Fragrance attractor

Abstract

This flavor inhaler has a chamber that accommodates a smokable product, a heater for heating the smokable product accommodated in the chamber, and an insulation member that suppresses the dissipation of heat to the smokable product or outside the heater device, the insulation member comprising an aerogel and a first radiation-suppressing material.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fragrance attractor for attracting fragrances and the like without burning materials is known. The fragrance attractor has, for example, a chamber for accommodating a fragrance-generating article and a heater for heating the fragrance-generating article accommodated in the chamber (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to improve the heating efficiency of the fragrance-generating article in the heater, a heat-insulating member containing an aerogel or the like can be used in the fragrance attractor. In such a fragrance attractor, when the heating temperature of the fragrance-generating article is increased to increase the amount of aerosol generated, the contribution of radiation in heat transfer from the heater becomes large. Therefore, in order to further improve the heating efficiency, it is important to suppress the energy loss due to radiation.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to suppress the energy loss due to radiation of the fragrance attractor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect, an aroma attractor is provided. The aroma attractor includes a chamber for accommodating a smokable article, a heater for heating the smokable article accommodated in the chamber, and a heat insulating member for suppressing heat dissipation of the smokable article to the outside of the device. The heat insulating member includes an aerogel and a first radiation suppressing material.

[0007] According to the first aspect, since the first radiation suppressing material can suppress heat radiation from the heater to the outside of the device, energy loss due to heat radiation can be suppressed. In particular, when the heating temperature by the heater is high and the contribution of heat radiation in heat transfer is large, energy loss can be effectively suppressed. Further, since the heat insulating member includes an aerogel, heat transfer by heat conduction can also be effectively suppressed. Generally, aerogels have a low effect of suppressing radiative heat transfer, which has a significantly increased contribution rate at high temperatures among heat transfer modes. Therefore, by coexisting the first radiation suppressing material and the aerogel, the heat insulating property of the heat insulating member can be improved. The aerogel may include, for example, a porous structure made of fumed silica, silica aerogel, or carbon aerogel.

[0008] A second aspect is summarized in that, in the first aspect, the first radiation suppressing material includes at least one of a silicon material, a metal oxide, a carbon material, and a metal material.

[0009] According to the second aspect, the first radiation suppressing material may have a property of being opaque to electromagnetic waves from infrared to far-infrared. Thereby, the first radiation suppressing material can absorb, reflect, or scatter electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays or far-infrared rays generated from the high-temperature heater, and can suppress the outside of the device from being heated by the electromagnetic waves.

[0010] A third aspect is summarized in that, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the first radiation suppressing material includes at least one of SiC, TiO2, and hydrophobically treated carbon.

[0011] According to the third aspect, since the first radiation suppressing material can have low water absorbency, the energy consumed for the temperature rise or evaporation of the moisture held by the first radiation suppressing material is reduced. As a result, a decrease in the heat insulation performance of the aerogel or an increase in the heat capacity of the entire heat insulating member is suppressed, and furthermore, the energy loss due to the heat insulating member can be reduced. Also, according to the third aspect, since the first radiation suppressing material can have insulation properties, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring when the first radiation suppressing material falls off from the heat insulating member and enters the electric control unit of the fragrance attractor.

[0012] A fourth aspect summarizes that in any one of the first to third aspects, the volume ratio of the first radiation suppressing material to the aerogel is 0.001% or more and 2% or less.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, heat transfer and heat radiation can be suppressed in a well-balanced manner.

[0014] A fifth aspect summarizes that in the fourth aspect, the volume ratio of the first radiation suppressing material to the aerogel is 0.01% or more and 1% or less.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, heat transfer and heat radiation can be suppressed in a well-balanced manner.

[0016] A sixth aspect summarizes that in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the first radiation suppressing material has low water absorbency.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, the amount of moisture held by the first radiation suppressing material can be reduced. Therefore, a decrease in the heat insulation performance of the aerogel or an increase in the heat capacity of the entire heat insulating member is suppressed, and furthermore, since the energy consumed for the evaporation of the moisture held by the first radiation suppressing material is reduced, the energy loss due to the heat insulating member can be reduced. Specifically, it is preferable that the maximum moisture content of the first radiation suppressing material is 4% or less in an environment of 22°C and 60% RH.

