Flavor inhaler, flavor generation system, and method for producing flavor inhaler

Abstract

This flavor inhaler comprises an assembly including a heating part and a control part, and a case accommodating the assembly, wherein: the case extends in the longitudinal direction and has a first end and a second end, and comprises a first opening part formed in the end surface of the first end, and a second opening part formed in a side surface extending from the first end side to the second end side; the first opening part and the second opening part are connected openings; the first opening part has dimensions that enable the assembly to be inserted into the case through the first opening part; and the second opening part has dimensions that prevent the inserted assembly from falling out through the second opening part.

Description

Flavor inhaler, flavor generating system, and method for manufacturing flavor inhaler

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler, a flavor generating system, and a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler.

[0002] Conventionally, non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers that generate aerosols or the like by heating a material containing a flavor source without burning the material are known. In such flavor inhalers, an assembly including a heating unit or the like is housed inside a case. In Patent Document 1, the external structure of the aerosol generating device includes a first portion having an open proximal end and a second portion detachably connected to the first portion. A notch is provided in a side wall of the first portion, extending to communicate with the open structure at the proximal end.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2022-545014

[0004] When assembling the aerosol generating device of Patent Document 1, when installing a heating element or the like inside the first part, complicated or careful work may be required to prevent adverse effects such as damage due to contact between the heating element and the first part or the like.

[0005] In view of the above, one object of the present invention is to provide a flavor inhaler and a flavor generating system that are easy to assemble while appropriately arranging a heating unit and the like.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a flavor inhaler comprising: an assembly including a heating unit and a control unit; and a case for accommodating the assembly, the case extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first end and a second end, the case comprising a first opening formed in an end surface of the first end and a second opening formed in a side surface extending from the first end to the second end, the first opening and the second opening being connected to each other, the first opening having a dimension that allows the assembly to be inserted into the case through the first opening, and the second opening having a dimension that prevents the inserted assembly from falling out through the second opening.

[0007] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler in which the assembly is stably held within the case, the heating unit and the like are appropriately positioned, and the assembly is easy.

[0008] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the width of the second opening in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at a certain position in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the width of the assembly at that position.

[0009] According to the second aspect, it is possible to more reliably prevent the assembly inserted into the case from falling out through the second opening, and it is possible to stably hold the assembly within the case.

[0010] A third aspect is the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit includes a circuit board, and the circuit board is arranged on the second opening side of the assembly.

[0011] According to the third aspect, when inserting the assembly into the case, adverse effects such as damage to the control unit elements due to contact with the case can be prevented, and even if the communication element is placed near the circuit board, communication is less likely to be obstructed by the case, etc., so the flavor inhaler can be configured compactly by placing the communication element near the circuit board.

[0012] A fourth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the assembly includes a communication element located closer to the second opening than a central axis of the assembly.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, electromagnetic waves from the communication element can easily pass through the second opening, further reducing the risk of communication being interrupted by a case or the like.

[0014] A fifth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the case has a curved surface at the second end.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, the aesthetic appearance or ease of holding of the flavor inhaler can be improved.

[0016] A sixth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the assembly further comprises an inner case arranged inside the case, and the inner case is located on the second end side and comprises a bottom member that supports the assembly.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, even if the case has various shapes such as a curved surface, the assembly can be supported more stably by the bottom member.

[0018] A seventh aspect is summarized as any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the assembly further comprises at least one of a chamber that accommodates a flavor-generating article and a power supply unit.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, the power supply unit or the chamber, which is a part of the flavor inhaler that has a relatively large volume, is integrated into the assembly, thereby making it possible to configure the flavor inhaler more compactly.

[0020] An eighth aspect is based on any one of the first to seventh aspects, and is summarized as follows: the length of the second opening in the longitudinal direction is greater than 50% of the length of the case in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, when the assembly is inserted into the case, adverse effects such as damage to the members arranged on the second opening side of the assembly due to contact with the case can be more reliably suppressed.

[0022] A ninth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the assembly is positioned so as to face the first opening in the longitudinal direction and to face the second opening perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, with a simple configuration, the assembly can be easily inserted into the case while preventing adverse effects caused by contact between the member arranged on the second opening side of the assembly and the case.

