Aroma Attractor

Abstract

To inhibit aerosol generated in a storage part from leaking into a housing of a flavor inhaler.SOLUTION: A flavor inhaler includes: a storage part having an opening edge part that forms an opening to store at least part of a flavor generation article; an abutment part for abutting on at least part of the opening edge part; and a biasing part for biasing the storage part to the abutment part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning a material have been known. For example, one such flavor inhaler has a storage section for storing a flavor-generating article and a heating section for heating the flavor-generating article stored in the storage section, and uses an O-ring to ensure airtightness (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 035454 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the flavor inhaler described in Patent Document 1, an O-ring is disposed near the housing. Therefore, there is a risk of the O-ring deteriorating due to long-term exposure to heat from the heating unit and aerosols generated in the housing. Furthermore, because the O-ring is stretched to fit into the groove and then compressed while attached, compressive stress continues to act on the material in which the groove is formed for a long period of time. If the groove deforms, aerosols generated in the housing may leak into the flavor inhaler's housing, accelerating deterioration of the electronic circuitry and potentially causing device failure due to poor electrical contacts. To avoid this, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the material in which the groove is formed by thickening it or using a highly rigid material. Furthermore, to ensure a stable compression amount, the material in which the groove is formed must be manufactured with high precision. This can result in increased device size and cost.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a flavor inhaler that can prevent aerosol generated in the storage section from leaking into the interior of the flavor inhaler housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhaler, the flavor inhaler comprising: a storage portion having an opening edge portion forming an opening and configured to store at least a portion of a flavor-generating article; a contact portion configured to contact at least a portion of the opening edge portion; and a biasing portion configured to bias the storage portion toward the contact portion.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a seal is formed between the opening edge of the storage section and the abutment section, thereby preventing the aerosol generated in the storage section from leaking into the housing of the flavor inhaler.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the contact portion is a guide portion that guides the flavor-generating article to the storage portion.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a seal is formed between the opening edge of the storage section and the guide section, thereby preventing the aerosol generated in the storage section from leaking into the housing of the flavor inhaler.

[0010] In a third form of the present invention, in the first or second form, the storage portion has a cylindrical shape with an opening formed at one end, and within the housing of the flavor inhaler, the abutment portion, the storage portion, and the biasing portion are arranged in this order along the axial direction of the storage portion.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the contact portion, the housing portion, and the biasing portion are arranged in this order, so that the biasing portion can be applied to the housing portion of a typical stick-heating flavor inhaler.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the abutting portion abuts against the opening edge over the entire periphery of the opening.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a seal is formed between the abutment portion and the opening edge portion of the storage portion around the entire circumference, thereby further preventing the aerosol generated in the storage portion from leaking into the housing of the flavor inhaler.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the abutting portion abuts against at least one of the housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixing portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler on the side opposite to the storage portion.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the abutment portion is supported by abutting against the housing of the flavor inhaler or a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the urging portion can reliably urge the accommodation portion toward the abutment portion.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the biasing portion abuts against at least one of the housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixing portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler on the side opposite to the storage portion.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the biasing portion is supported by abutting against the housing of the flavor inhaler or a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the abutting portion.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the biasing portion has a protrusion that protrudes in the opposite direction from the accommodating portion and is formed so as to become sharper as it goes away from the accommodating portion.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the protrusion has a sharp shape, the force applied to the tip of the protrusion can be easily transmitted to the entire biasing portion, so that the biasing portion can more reliably bias the storage portion against the abutment portion.

[0020] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the protrusion is an annular protrusion arranged continuously around the axis of the housing part.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the biasing portion can bias the housing portion while aligning with the axis of the housing portion, so the biasing portion can reliably bias the housing portion against the abutment portion. Furthermore, since the protrusions are continuously arranged, the force applied to the protrusions can be transmitted to the entire biasing portion, so the biasing portion can reliably bias the housing portion against the abutment portion.

[0022] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the protrusions are a plurality of protrusions arranged discontinuously around the axis of the housing part.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the biasing portion can bias the housing portion while aligning the axis of the housing portion, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the housing portion against the abutment portion. In addition, since the protrusions are arranged intermittently, heat from the housing portion is less likely to be transmitted to the biasing portion, so that deterioration of the biasing portion can be suppressed.

