individual aerosol source. The columnar member 110 may have a filter.

[0029] The columnar member 110 may generate an aerosol upon heating and may include an aerosol source containing various polyols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or 1,3 - butanediol to promote the generation of the aerosol. The columnar member 110 may be constituted by a plant other than tobacco (for example, mint, herb, etc.). The columnar member 110 may contain a fragrance such as menthol.

[0030] The generating device 120 has an operation unit 210 for turning on the power of the generating device 120 and a lid body 220 that closes an opening 30X provided in a heater assembly 30 described later. The operation unit 210 may have a function of turning off the power of the generating device 120. The lid body 220 is configured to be slidable and exposes the opening 30X when inserting the columnar member 110. The lid body 220 may be configured to be rotatable. Details of the generating device 120 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

[0031] (Generating device) Hereinafter, the generating device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross - sectional view of the generating device 120 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3, the A - A cross - section shown in FIG. 1 is shown.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the generating device 120 has a battery 10, a control circuit 20, and a heater assembly 30.

[0033] The battery 10 stores electric power used in the generating device 120. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium - ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0034] The control circuit 20 is composed of a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls the operation of the generating device 120. When the power of the generating device 120 is turned on by the operation unit 210, the control circuit 20 starts heating the columnar member 110. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when a certain number of puff operations have been performed since the start of heating. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when the power of the generating device 120 is turned off by the operation unit 210. The puff operation may be detected by a sensor (not shown). The sensor may be provided on the bottom plate portion 41 (for example, the separation portion 41B) described later.

[0035] The heater assembly 30 generates aerosol by heating the columnar member 110. The heater assembly 30 has an opening 30X, and the columnar member 110 is inserted into the heater assembly 30 through the opening 30X. The heater assembly 30 includes a color member 31, a container 40, and a heater 50. The heater assembly 30 may have a heat insulating member 60. However, the heat insulating member 60 may not be a part of the heater assembly 30. Since the details of the color member 31 and the container 40 will be described later, here, the heater 50 and the heat insulating member 60 will be mainly described.

[0036] The heater 50 is disposed on the outer side surface of the container 40. In particular, the heater 50 is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the outer side surface (circumferential surface) of the container 40. The heater 50 atomizes the aerosol source. Specifically, the heater 50 heats the columnar member 110 accommodated in the container 40. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the heater 50 is disposed on the outer side surface of the container 40. The heater 50 may be composed of a heating element composed of a base material made of a film such as polyimide and a resistive heating element such as metal. The heating element may be sandwiched between two base materials. The metal constituting the heating element may be one or more metals selected from nickel alloy, chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum rhodium.

[0037] The heat insulation member 60 is disposed so as to cover the container 40 outside the heater 50. The heat insulation member 60 may be a vacuum heat insulation member having a double structure. The heat insulation member 60 may be composed of a heat insulating material such as aerogel or silicon.

[0038] (Heater assembly) Hereinafter, the heater assembly according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views showing the heater assembly 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the heater assembly 30 in the A-A cross section shown in FIG. 1 and shows a state in which the columnar member 110 is inserted. FIG. 5 shows the heater assembly 30 in the A-A cross section shown in FIG. 2 and shows a state in which the columnar member 110 is not inserted. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the above-described heater 50 and heat insulation member 60 are omitted.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heater assembly 30 includes a color member 31 and a container 40.

[0040] The color member 31 has a cylindrical shape and is made of, for example, a synthetic resin having plasticity. The color member 31 has an opening 30X for receiving the columnar member 110. The opening 30X includes an inlet 120IN for introducing air into the heater assembly 30 and an outlet 120OUT for leading out the aerosol from the heater assembly 30 in a state where the columnar member 110 is inserted into the heater assembly 30.

[0041] In the embodiment, since the aerosol passes through the columnar member 110, the outlet 120OUT is a portion occupied by the columnar member 110. The inlet 120IN is a portion not occupied by the columnar member 110. The opening 30X is larger than the inlet 120IN and the outlet 120OUT so that the columnar member 110 can be easily inserted. The color member 31 may function as an insertion guide for the columnar member 110.

