Heater assembly and container

Abstract

To provide a heater assembly and a container used in a flavor suction device.SOLUTION: A heater assembly 30 includes: a container 40 having a cylindrical portion 41 forming a chamber 40C storing a flavor generation article; and a heater 50 arranged at a peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The container includes: a first channel 43 extending along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and adjacent to the chamber in a direction crossing with the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion; and a second channel 44 passing through the inside of the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion. The first channel communicates with the second channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater assembly and a container used in a fragrance attractor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fragrance attractor that heats a fragrance-generating article without combustion has been known. The fragrance attractor has a chamber that houses the fragrance-generating article and a heater that heats the fragrance-generating article housed in the chamber (for example, Patent Documents 1-3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first feature is a heater assembly including a container having a cylindrical portion that forms a chamber for housing a fragrance-generating article, and a heater disposed on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. The container extends along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and includes a first channel adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion. The first channel communicates with the two channels.

[0005] A second feature is that, in the first feature, the heater is disposed so as to contact an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0006] The third feature is that, in the first or second feature, the heater comprises a heating element and a base material supporting the heating element, and the heating element is provided along the portion of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion other than the portion adjacent to the first channel.

[0007] The fourth feature is that, in the third feature, the portion to be arranged includes a first arrangement portion and a second arrangement portion located further from the first channel than the first arrangement portion on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, and the watt density of the heating element in the first arrangement portion is higher than the watt density of the heating element in the second arrangement portion.

[0008] The fifth feature is that, in any of the first to fourth features, the heater comprises a heating element and a base material supporting the heating element, the cylindrical portion comprises a first end for receiving the flavor-generating article and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and the heating element is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion so as to be spaced apart from the second end.

[0009] The sixth feature is that, in the fifth feature, the container has a bottom plate portion that closes the second end, and the heating element is not provided on the bottom plate portion but is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0010] The seventh feature is characterized in that, in any of the first to sixth features, the cylindrical portion has a contact portion that contacts the tip of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is housed in the chamber.

[0011] The eighth feature is that, in any of the first to sixth features, the container has a bottom plate portion, and further comprises a base provided on the bottom plate portion of the container, which abuts against the leading edge of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is housed in the chamber, and which forms an annular gap around the base that communicates with the first channel and the second channel.

[0012] The ninth feature is characterized in that, in any of the first to eighth features, the cylindrical portion is made of a heat-conductive material.

[0013] The tenth feature is characterized in that, in any of the first to ninth features, the cylindrical portion has a first end for receiving the flavor-generating article and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, the container has a bottom plate portion that closes the second end, and the cylindrical portion has a third channel that connects the first channel and the second channel.

[0014] The eleventh feature is that, in the tenth feature, the channels from the first channel to the third channel include inclined channels or curved channels.

[0015] The twelfth feature is characterized in that, in any of the first to eleventh features, the cylindrical portion includes, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, a first portion that defines the chamber and a second portion that extends outward from the chamber, and the second portion extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and forms the first channel.

[0016] The thirteenth feature is that, in the state described in the twelfth feature, when the flavor-generating article is housed in the chamber, the first part is in contact with the outer surface of the flavor-generating article, and the second part is spaced apart from the outer surface of the flavor-generating article.

[0017] The fourteenth feature is that, in the twelfth or thirteenth feature, the first portion is configured to compress the flavor-generating article at least partially in the direction of arrangement of the first and second portions when the flavor-generating article is housed in the chamber.

[0018] The 15th feature is characterized in that, in any of the 12th to 14th features, the first part has an elliptical circumference in the cross-section of the cylindrical portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] The sixteenth feature is characterized in that, in any of the first to eleventh features, the container has a channel-forming member that forms the first channel, and the channel-forming member is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0020] The 17th feature is characterized in that, in the 6th feature, or any of the 7th to 16th features referencing the 6th feature, the heater assembly is equipped with a sensor used for detecting temperature changes occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided on the bottom plate portion.

[0021] The eighteenth feature is characterized in that, in any of the twelfth to fifteenth features, the heater assembly is equipped with a sensor used for detecting temperature changes occurring within the heater assembly, and the sensor is provided in the second part.

[0022] The 19th feature is that, in the 16th feature, the heater assembly is the heater assembly The gist of the invention is that it is equipped with a sensor used to detect temperature changes occurring within the gentian, and the sensor is provided on the channel forming member.

[0023] The 20th feature is characterized in that, in any of the first to 19th features, the container has a region formed on at least a part of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, which has a higher thermal emissivity than the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical container.

[0024] The 21st feature is that in any one of the 1st to 20th features, the container further has a bottom plate portion, and the gist is that the container further includes a heat insulating member covering the cylindrical portion and the bottom plate portion of the container.

[0025] The 22nd feature is that in any one of the 1st to 21st features, the gist is that the container further includes a film made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the cylindrical member, provided between the cylindrical portion and the heater.

[0026] The 23rd feature is that in any one of the 1st to 22nd features, the gist is that the first channel forms an air flow path from outside the heater assembly toward the second channel, and the container further includes an inhibiting member that inhibits the fluid flow in the reverse direction of the first channel.

[0027] The 24th feature is that in the 23rd feature, the gist is that the inhibiting member is a partition wall that closes a part of the first channel.

[0028] The 25th feature is that in the 23rd feature, the gist is that the container further includes a lid member movable between a first position where the opening of the container is exposed and a second position where the opening is covered, and the inhibiting member is the lid member in the first position.