[0024] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the biasing portion has a first abutment surface that abuts against a first protrusion that protrudes toward the biasing portion from at least one of the housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler.

[0025] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the first contact surface of the biasing portion contacts the first protrusion provided on at least one of the housing of the flavor inhaler and the fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the contact portion.

[0026] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to tenth aspects, the biasing portion has a positioning portion that is engaged with at least one of the housing and the fixed portion of the flavor inhaler.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the positioning portion holds the biasing portion on the housing of the flavor inhaler or on a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the abutment portion.

[0028] In a twelfth form of the present invention, in any of the sixth to tenth forms, the biasing portion has a notch or a through hole through which a part of the accommodating portion passes, and the part of the accommodating portion engages with at least one of the housing and the fixing portion of the flavor inhaler.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a portion of the accommodating part engages with the housing of the flavor inhaler or a fixing part fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the accommodating part can be fixed so as to prevent relative rotation with respect to the housing or the fixing part while the biasing part biases the accommodating part against the abutting part.

[0030] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the biasing portion is formed of an elastic material.

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the biasing portion is elastically deformed, and therefore the biasing portion can maintain a state in which it biases the accommodation portion within the housing.

[0032] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the device of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, further comprising a support portion that is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the biasing portion and that supports the accommodation portion.

[0033] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, heat from the housing portion is made less likely to be transmitted to the support portion, so that heat loss from the housing portion can be suppressed.

[0034] In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourteenth aspect, the biasing portion biases the accommodation portion via the support portion.

[0035] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, heat from the accommodation portion is less likely to be transmitted to the urging portion, so that deterioration of the urging portion can be suppressed and heat loss from the accommodation portion via the urging portion can be suppressed.

[0036] In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, the support portion is disposed between the accommodation portion and the biasing portion.

[0037] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the accommodation portion, the support portion, and the biasing portion are arranged in this order, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the accommodation portion against the abutment portion via the support portion.

[0038] In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, the containing portion and the biasing portion do not come into contact with each other.

[0039] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, heat from the accommodation portion is less likely to be transmitted to the urging portion, so that deterioration of the urging portion can be suppressed.

[0040] In an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to seventeenth aspects, the urging portion has a second abutment surface that abuts against a second protruding portion that protrudes from the housing portion side toward the urging portion.

[0041] According to the 18th form of the present invention, the second abutment surface of the urging portion abuts against the second protrusion that protrudes from the storage portion side toward the urging portion, so that the urging portion can reliably urge the storage portion against the abutment portion.

[0042] In the 19th form of the present invention, in any of the 1st to 18th forms, a housing having an entrance portion is further provided, and the storage portion is arranged so that the opening edge portion provided on the opposite side of the bottom faces the entrance portion, and the abutting portion is configured so that once inserted into the housing from the entrance portion, it cannot escape to the outside of the housing and abuts against the opening edge portion on the opposite side of the through hole exposed to the outside of the housing, and the biasing portion is arranged on the bottom side of the storage portion, and when the abutting portion is inserted into the housing and abuts against the opening edge portion, it is compressed by the abutting portion and the storage portion to bias the storage portion against the abutting portion.

[0043] According to the 19th form of the present invention, when the abutment portion is inserted into the housing and abuts against the opening edge portion, the biasing portion is compressed by the abutment portion and the accommodating portion, thereby biasing the accommodating portion against the abutment portion. Therefore, a seal can be formed between the opening edge portion of the accommodating portion and the abutment portion with a simple configuration, and the size of the flavor inhaler can be prevented from increasing.

[0044] In a 20th form of the present invention, a sliding member is further provided that is slidably attached to the housing so as to open and close the entrance portion, and the sliding member is configured to cover at least a portion of the abutment portion in the axial direction of the storage portion when the entrance portion is open.