[0042] In an embodiment, the inlet 120IN is provided side by side with the outlet 120OUT in an intersection direction Y that intersects the predetermined direction X. Although not particularly limited, the intersection direction Y may be considered as a direction having an angle of -45° to 45° compared to the orthogonal direction to the predetermined direction X.

[0043] The container 40 has a shape extending along the predetermined direction X. The container 40 is a member that houses the columnar member 110 inserted through the color member 31. The container 40 is made of a heat-conductive member (for example, a metal such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless)). The container 40 has a portion (hereinafter, the atomization chamber) occupied by the columnar member 110 in a state where the columnar member 110 is inserted.

[0044] The container 40 has a first end 40A provided on the side where air flows from the intake channels (the first channel 81 to the fourth channel 84 in FIG. 5) into the atomization chamber (the fifth channel 85 in FIG. 5). A and a second end 40B provided on the side where air flows out from the atomization chamber.

[0045] The container 40 has a bottom plate portion 41 and a cylindrical portion 42. The bottom plate portion 41 closes the first end 40A. That is, the container 40 has a cup shape formed by the bottom plate portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 42. The container 40 may be integrally formed by a method such as deep drawing of a metal plate.

[0046] The bottom plate portion 41 has a pedestal portion 41A and a spaced portion 41B at the first end 40A. Specifically, the pedestal portion 41A is in contact with the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and supports the columnar member 110 in a state where the columnar member 110 is inserted. The spaced portion 41B has a shape protruding in a direction away from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and is spaced from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110. Since the portion occupied by the columnar member 110 is the atomization chamber, the pedestal portion 41A may be considered as a part of the atomization chamber. The spaced portion 41B may be considered as a part of the intake channel (the fourth channel 84 in FIG. 5).

[0047] Under such a premise, the heater assembly 30 has a first channel 81, a second channel 82, a third channel 83, a fourth channel 84, a fifth channel 85, and a sixth channel 86.

[0048] The first channel 81 extends along a predetermined direction X and is a channel communicating with the inlet 120IN. The second channel is a channel extending from the first channel 81 along an intersecting direction Y intersecting the predetermined direction X in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30 along the predetermined direction X. The third channel 83 is a channel extending from the second channel 82 along the predetermined direction X. The fourth channel 84 is a channel communicating from the third channel 83 to the fifth channel 85. The fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 extend along the predetermined direction X and are channels communicating with the outlet 120OUT.

[0049] In the embodiment, the first channel 81 to the fourth channel constitute an intake channel for supplying air from the inlet 120IN to the atomization chamber (in FIG. 5, the fifth channel 85). The fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 constitute an aerosol channel (hereinafter, aerosol channel) generated by heating an aerosol source (here, the columnar member 110) by the heater 50. The fifth channel 85 constitutes an atomization chamber that constitutes at least a part of the aerosol channel.

[0050] As described above, in the embodiment, since the aerosol flows through the columnar member 110, the aerosol channel may be considered to be the columnar member 110 itself. The atomization chamber is a portion of the aerosol channel that contributes to the heating by the heater 50. Therefore, the atomization chamber is a portion occupied by the columnar member 110 in the cavity of the container 40.

[0051] The third channel 83 is adjacent to the atomization chamber (the fifth channel in FIG. 5) in the crossing direction Y. The third channel 83 is provided at a position adjacent to the atomization chamber within the range between the first end 40A and the second end 40B in the predetermined direction X. In other words, the third channel 83 may be provided over the entire range of the container 40 in the predetermined direction X. As described above, since the atomization chamber may be considered to be the columnar member 110, the third channel 83 is a portion not occupied by the columnar member 110 in the cavity of the container 40.

[0052] Subsequently, the gas flow from the inlet 120IN to the outlet 120OUT will be described. First, the air flowing into the first channel 81 from the inlet 120IN passes through the first channel 81 as an air flow F1 along the predetermined direction X. Second, the air flowing into the second channel 82 from the first channel 81 passes through the second channel 82 as an air flow F2 along the crossing direction Y. Third, the air flowing into the third channel 83 from the second channel 82 passes through the third channel 83 as an air flow F3 along the predetermined direction X. Fourth, the air guided from the third channel 83 to the fifth channel 85 passes through the fourth channel 84 as an air flow F4. Fifth, the air flowing into the fifth channel 85 is mixed with the aerosol generated from the columnar member 110 and then passes through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as an aerosol flow F5.

