Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

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

Description

Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

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

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers that generate aerosols by heating a material containing a flavor source without burning the material are known. In such flavor inhalers, gases generated from a battery can increase the pressure inside the flavor inhaler, which can cause malfunction or damage to the flavor inhaler. In Patent Document 1, an aerosol generating device is provided with a vent to prevent an increase in pressure inside the housing.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 023890

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a sticker is placed on the end of the aerosol generating device so as to cover the vent. However, there is room for further improvement in such covering members.

[0005] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system having an improved covering member.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler comprising: a housing having a vent hole; a battery disposed in a space inside the housing that communicates with the vent hole; and a covering member that covers at least a portion of the vent hole, the covering member being attached to the housing so as to be separable from the housing, the covering member forming a bottom surface of a recess formed in an outer surface of the housing, the depth of the recess being smaller than the thickness of the covering member.

[0007] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide a compact flavor inhaler having a vent that is more stably covered by a covering member that is less likely to shift or peel off.

[0008] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the covering member has a peripheral portion facing the housing along the central axis of the ventilation port, and adhesive is arranged between the peripheral portion and the housing.

[0009] According to the second aspect, the properties of the adhesive can be utilized to bond the covering member and the housing.

[0010] A third aspect is the second aspect, wherein the adhesive is arranged in a strip shape, and in one part of the peripheral edge, the width of the adhesive is smaller than the width of the adhesive in other parts of the peripheral edge.

[0011] According to the third aspect, when the interior of the flavor inhaler reaches a desired pressure, the covering member can be more reliably peeled off.

[0012] A fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the second or third aspect, a first region surrounded by the adhesive and not provided with the adhesive is further provided between the peripheral portion and the housing.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, when the interior of the flavor inhaler reaches a desired pressure, the covering member can be more reliably peeled off.

[0014] The fifth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the second to fourth aspects, the covering member further comprises a second region in which the adhesive is not disposed, extending from the ventilation hole side of the peripheral portion to the opposite side along the surface on which the covering member extends.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure inside the flavor inhaler.

[0016] A sixth aspect is the first or second aspect, wherein the amount or properties of the adhesive in the peripheral portion are non-uniform.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, the covering member is provided with an easily peelable portion, so that the covering member can be easily peeled off when the interior of the flavor inhaler reaches a desired pressure.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a flavor inhalation system, comprising the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and a consumable.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to provide a compact flavor inhalation system having a vent that is more stably covered by a covering member that is less likely to shift or peel off.

[0020] 1 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler containing a consumable material; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along arrow 3-3 in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the flavor inhaler; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom of the flavor inhaler; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an air vent and a covering member; FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an air vent; FIG. 8 is a plan view of the flavor inhaler with the slide cover in an open position; FIG. 9 is a plan view of the flavor inhaler with the slide cover in a closed position; FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the flavor inhaler connected to an external device; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler showing a magnet of the slide cover and a Hall sensor; FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining detection of the position of the slide cover; FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining detection of the position of the slide cover; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an air vent and a covering member according to Modification 1-1; FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of adhesive according to Modification 1-1; FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of adhesive according to Modification 1-2; FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of adhesive according to Modification 1-3; FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of adhesive according to Modification 1-4. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a flavor inhaler according to Modification 2-1; FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a flavor inhaler according to Modification 2-2; and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement of a magnet and a Hall sensor in a conventional flavor inhaler.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flavor inhaler 100 containing a consumable product 120 inserted through the opening 110. For ease of explanation, the drawings described in this specification may include 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 the consumable product 120 contained in the chamber 50 (described below). 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 120. 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 120.

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

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

[0025] The housing 102 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and is sized to fit in 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. Regarding the housing 102, the upper housing 104 is formed from a resin such as polycarbonate, and the lower housing 106 is formed from a metal such as aluminum. However, the material of the housing 102 is not limited to these and can be any suitable resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers.