[0045] According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the contact portion cannot be removed from the housing unless the user destroys the sliding member, so that a structure that is difficult to tamper with can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a flavor generating article. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along the arrow 3-3 shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5A-5A shown in FIG. 4B. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5B-5B in FIG. 4B. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chamber and a heating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 5C is the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5B with the flavor generating article positioned in a desired location within the chamber. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first holding portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second holding portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the heater cushion as seen from the negative Z-axis direction side. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heater cushion taken along the arrows 11-11 shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the first holding portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first holding portion as viewed from the negative Z-axis direction side. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an extract of the heater cushion shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heater cushion. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the heater cushion as seen from the negative Z-axis direction side. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of another flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0048] FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. In the drawings described in this specification, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system may be used for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the XY plane is positioned so as to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is positioned so as to extend from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of a flavor-generating article contained in a chamber 50 of the atomization unit 30 (described later) or the axial direction of the chamber 50. The X axis is a direction perpendicular to the Y axis and the Z axis.

[0049] The flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate aerosol containing a flavor by, for example, heating a stick-shaped flavor generating article having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 includes an outer housing 101 (corresponding to an example of a housing), a slide cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 100, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand and inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be formed by assembling multiple components. The outer housing 101 may be made of resin, for example, and in particular, may be made 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.

[0051] The outer housing 101 has an opening (corresponding to an example of an inlet) not shown for receiving a flavor-generating article, and the slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close this opening. Specifically, the slide cover 102 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) at which the slide cover 102 closes the opening of the outer housing 101 and an open position at which the slide cover 102 opens the opening. For example, a user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. This allows or restricts access of the flavor-generating article to the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 through the slide cover 102.

[0052] The switch unit 103 is used to switch the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 on and off. For example, when a user operates the switch unit 103 with a flavor-generating article inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating unit (not shown), thereby heating the flavor-generating article without burning it. The switch unit 103 may be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101, or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. When the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In this embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.

[0053] The flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal allows the external power source to pass current through the power source and charge the power source. In addition, the flavor inhaler 100 may be configured to transmit data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to an external device by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal.

[0054] Next, a flavor generating article used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. In this embodiment, a smoking system can be configured by the flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor generating article 110. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the flavor generating article 110 has a smokable article 111, a tubular member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115.

[0055] The smokable article 111 is wrapped in a first wrapping paper 112. The tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are wrapped in a second wrapping paper 113 that is different from the first wrapping paper 112. The second wrapping paper 113 also wraps a portion of the first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111. This connects the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111. However, the second wrapping paper 113 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111 may be connected using the first wrapping paper 112. A lip release agent 117 is applied to the outer surface of the second wrapping paper 113 near the end on the filter portion 115 side, to make it easier for the user to release their lips from the second wrapping paper 113. The portion of flavor generating article 110 to which lip release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of flavor generating article 110 .

[0056] The smokable article 111 may include a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source. The first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111 may be a breathable sheet material. The tubular member 114 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the illustrated example, the flavor-generating article 110 includes the smokable article 111, the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115, but the configuration of the flavor-generating article 110 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter portion 116 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114 and the filter portion 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0057] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the arrow 3-3 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 3, an inner housing 10 (corresponding to an example of a housing) is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100. The inner housing 10 is made of, for example, a resin, and in particular, may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. From the viewpoints of heat resistance and strength, the inner housing 10 is preferably made of PEEK. A power supply unit 20 and an atomization unit 30 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10. The outer housing 101 and the inner housing 10 may collectively be referred to as a housing.

[0058] The power supply unit 20 includes a power supply 21. The power supply 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the atomizing unit 30. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the atomizing unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the flavor-generating article 110.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50 (corresponding to an example of a storage unit) extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor-generating article 110, a heating unit 40 covering a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34 (corresponding to an example of a contact unit or guide unit). The chamber 50 is configured to store the flavor-generating article 110. The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the flavor-generating article 110 stored in the chamber 50. As shown in the figure, a bottom member 36 (corresponding to an example of a storage unit) may be provided at the bottom of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 can function as a stopper to position the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 has an uneven surface that contacts the flavor-generating article 110, and can define a space through which air can be supplied to the surface that the flavor-generating article 110 contacts. The bottom member 36 is made of, for example, resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or metal such as aluminum. Note that the bottom member 36 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity to suppress heat transfer to the heat insulating portion 32, etc.

