Fragrance attractor and method for manufacturing the 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 has a first surface, a second surface on the reverse side of the first surface, and an end face that connects the first surface and the second surface and has an area smaller than that of the first surface or the second surface. The insulation member has a porous structure and at least the end face is sealed.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a flavor inhaler for inhaling flavors and the like without burning a material. The flavor inhaler has, for example, a chamber for accommodating a flavor-generating article and a heater for heating the flavor-generating article accommodated in the chamber (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 084775 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a heat insulating member having a porous structure may be used in a flavor inhaler to improve the heating efficiency of the flavor generating article in the heater. On the other hand, such a heat insulating member has a property of being easily hygroscopic due to its porous structure. When the flavor inhaler starts to heat the flavor generating article with the heater in a state where the heat insulating member has absorbed moisture, the energy required for evaporating the moisture is consumed extra. For this reason, in a flavor inhaler having such a heat insulating member, the energy efficiency in aerosol generation may decrease, or the preheating time required to reach a state where sufficient aerosol is generated may be long.

[0005] One of the objects of the present invention is to suppress moisture absorption by a heat insulating member of a flavor inhaler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aroma attractor. 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 or the heater to the outside of the device. The heat insulating member has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface connecting the first surface and the second surface and having an area smaller than that of the first surface or the second surface. The heat insulating member has a porous structure, and at least the end surface is sealed.

[0007] According to the first aspect, since the end surface 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. In addition, since the material surface is directly sealed without storing the heat insulating member in a case or the like, enlargement of the unit including the heat insulating member can be suppressed.

[0008] A second aspect is summarized in that, in the first aspect, the first surface or the second surface of the heat insulating member is sealed by a support member.

[0009] Since the heat insulating member is generally low in rigidity and brittle, it can be supported by a support member. The support member can be formed of, for example, a heat shrinkable film, a heat shrinkable tube, a resin such as PEEK, a metal such as stainless steel, paper, or glass. According to the second aspect, since the first surface or the second surface of the heat insulating member is sealed by the support member, it is possible to further suppress intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member having a porous structure. For this reason, it is possible to further 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 further suppress a decrease in energy efficiency.

[0010] A third aspect is summarized in that, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the entire surface of the heat insulating member is sealed.

[0011] According to the third aspect, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member having the porous structure. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the use of the energy of the heater for heating the moisture contained in the heat insulating member, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0012] The gist of the fourth aspect is that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the internal space of the porous structure is in a depressurized state at normal temperature.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, since the internal space of the porous structure of the heat insulating member is in a depressurized state, the amount of water vapor contained in the porous structure is relatively small. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the use of the energy of the heater for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat insulating member, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0014] The gist of the fifth aspect is that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the end face is sealed with a heat-resistant resin.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, since the physical properties of the heat-resistant resin can be maintained even when the heat insulating member is exposed to a predetermined high temperature, the sealing of the end face can be maintained even when the heat insulating member is heated by the heater. The heat-resistant resin preferably has heat resistance to maintain physical properties at a temperature of 100°C or higher, for example.

[0016] The gist of the sixth aspect is that, in the fifth aspect, the heat-resistant resin impregnates the porous structure from the end face.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, since the heat-resistant resin impregnates the porous structure of the end face, the end face can be more reliably sealed with the heat-resistant resin. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member having the porous structure.

[0018] The gist of the seventh aspect is that, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the heat-resistant resin is a thermosetting adhesive.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, when the heat-resistant resin is thermoset, the inside of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member can be degassed by heat, so that the end face can be sealed in a state where the amount of water vapor in the porous structure is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the use of the energy of the heater for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat-insulating member, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress the reduction in energy efficiency.