[0026] The upper housing 104 has an opening 110 for receiving the consumable product 120, and the slide cover 108 is slidably attached to the upper housing 104 to close the opening 110. Specifically, the slide cover 108 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the upper housing 104 between a closed position, at which the opening 110 of the upper housing 104 is closed, and an open position (the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ), at which the opening is open. For example, a user can manually operate the slide cover 108 to move the slide cover 108 between the closed position and the open position. In this way, the slide cover 108 can allow or restrict access of the consumable product 120 to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0027] 1 and 2 show the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100 such that the joint surface between the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 intersects obliquely with the XY plane, but the configuration of the housing 102 is not limited to this. For example, the housing 102 may be configured from three or more members.

[0028] 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 current to flow from the external power source to the power source, thereby charging the power source. In addition, connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal may allow data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to be transmitted to an external device.

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

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

[0031] The control unit 80 includes a substrate 82. The substrate 82 includes, for example, a microprocessor and is capable of controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the atomization unit 30. This allows the control unit 80 to control the heating of the consumable product 120 by the atomization unit 30. The control unit 80 also includes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface 28. The control unit 80 is capable of communicating with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

[0032] The power supply unit 20 has a power source 21 electrically connected to a circuit board 82 of the control unit 80. 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 atomization unit 30 via the circuit board 82. This allows the power source 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the consumable product 120.

[0033] The atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50 extending in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 120, a heating unit 40 (not shown in FIG. 3 ) surrounding a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a generally cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the consumable product 120. The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the consumable product 120 accommodated in the chamber 50. As an example, a susceptor may be provided inside or adjacent to the consumable product 120, and the heating unit 40 may include an induction coil for inductively heating the susceptor.

[0034] The heat insulating section 32 is disposed to surround the chamber 50 and the heating section 40. The heat insulating section 32 may be made of, for example, aerogel. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is provided between the sliding cover 108 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the sliding cover 108 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100, and guides the insertion of the consumable product 120 into the chamber 50 by inserting the consumable product 120 into the insertion guide member 34.

[0035] Furthermore, the nebulizer 30 and the control unit 80 are covered by a heat diffusion sleeve 70 and disposed within the interior space of the housing 102. The heat diffusion sleeve 70 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, and dissipates heat generated by the nebulizer 30 within the housing 102. The heat diffusion sleeve 70 may be configured to be disposed only within the upper housing 104 without interfering with the lower housing 106. Furthermore, an open area may be provided in the heat diffusion sleeve 70 to avoid interfering with communication with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28 of the control unit 80. While metal members generally interfere with electromagnetic waves, the open area of ​​the heat diffusion sleeve 70 at least serves as a path through which the control unit 80 can communicate with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

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

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

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

[0039] The covering member 210 is adhered to an adhesive surface 202, which is the outer surface of the inner housing 103. The covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 are configured to be separable from each other. In other words, the covering member 210 can be peeled off from the adhesive surface 202 with a force that does not damage the covering member 210 or the inner housing 103. The covering member 210 is preferably arranged to cover the entire vent hole 220. In this case, the covering member 210 can be configured to be separable from the adhesive surface 202 based on the pressure in the space SP1. For example, when the pressure inside the flavor inhaler 100 exceeds a threshold pressure that does not adversely affect the internal equipment of the flavor inhaler 100, a gap is formed between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202, allowing gas to be released from the space SP1. Note that a gap may exist between the outer peripheral surface of the covering member 210 and the inner peripheral surface of the lower housing 106. This allows gas to be released smoothly when a flow path is formed between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202. It is preferable that this gap be narrow in order to prevent the accumulation of water, dust, and the like in the first recess 230. In this way, it is preferable that at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the covering member 210 is slightly separated from the inner circumferential surface of the lower housing 106; in other words, it is preferable that the covering member 210 be slightly smaller than the first recess 230 along the adhesive surface 202.

