Scent attractant

Abstract

To provide a flavor suction device including a storage part having high processability.SOLUTION: A flavor suction device includes a storage part that stores at least a part of a flavor generation article. The storage part has: a cylindrical part surrounding the periphery of the flavor generation article; and a contact part that is formed of a member different from that of the cylindrical part and contacts the flavor generation article stored in the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fragrance attractor for attracting fragrances and the like without burning materials is known. As such a fragrance attractor, for example, there is one having a housing portion for housing a fragrance-generating article, the housing portion having a cylindrical portion surrounding the periphery of the fragrance-generating article, and a base portion protruding from the bottom of the housing portion and abutting on the end of the fragrance-generating article, and the cylindrical portion and the base portion being integrally formed of the same member (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the fragrance attractor described in Patent Document 1, the cylindrical portion and the base portion are integrally formed of the same member to form the housing portion. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform fine processing on the base portion.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above problems, and an object thereof is to obtain a fragrance attractor having a housing portion with high processability, a desired fine shape, and low cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a flavor suction device is provided. This flavor suction device has a housing portion having an opening formed at one end for housing at least a portion of a flavor-generating article through the opening, the housing portion having a cylindrical portion surrounding the flavor-generating article, and a contact portion located at the other end of the housing portion within the cylindrical portion and formed of a different material from the cylindrical portion, which contacts the flavor-generating article housed in the housing portion.

[0007] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the housing portion is composed of a cylindrical portion and a contact portion formed of a different material from the cylindrical portion. Therefore, the housing portion can be formed by combining the contact portion, which has been finely processed in advance, with the cylindrical portion. As a result, a flavor inhaler can be obtained that is highly processable, inexpensive, and has a housing portion with a desired fine shape.

[0008] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the contact portion is made of resin, as in the first embodiment.

[0009] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, since the contact portion is made of resin, high processability can be achieved.

[0010] In a third embodiment of the present invention, in the second embodiment, a first air passage is formed in the contact portion that communicates with the flavor-generating article housed in the storage portion.

[0011] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, since the contact portion is made of resin, the airflow channel can be precisely designed.

[0012] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the third embodiment, the cylindrical portion has a contact portion that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is housed in the housing portion, and a separation portion that is adjacent to the contact portion in the circumferential direction and separated from the flavor-generating article, and when the flavor-generating article is housed in the housing portion, a second air passage communicating with the first air passage is formed between the separation portion and the flavor-generating article.

[0013] According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the air introduced into the containment section is supplied to the flavor-generating article through the second air passage and the first air passage and can reach the user's mouth. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate passage in the flavor suction device for introducing the air supplied to the flavor-generating article. As a result, the structure of the flavor suction device can be simplified and the flavor suction device can be made smaller.

[0014] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the cylindrical portion is made of metal.

[0015] According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, since the cylindrical portion is made of metal, heat can be effectively transferred from the cylindrical portion to the flavor-generating article.

[0016] In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the cylindrical portion has a non-cylindrical shape.

[0017] According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, since the housing portion is composed of a cylindrical portion and a contact portion formed of a different material from the cylindrical portion, even if the cylindrical portion has an irregular shape such as an elliptical or rectangular shape, fine processing can be applied to the contact portion regardless of the shape of the cylindrical portion, thereby improving the machinability of the housing portion.

[0018] In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, any of the first to sixth embodiments further includes a sealing portion that seals the space between the cylindrical portion and the contact portion.

[0019] According to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, since the space between the cylindrical portion and the contact portion is sealed by the sealing portion, the cylindrical portion and the contact portion are firmly fixed to each other, thereby increasing robustness.

[0020] In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, in any of the first to seventh embodiments, a heating element is further provided which is arranged on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion and configured to heat the flavor-generating article contained in the storage portion, wherein the contact portion and the heating element do not overlap in the axial direction of the storage portion.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the contact portion and the heating portion do not overlap in the axial direction of the accommodating portion, heat from the heating portion is less likely to be transmitted to the contact portion, and deterioration of the contact portion due to heat can be suppressed.

[0022] In the ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the contact portion engages with a bottom portion formed on the other end side of the accommodating portion in the cylindrical portion.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the contact portion is engaged with the bottom portion of the cylindrical portion, the contact portion can be positioned and supported within the cylindrical portion.

[0024] In the tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the apparatus further includes a support portion that engages with the contact portion via the cylindrical portion.

