Flavor inhaler

Abstract

This flavor inhaler comprises: a storage part in which an opening is formed at one end thereof, and in which at least a part of a flavor generation article is stored through the opening; and a gasket for supporting the storage part. The storage part comprises: a cylindrical section configured so as to surround the outer periphery of the flavor generation article; and a flange section formed in the storage part. The gasket covers the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the flange part so as to support the flange part.

Description

flavor aspirator

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

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning a material have been known. For example, one such flavor inhaler has a storage section for storing a flavor-generating product, and a gasket and a guide member for fixing the storage section (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 123759

[0004] In the flavor inhaler described in Patent Document 1, the gasket and the guide member sandwich the flange of the storage unit to secure the storage unit to the housing. In this case, the gasket and the storage unit must be bonded to each other with an adhesive. However, in this flavor inhaler, the flavor-generating product stored in the storage unit is heated, which may heat the storage unit and cause the adhesive to deteriorate due to the heat. In addition, attaching the gasket to the storage unit requires a process of applying adhesive.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a flavor inhaler in which a gasket can be attached to a housing without using an adhesive.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler includes a container having an opening at one end for accommodating at least a portion of a flavor-generating article through the opening, and a gasket for supporting the container. The container includes a cylindrical portion configured to surround the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article, and a flange portion formed on the container. The gasket supports the flange portion by covering the upper, lower, and side surfaces of the flange portion.

[0007] According to the first aspect, since the flange and the gasket are at least engaged with each other, it is possible to prevent the flange of the housing from coming off the gasket. Therefore, the gasket can be attached to the housing without using adhesive, which prevents the gasket from coming off the housing due to heat and prevents an increase in the number of steps due to the use of adhesive.

[0008] An air layer may be formed between the gasket and the cylindrical portion.

[0009] In this case, when the flavor-generating article housed in the cylindrical portion is heated, the heat from the flavor-generating article can be prevented from being directly conducted to the gasket via the cylindrical portion, thereby improving the insulation properties of the flavor inhaler and the heating efficiency of the flavor-generating article.

[0010] The gasket may be integrally molded with the flange portion.

[0011] In this case, since the gasket is fixed to the flange, movement of the storage unit relative to the gasket can be prevented when inserting or removing the flavor-generating article into or from the storage unit. As a result, the user can stably insert or remove the flavor-generating article from or into the storage unit. In addition, the gap between the gasket and the flange can be sealed, preventing aerosol or vapor generated in the storage unit from leaking out from between the gasket and the flange.

[0012] The flavor inhaler may have a housing that houses the housing portion therein, and the housing portion may be fixed to the housing only by the gasket.

[0013] In this case, the heat from the flavor-generating article in the storage section can be prevented from being conducted to the housing through components other than the storage section and the gasket, thereby improving the insulation properties of the flavor inhaler and the heating efficiency of the flavor-generating article.

[0014] The shape of the opening as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the housing portion may be different from the outer shape of the flange portion.

[0015] In this case, the flange portion can have any external shape, and by having the flange portion have a shape that engages with the gasket, it is possible to prevent the housing portion from moving relative to the gasket.

[0016] The opening may have a circular shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the storage portion.

[0017] In this case, even if a circumferential force is applied to the housing when inserting or removing the flavor-generating article from the housing, the flange portion having a non-circular outer shape is likely to engage with the gasket in the circumferential direction and provide resistance. This prevents the housing from moving in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, since the cross-sectional shape of the flavor-generating article is generally circular, it is easy to insert the flavor-generating article into the opening.

[0018] The housing portion may have a rising portion extending from the flange portion at an angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing portion.

[0019] In this case, even if a circumferential force is applied to the storage portion when inserting or removing the flavor-generating article into or from the storage portion, the raised portion is likely to engage with the gasket in the circumferential direction and receive resistance, thereby preventing the storage portion from moving in the circumferential direction.

[0020] The gasket may be configured to guide the flavor generating article as it is inserted into the receptacle.

[0021] In this case, the gasket makes it easy to position the flavor-generating article relative to the container.

[0022] The flavor inhaler may have a housing that houses the housing therein, and a portion of the gasket may be exposed from the housing.