[0024] A tenth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to ninth aspects, the flavor inhaler further comprises at least one panel arranged on the second opening side of the flavor inhaler, and at least one first end side member located on the first end side and having a movable lid arranged thereon.

[0025] According to the tenth aspect, the first opening or the second opening can be covered, and the part of the assembly that is exposed at the first opening or the second opening can be protected.

[0026] An eleventh aspect is summarized as the tenth aspect, wherein the first end side member includes a first connection portion for connecting the first end side member to the at least one panel, the assembly, or the case.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect, the first connecting portion makes it possible to more reliably and easily assemble the flavor inhaler.

[0028] A twelfth aspect is characterized in that, in the tenth or eleventh aspect, the at least one panel includes a second connection portion for connecting the at least one panel to another panel of the assembly, the case, the first end side member, or the at least one panel.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect, the second connecting portion makes it possible to more reliably and easily assemble the flavor inhaler.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to twelfth aspects, in that the flavor inhaler is a non-combustion heated tobacco product.

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect, a tobacco product can be provided that can suppress inhalation of components generated by combustion.

[0032] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a flavor generating system, comprising the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects and a flavor generating article.

[0033] According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to provide a flavor inhalation system that is easy to assemble while appropriately arranging the heating unit and the like in the flavor inhaler.

[0034] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler, the method comprising: an assembly including a heating unit and a control unit; and a case for accommodating the assembly, the case extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first end and a second end, the case comprising a first opening formed in an end face of the first end and a second opening formed in a side face extending from the first end to the second end, the first opening and the second opening being connected to each other, the first opening having a dimension that allows the assembly to be inserted into the case through the first opening, and the second opening having a dimension that prevents the inserted assembly from falling out through the second opening, the method comprising: inserting the assembly into the case through the first opening and attaching the assembly to the inside of the case.

[0035] According to the fifteenth aspect, when inserting the assembly into the case, adverse effects such as damage to the components arranged on the second opening side of the assembly due to contact with the case can be suppressed, careful or complicated work can be reduced, and the flavor inhaler can be easily assembled.

[0036] 1. A perspective view showing a flavor generating system according to one embodiment. A perspective view showing a flavor inhaler according to one embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the flavor inhaler taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. An exploded perspective view of the flavor inhaler. A perspective view of a chamber. A cross-sectional view showing the chamber taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. A cross-sectional view showing the chamber taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 6. A cross-sectional view showing the chamber taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 6. A cross-sectional view of a chamber in which a flavor generating article is housed. An exploded perspective view of a flavor generating article according to one embodiment. A schematic cross-sectional side view of a flavor generating article according to one embodiment. An exploded perspective view of a flavor generating article according to another embodiment. A cross-sectional side view of a flavor inhaler showing an insertion guide member. A cross-sectional side view showing an insertion guide member. A bottom view showing an insertion guide member. A schematic cross-sectional side view including a heating section and a chamber. A schematic cross-sectional view showing a chamber, etc. taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15. A perspective view of a flavor generating assembly. A perspective view of an intermediate body including a flavor generating assembly and a case section. A front view showing an outer case. A side view showing the outer case. A plan view showing the outer case. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the placement of the flavor generating assembly in the case.

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In the following drawings, the dimensions of each part have been changed appropriately for easy understanding.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a flavor generating system 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a flavor inhaler 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The flavor generating system 1000 is configured by applying a flavor generating article 100 to a flavor inhaler 200 having a heating unit 40, which will be described later. At least a portion of the flavor generating article 100 is accommodated in the flavor inhaler 200 through an insertion opening 210.

[0039] In the drawings described in this specification, an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be used for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis faces vertically upward, the X-Y plane is positioned so as to cut the flavor inhaler 200 horizontally, and the Y-axis is positioned so as to extend from the side surface of the flavor inhaler 200 to its rear surface. The Z-axis direction can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the flavor generating article 100 housed in the chamber 50 described below. The X-axis direction can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the flavor generating article 100. The Y-axis direction can also be referred to as the lateral direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the flavor generating article 100.

