Flavor suction device and flavor suction system

Abstract

This flavor inhaler comprises: a housing that has a ventilation opening; a battery that is positioned in a space in the interior of the housing, said space being in communication with the ventilation opening; and a covering member that covers at least a portion of the ventilation opening, wherein the covering member is bonded to the housing in a manner allowing the same to be removed from the housing, the covering member constitutes the bottom surface of a recess that is formed in the outer surface of the housing, and the depth of said recess is less than the thickness of the covering member.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fragrance attractor that generates an aerosol or the like by heating a material without burning the material containing a fragrance source is known. In such a fragrance attractor, the pressure inside the fragrance attractor increases due to a gas or the like generated from a battery, which may cause a defect or damage in the fragrance attractor. In Patent Document 1, an aerosol generator is provided with a vent for avoiding an increase in the pressure inside the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a sticker located so as to cover the vent is disposed at an end of the aerosol generator. However, there is room for further improvement in such a covering member.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a fragrance attractor and a fragrance attracting system having an improved covering member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first embodiment, a flavor inhaler is provided. This flavor inhaler comprises a housing having a vent, a battery disposed in a space inside the housing that communicates with the vent, and a covering member that covers at least a portion of the vent, wherein the covering member is bonded to the housing so as to be separable from the housing, and the covering member constitutes the bottom surface of a recess formed on the outer surface of the housing, the depth of the recess being less than the thickness of the covering member.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, a compactly configurable flavor inhaler can be provided that has a vent that is more stably covered by a covering member that is less prone to misalignment or peeling.

[0008] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the covering member has a peripheral edge portion that faces the housing along the central axis of the vent, and an adhesive is placed between the peripheral edge portion and the housing.

[0009] According to the second embodiment, the covering member and the housing can be bonded together by taking advantage of the properties of the adhesive.

[0010] The third aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the adhesive is arranged in a strip shape, and in a part of the peripheral portion, the width of the adhesive is smaller than the width of the other part of the peripheral portion.

[0011] According to the third embodiment, the coating member can be more reliably peeled off when the inside of the flavor suction device reaches a desired pressure.

[0012] A fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the second or third aspect, the present invention further comprises a first region between the peripheral portion and the housing, surrounded by the adhesive but without the adhesive.

[0013] According to the fourth embodiment, the coating member can be more reliably peeled off when the inside of the flavor suction device reaches a desired pressure.

[0014] Aspect 5 is summarized in that, in any one of Aspect 2 to Aspect 4, it further includes a second region where no adhesive is disposed, extending from the vent side of the peripheral edge to the opposite side along the surface along which the covering member extends.

[0015] According to Aspect 5, an increase in the pressure inside the fragrance attractor can be suppressed.

[0016] Aspect 6 is summarized in that, in Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, the amount or characteristics of the adhesive at the peripheral edge are non-uniform.

[0017] According to Aspect 6, a part where the covering member is easily peeled off can be provided, and when the inside of the fragrance attractor reaches a desired pressure, the covering member can be easily peeled off.

[0018] According to Aspect 7, a fragrance attracting system is provided. This fragrance attracting system includes a fragrance attractor according to any one of Aspect 1 to Aspect 6 and a consumable.

[0019] According to Aspect 7, a compactly configured fragrance attracting system having a vent covered more stably by a covering member that is less likely to be displaced or peeled off can be provided.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a fragrance attractor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a fragrance attractor containing a consumable. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance attractor as viewed in the direction of arrow C-C in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a bottom view of the fragrance attractor. <​​​​​​It is a conceptual diagram showing a ventilation port. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing the fragrance attractor with the slide cover in the open position. [Figure 9] It is a plan view showing the fragrance attractor with the slide cover in the closed position. [Figure 10] It is a conceptual diagram showing the fragrance attractor connected to an external device. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance attractor showing the magnet and hall sensor of the slide cover. [Figure 12] It is a conceptual diagram for explaining the detection of the position of the slide cover. [Figure 13] It is a conceptual diagram for explaining the detection of the position of the slide cover. 4>It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the ventilation port and the covering member according to Modification 1-1. [Figure 15] It is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of the adhesive according to Modification 1-1. [Figure 16] It is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of the adhesive according to Modification 1-2. [Figure 17] It is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of the adhesive according to Modification 1-3. [Figure 18] It is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of the adhesive according to Modification 1-4. [Figure 19] It is a plan view schematically showing the fragrance attractor according to Modification 2-1. [Figure 20] It is a plan view schematically showing the fragrance attractor according to Modification 2-2. [Figure 21] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement of the magnet and the hall sensor in a conventional fragrance attractor.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure 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.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the flavor inhaler 100 containing the consumable material 120 inserted through the opening 110. In the drawings described herein, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system may be shown for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z axis points vertically upward, the XY plane is positioned to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y axis extends from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z axis can also be said to be the insertion direction of the consumable material 120 contained in the chamber 50, which will be described later. The X axis direction can also be said to be the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 120. The Y axis direction can also be said to be the short direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 120.