[0020] The gist of the eighth aspect is that, in the seventh aspect, the adhesive before thermosetting has a property that its viscosity decreases upon heating.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, by heating the adhesive, the adhesive is more easily applied to the end face of the heat-insulating member. Further, when the viscosity of the adhesive decreases, the adhesive is more likely to impregnate the porous structure of the heat-insulating member. Furthermore, degassing of the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member becomes easier. Therefore, according to the eighth aspect, while maintaining the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member in a reduced-pressure state, the end face can be more reliably sealed with the heat-resistant resin. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat-insulating member having a porous structure, and it is possible to further suppress the use of the energy of the heater for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat-insulating member, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress the reduction in energy efficiency.

[0022] The gist of the ninth aspect is that, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the porous structure is a continuous pore structure.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, since the plurality of pores of the porous structure communicate with each other, for example, by sealing the end face of the heat-insulating member in a state where the heat-insulating member is heated and degassed, the entire porous structure can be degassed. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the use of the energy of the heater for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat-insulating member, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress the reduction in energy efficiency.

[0024] Aspect 10 is summarized in that, in any of Aspects 1 to 9, the heat insulating member includes an aerogel.

[0025] According to Aspect 10, since the heat insulating member has relatively high heat insulating properties, heat dissipation of the smokable article or the heater to the outside of the device can be further suppressed, and the smokable article can be efficiently heated.

[0026] Aspect 11 is summarized in that, in any of Aspects 1 to 10, the heat insulating member includes a radiation inhibitor.

[0027] The higher the temperature at which the smokable article is heated, the greater the contribution of heat transfer by thermal radiation. According to Aspect 11, since the heat insulating member can suppress heat transfer by thermal radiation, the smokable article can be heated more efficiently.

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

[0029] According to Aspect 12, since heat transfer from the periphery of the chamber to the outside of the device is suppressed, the smokable article disposed in the chamber can be heated more efficiently.

[0030] Aspect 13 is summarized in that, in any of Aspects 1 to 12, the heater is configured to heat the smokable article to 200°C or more and 400°C or less.

[0031] According to Aspect 13, 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 risk that a sufficient amount of aerosol cannot be generated from the smokable article. Also, if 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 risk of adversely affecting the heat insulating member.

[0032] The gist of the 14th aspect is that in any one of the 1st to 13th aspects, the heater is disposed on the outer periphery of the chamber.

[0033] According to the 14th aspect, since the smokable article is heated by the heater from the outer peripheral side, the heat of the heater is easily transferred to the outer peripheral side. For this reason, by suppressing heat dissipation to the outside of the apparatus by the heat insulating member, the heat of the heater can be maintained more on the inner side of 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, direct contact between the heater and the smokable article is avoided, so that contamination of the heater by the smokable article is suppressed.

[0034] The gist of the 15th aspect is that in any one of the 1st to 14th aspects, the end face is located at an end in the insertion direction of the smokable article into the chamber.

[0035] According to the 16th aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing an aroma attractor having a heater for heating a smokable article and a heat insulating member having a porous structure for suppressing heat dissipation of the smokable article or the heater to the outside of the apparatus. This method for manufacturing an aroma attractor includes a coating step of applying a thermosetting adhesive to an end face of the heat insulating member, a first heating step of heating the heat insulating member to which the adhesive has been applied at a first temperature, a second heating step of heating the heat insulating member heated in the first heating step at a second temperature higher than the first temperature to cure the adhesive, and a step of sealing the end face by the second heating step.

[0036] According to the 16th aspect, since the inside of the porous structure of the heat insulating member can be degassed before curing the thermosetting adhesive in the first heating step, the amount of water vapor in the porous structure can be reduced. Further, in the second heating step, the end face can be sealed with the thermosetting adhesive in a state where the amount of water vapor in the porous structure is reduced. Furthermore, moisture absorption of the heat insulating member from the end face of the heat insulating member, that is, intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat insulating member having the porous structure can be suppressed. 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.

[0037] The gist of the 17th aspect is that, in the 16th aspect, the first heating step includes a step of expanding the air contained in the heat insulating member having the porous structure.

