Flavor inhaler

Abstract

An insulating material is appropriately mounted on the outer side of the receiving portion. The flavor aspirator has a receiving portion in which a consumer product is received, a heating element for heating the consumer product, an insulating member installed on the outer periphery of the receiving portion, and a first tape member attached to the insulating member. The first tape member has a first portion extending from a first end in the circumferential direction of the insulating member, and a second portion located on or extending from the insulating member. The first portion is attached to the second portion.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, a flavor aspirator for aspirating flavors without burning materials is known. The flavor aspirator has, for example, a chamber for receiving a flavor-generating article and a heater for heating the flavor-generating article received in the chamber. In addition, it is known that such a flavor aspirator has a conventional cylindrical insulating material on the outer side of the member receiving the flavor-generating article (see Patent Document 1). Prior art literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 084775 The problem to be solved

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses that the insulating material may be a fiber-based insulating material or a foam-based insulating material. However, it does not disclose at all how such an insulating material is mounted on the outside of a receiving member that accommodates a flavor-generating article. Such insulating materials tend to have weak structural strength, and therefore, it was necessary to devise a plan to mount the insulating material on the outside of the receiving member.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention is to mount the insulating material more appropriately on the outer side of the receiving portion. means of solving the problem

[0006] According to a first embodiment, a flavor aspirator capable of heating a consumer product is provided. The flavor aspirator comprises a receiving portion in which the consumer product is received, a heating element for heating the consumer product, an insulating member installed on the outer circumference of the receiving portion, and a first tape member attached to the insulating member. The first tape member has a first portion extending from a first end portion in the circumferential direction of the insulating member, and a second portion located on or extending from the insulating member. The first portion is attached to the second portion.

[0007] Since the insulating member tends to have weak structural strength, when the first tape member is attached to the insulating member and the insulating member is mounted to the receiving portion, there is a risk that the first tape member will peel off from the insulating member. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, the first part of the first tape member is attached to the second part, so the adhesive strength of the first tape member can be improved. As a result, since the insulating member can be properly mounted to the outside of the receiving portion, the flavor aspirator has excellent insulating function and can also heat the consumer product at high density.

[0008] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the first tape member has a fixed portion that is connected from a second end opposite to the first end of the insulating member and is attached directly or indirectly to the receiving portion.

[0009] According to the second embodiment, the second end of the first tape member can be attached directly or indirectly to the receiving portion by a fixing portion and fixed. By doing so, the position of the first tape member relative to the heating element or the receiving portion can be fixed, allowing the first tape member and the insulating member to be easily mounted relative to the receiving portion. Therefore, since the insulating member can be properly mounted, the flavor inhaler can have excellent thermal insulation capabilities.

[0010] The third aspect is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the first tape member is attached to the insulating member along the entire length of the perimeter direction of the insulating member.

[0011] According to the third aspect, the strength of the insulating member can be improved by the first tape member. Specifically, the tensile strength in the circumferential direction of the insulating member can be improved. In addition, since the insulating member can be mounted in the receiving portion by winding the first tape member, the insulating member can be wound in the receiving portion while compressing it. As a result, the thickness of the insulating member can be easily adjusted, so the flavor aspirator can have excellent design precision.

[0012] The fourth aspect is that, in the first to third aspects, the insulating member is wrapped in one or more layers around the outer circumference of the receiving portion.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, a flavor absorber is configured such that the heat of a heated consumer product is suppressed from being transferred to the outside of the device, as the receiving portion is covered with an insulating member along its entire circumferential length.

[0014] The fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the insulating member and the first tape member are wound in two or more layers around the outer circumference of the receiving portion.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, a flavor absorber is configured such that the transfer of heat from a heated consumer product to the outside of the device is further suppressed.

[0016] The sixth sun is characterized by having a thermistor installed on the outer surface of the first tape member in any one of the first to fifth suns.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, the thermistor can be easily fixed compared to the case where the thermistor is installed on the outer surface of the insulating member. In addition, when the thermistor is attached to the first tape member with a tape member, it can be reattached. Therefore, since the thermistor can be placed at a desired location, a flavor aspirator with good detection precision and excellent product yield is configured.

[0018] The seventh aspect is that, in the sixth aspect, the thermistor is located outside the diameter direction of the heating element.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, since the thermistor can be placed near the heating element, the temperature of the heating element or the receiving part can be accurately obtained.