[0025] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the support portion engages with the contact portion, the cylindrical portion can be supported by the contact portion and the support portion.

[0026] In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, the apparatus further includes a rotation prevention mechanism that prevents relative rotation of the support portion with respect to the cylindrical portion about the axial direction of the accommodating portion as a rotation axis.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the rotation prevention mechanism is provided, relative rotation of the support portion with respect to the cylindrical portion can be prevented.

[0028] In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth or eleventh aspect, the contact portion forms an air layer on the opposite side of the contact surface that contacts the fragrance generating article accommodated in the accommodating portion in a state of being engaged with the support portion.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since an air layer is formed on the opposite side of the contact surface of the contact portion that contacts the fragrance generating article, heat loss due to heat transfer from the contact portion can be suppressed.

[0030] In the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, in any of the tenth to twelfth embodiments, the bottom portion formed on the other end side of the housing portion in the cylindrical portion is sandwiched and supported by the contact portion and the support portion.

[0031] According to the 13th embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the cylindrical part is sandwiched and supported by the contact part and the support part, so that the cylindrical part is firmly fixed and its robustness can be increased.

[0032] In the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, any of the first to thirteenth embodiments further includes a guide portion that abuts against the opening of the cylindrical portion and guides the insertion of a flavor-generating article into the cylindrical portion.

[0033] According to the 14th embodiment of the present invention, since a guide portion is provided at the opening of the cylindrical portion, the flavor-generating article can be easily inserted into the cylindrical portion.

[0034] In the 15th embodiment of the present invention, the 14th embodiment further comprises a cover portion arranged to cover the area around the contact point between the cylindrical portion and the guide portion.

[0035] According to the 15th embodiment of the present invention, a cover is provided at the contact point between the cylindrical part and the guide part, thereby preventing aerosols generated in the containment part from leaking into the housing of the flavor inhaler from the contact point between the cylindrical part and the guide part. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side cross-section of a flavor-generating article. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the flavor aspirator shown in Figure 1B, in line with arrow 3-3. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of the chamber. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional view of the chamber along the line 4B-4B shown by the arrow in Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber along the line 5A-5A. [Figure 5B] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber along the line 5B-5B. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the chamber and heating section. [Figure 7] Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber with the flavor-generating article positioned at the desired location. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the airflow path of the flavor suction device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first retaining part. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second retaining part. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another form of the first retaining part. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0038] Figure 1A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. In the drawings described herein, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system may be included for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z axis points vertically upward, the XY plane is arranged 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 the insertion direction of the flavor generating article housed in the chamber 50 of the atomizing unit 30, which will be described later, or the axial direction of the chamber 50. The X axis is perpendicular to the Y and Z axes, and the X and Y axes can also be the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction, or the radial direction of the chamber 50.

[0039] The flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate a flavor-containing aerosol by heating, for example, a stick-type flavor generating article having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

[0040] As shown in Figures 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 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. The outer housing 101 may be constructed 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.

[0041] The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving flavor-generating articles, and the slide cover 102 is slidably mounted on the outer housing 101 to close this opening. Specifically, the slide cover 102 is configured to move along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (shown in Figures 1A and 1B) that closes the opening of the outer housing 101 and an open position that opens the opening. For example, a user can move the slide cover 102 between the closed and open positions by manually operating it. This allows or restricts access of flavor-generating articles to the slide cover 102 and the inside of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0042] The switch unit 103 is used to switch the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 on and off. For example, by operating the switch unit 103 with a flavor-generating item inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, power is supplied to a heater (not shown) from a power source (not shown), allowing the flavor-generating item to be heated without combustion. The switch unit 103 may be a switch provided on the outside of the outer housing 101, or it may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. If 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 is described.

[0043] 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 supply. If the power supply of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting an external power supply to the terminals will allow the external power supply to supply current and charge the power supply. 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.

[0044] Next, the flavor generating article used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. In this embodiment, a smoking system can be constructed using the flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor generating article 110. In the example shown in Figure 2, the flavor generating article 110 includes a smokeable object 111, a cylindrical member 114, a hollow filter section 116, and a filter section 115.