[0023] In this case, the user can easily insert the flavor-generating article into the gasket, and therefore the positioning of the flavor-generating article relative to the container can be performed more easily.

[0024] The container may have a pressing portion configured to press the flavor-generating article contained in the container.

[0025] In this case, the storage portion can stably hold the flavor-generating article. Furthermore, in this case, the pressing portion makes it difficult for the flavor-generating article in the storage portion to move, so that when the flavor-generating article is inserted or removed from the storage portion, circumferential and insertion direction forces are more easily applied to the storage portion. Therefore, when the flange portion is fixed to or engaged with the gasket, movement of the storage portion relative to the gasket can be suppressed when the flavor-generating article is inserted or removed from the storage portion. As a result, the user can stably insert or remove the flavor-generating article from the storage portion.

[0026] The tubular portion may be configured to heat the flavor generating article.

[0027] In this case, since the flange portion of the accommodation portion is supported by the gasket, heat transfer from the cylindrical portion to the flange portion can be suppressed compared to when the cylindrical portion of the accommodation portion is supported by the gasket. Note that the cylindrical portion may be heated by a resistance heater provided in the cylindrical portion, or the cylindrical portion may include a susceptor that is induction heated.

[0028] The flange may extend from an edge defining the opening.

[0029] In this case, since the flange portion is provided at the position farthest from the cylindrical portion, heat transfer from the flavor-generating article housed in the cylindrical portion through the flange portion can be suppressed, thereby improving the thermal insulation of the flavor inhaler and the heating efficiency of the flavor-generating article.

[0030] The container may have a bottom wall portion that seals the other end opposite the opening.

[0031] In this case, no air is taken in from the bottom of the container.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of a flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along arrows 3-3 shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a chamber. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 4B-4B shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5A-5A shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5B-5B shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber shown in FIG. 5B with the flavor generating article placed at a desired position in the chamber. FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of a flange portion of a chamber according to another embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a chamber and a gasket according to another embodiment.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 convenience of explanation, an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be used in the drawings described in this specification. 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 flavor-generating article contained in a chamber 50 of the atomization unit 30 (described later) or the axial direction of the chamber 50. The X-axis is a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and Z-axis.

[0035] The flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment is configured to generate aerosol containing a flavor by, for example, heating a stick-shaped flavor generating article having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C , the flavor inhaler 100 includes an outer housing 101 (corresponding to an example of a housing), a slide cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and is sized to fit in 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 formed by assembling multiple components. The outer housing 101 may be made of resin, for example, and in particular, may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0037] The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving a flavor-generating article, and the sliding cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close this opening. Specifically, the sliding 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 ) in which the opening of the outer housing 101 is closed, and an open position in which the opening is open. For example, a user can manually operate the sliding cover 102 to move the sliding cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. This allows or restricts access of the flavor-generating article to the interior of the flavor inhaler 100 through the sliding cover 102.

[0038] 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 flavor-generating product inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating unit (not shown), thereby heating the flavor-generating product without burning it. 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 in which the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Next, a flavor generating article used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. In this embodiment, a smoking system can be configured by the flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor generating article 110. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the flavor generating article 110 has a smokable article 111, a tubular member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115.

[0041] 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, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111. However, the second cigarette paper 113 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the 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 make it easier for the user to release their lips from the second cigarette paper 113. The portion of flavor generating article 110 to which lip release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of flavor generating article 110 .

[0042] The smokable article 111 may include a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source. The first wrapping paper 112 wrapping 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 flavor-generating article 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 flavor-generating article 110 is not limited thereto. 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.

[0043] 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 (corresponding to an example of a housing) is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100. The inner housing 10 is made of resin, for example, and in particular may be formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), 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. 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 and the inner housing 10 are sometimes collectively referred to as a housing. In this embodiment, this housing houses a chamber 50, which will be described later.

[0044] The power supply unit 20 includes a power supply 21. The power supply 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the atomizing unit 30. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the atomizing unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the flavor-generating article 110.

[0045] 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 flavor-generating article 110, a gasket 80 attached to the chamber 50, a heating unit 40 covering a portion of the chamber 50, and a heat insulating unit 32. The chamber 50 has an opening formed at one end and is configured to store at least a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 through this opening. In the example shown in the figure, the heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the flavor-generating article 110 stored in the chamber 50.