[0020] The eighth sun is characterized in that, in the sixth sun or seventh sun, the receiving portion has a normal side wall portion, the side wall portion has a flat outer surface, and the thermistor is located on the outer side in the radial direction of the flat outer surface.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, the thermistor can be easily placed on the outer surface of the first tape member compared to the case where the thermistor is placed on a curved surface. In addition, when a normal insulating member is installed on the outer periphery of the receiving portion, the thermistor is positioned on the outer side of the flat outer surface, thereby increasing the distance between the insulating member and the thermistor, and thus further suppressing physical contact between the insulating member and the thermistor.

[0022] The ninth aspect is characterized by having a second tape member that inserts and fixes the thermistor together with the first tape member in any one of the sixth to eighth aspects.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, since the thermistor is inserted by the first tape member and the second tape member, the thermistor can be mounted more firmly to the first tape member.

[0024] The tenth aspect is characterized by having a shrink tube located on the outer side of the second tape member in the ninth aspect.

[0025] According to the 10th aspect, a shrink tube can be fixed by applying force to press a heating element, an insulating member, a first tape member, a thermistor, and a second tape member against a receiving portion.

[0026] The eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the length in the axial direction of the receiving portion of the first tape member is 50% or more of the length in the axial direction of the insulating member.

[0027] According to the 11th embodiment, the position of the insulating member can be suppressed relative to the receiving portion or heating element. Additionally, since more than 50% of the axial direction of the insulating member is covered by the first tape member, the frictional force applied to the shrink tube can be reduced when a conventional shrink tube is placed on the outside of the insulating member and the first tape member. Therefore, a conventional member, such as a shrink tube, can be easily placed on the outside of the insulating member and the first tape member.

[0028] The 12th aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the 1st to 11th aspects, the insulating member is a fiber-based insulating material.

[0029] According to the 12th embodiment, since the first part of the first tape member is attached to the second part, the adhesive strength of the first tape member can be improved compared to the case where the first part is attached to a fiber-based insulation material.

[0030] The 13th sun is characterized in that, in any one of the 1st to 12th suns, the receiving portion has an opening into which the consumer material is inserted and a bottom portion in contact with the cross-section of the consumer material, and the heating element is positioned so as to be closer to the opening than to the bottom portion.

[0031] According to the 13th aspect, since the heating element is positioned so as to be separated from the bottom of the receiving portion, the heating of the tip of the consumer material by the heating element is suppressed. As a result, the tip of the consumer material is heated and contracted, thereby preventing the material of the consumer material (such as a smokeable material) from overflowing from the tip of the consumer material. Furthermore, since the tip side of the consumer material can be cooled relatively more than the consumer material on the opening side, the sidestream smoke generated by the heating of the consumer material can be cooled at the tip side, and the leakage of sidestream smoke from the tip of the consumer material can be suppressed.

[0032] The 14th embodiment is characterized in that, in any one of the 1st to 13th suns, the heating element heats the consumer material from the outside.

[0033] When a heating element heats a consumer product from the outside, compared to a so-called internal heating type heating element, the heating element is positioned on the outside, so the heat of the heating element is easily transferred to the outside of the device. According to the 14th embodiment, even when a heating element heats a consumer product from the outside, the transfer of heat of the heating element to the outside of the device can be suppressed. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0034] [Fig. 1a] This is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler related to the present embodiment. [Fig. 1b] This is a schematic top view of a flavor inhaler related to the present embodiment. [Fig. 1c] This is a schematic bottom view of a flavor inhaler related to the present embodiment. [Fig. 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a consumer product. [Fig. 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the flavor absorber at arrow 3-3 shown in Fig. 1b. [Fig. 4a] This is a perspective view of the chamber. [Fig. 4b] This is a cross-sectional view of the chamber at arrow 4B-4B shown in Fig. 4a. [Fig. 5a] This is a cross-sectional view of the chamber at arrow 5A-5A shown in Fig. 4b. [Fig. 5b] This is a cross-sectional view of the chamber at arrow 5B-5B shown in Fig. 4b. [Fig. 6] This is a perspective view of the chamber and heating unit. [Fig. 7] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a chamber and a heating section showing the overlapping state of the members constituting the heating section. [Fig. 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the chamber and heating section at arrow 8-8 shown in Fig. 6. [Fig. 9] This is a plan view of the insulating member wound around the chamber and the first tape member unfolded. [Fig. 10] This is a plan view of another example in which an insulating member wound around a chamber and a first tape member are unfolded. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or equivalent components are given the same reference numerals to omit redundant descriptions.

