Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

This flavor inhaler comprises: an accommodation part in which a flavor-generating substance is accommodated, the accommodation part being provided with a first opening into which the flavor-generating substance is inserted; a first member that extends from the accommodation part; and a second member that presses the first member from one side, relative to the direction in which the first member extends, at the exterior of the accommodation part, thereby suppressing movement of the first member.

Description

Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system.

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning a material have been known. The flavor inhaler may be an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol. The flavor inhaler includes a storage unit that stores a flavor-generating product. Components other than the flavor-generating product may be disposed inside or outside the storage unit. In Patent Document 1, a heating module is provided in the main body of the aerosol generating device. In Patent Documents 2 and 3, a bottom member having an obstructing portion that obstructs the flow of air passing through the air flow path is provided in the storage unit.

[0003] Patent Publication No. 2021-532755 International Publication No. 2022 / 123756 International Publication No. 2022 / 123758

[0004] From the viewpoint of efficiently heating the flavor-generating article contained in the storage unit, it is desirable to prevent displacement of the member extending from the storage unit. In Patent Document 3, the bottom member can be fixed to the inside of the bottom of the chamber constituting the storage unit with an adhesive containing epoxy resin or the like. It is desirable to propose a further method for preventing displacement of such members.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to suppress displacement of a member extending from a housing portion and to efficiently heat the flavor-generating article housed therein.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler comprising: a storage section for storing a flavor-generating article, the storage section having a first opening into which the flavor-generating article is inserted; a first member extending from the storage section; and a second member outside the storage section that presses the first member laterally in the direction in which the first member extends, thereby suppressing movement of the first member.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress positional deviation of the first member extending from the storage section, particularly positional deviation in the front-to-rear direction in which the first member extends, and to efficiently heat the stored flavor-generating article.

[0008] A second aspect is the flavor inhaler of the first aspect, wherein the second member includes a metal.

[0009] According to the second embodiment, the second member can be formed precisely and the first member can be pressed using metal elasticity, thereby further suppressing positional deviation of the first member.

[0010] A third aspect is the flavor inhaler of the first or second aspect, wherein the second member has at least one abutment portion including an abutment surface having a shape corresponding to a side surface of the first member.

[0011] According to the third aspect, the second member can effectively press the first member, and displacement of the first member can be further suppressed.

[0012] A fourth aspect is the flavor inhaler of the third aspect, wherein the contact portion is a member extending from the contact surface in a direction inclined with respect to the direction.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, the second member can press the first member more strongly due to the elasticity of the inclined portion, and displacement of the first member can be further suppressed.

[0014] A fifth aspect is the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein at least a portion of the second member is annular.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, it becomes easier to position the second member around the first member, and it becomes easier to attach the second member to the first member.

[0016] A sixth aspect is the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first member is fixed to the housing portion with an adhesive.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, the first member and the housing portion are bonded to each other, so that displacement of the first member can be further suppressed.

[0018] The seventh form is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to sixth forms, further comprising a third member disposed between the storage section and the second member, the third member having a through hole or notch through which the first member is inserted.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, the orientation of the second member can be firmly fixed by the third member, and displacement of the first member can be more reliably suppressed.

[0020] The eighth form is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to sixth forms, further comprising a housing and an elastic member that presses the storage portion, the first member, and the second member toward the housing or a member fixed to the housing.

[0021] According to the eighth embodiment, by forming a seal between the storage portion and the housing or a member fixed to the housing, it is possible to prevent undesirable leakage of the aerosol generated in the storage portion by heating the flavor-generating article into the inside of the housing.

[0022] The ninth form is a flavor inhaler according to the eighth form, further comprising a third member having a through hole or notch into which the first member is inserted, and the storage portion, the third member, the second member, and the elastic member are arranged in this order in the direction in which the first member extends.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, the accommodation portion, the third member, and the second member are integrally biased by the elasticity of the elastic member, and displacement of the first member can be suppressed.

[0024] A tenth aspect is the flavor inhaler of the ninth aspect, wherein the second member is in contact with the third member and the elastic member.

[0025] According to the tenth aspect, the flavor inhaler can be made more compact.

[0026] An eleventh form is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to tenth forms, wherein the storage section further includes a second opening, and the first member extends from the inside of the storage section through the second opening to the outside of the storage section.

[0027] According to the eleventh embodiment, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the first member relative to the housing portion, and to heat the contained flavor-generating article more efficiently.

[0028] A twelfth aspect is the flavor inhaler of the eleventh aspect, wherein the first member is configured to support a tip of the flavor-generating article contained in the container.