[0046] The heat insulating section 32 is generally cylindrical and is disposed to surround the chamber 50. The heat insulating section 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The gasket 80 is formed, for example, from a resin material and is disposed between the chamber 50 and the slide cover 102 in the closed position. The gasket 80 is fixed to the inner housing 10. The gasket 80 may be configured to guide the flavor-generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50. In this case, the gasket 80 can easily position the flavor-generating article 110 relative to the chamber 50. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , it is preferable that a portion of the gasket 80 is exposed from the inner housing 10 and the outer housing 101. In this case, it is easier for a user to insert the flavor-generating article 110 into the gasket 80, thereby making it even easier to position the flavor-generating article 110 relative to the chamber 50. When the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, the gasket 80 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100, and guides the insertion of the flavor-generating article 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the flavor-generating article 110 into the gasket 80. In Figure 3, the state in which the sliding cover 102 is closed to cover the entire gasket 80 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0047] 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 line 4B-4B in Fig. 4A. Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5A-5A in Fig. 4B. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5B-5B in Fig. 4B.

[0048] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 has an opening 52 formed at one end, through which the flavor-generating article 110 is inserted, and is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 through this opening 52. The chamber 50 may have a cylindrical portion 60 configured to surround the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article 110, and a flange portion 52a formed on the chamber 50. The chamber 50 is preferably formed from a heat-resistant material with a low thermal expansion coefficient, such as stainless steel. The chamber 50 may be formed from a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, or the like, in addition to metal. This allows for effective heating of the flavor-generating article 110 from the chamber 50. The chamber 50 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may also have a cup shape.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B , the tubular portion 60 includes a pressing portion 62 and a separating portion 66. When the flavor-generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the pressing portion 62 contacts or presses a portion of the flavor-generating article 110, and the separating portion 66 is separated from the flavor-generating article 110. In this specification, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the flavor-generating article 110 is appropriately heated, or the position of the flavor-generating article 110 when the user smokes. The pressing portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The separating portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. The heating portion 40 shown in FIG. 3 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 be disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 without any gaps. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, it is preferable that the heating part 40 including the adhesive layer is arranged on the outer surface 62b of the pressing part 62 without any gaps.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 is flat. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the thickness of the pressing portion 62 is uniform. As shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 5B, the chamber 50 has two pressing portions 62 in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two pressing portions 62 face each other so as to be parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a portion of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two pressing portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the flavor-generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 that is located between the pressing portions 62.

[0051] 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 pressing portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4B , the chamber 50 may have a bottom wall 56 that seals the other end opposite the opening 52. Therefore, in this embodiment, air is not taken in through the bottom wall 56 of the chamber 50. The bottom wall 56 may support a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a portion of the end surface of the flavor-generating article 110 is exposed. Specifically, for example, the bottom wall 56 may have a protrusion (not shown) on its inner surface that supports a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50. Furthermore, the bottom wall 56 may support a portion of the flavor-generating article 110 so that the exposed end surface of the flavor-generating article 110 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 6 ), which will be described later.

[0053] 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-holding portion 54 between the opening 52 and the cylindrical portion 60. When the flavor-generating article 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-holding portion 54 and the flavor-generating article 110. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the non-holding portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62.

[0054] Figure 6 is the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5B of the flavor-generating article 110 placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in Figure 6, when the flavor-generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the flavor-generating article 110 can be pressed by contact with the pressing portion 62 of the chamber 50. Meanwhile, a gap 67 is formed between the flavor-generating article 110 and the separating portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end face of the flavor-generating article 110 positioned in the chamber 50. This allows air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and enter the interior of the flavor-generating article 110. In other words, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the flavor-generating article 110 and the separating portion 66.