[0018] The gist of the 7th aspect is that, in any one of the 1st to 6th aspects, the heat insulating member includes a holding body that holds the aerogel or the 1st radiation suppressing material.

[0019] According to the 7th aspect, since it is possible to suppress the aerogel or the 1st radiation suppressing material from falling off from the heat insulating member, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat insulating property of the heat insulating member due to the falling off of the aerogel or the 1st radiation suppressing material caused by the use of the fragrance attractor. The holding body can be, for example, a material having voids inside, such as a non-woven fabric or a foam, and specifically, it can be a glass fiber non-woven fabric, a heat-resistant resin foam such as melamine or PI (polyimide), or the like.

[0020] The gist of the 8th aspect is that, in the 7th aspect, the holding body is a porous body.

[0021] According to the 8th aspect, since the aerogel or the 1st radiation suppressing material can be dispersed and held in the porous holding body, a heat insulating member in which the aerogel or the 1st radiation suppressing material is substantially uniformly distributed in the holding body can be obtained. Therefore, the heat insulating property of the heat insulating member can be made uniform.

[0022] The gist of the 9th aspect is that, in the 7th aspect or the 8th aspect, the holding body is supported by a support member.

[0023] According to the 9th aspect, even if the rigidity of the heat insulating member is low, the heat insulating member can be stably supported by the support member. The support member is preferably a material that can maintain high strength even in a high-temperature environment, and can be formed of, for example, a resin film, a heat-shrinkable tube, a resin such as PEEK, a metal such as stainless steel, paper, or glass. When the support member has a high thermal conductivity, the heat transmitted to the support member is dispersed, so that the local heat load on the heat insulating member can be reduced. On the other hand, when the support member has a low thermal conductivity (when it has high heat insulating properties), the heat insulating performance of the entire device can be maintained or improved.

[0024] Aspect 10 is characterized in that, in Aspect 9, the support member includes a second radiation suppression material.

[0025] According to Aspect 10, the heat insulation performance of the entire device including the support member can be improved.

[0026] Aspect 11 is characterized in that, in any of Aspects 1 to 10, the heat insulation member includes a first portion and a second portion farther from the chamber than the first portion, and the first portion includes more of the first radiation suppression material than the second portion.

[0027] The energy of electromagnetic waves due to thermal radiation is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature. Therefore, in order to efficiently suppress heat transfer by radiation, it is preferable to absorb, reflect, or scatter electromagnetic waves near the heat source (heater, smokable article, or chamber). According to Aspect 11, since the first portion of the heat insulation member relatively close to the heat source (chamber) contains more of the first radiation suppression material, heat transfer by thermal radiation can be efficiently suppressed.

[0028] Aspect 12 is characterized in that, in any of Aspects 1 to 11, the heat insulation member is a heat insulation sheet surrounding the chamber.

[0029] According to Aspect 12, heat transfer from the periphery of the chamber to the outside of the device is suppressed, so that the smokable article disposed in the chamber can be heated more efficiently. Also, by using a sheet-shaped heat insulation member, the front and back surfaces of the sheet-shaped heat insulation member can be made the first portion (first surface) and the second portion (second surface), respectively. Thereby, different amounts of radiation suppression material can be included on the front and back surfaces of the sheet-shaped heat insulation material, so that a heat insulation member including different amounts of radiation suppression material in the first portion and the second portion can be easily manufactured.

[0030] Aspect 13 is characterized in that, in any of Aspects 1 to 12, the heater is disposed on the outer periphery of the chamber.

[0031] According to the 13th aspect, since the smokable article is heated by the heater from the outer peripheral side, the heat of the heater is likely to be transmitted to the outer peripheral side. Therefore, by suppressing the heat dissipation to the outside of the device by the heat insulating member, the heat of the heater can be maintained more inside the chamber, that is, on the smokable article side, and the smokable article can be heated more efficiently. Further, since the heater is disposed on the outer periphery of the chamber, the heater is prevented from directly contacting the smokable article, so that the heater is suppressed from being contaminated by the smokable article.

[0032] The gist of the 14th aspect is that, in any of the 1st aspect to the 13th aspect, the heater is configured to heat the smokable article to 200° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower.