[0023] The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate a flavor-containing aerosol by heating, for example, a stick-shaped consumable 120 having a flavor source containing an aerosol source. The consumable 120 is configured, for example, to have a smokeable object containing a flavor source such as tobacco and an aerosol source at its tip in the negative Z-axis direction, and a filter at another location. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. In this embodiment, the consumable 120 is described as being in stick shape, but the consumable used in the flavor inhaler 100 is not limited to this. For example, the consumable can be configured to include a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol source. The cartridge may have a heating element.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the flavor inhaler 100 has a housing 102 consisting of an upper housing 104 and a lower housing 106, and a slide cover 108.

[0025] The housing 102 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and is sized to fit in the user's hand. When the user uses the flavor inhaler 100, they can hold the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand and inhale the aerosol. In this case, the upper housing 104 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate, and the lower housing 106 is made of a metal such as aluminum. However, the material of the housing 102 is not limited to these, and can be made of any suitable resin, such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers.

[0026] The upper housing 104 has an opening 110 for receiving the consumable 120, and the slide cover 108 is slidably mounted on the upper housing 104 to close this opening 110. Specifically, the slide cover 108 is configured to move along the outer surface of the upper housing 104 between a closed position that closes the opening 110 of the upper housing 104 and an open position (the position shown in Figures 1 and 2) that opens the opening. For example, a user can move the slide cover 108 between the closed and open positions by manually operating it. This allows the slide cover 108 to allow or restrict access of the consumable 120 to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0027] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100 such that the joint surface between the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 intersects the XY plane at an angle. However, the configuration of the housing 102 is not limited to this. For example, the housing 102 can be constructed from three or more components.

[0028] The flavor inhaler 100 may also have terminals (not shown). These terminals may be interfaces for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, the power source can be charged by connecting an external power source to the terminals, thereby supplying current from the external power source to the power source. Alternatively, by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminals, data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 may be transmitted to an external device.

[0029] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken from arrow 3-3 in Figure 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the internal space of the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100 is provided with a power supply unit 20, an atomizing unit 30, and a control unit 80.

[0031] The control unit 80 includes a circuit board 82. The circuit board 82 includes, for example, a microprocessor and can control the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the atomizing unit 30. This allows the control unit 80 to control the heating of the consuming material 120 by the atomizing unit 30. The control unit 80 also includes a Bluetooth® interface 28. The control unit 80 can communicate with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

[0032] The power supply unit 20 has a power supply 21 that is electrically connected to the circuit board 82 of the control unit 80. 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 via the circuit board 82. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the atomizing unit 30 so as to properly heat the consuming material 120.

[0033] The atomizing unit 30 includes a chamber 50 extending in the longitudinal direction of the consumable material 120, a heating unit 40 (not shown in Figure 3) surrounding a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to house the consumable material 120. The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and heat the consumable material 120 housed in the chamber 50. As an example, a susceptor can be provided inside or near the consumable material 120, and the heating unit 40 can be configured to include an induction coil for induction heating of the susceptor.

[0034] The heat insulating section 32 is positioned to surround the chamber 50 and the heating section 40. The heat insulating section 32 may be, for example, aerogel. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is provided between the slide cover 108 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the slide cover 108 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 consumable 120 into the chamber 50 by inserting the consumable 120 into the insertion guide member 34.

[0035] Furthermore, the atomizing unit 30 and the control unit 80 are covered by a heat diffusion sleeve 70 and arranged in the internal space of the housing 102. The heat diffusion sleeve 70 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, and diffuses the heat generated in the atomizing unit 30 within the housing 102. The heat diffusion sleeve 70 can be configured to be located only inside the upper housing 104 and not interfere with the lower housing 106. In addition, an open area can be provided in the heat diffusion sleeve 70 so as not to interfere with the control unit 80's communication with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28. Generally, metal members interfere with electromagnetic waves, but at least the open area of ​​the heat diffusion sleeve 70 can be used as a path for the control unit 80 to communicate with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

[0036] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the flavor inhaler 100 including its bottom surface 200. The flavor inhaler 100 has a first recess 230 formed in its bottom surface 200. The first recess 230 is formed to be surrounded by the housing bottom surface 201, which is the bottom surface of the housing 102 including the lower housing 106.

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first recess 230. The flavor inhaler 100 includes a covering member 210. The housing 102 includes an inner housing 103. The inner housing 103 is located inside the lower housing 106. A vent 220 is formed in the inner housing 103, and the covering member 210 is positioned to cover at least a portion of the vent 220. The covering member 210 defines the first recess 230. The outer surface 211 of the covering member 210 constitutes the bottom surface of the first recess 230. The side surface of the first recess 230 is formed by the lower housing 106.

[0038] In this embodiment, the power supply 21 includes a battery 22. The battery 22 is located in a space SP1 formed inside the housing 102. The battery 22 may or may not be rechargeable. The battery 22 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The vent 220 communicates with the space SP1 in which the battery 22 is located. In this embodiment, the vent 220 opens toward the bottom surface 200 of the flavor inhaler 100, but the position of the vent 220 is not particularly limited as long as it communicates with the space SP1.