[0040] The flavor inhaler 200 is configured to generate a flavor-containing aerosol by, for example, heating a stick-shaped flavor generating article 100 having a flavor source containing an aerosol source. The flavor generating article 100 is configured, for example, to include a smokable article containing a flavor source such as tobacco and an aerosol source at the tip end in the negative Z-axis direction, and a filter at another location. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The flavor generating article 100 is configured to generate a flavor by being heated by the non-combustion heating flavor inhaler 200. The flavor inhaler 200 is preferably a non-combustion heating tobacco product.

[0041] In this embodiment, the flavor generating article 100 is described as being stick-shaped, but the flavor generating article used in the flavor inhaler 200 is not limited to this. For example, the flavor generating article may be configured to include a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol source. The cartridge may also have a heater.

[0042] 1 and 2, the flavor inhaler 200 has an upper member 204 (corresponding to an example of a first end member), an outer case 410 (corresponding to an example of a case), an outer panel 520, and a lid 208. The movable lid 208 is disposed on the upper member 204. The lid 208 is preferably a sliding cover. The outer case 410 defines a portion of the outer surface of the flavor inhaler 200 and has a size that fits in a user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 200, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 200 in their hand and inhale the aerosol.

[0043] From the viewpoint of efficiently dissipating heat from the heating unit 40 to the outside, the outer case 410 is preferably formed from a metal such as aluminum, magnesium, or titanium, or an alloy containing aluminum, magnesium, or titanium, etc. However, the material of the outer case 410 is not limited to these, and can be made of resin, for example, and in particular, any suitable material can be selected, such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers.

[0044] The upper member 204 has an insertion opening 210 for receiving the flavor-generating article 100, and the lid 208 is slidably attached to the upper member 204 to close the insertion opening 210. Specifically, the lid 208 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the upper member 204 between a closed position, at which the insertion opening 210 of the upper member 204 is closed, and an open position (the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ), at which the insertion opening 210 is opened. For example, a user can manually operate the lid 208 to move the lid 208 between the closed position and the open position. In this way, the lid 208 can allow or restrict access of the flavor-generating article 100 to the interior of the flavor inhaler 200.

[0045] The upper member 204 preferably includes at least one of metal and resin such as PC. The metal included in the upper member 204 may be aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or an alloy containing aluminum, magnesium, or titanium. However, the material of the upper member 204 is not limited to these and may be any suitable material, such as ABS resin, PEEK, or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. From the perspective of achieving a unified aesthetic, the material of the upper member 204 is preferably the same as the material of the outer case 410. On the other hand, from the perspective of making the insertion port 210 stand out, the material of the upper member 204 is preferably different from the material of the outer case 410.

[0046] In the flavor generating system 1000, air inhaled by a user is introduced into the flavor inhaler 200 through the insertion port 210, flows through the chamber 50 in the negative direction of the Z axis, and is supplied to the upstream end face of the flavor generating article 100. That is, the flavor generating system 1000 shown in Fig. 1 has a so-called counterflow type air flow path. Note that the air flow path is not limited to the counterflow type, and may have a so-called bottom flow type air flow path in which air is introduced into the chamber 50 through a vent hole formed in the bottom of the chamber 50 and supplied to the upstream end face of the flavor generating article 100.

[0047] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 200 taken along the arrow 3-3 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the internal space of the flavor inhaler 200 is provided with a power supply unit 20, an atomization unit 30, and a control unit 80. The inner case 420 and the inner panel 510 will be described later.

[0048] The control unit 80 includes a substrate 81 (corresponding to an example of a circuit board). The substrate 81 includes, for example, a microprocessor, and can control the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the atomization unit 30. This allows the control unit 80 to control the heating of the flavor-generating article 100 by the atomization unit 30. The control unit 80 also includes a communication element 82 such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface. The control unit 80 can communicate with external devices via the communication element 82.

[0049] The power supply unit 20 has a battery 21 electrically connected to a substrate 81 of the control unit 80. The battery 21 is, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The battery 21 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 30 via the substrate 81. This allows the battery 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the flavor-generating article 100.