[0053] Here, the direction of the aerosol flow F5 in the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 is opposite to the direction of the air flow F3 in the third channel. That is, when air is sucked from the inlet 120IN, the atomization chamber (the fifth channel 85) guides the aerosol generated from the columnar member 110 in a direction opposite to the direction of the air flow in the third channel.

[0054] (Color member) Hereinafter, the color member according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the color member 31 according to the embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the color member 31 has a cavity 31X including the above-described first channel 81, second channel 82, and sixth channel 86. The cavity 31X communicates with an opening 30X (i.e., the inlet 120IN and the outlet 120OUT). The cavity 31X communicates with a third channel 83 and a fifth channel 85 (a cavity 40X described later). The color member 31 has a protruding portion 32, a notch portion 33, and a wall portion 34.

[0056] The protruding portion 32 is a portion that protrudes inside the cavity 31X more than the wall portion 34. The protruding portion 32 is provided so as to contact the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 in a state where the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 31X. Here, a case where a protruding portion 32A and a protruding portion 32B are provided as the protruding portion 32 will be exemplified. The protruding portion 32A is continuous along the outer periphery of the cavity 31X.

[0057] The notch portion 33 is provided between the protruding portion 32A and the protruding portion 32B. The notch portion 33 constitutes a first channel 81 through which air flowing in from the inlet 120IN passes.

[0058] The wall portion 34 has a cylindrical shape and constitutes at least a part of the cavity 31X. The wall portion 34 is located closer to the container 40 side than the protruding portion 32 and the notch portion 33. The wall portion 34 is provided at a distance from the outer side surface of the columnar member 110. In other words, a gap is provided between the inner side surface of the wall portion 34 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110. The inner side surface of the wall portion 34 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 constitute a second channel 82 through which air flowing in from the notch portion 33 passes.

[0059] (Container) Hereinafter, the container according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 8 to 10 are views showing a container 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing a B - B cross section shown in FIG. 5.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the container 40 has a cavity 40X including the above-described third channel 83, fourth channel 84, and fifth channel 85. The cavity 40X communicates with the cavity 31X of the color member 31. The container 40 has a bottom plate portion 41 and a cylindrical portion 42.

[0061] The bottom plate portion 41 has a pedestal portion 41A and a spaced portion 41B at the first end 40A. The pedestal portion 41A contacts the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 in a state where the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. That is, the pedestal portion 41A supports the columnar member 110. The spaced portion 41B is spaced from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 in a state where the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. Note that the first end 40A is not limited to the illustrated structure, and may have any structure as long as it can at least partially support the bottom surface or the vicinity thereof.

[0062] The cylindrical portion 42 partitions the cavity 40X and has a holding portion 42A and a spaced portion 42B. The holding portion 42A contacts the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 in a state where the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. As described above, since the atomization chamber is a chamber occupied by the columnar member 110, the holding portion 42A may be considered as a member that partitions the atomization chamber. The spaced portion 42B is spaced from the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 in a state where the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. That is, a gap is provided between the inner side surface of the spaced portion 42B and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110. Note that the above-described heater 50 can be provided at least at a location corresponding to the holding portion 42A on the outer side surface (circumferential surface) of the cylindrical portion 42. The heater 50 can extend at least partially over the entire length of the cylindrical portion 42 in a predetermined direction X.

[0063] Here, the inner side surface of the spaced portion 42B of the cylindrical portion 42 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 constitute a third channel 83 through which the air flowing in from the second channel 82 passes. The spaced portion 41B of the bottom plate portion 41 constitutes a fourth channel 84 through which the air guided from the third channel 83 to the fifth channel 85 passes. It may be considered that a part of the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and a part of the spaced portion 42B of the cylindrical portion 42 also constitute the fourth channel 84. The pedestal portion 41A of the bottom plate portion 41 and the holding portion 42A of the cylindrical portion 42 constitute the fifth channel 85 (i.e., the atomization chamber).