[0029] The 26th feature is a container having a cylindrical portion forming a chamber for accommodating a flavor generating article, the cylindrical portion extending along the longitudinal direction thereof, and having a first channel adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a second channel passing through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion constituting a surface on which a heater is disposed, and the first channel communicating with the second channel.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an aroma attractor 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a heater assembly 30 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a container 40 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a container 40 according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a container 40 according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the heater 50 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the heater 50 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to modification example 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to modification example 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to modification example 2. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to modification example 3. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to modification example 3. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the contact portion related to modification example 4. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the contact portion related to modification example 4. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the contact portion related to modification example 4. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the contact portion related to modification example 4. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to modification example 5. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the heater 50 related to modification example 5. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the heater 50 related to modification example 5. [Figure 20]Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the heater 50 related to modification example 5. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows the flavor inhaler 100 according to modification example 6. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to the additional modification example 2. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to the additional modification example 2. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to the additional modification example 2. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to the additional modification example 2. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to the additional modification example 2. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a diagram illustrating the container 40 related to the additional modification example 2. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a diagram illustrating the partition wall 49 related to the additional modification example 3. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the partition wall 49 related to the additional modification example 3. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a diagram illustrating the partition wall 49 related to the additional modification example 3. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a diagram illustrating the lid member LD related to the additional modification example 3. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a diagram illustrating the lid member LD related to the additional modification example 3. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a diagram illustrating the thermal insulation member 70 related to the additional modification example 4. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a diagram illustrating the base 80 related to the additional modification example 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Embodiments will be described below. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions may differ from those of reality.

[0032] Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined by referring to the following explanation. Furthermore, it is important to note that there may be differences in the dimensional relationships and ratios between drawings.

[0033] [Summary of Disclosure] In the flavor inhaler described above, various innovations have been made regarding the arrangement of the channels and heaters for drawing air into the chamber. However, given the small size of the flavor inhaler and the need for efficient aerosol generation, further improvements to the arrangement of the channels and heaters are desired.

[0034] The heater assembly described in the disclosure outlines a container having a cylindrical portion that forms a chamber for containing a flavor-generating article, and a heater disposed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. The container has a first channel that extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and is adjacent to the chamber in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and a second channel that passes through the chamber along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion. The first channel communicates with the second channel.

[0035] The disclosure outlines a configuration in which a heater is positioned on the circumferential surface of a cylindrical portion forming a chamber, with a first channel adjacent to the chamber and communicating with a second channel passing through the chamber. This configuration eliminates the need to provide a channel communicating with the bottom of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, and allows for the adoption of a structure that closes the bottom of the heater assembly. Consequently, the dead space below the heater assembly can be effectively utilized.

[0036] [Embodiment] (flavor aspirator) The following describes a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the flavor inhaler 100 comprises a flavor generating article 110 and an inhaler body 120. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the puffing operation is performed with the flavor generating article 110 held in the user's mouth. The air inhaled by the user is guided into the user's oral cavity in the order of airflow 100A, airflow 100C, and airflow 100B.

[0038] The flavor generating article 110 is a base material containing components that can generate flavor, and has a columnar shape extending along its longitudinal direction. For example, the flavor generating article 110 may be composed of shredded tobacco, a molded body formed from tobacco raw materials into granules, a molded body formed from tobacco raw materials into a sheet, and the like. The flavor generating article 110 may generate an aerosol when heated, and may contain an aerosol source containing glycerin, propylene glycol, or various polyols such as 1,3-butanediol to promote aerosol generation. The flavor generating article 110 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor generating article 110 may contain flavorings such as menthol.

[0039] The suction device body 120 includes a battery 10, a control circuit 20, and a heater assembly 30.

[0040] Battery 10 stores the power used by the suction device body 120. For example, battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery. Battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0041] The control circuit 20 consists of a CPU and memory, and controls the operation of the inhaler body 120. For example, the control circuit 20 starts heating the flavor-generating item 110 in response to user operation on an input device such as a push button or a slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the flavor-generating item 110 after a certain period of time has elapsed. The control circuit 20 may also stop heating the flavor-generating item 110 even before a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating if the number of puffing actions by the user exceeds a certain value. For example, the puffing action is detected by the sensor 60 shown in Figure 2, which will be described later.

[0042] Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may start heating the flavor-generating article 110 in response to the start of the puffing operation and stop heating the flavor-generating article 110 in response to the end of the puffing operation. The control circuit 20 may also stop heating the flavor-generating article 110 even before the end of the puffing operation if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the puffing operation. In this embodiment, the control circuit 20 is positioned between the battery 10 and the heater assembly 30 to suppress heat transfer from the heater assembly 30 to the battery 10.

[0043] The heater assembly 30 is an assembly that heats the flavor-generating article 10. As shown in Figure 2, the heater assembly 10 has a container 40, a heater 50, and a sensor 60.

[0044] The container 40 has a cylindrical portion 41 and a bottom plate portion 42. The cylindrical portion 41 forms a chamber 40C for containing the flavor-generating article 10. The cylindrical portion 41 is made of a heat-conducting material. The heat-conducting material is not particularly limited, but for example, it is aluminum or stainless steel (SUS). The cylindrical portion 41 has a first end 40X for receiving the flavor-generating article 10 and a second end 40Y provided on the opposite side of the first end 40X in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 41 (hereinafter, longitudinal direction A). The bottom plate portion 42 closes the second end 40Y. The container 40 has a cup shape, which is composed of a cylindrical portion 41 and a bottom plate portion 42. The container 40 may be integrally molded by a method such as metal sheet drawing.

[0045] The container 40 has a first channel 43, a second channel 44, and a third channel 45. The first channel 43 is a passage for airflow 100A. The first channel 43 extends along the longitudinal direction A. The first channel 43 is adjacent to the chamber 40C in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction A (hereinafter referred to as the intersecting direction B). The second channel 44 is a passage for airflow 100B. The second channel 44 extends along the longitudinal direction A. The second channel 44 passes through the chamber 40C. The third channel 45 is a passage for airflow 100C. The third channel 45 is provided on the bottom plate portion 42 side and extends along the intersecting direction B. The first channel 43 communicates with the second channel 44 via the third channel 45.