[0036] FIG. 1a is a schematic front view of a flavor aspirator (100) related to the present embodiment. FIG. 1b is a schematic top view of a flavor aspirator (100) related to the present embodiment. FIG. 1c is a schematic bottom view of a flavor aspirator (100) related to the present embodiment. In the drawings described herein, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system may be used for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis is directed vertically upward, the XY plane is arranged to cut the flavor aspirator (100) in a horizontal direction, and the Y-axis is arranged to extend from the front to the back of the flavor aspirator (100). The Z-axis may be described as the insertion direction of the consumable material received in the chamber (50) of the atomizing unit (30) described later, or as the axial direction of the chamber (50). Additionally, the X-axis direction may be the long direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumer material, or the direction in which the heating unit and the power supply unit are aligned. The Y-axis direction may be the short direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumer material. The direction parallel to the XY plane is the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber (50) and may be the diameter direction. Furthermore, in this specification, the circumferential direction refers to the circumferential direction centered on the insertion direction of the consumer material or the axial direction of the chamber (50).

[0037] The flavor aspirator (100) related to the present embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol containing flavor by heating, for example, a stick-shaped consumer product having a flavor source including an aerosol source.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1a through 1c, the flavor aspirator (100) may be composed of a slide cover (90) and a main body (120). The main body (120) has an outer housing (101) and a switch part (103). The outer housing (101) constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor aspirator (100) and has a size that fits in the user's hand. When the user uses the flavor aspirator (100), the user can hold the main body (120) with their hand and inhale an aerosol. The outer housing (101) may be composed by assembling a plurality of members.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1b, the outer housing (101) has an opening (101a) into which a consumable is inserted. A slide cover (90) is slidably mounted on the outer housing (101) to close the opening (101a). Specifically, the slide cover (90) is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing (101) between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 1a) that closes the opening (101a) of the outer housing (101) and an open position (position shown in FIG. 1b) that opens the opening (101a). For example, a user can move the slide cover (90) between the closed position and the open position by manually operating the slide cover (90). By doing so, the slide cover (90) can allow or restrict access of the consumable to the interior of the flavor aspirator (100).

[0040] The switch unit (103) is used to switch the operation of the flavor aspirator (100) on and off. For example, by operating the switch unit (103) with the consumer material inserted into the flavor aspirator (100), power is supplied from a power source not shown to the heating unit not shown, thereby heating the consumer material without burning it. Additionally, the switch unit (103) may have a switch installed outside the outer housing (101) or a switch located inside the outer housing (101). When the switch is located inside the outer housing (101), the switch is pressed indirectly by pressing the switch unit (103) on the surface of the outer housing (101). In this embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch unit (103) is located inside the outer housing (101) is described.

[0041] The flavor aspirator (100) may also have a terminal not shown. The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor aspirator (100) to, for example, an external power source. If the power source provided by the flavor aspirator (100) is a rechargeable battery, the power can be charged by connecting an external power source to the terminal to allow current to flow from the external power source to the power source. Additionally, by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal, data related to the operation of the flavor aspirator (100) may be transmitted to an external device.

[0042] Next, the consumable used in the flavor inhaler (100) related to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable (110). In the present embodiment, a smoking system can be formed by the flavor inhaler (100) and the consumable (110). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the consumable (110) has a smoking material (111), a normal member (114), a hollow filter part (116), and a filter part (115). The smoking material (111) is rolled up by a first roll (112). The normal member (114), the hollow filter part (116), and the filter part (115) are rolled up by a second roll (113) different from the first roll (112). The second coil (113) also includes a portion of the first coil (112) that recommends the smoking material (111). By doing so, the smoking material (111) is connected to the normal member (114), the hollow filter section (116), and the filter section (115). However, the second coil (113) may be omitted, and the smoking material (111) may be connected to the normal member (114), the hollow filter section (116), and the filter section (115) using the first coil (112). An opening (V) may be installed in the normal member (114) and the second coil (113) covering the normal member (114). The opening (V) is a hole designed to facilitate the inflow of air from the outside through the user's inhalation, and this inflow of air can lower the temperature of the components or air flowing in from the smoking material (111). On the outer surface near the end portion (115) of the second roll (113), a lip release agent (117) is applied to make it difficult for the user's lips to stick to the second roll (113). The portion of the consumable (110) to which the lip release agent (117) is applied functions as the suction port of the consumable (110).

[0043] The smoking material (111) may include, for example, a flavor source such as tobacco and an aerosol source. Additionally, the first roll (112) that wraps the smoking material (111) may be a sheet material having breathability. The ordinary material (114) may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the illustrated example, the consumer product (110) is equipped with a smoking material (111), an ordinary material (114), a hollow filter part (116), and a filter part (115), but the composition of the consumer product (110) is not limited thereto. For example, the hollow filter part (116) may be omitted, and the ordinary material (114) and the filter part (115) may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0044] Next, the internal structure of the flavor aspirator (100) will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor aspirator (100) at arrow 3-3 shown in FIG. 1b. In FIG. 3, the slide cover (90) is positioned in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 3, an inner housing (10) is housed inside the outer housing (101) of the flavor aspirator (100). The inner housing (10) may be made of, for example, a resin, 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. From the perspective of heat resistance and strength, it is preferable for the inner housing (10) to be formed of PEEK. However, the material of the inner housing (10) is not particularly limited. In the internal space of the inner housing (10), a power supply unit (20) and an atomizing unit (30) are installed. Additionally, the outer housing (101) may be made of, for example, a resin, 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.