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

[0041] Components adhered to the housing 102 or the like may be peeled off by the user or may become displaced due to contact with external components. In the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment, the covering member 210 covering the vent 220 is disposed in the first recess 230, making it less likely to come into contact with the user's fingers or external components, thereby reducing such risk. Furthermore, the adhesive can be prevented from leaking onto the surface of the housing 102. Furthermore, the depth D1 of the first recess 230 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210. If the depth D1 is too large, the outer surface of the flavor inhaler 100 will lose its smoothness, and there will be a greater risk of foreign matter such as water or dust accumulating in the first recess 230. If the thickness T1 is too small, the covering member 210 will be more likely to tear due to contact with a needle or the like. By making the depth D1 smaller than the thickness T1, the flavor inhaler 100 can be made more compact while taking these factors into consideration. In addition, since the depth D1 of the first recess 230 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210, if multiple covering members 210 are accidentally stacked during the manufacturing of the flavor inhaler 100, the covering members 210 protrude from the housing bottom surface 201, making it easy to identify defective products. As a non-limiting example, the thickness T1 of the covering member 210 may be 0.2 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, and the depth D1 of the first recess 230 may be 0.2 mm or less.

[0042] 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a vent 220 on the inner surface 203, which is the inner surface of the inner housing 103. In the illustrated example, the vent 220 is defined by a cylindrical sidewall with its central axis AX as its axis. Furthermore, a plurality of vents 220 are formed on the inner surface 203, and each vent 220 is disposed at a position corresponding to the center and each vertex of a hexagon. However, the shape, number, and position of the vents 220 are not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, the lower housing 106 and the inner housing 103 are separate members, but they may also be formed integrally.

[0043] A flavor inhalation system is configured including a flavor inhaler 100 and a consumable product 120. The flavor inhaler 100 and flavor inhalation system of this embodiment include a housing 102 having a vent 220, a battery 22 disposed inside the housing 102 in a space SP1 communicating with the vent 220, and a covering member 210 covering at least a portion of the vent 220, the covering member 210 being attached to the housing 102 so as to be separable from the housing 102, the covering member 210 configuring the bottom surface of a first recess 230 formed in a housing bottom surface 201 that is the outer surface of the housing 102, the depth D1 of the first recess 230 being smaller than the thickness T1 of the covering member 210. This makes it possible to provide a compact flavor inhaler 100 and flavor inhalation system having a vent 220 that is more stably covered by the covering member 210 that is less likely to shift or peel off.

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

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

[0046] The first position P1 is a position where the slide cover 108 covers at least a part of the interface unit 510. In the first position P1, the slide cover 108 prevents connection from an external device to the connection unit 521. As shown in the example, the first position P1 is preferably an open position where the consumable product 120 can be inserted into the first opening 110.

[0047] The second position P2 is a position that covers at least a portion of the first opening 110. In the second position P2, the slide cover 108 prevents the consumable product 120 from being inserted into the first opening 110. In the second position P2, it is preferable that an external device can be connected to the connection portion 521, as in the illustrated example.

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

[0049] It is preferable that the first opening 110 and the interface portion 510 are formed on the top surface 500, which is one end surface of the longitudinally extending housing 102. This shortens the distance that the slide cover 108 moves, and allows the flavor inhaler 100 to be configured simply and compactly.

[0050] In this embodiment, the slide cover 108 is configured to be movable between a first position P1, which covers at least a portion of the interface unit 510, particularly the second opening 520, and a second position P2, which covers at least a portion of the first opening 110. This makes it difficult to connect the connection unit 521 to an external device when the consumable product 120 is inserted into the first opening 110. This reduces the adverse effects of foreign matter, such as sidestream smoke caused by heating of the consumable product 120 or smoke exhaled by the user, on the interface unit 510. Furthermore, when the interface unit 510 is in use, such as when an external device terminal is connected to the connection unit 521, it reduces the user's ability to insert the consumable product 120 into the first opening 110. This prevents the consumable product 120 from heating up when the interface unit 510 is in use, thereby reducing the risk of sidestream smoke and other foreign matter being generated. In this manner, in this embodiment, by making it difficult to insert the consumable product 120 and use the interface unit 510 simultaneously, it reduces the adverse effects of foreign matter on the interface unit 510.

[0051] It is preferable that the slide cover 108 does not cover the first opening 110 when in the first position P1. This prevents the connection part 521 from being connected to an external device when the consumable product 120 is inserted into the first opening 110. This further reduces the adverse effects of foreign matter such as sidestream smoke on the interface part 510.