[0045] The smokeable object 111 is wrapped in a first rolling paper 112. The cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter section 116, and the filter section 115 are wrapped in a second rolling paper 113, which is different from the first rolling paper 112. The second rolling paper 113 also wraps a portion of the first rolling paper 112 that wraps the smokeable object 111. This connects the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter section 116, and the filter section 115 to the smokeable object 111. However, the second rolling paper 113 may be omitted, and the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter section 116, and the filter section 115 to the smokeable object 111 may be connected using the first rolling paper 112. A lip-release agent 117 is applied to the outer surface near the end of the second rolling paper 113 on the filter section 115 side to make it easier for the user's lips to separate from the second rolling paper 113. The portion of the flavor-generating article 110 to which the lip-release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of the flavor-generating article 110.

[0046] The smokeable material 111 may include, for example, a flavor source such as tobacco and an aerosol source. The first rolling paper 112 for rolling the smokeable material 111 may be a breathable sheet material. The cylindrical member 114 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the illustrated example, the flavor generating article 110 comprises the smokeable material 111, the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter section 116, and the filter section 115, but the configuration of the flavor generating article 110 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter section 116 may be omitted, and the cylindrical member 114 and the filter section 115 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0047] 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 1B. As shown in Figure 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 resin, for example, and can be formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or from a metal such as aluminum. From the viewpoint of heat resistance and strength, it is preferable that the inner housing 10 be made of PEEK. A power supply unit 20 and an atomizing unit 30 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10.

[0048] The power supply unit 20 has a power source 21. The power source 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source 21 is electrically connected to the atomizing unit 30. This allows the power source 21 to supply power to the atomizing unit 30 so as to properly heat the flavor generating article 110.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the atomizing unit 30 includes a metal chamber 50 (corresponding to an example of a cylindrical part) extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor generating article 110, a heater 40 covering a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulating part 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34 (corresponding to an example of a guide part) that abuts against the opening 52 (see Figure 4A) of the chamber 50. The chamber 50 is configured to surround the flavor generating article 110. The heater 40 is configured to include a heating part 42 (see Figure 6) that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and heats the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, a bottom member 36 (corresponding to an example of a contact portion) is provided at the bottom of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 contacts the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 in the insertion direction of the flavor generating article 110 and can function as a stopper to position the flavor generating article 110. Here, the chamber 50 and the bottom member 36 constitute a housing portion that accommodates at least a part of the flavor generating article 110. The bottom member 36 may be formed from, for example, a resin material. The bottom member 36 has irregularities on the surface that the flavor generating article 110 contacts, and can define a first airflow path that can supply air to the air intake of the flavor generating article 110 that the flavor generating article 110 contacts, i.e., communicates with the flavor generating article 110 housed in the housing portion. The bottom member 36 is made of, for example, resin, and in particular, can 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. It is preferable that the bottom member 36 be made of a material with low thermal conductivity in order to suppress the transfer of heat to the heat insulating part 32, etc.

[0051] By constructing the housing section with a chamber 50 and a bottom member 36 made of a different material from the chamber 50, the housing section can be formed by combining the bottom member 36, which has been pre-processed with fine details, with the chamber 50. Therefore, a flavor inhaler 100 can be obtained that has high processability, is inexpensive, and has a housing section with the desired fine shape. Furthermore, by constructing the bottom member 36 from resin, high processability can be achieved, allowing for precise design of the first air passage.

[0052] The heat insulating section 32 is generally cylindrical and is positioned to cover the chamber 50. The heat insulating section 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 is provided between the slide cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 50. The insertion guide member 34 is made of, for example, resin, and can be formed 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 made of metal, glass, ceramic, etc. Furthermore, from the viewpoint 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 insertion guide member 34. By providing the insertion guide member 34, the flavor-generating article 110 can be easily inserted into the chamber 50.

[0053] The flavor inhaler 100 further includes 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 positioned to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the negative Z-axis side. The second holding part 38 is positioned to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the slide cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side). Details of the first holding part 37 and the second holding part 38 will be described later.

[0054] Next, the structure of the chamber 50 will be described. Figure 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 along the line 4B-4B shown in Figure 4A. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 along the line 5A-5A shown in Figure 4B. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 along the line 5B-5B shown in Figure 4B. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heater 40.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member including an opening 52 into which the flavor generating article 110 is inserted, and a cylindrical side wall portion 60 that accommodates the flavor generating article 110. A flange portion 52a is formed at the end of the chamber 50 that defines the opening 52. The chamber 50 is preferably made of a heat-resistant material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and can be made of stainless steel, for example. In addition to metal, the chamber 50 may be made of resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, etc. This allows for effective heating of the flavor generating article 110 from the chamber 50.