[0033] According to the 14th aspect, an aerosol can be generated by appropriately heating the smokable article while suppressing the influence on the heat insulating member. If the smokable article is heated to less than 200° C., there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of aerosol cannot be generated from the smokable article. Further, when the smokable article is heated to more than 400° C., depending on the type of the heat insulating member and the distance between the heater and the heat insulating member, there is a possibility of adversely affecting the heat insulating member.

[0034] The gist of the 15th aspect is that, in any of the 1st aspect to the 14th aspect, the heat insulating member has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface that connects the first surface and the second surface and has an area smaller than that of the first surface or the second surface, and at least the end surface of the heat insulating member is sealed.

[0035] According to the 15th aspect, since it is possible to suppress the aerogel or the first radiation suppressing material contained in the heat insulating member from falling off, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat insulating property of the heat insulating member due to the falling off of the aerogel or the first radiation suppressing material caused by the use of the fragrance attractor. Further, since the end face of the heat insulating member is sealed, it is possible to suppress moisture absorption of the heat insulating member, that is, intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member having a porous structure. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the energy of the heater from being used for heating the moisture contained in the heat insulating member, and as a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in energy efficiency. Furthermore, depending on the material used for sealing, the heat insulating member can be maintained at a high strength even in a high temperature environment. Note that the end face can be sealed by, for example, a shrink tube, a tape, an O-ring, an adhesive, a paint, etc., which are made of a heat resistant resin or an inorganic material or the like.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0038] FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of the fragrance inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the fragrance inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the fragrance inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment. In the drawings described in this specification, an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system may be attached for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis points vertically upward, the X-Y plane is arranged so as to cut the fragrance inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y-axis is arranged so as to extend from the front surface to the back surface of the fragrance inhaler 100. The Z-axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the consumable accommodated in the chamber 50 of the atomizing unit 30 described later or the axial direction of the chamber 50. Further, the X-axis direction can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable, or the direction in which the heating unit and the power supply unit are arranged side by side. The Y-axis direction can also be referred to as the short-side direction of the device in a plane orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable. The direction parallel to the X-Y plane is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the chamber 50 and can also be referred to as the radial direction. Further, in this specification, the circumferential direction refers to the circumferential direction centered on the insertion direction of the consumable or the axial direction of the chamber 50.

[0039] The fragrance inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol containing a fragrance by heating, for example, a stick-shaped consumable having a smokable substance including an aerosol source and a fragrance source.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the fragrance inhaler 100 may be composed of a slide cover 90 and a main body 120. The main body 120 has an outer housing 101 and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the fragrance inhaler 100 and has a size that fits in the user's hand. When the user uses the fragrance inhaler 100, the main body 120 can be held by hand to inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be composed by assembling a plurality of members.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1B, the outer housing 101 has an opening 101a into which a consumable is inserted. The slide cover 90 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 so as to close the opening 101a. Specifically, the slide cover 90 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (the position shown in FIG. 1A) where the opening 101a of the outer housing 101 is closed and an open position (the position shown in FIG. 1B) where the opening 101a is opened. For example, by manually operating the slide cover 90 by the user, the slide cover 90 can be moved between the closed position and the open position. Thereby, the slide cover 90 can permit or restrict access of the consumable to the inside of the fragrance attractor 100.

[0042] The switch unit 103 is used to switch on and off the operation of the fragrance attractor 100. For example, when the user operates the switch unit 103 with a consumable inserted into the fragrance attractor 100, power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating unit (not shown), and the consumable can be heated without being burned. Note that 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 the present embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.

[0043] The fragrance attractor 100 may further have terminals (not shown). The terminals can be an interface for connecting the fragrance attractor 100 to, for example, an external power source. When the power source included in the fragrance attractor 100 is a rechargeable battery, by connecting an external power source to the terminals, a current can be passed from the external power source to the power source to charge the power source. Further, by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminals, data related to the operation of the fragrance attractor 100 may be transmitted to an external device.