[0064] In the embodiment, the cavity 40X includes the third channel 83 and the fifth channel 85. By inserting the columnar member 110 into the cavity 40X, the third channel 83 and the fifth channel 85 are partitioned. As described above, the third channel 83 is a portion in the cavity 40X that is not occupied by the columnar member 110, and the fifth channel 85 is a portion in the cavity 40X that is occupied by the columnar member 110.

[0065] (Second Channel) Hereinafter, the second channel according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a view showing the second channel 82 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view showing the C-C cross section shown in FIG. 5.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11, the second channel 82 is a channel that communicates the first channel 81 and the third channel 83. As described above, the second channel 82 is a channel that extends from the first channel 81 along the intersecting direction Y that intersects the predetermined direction X in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30 along the predetermined direction X (see, for example, FIG. 5).

[0067] Here, the second channel 82 is formed between the inner side surface of the wall body 34 of the color member 31 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110. It may be considered that the second end 40B of the container 40 constitutes at least a part of the second channel 82.

[0068] In such a case, the second channel 82 has a shape extending along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (i.e., the columnar member 110 or the sixth channel 86). Specifically, the second channel 82 includes a channel 821 extending in the first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel and a channel 822 extending in the second direction opposite to the first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel.

[0069] (Leakage of aerosol) Hereinafter, the leakage of the aerosol according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the leakage of the aerosol according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the leakage of the aerosol according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30.

[0070] Here, when aerosol leakage occurs, the first channel 81, the second channel 82, and the third channel 83 do not function as intake channels but function as aerosol channels. For example, as a case where aerosol leakage occurs, a case where the user performs a blowing operation without performing a suction operation can be considered.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generated from the atomization chamber passes through the third channel 83 as an aerosol flow R3 along the predetermined direction X. Subsequently, the aerosol flowing from the third channel 83 into the second channel 82 passes through the second channel 82 as an aerosol flow R2 along the crossing direction Y. The aerosol flowing from the second channel 82 into the first channel 81 passes through the first channel 81 as an aerosol flow R1 along the predetermined direction X. In this way, the aerosol leaks from the inlet 120IN.

[0072] That is, the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel repeats the bending from the aerosol flow R3 to the aerosol flow R2 and the bending from the aerosol flow R2 to the aerosol flow R1. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel can be lowered by the pressure loss.

[0073] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the aerosol flow R3 collides with the protruding portion 32 of the color member 31, generating a turbulent flow. Such a turbulent flow promotes heat exchange with the wall surface of the color member 31, so a temperature drop of the aerosol can be expected. Similarly, it is also conceivable that the aerosol flow R2 collides with the wall body 34 of the color member 31, generating a turbulent flow. Such a turbulent flow may also contribute to the temperature drop of the aerosol.

[0074] (Function and Effect) In the embodiment, the intake channel has a crank shape including a first channel 81, a second channel 82, and a third channel 83. According to such a configuration, even when it is assumed that a reverse flow of the aerosol occurs from the atomization chamber toward the inlet 120IN, the bend from the third channel 83 to the second channel 82 and the bend from the second channel 82 to the first channel 81 increase the resistance of the intake channel. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel can be lowered by the pressure loss.

[0075] [Modification Example 1] Hereinafter, Modification Example 1 of the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the embodiment will be mainly described. In Modification Example 1, the heater assembly 30 has a cylindrical member provided along the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 at a position adjacent to the second channel 82.

[0076] (Cylindrical Member) Hereinafter, the cylindrical member according to Modification Example 1 will be described. FIGS. 13 to 15 are diagrams for explaining the cylindrical member 90 according to Modification Example 1. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30. FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views showing the container 40. In FIGS. 14 and 15, in addition to the container 40, the above-described cylindrical member 90 is shown.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the heater assembly 30 has a cylindrical member 90. The cylindrical member 90 may be made of a heat-conductive member (for example, a metal such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless)). The cylindrical member 90 may be made of the same member as the container 40. The cylindrical member 90 is provided at a position adjacent to the second channel 82. The cylindrical member 90 is provided along the outer side surface of the columnar member 110. In other words, the inner side surface of the cylindrical member 90 partitions the above-described fifth channel 85. The inner side surface of the cylindrical member 90 partitions the fifth channel 85 described above.