[0029] According to the twelfth embodiment, the first member, whose positional deviation is suppressed by the second member, is configured to support the tip of the flavor-generating article, thereby enabling the flavor-generating article to be supported more stably.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect is a flavor inhaler according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the first member has a groove portion inside the storage portion that defines an air flow path when the flavor-generating article is stored in the storage portion.

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect, when the flavor-generating article is housed in the housing, a more stable air flow path can be formed.

[0032] A fourteenth aspect is a flavor inhaler according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the first member supports the tip of the flavor-generating article contained in the storage section and has a support surface on which the groove portion is formed.

[0033] According to the fourteenth aspect, the air flow path communicating with the end face of the flavor-generating product can be formed with a simplified structure.

[0034] A fifteenth aspect is the flavor inhaler of any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, wherein the second opening is formed in a bottom portion of the storage portion.

[0035] According to the fifteenth embodiment, various structures such as air flow paths can be disposed near the end face of the flavor-generating article contained in the container.

[0036] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a flavor inhalation system, which comprises the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects and a flavor generating article.

[0037] According to the sixteenth embodiment, it is possible to suppress misalignment of the first member extending from the storage section in the flavor inhaler, particularly misalignment in the front-to-rear direction in which the first member extends, and to efficiently heat the stored flavor-generating article.

[0038] 1A is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of a flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of a flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1D is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a consumable product; FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along arrows 3-3 shown in FIG. 1B; FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a chamber; FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 4B-4B shown in FIG. 1A; FIG. 1H is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5A-5A shown in FIG. 1B; FIG. 1I is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5B-5B shown in FIG. 1I; FIG. 1J is a perspective view of a chamber and a heating unit; FIG. 1J is a cross-sectional view of a consumable product placed at a desired position in the chamber shown in FIG. 1B; FIG. 1J is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first support unit; FIG. 1J is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second support unit; FIG. 1J is a perspective view of the second support unit as seen from the negative side of the Z axis; FIG. 1J is a perspective view of a second member; FIG. 1J is a plan view of a second member; FIG. 1J is a cross-sectional view of the second member taken along arrows 11C-11C shown in FIG. 11B; FIG. 1J is a perspective view of a first member; FIG. 1J is a cross-sectional view of the first member taken along arrows 12B-12B shown in FIG. 12A.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0040] FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, the drawings described in this specification may be accompanied by an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the X-Y plane is positioned to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is positioned to extend from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of a consumable product housed in the chamber of the atomization unit (described below), or the axial direction of the first member. The X axis can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product, or the direction in which the heating unit and the power supply unit are aligned. The Y axis can also be referred to as the lateral direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product.

[0041] The flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate aerosol containing a flavor by, for example, heating a stick-shaped consumable product having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

[0042] 1A to 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 includes an outer housing 101, a slide cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 100, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand and inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be constructed by assembling multiple components. The outer housing 101 can be made of a resin such as PEEK (polyether ether ketone).

[0043] The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving consumables, and the slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close the opening. Specifically, the slide cover 102 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B ) at which the slide cover 102 closes the opening of the outer housing 101, and an open position at which the slide cover 102 opens the opening. For example, a user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. This allows or restricts access of consumables to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100 through the slide cover 102.

[0044] The switch unit 103 is used to switch the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 on and off. For example, when a user operates the switch unit 103 with a consumable material inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, power is supplied from a power source to the heating unit as described below, and the consumable material can be heated without being burned. The switch unit 103 may be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101, or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. When the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101.

[0045] The flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal allows the external power source to pass current through the power source and charge the power source. In addition, the flavor inhaler 100 may be configured to transmit data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to an external device by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal.

[0046] Next, a consumable product used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable product 110. In this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable product 110 can form a flavor inhalation system. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the consumable product 110 has a solid smokable article 111 (which corresponds to an example of an aerosol-generating substrate), a tubular member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115. The smokable article 111 is wrapped in a first cigarette paper 112. The tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are wrapped in a second cigarette paper 113 that is different from the first cigarette paper 112. The second cigarette paper 113 also wraps a portion of the first cigarette paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111. This connects the tubular member 114, hollow filter portion 116, and filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111. However, the second cigarette paper 113 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114, hollow filter portion 116, and filter portion 115 may be connected to the smokable article 111 using the first cigarette paper 112. A lip release agent 117 is applied to the outer surface of the second cigarette paper 113 near the end on the filter portion 115 side, to prevent the user's lips from sticking to the second cigarette paper 113. The portion of the consumable product 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of the consumable product 110.