[0044] Next, the consumable used in the flavor attractor 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable 110. In the present embodiment, a smoking system can be configured by the flavor attractor 100 and the consumable 110. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the consumable 110 has a smokable article 111, a cylindrical member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115. The smokable article 111 is wound by a first rolling paper 112. The cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are wound by a second rolling paper 113 different from the first rolling paper 112. The second rolling paper 113 also winds a part of the first rolling paper 112 that winds the smokable article 111. Thereby, the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are connected to the smokable article 111. However, the second rolling paper 113 may be omitted, and the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 may be connected to the smokable article 111 using the first rolling paper 112. An opening V may be provided in the cylindrical member 114 and the second rolling paper 113 covering the cylindrical member 114. The opening V is usually a hole for promoting the inflow of external air by the user's suction, and the temperature of the components and air flowing from the smokable article 111 can be lowered by the inflow of this air. A lip release agent 117 for making it difficult for the user's lips to stick to the second rolling paper 113 is applied to the outer surface near the end of the second rolling paper 113 on the filter portion 115 side. The portion of the consumable 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as a suction port of the consumable 110.

[0045] The smokable article 111 may include, for example, a flavor source such as tobacco and an aerosol source. Also, the first rolling paper 112 that winds the smokable article 111 can be a breathable sheet member. The cylindrical member 114 can be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the illustrated example, the consumable 110 includes the smokable article 111, the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115, but the configuration of the consumable 110 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter portion 116 may be omitted, and the cylindrical member 114 and the filter portion 115 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0046] Next, the internal structure of the fragrance attractor 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance attractor 100 taken along the arrow 3-3 shown in FIG. 1B. In FIG. 3, the slide cover 90 is in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 3, the inner housing 10 is accommodated inside the outer housing 101 of the fragrance attractor 100. The inner housing 10 is made of, for example, resin, and in particular, can be formed of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. From the viewpoints of heat resistance and strength, it is preferable that the inner housing 10 is formed of PEEK. However, the material of the inner housing 10 is not particularly limited. In the internal space of the inner housing 10, a power supply unit 20 and an atomizing unit 30 (corresponding to an example of an atomizing unit) are provided. Also, the outer housing 101 is made of, for example, resin, and in particular, can be formed of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0047] The power supply unit 20 has a power supply 21. The power supply 21 can be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the atomizing unit 30 via a PCB (Printed Circuit board) or the like not shown. Thereby, the power supply 21 can supply power to the atomizing unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the consumable material 110.

[0048] As shown in the figure, the atomization unit 30 includes a chamber 50 extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable 110, a heater 40 surrounding a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulation part 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the smokable material 111 of the consumable 110. The chamber 50 is preferably formed of a material having heat resistance and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and can 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 can function as a stopper for positioning the consumable 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 has irregularities on the surface in contact with the consumable 110 and can define a space for supplying air to the surface in contact with the consumable 110. The bottom member 36 can be composed of, for example, a resin material such as PEEK, metal, glass, or ceramic, but is not particularly limited thereto. Further, 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 composed of a resin material such as an epoxy resin or an inorganic material can be used.

[0049] The heater 40 includes a sheet-like heater for heating the smokable material 111 of the consumable 110 accommodated in the chamber 50. The heater 40 is arranged so as to surround the smokable material 111 of the consumable 110. In the present embodiment, the heater 40 can be arranged so as to surround the chamber 50. Specifically, the heater 40 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and is configured to heat the consumable 110 accommodated in the chamber 50. The heater 40 may further include a heat insulation member located outside the heater 40, a shrink tube for fixing the heater 40 to the chamber 50, or the like.

[0050] The heater 40 is configured to heat the smokable material 111 of the consumable 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 from the outside. The heater 40 may be provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the chamber 50 or on the inner surface. In the present embodiment, the heater 40 can be arranged on the outer periphery of the chamber 50. Specifically, the heater 40 can surround the chamber 50 so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50. In this case, since the smokable material 111 is heated by the heater 40 from the outer peripheral side, the heat of the heater 40 is easily transmitted to the outer peripheral side. Therefore, by suppressing the heat dissipation to the outside of the device by the heat insulating portion 32, the heat of the heater 40 can be maintained more on the inner side of the chamber 50, that is, on the side of the smokable material 111, and the smokable material 111 arranged in the chamber 50 can be heated more efficiently. Further, since the heater 40 is arranged on the outer periphery of the chamber 50, the heater 40 is prevented from directly contacting the smokable material 111, so that the heater 40 is suppressed from being soiled by the smokable material 111.