[0045] The power supply unit (20) has a power source (21). The power source (21) may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source (21) is electrically connected to the atomizing unit (30) through a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), etc., not shown. By doing so, the power source (21) can supply power to the atomizing unit (30) to properly heat the consumer product (110).

[0046] The atomizing section (30) has, as shown in the illustration, a chamber (50) (corresponding to an example of a receiving section) extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable (110), a heating section (40) surrounding a part of the chamber (50), an insulating section (32), and a generally ordinary insertion guide member (34). The chamber (50) is configured to receive the consumable (110). The chamber (50) is preferably formed of a material that has heat resistance and a low thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. As shown in the illustration, a bottom member (36) may be installed at the bottom of the chamber (50). The bottom member (36) can function as a stopper for positioning the consumable (110) inserted into the chamber (50). The bottom member (36) has irregularities on the surface to which the consumer material (110) contacts, and can define a space capable of supplying air to the surface to which the consumer material (110) contacts. The bottom member (36) may be composed of, for example, a resin material such as PEEK, metal, glass, or ceramic, but is not particularly limited thereto. In addition, the material constituting the bottom member (36) may be a material with lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting the chamber (50). When bonding the bottom member (36) to the bottom of the chamber (50), an adhesive that may be composed of a resin material such as epoxy resin or an inorganic material may be used.

[0047] The heating unit (40) is configured to contact the outer surface of the chamber (50) and to heat the consumable (110) contained in the chamber (50). Specifically, the heating unit (40) may have a heating element, such as a heating track, and an electrical insulation sheet covering at least one side of the heating element. The detailed configuration of the heating unit (40) will be described later.

[0048] The insulating portion (32) is generally approximately normal and is arranged to surround the chamber (50) and the heating portion (40). The insulating portion (32) may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insulating portion (32) is arranged to be spaced apart from the chamber (50) and the heating portion (40), and an air layer is formed between the insulating portion (32) and the chamber (50) and the heating portion (40). The insertion guide member (34) is formed from a resin material, for example, PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is installed between the slide cover (90) in the closed position and the chamber (50). Additionally, the flavor aspirator (100) has a first holding portion (37) and a second holding portion (38) for holding the insulating portion (32). The first holding portion (37) and the second holding portion (38) may be formed from an elastomer, for example, silicone rubber. As shown in FIG. 3, the first support member (37) supports the end of the insulation member (32) on the Z-axis positive direction side. Additionally, the second support member (38) supports the end of the insulation member (32) on the Z-axis negative direction side.

[0049] The insertion guide member (34) has the function of guiding the insertion of the consumable (110). Specifically, when the slide cover (90) is in the open position, the insertion guide member (34) communicates with the opening (101a) shown in FIG. 1b of the flavor aspirator (100) and guides the consumable (110) to the chamber (50) by inserting the consumable (110) into the insertion guide member (34). In this embodiment, since the insertion guide member (34) can come into contact with the chamber (50), it is preferable that the insertion guide member (34) be formed of PEEK for the sake of heat resistance.

[0050] The flavor aspirator (100) has a first sash (22) extending in the Z-axis direction between the power source (21) and the atomizer (30), and a second sash (23) extending to cover the slide cover (90) side of the power source (21). The first sash (22) and the second sash (23) are configured to partition a space within the inner housing (10) in which the power source (21) is accommodated.

[0051] The flavor aspirator (100) also has a slider (94) connected to a slide cover (90). The slider (94) can be slidably mounted to a part of the inner housing (10) of the main body (120). By doing so, the slide cover (90) connected to the slider (94) can slide along the outer surface of the outer housing (101) of the main body (120). The slide cover (90) can be fixed to the slider (94) by a screw (92). In this embodiment, the slider (94) can be fixed to a part of the inner housing (10) through a spring (96). The spring (96) is configured to support the slider (94) to support the slide cover (90) in an open or closed position.