[0052] It is preferable that the slide cover 108 does not cover the interface unit 510, particularly the second opening 520, when in the second position P2. This prevents the user from inserting the consumable product 120 into the first opening 110 when the interface unit 510 is in use. For example, connection between the connection unit 521 and an external device can be enabled only when the first opening 110 is covered by the slide cover 108. With this configuration, the consumable product 120 is not heated when the interface unit 510 is in use, suppressing the generation of foreign matter such as sidestream smoke and suppressing adverse effects of foreign matter on the interface unit 510.

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

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

[0055] The connection unit 521 preferably includes a USB port capable of communication according to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, which enables various functions such as data input / output and charging, and also makes it possible to take advantage of the convenience of USB connections such as plug-and-play.

[0056] 8 and 9, it is preferable that the first opening 110 and the second opening 520 have different shapes. This reduces the risk of accidentally inserting the consumable product 120 into the second opening 520 or accidentally inserting the external terminal 910 into the first opening 110. This prevents the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 from being scratched or foreign matter from entering.

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

[0058] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the Hall sensor 600 and the magnet 60 arranged on the sliding cover 108. Fig. 11 corresponds to an enlarged view of the upper part of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the line 3-3 in Fig. 1, and various parts are omitted as appropriate depending on their relevance to the following description. Fig. 11 shows the sliding cover 108 at the first position P1, which covers the second opening 520 on the upper surface 500 side of the connecting part 521.

[0059] A magnet 60 is disposed inside the sliding cover 108. In the illustrated example, the magnet 60 is supported by a support (not shown) and is configured to move integrally with the sliding cover 108. There are no particular limitations on the size of the magnet 60 or its relative position to the sliding cover 108, as long as it moves in conjunction with the movement of the sliding cover 108. There are no particular limitations on the type of magnet, but a permanent magnet is preferred as it does not require wiring.

[0060] The sliding cover 108 may be moved between the first position P1 and the second position P2, but the manner in which it is moved is not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, a first protrusion 61 extending in the Z-axis direction is fixed to the upper surface 500 of the housing 102. A plate-like member (not shown) fixed to the sliding cover 108 and extending along the XY plane has a slot extending in the X-axis direction, and the inner wall of the slot slides along the first protrusion 61. Because the first opening 110 and the second opening 520 are formed in the center of the upper surface 500 in the Y-axis direction, and from the standpoint of stability, the first protrusion 61 and the slot are formed on both sides of the first opening 110 and the second opening 120 in the Y-axis direction. However, a guide member may be provided on the upper surface 500 of the housing 102, and the sliding cover 108 may slide along the guide member. It is preferable that the plate-like member be made of metal to increase strength.

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

[0062] The Hall sensor 600 is positioned at a location where it can detect the magnet 60 at either the first position P1 or the second position P2. The Hall sensor 600 may be positioned at any location, as long as it detects magnetic fields of different magnitudes when the magnet 60 is at the first position P1 and the second position P2, or can detect the magnetic field at only one of the positions. In the illustrated example, the distance between the Hall sensor 600 and the first position P1 is shorter than the distance between the Hall sensor 600 and the second position P2. Therefore, the Hall sensor 600 can detect the magnet 60 of the sliding cover 108 at the first position P1 but not the magnet 60 of the sliding cover 108 at the second position P2. The Hall sensor 600 is electrically connected to the control unit 80. From the perspective of simpler configuration, the Hall sensor 600 is preferably positioned on the substrate 82, as shown in the illustrated example. Furthermore, from the perspective of highly sensitive detection of the magnetic field of the magnet 60, it is preferably positioned at the end of the substrate 82 on the top surface 500 side.

[0063] In this embodiment, the sliding cover 108 is configured to move along the top surface 500 that extends approximately parallel to the XY plane, and the base plate 82 is disposed along the YZ plane that intersects with the top surface 500. With this configuration, the distance that the sliding cover 108 moves is shortened, resulting in a simple configuration, while the base plate 82 extends in the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100, making it possible to dispose the wide base plate 82 in the compact flavor inhaler 100.