[0078] Here, the container 40 has a tapered portion 43 that widens outward toward the second end 40B. The tapered portion 43 is provided so as to be continuous with the holding portion 42A other than the separated portion 42B in a predetermined direction X. The tapered portion 43 holds the cylindrical member 90 so that the inner side surface of the cylindrical member 90 aligns with the inner side surface of the holding portion 42A. That is, the cylindrical member 90 contacts the container 40 at the tapered portion 43.

[0079] On the other hand, since it is necessary to communicate the second channel 82 and the third channel 83, the cylindrical member 90 is separated from the separated portion 42B. A gap is provided between the cylindrical member 90 and the separated portion 42B.

[0080] In Modification 1, the cylindrical member 90 may include a portion that overlaps the container 40 in the intersecting direction Y. For example, the cylindrical member 90 may include a portion that overlaps a part of the tapered portion 43 and may include a portion that overlaps the separated portion 42B.

[0081] (Second Channel) Hereinafter, the second channel according to Modification 1 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the second channel 82 according to Modification 1. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the D-D cross section shown in FIG. 13.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 16, the second channel 82 is a channel that communicates the first channel 81 and the third channel 83. As described above, in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30 along the predetermined direction X (see, for example, FIG. 13), the second channel 82 is a channel extending from the first channel 81 along the crossing direction Y that crosses the predetermined direction X.

[0083] Here, at least a part of the second channel 82 is formed by the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 90. For example, the second channel 82 is formed between the inner side surface of the wall body 34 of the collar member 31 and the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 90. The second channel 82 may be formed between the inner side surface of the holding portion 42A of the container 40 and the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 90.

[0084] In such a case, the second channel 82 has a shape extending along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (that is, the cylindrical member 90). Specifically, the second channel 82 includes a channel 821 extending in the first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel and a channel 822 extending in the second direction opposite to the first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel.

[0085] (Leakage of aerosol) Hereinafter, the leakage of the aerosol according to Modification 1 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the leakage of the aerosol according to Modification 1. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30.

[0086] Basically, the mechanism regarding the leakage of the aerosol is the same as that in FIG. 12 described above. However, it should be noted that the aerosol (aerosol flow R2) flowing backward through the second channel 82 passes outside the cylindrical member 90.

[0087] (Function and effect) In Modification 1, at least a part of the second channel 82 is constituted by a cylindrical member 90. According to such a configuration, since at least a part of the second channel 82 is isolated from the columnar member 110, the cooling efficiency of the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel is improved. For example, it is possible to expect an improvement in cooling efficiency by configuring the cylindrical member 90 with a heat conductive member.

[0088] [Other Embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-described embodiments, the descriptions and drawings that form a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0089] In the above-described embodiments and the like, the second channel 82 is a channel extending in two directions (including channels 821 and 822 (see FIGS. 11 and 16)). However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The second channel 82 may have a channel extending in one direction (for example, any one of channels 821 and 822).

[0090] Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiments and the like, the second channel 82 may have a shape extending spirally along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (columnar member 110 or cylindrical member 90). According to such a configuration, since the channel length of the second channel 82 becomes longer, the cooling efficiency of the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel is improved.

[0091] In the above-described embodiments and the like, the second channel 82 has a shape extending along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (columnar member 110 or cylindrical member 90). However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The second channel 82 may have a shape extending along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel. For example, the second channel 82 may be arranged inside the above-described sixth channel 86, and the second channel 82 may be partitioned from the sixth channel 86 by a partition wall or the like.

[0092] Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiments or the like, the heater 50 may be provided only on the holding portion 42A of the container 40, rather than on the spaced portion 42B of the container 40. According to such a configuration, since the heater 50 is not disposed in a portion that does not contribute to the heating of the columnar member 110 (the portion adjacent to the third channel 83), a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the aerosol flowing backward through the third channel 83 is suppressed.