[0038] According to the 17th aspect, since the end face of the heat insulating member is sealed after the air contained in the heat insulating member is expanded, the heat insulating member with the sealed end face can be in a reduced pressure state at normal temperature. That is, since the internal space of the porous structure of the heat insulating member at normal temperature can be in a reduced pressure state, the amount of water vapor contained in the porous structure becomes relatively small. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater from being used for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat insulating member, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in energy efficiency.

[0039] The gist of the 18th aspect is that, in the 16th aspect or the 17th aspect, the first heating step includes a step of reducing the viscosity of the adhesive applied to the heat insulating member.

[0040] According to the 18th aspect, since it becomes easier to apply the adhesive to the end face of the heat insulating member and the adhesive can be impregnated into the porous structure of the heat insulating member, the end face can be sealed more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat insulating member having the porous structure.

[0041] Aspect 19 is characterized in that, in any one of Aspects 16 to 18, before the coating step, there is a step of sealing the first surface of the heat insulating member or the second surface opposite to the first surface.

[0042] According to Aspect 19, since the first surface or the second surface of the heat insulating member is sealed, the intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat insulating member having a porous structure can be further suppressed. For this reason, it is further 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 further possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0043] Aspect 20 is characterized in that, in any one of Aspects 16 to 19, it includes a step of sealing the entire surface of the heat insulating member.

[0044] According to Aspect 20, the intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat insulating member having a porous structure can be further suppressed. For this reason, it is further 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 further possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0046] 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.

[0047] FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of the fragrance inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the fragrance inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the fragrance inhaler 100 according to this 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 atomization 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.

[0048] The fragrance inhaler 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol containing fragrance by heating, for example, a stick-shaped consumable having a smokable substance containing an aerosol source and a fragrance source.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the fragrance attractor 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 section 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the fragrance attractor 100 and has a size that fits in the user's hand. When the user uses the fragrance attractor 100, the main body 120 can be held by hand to suck the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be composed by assembling a plurality of members.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1B, the outer housing 101 has an opening 101a into which the 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) that closes the opening 101a of the outer housing 101 and an open position (the position shown in FIG. 1B) that opens the opening 101a. 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.

[0051] The switch section 103 is used to switch on and off the operation of the fragrance attractor 100. For example, when the user operates the switch section 103 with the consumable inserted into the fragrance attractor 100, power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating section (not shown), and the consumable can be heated without being burned. Note that the switch section 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 section 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In the present embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch section 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.

[0052] The fragrance attractor 100 may further have terminals (not shown). The terminals can be, for example, an interface for connecting the fragrance attractor 100 to 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, current can be passed from the external power source to the power source to charge the power source. Also, 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.

[0053] Next, the consumable used in the fragrance 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 may be configured by the fragrance 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. The cylindrical member 114 and the second rolling paper 113 covering the cylindrical member 114 may be provided with an aperture V. The aperture V is usually a hole for promoting the inflow of outside air by the user's suction, and the temperature of the components and air flowing in from the smokable article 111 can be lowered by this inflow of 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.

[0054] The smokable article 111 may include, for example, a flavor source such as tobacco and an aerosol source. Also, the first wrapper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111 may be a breathable sheet member. The cylindrical member 114 may 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.

[0055] Next, the internal structure of the flavor attractor 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor 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 flavor attractor 100. The inner housing 10 may be made of, for example, resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. From the viewpoints of heat resistance and strength, the inner housing 10 is preferably formed of PEEK. However, the material of the inner housing 10 is not particularly limited. A power supply unit 20 and an atomization unit 30 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10. Also, the outer housing 101 may be made of, for example, resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0056] 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 atomization unit 30 via a PCB (Printed Circuit board) or the like (not shown). Thereby, the power supply 21 can supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the consumable material 110.

[0057] As shown in the figure, the atomization unit 30 includes a chamber 50 extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable material 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 material 110. The chamber 50 preferably is 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 material 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 has irregularities on the surface in contact with the consumable material 110 and can define a space capable of supplying air to the surface in contact with the consumable material 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.