[0060] The heat insulating section 32 is generally cylindrical and is disposed to cover the chamber 50. The heat insulating section 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 is disposed between the slide cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the housing through the opening of the outer housing 101, its claws engage with the housing, preventing it from escaping outside the housing. The insertion guide member 34 is made of, for example, resin, and may be formed, in particular, from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The insertion guide member 34 may also be formed from metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. From the standpoint of heat resistance, the insertion guide member 34 is preferably made of PEEK. When the slide cover 102 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100 and guides the insertion of the flavor-generating article 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the flavor-generating article 110 into the through-hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34. When in the open position, the slide cover 102 is configured to cover at least a portion of the insertion guide member 34 in the axial direction of the chamber 50 while exposing the through-hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34 to the outside. In Figure 3, the state in which the slide cover 102 is closed so as to entirely cover the through-hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0061] The flavor inhaler 100 further has a first holding part 37 and a second holding part 38 that hold both ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32. The first holding part 37 is arranged to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the negative Z-axis direction side. The second holding part 38 is arranged to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the slide cover 102 side (positive Z-axis direction side). The first holding part 37 and the second holding part 38 will be described in detail later.

[0062] Next, the structure of the chamber 50 will be described. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 4B-4B in Fig. 4A. Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5A-5A in Fig. 4B. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5B-5B in Fig. 4B. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating unit 40.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the chamber 50 may have a cylindrical shape including an opening 52 into which the flavor-generating article 110 is inserted and a cylindrical sidewall 60 that accommodates the flavor-generating article 110. A flange 52a (equivalent to an example of an opening edge) is formed at the end of the chamber 50 that defines the opening 52. The chamber 50 is positioned so that the flange 52a, located on the opposite side of the bottom 56, faces the opening of the outer housing 101. The chamber 50 is preferably formed of a heat-resistant material with a low thermal expansion coefficient, such as stainless steel. The chamber 50 may be formed of a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, or the like, in addition to metal. This allows for effective heating of the flavor-generating article 110 from the chamber 50. The chamber 50 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may also be cup-shaped.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B , the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the flavor-generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses against a portion of the flavor-generating article 110, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the flavor-generating article 110. In this specification, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the flavor-generating article 110 is appropriately heated or the position of the flavor-generating article 110 when the user smokes. The contact portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The separation portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in FIG. 6 , the heating portion 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 be disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, it is preferable that the heating portion 40 including the adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat, when the strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heating unit 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 as shown in Figure 6, bending of the strip-shaped electrode 48 can be suppressed. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

[0066] 4A, 4B, and 5B, the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other so as to be parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the flavor-generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 that is disposed between the contact portions 62.

[0067] 5B, an inner surface 66a of the spaced portion 66 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. The spaced portion 66 is also disposed adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4B , the chamber 50 may have a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that the bottom member 36 shown in FIG. 3 can pass through and be positioned inside the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may be fixed to the inside of the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 with an adhesive or the like. The adhesive interposed between the bottom member 36 and the bottom 56 may be made of a resin material such as epoxy resin. Alternatively, inorganic adhesives such as cement or welding may be used. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 may support a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a portion of the end surface of the flavor-generating article 110 is exposed. The bottom 56 may also support a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 so that the exposed end surface of the flavor-generating article 110 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 7 ), which will be described later.

[0069] 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion 54 between the opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the flavor-generating article 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-retaining portion 54 and the flavor-generating article 110. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the non-retaining portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6 , the heating unit 40 includes a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element 42 is preferably arranged so as to heat the contact portion 62 without contacting the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 42 is preferably arranged only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62. The heating element 42 may have different heating capacities between the portion that heats the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50 and the portion that heats the contact portion 62. Specifically, the heating element 42 may be configured to heat the contact portion 62 to a higher temperature than the separated portion 66. For example, the arrangement density of the heating tracks of the heating element 42 in the contact portion 62 and the separated portion 66 may be adjusted. Alternatively, the heating element 42 may be wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 50 with approximately the same heating capacity around the entire circumference of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 6 , the heating unit 40 preferably includes, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrically insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. In this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is disposed to cover both sides of the heating element 42 .

[0071] 7 is the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5B of the flavor-generating article 110 placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 7, when the flavor-generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the flavor-generating article 110 can be pressed into contact with the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. Meanwhile, a gap 67 is formed between the flavor-generating article 110 and the spaced portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and an end face of the flavor-generating article 110 positioned in the chamber 50. This allows air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and flow into the interior of the flavor-generating article 110. In other words, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the flavor-generating article 110 and the spaced portion 66.