[0052] 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) at arrow 4B-4B in FIG. 4a. FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view of the chamber (50) at arrow 5A-5A in FIG. 4b. FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the chamber (50) at arrow 5B-5B in FIG. 4b. As shown in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b, the chamber (50) may be a conventional member comprising an opening (52) into which a consumer product (110) is inserted and a conventional side wall portion (60) that accommodates the consumer product (110). The chamber (50) is preferably formed from a material that has heat resistance and a low thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed from, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4b and 5b, the side wall portion (60) includes a flat portion (62) and a curved portion (66). When the consumer material (110) is placed at a desired location within the chamber (50), the flat portion (62) comes into contact with or presses against a part of the consumer material (110), and the curved portion (66) separates from the consumer material (110). Additionally, in this specification, "desired location within the chamber (50)" refers to a location where the consumer material (110) is properly heated, or a location of the consumer material (110) when the user smokes. The flat portion (62) has a flat inner surface (62a) and a flat outer surface (62b). The curved portion (66) has an inner surface (66a) and an outer surface (66b).

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 5b, the chamber (50) has two flat sections (62) in the circumferential direction of the chamber (50), and the pair of flat sections (62) are parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a portion of the distance between the inner surfaces (62a) of the pair of flat sections (62) is smaller than the width of the space between the flat sections (62) of the consumer material (110) inserted into the chamber (50).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5b, the inner surface (66a) of the curved portion (66) may have an overall arc-shaped cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber (50). Additionally, the curved portion (66) is positioned to be adjacent to the flat portion (62) in the circumferential direction. In other words, the curved portion (66) is configured to connect the respective ends of a pair of flat portions (62).

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4b, the chamber (50) may have a hole (56a) in its bottom portion (56) so that the bottom member (36) shown in FIG. 3 passes through and is disposed inside the chamber (50). The bottom member (36) may be fixed inside the bottom portion (56) of the chamber (50) by means of an adhesive or the like. The bottom member (36) installed in the bottom portion (56) may support a portion of the consumer product (110) inserted into the chamber (50) so as to expose at least a portion of the end surface of the consumer product (110).

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the chamber (50) preferably has a normal portion (54) between the opening (52) and the side wall portion (60). When the consumer material (110) is positioned at a desired location in the chamber (50), a gap may be formed between the normal portion (54) and the consumer material (110). Additionally, 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 normal portion (54) and the inner surface (62a) of the flat portion (62).

[0058] Next, the structure of the heating unit (40) will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the chamber (50) and the heating unit (40). FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the chamber (50) and the heating unit (40) showing the state in which the members constituting the heating unit (40) are overlapped. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the chamber (50) and the heating unit (40) at arrow 8-8 in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the shrink tube (46) is omitted from the illustration. Also, in FIG. 7, the state before each member is compressed by the shrink tube (46) is shown so that the order in which each member constituting the heating unit (40) overlaps is clear. Also, FIG. 8 shows a cross-section that does not include the thermistor (43) and the second tape member (45).

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a heating element (42), an insulating member (70), a first tape member (80), a thermistor (43), a second tape member (45), and a shrink tube (46) are installed on the side wall (60) of the chamber (50). In addition, in this specification, regarding each of the heating element (42), the insulating member (70), the first tape member (80), the thermistor (43), the second tape member (45), and the shrink tube (46) constituting the heating part (40), "outer" and "inner" refer to the chamber (50) as a reference, for example, "outer side" means the side far from the chamber (50), and "outer circumference" means the perimeter far from the chamber (50).

[0060] The heating element (42) is configured to heat the consumable (110) contained in the chamber (50) from the outside. The heating element (42) may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element (42) may be installed on the outer surface of the side wall portion (60) of the chamber (50) or on the inner surface. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, in this embodiment, the heating element (42) may be attached to the outer surface (62b) of the flat portion (62) of the side wall portion (60). It is preferable that the heating element (42) be positioned to heat the flat portion (62) without contacting the curved portion (66) of the chamber (50). In other words, it is preferable that the heating element (42) be positioned only on the outer surface (62b) or the inner surface (62a) of the flat portion (62). The heating unit (40) may have an electrical insulating member, such as polyimide, not shown, in addition to the heating element (42), covering at least one surface of the heating element (42), and it is preferable that the electrical insulating member be arranged to cover both sides of the heating element (42).

[0061] An insulating member (70) is installed on the outer circumference of the chamber (50). In this embodiment, since a heating element (42) is attached to the outer surface of the flat portion (62) of the chamber (50), the insulating member (70) is installed to cover the outer surface of the heating element (42). Specifically, the heating element (42) is fitted between the flat portion (62) of the chamber (50) and the insulating member (70). The insulating member (70) may be a fiber-based insulating material such as glass fiber or rock wool, for example, or a foam-based insulating material such as urethane foam or phenolic foam. By installing the insulating member (70) on the outer circumference of the chamber (50), in this embodiment on the outer circumference of the heating element (42), the heat of the consumer product (110) can be suppressed from being transferred to the outside of the flavor absorber (100).