[0058] The heater 40 includes a sheet-shaped heater for heating the smokable material 111 of the consumable material 110 housed in the chamber 50. The heater 40 is arranged to surround the smokable material 111 of the consumable material 110. In the present embodiment, the heater 40 can be arranged to surround the chamber 50. Specifically, the heater 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the consumable material 110 housed in the chamber 50. The heater 40 may further include a heat insulating member located outside the heater 40, or a shrink tube for fixing the heater 40 to the chamber 50, etc.

[0059] The heater 40 is configured to heat the smokable material 111 of the consumable material 110 from the outside. The heater 40 may be provided on the outer surface or the inner surface of the side wall of the chamber 50. 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 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.

[0060] The heater 40 preferably heats the smokable article 111 to a temperature of 200° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower. Thereby, the smokable article 111 can be appropriately heated to generate an aerosol while suppressing the influence on the heat insulating member 60 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) described later. When the smokable article 111 is heated to a temperature lower than 200° C., there is a risk that a sufficient amount of aerosol cannot be generated from the smokable article 111. Further, when the smokable article 111 is heated to a temperature exceeding 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.

[0061] The heat insulating portion 32 is configured to suppress heat dissipation of the smokable article 111 or the heater 40 to the outside of the device. The heat insulating portion 32 is generally cylindrical and is arranged to surround the chamber 50 and the heater 40. The heat insulating portion 32 may contain, for example, aerogel. The heat insulating portion 32 is arranged so as to be separated from the chamber 50 and the heater 40, and an air layer is formed between the heat insulating portion 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 portion 37 and a second holding portion 38 for holding the heat insulating portion 32. The first holding portion 37 and the second holding portion 38 can be formed of an elastomer such as silicone rubber, for example. As shown in FIG. 3, the first holding portion 37 holds the end portion of the heat insulating portion 32 on the positive Z-axis direction side. Further, the second holding portion 38 holds the end portion of the heat insulating portion 32 on the negative Z-axis direction side.

[0062] 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. By inserting the consumable 110 into the insertion guide member 34, the consumable 110 is guided to the chamber 50. That is, the end on the side where the opening 101a of the flavor attractor 100 is formed constitutes the insertion side end 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.

[0063] The flavor attractor 100 includes a first chassis 22 extending in the Z-axis direction between the power source 21 and the atomization unit 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 a space in the inner housing 10 where the power source 21 is accommodated.

[0064] Next, the heat insulation part 32 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the heat insulation member constituting the heat insulation part 32. The heat insulation member 60 is configured to suppress heat dissipation 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, the 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 having a smaller area than the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 that connects the first surface 61 and 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 may be sheet-shaped as a whole.

[0065] The heat insulation member 60 of this embodiment has a porous structure. The heat insulation member 60 can be a material having voids inside, such as a non-woven fabric or a foam, and specifically can be a glass fiber non-woven fabric, a heat-resistant resin foam such as melamine or PI (polyimide), etc. The heat insulation member 60 preferably contains an aerogel. In this case, since the heat insulation member 60 has relatively high heat insulation properties, heat dissipation of the smokable article 111 or the heater 40 to the outside of the device can be further suppressed, and the smokable article 111 can be efficiently heated. The aerogel can include, for example, a porous structure made of fumed silica, silica aerogel, or carbon aerogel, etc. The aerogel can be supported on the heat insulation member 60 having a porous structure.

[0066] Also, the heat insulation member 60 preferably contains a radiation inhibitor. The higher the temperature at which the smokable article 111 is heated, the greater the contribution of heat transfer by thermal radiation. When the heat insulation member 60 contains a radiation inhibitor, the heat insulation member 60 can more effectively suppress heat transfer by thermal radiation, so the smokable article 111 can be heated more efficiently. Specifically, the radiation inhibitor can include, for example, a silicon material such as SiC, a metal oxide such as TiO2, or a carbon material such as hydrophobically treated carbon.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the heat insulation part 32 arranged around the chamber 50. 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 the smokable article 111 arranged in the chamber 50 can be heated more efficiently. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the heat insulation member 60 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the second surface 62 faces 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.