[0047] The smokable article 111 may include a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source. Furthermore, the first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111 may be a breathable sheet material. The tubular member 114 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the illustrated example, the consumable product 110 includes the smokable article 111, the tubular member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115, but the configuration of the consumable product 110 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter portion 116 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114 and the filter portion 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0048] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the arrow 3-3 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 3, an inner housing 10 is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100. The inner housing 10 is made of, for example, a resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK, a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. From the standpoints of heat resistance and strength, the inner housing 10 is preferably made of PEEK. However, the material of the inner housing 10 is not particularly limited. A power supply unit 20 and an atomization unit 30 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10. The outer housing 101 may be made of resin, for example, and in particular may be made of polycarbonate, ABS resin, PEEK, or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or may be made of metal such as aluminum.

[0049] The power supply unit 20 includes 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 appropriately heat the consumable product 110.

[0050] As shown in the figure, the atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50 (corresponding to an example of a storage unit) extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable product 110, a heating unit 40 surrounding a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to store the consumable product 110. The heating unit 40 is configured to heat the consumable product 110 stored in the chamber 50 from the outside. The heating unit 40 may be provided so as to contact the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 50.

[0051] The flavor inhaler 100 further has a first support part 37 and a second support part 38 that support both ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32. The first support part 37 is arranged to support the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the slide cover 102 side (the positive side of the Z axis). The second support part 38 is arranged to directly or indirectly support the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the negative side of the Z axis. The first support part 37 and the second support part 38 may include an elastomer such as silicone rubber, for example.

[0052] The second support portion 38 includes a first member 36. A portion of the first member 36 is disposed at the bottom of the chamber 50 and constitutes part of the storage portion, while another portion extends outside the chamber 50. The first member 36 can function as a stopper for positioning the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The first member 36 has an uneven surface that contacts the consumable product 110, forming an air flow path between the surface contacting the consumable product 110 and the first member 36. The first member 36 may be made of, for example, a resin material such as PEEK, metal, glass, or ceramic, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the material constituting the first member 36 may have lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting the chamber 50. When bonding the first member 36 to the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 (see FIG. 4B ), an adhesive may be used that may be made of a resin material such as epoxy resin or an inorganic material. The heating unit 40 may be provided on the inner surface of the chamber 50.

[0053] The heat insulating part 32 has a generally cylindrical shape overall and is disposed so as to surround the chamber 50. The heat insulating part 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, polycarbonate, or ABS, and is provided between the sliding cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 50. In this embodiment, since the insertion guide member 34 may come into contact with the chamber 50, the insertion guide member 34 is preferably formed of PEEK from the viewpoint of heat resistance. When the sliding 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 consumable product 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the consumable product 110 into the insertion guide member 34.

[0054] Next, the structure of the chamber 50 will be described. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 5A-5A in FIG. 4B. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 5B-5B in FIG. 4B. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating unit 40. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member including a first opening 52 into which the consumable product 110 is inserted and a cylindrical side wall 60 that accommodates the consumable product 110. The chamber 50 has an internal storage space for heating the consumable product 110. The chamber 50 is preferably formed from a heat-resistant material with a low thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed from, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses against a portion of the consumable product 110, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the consumable product 110. In this specification, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the consumable product 110 is appropriately heated, a position of the consumable product 110 when the user smokes, or a position where the consumable product 110 contacts the first member 36. 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 heating portion 40 is placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 be placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, it is preferable that the heating portion 40 including the adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat, when the strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heating unit 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 as shown in Figure 6, bending of the strip-shaped electrode 48 can be suppressed. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

[0057] 4A, 4B, and 5B, the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 arranged in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other and are substantially parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50 that is located between the contact portions 62.

[0058] 5B , the inner surface 66a of the spaced portion 66 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. In addition, the spaced portion 66 is disposed so as to be adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4B , the chamber 50 has a second opening 56a in its bottom 56 so that the first member 36 shown in FIG. 3 can pass through and be positioned inside the chamber 50. The first member 36 extends from the interior of the chamber 50 to the exterior of the chamber 50 through the second opening 56a. The first member 36 is configured to support the leading end of the consumable product 110 housed in the chamber 50. This allows an air flow path to be formed based on the shape of the first member 36. From the perspective of forming the air flow path, it is preferable that the first member 36 support a portion of the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a portion of the end surface of the consumable product 110 is exposed. Furthermore, the bottom 56 can support a portion of the consumable product 110 so that the exposed end surface of the consumable product 110 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 7 ), which will be described later.