[0051] The heater 40 preferably heats the smokable material 111 to 200 ° C or higher and 400 ° C or lower. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately heat the smokable material 111 to generate an aerosol while suppressing the influence on the heat insulating member 60 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) described later. When the smokable material 111 is heated to less than 200 ° C, there is a risk that a sufficient amount of aerosol cannot be generated from the smokable material 111. Further, when the smokable material 111 is heated to more than 400 ° C, depending on the type of the heat insulating member 60 described later and the distance between the heater 40 and the heat insulating member 60, there is a risk of adversely affecting the heat insulating member 60.

[0052] The heat insulation part 32 is configured to suppress heat dissipation of the smokable article 111 or the heater 40 to the outside of the device. The heat insulation part 32 is generally substantially cylindrical and is arranged to surround the chamber 50 and the heater 40. The heat insulation part 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The heat insulation part 32 is arranged to be spaced apart from the chamber 50 and the heater 40, and an air layer is formed between the heat insulation part 32 and the chamber 50 and the heater 40. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is provided between the slide cover 90 in the closed position and the chamber 50. Further, the flavor attractor 100 has a first holding part 37 and a second holding part 38 for holding the heat insulation part 32. The first holding part 37 and the second holding part 38 can be formed of an elastomer such as silicone rubber, for example. As shown in FIG. 3, the first holding part 37 holds the end part of the heat insulation part 32 on the positive Z-axis direction side. Also, the second holding part 38 holds the end part of the heat insulation part 32 on the negative Z-axis direction side.

[0053] The insertion guide member 34 has a function of guiding the insertion of the consumable 110. Specifically, when the slide cover 90 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the opening 101a shown in FIG. 1B of the flavor attractor 100, and by inserting the consumable 110 into the insertion guide member 34, the consumable 110 is guided to the chamber 50. That is, the end part on the side where the opening 101a of the flavor attractor 100 is formed constitutes the insertion side end part 104 into which the consumable 110 including the smokable article 111 is inserted. In the present embodiment, since the insertion guide member 34 can contact the chamber 50, the insertion guide member 34 is preferably formed of PEEK from the viewpoint of heat resistance.

[0054] The flavor attractor 100 has a first chassis 22 extending in the Z-axis direction between the power source 21 and the atomization part 30, and a second chassis 23 extending so as to cover the slide cover 90 side of the power source 21. The first chassis 22 and the second chassis 23 are configured to partition the space in the inner housing 10 in which the power source 21 is accommodated.

[0055] Next, the heat insulation part 32 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the heat insulation member that constitutes the heat insulation part 32. The heat insulation member 60 is configured to suppress heat radiation of the smokable article 111 accommodated in the heater 40 or the chamber 50 to the outside of the device. As shown in FIG. 4, this heat insulation member 60 has a first surface 61, a second surface 62, and an end surface 63. The second surface 62 is a surface opposite to the first surface 61. The end surface 63 is a surface that connects the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 and has a smaller area than the first surface 61 or the second surface 62. In other words, the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 is a main surface having the largest area of the heat insulation member 60. As shown in FIG. 4, the heat insulation member 60 can be sheet-shaped as a whole.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the heat insulation part 32 arranged around the chamber 50. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heat insulation part 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat insulation member 60 is preferably a heat insulation sheet surrounding the chamber 50. Thereby, heat transfer from the periphery of the chamber 50 to the outside of the device is suppressed, so that the smokable article 111 arranged in the chamber 50 can be heated more efficiently. Also, by using the sheet-shaped heat insulation member 60, the front and back surfaces of the sheet-shaped heat insulation member 60 can be made the first part 60a (see FIG. 6) and the second part 60b (see FIG. 6), respectively. Thereby, different amounts of the radiation suppression material 67 (see FIG. 6) can be included on the front and back surfaces of the sheet-shaped heat insulation member 60, so that the heat insulation member 60 including different amounts of the radiation suppression material 67 in the first part 60a and the second part 60b can be easily manufactured. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the heat insulation member 60 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the second surface 62 facing the chamber 50 side and is arranged to surround the chamber 50. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the first surface 61 of the cylindrical heat insulation member 60 constitutes the outer peripheral surface.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the heat insulating member 60 of the present embodiment includes an aerogel 66 and a radiation suppressing material 67 (corresponding to an example of a first radiation suppressing material). Thereby, since the radiation suppressing material 67 can suppress the heat radiation from the heater 40 to the outside of the apparatus, the energy loss due to the heat radiation can be suppressed. In particular, when the heating temperature by the heater 40 is high and the contribution of the heat radiation in the heat transfer becomes large, the energy loss can be effectively suppressed. Further, since the heat insulating member 60 includes the aerogel 66, the heat transfer by the heat conduction can also be effectively suppressed. Generally, the aerogel 66 has a low suppression effect on the radiation heat transfer whose contribution rate significantly increases at high temperatures among the heat transfer forms. Therefore, by coexisting the radiation suppressing material 67 and the aerogel 66, the heat insulating property of the heat insulating member 60 can be improved. The aerogel 66 may include, for example, a porous structure made of fumed silica, a silica aerogel, or a carbon aerogel.