[0064] FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the detection of the magnet 1060 in the slide cover 1080 of a conventional flavor inhaler. Hereinafter, the direction passing through both poles of the magnet is referred to as the "magnet direction," and the direction of the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor is referred to as the "detection direction." In the conventional flavor inhaler, the housing 1102 and the substrate 1082 are arranged parallel to each other, and the magnetic direction (arrow A1100) passing through both poles of the magnet 1060 is arranged perpendicular to the housing 1102. In this case, the magnetic field detection direction (arrow A1200) of the Hall sensor 1600 and the magnet direction can be aligned on the same line, enabling efficient detection by the Hall sensor 1600. In contrast, in this embodiment, the Hall sensor 600 is arranged on the substrate 82 extending along a plane intersecting the top surface 500 of the housing 102 as shown in FIG. 11 , making it difficult to align the magnetic field detection direction and the magnet direction on the same line.

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

[0066] The sliding cover 108 is configured to be movable along a first surface S100, which corresponds to the top surface 500 of the housing 102. The magnet 60 is disposed on the sliding cover 108 so that the magnetic direction passing through the north and south poles of the magnet 60 is aligned with the first surface S100. In FIG. 12 , the magnetic direction is schematically indicated by an arrow A100. The angle between the first surface S100 and the magnetic direction is preferably 30 degrees or less, and more preferably 15 degrees or less. A smaller angle between the first surface S100 and the magnetic direction makes it easier to arrange a longer magnet 60. A longer magnet 60 can have a stronger magnetic force, making it easier for the Hall sensor 600 to detect the magnetic field.

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

[0068] The Hall sensor 600 includes a Hall element and a processing circuit that processes the output of the Hall element. The processing circuit includes, for example, an operational amplifier that amplifies the output of the Hall element. To facilitate detection of the magnetic field of the magnet 60, the Hall sensor 600 and its Hall element are arranged to detect a magnetic field that is approximately parallel to the direction of the magnet. The Hall sensor 600 is preferably arranged on the substrate 82 so that the detection direction of the Hall sensor 600 is approximately perpendicular to the substrate 82. This allows the Hall sensor 600 to be arranged on the substrate 82 in a simpler or more compact configuration.

[0069] The type and detection method of the Hall sensor 600 are not particularly limited as long as they can detect the magnetic field of the magnet 60. However, it is preferable that the Hall sensor 600 be configured not to perform omnipolar detection. In this embodiment, both poles of the magnet 60 may approach the Hall sensor 600, causing the detected magnetic field to fluctuate in a complex manner. If omnipolar detection were performed, complex processing would be required to identify the position of the sliding cover 108. By configuring the Hall sensor 600 to perform, for example, unipolar detection, this risk can be reduced.

[0070] The angle between the first surface S100 and the second surface S200 is preferably 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, and more preferably 75 degrees or more and 105 degrees or less. The substrate 82 preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the first surface S100. This allows the substrate 82 to extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement even if the moving distance of the sliding cover 108 is shortened, thereby enabling the installation of a substrate 82 with a large area.

[0071] It is preferable that the magnet direction and the second surface S200 intersect between the two poles of the magnet 60 when the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1 or the second position P2, which are the detection positions. More specifically, in Fig. 12, it is preferable that the position of the circuit board 82 in the X-axis direction is between the X-axis positions of the two poles of the magnet 60. This makes it possible to reduce the angle between the detection direction and the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet 60 at the first position P1 or the second position P2, thereby enabling the magnetic field of the magnet 60 to be detected with higher sensitivity.

[0072] The control unit 80 controls the flavor inhaler 100 based on the output from the Hall sensor 600. Preferably, the control unit 80 controls the heating unit 40 based on the output from the Hall sensor 600. For example, the Hall sensor 600 outputs an ON signal indicating that a magnetic field is detected or an OFF signal indicating that a magnetic field is not detected to the control unit 80. When the control unit 80 receives the ON signal, the sliding cover 108 is in the first position P1 and the first opening 110 is open, so heating can be permitted. When the control unit 80 receives the OFF signal, the sliding cover 108 is not in the first position P1 and the first opening 110 is closed, so heating can be prohibited. This configuration suppresses unnecessary heating, making it possible to provide a more efficient and safe flavor inhaler.