[0039] The covering member 210 is bonded to the adhesive surface 202, which is the outer surface of the inner housing 103. The covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 are configured to be separable. In other words, the covering member 210 can be peeled off the adhesive surface 202 with a force that does not damage the covering member 210 and the inner housing 103. It is preferable that the covering member 210 is positioned to cover the entire vent 220. In this case, the covering member 210 may be configured to be separable from the adhesive surface 202 based on the pressure in the space SP1. For example, when the pressure inside the flavor inhaler 100 exceeds a threshold pressure that does not adversely affect the equipment inside the flavor inhaler 100, a gap is created between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202, and gas is released from the space SP1. A gap may also exist between the outer circumferential surface of the covering member 210 and the inner circumferential surface of the lower housing 106. This allows for smooth gas release when a flow path is formed between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202. This gap is preferably narrow from the viewpoint of preventing the accumulation of water, dust, etc. in the first recess 230. Thus, it is preferable that at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the covering member 210 is slightly separated from the inner circumferential surface of the lower housing 106, in other words, it is preferable that the covering member 210 is slightly smaller than the first recess 230 along the adhesive surface 202.

[0040] The shape of the covering member 210 is not particularly limited as long as it can cover at least a portion of the vent 220. From the viewpoint of increasing the surface area for adhesion and making it compact, the covering member 210 is preferably in the form of a sheet or a seal. The material of the covering member 210 is not particularly limited and can be paper or a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate, or polyvinyl chloride. From the viewpoint of preventing water from entering the inside of the flavor inhaler 100, it is preferable that the covering member 210 contains a water-resistant synthetic resin.

[0041] Components bonded to the housing 102, etc., may be peeled off by the user or become detached or misaligned due to contact with external components. In the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment, the covering member 210 that covers the vent 220 is positioned in the first recess 230, making it less likely to come into contact with the user's fingers or external components, thereby reducing such risks. It also prevents adhesive from leaking onto the surface of the housing 102. Furthermore, the depth D1 of the first recess 230 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210. If the depth D1 is too large, the smoothness of the outer surface of the flavor inhaler 100 will be lost, and the risk of foreign matter such as water and dust accumulating in the first recess 230 will increase. If the thickness T1 is too small, the covering member 210 will be easily torn by contact with needles, etc. By making the depth D1 smaller than the thickness T1, the flavor inhaler 100 can be made compact while taking these factors into consideration. In addition, because the depth D1 of the first recess 230 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210, if multiple covering members 210 are mistakenly stacked during the manufacturing of the flavor inhaler 100, the covering members 210 will protrude from the housing bottom surface 201, making it easier to identify defective products. As a non-limiting example, the thickness T1 of the covering member 210 can be 0.2 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, and the depth D1 of the first recess 230 can be 0.2 mm or less.

[0042] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the vents 220 on the inner surface 203, which is the inner surface of the inner housing 103. In the illustrated example, the vents 220 are defined by cylindrical side walls with their central axis AX as the axis. Multiple vents 220 are formed on the inner surface 203, and each vent 220 is positioned at a location corresponding to the center and each vertex of a hexagon. However, the shape, number, and position of the vents 220 are not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, the lower housing 106 and the inner housing 103 are shown as separate components, but they may be formed integrally.

[0043] The flavor suction system comprises a flavor suction device 100 and a consumable 120. The flavor suction device 100 and flavor suction system of this embodiment include a housing 102 having a vent 220, a battery 22 located inside the housing 102 in a space SP1 communicating with the vent 220, and a covering member 210 that covers at least a portion of the vent 220. The covering member 210 is bonded to the housing 102 so as to be separable from it, and the covering member 210 constitutes the bottom surface of a first recess 230 formed on the housing bottom surface 201, which is the outer surface of the housing 102, and the depth D1 of the first recess 230 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210. This makes it possible to provide a compactly configurable flavor suction device 100 and flavor suction system with a vent 220 that is more stably covered by the covering member 210, which is less prone to displacement or peeling.

[0044] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the flavor inhaler 100 when the slide cover 108 is in the first position P1. Figure 9 is a plan view showing the flavor inhaler 100 when the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2. The flavor inhaler 100 has a second recess 530 formed on its upper surface 500. The flavor inhaler 100 includes an interface portion 510. The interface portion 510 includes an opening 520 formed on the upper surface 500 and a connecting portion 521. Hereinafter, the opening 110 into which the consumable 120 is inserted will be referred to as the first opening 110, and the opening 520 as the second opening 520. In the illustrated example, the first opening 110 and the interface portion 510 are formed in the second recess 530, but the first opening 110 and the interface portion 510 do not have to be formed in a recess.

[0045] The interface unit 510 mediates the exchange of information, data, or power between the control unit 80 or the power supply unit 20 and the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. In this embodiment, the connection unit 521 includes connection terminals for external equipment. The terminals of the external equipment are inserted into the second opening 520 and electrically connected to the connection terminals of the connection unit 521. In the illustrated example, the connection terminals of the connection unit 521 have a plate-like shape that protrudes inside the second opening 520, but the shape of the connection unit 521 is not particularly limited as long as electrical connection is possible.