[0060] 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical portion 54 between the first opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the consumable product 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the cylindrical portion 54 and the consumable product 110. Also, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6 , the heating unit 40 includes a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element 42 is preferably positioned so as to heat the contact portion 62 without contacting the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 42 is preferably positioned only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62. The heating element 42 may have a different heating capacity between the portion that heats the separated portion 66 of the chamber 50 and the portion that heats the contact portion 62. Specifically, the heating element 42 may be configured to heat the contact portion 62 to a higher temperature than the separated portion 66. For example, the arrangement density of the heating tracks of the heating element 42 in the contact portion 62 and the separated portion 66 may be adjusted. Alternatively, the heating element 42 may be wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 50 with approximately the same heating capacity around the entire circumference of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 6 , the heating unit 40 preferably includes, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrically insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. In this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is disposed to cover both sides of the heating element 42 .

[0062] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken at the same position as Figure 5B , but with the consumable product 110 placed at a desired position within the chamber 50. As shown in Figure 7 , when the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position within the chamber 50, the consumable product 110 can be pressed into contact with the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. Meanwhile, a gap 67 is formed between the consumable product 110 and the separating portion 66. The gap 67 constitutes a first air flow path A1, which may communicate with the first opening 52 of the chamber 50, and may also communicate with an air flow path (a second air flow path A2, described below) between the end face of the consumable product 110 positioned within the chamber 50 and the first member 36. This allows air that flows in through the first opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and flow into the interior of the consumable product 110.

[0063] Next, the structures of the first support portion 37 and the second support portion 38 that support the chamber 50 and the heat insulating portion 32 will be described.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first support portion 37 includes a gasket 80 and a circular member 90. The gasket 80 is disposed around the cylindrical portion 54 of the chamber 50 and is configured to support the chamber 50. The gasket 80 is made of, for example, resin, and may be particularly formed from polycarbonate, ABS resin, PEEK, or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 abuts against the chamber 50 side of the insertion guide member 34 along its entire periphery, thereby providing communication between the through-hole 34a and the interior of the chamber 50. The gasket 80 may also be formed of metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. From the standpoint of heat resistance, the gasket 80 is preferably made of PEEK.

[0065] The circular member 90 is configured to engage with and support the insertion guide member 34 and the gasket 80. In the illustrated example, the circular member 90 engages with the upper end 82 of the gasket 80. The circular member 90 may be formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. When using silicone rubber, the Shore A hardness range is preferably 40 to 60, and can be selected appropriately depending on the deformation of the circular member 90. The circular member 90 is configured to be positioned and fixed to the fixing portion 22 fixed to the inner housing 10. Although not shown, the insertion guide member 34 is configured to abut against the fixing portion 22 on the side opposite the chamber 50. A sealing surface may be formed at the contact point between the gasket 80 and the circular member 90 to further prevent aerosols generated in the chamber 50 from leaking into the inner housing 10 from between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34.

[0066] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second support portion 38. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second support portion 38 as viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the second support portion 38 includes a second member 200, a ring-shaped member 72, and a heater cushion 74. The first member 36, which is provided on the bottom 56 of the chamber 50, has a shaft portion 36a that protrudes to the outside of the chamber 50 through the second opening 56a of the chamber 50. The shaft portion 36a is formed around a central axis Ax extending in the longitudinal direction of the first member 36. Hereinafter, the direction in which the first member 36 extends through the second opening 56a is referred to as the axial direction. The axial direction is not limited to a specific direction, and refers to either the front-to-rear direction in which the first member 36 extends. The axial direction includes the direction in which the first member 36 extends from the inside to the outside of the chamber 50. In the illustrated example, the axial direction is set to the same direction as the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 (the Z axis direction). The second opening 56a, through which the first member 36 is inserted, is formed in the bottom 56 of the chamber 50, making it possible to position various structures such as air flow paths near the end faces of the consumable goods 110 contained in the chamber 50.

[0067] The ring-shaped member 72 has a through-hole 72a in its center, through which the shaft portion 36a of the first member 36 is inserted. The ring-shaped member 72 is disposed between the chamber 50 and the second member 200. The ring-shaped member 72 abuts against the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 and functions as a support portion for supporting the chamber 50. The ring-shaped member 72 is made of, for example, resin, particularly polycarbonate, ABS resin, PEEK, or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, the ring-shaped member 72 is preferably made of PEEK. Instead of the through-hole 72a, the ring-shaped member 72 may have a notch through which the shaft portion 36a of the first member 36 passes.

[0068] The heater cushion 74 may be formed 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 selected appropriately depending on the deformation of the heater cushion 74. The heater cushion 74 is configured to be positioned and fixed to the inner housing 10 or a fixing portion 22 fixed to the inner housing 10. The heater cushion 74 has a through-hole 74a in its center, into which the shaft portion 36a of the first member 36 is inserted. The heater cushion 74 may have a notch, instead of the through-hole 74a, through which the shaft portion 36a of the first member 36 passes.