[0058] The radiation suppressing material 67 preferably has low water absorbency. Specifically, in an environment of 22° C. and 60% RH, the maximum water content rate is preferably 4% or less. Thereby, the amount of moisture held by the radiation suppressing material 67 can be reduced. Therefore, the decrease in the heat insulating performance of the aerogel 66 or the increase in the heat capacity of the entire heat insulating member 60 is suppressed, and in addition, since the energy consumed for the evaporation of the moisture held by the radiation suppressing material 67 is reduced, the energy loss by the heat insulating member 60 can be reduced.

[0059] The radiation suppressing material 67 preferably includes at least one of, for example, a silicon material, a metal oxide, a carbon material, and a metal material. Thereby, the radiation suppressing material 67 can have a property of being opaque to electromagnetic waves from infrared to far-infrared (for example, a transmittance of 80% or less). Thereby, the radiation suppressing material 67 can absorb, reflect, or scatter electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays or far-infrared rays generated from the high-temperature heater 40, and can suppress the outside of the apparatus from being heated by the electromagnetic waves.

[0060] The radiation suppression material 67 more preferably contains at least one of the group consisting of SiC (silicon carbide), TiO2 (titanium oxide), and hydrophobically treated carbon. Thereby, since the radiation suppression material 67 has low water absorption, the energy consumed for the temperature rise or evaporation of the moisture held by the radiation suppression material 67 is reduced, so that the decrease in the heat insulation performance of the aerogel 66 or the increase in the heat capacity of the entire heat insulation member 60 is suppressed, and the energy loss due to the heat insulation member 60 can be reduced. Further, when the radiation suppression material 67 is selected from at least one of the above group, since the radiation suppression material 67 has insulation properties, when the radiation suppression material 67 falls off from the heat insulation member 60 and enters the electric control unit of the fragrance attractor 100, a short circuit can be prevented from occurring.

[0061] Further, the volume ratio of the radiation suppression material 67 to the aerogel 66 is preferably 0.001% or more and 2% or less. Thereby, heat transfer and heat radiation can be suppressed in a well-balanced manner. Further, the volume ratio is more preferably 0.01% or more and 1% or less. Thereby, heat transfer and heat radiation can be suppressed in a well-balanced manner.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, the heat insulation member 60 preferably includes a holding body 68 that holds the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppression material 67. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppression material 67 from falling off from the heat insulation member 60, so that it is possible to suppress the heat insulation property of the heat insulation member 60 from decreasing due to the falling off of the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppression material 67 caused by the use of the fragrance attractor 100. In the present embodiment, the holding body 68 holds both the aerogel 66 and the radiation suppression material 67.

[0063] The holding body 68 is preferably a porous body. Thereby, since the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppressing material 67 can be dispersed and held in the porous holding body 68, a heat insulating member 60 in which the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppressing material 67 is substantially uniformly distributed in the holding body 68 can be obtained. Therefore, the heat insulating property of the heat insulating member 60 can be made uniform. Note that the holding body 68 can be a material having voids inside, such as a nonwoven fabric or a foam, and specifically, can be a glass fiber nonwoven fabric, a heat resistant resin foam such as melamine or PI (polyimide), or the like.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holding body 68 is preferably supported by a support member. Since the heat insulating member 60 (holding body 68) generally has low rigidity and is brittle, it can be supported by a support member. In this case, even if the rigidity of the heat insulating member 60 (holding body 68) is low, the heat insulating member 60 can be stably supported by the support member. The support member is preferably made of a material that can maintain high strength even in a high-temperature environment, and can be formed of, for example, a resin film, a heat shrinkable tube, a resin such as PEEK, a metal such as stainless steel, paper, or glass. When the support member has a high thermal conductivity, the heat transmitted to the support member is dispersed, so that the local heat load on the heat insulating member 60 can be reduced. On the other hand, when the support member has a low thermal conductivity (when it has high heat insulating properties), the heat insulating performance of the entire device can be maintained or improved.