[0046] The first position P1 is the position in which the slide cover 108 covers at least a portion of the interface portion 510. In the first position P1, the slide cover 108 prevents connection from external devices to the connection portion 521. Preferably, the first position P1 is an open position in which the consumable material 120 can be inserted into the first opening 110, as shown in the illustrated example.

[0047] The second position P2 is a position that covers at least a portion of the first opening 110. At the second position P2, the slide cover 108 prevents the insertion of the consumable material 120 into the first opening 110. At the second position P2, it is preferable that external devices can be connected to the connection part 521, as shown in the illustrated example.

[0048] The slide cover 108 is a movable member configured to move between a first position P1 and a second position P2. In this embodiment, the slide cover 108 moves by sliding, but the movement of the movable member between the first position P1 and the second position P2 may also be by pivoting or the like. From the viewpoint of making the flavor inhaler 100 compact, it is preferable that the movable member be slidable between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0049] Preferably, the first opening 110 and the interface portion 510 are formed on the upper surface 500, which is one end face of the housing 102 extending in the longitudinal direction. This shortens the distance the slide cover 108 travels, allowing the flavor inhaler 100 to be configured simply or compactly.

[0050] In this embodiment, the slide cover 108 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 that covers at least a portion of the interface portion 510, particularly the second opening 520, and a second position P2 that covers at least a portion of the first opening 110. This makes it difficult to connect the connection portion 521 to external equipment when the consumable material 120 is inserted into the first opening 110. Therefore, adverse effects on the interface portion 510 from foreign matter such as secondhand smoke due to heating of the consumable material 120 or smoke emitted by the user can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the interface portion 510 is in use, such as when the terminals of an external device are connected to the connection portion 521, it is difficult for the user to insert the consumable material 120 into the first opening 110. Therefore, when the interface portion 510 is in use, the consumable material 120 can be prevented from heating, and the generation of foreign matter such as secondhand smoke can be suppressed. Thus, in this embodiment, by making it difficult to insert the consumable material 120 and use the interface portion 510 simultaneously, adverse effects on the interface portion 510 from foreign matter can be suppressed.

[0051] It is preferable that the slide cover 108 does not cover the first opening 110 at the first position P1. This prevents the connection part 521 from being connected to an external device when the consumable material 120 is inserted into the first opening 110. Therefore, the adverse effects of foreign matter such as by-flow smoke on the interface part 510 can be further suppressed.

[0052] Preferably, the slide cover 108 does not cover the interface portion 510, particularly the second opening 520, at the second position P2. This prevents the user from inserting the consumable material 120 into the first opening 110 when the interface portion 510 is in use. For example, connection between the connection portion 521 and external equipment can be made only when the first opening 110 is covered by the slide cover 108. With this configuration, when the interface portion 510 is in use, the consumable material 120 is not heated, the generation of foreign matter such as by-flow smoke is suppressed, and adverse effects on the interface portion 510 by foreign matter can be suppressed.

[0053] From the above viewpoint, it is even more preferable that the slide cover 108 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 that covers at least a portion of the interface portion 510 but does not cover the first opening 110, and a second position P2 that covers at least a portion of the first opening 110 but does not cover the interface portion 510.

[0054] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the connection between the flavor inhaler 100 and the external device 900. The connection part 521 is electrically connected to the external device 900 via the external terminal 910 and the conductor 920. The external device 900 can be configured to be connectable to at least one of a computer, power supply, input device, and display device. This makes it possible to change the settings of the flavor inhaler 100, charge it, or display information about the flavor inhaler 100. From a similar viewpoint, it is preferable that the connection part 521 is electrically connected to at least one of the control unit 80 and the power supply unit 20 inside the flavor inhaler 100.

[0055] The connection section 521 preferably includes a USB port capable of communication according to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. This enables various functions such as data input / output and charging, as well as taking advantage of the convenience of USB connectivity, such as plug-and-play functionality.

[0056] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, it is preferable that the shapes of the first opening 110 and the second opening 520 are different. This reduces the risk of accidentally inserting the consumable 120 into the second opening 520 or inserting the external terminal 910 into the first opening 110. This prevents damage to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100 or the entry of foreign objects.

[0057] The flavor inhaler 100 preferably includes a detection unit that detects whether the slide cover 108 is in a first position P1 or a second position P2. Below, we will describe how the slide cover 108, which includes a magnet, is detected by a detection unit that includes a Hall sensor.

[0058] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the Hall sensor 600 and the magnet 60 placed on the slide cover 108. Figure 11 corresponds to an enlarged view of the 3-3 cross-section of the upper part of the flavor inhaler 100, and the illustration of each part is omitted as appropriate in relation to the following explanation. Figure 11 shows the slide cover 108 at the first position P1 which covers the second opening 520 on the upper surface 500 side of the connection part 521.

[0059] A magnet 60 is positioned inside the slide cover 108. In the illustrated example, the magnet 60 is supported by a support (not shown) and is configured to move integrally with the slide cover 108. The size of the magnet 60 and its relative position to the slide cover 108 are not particularly limited, as it moves along with the movement of the slide cover 108. The type of magnet is not particularly limited, but a permanent magnet is preferred because it does not require wiring.