[0072] Next, the structures of the first holding part 37 and the second holding part 38 that hold the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 will be described. Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first holding part 37. Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second holding part 38. Note that the bottom member 36 shown in Fig. 3 is omitted from Fig. 8.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first holding unit 37 includes a cap 72 (corresponding to an example of a support unit) and a heater cushion 74 (corresponding to an example of a biasing unit). The cap 72 is configured so that a first side surface 72a facing the chamber 50 abuts against the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 to support the chamber 50. The cap 72 is made of, for example, resin, and may be formed from, in particular, polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The cap 72 may also be formed from metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the cap 72 is preferably made of PEEK. A rib 72b (second protrusion) protruding toward the heater cushion 74 is provided on the surface of the cap 72 opposite the first side surface 72a.

[0074] The heater cushion 74 is configured to accommodate and support one end of the cap 72. The heater cushion 74 has a second side surface 74d (second contact surface) configured to contact the rib 72b formed on the cap 72. The heater cushion 74 may be formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. When silicone rubber is used, the preferred Shore A hardness range is 40 to 60, and this can be selected appropriately depending on the deformation of the heater cushion 74. The heater cushion 74 is configured to be positioned and fixed to a fixing portion 22 fixed to an inner housing (not shown). The fixing portion 22 may be the inner housing itself.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9 , the second holding portion 38 has a gasket 80 and a circular member 90. The gasket 80 is disposed around the non-holding portion 54 of the chamber 50 and is configured to support the chamber 50. The gasket 80 is made of, for example, a resin, and in particular, may be formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The gasket 80 may also be formed from metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the gasket 80 is preferably made of PEEK.

[0076] The circular ring member 90 is configured to engage with and support the insertion guide member 34 and the gasket 80. The circular ring member 90 may be formed of an elastic member such as silicone rubber. When silicone rubber is used, the preferred Shore A hardness range is 40 to 60, and can be selected appropriately depending on the deformation of the circular ring member 90. The circular ring member 90 is configured to be positioned and fixed to a fixing portion 22 fixed to an inner housing (not shown). Although not shown, the insertion guide member 34 is configured to abut against the fixing portion 22 on the side opposite to the chamber 50.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 9, the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 is configured to abut the opposite side of the through-hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34 along its entire periphery. Also, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the insertion guide member 34, chamber 50, cap 72, and heater cushion 74 are arranged in this order along the axial direction of the chamber 50. Because the insertion guide member 34, chamber 50, and heater cushion 74 are arranged in this order, the heater cushion 74 can be applied to the chamber 50 of a typical stick-heating flavor inhaler. Note that the cap 72 may not be provided, and the heater cushion 74 may support the chamber 50.

[0078] Here, as described above, the heater cushion 74 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone, and is configured to bias the chamber 50 toward the insertion guide member 34, i.e., in the positive direction of the Z axis, via the cap 72. Specifically, when the insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the housing and abuts against the flange portion 52a, the heater cushion 74 is compressed by the insertion guide member 34 and the chamber 50, biasing the chamber 50 toward the insertion guide member 34. This forms a seal between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34, thereby preventing aerosols generated in the chamber 50 by heating the flavor-generating article 110 from leaking between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34 into the inner housing. Furthermore, since a seal is formed between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34 around the entire circumference, it is possible to further prevent aerosols generated in the chamber 50 from leaking into the inner housing.

[0079] Furthermore, by forming the heater cushion 74 from an elastic member, the heater cushion 74 fixed to the fixing portion 22 is elastically deformed, so that the heater cushion 74 can maintain a state in which it biases the chamber 50 within the inner housing.

[0080] Furthermore, since the heater cushion 74 biases the chamber 50 via the cap 72, the heater cushion 74 and the chamber 50 do not come into contact with each other, so that heat from the chamber 50 is less likely to be transmitted to the heater cushion 74, and deterioration of the heater cushion 74 can be suppressed.