[0055] Next, the chamber 50 and the gasket 80 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 shows schematic diagrams of the chamber 50 and the gasket 80. Specifically, FIG. 7( a) is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 and the gasket 80, and FIG. 7( b) is a schematic top view of the flange portion 52 a of the chamber 50. As described above, the chamber 50 has a cylindrical portion 60 and a flange portion 52 a. As shown in the figure, the flange portion 52 a has a lower surface 53 a facing the other end opposite the opening 52 of the cylindrical portion 60, an upper surface 53 b opposite the lower surface 53 a, and a side surface 53 c between the lower surface 53 a and the upper surface 53 b.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the gasket 80 is configured to support the flange portion 52a. Specifically, the gasket 80 supports the flange portion 52a by being fixed to, for example, the inner housing 10 or the outer housing 101 shown in FIG. 3 . The chamber 50 is preferably fixed to the inner housing 10 or the outer housing 101 only by the gasket 80. In this case, heat from the flavor-generating article 110 in the chamber 50 can be prevented from being conducted to the inner housing 10 or the outer housing 101 via members other than the chamber 50 and the gasket 80, thereby improving the thermal insulation of the flavor inhaler 100 and the heating efficiency of the flavor-generating article 110. However, the chamber 50 may be fixed to the inner housing 10 or the outer housing 101 by other members in addition to the gasket 80.

[0057] 7(a), the gasket 80 preferably supports the flange portion 52a by covering the upper surface 53b, the lower surface 53a, and the side surface 53c of the flange portion 52a. This at least engages the flange portion 52a with the gasket 80, thereby preventing the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 from coming off the gasket 80. Therefore, the gasket 80 can be attached to the chamber 50 without using adhesive, preventing the gasket 80 from coming off the chamber 50 due to heat and preventing an increase in the number of steps due to the use of adhesive.

[0058] Although the gasket 80 may have a gap between itself and the flange portion 52a, it is preferable for it to be in close contact with the flange portion 52a. Specifically, it is preferable for the gasket 80 to be in close contact with at least one of the upper surface 53b, the lower surface 53a, and the side surface 53c of the flange portion 52a so that gas does not pass between the flange portion 52a and the gasket 80. Furthermore, it is more preferable for the gasket 80 to be integrally molded with the flange portion 52a. In this case, since the gasket 80 is fixed to the flange portion 52a, movement of the chamber 50 relative to the gasket 80 can be suppressed when inserting or removing the flavor-generating article 110 into or from the chamber 50. As a result, the user can stably insert or remove the flavor-generating article 110 from or into the chamber 50. Furthermore, the gap between the gasket 80 and the flange portion 52a can be sealed, which can suppress leakage of aerosol or vapor generated in the chamber 50 from between the gasket 80 and the flange portion 52a.

[0059] For example, a mold can be attached to the flange portion 52a and the material of the gasket 80 (such as synthetic resin) can be poured into the mold to integrally mold the gasket 80 with the flange portion 52a. In this case, the gasket 80 is in close contact with the upper surface 53b, the lower surface 53a, and the side surface 53c of the flange portion 52a. The gasket 80 can be made of resin, for example, and can be particularly formed from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The gasket 80 may also be formed from metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. From the standpoint of heat resistance, the gasket 80 is preferably made of PEEK.

[0060] 7( a), it is preferable that an air layer A1 is formed between the gasket 80 and the cylindrical portion 60. In other words, it is preferable that the gasket 80 located on the lower surface 53a side is separated from the cylindrical portion 60. In this case, when the flavor-generating article 110 housed in the cylindrical portion 60 is heated, direct conduction of heat from the flavor-generating article 110 to the gasket 80 via the cylindrical portion 60 can be suppressed, thereby improving the thermal insulation of the flavor inhaler 100 and the heating efficiency of the flavor-generating article 110.

[0061] 7(a), the flange portion 52a preferably extends from an edge portion that defines the opening 52. In other words, the flange portion 52a is preferably formed at the end portion of the chamber 50. In this case, the flange portion 52a is provided at a position farthest from the cylindrical portion 60, thereby preventing heat from the flavor-generating article 110 housed in the cylindrical portion 60 from being conducted through the flange portion 52a. As a result, the thermal insulation of the flavor inhaler 100 and the heating efficiency of the flavor-generating article 110 can be improved.