[0056] As shown in Figures 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 in a desired position within the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses against a part of the flavor generating article 110 on a surface intersecting the insertion direction of the flavor generating article 110, and the separation portion 66 separates from the flavor generating article 110. In this specification, "desired position within the chamber 50" means a position in which the flavor generating article 110 is properly heated, or the position of the flavor generating article 110 when the user smokes it.

[0057] Since the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66, the cross-sectional shape of the side wall portion 60 perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber 50 is elliptical, i.e., non-cylindrical. In this case, since the housing portion is composed of the chamber 50 and a bottom member 36 formed of a different material from the chamber 50, even if the chamber 50 has an irregular shape such as an elliptical or rectangular tube shape, fine processing can be applied to the bottom member 36 regardless of the shape of the chamber 50, thereby improving the machinability of the housing portion.

[0058] 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 Figure 6, the heater 40 is positioned on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. This allows the heat generated in the heating portion 42 of the heater 40 to be transferred to the flavor-generating article 110 that comes into contact with the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heater 40 is positioned on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps. The heater 40 may include an adhesive layer. In that case, it is preferable that the heater 40 including the adhesive layer is positioned on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps.

[0059] 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 a strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heater 40 which is positioned 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. Also, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

[0060] As shown in Figures 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. Preferably, the distance between at least a portion of 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 positioned between the contact portions 62.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5B, the inner surface 66a of the separated 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. Furthermore, the separated portion 66 is positioned adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4B, the chamber 50 may have a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that the bottom member 36 shown in Figure 3 passes through it and is positioned inside the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 can be fixed inside the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 with an adhesive or the like. The adhesive can function as a sealing part that seals the space between the chamber 50 and the bottom member 36. 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 can also be used. This firmly fixes the chamber 50 and the bottom member 36 to each other, increasing its robustness.

[0063] The bottom member 36 provided at the bottom 56 supports a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 such that at least a portion of the end face of the flavor-generating article 110 is exposed. The bottom 56 can also support a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 such that the exposed end face of the flavor-generating article 110 communicates with the void 67 (see Figure 7), which will be described later.

[0064] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, it is preferable that the chamber 50 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 location 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 Figures 4A and 4B, it is preferable that the chamber 50 has a first guide portion 58 with a tapered surface 58a that connects the inner surface of the non-retaining portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the heater 40 has a heating section 42. The heating section 42 may be, for example, a heating track. It is preferable that the heating section 42 is arranged to heat the contact section 62 of the chamber 50 without contacting the separated section 66. In other words, it is preferable that the heating section 42 is arranged only on the outer surface of the contact section 62. The heating section 42 may have a difference in heating capacity between the part that heats the separated section 66 of the chamber 50 and the part that heats the contact section 62. Specifically, the heating section 42 may be configured to heat the contact section 62 to a higher temperature than the separated section 66. For example, the arrangement density of the heating track of the heating section 42 in the contact section 62 and the separated section 66 can be adjusted. Alternatively, the heating section 42 may have substantially the same heating capacity around the entire circumference of the chamber 50 and be wound around the outer circumference of the chamber 50.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, it is preferable that the heater 40 has an electrical insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating section 42, in addition to the heating section 42. In this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is arranged to cover both sides of the heating section 42. Here, the bottom member 36 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the heating section 42 in the axial direction of the chamber 50. This makes it difficult for heat from the heating section 42 to be transferred to the bottom member 36, thereby suppressing deterioration of the bottom member 36 due to heat.

[0067] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5B showing the flavor generating article 110 positioned at a desired location within the chamber 50. As shown in Figure 7, when the flavor generating article 110 is positioned at a desired location within the chamber 50, it can come into contact with and be pressed against the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. On the other hand, a gap 67 is formed between the flavor generating article 110 and the separation portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end face of the flavor generating article 110 positioned within the chamber 50. As a result, air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 can pass through the gap 67 and flow into the interior of the flavor generating article 110. In other words, a second air passage (gap 67) is formed between the flavor generating article 110 and the separation portion 66.