[0069] As described above, the heater cushion 74 is formed of an elastic member such as silicone rubber, and is configured to bias the chamber 50 toward the insertion guide member 34, i.e., in the positive direction of the Z axis, via the second member 200 and the ring-shaped member 72. Specifically, when the insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the housing and abuts against the flange portion 52a, the heater cushion 74 is compressed by the insertion guide member 34 and the chamber 50, biasing the chamber 50 toward the insertion guide member 34. In this manner, the heater cushion 74 presses the chamber 50, the first member 36, and the second member 200 toward the housing, such as the inner housing 10, or a member fixed to the housing. This forms a seal between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34, preventing aerosols generated in the chamber 50 by heating the consumable product 110 from leaking between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34 into the inner housing 10.

[0070] Furthermore, by constructing the heater cushion 74 from an elastic material, the heater cushion 74 fixed to the fixing portion 22 is elastically deformed, so that the heater cushion 74 can maintain a state in which it biases the chamber 50 within the inner housing 10.

[0071] Furthermore, the heater cushion 74 biases the chamber 50 via the second member 200 and the ring-shaped member 72, so that the heater cushion 74 and the chamber 50 do not come into contact with each other. This makes it difficult for heat from the chamber 50 to be transferred to the heater cushion 74, thereby suppressing deterioration of the heater cushion 74 and also suppressing heat loss from the chamber 50. From the same perspective, it is preferable that the ring-shaped member 72 be made of a material with lower thermal conductivity than the heater cushion 74.

[0072] 10 , the first member 36 is configured so that the shaft portion 36a passes through an opening in the fixed portion 22 fixed to the inner housing 10. The shaft portion 36a has a flat surface 360 ​​on the side surface at the end on the negative side of the Z axis. The fixed portion 22 has a flat surface 22a that faces the flat surface 360 ​​of the shaft portion 36a. The flat surface 360 ​​of the shaft portion 36a abuts against the flat surface 22a of the fixed portion 22, thereby preventing relative rotation of the chamber 50 with respect to the fixed portion 22.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9 , the second member 200 presses the first member 36 from the side in the direction (axial direction) in which the first member 36 extends, outside the chamber 50. The frictional force associated with this pressing force acts as a stopper to prevent misalignment of the first member 36, particularly in the axial direction. In other words, the second member 200 can prevent misalignment of the first member 36 in both the forward and backward directions. A gas flow path may be formed inside the chamber 50 based on the shape of the first member 36. Axial misalignment of the first member 36 extending from the interior to the exterior of the chamber 50, particularly misalignment of the first member 36 relative to the chamber 50, can adversely affect heating efficiency. The second member 200 can also prevent such adverse effects. The first member 36 may be fixed to the chamber 50 using adhesive or the like, but the adhesive may weaken due to deterioration of the epoxy resin contained in the adhesive. Even in such cases, the second member 200 can prevent the above adverse effects.

[0074] Figure 11A is a perspective view of the second member 200. Figure 11B is a plan view of the second member 200. Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11C-11C of Figure 11B. The second member 200 comprises an abutting portion 210 that abuts against the first member 36, and a base portion 220. The abutting portion 210 is configured so that an end portion 211 abuts against the shaft portion 36a of the first member 36.

[0075] The material of the second member 200 is not particularly limited as long as it can suppress axial displacement of the first member 36. The abutting portion 210 presses the first member 36 from the side of the first member 36 to suppress axial displacement of the first member 36, so high processing precision is required for the end portion 211 of the abutting portion 210. From this perspective, the second member 200 preferably contains a metal, and is more preferably a metal member. The metal constituting the second member 200 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, stainless steel.

[0076] From a similar perspective, it is preferable that at least one abutting portion 210 includes an abutting surface having a shape corresponding to the side surface of the shaft portion 36a of the first member 36. It is preferable that the abutting surface, which is the end surface of the end portion 211 of the abutting portion 210, is configured so that there is substantially no gap between the end portion 211 and the side surface of the shaft portion 36a. In the illustrated example, because the shaft portion 36a is cylindrical, the end portion 211 of the abutting portion 210 has an arched end surface with a curvature radius equal to the radius of the cross section of the shaft portion 36a (see FIG. 11B ). Furthermore, from the perspective of effectively pressing the shaft portion 36a, it is preferable that the second member 200 be configured to abut against the first member 36 from multiple directions. From this perspective, it is more preferable that the second member 200 has multiple abutting portions 210 having shapes corresponding to the side surfaces of the shaft portion 36a.