[0068] As described above, when the heat insulating member 60 has a porous structure, the heat insulating member 60 may be likely to absorb moisture. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, at least the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60 is sealed. By sealing the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60, it is possible to suppress the moisture absorption of the heat insulating member 60, that is, the intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure. For this reason, 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. Further, since the material surface is directly sealed without storing the heat insulating member in a case or the like, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the unit including the heat insulating member.

[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. The heat resistant resin 65 preferably has heat resistance to maintain physical properties at a temperature of 100° C. or higher, for example. The sealing member is not limited to the heat resistant resin 65, and the end face 65 may be sealed with a sealing member made of, for example, metal or ceramics.

[0070] Further, this heat resistant resin 65 preferably impregnates the porous structure from the end face 63. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat resistant resin 65 impregnates a predetermined range of the end of the heat insulating member 60 from the end face 63. Thereby, the end face 63 can be more reliably sealed with the heat resistant resin 65, so that the intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure can be further suppressed.

[0071] The heat-resistant resin 65 is preferably a thermosetting adhesive. By doing so, when the heat-resistant resin 65 is thermoset, the inside of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60 is degassed by heat, so that the end face 63 can be sealed in a state where the amount of water vapor in the porous structure is reduced. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat-insulating member 60, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress the decrease in energy efficiency. Examples of the thermosetting adhesive include epoxy adhesives. Note that the heat-resistant resin 65 is not limited to a thermosetting adhesive. The heat-resistant resin 65 may be, for example, a UV-curable resin, an O-ring made of an elastic resin, or a combination thereof.

[0072] Also, before thermosetting, the adhesive preferably has the property that its viscosity decreases by heating. Thereby, by heating the adhesive, it becomes easier to apply the adhesive to the end face 63 of the heat-insulating member 60. Further, when the viscosity of the adhesive decreases, the adhesive easily impregnates the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60. Furthermore, degassing of the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60 becomes easy. Therefore, while maintaining the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60 in a reduced-pressure state, the end face 63 can be more reliably sealed with the heat-resistant resin 65. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat-insulating member 60 having a porous structure, and it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat-insulating member 60, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0073] 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 (that is, 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. Also, the circumferential end face 63 of the heat-insulating member 60, that is, the end face 63 extending in the insertion direction, can be sealed by a support member 72 described later.

[0074] Further, the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 of the heat insulating member 60 is preferably sealed by a support member. Since the heat insulating member 60 is generally low in rigidity and brittle, it can be supported by a support member. The support member 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. Thereby, since the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 of the heat insulating member 60 is sealed by the support member, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure. 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, it is possible to further suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0075] Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the second surface 62 constituting the inner peripheral surface of the heat insulating member 60 is sealed by the support member 71. The support member 71 is substantially cylindrical, and the second surface 62 of the heat insulating member 60 can be sealed by the outer peripheral surface of the support member 71. The support member 71 is arranged so as to surround the chamber 50 while being separated from the chamber 50. The support member 71 can be formed of, for example, a resin such as PEEK, a metal such as stainless steel, paper, or glass, and can be held by the first holding portion 37 and the second holding portion 38 shown in FIG. 3.

[0076] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the first surface 61 constituting the outer peripheral surface of the heat insulating member 60 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. The support member 72 can be a resin film such as a heat shrinkable tube or a PI film, for example. The support member 72 can have a function of pressing the heat insulating member 60 against the support member 71.