[0062] The first tape member (80) is attached to the insulating member (70). Specifically, the first tape member (80) is attached to the insulating member (70) so that the insulating member (70) is fixed to the chamber (50) or so that positional misalignment is prevented. As for the first tape member (80), resin materials such as polyimide (PI), polybenzimidazole (PBI), or polyamideimide (PAI), liquid crystal polymer, glass cloth, etc., may be used, and it is preferable that the material has thermal insulation or insulating properties for the heating element (42).

[0063] It is preferable that the insulating member (70) be wrapped in one or more layers around the outer circumference of the chamber (50). By doing so, the chamber (50) is covered by the insulating member (70) along its entire circumferential length, thereby suppressing the transfer of heat from the heated consumer material (110) to the outside of the device. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that the insulating member (70) be wrapped in two or more layers around the outer circumference of the side wall portion (60) of the chamber (50). In the example of FIG. 8, the insulating member (70) is wrapped in approximately two layers around the outer circumference of the side wall portion (60). As a result, the insulating member (70) and the first tape member (80) form a structure having a portion that is alternately arranged in layers on the side wall portion (60) of the chamber (50). By doing so, the transfer of heat from the heated consumer material (110) to the outside of the device can be further suppressed.

[0064] As described above, the insulating member (70) tends to have weak structural strength depending on the material. For example, if the insulating member (70) is a fiber-based insulating material such as glass fiber, there is a risk that the first tape member (80) will peel off from the insulating member (70) even if the first tape member (80) is attached to the insulating member (70) and the insulating member (70) is mounted to the chamber (50). Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to properly position the insulating member (70) on the outside of the chamber (50), the first tape member (80) is attached so that the first tape members (80) overlap each other.

[0065] FIG. 9 is an unfolded plan view of an insulating member (70) and a first tape member (80) that are wound around a chamber (50). As shown in FIG. 9, the insulating member (70) has a flat shape that is generally strip-shaped so as to be wound around the chamber (50). The insulating member (70) has a first end (70a) and a second end (70b) which is the end that begins to be wound around the chamber (50). As shown in the illustration, the second end (70b) is the end opposite to the first end (70a). Additionally, the first end (70a) forms the end in the circumferential direction of the insulating member (70) when the insulating member (70) is wound around the chamber (50).

[0066] The first tape member (80) has a first portion (80a) extending from the first end (70a) of the insulation member (70). This first portion (80a) is attached to the second portion (80b) of the first tape member (80). By doing so, the adhesive strength of the first tape member (80) can be improved compared to the case where the first portion (80a) of the first tape member (80) is attached to the insulation member (70). As a result, the insulation member (70) can be properly mounted on the outside of the side wall portion (60). In particular, when the insulation member (70) is a fiber-based insulation material, the adhesive strength of the first tape member (80) can be improved compared to the case where the first portion (80a) is attached to the fiber-based insulation material. In the illustrated example, the second portion (80b) is attached to the insulation member (70). Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the insulating member (70) is wound approximately twice into the chamber (50) from the second end (70b) where it begins to be wound, so the second part (80b) to which the first part (80a) of the first tape member (80) is attached can be located approximately in the center of the insulating member (70).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, the first tape member (80) preferably has a fixing portion (80c) that extends from the second end (70b) of the insulating member (70) and is attached directly or indirectly to the chamber (50). In this embodiment, since the heating element (42) is installed on the outer surface of the side wall portion (60) of the chamber (50), the fixing portion (80c) is attached to the outer surface of the heating element (42), and as a result, the fixing portion (80c) can be attached indirectly to the chamber (50). By this, the second end (70b) of the first tape member (80) can be attached to the heating element (42) or the chamber (50) by the fixing portion (80c) and fixed. Accordingly, since the position of the first tape member (80) relative to the heating element (42) or the chamber (50) can be fixed, the first tape member (80) and the insulating member (70) can be easily mounted (wound) relative to the chamber (50). Additionally, in cases where the heating element (42) is installed on the inner surface of the side wall (60) of the chamber (50), the fixing part (80c) can be directly attached to the chamber (50). Additionally, the fixing part (80c) may be indirectly attached to the chamber (50) by being attached to another member fixed to the chamber (50).