[0046] Here, the chamber 40C may be considered as a cavity that houses the flavor-generating article 10, and as a portion occupied by the flavor-generating article 10. As described above, the second channel 44 may be considered as a flow path passing through the chamber 40C, and as a flow path passing through the flavor-generating article 10. The second channel 44 may be considered synonymous with the chamber 40C, or as a part of the chamber 40C.

[0047] The heater 50 is positioned on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and heats the flavor-generating article contained in the chamber 40C. The heater 50 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 or on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. The heater 50 may be in contact with the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. Figure 2 illustrates the case where the heater 50 is positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0048] The heater 50 comprises a base material 51 (base material 51A and base material 51B) and a heating element 52. The heating element is sandwiched between base material 51A and base material 51B. The base material 51 supports the heating element. For example, the base material 51 is made of a film such as polyimide. For example, the heating element 52 is made of a resistance heating element such as a metal. For example, the metal constituting the heating element 52 may be one or more metals selected from nickel alloy, chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum rhodium. The heater 50 may be bonded to the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, or it may be supported on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 by a separate support member. In Figure 2, the heater 50 may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 by a heat shrink tubing (not shown) installed on the outside of the heater 50.

[0049] Sensor 60 is used to detect temperature changes occurring within the heater assembly 30. For example, sensor 60 is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or thermocouple. Sensor 60 may be provided on the bottom plate portion 42. Alternatively, sensor 60 may be provided adjacent to the first channel 43 on the inner or outer surface of the second portion 41B, which will be described later. Sensor 60 may be used to detect puffing operation by temperature changes caused by air flowing through the first channel 43. Furthermore, sensor 60 may be used for heating control of the flavor generating article 10 by the control circuit 20. In particular, the control circuit 20 may be configured to stop supplying power to the heating element 52 when the temperature of the heater assembly 30 or other parts of the suction device 120, measured directly or indirectly by sensor 60, exceeds a certain value.

[0050] (container) The following describes a container according to an embodiment. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the container 40 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a view of the container 40 according to the embodiment from the P, Q, and R directions shown in Figure 3.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the cylindrical portion 41 of the container 40 has, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, a first portion 41A that demarcates the chamber 40C and an extension that extends outward from the chamber 40C. It includes a second portion 41B that extends along the longitudinal direction A and forms a first channel 43. That is, when the flavor generating article 110 is housed in the chamber 40C, the first portion 41A is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 110, and the second portion 41B is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the flavor generating article 110. The first portion 41A and the second portion 41B may be integrally molded.

[0052] Here, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the first portion 41A may have a shape substantially similar to that of the flavor-generating article 110. For example, if the flavor-generating article 110 is cylindrical, the first portion 41A may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the second portion 41B only needs to protrude outward from the chamber 40C, and for example, it may have an arc shape.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, the container 40 has a constricted portion 41S. The constricted portion 41S constitutes a contact portion that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article 110 when the flavor-generating article 110 is placed in the chamber 40C. The constricted portion 41S may be a portion that is constricted inside the cylindrical portion 41 without changing the thickness of the cylindrical portion 41 itself.

[0054] (heater) A heater according to an embodiment will be described below. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating a heater 50 according to an embodiment. As described above, the heater 50 has a base material 51 and a heating element 52.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the heater 50 includes a lead wire portion 53 that is continuous with the heating element 52. For example, the lead wire portion 53 is connected to the battery 10 via the control circuit 20.

[0056] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the heater 50 is wound around the cylindrical portion 41 of the container 40. Here, the heating element 52 is provided along the portion of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 that is not adjacent to the first channel 43. In this embodiment, the heating element 52 is not provided along the circumferential surface of the second portion 41B, but along the circumferential surface of the first portion 41A. That is, the circumferential surface of the first portion 41A constitutes the portion to be provided. However, the base material 51 (base material 51A and base material 51B) may be provided along part or all of the circumferential surface of the second portion 41B, or it may not be provided along the circumferential surface of the second portion 41B. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the heating element 52 may be provided along the circumferential surfaces of both the first portion 41A and the second portion 41B.

[0057] Here, the circumferential surface of the first portion 41A includes a first arrangement portion 41A1 and a second arrangement portion 41A2 which is further from the first channel 43 than the first arrangement portion 41A1. The watt density of the heating element 52A in the first arrangement portion 41A1 is equal to the watt density of the heating element 52B in the second arrangement portion 41A2. It can be higher than the net density.

[0058] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the heating element 52 is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 so as to be spaced apart from the second end portion 40Y. The heating element 52 is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and is not provided on the bottom plate portion 42.

[0059] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In this embodiment, assuming that the heater 50 is arranged on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 forming the chamber 40C, the first channel 43, which communicates with the second channel 44 passing through the chamber 40C, is adjacent to the chamber 40C. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating with the bottom of the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure that closes the bottom of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, the bottom of the heater assembly 30 This allows for effective use of the dead space on the side. Furthermore, since the air passing through the first channel 43 can be preheated by the heater 50 positioned on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, the temperature drop of the flavor generating article 110 housed in the chamber 40C is suppressed, and the effect of efficiently generating aerosols from the flavor generating article 110 can also be expected.

[0060] In this embodiment, the heater 50 is positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. Therefore, the assembly of the heater 50 is easy.

[0061] In this embodiment, the heating element 52 is provided on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 in a portion other than the portion adjacent to the first channel 43 (the circumferential surface of the first portion 41A). With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the air (airflow 100A) flowing through the first channel 43 from being heated more than necessary. Furthermore, considering that the flavor generating article 110 cannot be directly heated in the portion adjacent to the first channel 43, by not placing the heating element 52 in a portion that does not contribute to heating the flavor generating article 110, energy required to heat the flavor generating article 110 can be saved.