[0077] The entire surface of the heat insulating member 60 is preferably sealed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, 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 intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure can be further suppressed. For this reason, it is further possible to suppress that the energy for heating the smokable material 111 of the heater 40 is used for heating the moisture contained in the heat insulating member 60, and as a result, it is further possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0078] The internal space of the porous structure of the heat insulating member 60 is preferably in a depressurized state at normal temperature. In this case, since the internal space of the porous structure of the heat insulating member 60 is in a depressurized state, the amount of water vapor contained in the porous structure becomes relatively small. For this reason, it is further possible to suppress that the energy of the heater 40 is used for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat insulating member 60, and as a result, it is further possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0079] The porous structure of the heat insulating member 60 is preferably a continuous pore structure. In this case, since the plurality of pores of the porous structure communicate with each other, for example, by sealing the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60 in a state where the heat insulating member 60 is heated and degassed, the entire porous structure can be degassed. For this reason, it is further possible to suppress that the energy of the heater 40 is used for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat insulating member 60, and as a result, it is further possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency.

[0080] Next, a method for manufacturing the flavor attractor 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing flow of the flavor attractor 100. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the heater 40 is wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 50 (step S601). However, the heater 40 is not limited to this and can take any form. Subsequently, in the present embodiment, the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 of the heat insulating member 60 are sealed (step S602). Thereby, the intrusion of moisture into the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure can be further suppressed. Note that the order of execution of step S601 and step S602 is arbitrary.

[0081] Subsequently, a thermosetting adhesive is applied to the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60 (step S603), and the heat insulating member 60 to which the adhesive has been applied is heated at a first temperature (first heating step, step S604). By this first heating step, since the inside of the porous structure of the heat insulating member 60 can be degassed, the amount of water vapor in the porous structure can be reduced. In the first heating step, it is preferable that the adhesive does not thermoset. Further, in this first heating step, it is preferable to expand the air contained in the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure. Thereby, since the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60 is sealed after the air contained in the heat insulating member 60 is expanded, the internal space of the heat insulating member 60 is in a depressurized state at normal temperature. That is, since the internal space of the porous structure of the heat insulating member 60 at normal temperature is in a depressurized state, the amount of water vapor contained in the porous structure becomes relatively small. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used for heating the moisture (water vapor) contained in the heat insulating member 60, and as a result, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in energy efficiency. Further, in the first heating step, it is preferable to lower the viscosity of the adhesive applied to the heat insulating member 60. Thereby, it becomes easier to apply the adhesive to the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60, and the adhesive can be impregnated into the porous structure of the heat insulating member 60, so that the end face 63 can be more reliably sealed.

[0082] Subsequently, the heat insulating member 60 heated in the first heating step is heated at a second temperature higher than the first temperature to cure the adhesive (second heating step, step S605). Thereby, in the second heating step, the end face 63 is sealed with the thermosetting adhesive in a state where the amount of water vapor in the porous structure is reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the moisture absorption of the heat insulating member 60 from the end face 63 of the heat insulating member 60, that is, the intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure. Further, it is preferable that the entire surface of the heat insulating member 60 is sealed from step S603 to step S605. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of moisture into the inside of the heat insulating member 60 having a porous structure.

[0083] Finally, attach the heat insulation part 32 to the chamber 50, for example, by the first holding part 37 and the second holding part 38 (step S606). Thereby, the atomization part 30 of the fragrance suction device 100 can be manufactured.

[0084] 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 and material not directly described in the specification and the drawings are within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 30: Atomization part 32: Heat insulation part 40: Heater 50: Chamber 60: Heat insulation member 61: First surface 62: Second surface 63: End face 65: Heat-resistant resin 71: Support member 72: Support member 100: Fragrance suction device 111: Smoking article

Claims

1. a chamber for containing a smokable article; a heater for heating the smokable article contained in the chamber; a heat insulating member for suppressing heat dissipation of the smokable article or the heater to the outside of the device; a first support member and a second support member; and the heat insulating member is a heat insulating sheet surrounding the chamber; the heat insulating member has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface having an area smaller than that of the first surface or the second surface and connecting the first surface and the second surface; the heat insulating member has a porous structure, and at least the end surface is sealed; the first surface constitutes the outer peripheral surface of the heat insulating member and is sealed by the first support member; the second surface constitutes the inner peripheral surface of the heat insulating member and is sealed by the second support member; the first support member is a heat shrinkable tube or a resin film, and is configured to press the heat insulating member against the second support member, a flavor suction device.