[0068] Next, the airflow path of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the airflow path of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. In Figure 8, the flavor generating article 110 is omitted from the illustration. As shown in Figure 8, the second airflow path 150 formed between the flavor generating article 110 and the separation portion 66 communicates with the first airflow path 160 formed in the bottom member 36, and the first airflow path 160 communicates with the third airflow path 170 that passes through the inside of the flavor generating article 110.

[0069] In this way, the air introduced into the containment section is supplied to the flavor-generating article 110 through the second air passage 150 and the first air passage 160, and can reach the user's mouth. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate passage in the flavor suction device 100 for introducing the air supplied to the flavor-generating article 110. As a result, the structure of the flavor suction device 100 can be simplified and the flavor suction device 100 can be made smaller.

[0070] Next, the structures of the first retaining part 37 and the second retaining part 38 that hold the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 will be described. Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first retaining part 37. Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second retaining part 38.

[0071] Firstly, if the heat insulating part 32 covering the chamber 50 is completely fixed to the inner housing 10 or outer housing 101, there is a risk that the heat insulating part 32 may be destroyed when an external impact is applied to the flavor inhaler 100, as this impact cannot be absorbed. Also, if the heat insulating part 32 expands due to the heat of the chamber 50 (or heater 40), there is a risk that the fixed heat insulating part 32 may buckle due to thermal expansion.

[0072] Therefore, the first holding portion 37 and the second holding portion 38 in this embodiment hold the heat insulating portion 32 so that it can move in the axial direction of the chamber 50 or in the radial direction of the chamber 50 perpendicular to this axial direction (for example, in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction). Note that the first holding portion 37 and the second holding portion 38 may hold the heat insulating portion 32 so that it can move only in the axial direction of the chamber 50, or so that it can move only in the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, the bottom member 36 engages with the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. This allows the bottom member 36 to be positioned and supported within the chamber 50. The bottom member 36, located inside the bottom 56 of the chamber 50, has a shaft portion 36a that protrudes to the outside of the chamber 50 through the hole 56a of the chamber 50. The shaft portion 36a also has a flat surface 36b at its end (corresponding to an example of an anti-rotation mechanism). The first holding portion 37 includes a support portion 72, a heater cushion 74 (corresponding to an example of a first restricting portion or one-end restricting portion), and a ring 85 (corresponding to an example of a second restricting portion).

[0074] The support portion 72 is configured to support the chamber 50 by receiving the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36. Specifically, the bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50 is supported by being sandwiched between the bottom member 36 and the support portion 72. The support portion 72 is made of resin, for example, and can be formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The support portion 72 may also be made of metal, glass, ceramic, etc. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable that the support portion 72 be made of PEEK. As a result, the chamber 50, specifically the bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50, is supported by being sandwiched between the bottom member 36 and the support portion 72 that engages with the bottom member 36. Therefore, the chamber 50 is firmly fixed, and its robustness can be increased.

[0075] Furthermore, the support portion 72 has a flat surface 72a (corresponding to an example of a rotation prevention mechanism) that faces the flat surface 36b of the shaft portion 36a. By engaging the flat surface 36b of the shaft portion 36a with the flat surface 72a of the support portion 72, relative rotation of the support portion 72 with respect to the chamber 50 can be prevented.

[0076] Furthermore, when the bottom member 36 is engaged with the support portion 72, it forms an air layer 36d on the opposite side of the contact surface 36c that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article 110 housed in the storage portion. In other words, the bottom member 36 does not come into direct contact with the heater cushion 74. Therefore, heat loss due to heat transfer from the bottom member 36 can be suppressed.

[0077] The heater cushion 74 is configured to house and support one end of the support portion 72. The heater cushion 74 may be made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. When using silicone rubber, the preferred Shore A hardness range is 40 to 60, and can be appropriately selected 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 which is fixed to an inner housing (not shown). The fixing portion 22 may be the inner housing itself.

[0078] Here, the heater cushion 74 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone, as described above, and is configured to bias the chamber 50 toward the insertion guide member 34, i.e., toward the positive Z-axis direction, via the support portion 72. As a result, a seal is formed between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34, so that aerosols generated in the chamber 50 by heating the flavor generating article 110 can be prevented from leaking into the inner housing from between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34.