[0062] In this embodiment, the watt density of the heating element 52A in the first arrangement portion 41A1 is the second arrangement portion The watt density may be higher than that of the heating element 52B in the mounting section 41A2. According to the manufacturer, since no heating element 52 is placed in the portion adjacent to the first channel 43, it is possible to suppress the temperature drop of the flavor generating article 110 in the portion adjacent to the first channel 43.

[0063] In this embodiment, the container 40 has a constricted portion 41S that contacts the flavor-generating article 110 when the flavor-generating article 110 is placed in the chamber 40C. With this configuration, the positioning of the flavor-generating article 110 within the chamber 40C is easy, and a third channel 45 connecting the first channel 43 and the second channel 44 can be easily secured.

[0064] In this embodiment, the container 40 has a bottom plate portion 42 that closes the second end 40Y of the cylindrical portion 41, and the third channel 45 is provided on the bottom plate portion 42 side. With this configuration, the bottom plate portion 42 can generate an airflow (airflow 100C) from the first channel 43 to the second channel 44.

[0065] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 41 of the container 40 includes a first portion 41A that defines the chamber 40C in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, and a second portion 41B that extends outward from the chamber 40C. With this configuration, the air inlet, the first channel 43, and the second channel 44 (chamber 40C) can be realized by a single member (cylindrical portion 41), and the structure of the heater assembly 30 can be simplified.

[0066] In this embodiment, by arranging the first channel 43 adjacent to the chamber 40C, it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating with the bottom of the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure that closes the bottom surface of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, the space below the heater assembly 30 can be used for purposes other than channeling.

[0067] In this embodiment, the sensor 60 is provided on the bottom plate portion 42. With this configuration, since the bottom plate portion 42 is spaced apart from the heating element 52, the sensor 60 is not excessively affected by the heat generated by the heating element 52, and since the bottom plate portion 42 is away from the user's mouth, the sensor 60 is not excessively affected by the outside air. Therefore, in cases where the sensor 60 is used to detect puffing, the accuracy of the sensor 60 in detecting temperature changes can be improved.

[0068] (Example of change 1) The following describes Example 1 of the modified embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the embodiment.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second portion 41B has an arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. In contrast, in Modification Example 1, as shown in Figure 8, the second portion 41B has a U shape that opens toward the chamber 40C in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. Specifically, the second portion 41B has an arc portion 41B1 and a pair of straight portions 41B2. Similar to the examples shown in Figures 5 to 7, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 is not provided along the circumferential surface of the second portion 41B, but along the circumferential surface of the first portion 41A. The base material 51 of the heater 50 (base material 51A and base material 51B) is along the pair of straight portions 41B2 of the second portion 41B. It may be provided as such, or it may be provided along the arc portion 41B1.

[0070] However, the embodiments and modification example 1 are not limited thereto. The second part 41B only needs to extend outward from the chamber 40C in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. The second part 41B may have a rectangular shape, or a shape that combines a rectangle and an arc.

[0071] (Example of change 2) The following describes a modified example of the embodiment 2. The following primarily describes the differences from the original embodiment.

[0072] Modification Example 2 describes variations in the shape of the cylindrical portion 41. In Modification Example 2, as in the embodiment, the cylindrical portion 41 includes a first portion 41A that defines the chamber 40C in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, and a second portion 41B that extends outward from the chamber 40C.

[0073] For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the cross-section of the flavor-generating article 110 is circular, the cylindrical portion 41 may have an elliptical shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, a first channel 43 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and the outer circumferential surface of the flavor-generating article 110. Of the cylindrical portion 41, the portion that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the flavor-generating article 110 constitutes the first portion 41A, and the portion that is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the flavor-generating article 110 constitutes the second portion 41B.

[0074] For example, as shown in Figure 10, if the cross-section of the flavor-generating article 110 is circular, the cylindrical portion 41 may have a rectangular shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, a first channel 43 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and the outer circumferential surface of the flavor-generating article 110. Of the cylindrical portion 41, the portion that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the flavor-generating article 110 constitutes the first portion 41A, and the portion that is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the flavor-generating article 110 constitutes the second portion 41B.

[0075] (Example of change 3) The following describes a third modified embodiment. The differences from the original embodiment will be explained primarily.

[0076] In modification example 3, the container 40 has a channel-forming member that forms a first channel 43. The channel-forming member is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0077] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the container 40 may have a channel-forming member 46 having a circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. In other words, channel formation The member 46 may have a cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, the first channel 43 is formed inside the channel-forming member 46. The channel-forming member 46 may be bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, or it may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 41.

[0078] For example, as shown in Figure 12, the container 40 may have a channel-forming member 46 having an elliptical shape that accommodates the cylindrical portion 41 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. In other words, the channel-forming member 46 may have an elliptical cylindrical shape that extends along the longitudinal direction A. In such a case, the first channel 43 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the channel-forming member 46 and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. The channel-forming member 46 may be bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, or it may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 41.

[0079] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In modification example 3, the container 40 has a channel-forming member 46 that forms the first channel 43. With this configuration, the first channel 43 and the second channel 44 (chamber 40C) are separated by at least a cylindrical portion 41, so that unintended air inflow from the first channel 43 to the second channel 44 can be suppressed. Unintended air inflow refers to air inflow through flow paths other than the third channel 45 described above.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 12, the heater 50, which is positioned on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, is positioned inside the first channel 43. In other words, since the first channel 43 is not interposed between the heater 50 and the chamber 40C, energy can be efficiently transferred from the heater 50 to the flavor generating article 110 compared to the case shown in Figure 9.

[0081] (Example of change 4) The following describes a modification example 4 of the embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the embodiment.