[0081] In this case, it is preferable that the cap 72 be formed from a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the heater cushion 74. This makes it difficult for heat from the chamber 50 to be transferred to the cap 72, thereby suppressing heat loss from the chamber 50. Furthermore, since heat from the chamber 50 is difficult to transfer to the heater cushion 74 via the cap 72, deterioration of the heater cushion 74 is suppressed, and heat loss from the chamber 50 via the heater cushion 74 is also suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, by arranging the chamber 50, the cap 72, and the heater cushion 74 in this order, the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34 via the cap 72.

[0083] Next, a preferred shape of the heater cushion 74 will be described. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the heater cushion 74 as seen from the negative Z-axis direction. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heater cushion taken along arrows 11-11 in Fig. 10. As shown in Figs. 8, 10, and 11, the heater cushion 74 has a protrusion 74a, a positioning portion 74b, and an opening 74c.

[0084] The heater cushion 74 has a third side surface 74e (first contact surface) configured to contact the fixed portion 22 on the surface opposite the chamber 50. This allows the heater cushion 74 to contact and be supported by the fixed portion 22, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34. Furthermore, because the insertion guide member 34 contacts the fixed portion 22, it is supported by the fixed portion 22 and the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34.

[0085] In this case, it is preferable that the protrusion 74a protrudes in the direction away from the chamber 50 and is formed so as to become sharper as it moves away from the chamber 50. The sharp shape of the protrusion 74a makes it easier to transmit the force applied to the tip of the protrusion 74a to the entire heater cushion 74, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 by the insertion guide member 34.

[0086] Furthermore, the protrusions 74a are preferably annular protrusions arranged continuously around the axis of the chamber 50. This allows the heater cushion 74 to urge the chamber 50 while aligning with the axis of the chamber 50, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34. Furthermore, because the protrusions 74a are arranged continuously, the force applied to the protrusions 74a can be transmitted to the entire heater cushion 74, so that the heater cushion 74 can more reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34.

[0087] The protrusions 74a may be multiple protrusions arranged intermittently around the axis of the chamber 50. Even in this case, the heater cushion 74 can urge the chamber 50 while aligning with the axis of the chamber 50, so the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34. In this case, the contact area between the protrusions 74a and the chamber 50 is reduced, making it more difficult for heat from the chamber 50 to be transferred to the heater cushion 74, and deterioration of the heater cushion 74 can be suppressed.

[0088] Although the heater cushion 74 has been described as having the protrusion 74a, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixing portion 22 may have a protrusion (first protrusion) that protrudes toward the heater cushion 74. In this case, the third side surface 74e comes into contact with the first protrusion, and the heater cushion 74 can bias the chamber 50 toward the insertion guide member 34 via the cap 72.

[0089] The positioning portion 74b protrudes in the opposite direction from the chamber 50 and is configured to engage with a positioning hole 22a formed in the fixing portion 22. This allows the heater cushion 74 to be held by the fixing portion 22 and fixed so as not to shift position, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34.

[0090] The opening 74c is an opening for passing the electrode of the heating unit 40 shown in Fig. 6. By providing the opening 74c in the heater cushion 74, the electrode 48 of the heating unit 40 can be extended substantially parallel to the axial direction of the chamber 50.

[0091] In addition, in Figure 9, a sealing surface may be formed at the contact point between the gasket 80 and the annular member 90 to further prevent aerosols generated in the chamber 50 from leaking into the inside of the inner housing from between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34.

[0092] In summary, the second holding portion 38 holds the annular member 90, the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50, and the inner diameter of one end of the heat insulating portion 32. The heater cushion 74 holds the bottom side of the chamber 50 and the inner diameter of the other end of the heat insulating portion 32. A rib 72b provided on the support portion 72 abuts against a second side surface 74d of the heater cushion 74, and a protrusion 74a formed on a third side surface 74e of the heater cushion 74 abuts against the fixing portion 22.