[0060] The slide cover 108 is not particularly limited in its form, as long as it is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. In the illustrated example, a first projection 61 extending in the Z-axis direction is fixed to the upper surface 500 of the housing 102, and an elongated hole extending in the X-axis direction is formed in a plate-like member (not shown) fixed to the slide cover 108 and extending along the XY plane, with the inner wall of the elongated hole sliding along the first projection 61. From the viewpoint of a first opening 110 and a second opening 520 being formed in the center of the upper surface 500 in the Y-axis direction, and for stability, the first projection 61 and the elongated hole are formed on both sides, outward in the Y-axis direction from the first opening 110 and the second opening 120. However, a guide member may be provided on the upper surface 500 of the housing 102, and the slide cover 108 may slide along the guide member. It is preferable that the plate-like member be made of metal in order to increase its strength.

[0061] In the illustrated example, a biasing member 63 is positioned on the slide cover 108. The biasing member 63 includes an elastic member such as metal that extends in a plate shape in the X-axis direction, and an engaging portion 630 is formed at its end. When the slide cover 108 moves to the second position P2, a second projection 62 fixed to the upper surface 500 engages with the negative Z-axis side of the engaging portion 630. The engaging portion 630 is provided with a step or the like to make it difficult for the second projection 62 to move when it engages with the second projection 62. The engaging portion 630 may be configured to produce a clicking sound when the second projection 62 engages with the step. The biasing member 63 is configured to bias the second projection 62 such that the engaging portion 630 does not disengage from the second projection 62 with little force, but disengages when the user slides the slide cover 108 by hand. This allows the slide cover 108 to be held more stably at the second position P2. The flavor inhaler 100 may be equipped with another set of second projections 62 and biasing members 63 so that the slide cover 108 can be held stably in this manner even when it is in the first position P1. However, the flavor inhaler 100 does not necessarily have to have the second projections 62 and biasing members 63.

[0062] The Hall sensor 600 is positioned to detect the magnet 60 at either the first position P1 or the second position P2. The position of the Hall sensor 600 is not particularly limited, as long as it can detect magnetic fields of different magnitudes when the magnet 60 is at the first position P1 and the second position P2, or can detect a magnetic field at only one of the positions. In the illustrated example, the distance between the Hall sensor 600 and the first position P1 is shorter than the distance between the Hall sensor 600 and the second position P2. Therefore, the Hall sensor 600 can detect the magnet 60 of the slide cover 108 at the first position P1, but not the magnet 60 of the slide cover 108 at the second position P2. The Hall sensor 600 is electrically connected to the control unit 80. From the viewpoint of a simpler configuration, it is preferable to position the Hall sensor 600 on the substrate 82 as shown in the illustrated example. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of detecting the magnetic field of the magnet 60 with high sensitivity, it is preferable to position it at the end of the substrate 82 on the upper surface 500 side.

[0063] In this embodiment, the slide cover 108 is configured to move along an upper surface 500 that extends substantially parallel to the XY plane, and the substrate 82 is arranged along the YZ plane that intersects the upper surface 500. This configuration shortens the distance the slide cover 108 moves, resulting in a simpler design, while allowing the substrate 82 to extend in the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100, thus enabling the placement of a wide substrate 82 in a compact flavor inhaler 100.

[0064] Figure 21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the detection of the magnet 1060 inside the slide cover 1080 in a conventional flavor inhaler. Hereinafter, the direction passing through both poles of the magnet will be referred to as the magnet direction, and the direction of the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor will be referred to as the detection direction. In a conventional flavor inhaler, the housing 1102 and the substrate 1082 are arranged in parallel, and the magnet direction (arrow A1100) passing through both poles of the magnet 1060 is arranged perpendicular to the housing 1102. In this case, the detection direction of the magnetic field in the Hall sensor 1600 (arrow A1200) and the magnet direction can be made to lie on the same straight line, enabling efficient detection by the Hall sensor 1600. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the Hall sensor 600 is arranged on a substrate 82 that extends along a plane intersecting the upper surface 500 of the housing 102, so it is not easy to make the detection direction of the magnetic field and the magnet direction to lie on the same straight line.

[0065] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the magnet 60 and Hall sensor 600 at the first position P1 in this embodiment. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the magnet 60 and Hall sensor 600 at the second position P2 in this embodiment.

[0066] The slide cover 108 is configured to move along the first surface S100, which corresponds to the upper surface 500 of the housing 102. The magnet 60 is positioned on the slide cover 108 such that the direction of the magnet passing through the north and south poles of the magnet 60 is aligned with the first surface S100. In Figure 12, the direction of the magnet is schematically shown by arrow A100. The angle between the first surface S100 and the direction of the magnet is preferably 30 degrees or less, and more preferably 15 degrees or less. A smaller angle between the first surface S100 and the direction of the magnet makes it easier to position a longer magnet 60. A longer magnet 60 allows for a stronger magnetic force, making it easier for the Hall sensor 600 to detect the magnetic field.