[0068] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, it is preferable that the first tape member (80) be attached to the insulating member (70) along the entire circumferential length of the insulating member (70). By doing so, the strength of the insulating member (70) can be improved by the first tape member (80). Specifically, the tensile strength in the circumferential direction of the insulating member (70) can be improved. Furthermore, since the insulating member (70) can be mounted in the chamber (50) by winding the first tape member (80), the insulating member (70) can be wound onto the chamber (50) while compressing it. As a result, the thickness of the insulating member (70) can be easily adjusted. The first tape member (80) may be a single long tape and may be attached along the entire length of the perimeter of the insulating member (70), or multiple tapes may be attached together along the entire length of the perimeter of the insulating member (70).

[0069] FIG. 10 is a plan view of another example in which an insulating member (70) and a first tape member (80) are unfolded and wound around a chamber (50). As shown in FIG. 10, the first tape member (80) may include a plurality of tape members (81, 82). The tape member (81) is attached to a first end (70a) of the insulating member (70) and includes a first portion (80a) extending from the first end (70a). The tape member (82) may be attached to a second end (70b) of the insulating member (70) and have a fixed portion (80c) extending from the second end (70b). In the example shown in FIG. 10, the fixed portion (80c) is attached directly or indirectly to the chamber (50), and the insulating member (70) begins to be wound around the chamber (50) from the second end (70b). The insulating member (70) is wrapped once around the chamber (50), and the first part (80a) is attached to the second part (80b) of the tape member (82). In the illustrated example, the second part (80b) partially overlaps with the fixed part (80c), but is not limited thereto; the second part (80b) may completely coincide with the fixed part (80c) or may be completely different from the fixed part (80c). In other words, the second part (80b) may be a part that extends from the insulating member (70). Also, in the illustrated example, since the insulating member (70) is wrapped once around the chamber (50), it is formed to be shorter than the insulating member (70) shown in FIG. 9.

[0070] It is preferable that the length of the first tape member (80) in the axial direction be at least 50% of the length of the insulation member (70) in the axial direction. By doing so, the insulation member (70) can be prevented from being misaligned relative to the chamber (50) or the heating element (42). Additionally, the insulation member (70) has a higher friction coefficient than the first tape member (80), which can generally be formed from a resin material or the like. In this regard, since at least 50% of the axial direction of the insulation member (70) is covered by the first tape member (80), the frictional force applied to the shrink tube (46) can be reduced when a conventional shrink tube (46) is placed on the outside of the insulation member (70) and the first tape member (80). Therefore, a conventional member such as a shrink tube (46) can be easily placed on the outside of the insulation member (70) and the first tape member (80).

[0071] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the heating element (42) be positioned closer to the opening (52) than to the bottom (56) of the chamber (50). By doing so, the heating of the tip of the consumer material (110) by the heating element (42) is suppressed, thereby preventing the tip of the consumer material (110) from being heated and shrinking, and thus preventing the material of the consumer material (smoking material (111), etc.) from overflowing from the tip of the consumer material (110). Furthermore, since the tip side of the consumer material (110) can be cooled relatively more than the consumer material (110) on the side of the opening (52) into which the consumer material is inserted, the sidestream smoke generated by the heating of the consumer material can be cooled on the tip side, and the sidestream smoke can be suppressed from leaking from the tip of the consumer material (110). In addition, by installing the heating element (42) near the opening (52) into which the consumable is inserted, the vapor (steam) generated by the consumable (110) can be drawn in without condensing, which is effective. Furthermore, while the heating element (42) spread out over the entire chamber (50) reduces the power density and thus lowers the rate of heating, the present configuration allows the desired location of the chamber (50) to be heated by heat transfer from the heating element (42) without lowering the rate of heating, thereby contributing to the efficient generation of vapor and being effective.