2. In the flavor suction device according to Claim 1, the entire surface of the heat insulating member is sealed, a flavor suction device.

3. In the flavor suction device according to Claim 1 or 2, the internal space of the porous structure is in a decompressed state at normal temperature, a flavor suction device.

4. In the flavor suction device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, the end surface is sealed with a heat resistant resin, a flavor suction device.

5. In the flavor suction device according to Claim 4, the heat resistant resin impregnates the porous structure from the end surface, a flavor suction device.

6. In the flavor suction device according to Claim 4 or 5, the heat resistant resin is a thermosetting adhesive, a flavor suction device.

7. In the flavor suction device according to Claim 6, the adhesive before thermosetting has a property that its viscosity decreases by heating, a flavor suction device.

8. In the flavor suction device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, the porous structure is a continuous pore structure, a flavor suction device.

9. In the flavor suction device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, the heat insulating member contains an aerogel, a flavor suction device.

10. In the flavor suction device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, the heat insulating member contains a radiation inhibitor, a flavor suction device.

11. In the flavor suction device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, The heater is a flavor attractor configured to heat the smokable article to a temperature of 200°C or higher and 400°C or lower. **Claim 12** In the flavor attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the heater is disposed on the outer periphery of the chamber, the flavor attractor. **Claim 13** In the flavor attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the end face is located at an end in the insertion direction of the smokable article into the chamber, the flavor attractor. **Claim 14** 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 or the heater to the outside of the device, the heat insulating member having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end face connecting the first surface and the second surface and having an area smaller than that of the first surface or the second surface, the heat insulating member having a porous structure, and at least the end face being sealed, the end face being sealed with a heat-resistant resin, the heat-resistant resin impregnating the porous structure from the end face, the flavor attractor. **Claim 15** 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 or the heater to the outside of the device, the heat insulating member having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end face connecting the first surface and the second surface and having an area smaller than that of the first surface or the second surface, the heat insulating member having a porous structure, and at least the end face being sealed, the end face being sealed with a heat-resistant resin, the heat-resistant resin being a thermosetting adhesive, the adhesive before thermosetting having a property that its viscosity decreases upon heating, the flavor attractor. **Claim 16** A method for manufacturing a flavor attractor having a heater for heating a smokable article and a heat insulating member having a porous structure for suppressing heat dissipation of the smokable article or the heater to the outside of the device, the method including: an application step of applying a thermosetting adhesive to an end face of the heat insulating member; a first heating step of heating the heat insulating member to which the adhesive has been applied at a first temperature; a second heating step of heating the heat insulating member heated in the first heating step at a second temperature higher than the first temperature to cure the adhesive; and a step of sealing the end face by the second heating step, the method for manufacturing a flavor attractor. **Claim 17** In the method for manufacturing an aroma attractor according to claim 16, The first heating step includes a step of expanding air contained in the heat insulating member having a porous structure, and is a method for manufacturing an aroma attractor.

18. In the method for manufacturing an aroma attractor according to claim 16 or 17, The first heating step includes a step of reducing the viscosity of the adhesive applied to the heat insulating member, and is a method for manufacturing an aroma attractor.

19. In the method for manufacturing an aroma attractor according to any one of claims 16 to 18, Before the coating step, there is a step of sealing the first surface of the heat insulating member or the second surface opposite to the first surface, and is a method for manufacturing an aroma attractor.

20. In the method for manufacturing an aroma attractor according to any one of claims 16 to 19, The method for manufacturing an aroma attractor includes a step of sealing the entire surface of the heat insulating member.

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