[0093] With these components housed within the housing, when the insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the housing, the tip of the insertion guide member 34 comes into contact with the flange portion 52a, and when it is further inserted until the claws of the insertion guide member 34 engage with the housing, the ribs 72b bite into the heater cushion 74, and at the same time, the protrusions 74a of the heater cushion 74 are crushed, causing the heater cushion 74 to generate a reaction force. This brings the tip of the insertion guide member 34 into close contact with the flange portion 52a, eliminating the gap between the flange portion 52a and the insertion guide member 34. Furthermore, since the chamber 50 heats up, when the user puts their mouth to the flavor-generating article 110 and inhales, it is preferable that the portion of the flavor inhaler 100 close to the mouth does not become hot.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, an insertion guide member 34 is provided that abuts against the chamber 50 and is exposed to the outside of the housing. The insertion guide member 34 is made of a resin material that has a lower thermal conductivity and a lower specific heat than the metal chamber 50, so the insertion guide member 34 is configured to have a lower temperature rise than the chamber 50.

[0095] The above-described structure prevents the user from feeling hot, and also eliminates gaps inside the flavor inhaler 100, so that the aerosol present in the chamber 50 does not leak into the housing.

[0096] In this embodiment, the heater cushion 74 is described as being positioned and fixed to the fixing portion 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the first holding portion. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the first holding portion as viewed from the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first holding portion 137 has a ring 172 (which corresponds to an example of a support portion) and a heater cushion 174. In addition, the bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 has a shaft portion 36a that protrudes to the outside of the chamber 50 through a hole 56a in the chamber 50.

[0097] The ring 172 is configured to abut against the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 and support the chamber 50. The ring 172 also has a hole 172a in the center through which the shaft 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The ring 172 is made of, for example, a resin, and in particular, may be made of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0098] The heater cushion 174 is configured to accommodate and support one end of the ring 172. The heater cushion 174 also has a hole 174a in the center, through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The heater cushion 174 may be formed of an elastic material such as silicon. Note that the heater cushion 174 may have a notch, instead of the hole 174a, through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes.

[0099] The bottom member 36 is configured so that the shaft portion 36a is positioned and fixed to the fixed portion 22, which is fixed to an inner housing (not shown). The fixed portion 22 may be the inner housing itself. The shaft portion 36a has a flat surface 36b at the end on the negative Z-axis direction side. The fixed portion 22 has a flat surface 22b that faces the flat surface 36b of the shaft portion 36a. The flat surface 36b of the shaft portion 36a engages with the flat surface 22b of the fixed portion 22, thereby preventing relative rotation of the chamber 50 with respect to the fixed portion 22.

[0100] Next, a preferred shape of the heater cushion 174 will be described. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an excerpt from the heater cushion shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the heater cushion. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the heater cushion as seen from the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in Figs. 14 to 16, the heater cushion 174 has holes 174a and protrusions 174b.

[0101] As described above, the hole 174a is a hole through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The protrusion 174b protrudes in the direction away from the chamber 50 and is configured to abut against the fixed portion 22. As a result, the protrusion 174b abuts against and is supported by the fixed portion 22, so that the heater cushion 174 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34.

[0102] Even with a first holding portion 37 having such a structure, the heater cushion 174 biases the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34, thereby forming a seal between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34, thereby preventing aerosols generated in the chamber 50 by heating the flavor-generating article 110 from leaking into the interior of the inner housing from between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34.

[0103] 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 claims and the technical idea described in the specification and drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0104] For example, the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment has a so-called counterflow airflow path in which air flowing in through the opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end face of the flavor-generating article 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may have a so-called bottom-flow airflow path in which air is supplied into the chamber 50 from the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. Furthermore, the heating element 42 is not limited to a resistance heating type, but may also be an induction heating type. In this case, the heating element 42 can heat the chamber 50 by induction heating. Furthermore, if the flavor-generating article 110 has a susceptor, the heating element 42 can heat the susceptor of the flavor-generating article 110 by induction heating. While the structure in which the heating element 42 is disposed around the chamber 50 to raise the temperature of the flavor-generating article 110 in the chamber 50 has been described, the temperature of the flavor-generating article 110 in the chamber 50 can also be raised by directly applying the heating element 42 to the flavor-generating article 110 or by generating frictional heat by vibration between substances within the flavor-generating article 110.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a structure in which the heater cushion 74 biases the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 17 is a schematic front view of another flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, the flavor inhaler 200 has a housing 210 (corresponding to an example of a housing), a container 220 (corresponding to an example of a storage section), a lid section 230 (corresponding to an example of a contact section), a biasing section 240, and a mouthpiece 250. Note that the heating section is not shown in Fig. 17.