[0062] If the chamber 50 does not have a flange portion 52a, the gasket 80 may be provided so as to contact the edge that defines the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 60 of the chamber 50. Alternatively, the sealing ability between the chamber 50 and the gasket 80 may be improved by providing a recess, protrusion, groove, or the like (not shown) on the surface of the chamber 50 and molding the gasket 80 so that a part of the gasket 80 engages with the recess, protrusion, groove, or the like.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a pressing portion 62 configured to press the flavor-generating article 110 housed in the chamber 50. In this case, the flavor-generating article 110 can be stably held by the chamber 50. In addition, in this case, the pressing portion 62 makes it difficult for the flavor-generating article 110 to move within the chamber 50, so that forces in the circumferential direction and the insertion direction are more easily applied to the chamber 50 when the flavor-generating article 110 is inserted or removed from the chamber 50. Therefore, when the flange portion 52a is fixed to or engaged with the gasket 80, movement of the chamber 50 relative to the gasket 80 can be suppressed when the flavor-generating article 110 is inserted or removed from the chamber 50. As a result, the user can stably insert or remove the flavor-generating article 110 from the chamber 50.

[0064] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 60 may be configured to heat the flavor-generating article 110. In this embodiment, the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 is supported by the gasket 80, and therefore, heat conduction from the cylindrical portion 60 to the flange portion 52a can be suppressed compared to when the cylindrical portion 60 of the chamber 50 is supported by the gasket 80. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 , a heating unit 40 may be disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 60 of the chamber 50, causing the cylindrical portion 60 to heat the flavor-generating article 110. Alternatively, the cylindrical portion 60 may include a susceptor, and the cylindrical portion 60 may be induction-heated by an induction coil (not shown), causing the cylindrical portion 60 to heat the flavor-generating article 110.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7( b), in this embodiment, the shape of the opening 52 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is circular, and the outer shape of the flange portion 52a is also circular. However, the shape of the opening 52 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 and the outer shape of the flange portion 52a may be different. In this case, the outer shape of the flange portion 52a can be any shape, and by having the flange portion 52a have a shape that engages with the gasket 80, movement of the chamber 50 relative to the gasket 80 can be suppressed. FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the flange portion 52a of a chamber 50 in another embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 8( a), the outer shape of the flange portion 52a is elliptical. In the example shown in FIG. 8( b), the outer shape of the flange portion 52a is circular with a partial convex portion. It is rectangular. In the example shown in FIG. 8( c), the outer shape of the flange portion 52a is rectangular.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the shape of the opening 52 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is preferably circular. In this case, even if a circumferential force is applied to the chamber 50 when inserting or removing the flavor-generating article 110 into or from the chamber 50, the flange portion 52a, which has a non-circular outer shape, will engage with the gasket 80 in the circumferential direction and will likely receive resistance. This makes it possible to prevent the chamber 50 from moving in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, since the cross-sectional shape of the flavor-generating article 110 is generally circular, the flavor-generating article 110 can be easily inserted into the opening 52.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a chamber 50 and a gasket 80 according to another embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 9( a) is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 and the gasket 80 according to another embodiment, and FIG. 9( b) is a schematic top view of the flange portion 52 a of the chamber 50 according to another embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the chamber 50 has a raised portion 55 extending from the flange portion 52 a at an angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. In this case, even if a circumferential force is applied to the chamber 50 when inserting or removing the flavor-generating article 110 into or from the chamber 50, the raised portion 55 circumferentially engages with the gasket 80 and is more likely to receive resistance. This prevents the chamber 50 from moving in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, the raised portion 55 extends in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. The raised portion 55 may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. In this case, even if a longitudinal force is applied to the chamber 50 when inserting or removing the flavor-generating article 110 into or from the chamber 50, the raised portion 55 engages with the gasket 80 in the longitudinal direction and is more likely to receive resistance.

[0068] As shown in the figure, the raised portion 55 is preferably in close contact with the gasket 80 and embedded within the gasket 80. However, the raised portion 55 is not limited to this, and may be disposed in any manner as long as it can come into contact with the gasket 80.