[0077] The base 220 is a member that supports the abutment portions 210. The base 220 can function as a connecting portion that supports and connects the multiple abutment portions 210. In the illustrated example, four abutment portions 210 are formed on the second member 200, but the number of abutment portions 210 is not particularly limited and can be one, two, three, or five or more. The base 220 is preferably annular. Having at least a portion of the second member 200 annular in this way makes it easier to position the second member 200 around the first member 36 and facilitates attachment. Note that the base 220 does not have to be annular, and may have a polygonal outline, for example.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 11C , the base 220 is formed along the surface S10. Meanwhile, the abutting portion 210 is a member extending from the abutting surface in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. In the illustrated example, the abutting portion 210 is arranged along a conical surface. Thus, the abutting portion 210 is formed inclined relative to the surface S10 and the axial direction, allowing it to elastically deform in a direction perpendicular to the inclination (see arrow A10). This allows the second member 200 to elastically press the shaft portion 36a when inserted into the second member 200, thereby more stably securing the shaft portion 36a. From this perspective, the second member 200 is preferably elastic. Furthermore, the second member 200 preferably includes two portions, one of which is inclined relative to the other. If the second member 200 includes a metal, the second member 200 can press the shaft portion 36a due to the elasticity of the metal. The shape of the second member 200 is not particularly limited as long as it can press the first member 36 from the side and prevent the first member 36 from shifting in the axial direction.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9 , a ring-shaped member 72 is disposed between the second member 200 and the chamber 50. By disposing the second member 200 in contact with the underside of the ring-shaped member 72, the orientation of the second member 200 is firmly fixed, more reliably preventing misalignment of the first member 36. The ring-shaped member 72 also allows for more flexible design. For example, the ring-shaped member 72 can be engaged with another member and biased integrally by a heater cushion 74. The shape of the ring-shaped member 72 is not particularly limited as long as it has a through-hole 72a, and a non-ring-shaped member may be used instead. A member having a through-hole 72a, including a non-ring-shaped member, is referred to as the third member as appropriate. The second support portion 38 may not include the ring-shaped member 72, and the second member 200 may abut against and support the chamber 50.

[0080] The chamber 50, the ring-shaped member 72, the second member 200, and the heater cushion 74 are arranged in this order along the axial direction of the first member 36. As a result, the chamber 50, the ring-shaped member 72, the first member 36, and the second member 200 are integrally biased by the elasticity of the heater cushion 74, while the first member 36 is prevented from shifting in the axial direction relative to the chamber 50. Therefore, the first member 36 can be stably fixed to the chamber 50, which is biased by the heater cushion 74. From the viewpoint of making the flavor inhaler 100 more compact, it is preferable, but not limited to, that the second member 200 be in contact with the ring-shaped member 72 and the heater cushion 74.

[0081] Next, the structure of the first member 36 and an example of an air flow path during flavor inhalation will be described in detail. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the first member 36. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the first member 36 taken along the arrows 12B-12B in FIG. 12A. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the first member 36 has a shaft portion 36a and a flat plate portion 36b. As shown in FIG. 9, the shaft portion 36a protrudes to the outside of the chamber 50 through the second opening 56a of the chamber 50. One end of the shaft portion 36a is connected to the approximate center of one surface of the flat plate portion 36b. In the cross-section of the chamber 50 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the flat plate portion 36b has a shape that generally matches the inner surfaces 62a and 66a of the side wall portion 60 of the chamber 50 in a plan view. Specifically, the flat portion 36b has a planar portion 81 on the opposite side to the surface to which the shaft portion 36a is joined, and this planar portion 81 has a pair of linear portions 81a and an arc-shaped portion 81b connecting the pair of linear portions 81a.

[0082] The flat plate portion 36b is disposed inside the chamber 50 and can be fixed to the inner surface of the bottom 56 of the chamber 50, for example, by adhesive. When the flat plate portion 36b of the first member 36 is fixed to the bottom 56 of the chamber 50, the planar portion 81 is disposed so as to face the first opening 52 of the chamber 50. The flat plate portion 36b forms the bottom wall of the storage section for the consumable product 110.

[0083] The first member 36 further has a pair of protrusions 83 on the flat portion 81. The pair of protrusions 83 each extend substantially parallel to the linear portion 81 a of the flat portion 81 and are spaced apart from each other. In the example shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the pair of protrusions 83 are each arranged on the linear portion 81 a, and a portion of each protrusion 83 is also arranged on the arc-shaped portion 81 b.