[0065] Also, the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 of the heat insulating member 60 is preferably sealed by a support member. Thereby, since the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 of the heat insulating member 60 is sealed by the support member, the intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat insulating member 60 (holding body 68) having a porous structure can be suppressed. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used for heating the moisture contained in the heat insulating member 60, and as a result, to further suppress a decrease in energy efficiency.

[0066] Specifically, in the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the inner peripheral surface of the holder 68 is supported by the support member 71. The support member 71 can be a cylindrical member arranged to surround the chamber 50 while being spaced apart from the chamber 50 (see FIG. 5). The support member 71 can be formed of a resin such as PEEK, a metal such as stainless steel, paper, or glass, etc., and can be held by the first holding portion 37 and the second holding portion 38 shown in FIG. 3. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the holder 68 is supported by the support member 72. The support member 72 can be a resin film such as a heat shrinkable tube or a PI film. The support member 72 can have a function of pressing the heat insulating member 60 against the support member 71. It is preferable that at least one of the support member 71 or the support member 72 includes a radiation suppressing material (corresponding to an example of the second radiation suppressing material). Thereby, the heat insulating performance of the entire device can be improved. This radiation suppressing material can be composed of the same material as the radiation suppressing material 67. Note that "at least one of the support member 71 or the support member 72 includes a radiation suppressing material" includes that at least one of the support member 71 or the support member 72 is formed of a radiation suppressing material (such as stainless steel, etc.).

[0067] It is preferable that the second surface 62 constituting the inner peripheral surface of the heat insulating member 60 (holder 68) is sealed by the support member 71. The second surface 62 of the heat insulating member 60 can be sealed by the outer peripheral surface of the support member 71. Further, it is preferable that the first surface 61 constituting the outer peripheral surface of the heat insulating member 60 (holder 68) is sealed by the support member 72. The support member 72 is substantially cylindrical, and the first surface 61 of the heat insulating member 60 can be sealed by the inner peripheral surface of the support member 72.

[0068] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is preferable that the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60 (holding body 68) is sealed. By sealing at least one of the first face 61, the second face 62, or the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60 (holding body 68), it is possible to suppress the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppressing material 67 contained in the heat insulating member 60 from falling off. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the heat insulating property of the heat insulating member 60 from decreasing due to the falling off of the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppressing material 67 caused by the use of the fragrance attractor. Further, by sealing at least one of the first face 61, the second face 62, or the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60 (holding body 68), it is possible to suppress the moisture absorption of the heat insulating member 60, that is, the intrusion of moisture into the interior of the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used for heating the moisture contained in the heat insulating member 60, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0069] The end face 63 is preferably sealed with a heat resistant resin 65. Thereby, even when the heat insulating member 60 is exposed to a predetermined high temperature, the physical properties of the heat resistant resin 65 can be maintained, so that the sealing of the end face 63 can be maintained even when the heat insulating member 60 is heated by the heater 40. Note that the heat resistant resin 65 preferably has heat resistance to maintain physical properties at a temperature of 100° C. or higher, for example.

[0070] Also, this heat resistant resin 65 preferably impregnates the holding body 68 having a porous structure from the end face 63. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat resistant resin 65 impregnates a predetermined range at the end of the heat insulating member 60 (holding body 68) from the end face 63. Thereby, the end face 63 can be more reliably sealed with the heat resistant resin 65, so that it is possible to further suppress the falling off of the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppressing material 67 and the intrusion of moisture into the interior of the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure.