[0069] 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 concept 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 concept of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0070] For example, the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment has a so-called counterflow airflow path in which air flowing in through the opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end face of the flavor-generating article 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may have a so-called bottom-flow airflow path in which air is supplied into the chamber 50 from the bottom wall portion 56 of the chamber 50. Furthermore, the heating unit 40 is not limited to a resistance heating type, but may be an induction heating type. In this case, the heating unit 40 can be induction heated by an induction coil (not shown) to heat the chamber 50. Alternatively, the cylindrical portion 60 of the chamber 50 may include a susceptor. In this case, the susceptor of the cylindrical portion 60 can be induction heated by an induction coil (not shown). Furthermore, if the flavor-generating article 110 has a susceptor, the heating unit 40 can heat the susceptor of the flavor-generating article 110 by induction heating.

[0071] Some of the aspects disclosed in this specification are described below. (1) A flavor inhaler comprising: a storage section having an opening formed at one end and configured to store at least a portion of a flavor-generating article through the opening; and a gasket supporting the storage section, wherein the storage section comprises: a cylindrical section configured to surround the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article; and a flange section formed on the storage section, and the gasket supports the flange section by covering the upper, lower, and side surfaces of the flange section. (2) The flavor inhaler described in (1), wherein an air layer is formed between the gasket and the cylindrical section. (3) The flavor inhaler described in (1) or (2), wherein the gasket is integrally molded with the flange section. (4) The flavor inhaler described in any of (1) to (3), wherein the flavor inhaler has a housing that stores the storage section therein, and wherein the storage section is fixed to the housing only by the gasket. (5) The flavor inhaler described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the shape of the opening when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the storage section is different from the outer shape of the flange section. (6) The flavor inhaler described in (5), wherein the shape of the opening when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the storage section is circular. (7) The flavor inhaler described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the storage section has a raised portion extending from the flange section at an angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the storage section. (8) The flavor inhaler described in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the gasket is configured to guide the flavor-generating article inserted into the storage section. (9) The flavor inhaler described in (8), wherein the flavor inhaler has a housing that houses the storage section inside, and wherein a portion of the gasket is exposed from the housing. (10) The flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the storage section has a pressing section configured to press the flavor-generating article stored in the storage section.(11) The flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the cylindrical portion is configured to heat the flavor-generating article. (12) The flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the flange portion extends from an edge portion that defines the opening. (13) The flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the container portion has a bottom wall portion that seals the other end opposite to the opening.

[0072] 10: Inner housing 50: Chamber 52: Opening 52a: Flange portion 53a: Lower surface 53b: Upper surface 53c: Side surface 55: Raised portion 56: Bottom wall portion 60: Cylindrical portion 62: Pressing portion 80: Gasket 100: Flavor inhaler 101: Outer housing 110: Flavor-generating product A1: Air layer T1: Thickness

Claims

1. a storage section having an opening formed at one end and configured to store at least a portion of the flavor-generating article through the opening; a gasket that supports the housing portion, The storage section is a cylindrical portion configured to surround the outer periphery of the flavor-generating article; a flange portion formed in the housing portion, The gasket covers the upper surface, lower surface, and side surfaces of the flange portion to support the flange portion.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The flavor inhaler, wherein an air layer is formed between the gasket and the cylindrical portion.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The flavor inhaler, wherein the gasket is integrally molded with the flange portion.

4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, a housing that houses the housing portion therein; The flavor inhaler, wherein the storage portion is fixed to the housing only by the gasket.

5. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, A flavor inhaler, wherein the shape of the opening when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the storage portion is different from the outer shape of the flange portion.

6. The flavor inhaler according to claim 5, The flavor inhaler, wherein the opening has a circular shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the storage section.

7. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The flavor inhaler, wherein the storage portion has a raised portion extending from the flange portion at an angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the storage portion.

8. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The gasket is configured to guide the flavor-generating article inserted into the container.

9. The flavor inhaler according to claim 8, a housing that houses the housing portion therein; A flavor inhaler, wherein a portion of the gasket is exposed from the housing.

10. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The flavor inhaler, wherein the storage section has a pressing section configured to press the flavor-generating article stored in the storage section.

11. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The flavor inhaler, wherein the cylindrical portion is configured to heat the flavor-generating article.

12. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, The flange portion extends from an edge that defines the opening.

13. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The flavor inhaler, wherein the container has a bottom wall portion sealing the other end opposite the opening.