[0084] The pair of protrusions 83 have end faces 83a in the extending direction, side faces 83b facing each other, and an upper surface 83c. The upper surface 83c is a support surface that supports the tip of the consumable product 110 when the consumable product 110 is contained in the chamber 50. In this way, the first member 36, whose positional deviation is suppressed by the second member 200, is configured to support the tip of the consumable product 110 contained in the chamber 50, thereby more stably supporting the consumable product 110.

[0085] In this embodiment, the side surfaces 83b of the pair of protrusions 83 are flat, and a linear groove 85 is formed between the side surfaces 83b. In other words, the groove 85 is formed in the upper surface 83c, which is the support surface for the consumable product 110. This groove 85 opens toward the end surface of the consumable product 110 when the consumable product 110 is contained in the chamber 50. The groove 85 defines a second air flow path A2 that communicates with the end surface of the consumable product 110 contained in the chamber 50. This second air flow path A2 extends along the bottom surface of the storage section formed by the first member 36.

[0086] 7 , when the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position within the chamber 50, a gap 67 is formed between the consumable product 110 and the spaced apart portion 66, and a first air flow path A1 is formed between the consumable product 110 and the spaced apart portion 66. The first air flow path A1 extends from the first opening 52 of the chamber 50 to the flat portion 81 of the first member 36.

[0087] As the user puffs, the air passes through the first air flow path A1 from the first opening 52 of the chamber 50 and reaches the vicinity of the flat portion 81 of the first member 36, then passes through the second air flow path A2 and enters the interior of the consumable product 110 from the end face. The air that has entered the interior of the consumable product 110 can reach the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated within the consumable product 110.

[0088] Since the first air flow path A1 and the second air flow path A2 are formed inside the chamber 50, there is no need to provide a separate flow path in the flavor inhaler 100 for introducing air to be supplied to the consumable product 110, thereby simplifying the structure of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first member 36 is prevented from shifting in the axial direction by the second member 200, and the groove 85 of the first member 36 defines the air flow path, thereby forming a more stable air flow path and enabling more stable suction when the consumable product 110 is housed in the chamber 50. Furthermore, because the groove 85 is formed on the upper surface 83c of the ridge 83 that supports the consumable product 110, the second air flow path A2 that communicates with the end face of the consumable product 110 can be formed with a simplified structure.

[0090] The flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment includes a chamber 50 that houses a consumable product 110 and has a first opening 52 into which the consumable product 110 is inserted, a first member 36 extending from the chamber 50, and a second member 200 that is outside the chamber 50 and presses the first member 36 from the side in the direction in which the first member 36 extends, thereby suppressing movement of the first member 36 in that direction. This suppresses displacement of the first member 36 extending from the chamber 50 in the direction in which the first member 36 extends, and enables the housed consumable product 110 to be heated efficiently.

[0091] In the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment, the chamber 50 further includes a second opening 56a, and the first member 36 extends from the inside of the chamber 50 through the second opening 56a to the outside of the chamber 50. This prevents the first member 36 from shifting in position relative to the chamber 50, and allows the contained consumable product 110 to be heated more efficiently.

[0092] The following modifications are also within the scope of the present invention and can be combined with the above-described embodiment or other modifications. In the following modifications, parts and the like having the same structure and function as those in the above-described embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the second member 200 is configured to suppress movement of the first member 36 disposed on the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. However, the position of the first member 36, whose movement is suppressed by the second member 200, within the chamber 50 is not particularly limited, and it does not have to define an air flow path. Furthermore, the first member 36 may be disposed outside the chamber 50 as long as it extends from the chamber 50. Even in such a case, the second member 200 can suppress displacement of the first member 36 in the direction in which the first member 36 extends, thereby suppressing displacement of the chamber 50 and preventing a decrease in heating efficiency. In this case, the first member 36 may be formed integrally with the chamber 50, which is the container, or may be configured so that the first member 36 comes into contact with the chamber 50 and supports the chamber 50.

[0094] (Variant 2) The flavor inhaler 100 of the above-described embodiment has a so-called counterflow type air flow path in which air flowing in from the first opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end face of the consumable product 110, but is not limited to this, and may have a so-called bottom flow type air flow path in which air is supplied into the chamber 50 from the bottom 56 of the chamber 50.