[0082] Modification Example 4 describes variations in the contact portion that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article 110 when the flavor-generating article 110 is housed in the chamber 40C.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the container 40 has ribs 41R that rise from the bottom surface 42. Although two ribs 41R are shown as an example in Figure 13, the number of ribs 41R is arbitrary.

[0084] For example, as shown in Figure 14, the container 40 may have a stepped portion 47 as a contact portion provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. The stepped portion 47 is a portion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 into the inside of the chamber 40C. The stepped portion 47 may be in contact with the bottom surface 42 or may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 42. The stepped portion 47 may be a portion that is continuous with the entire inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 or may be provided intermittently on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41. When the stepped portion 47 is provided intermittently, the number of stepped portions 47 is arbitrary. In such a case, the stepped portion 47 may be made of a heat dissipation member.

[0085] For example, as shown in Figure 15(A), in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the inner surface of the first portion 41A that defines the chamber 40C may narrow as it approaches the second end portion 41Y. In such a case, the portion of the inner surface of the first portion 41A that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article 110 functions as a contact portion. Here, in addition to the inner surface of the first portion 41A, the inner surface of the second portion 41B may also narrow as it approaches the second end portion 41Y. With such a configuration, as shown in Figure 15(B), the channels from the first channel 43 to the third channel 45 include inclined channels or curved channels. The channel may be considered as part of the first channel 43, or as part of the third channel 45. Because an airflow 100D is generated through the inclined or curved channel, air flows smoothly from the first channel 43 to the second channel 44.

[0086] For example, as shown in Figure 16, the bottom surface 42 of the container 40 may have a shape that protrudes inward into the chamber 40C. In such a case, the portion of the bottom surface 4 that comes into contact with the flavor-generating article 110 functions as a contact portion. The shape of such a bottom surface 42 performs a function similar to that of the rib 41R described above.

[0087] (Example of change 5) The following describes a modified example of the embodiment, specifically example 5. The following primarily describes the differences from the original embodiment.

[0088] Modification Example 5 describes a variation of the heater 50. Modification Example 5 describes a case in which the container 40 has two first channels 43, as shown in Figure 17. In Figure 17, A1 and A2 are reference numerals representing the outer circumferential surfaces of the first part 41A, and B1 and B2 are reference numerals representing the outer circumferential surfaces of the second part 41B. In Figures 18 to 20 shown below, the parts of the heater 50 located on the outer circumferential surface of the first part 41A are labeled with the numerals A1 and A2, and the parts of the heater 50 located on the outer circumferential surface of the second part 41B are labeled with the numerals B1 and B2. In other words, in the assembled heater assembly 30, the regions labeled with numerals A1, A2, B1, and B2 in Figure 18 will face the regions labeled with the same numerals in Figure 17. This is also true for the examples shown in Figures 19 and 20.

[0089] For example, as shown in Figure 18, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 may be divided into two heating parts. The two heating parts are arranged along the outer surface of the first part 41A, and the other part is arranged along the outer surface of the second part 41B. A lead wire 53 may be provided at one end of the heater 50.

[0090] For example, as shown in Figure 19, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 may be divided into two heating parts. The two heating parts are arranged along the outer surface of the first part 41A, and the other part is arranged along the outer surface of the second part 41B. Lead wires 53 may be provided at the part connecting the two heating parts.

[0091] For example, as shown in Figure 20, the heating element 52 of the heater 50 does not have to be divided into two heating parts. In the heater 50, the two heating parts are arranged along the outer surface of the first part 41A, and the other part is arranged along the outer surface of the second part 41B. The lead wire 53 may be provided at the part connecting the two heating parts.

[0092] (Example of change 6) The following describes a modification example 6 of the embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the embodiment.

[0093] In this embodiment, the control circuit 20 is located between the battery 10 and the heater assembly 30. In contrast, in modification example 6, the control circuit 20 is located below the heater assembly 30, as shown in Figure 21.

[0094] In Modification Example 6, similar to the embodiment, by arranging the first channel 43 adjacent to the chamber 40C, it is not necessary to provide a channel communicating with the bottom of the heater assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction A, and a structure that closes the bottom surface of the heater assembly 30 can be adopted. Therefore, the control circuit 20 can be arranged below the heater assembly 30. This allows for effective use of the dead space below the heater assembly 30.

[0095] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the embodiments described above, the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0096] In this embodiment, the sensor 60 is provided on the bottom plate portion 42. In this case, the sensor 60 may be provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 42 or on the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 42. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The sensor 60 may be provided in a position adjacent to the first channel 43. In this case, the sensor 60 may be provided on the outer or inner surface of the second portion 41B or on the outer or inner surface of the channel forming member 46. With this configuration, since the sensor 60 is spaced apart from the heating element 52, the sensor 60 is not excessively affected by the heat generated from the heater 50, and therefore, the accuracy of the sensor 60 in detecting temperature changes can be improved, such as in cases where the sensor 60 is used to detect puffing.

[0097] In the embodiment, a case in which the container 40 has one first channel 43 is illustrated. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The container 40 may have two or more first channels 43. In such a case, the two or more first channels 43 may be evenly distributed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0098] (Example of additional changes 1) The following describes an additional modification example 1 of the embodiment. In additional modification example 1, for example, the container 40 shown in Figure 2 has a region formed on at least a part of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41, which has a higher thermal emissivity than the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical container 41.

[0099] Regions with high thermal emissivity may be formed by blackening the inner surface of the cylindrical member 41. Specifically, a black layer may be provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical member 41 by applying a carbon pigment or attaching a graphite film. The material used to form the black layer is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a material with high thermal emissivity and thermal conductivity, such as carbon, ceramic, silicon, or glass.

[0100] Furthermore, the region with high thermal emissivity is not limited to blackening the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 41; it may also be roughened by oxidative corrosion, mechanically roughened, or an oxide film may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 41.