[0072] The thermistor (43) is configured to measure the temperature of a consumer product (110), a chamber (50), or a heating element (42). The thermistor (43) is electrically connected to a PCB not shown via wiring (43a) and can transmit temperature data to the PCB. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is preferable that the thermistor (43) be installed on the outer surface of the first tape member (80). This allows the thermistor (43) to be easily fixed compared to when the thermistor (43) is installed on the outer surface of the insulating member (70). Additionally, when the thermistor (43) is attached to the first tape member (80) with the second tape member (45), it may be reattached.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the thermistor (43) be located on the radial outer side of the heating element (42). By doing so, the thermistor (43) can be placed near the heating element (42), so that the temperature of the heating element (42) or the chamber (50) can be accurately obtained. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, it is preferable that the thermistor (43) be located on the radial outer side of the flat outer surface (62b) of the flat portion (62). By doing so, the thermistor (43) can be easily placed on the outer surface of the first tape member (80) compared to the case where it is placed on the outer surface (66b) of the curved portion (66). In addition, when a normal insulation member (32) is installed on the outer side of the chamber (50), the thermistor (43) is positioned on a flat outer surface (62b), thereby increasing the distance between the insulation member (32) and the thermistor (43), so that physical contact between the insulation member (32) and the thermistor (43) can be further suppressed.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second tape member (45) is configured to insert and fix the thermistor (43) together with the first tape member (80). In other words, the second tape member (45) is attached to the thermistor (43), thereby fixing the thermistor (43) to the outer surface of the first tape member (80). As a result, since the thermistor (43) is inserted by the first tape member (80) and the second tape member (45), the thermistor (43) can be mounted more firmly to the first tape member (80). Additionally, the second tape member (45) may be omitted, and the thermistor (43) may be fixed to the outer surface of the first tape member (80) by, for example, an adhesive.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the shrink tube (46) is typically positioned at the outermost side of the heating unit (40) and configured to fix each component constituting the heating unit (40) to the chamber (50). Specifically, in this embodiment, the shrink tube (46) may be positioned on the outside of the second tape member (45). By doing so, the shrink tube (46) can fix the heating element (42), the insulating member (70), the first tape member (80), the thermistor (43), and the second tape member (45) by applying force to press against the chamber (50). The heating unit (40) may not be equipped with the thermistor (43) and the second tape member (45). In this case, the shrink tube (46) may be positioned on the outside of the first tape member (80) so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the first tape member (80).

[0076] The shrink tube (46) may be a heat shrink tube that shrinks by applying heat while positioned on the outer side of each member constituting the heating unit (40), for example. By shrinking the shrink tube (46), each member constituting the heating unit (40) can be pressed into the chamber (50). If the shrink tube (46) is a heat shrink tube, it may be formed from a thermoplastic resin such as perfluoroalkoxy fluoropolymer (PFA), for example. In addition, the shrink tube (46) is not limited to a heat shrink tube, but may employ any member capable of achieving the same purpose. For example, as the shrink tube (46), a tube that shrinks due to elasticity, etc., may be employed.

[0077] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, specification, and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as long as it exhibits the function and effect of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0078] 32: Insulation section 40: Heating part 42: Heating element 43: Thermister 45: Second tape absence 46: Heat shrink tube 50: Chamber 52: Frog 56: Low 60: Sidewall 62b: Outward 70: Insulating member 70a: First end 70b: Second end 80: First tape component 80a: Part 1 80b: Part 2 80c: Fixed part 81: Tape missing 82: Tape missing 100: Flavor inhaler 110: Consumer goods

Claims

Claim 1 A flavor aspirator capable of heating a consumer product, comprising: a receiving portion in which the consumer product is received; a heating element for heating the consumer product; an insulating member installed on the outer circumference of the receiving portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a first tape member attached to a part of the first surface of the insulating member, wherein the first tape member has a first portion extending from a first end portion in the circumferential direction of the insulating member and a second portion located on or extending from the insulating member, wherein the first portion is attached to the second portion, and the flavor aspirator further comprises a thermistor installed on the outer surface of the first tape member. Claim 2 A flavor aspirator according to claim 1, wherein the first tape member has a fixed portion that is attached to the heating element or the receiving portion and is extended at least partially from the second end opposite to the first end of the insulating member. Claim 3 A flavor aspirator according to claim 1, wherein the first tape member is attached to the insulating member along the entire circumferential length of the insulating member. Claim 4 A flavor absorber according to claim 1, wherein the insulating member is wrapped in one or more layers around the outer circumference of the receiving portion. Claim 5 In claim 4, the flavor aspirator, wherein the insulating member is wound in two or more layers around the outer circumference of the receiving portion. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 In claim 1, the thermistor is a flavor absorber located on the diametrically outer side of the heating element. Claim 8 A flavor aspirator according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion has a cylindrical sidewall portion, the sidewall portion has a flat outer surface, and the thermistor is located on the outer side in the diameter direction of the flat outer surface. Claim 9 A flavor aspirator according to claim 1, having a second tape member that inserts and fixes the thermistor together with the first tape member. Claim 10 A flavor aspirator according to claim 9, having a shrink tube located on the outer side of the second tape member. Claim 11 A flavor aspirator according to claim 1, wherein the length in the axial direction of the receiving portion of the first tape member is 50% or more of the length in the axial direction of the insulating member. Claim 12 In claim 1, the insulating member is a fiber-based insulating material, a flavor absorber. Claim 13 A flavor absorber according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion has an opening into which the consumable is inserted and a bottom portion in contact with the end surface of the consumable, and the heating element is positioned closer to the opening than to the bottom portion. Claim 14 A flavor absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and claims 7 to 13, wherein the heating element heats the consumer product from the outside.

Images