[0079] The heater cushion 74 is positioned opposite the heat insulating portion 32 with a gap between them, restricting the movement of the heat insulating portion 32 in the axial direction of the chamber 50. Therefore, the heat insulating portion 32 is prevented from moving indefinitely in the axial direction of the chamber 50, thus preventing the heat insulating portion 32 from colliding with other members (for example, the inner housing 10). Furthermore, since the heater cushion 74 is made of an elastic material, even if the heater cushion 74 comes into contact with the heat insulating portion 32, the stress on the heat insulating portion 32 can be relieved, thereby preventing the heat insulating portion 32 from being destroyed.

[0080] The ring 85 has an opening 85a into which the support portion 72 is inserted, and can be sandwiched and fixed between the support portion 72 and the heater cushion 74. The ring 85 is made of resin, for example, and can be formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The ring 85 may also be made of metal, glass, ceramic, etc. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable that the ring 85 be made of PEEK. The ring 85 is arranged to face the support material 32a, which will be described later and is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the heat insulating portion 32, with a gap between them, and restricts the movement of the heat insulating portion 32 in the radial direction of the chamber 50. Therefore, the heat insulating portion 32 is prevented from moving indefinitely in the radial direction of the chamber 50, and thus the heat insulating portion 32 is prevented from colliding with other members (for example, the inner housing 10, etc.). Furthermore, since the movement of the heat insulating section 32 in the radial direction of the chamber 50 can be restricted from the inside of the heat insulating section 32, the flavor inhaler 100 can be made smaller.

[0081] The heat insulating section 32 comprises a support material 32a and a heat insulating layer 32b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the support material 32a. The support material 32a is, for example, substantially cylindrical and arranged to surround the chamber 50. The support material 32a is made of resin, and in particular can be formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The heat insulating layer 32b can be, for example, an aerogel sheet. Here, the support material 32a is formed thinner than the heat insulating layer 32b, having a thickness of 1 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or less. This reduces the heat capacity of the heat insulating section 32 itself, thereby suppressing heat loss in the heat insulating section 32.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 is configured to contact the insertion guide member 34 around its entire circumference. The second retaining portion 38 also includes a gasket 80 (corresponding to an example of a cover portion) and an annular member 90 (corresponding to an example of a cover portion).

[0083] The gasket 80 is positioned around the non-retaining portion 54 of the chamber 50 and is configured to support the chamber 50. The gasket 80 is made of resin, for example, and can be formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The gasket 80 may also be made of metal, glass, ceramic, etc. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the gasket 80 is preferably made of PEEK. The annular member 90 is configured to engage with and support the insertion guide member 34 and the gasket 80. The annular member 90 can be made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. When using silicone rubber, the preferred Shore A hardness range is 40 to 60, and can be appropriately selected depending on the deformation of the annular member 90. The annular member 90 is configured to be positioned and fixed to a fixing portion 22 fixed to an inner housing (not shown).

[0084] The gasket 80 and the annular member 90 are positioned to cover the area around the contact point between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34. This prevents aerosols generated in the chamber 50 from leaking into the inner housing of the flavor inhaler 100 from the contact point between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34.

[0085] Furthermore, the gasket 80 and the annular member 90 are positioned opposite the heat insulating portion 32 with a gap between them, restricting the movement of the heat insulating portion 32 in the axial direction of the chamber 50. Therefore, the heat insulating portion 32 is prevented from moving indefinitely in the axial direction of the chamber 50, thus preventing the heat insulating portion 32 from colliding with other members (for example, the inner housing 10, etc.). In addition, since the annular member 90 is made of an elastic material, even if the annular member 90 comes into contact with the heat insulating portion 32, the stress on the heat insulating portion 32 can be relieved, thereby preventing the heat insulating portion 32 from being destroyed.

[0086] Furthermore, the gasket 80 is positioned opposite the inner circumferential surface of the heat insulating portion 32 with a gap between them, thereby restricting the movement of the heat insulating portion 32 in the radial direction of the chamber 50. As a result, the heat insulating portion 32 is prevented from moving indefinitely in the radial direction of the chamber 50, thus preventing it from colliding with other components (for example, the inner housing 10). In addition, since the movement of the heat insulating portion 32 in the radial direction of the chamber 50 can be restricted from the inside of the heat insulating portion 32, the flavor inhaler 100 can be miniaturized.

[0087] Here, it is preferable that the relationship L1 > L2 holds, where L1 is the distance between the heater cushion 74, the gasket 80, and the annular member 90, specifically the distance between the heater cushion 74, the gasket 80, and the annular member 90 at a position facing the heat insulating section 32, and L2 is the axial length of the heat insulating section 32. This allows the heat insulating section 32 to be positioned in a non-contact position with respect to the heater cushion 74, the gasket 80, and the annular member 90. Therefore, it is possible to suppress stress on the heat insulating section 32 from the heater cushion 74, the gasket 80, and the annular member 90.