[0101] This significantly increases the thermal emissivity of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 41 compared to the aluminum or stainless steel (SUS) forming the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 41. As a result, the heating of the flavor-generating article 110 by thermal radiation can be enhanced.

[0102] The region with high thermal emissivity may be provided on the entire inner surface of the cylindrical member 41, or it may be provided only on the first portion 41A, excluding the second portion 41B shown in Figure 3.

[0103] (Example of additional changes 2) In the following, an additional modification example 2 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 22. In additional modification example 2, for example, the first part 41A shown in Figure 22 can be configured to compress the flavor-generating article at least partially in the arrangement direction of the first part 41A and the second part 41B when the flavor-generating article is contained in the container 40. The arrangement direction of the first part 41A and the second part 41B may be simply referred to as the "arrangement direction" below. Figure 23 is in Figure 22 Figure 24 is a top view of the container 40 with its opening OP in the longitudinal direction A, and Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the container 40 at point SC in Figure 22. The inner circumference of the first portion 41A shown in Figure 24 can be configured to compress the flavor-generating article in the above-mentioned arrangement direction (up and down direction in Figure 24) when the article is contained in the container 40. In particular, the inner circumference of the first portion 41A shown in Figure 24 has a curved portion 41A3 that can contact the outer circumference of the smoking article, and a pair of straight portions 41A5, 41A5 that extend from both ends 41A4, 41A4 of the curved portion 41A3 toward the top 41B3 in the protruding direction of the second portion 41B. The curved portion 41A3 in this example can be formed by a part of an ellipse having a major axis intersecting the above-mentioned arrangement direction.

[0104] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a roughly cylindrical flavor-generating article 110 housed in the container 40 shown in Figure 24. As shown in Figure 25, the flavor-generating article 110 is pressed radially inward (diagonally downward in the figure) by the straight portions 41A5, 41A5 and the nearby curved portions 41A3 of the first portion 41A. As a result, the outer surface of the flavor-generating article 110 comes into close contact with the inner surface of the first portion 41A. Since the first portion 41A of the container 40 is directly heated by various heaters, the heating efficiency of the flavor-generating article 110 can be improved by making it come into close contact with its inner surface. The dashed line in Figure 25 shows the outer circumference of the flavor-generating article 110 before it is housed in the container 40 and compressed, for comparison.

[0105] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 25, the pair of straight sections 41A5, 41A5 of the first section 41A and the curved sections 41A3 near them press against the outer surface of the flavor-generating article 110 in the direction of the arrows in the figure (diagonally downward), thereby preventing the flavor-generating article 110 from entering the internal space of the second section 41B. When the container 40 is incorporated into the flavor suction device, the internal space of the second section 41B can form a first channel 43 (see Figure 2) that functions as an air passage, so preventing the flavor-generating article 110 from entering it prevents an increase in the airflow resistance of the air passage in the flavor suction device. Note that the container 40 in this example may have a cross-section that allows the flavor-generating article to be compressed as described above, either over its entire longitudinal direction or only in a part of its longitudinal direction. The container 40 in Figure 25 has the above-described cross-section over most of its longitudinal direction, excluding its upper and lower ends.

[0106] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the container 40 in this example further has a hollow upper edge UE located between the first portion 41A and the opening OP. In the example of Figure 23, the opening OP of the container 40 has an inner circumference that is approximately the same as or somewhat larger than the outer circumference of the flavor-generating article 110, and the inner circumference of the upper edge UE gradually decreases from the opening OP toward the first portion 41A. In other words, the inner surface of the upper edge UE of the container 40 serves to guide the flavor-generating article inserted from the opening OP toward the first portion 41A.

[0107] Next, another example of the cross-sectional shape of the container 40 will be described. For example, the first part 41A shown in Figure 3 may have different cross-sectional shapes at different positions in the longitudinal direction. These different cross-sectional shapes are illustrated in Figures 26 and 27. The inner circumference of the first part 41A shown in Figure 26 is formed by a part of a circle. On the other hand, the inner circumference of the first part 41A shown in Figure 27 is formed by a part of an ellipse having a major axis intersecting the above-mentioned arrangement direction. Unlike the example in Figure 25 described above, the inner circumference of the first part 41A shown in Figure 27 does not have a pair of straight sections, but like the example in Figure 25, the flavor-generating article can be compressed in the above-mentioned arrangement direction (up and down direction in Figure 24). The container 40 can be configured such that the cross-section of the first part 41A changes continuously from the shape shown in Figure 26 to the shape shown in Figure 27.

[0108] Furthermore, the area of ​​the cross-section of the first part 41A may be uniform regardless of its position in the longitudinal direction, or it may vary depending on its position in the longitudinal direction. For example, if the first part 41A has the cross-sections shown in Figures 26 and 27 at different positions in the longitudinal direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first part 41A in Figure 27 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first part 41A in Figure 26. The cross-sectional area of ​​portion 41A refers to the area of ​​a hypothetical circle or ellipse that overlaps with the inner circumference of the first portion 41A. By making the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41A, which is formed as an ellipse, relatively small, the flavor-generating article can be strongly compressed, and as a result, the outer circumference of the flavor-generating article can be strongly adhered to the inner circumference of the first portion 41A. Generally, the flavor-generating article 110 has a tobacco portion containing tobacco raw materials at the tip and a paper tube portion containing a filter at the base. Here, the tobacco portion is easily deformed by external forces, but the paper tube portion is not easily deformed. Therefore, it is preferable to have an elliptical inner circumference as shown in Figure 27 for the tobacco portion and a circular inner circumference as shown in Figure 26 for the paper tube portion.