[0067] The substrate 82 is positioned so as to intersect with the direction of the magnet. In other words, the substrate 82 is positioned along the second surface S200, which is a surface that intersects with the direction of the magnet. The angle between the direction of the magnet and the second surface S200 is preferably 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, more preferably 75 degrees or more and 105 degrees or less, and even more preferably approximately perpendicular to the direction of the magnet and the second surface S200. The closer this angle is to perpendicular, the easier it becomes to configure the Hall sensor 600 to have a small angle between the detection direction and the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet 60, making it easier to detect the magnetic field.

[0068] The Hall sensor 600 includes a Hall element and a processing circuit for processing the output of the Hall element. The processing circuit includes, for example, an operational amplifier for amplifying the output of the Hall element. From the viewpoint of making it easier to detect the magnetic field of the magnet 60, the Hall sensor 600 and its Hall element are arranged to detect a magnetic field that is substantially parallel to the direction of the magnet. It is preferable that the Hall sensor 600 be placed on the substrate 82 such that the detection direction of the Hall sensor 600 is substantially perpendicular to the substrate 82. This allows the Hall sensor 600 to be placed on the substrate 82 in a simpler or more compact configuration.

[0069] The type and detection method of the Hall sensor 600 are not particularly limited as long as it can detect the magnetic field of the magnet 60. However, it is preferable that the Hall sensor 600 is configured not to perform bipolar detection. In this embodiment, since both poles of the magnet 60 may approach the Hall sensor 600, the detected magnetic field may fluctuate in a complex manner, and if bipolar detection is performed, complex processing may be required to determine the position of the slide cover 108. This risk can be reduced by configuring the Hall sensor 600 to perform, for example, only unipolar detection.

[0070] The angle between the first surface S100 and the second surface S200 is preferably 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, and more preferably 75 degrees or more and 105 degrees or less. The substrate 82 is preferably extended approximately perpendicular to the first surface S100. This allows the substrate 82 to be extended in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the slide cover 108, even if the distance the slide cover 108 moves is shortened, and a substrate 82 with a large surface area can be installed.

[0071] It is preferable that the direction of the magnet and the second surface S200 intersect between the two poles of the magnet 60 when the slide cover 108 is in the first position P1 or the second position P2, which is the detection position. More specifically, in Figure 12, it is preferable that the position of the substrate 82 in the X-axis direction is between the positions of the two poles of the magnet 60 in the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to reduce the angle between the detection direction and the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet 60 in the first position P1 or the second position P2, and to detect the magnetic field of the magnet 60 with higher sensitivity.

[0072] The control unit 80 controls the flavor inhaler 100 based on the output from the Hall sensor 600. Preferably, the control unit 80 controls the heating unit 40 based on the output from the Hall sensor 600. For example, the Hall sensor 600 outputs an ON signal indicating the detection of a magnetic field or an OFF signal indicating the absence of a magnetic field to the control unit 80. When the control unit 80 receives an ON signal, the slide cover 108 is in the first position P1 and the first opening 110 is open, so heating can be permitted. When the control unit 80 receives an OFF signal, the slide cover 108 is not in the first position P1 and the first opening 110 is closed, so heating can be prohibited. By configuring it in this way, unnecessary heating can be suppressed, and a more efficient and safe flavor inhaler can be provided.

[0073] The flavor inhaler 100 and flavor suction system of this embodiment include a slide cover 108 having a magnet 60 and movable along a first surface S100, and a substrate 82 including a Hall sensor 600. The magnet 60 is positioned on the slide cover 108 such that the direction passing through both of its poles aligns with the first surface S100, and the substrate 82 is positioned along a second surface S200 that intersects this direction. This makes it possible to provide a flavor inhaler 100 and flavor suction system that can detect the position of the slide cover 108 with sufficiently high sensitivity, even when the direction of movement of the slide cover 108 moving together with the magnet 60 intersects with the surface on which the substrate 82 on which the Hall sensor 600 is located extends.

[0074] (Extreme variation 1-1) In the above embodiment, the amount or characteristics of the adhesive used to bond the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 of the inner housing 103 may be non-uniform depending on the position on the adhesive surface 202. For clarity, the following explanation will use the case where there is one ventilation opening 220 as an example.

[0075] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vent 220A and covering member 210 according to this modified example. Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the vent 220A and adhesive layer 300, showing a 15-15 cross section (Figure 14) perpendicular to the central axis AX. Hatching of the lower housing 106 is omitted. In the illustrated example, the vent 220A is formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis AX and is a circular through-hole when viewed from the bottom surface 200 side.

[0076] As shown in Figure 14, the covering member 210 has a peripheral edge portion 215 that faces the inner housing 103 along the central axis AX. In this modified example, the peripheral edge portion 215 is strip-shaped and formed to surround the vent 220A, but the shape of the peripheral edge portion 215 is not particularly limited. Hereinafter, "strip-shaped" includes cases where the covering member 210 is formed along a closed curve like an annular shape. Including cases where the flavor inhaler 100 has multiple vents 220 formed thereon, as in the embodiment described above, the peripheral portion of the covering member 210 that faces the wall portion where the vents 220 are formed along the central axis AX is called the peripheral edge portion 215. The peripheral edge portion 215 faces the adhesive surface 202 of the inner housing 103. The peripheral edge portion 215 is arranged to surround one or more vents 220.