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

[0074] (Variation 1-1) In the above-described embodiment, the amount or characteristics of the adhesive that bonds the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 of the inner housing 103 may be non-uniform depending on the position on the adhesive surface 202. For ease of understanding, the following description will be given taking as an example a case where there is one air vent 220.

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

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

[0077] As shown in Figure 15, an adhesive layer 300, which is a layer of adhesive, is formed between the peripheral edge 215 of the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 of the inner housing 103. The type of adhesive in the adhesive layer 300 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a resin. It is preferable that the adhesive layer 300 has non-uniform amounts or properties on the adhesive surface 202. This allows the covering member 210 to have areas that are easy to peel, making it easier to peel the covering member 210 when the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 reaches a desired pressure. The adhesive properties that vary depending on the position on the adhesive surface 202 are not particularly limited as long as they affect the ease of peeling of the covering member 210, and may be, for example, adhesive strength.

[0078] (Modification 1-2) In the above-described modification 1-1, in a part of the peripheral edge 215 , the width of the adhesive layer 300 in contact with the peripheral edge 215 may be different from the width of the adhesive layer 300 in contact with the other part of the peripheral edge 215 .

[0079] 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an adhesive layer 300A according to this modification. The adhesive layer 300A is formed in a band-like shape having a first width W1. However, at two locations in the circumferential direction about the central axis AX, gaps 250 between the covering member 210 and the adhesive surface 202 protrude into the adhesive layer 300A, and the portion of the adhesive layer 300A facing the gaps 250 forms a weak portion 310 having a second width W2 that is smaller than the first width W1. In the illustrated example, the adhesive layer 300 has two weak portions 310, but the number and positions of the weak portions 310 are not particularly limited.

[0080] In the flavor inhaler 100 of this modified example, the adhesive is arranged in a strip shape, and the width of the adhesive in one part of the peripheral edge 215 is smaller than the width of the other part of the peripheral edge 215. This makes it possible to more reliably peel off the covering member 210 when the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 reaches a desired pressure.

[0081] (Modification 1-3) In Modification 1-1, the flavor inhaler 100 may further include an area surrounded by adhesive and where no adhesive is provided, between the peripheral edge 215 and the adhesive surface 202 of the housing 102.

[0082] 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the adhesive layer 300B according to this modification. The flavor inhaler 100 includes a first region 251 surrounded by the adhesive layer 300B in a plane perpendicular to the central axis AX. The first region 251 is an area where no adhesive is provided. The first region 251 is preferably an air layer. In this case, too, the covering member 210 can be more reliably peeled off easily when the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 reaches a desired pressure.

[0083] (Modification 1-4) In Modification 1-1, an air flow path that connects the inside and outside of the flavor inhaler 100 may be formed between the adhesive layers 300.

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

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

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

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

[0088] The input unit 522 includes an input device. In the illustrated example, the input unit 522 is a button. However, the input unit 522 is not limited thereto, and may include any input device that can be arranged on the upper surface 500. For example, the input unit 522 may include a touch panel, a switch, or the like. The input unit 522 may function as an operation unit that allows the user to operate each part of the flavor inhaler 100A.

[0089] In the flavor inhaler 100A, when the slide cover 108 is in the first position P1, at least a portion of the input unit 522 is covered by the slide cover 108, preventing a user from operating the input unit 522. As shown in Fig. 19, in the flavor inhaler 100A, when the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2, at least a portion of the first opening 110 is covered, preventing a consumable product 120 from being inserted into the first opening 110. When the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2, the input unit 522 can be operated by a user.