[0106] The housing 210 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 200 and is sized to fit in a user's hand. The container 220 is configured to house a flavor-generating article 260. The container 220 also has an air inlet 220a that takes in air from the outside, and an opening edge 220b formed at the end of the container 220 on the mouthpiece 250 side that defines the opening of the container 220. The flavor-generating article 260 may be a molded product such as loose tobacco, slurry tobacco, or a tablet, rather than the stick-type product shown in the above embodiment.

[0107] Lid portion 230 has an aerosol flow path 230a through which the aerosol generated by heating flavor-generating article 260 passes. For example, biasing portion 240 is configured to accommodate and support the lower surface of container 220. For example, biasing portion 240 may be formed of an elastic material such as silicon. Mouthpiece 250 is configured to be detachable from housing 210, and holds and fixes lid portion 230 when attached to housing 210.

[0108] Even in the flavor inhaler 200 having such a configuration, the biasing portion 240 biases the container 220 against the lid portion 230, thereby forming a seal between the opening edge portion 220b of the container 220 and the lid portion 230, thereby preventing the aerosol generated in the container 220 by heating the flavor-generating article 260 from leaking into the housing 210 from between the container 220 and the lid portion 230. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10...Inner housing 34...Insertion guide member 34a...Through hole 37...First holding part 38…Second holding part 50...Chamber 52...Aperture 52a...Flange part 72...Cap 72a…first side 72b...Rib 74...Heater cushion 74a...Protrusion 74b... Positioning part 74c…opening 74d…Second side 74e…Third side 80...Gasket 90...Circular member 100...Flavor aspirator 101...Outer housing 110...Flavor-generating items 174...Heater cushion 174a…hole 174b…Protrusion 200...Flavor aspirator 210…Housing 220…Container 230...Lid part 240...energizing unit 260...Flavor-generating items 220b…Aperture edge

Claims

1. a storage section having an opening edge portion that forms an opening and that stores at least a portion of the flavor-generating article; a contact portion that contacts at least a portion of the opening edge portion; a biasing portion that biases the accommodation portion against the abutting portion; a housing having an inlet for receiving the flavor-generating article; a slide member slidably attached to the housing so as to open and close the entrance portion, The slide member is configured to cover at least a portion of the contact portion in the axial direction of the accommodation portion when the inlet portion is open. Flavor aspirator.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The abutment portion is a guide portion that guides the flavor-generating article to the storage portion. Flavor aspirator.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, the housing portion has a cylindrical shape with the opening formed at one end, Within the housing, the contact portion, the accommodation portion, and the biasing portion are arranged side by side in this order along the axial direction of the accommodation portion. Flavor aspirator.

4. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The abutting portion abuts against the opening edge portion over the entire periphery of the opening. Flavor aspirator.

5. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the abutting portion abuts against at least one of the housing and a fixed portion fixed to the housing on the opposite side to the accommodation portion; Flavor aspirator.

6. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the biasing portion abuts against at least one of the housing and a fixed portion fixed to the housing on the side opposite to the accommodation portion; Flavor aspirator.

7. The flavor inhaler according to claim 6, the biasing portion has a first abutment surface that abuts against a first protrusion that protrudes toward the biasing portion from at least one of the housing and a fixed portion fixed to the housing; Flavor aspirator.

8. The flavor inhaler according to claim 6 or 7, the biasing portion has a positioning portion that is engaged with at least one of the housing and the fixed portion; Flavor aspirator.

9. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The biasing portion is formed of an elastic material. Flavor aspirator.

10. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The device further includes a support portion that is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the biasing portion and that supports the accommodation portion. Flavor aspirator.

11. The flavor inhaler according to claim 10, The biasing portion biases the accommodation portion via the support portion. Flavor aspirator.

12. The flavor inhaler according to claim 10 or 11, The support portion is disposed between the accommodation portion and the biasing portion. Flavor aspirator.

13. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 10 to 12, The accommodation portion and the biasing portion are not in contact with each other. Flavor aspirator.

14. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The biasing portion has a second abutment surface that abuts against a second protruding portion that protrudes from the storage portion toward the biasing portion. Flavor aspirator.

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