[0077] As shown in Figure 15, an adhesive layer 300 is formed between the peripheral edge 215 of the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 of the inner housing 103. The type of adhesive in the adhesive layer 300 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, a resin. It is preferable that the amount or properties of the adhesive in the adhesive layer 300 are non-uniform on the adhesive surface 202. This provides areas on the covering member 210 that are easily peeled off, making it easier to peel off the covering member 210 when the inside of the flavor inhaler 100 reaches a desired pressure. The different adhesive properties depending on the location on the adhesive surface 202 are not particularly limited as long as they affect the ease with which the covering member 210 can be peeled off, but for example, adhesive strength.

[0078] (Variations 1-2) In the modified example 1-1 described above, the width of the adhesive layer 300 in contact with the peripheral edge 215 may differ from the width of the adhesive layer 300 in contact with other parts of the peripheral edge 215.

[0079] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the adhesive layer 300A according to this modified example. The adhesive layer 300A is formed in a strip shape having a first width W1. However, at two locations in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis AX, the gap 250 between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 protrudes into the adhesive layer 300A, and the portion of the adhesive layer 300A facing the gap 250 constitutes a thin portion 310 having a second width W2 smaller than the first width W1. In the illustrated example, the adhesive layer 300 has two thin portions 310, but the number and position of the thin portions 310 are not particularly limited.

[0080] In this modified version of the flavor inhaler 100, the adhesive is arranged in a strip, and in a portion of the peripheral portion 215, the width of the adhesive is smaller than the width of the other portions of the peripheral portion 215. This makes it easier to reliably peel off the covering member 210 when the inside of the flavor inhaler 100 reaches the desired pressure.

[0081] (Variations 1-3) In modified example 1-1, the flavor inhaler 100 may further include an area surrounded by adhesive, but without adhesive, between the peripheral edge 215 and the adhesive surface 202 of the housing 102.

[0082] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the adhesive layer 300B according to this modified example. The flavor inhaler 100 includes a first region 251 surrounded by the adhesive layer 300B in a plane perpendicular to the central axis AX. The first region 251 is a region where no adhesive is present. Preferably, the first region 251 is an air layer. In this case as well, the coating member 210 can be more reliably peeled off when the inside of the flavor inhaler 100 reaches the desired pressure.

[0083] (Variations 1-4) In modified example 1-1, an air channel connecting the inside and outside of the flavor inhaler 100 may be formed between the adhesive layers 300.

[0084] Figure 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the adhesive layer 300C according to this modified example. The flavor inhaler 100 includes a second region 252. The second region 252 is a region between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202, extending radially, and in which no adhesive is present. The second region 252 is an air passage communicating the inside and outside of the flavor inhaler 100. In the illustrated example, since the adhesive layer 300C is annular, the second region 252 extends radially from the inside to the outside of the adhesive layer 300C. Thus, the flavor inhaler 100 further includes a second region 252 in which no adhesive is present, extending along the plane (XY plane) on which the covering member 210 extends, from the vent 220A side of the peripheral edge 215 to the opposite side. This makes it possible to suppress the rise in pressure inside the flavor inhaler 100.

[0085] (Variations 1-5) In the above embodiment, the adhesive of the adhesive layer 300 may be configured to be easily peeled off by the heat generated when gas is produced from the battery 22. For example, an adhesive can be used in which the adhesive strength decreases at temperatures higher than the normal temperature range brought about by flavor inhalation. This makes it possible to more reliably peel off the coating member 210 when the inside of the flavor inhaler 100 reaches the desired pressure.

[0086] (Variation 2-1) In the above-described embodiment, an input unit such as a button may be placed on the upper surface 500 in addition to or instead of the second opening 520.

[0087] Figure 19 is a schematic plan view of the flavor inhaler 100A according to this modified example. The flavor inhaler 100A has a configuration that is substantially the same as the flavor inhaler 100 described above, but differs from the flavor inhaler 100 in that an input section 522 is provided as the interface section 510 instead of the second opening 520.

[0088] The input section 522 includes an input device. In the illustrated example, the input section 522 is a button. However, it is not limited to this, and the input section 522 can include any input device that can be placed on the top surface 500. For example, the input section 522 can include a touch panel or a switch. The input section 522 can function as an operating section for the user to operate the various parts of the flavor inhaler 100A.

[0089] In the flavor inhaler 100A, when the slide cover 108 is in the first position P1, at least a portion of the input section 522 is covered by the slide cover 108, preventing the user from operating the input section 522. As shown in Figure 19, in the flavor inhaler 100A, when the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2, at least a portion of the first opening 110 is covered, preventing the insertion of the consumable material 120 into the first opening 110. When the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2, it may be configured to allow the user to operate the input section 522.

[0090] This configuration makes it difficult for the user to operate the input unit 522 when the consumable material 120 is inserted into the first opening 110. Also, when the input unit 522 is in use, it makes it difficult for the user to insert the consumable material 120 into the first opening 110. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of foreign matter due to by-flow smoke or smoke emitted by the user, or contact between foreign matter and the input unit 522, thereby suppressing adverse effects on the input unit 522 by foreign matter.