[0071] The heat insulating member 60 (holding body 68) preferably has its entire surface sealed. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the entire surface of the heat insulating member 60 is sealed by the support member 71, the support member 72, and the heat resistant resin 65. Thereby, the dropout of the aerogel 66 or the radiation suppressing material 67 and the intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure can be further suppressed.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5, the end face 63 to be sealed is located at the end in the insertion direction of the smokable article 111 into the chamber 50. In other words, for the cylindrical heat insulating member 60, the end face 63 (i.e., the end face 63 extending in the circumferential direction) at the end in the axial direction of the heat insulating member 60 is sealed. In the illustrated example, both end faces 63 at both axial ends of the heat insulating member 60 are sealed. Further, the end face 63 in the circumferential direction of the heat insulating member 60, i.e., the end face 63 extending in the insertion direction, can be sealed by the support member 72.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, the heat insulating member 60 includes a first portion 60a and a second portion 60b farther from the chamber 50 than the first portion 60a. As shown in the drawing, the first portion 60a is, for example, a portion constituting the inner peripheral surface close to the second surface 62 of the heat insulating member 60, and the second portion 60b can be, for example, a portion constituting the outer peripheral surface close to the first surface 61 of the heat insulating member 60. In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first portion 60a contains more radiation suppressing material 67 than the second portion 60b. Specifically, it is preferable that the weight of the radiation suppressing material 67 contained per unit volume of the first portion 60a is greater than the weight of the radiation suppressing material 67 contained per unit volume of the second portion 60b. The energy of the electromagnetic wave due to thermal radiation is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature. Therefore, in order to efficiently suppress heat transfer by radiation, it is preferable to absorb, reflect, or scatter the electromagnetic wave near the heat source (the heater 40, the smokable article 111, or the chamber 50). Therefore, by including a large amount of the radiation suppressing material 67 in the first portion 60a of the heat insulating member 60 that is relatively close to the heat source (chamber 50), heat transfer by radiation can be efficiently suppressed.

[0074] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, the specification, and the drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification and the drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as it exhibits the functions and effects of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 32: Heat insulation part 40: Heater 50: Chamber 60: Heat insulation member 60a: First part 60b: Second part 61: First surface 62: Second surface 63: End face 66: Aerogel 67: Radiation suppression material 68: Holder 71: Support member 72: Support member 100: Flavor attractor 111: Smoking article

Claims

1. A chamber for containing a smokable article, a heater for heating the smokable article contained in the chamber, and a heat insulating member for suppressing heat radiation of the smokable article or the heater to the outside of the device, wherein the heat insulating member includes an aerogel and a first radiation suppressing material, the heat insulating member includes a holder for holding the aerogel or the first radiation suppressing material, and the holder is a porous body, and the heat insulating member is a heat insulating sheet surrounding the chamber, an aroma attractor.

2. In the aroma attractor according to Claim 1, the first radiation suppressing material includes at least one of a silicon material, a metal oxide, a carbon material, and a metal material, an aroma attractor.

3. In the aroma attractor according to Claim 1 or 2, the first radiation suppressing material includes at least one of SiC, TiO2, and hydrophobically treated carbon, an aroma attractor.

4. In the aroma attractor according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, the volume ratio of the first radiation suppressing material to the aerogel is 0.001% or more and 2% or less, an aroma attractor.

5. In the aroma attractor according to Claim 4, the volume ratio of the first radiation suppressing material to the aerogel is 0.01% or more and 1% or less, an aroma attractor.

6. In the aroma attractor according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, the first radiation suppressing material has low water absorption, an aroma attractor.

7. In the aroma attractor according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, the holder is supported by a support member, an aroma attractor.

8. In the aroma attractor according to Claim 7, the support member includes a second radiation suppressing material, an aroma attractor.

9. In the aroma attractor according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, the heat insulating member includes a first portion and a second portion farther from the chamber than the first portion, and the first portion includes more of the first radiation suppressing material than the second portion, an aroma attractor.

10. In the aroma attractor according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, the heater is disposed on the outer periphery of the chamber, an aroma attractor.

11. In the aroma attractor according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, the heater is configured to heat the smokable article to 200°C or more and 400°C or less, an aroma attractor.

12. In the aroma attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the heat insulating member has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface that connects the first surface and the second surface and has a smaller area than the first surface or the second surface, the heat insulating member is an aroma attractor in which at least the end surface is sealed.

13. In the aroma attractor according to claim 12, the end surface is sealed with a heat-resistant resin, and the heat-resistant resin impregnates the holding body from the end surface, which is an aroma attractor.

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