[0090] With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to operate the input unit 522 when the consumable product 120 is inserted into the first opening 110. Furthermore, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to insert the consumable product 120 into the first opening 110 when the input unit 522 is being used. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of foreign matter due to sidestream smoke or smoke exhaled by the user, or the contact between the foreign matter and the input unit 522, thereby suppressing the adverse effects of the foreign matter on the input unit 522.

[0091] (Modification 2-2) In the above-described embodiment, in addition to or instead of the second opening 520, a display unit such as a display may be arranged on the upper surface 500.

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

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

[0094] In the flavor inhaler 100B, when the slide cover 108 is in the first position P1, at least a portion of the display unit 523 is covered by the slide cover 108. As shown in Fig. 20 , when the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2, at least a portion of the first opening 110 is covered, and the consumable product 120 cannot be inserted into the first opening 110. When the slide cover 108 is in the second position P2, the user can see the display unit 523.

[0095] With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for the display unit 523 to be exposed when the consumable product 120 is inserted into the first opening 110. Furthermore, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to insert the consumable product 120 into the first opening 110 when the display unit 523 is exposed. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of foreign matter due to sidestream smoke or smoke exhaled by the user, or the contact of foreign matter with the display unit 523, and to suppress adverse effects of foreign matter on the display unit 523.

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

[0097] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flavor inhaler includes a housing having a vent hole, a battery disposed in a space inside the housing that communicates with the vent hole, and a covering member covering at least a portion of the vent hole, the covering member being attached to the housing so as to be separable from the housing, the covering member forming a bottom surface of a recess formed in the outer surface of the housing, the depth of the recess being smaller than the thickness of the covering member. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the covering member of the first aspect has a peripheral edge portion facing the housing along the central axis of the vent hole, and an adhesive is disposed between the peripheral edge portion and the housing. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the adhesive of the second aspect is disposed in a strip shape, and the width of the adhesive in one portion of the peripheral edge is smaller than the width of the adhesive in the other portion of the peripheral edge. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second or third aspect further includes a first region surrounded by the adhesive and free of the adhesive between the peripheral edge portion and the housing. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the flavor inhaler further comprises a second region where the adhesive is not disposed, extending from the vent side of the peripheral edge to the opposite side along the extending surface of the covering member. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the amount or properties of the adhesive in the peripheral edge are non-uniform. A seventh aspect of the present invention is a flavor inhalation system comprising the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to sixth aspects and a consumable product.

[0098] 20...power supply unit 21...power supply 28...Bluetooth interface 30...atomization unit 32...heat insulation unit 34...insertion guide member 40...heating unit 50...chamber 60, 1060...magnet 70...heat diffusion sleeve 80...control unit 82, 1082...substrate 100, 100A, 100B...flavor inhaler 102, 1102...housing 103...inner housing 104...upper housing 106...lower housing 108, 1108...sliding cover 110...first opening 120...consumable product 200...bottom surface 201...housing bottom surface 202...adhesive surface 203...inner surface of housing 210...covering member 211...outer surface of covering member 215...periphery 220, 220A...vent 230...first recess 251...first region 252...Second region 300, 300A, 300B...Adhesive layer 500...Upper surface of flavor inhaler 510...Interface section 520...Second opening 521...Connection section 522...Input section 523...Display section 600, 1600...Hall element 900...External device 910...External terminal AX...Central axis of ventilation hole D1...Depth of first recess P1...First position P2...Second position SP1...Space S100...First surface S200...Second surface T1...Thickness of covering member W1...First width W2...Second width

Claims

1. a housing having a vent; a battery disposed in a space inside the housing that is in communication with the vent hole; a covering member that covers at least a portion of the ventilation hole, the covering member is adhered to the housing so as to be separable from the housing; the covering member constitutes a bottom surface of a recess formed in the outer surface of the housing, The depth of the recess is smaller than the thickness of the covering member.

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

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

4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a first region surrounded by the adhesive and free from the adhesive, between the peripheral edge portion and the housing.

5. 4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2, further comprising a second region in which the adhesive is not disposed, the second region extending from the vent side of the peripheral edge portion to an opposite side thereof along a surface on which the covering member extends.

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

7. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A flavor inhalation system comprising: a consumable material;