[0093] In the embodiments or the like, an example of the case where the heater 50 is disposed on the outer side surface of the container 40 has been illustrated. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The heater 50 may be disposed on the inner side surface of the container 40. Alternatively, the heater 50 may have a shape that can be inserted into the columnar member 110.

[0094] In the embodiments or the like, one cavity 40X of the container 40 includes the third channel 83 and the fifth channel 85. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The third channel 83 and the fifth channel 85 may be provided as separate cavities partitioned by a partition wall or the like. Similarly, one cavity 31X of the color member 31 includes the first channel 81, the second channel 82, and the sixth channel 86. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The first channel 81, the second channel 82, and the sixth channel 86 may be provided as separate cavities partitioned by a partition wall or the like.

[0095] In the embodiments or the like, although the heater assembly 30 includes a channel group including the first channel 81, the second channel 82, and the third channel 83 and includes a form in which the second channel 82 branches, it has one channel group. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the heater assembly 30 may have two or more channel groups. In such a case, the two or more channel groups may have a form that does not communicate with each other. Alternatively, the two or more channel groups may share at least some channels. For example, the heater assembly 30 may have two or more first channels 81 and may have a second channel 82 that communicates with both of the two or more first channels 81. In this way In some cases, the heater assembly 30 may have one third channel 83 or may have two or more third channels 83.

[0096] In the above-described embodiments and the like, the case where the aerosol source is an individual has been exemplified. However, the embodiments and the like are not limited thereto. The aerosol source may be a liquid. For example, a liquid holding member such as a wick is disposed in the atomization chamber, and the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member is heated by a heater. In such a case, a solid flavor source (for example, a tobacco source) may be provided on the downstream side of the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source.

Claims

1. an atomization chamber extending along a predetermined direction as at least a part of an aerosol channel through which an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol source passes; an air intake channel for supplying air from an inlet to the atomization chamber; The intake channel includes: a first channel extending along the predetermined direction and communicating with the inlet; a second channel extending from the first channel along a cross direction crossing the predetermined direction; a third channel extending from the second channel along the predetermined direction, The aerosol source is a columnar article having a columnar shape, The atomization chamber accommodates the columnar article and supports the columnar article at a first end provided on a side where air flows from the intake channel into the atomization chamber.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 , wherein the third channel is adjacent to the atomization chamber in the cross direction.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second channel has a shape extending along an inner circumference or an outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 3, wherein the second channel includes a channel extending in a first direction along an inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel, and a channel extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the inner or outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

5. a first end provided on a side where air flows from the intake channel into the atomization chamber; and a second end provided on a side where the aerosol flows out of the atomization chamber. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 , wherein the third channel is provided at a position adjacent to the atomization chamber in a range between the first end and the second end.

6. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when air is drawn in from the inlet, the atomization chamber directs the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow in the third channel.

7. The flavor inhaler according to claim 5 or claim 6 which relies on claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the second channel is defined by an outer side surface of the columnar article when the columnar article is inserted into the atomization chamber.

8. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 , further comprising a collar member having a cavity that forms at least a part of the aerosol channel.

9. The flavor inhaler of claim 8, wherein the collar member has an opening for receiving the columnar article, the opening including the inlet and an outlet through which the aerosol is guided, the opening being larger than the inlet and the outlet.

10. The collar member has a protrusion and a notch, The flavor inhaler according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first channel is defined by the cutout portion.

11. The flavor inhaler according to claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the second channel is defined by the collar member.

12. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the cavity of the collar member includes at least a portion of the aerosol channel and the first channel.

13. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 , further comprising a cylindrical member that constitutes at least a part of the aerosol channel.

14. a container having a cavity containing the atomization chamber and the third channel; The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a heater disposed on an outer side surface of the container.

15. the heater having a heating element; The flavor inhaler of claim 14, wherein the heating element is sandwiched between two substrates.

16. a container having a cavity containing the atomization chamber and the third channel; The container has a bottom plate portion and a cylindrical portion, The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 , further comprising a sensor provided on the bottom plate portion for detecting a puffing operation.

17. A smoking system comprising: the flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and a columnar member constituting the aerosol source.

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