[0109] (Example of additional changes 3) The following describes an additional modification example 3 of the embodiment. In additional modification example 3, the first channel 43 formed by the second portion 41B can form an air passage from outside the heater assembly and the flavor inhaler into which it is incorporated toward the second channel 44 formed by the first portion 41A (see Figures 2 and 3, etc.). The heater assembly and the flavor inhaler into which it is incorporated in this example may be equipped with an obstructing member that obstructs the fluid flow in the reverse direction of the first channel 43. For example, the container 40 of the heater assembly shown in Figure 3 may be equipped with a partition wall 49 formed in the second portion 41B that blocks a part of the first channel as the above-mentioned obstructing member.

[0110] Figures 28 and 29 are diagrams illustrating the partition wall 49 according to the additional modification example 3. In Figures 28 and 29, the partition wall 49 is a plate-shaped member made of plastic, rubber, or the like. The partition wall 49 may be provided at one location along the longitudinal direction of the second portion 41B, or at multiple locations. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30, the partition wall 49 may be provided at an angle from the mounting position toward the bottom plate portion 42.

[0111] Furthermore, the partition wall 49 may have any shape as long as it allows for a forward airflow in the first channel 43 from the first end 40X toward the second end 40Y, while obstructing a reverse heat vapor flow from the second end 40Y toward the first end 40X.

[0112] As a result, when hot steam flows in reverse from the second end 40Y towards the first end 40X, the hot steam flow collides with the partition wall 49, slowing down and promoting condensation, thereby lowering the temperature of the hot steam.

[0113] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one partition wall 49 is provided near the first end portion 40X. Alternatively, the partition wall 49 may be provided on the channel forming member 46 shown in Figure 11.

[0114] Next, another example of an inhibitory member will be described. The heater assembly and the flavor inhaler into which it is incorporated may have an inhibitory member located at a distance from the container 40. Figure 31 shows a flavor inhaler 100 equipped with the inhibitory member of this example. The flavor inhaler 100 in Figure 31 incorporates the container 40 in Figure 31 as part of the heater assembly 30. The flavor inhaler 100 in Figure 31 is equipped with a movable lid member LD for covering the opening OP of the container 40. The lid member LD is movable between a closed position (second position) that covers the opening OP of the container 40 when the flavor inhaler 100 is not in use and an open position (first position) that at least partially exposes the opening OP of the container 40 when the flavor inhaler 100 is in use. The lid member LD in Figure 31 is in the closed position.

[0115] Figure 32 shows the flavor inhaler 100 when the lid member LD is in the open position. When the lid member LD is in the open position, the user can insert the flavor generating article 110 into the container 40 through the opening OP. In this example, the lid member LD in the open position can be given the function of the above-mentioned obstructing member. Specifically, the lid member LD can be made to allow the container 40 to enter even when it is in the open position. By configuring the lid member LD to cover a portion of the opening OP, it can be given the function of an obstructing member. The lid member LD configured in this way, like the partition wall 49 shown in Figures 28 and 29, can allow forward airflow in the first channel 43 while obstructing the reverse heat vapor flow. The flavor suction device 100 may be equipped with both the lid member LD and the partition wall 49.

[0116] Alternatively, instead of the aforementioned obstructing member, a backflow prevention mechanism may be provided in the second portion 41B shown in Figure 3, for example, to prevent backflow of air in the first channel. The backflow prevention mechanism may be provided in the same location where the partition wall 49 is provided, so as to block the entire first channel. The backflow prevention mechanism may be formed of a flexible material, for example, and allow forward airflow from the first end 40X to the second end 40Y, while blocking reverse heat vapor flow from the second end 40Y to the first end 40X. Furthermore, if the backflow prevention mechanism is provided in the channel forming member 46 shown in Figure 11, a known check valve may be used.

[0117] (Example of additional changes 4) The following describes an additional modification example 4 of the embodiment. In additional modification example 4, for example, the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40 shown in Figure 2 are covered with a heat insulating member 70.

[0118] Figure 33 is a diagram illustrating the thermal insulation member 70 according to the additional modification example 4. In Figure 33, the thermal insulation member 70 may have a first thermal insulation member 71 that covers the cylindrical member 41 and a second thermal insulation member 72 that covers the bottom plate portion 42. The first thermal insulation member 71 and the second thermal insulation member 72 are thermal insulation members that use vacuum insulation material, aerogel, silicone, etc. as thermal insulation materials.

[0119] Furthermore, the heat insulating member 70 may be a single, seamlessly connected heat insulating member comprising a first heat insulating member 71 covering the cylindrical member 41 and a second heat insulating member 72 covering the bottom plate portion 42. For example, the heat insulating member 70 may be a heat insulating member such as a vacuum-insulated container that covers the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42.

[0120] As a result, the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40 is covered by the heat insulating material 70, which prevents heat from circulating from the bottom surface of the container 40 and reaching the control circuit 20 and battery 10.

[0121] Furthermore, if the heat insulating member 70 is composed of a first heat insulating member 71 and a second heat insulating member 72, the lead wire portion 53 of the heater 50, which is arranged on the outer surface of the cylindrical member 41, can be passed between the first heat insulating member 71 and the second heat insulating member 72.

[0122] The first thermal insulation member 71 and the second thermal insulation member 72 may be made of materials having the same thermal conductivity, or they may be made of materials having different thermal conductivity. In other words, the thermal insulation performance of the first thermal insulation member 71 and the second thermal insulation member 72 may be the same, or one may have higher thermal insulation performance. In the configuration in which the heater 50 is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 41, it is preferable to enhance the thermal insulation performance of the first thermal insulation member 71. For this reason, the thermal insulation performance of the second thermal insulation member 72 may be lower than that of the first thermal insulation member 71.

[0123] (Example of additional changes 5) The following describes an additional modification example 5 of the embodiment. In additional modification example 5, for example, the heater 50 and sensor 60 shown in Figure 2 are covered with heat shrink tubing (not shown).