[0095] (Variation 3) The heating element 42 is not limited to a resistance heating type, but may be an induction heating type. In this case, the heating element 42 can heat the chamber 50 by induction heating. Furthermore, if the consumable product 110 has a susceptor, the heating element 42 can heat the susceptor of the consumable product 110 by induction heating.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical idea described in the specification and drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it exhibits the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0097] A first aspect of the present invention provides a flavor inhaler, comprising: a storage section for storing a flavor-generating article, the storage section having a first opening into which the flavor-generating article is inserted; a first member extending from the storage section; and a second member located outside the storage section and configured to suppress movement of the first member by pressing the first member from a side relative to the direction of extension of the first member. A second aspect of the present invention provides a flavor inhaler, similar to the first aspect, in which the second member includes a metal. A third aspect of the present invention provides a flavor inhaler, similar to the first or second aspect, in which the second member includes at least one abutting portion including an abutting surface having a shape corresponding to a side surface of the first member. A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a flavor inhaler, similar to the third aspect, in which the abutting portion extends from the abutting surface in a direction inclined relative to the direction of extension. A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a flavor inhaler, similar to the first to fourth aspects, in which at least a portion of the second member is annular. A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a flavor inhaler, similar to the first to fifth aspects, in which the first member is fixed to the storage section with an adhesive. In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the device further includes a third member disposed between the accommodating portion and the second member, the third member having a through hole or notch through which the first member is inserted. In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the device further includes a housing and an elastic member that presses the accommodating portion, the first member, and the second member toward the housing or a member fixed to the housing. In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the device further includes a third member having a through hole or notch through which the first member is inserted, the accommodating portion, the third member, the second member, and the elastic member being arranged in this order in the direction of extension of the first member. In a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the second member is in contact with the third member and the elastic member. In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to tenth aspects, the accommodating portion further includes a second opening, and the first member extends from inside the accommodating portion through the second opening to outside the accommodating portion.In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the first member is configured to support the tip of the flavor generating article contained in the storage section in the eleventh aspect. In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the first member is configured to support the tip of the flavor generating article contained in the storage section in the eleventh or twelfth aspect. In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the first member is configured to support the tip of the flavor generating article contained in the storage section in the thirteenth aspect, and has a support surface in which the groove is formed. In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the second opening is formed in the bottom of the storage section in any of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects. A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a flavor inhalation system comprising the flavor inhaler of any of the first to fifteenth aspects and a flavor generating article.

[0098] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Inner housing 36: First member 50: Chamber 52: First opening 56: Bottom of chamber 56a: Second opening 72: Ring-shaped member 74: Heater cushion 83: Protrusion 83c: Upper surface of protrusion 85: Groove 100: Flavor inhaler 101: Outer housing 110: Consumable product 111: Smokable article 200: Second member 210: Contact portion 220: Base A1: First air flow path A2: Second air flow path

Claims

1. A housing for containing a fragrance-generating article, the housing comprising a first opening into which the fragrance-generating article is inserted, a first member extending from the housing, and a second member outside the housing that suppresses movement of the first member by pressing the first member from the side in a direction in which the first member extends. A fragrance attractor comprising the above components.

2. The fragrance attractor according to claim 1, wherein the second member contains metal.

3. The fragrance attractor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second member includes at least one contact portion having a contact surface with a shape corresponding to a side surface of the first member.

4. The fragrance attractor according to claim 3, wherein the contact portion is a member extending from the contact surface in a direction inclined with respect to the direction.

5. The fragrance attractor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the second member is annular.

6. The fragrance attractor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first member is fixed to the housing with an adhesive.

7. The fragrance attractor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third member disposed between the housing and the second member and having a through hole or notch into which the first member is inserted.

8. A housing, and an elastic member that presses the housing, the first member, and the second member toward the housing or a member fixed to the housing. The fragrance attractor according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The fragrance attractor according to claim 8, further comprising a third member having a through hole or notch into which the first member is inserted, wherein the housing, the third member, the second member, and the elastic member are arranged in this order in the direction in which the first member extends.

10. The fragrance attractor according to claim 9, wherein the second member is in contact with the third member and the elastic member.

11. The housing further comprises a second opening, and the first member extends from inside the housing through the second opening to the outside of the housing. The fragrance attractor according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The fragrance attractor according to claim 11, wherein the first member is configured to support a tip of the fragrance-generating article housed in the housing.

13. The fragrance suction device according to claim 11, wherein the first member includes a groove portion that defines an air flow path inside the housing portion when the fragrance generating article is housed in the housing portion.

14. The fragrance suction device according to claim 13, wherein the first member supports a tip of the fragrance generating article housed in the housing portion and has a support surface on which the groove portion is formed.

15. The fragrance suction device according to claim 11, wherein the second opening is formed at a bottom portion of the housing portion.

16. A fragrance suction system comprising the fragrance suction device according to claim 1 or 2 and a fragrance generating article.