[0088] In this embodiment, the heater cushion 74 is described as being positioned and fixed to the fixing part 22, but this is not the only possible configuration. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another configuration of the first retaining part. As shown in Figure 12, the first retaining part 137 includes a ring 172 (corresponding to an example of a support part) and a heater cushion 174. Furthermore, the bottom member 36 provided at the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 has a shaft portion 36a that protrudes to the outside of the chamber 50 through the hole 56a of the chamber 50.

[0089] The ring 172 is configured to contact the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 and support the chamber 50. The ring 172 also has a hole 172a in its central portion through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The ring 172 is made of resin, for example, and can be formed from resin such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers.

[0090] The heater cushion 174 is configured to house and support one end of the ring 172. The heater cushion 174 also has a hole 174a in its central portion through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The heater cushion 174 may be made of an elastic material such as silicone.

[0091] The bottom member 36 is configured such that the shaft portion 36a is positioned and fixed to a fixing portion 22 which is fixed to an inner housing (not shown). The fixing portion 22 may be the inner housing itself.

[0092] Even with the first holding portion 137 having such a structure, the heater cushion 174 biases the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34, forming a seal between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34. This prevents the aerosol generated in the chamber 50 by the heating of the flavor generating article 110 from leaking into the inner housing from between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34.

[0093] 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.

[0094] For example, the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment has a so-called counterflow type airflow channel in which air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end face of the flavor generating article 110. However, it is not limited to this, and may also have a so-called bottom flow type airflow channel in which air is supplied into the chamber 50 from the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. Furthermore, the heating unit 42 is not limited to a resistance heating type, but may also be an induction heating type. In that case, the heating unit 42 can heat the chamber 50 by induction heating. Also, if the flavor generating article 110 has a susceptor, the heating unit 42 can heat the susceptor of the flavor generating article 110 by induction heating. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 32…Insulation section 34… Insertion guide member 36...Bottom member 36b…Flat surface 36d...Air layer 37...First holding part 38…Second holding part 42...Heating section 50... Chamber 52...Aperture 62... Contact area 66…Separation part 72...Support part 72a...Flat surface 74... Heated cushion 80…Gasket 85... Ring 90... Ring-shaped member 100...Flavor aspirator 110… Flavor-generating items 150...Second air passage 160...First air passage 137...First holding part 172... Ring 174... Heated cushion

Claims

1. An opening is formed at one end, and a storage section is provided through the opening to accommodate at least a portion of the flavor-generating article. The aforementioned housing section is A cylindrical portion surrounding the aforementioned flavor-generating article, It has a contact portion positioned at the other end of the housing portion, formed of a different material from the cylindrical portion, and which comes into contact with the flavor-generating article housed in the housing portion, The aforementioned contact portion has a contact surface that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article, A guide portion that contacts the opening of the cylindrical portion and guides the insertion of the flavor-generating article into the cylindrical portion, A cover portion is housed in the inner housing and is positioned to cover the area around the contact point between the cylindrical portion and the guide portion. The present invention further comprises a sealing portion that seals the space between the cylindrical portion and the contact portion, Flavor aspirator.

2. A flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The contact portion is made of resin. Flavor aspirator.

3. A flavor inhaler according to claim 2, A first air passage is formed in the contact portion, which communicates with the flavor-generating article housed in the housing portion. Flavor aspirator.

4. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The cylindrical portion is made of metal. Flavor aspirator.

5. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The contact portion engages with the cylindrical portion at the other end of the housing portion. Flavor aspirator.

6. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The heating unit is further arranged on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion and configured to heat the flavor-generating article contained in the storage portion, The contact portion and the heating portion do not overlap in the axial direction of the housing portion. Flavor aspirator.

7. A flavor inhaler according to claim 6, The heating unit heats the cylindrical portion by induction heating. Flavor aspirator.

8. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The cylindrical portion has a flange portion formed at the end that defines the opening. Flavor aspirator.

9. A flavor inhaler according to claim 8, The flange portion abuts the guide portion around its entire circumference. Flavor aspirator.

10. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A flavor-generating article, Smoking system.

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