[0091] (Variation 2-2) In the above-described embodiment, a display unit such as a screen may be placed on the upper surface 500 in addition to or as an alternative to the second opening 520.

[0092] Figure 20 is a schematic plan view of the flavor inhaler 100B according to this modified example. The flavor inhaler 100B has substantially the same configuration as the flavor inhaler 100 described above, but differs from the flavor inhaler 100 in that a display unit 523 is arranged in the interface unit 510 instead of the second opening 520.

[0093] The display unit 523 includes a display device. In the illustrated example, the display unit 523 is a display such as a liquid crystal monitor. However, it is not limited to this, and the display unit 523 can include any display device that can be placed on the top surface 500. For example, the display unit 523 can include a touch panel or a light-emitting diode. If the display unit 523 is a light-emitting diode, the status of the flavor inhaler 100B can be indicated by whether or not it is lit.

[0094] In the flavor inhaler 100B, when the slide cover 108 is in the first position P1, at least a portion of the display unit 523 is covered by the slide cover 108. As shown in Figure 20, when the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2, at least a portion of the first opening 110 is covered, preventing the insertion of the consumable material 120 into the first opening 110. When the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2, it may be configured so that the user can see the display unit 523.

[0095] This configuration makes it difficult for the display unit 523 to be exposed when the consumable material 120 is inserted into the first opening 110. Also, when the display unit 523 is exposed, it becomes difficult for the user to insert the consumable material 120 into the first opening 110. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of foreign matter due to by-flow smoke or smoke emitted by the user, etc., or contact between foreign matter and the display unit 523, thereby suppressing adverse effects on the display unit 523 by foreign matter.

[0096] Although 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, specification, and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it achieves the function and effect of the present invention.

[0097] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the flavor inhaler comprises a housing having a vent, a battery disposed in a space inside the housing that communicates with the vent, and a covering member that covers at least a portion of the vent, wherein the covering member is bonded to the housing so as to be separable from the housing, the covering member constitutes the bottom surface of a recess formed on the outer surface of the housing, and the depth of the recess is less than the thickness of the covering member. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the covering member has a peripheral edge portion that faces the housing along the central axis of the vent, and an adhesive is disposed between the peripheral edge portion and the housing. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the adhesive is arranged in a strip shape, and in a part of the peripheral portion, the width of the adhesive is smaller than the width of the other part of the peripheral portion. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the periphery and the housing further comprises a first region surrounded by the adhesive, where the adhesive is not present. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any of the second to fourth embodiments, the covering member further comprises a second region along the surface on which it extends, extending from the vent side of the peripheral edge to the opposite side, wherein the adhesive is not provided. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the amount or properties of the adhesive at the peripheral edge are non-uniform. A seventh aspect of the present invention is a flavor inhalation system comprising a flavor inhaler according to any of the first to sixth aspects and a consumable material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 20...Power supply section 21…Power supply 28…Bluetooth interface 30...Atomization section 32…Insulation section 34… Insertion guide member 40...Heating part 50... Chamber 60,1060…magnets 70… Heat diffusion sleeve 80... Control Unit 82,1082… circuit boards 100,100A,100B…Flavor aspirator 102,1102… Housing 103...Inner Housing 104… Upper housing 106...Lower housing 108, 1108… Slide cover 110...First opening 120…Consumables 200...Bottom 201…Bottom of the housing 202...Adhesive surface 203...Interior of the housing 210... Covering member 211... Outer surface of the covering member 215... Peripheral area 220, 220A... Ventilation opening 230...First recess 251…First area 252…Second area 300,300A,300B…adhesive layer 500... Top surface of the flavor inhaler 510…Interface section 520...Second opening 521...Connection part 522...Input section 523...Display section 600, 1600… Hall elements 900...External device 910…External terminals AX...Central axis of the vent D1...Depth of the first recess P1...First position P2...Second position SP1…Space S100...Side 1 S200...Page 2 T1...Thickness of the covering material W1...First width W2…Second width

Claims

1. A housing with ventilation openings, Inside the housing, a battery is placed in a space that is in communication with the ventilation opening, The system comprises a covering member that covers at least a portion of the aforementioned vent, The covering member is bonded to the housing so as to be separable from the housing. The covering member constitutes the bottom surface of the recess formed on the outer surface of the housing. A flavor inhaler in which the depth of the recess is smaller than the thickness of the covering member.

2. The covering member has a peripheral edge portion that faces the housing along the central axis of the vent, The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive is disposed between the peripheral portion and the housing.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive is arranged in a strip, and in a part of the peripheral portion, the width of the adhesive is smaller than the width of the other part of the peripheral portion.

4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a first region between the peripheral portion and the housing, surrounded by the adhesive but without the adhesive present.

5. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second region where the adhesive is not present, extending along the surface on which the covering member extends, from the vent side of the peripheral edge to the opposite side.

6. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the amount or characteristics of the adhesive in the peripheral portion are non-uniform.

7. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A flavor inhalation system equipped with consumables.

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