[0124] In other words, in the embodiment described above, the heat shrink tubing was installed only on the outside of the heater 50, whereas in the additional modification example 5, the heat shrink tubing is installed so as to cover the cylindrical member 41 and the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40.

[0125] This allows the heater 50 and the sensor 60 to be fixed together when the sensor 60 for detecting the puffing motion is installed on the bottom plate portion 42 of the container 40.

[0126] (Example of additional / modified content 6) The following describes an additional modification example 6 of the embodiment. In additional modification example 6, for example, a film with a higher thermal conductivity than the cylindrical member 41 is provided between the cylindrical member 41 and the heater 50 shown in Figure 2.

[0127] The film made of a material with high thermal conductivity is a film made of copper or other metals that have a higher thermal conductivity than aluminum or stainless steel (SUS) which form the cylindrical portion 41.

[0128] This allows the heat generated in the patterned portion of the heater 50 to be evenly distributed by a film made of a material with high thermal conductivity, enabling uniform heating of the outer surface of the flavor-generating article 110. As a result, the consumption of flavor-generating components contained in the flavor-generating article 110 is evenly distributed, and the taste is also made uniform. Furthermore, localized heating of the flavor-generating article 110 is prevented, and the depletion of the aerosol source in that area is also prevented.

[0129] (Example of additional / modified content 7) The following describes an additional modification example 7 of the embodiment. In additional modification example 7, for example, the container 40 shown in Figure 2 has a base 80 provided on the bottom plate portion 42 that abuts against the leading edge of the flavor generating article 110 when the flavor generating article 110 is placed in the chamber 40C.

[0130] Figure 34 is a diagram illustrating the base 80 according to the additional modification example 7. In Figure 34, the base 80 may have a cylindrical shape formed concentrically with the second portion 41B. The base 80 also forms an annular gap around itself that communicates with the first channel 43 and the second channel 44. That is, this annular gap corresponds to the third channel 45, which is the flow path for the airflow 100C.

[0131] As a result, the air flowing through the first channel 43 swirls in the annular gap formed by the base 80 and flows uniformly into the flavor generating article 110 from the portion excluding the base 80 that contacts the tip of the flavor generating article 110. Therefore, the consumption of the base material contained in the flavor generating article 110 is equalized, and the taste is also made uniform.

Claims

1. It is a suction device, A container for containing flavor-generating items, A heating element configured to heat the flavor-generating article contained in the container, It has a control circuit, The aforementioned container is The base plate and, A temperature sensor is provided in the bottom plate portion and is configured to detect temperature changes due to the puffing operation, It has a cylindrical portion, The heating element is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, The bottom plate portion is spaced apart from the heating element, When the flavor-generating article is contained, a first channel is formed between at least a portion of the outer surface of the flavor-generating article and at least a portion of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the container. When the flavor-generating article is contained, a third channel is formed between the tip of the flavor-generating article and the bottom plate portion. The first channel communicates with the second channel, which passes through the flavor-generating article via the third channel. The bottom plate portion is configured to close the end of the cylindrical portion, A suction device wherein the temperature sensor is used for heating control of the flavor-generating article by the control circuit, and the control circuit is configured to stop supplying power to the heating element when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a certain value.

2. In the suction device described in claim 1, A suction device wherein the cylindrical portion includes a first portion that presses against the outer surface of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is placed in the container.

3. In the suction device described in claim 2, The cylindrical portion has the first portion and the second portion in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second part is a suction device that separates from the outer surface of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is contained in the container.

4. In a suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The temperature sensor is a suction device provided on the inner or outer surface of the bottom plate portion.

5. In a suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The temperature sensor is configured to detect puffing action by temperature changes caused by air flowing through the first channel, in the suction device.

6. In a suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The temperature sensor is a suction device used to detect temperature changes occurring within the heater assembly, including the container.

7. In a suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The temperature sensor is covered by a heat-shrinkable tube, and the device is a suction device.

8. A suction device system comprising a suction device equipped with a container for containing a flavor-generating article, and the flavor-generating article, The suction device comprises a heating element configured to heat the flavor-generating article contained in the container, and a control circuit. The container comprises a bottom plate portion, a temperature sensor provided in the bottom plate portion and configured to detect temperature changes due to puffing, and a cylindrical portion. The heating element is provided along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, The bottom plate portion is spaced apart from the heating element, When the container contains the flavor-generating article, a first channel is formed between at least a portion of the outer surface of the flavor-generating article and at least a portion of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the container. When the container contains the flavor-generating article, a third channel is formed between the tip of the flavor-generating article and the bottom plate portion. The first channel communicates with the second channel, which passes through the flavor-generating article via the third channel. The bottom plate portion is configured to close the end of the cylindrical portion, A suction device system in which the temperature sensor is used for heating control of the flavor-generating article by the control circuit, and the control circuit is configured to stop supplying power to the heating element when the temperature inside the suction device measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a certain value.

9. In the suction device system described in claim 8, A suction system wherein the cylindrical portion includes a first portion that presses against the outer surface of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is placed in the container.

10. In the suction device system described in claim 9, The cylindrical portion has the first portion and the second portion in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second part is a suction system that separates from the outer surface of the flavor-generating article when the flavor-generating article is contained in the container.

11. In a suction device system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The temperature sensor is provided on the inner or outer surface of the bottom plate portion, and is part of a suction system.

12. In a suction device system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, The suction device system is configured such that the temperature sensor detects puffing action based on a temperature change caused by air flowing through the first channel.

13. In a suction device system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, The suction device has a heater assembly including the container, The temperature sensor is a suction system used to detect temperature changes occurring within the heater assembly.

14. In a suction device system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, The temperature sensor is covered by a heat-shrinkable tube in the suction system.

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