[0050] The atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50 extending in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 100, a heating unit 40 surrounding a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 has a cylindrical shape that accommodates the flavor generating article 100. The chamber 50 may have a so-called elliptical shape having a major axis and a minor axis in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 200. The chamber 50 is preferably formed from a heat-resistant material with a small coefficient of thermal expansion, and may be formed from, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, or the like.

[0051] The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the flavor-generating article 100 housed in the chamber 50. The heating unit 40 may be a heating element that generates heat, i.e., its temperature increases, due to power from the power supply unit 20. The heating unit 40 may be a sheet-like heater such as a film heater. The heating unit 40 may be provided so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50, or may be provided on the inner surface of the chamber 50. Here, the longitudinal length of the heating unit 40 is, for example, 10 mm. The heater constituting the heating unit 40 may include an electric heating wire. The heater is disposed outside the chamber 50, which functions as a housing for housing the flavor-generating article 100, and is configured to heat the flavor-generating article 100 housed in the chamber 50 from outside the flavor-generating article 100. As such, the flavor inhaler 200 is preferably an externally heated flavor inhaler. The heating unit 40 may be an induction coil disposed in the flavor inhaler 200, and configured to inductively heat a susceptor disposed in the flavor generating article 100. Alternatively, the heating unit 40 may be a microwave radiation source disposed in the flavor inhaler 200, and configured to use microwaves to heat a microwave absorber, such as water or glycerin, contained in the flavor generating article 100. The flavor inhaler 200 may also be an internal heating type, in which case the heating unit 40 may be a pin-type or blade-type heater.

[0052] The heat insulating section 32 is disposed to surround the chamber 50 and the heating section 40 and suppresses heat radiation to the outside of the chamber 50. The heat insulating section 32 may be made of, for example, aerogel. A heat diffusion member such as a graphite sheet may be disposed between the heat insulating section 32 and the chamber 50. This heat diffusion member may be disposed between the heat insulating section 32 and the heating section 40, such as a film heater, or between the heating section 40, such as a film heater, and the chamber 50. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is disposed between the lid 208 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the lid 208 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 200 and guides the insertion of the flavor generating article 100 into the chamber 50 by inserting the flavor generating article 100 into the insertion guide member 34.

[0053] The flavor inhaler 200 may further include a terminal 90. The terminal 90 may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 200 to, for example, an external power source. If the battery 21 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal 90 allows current to flow from the external power source to the battery 21, thereby charging the battery 21. In addition, connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal 90 may allow data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 200 to be transmitted to an external device.

[0054] 4 is an exploded perspective view of the flavor inhaler 200. The flavor inhaler 200 includes a flavor generating assembly 300 (corresponding to an example of an assembly), a case unit 400, and a panel unit 500. The case unit 400 includes an outer case 410 and an inner case 420. The panel unit 500 includes an inner panel 510 and an outer panel 520. The inner case 420 may be configured as part of the flavor generating assembly 300. In the illustrated example, the case unit 400 includes two cases, the outer case 410 and the inner case 420, but the number of cases in the case unit 400 is not particularly limited and may be one, three, or more. In the illustrated example, the panel unit 500 includes two panels, but the number of panels in the panel unit 500 is not particularly limited and may be one, three, or more.

[0055] The flavor generating assembly 300 is an assembly including a heating unit 40 (FIG. 3) and a control unit 80. The flavor generating assembly 300 preferably further includes a chamber 50 or a power supply unit 20. The flavor generating assembly 300 has a chassis 310. The flavor generating assembly 300 has the power supply unit 20, the atomizing unit 30, a substrate 81, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC, FIG. 17), etc. arranged on the chassis 310 as a support or base. The flavor generating assembly 300 is configured to stably support each component while ensuring electrical connection between the components. The flavor generating assembly 300 is preferably stick-shaped to facilitate insertion into the case 400.

[0056] The outer case 410 extends in its longitudinal direction and has a first end 414, a second end 416 opposite the first end 414 in the longitudinal direction, and a side surface 415 extending from the first end 414 to the second end 416. A first opening 411 is formed in the end surface of the first end 414, and a second opening 412 is formed in the side surface 415. The first opening 411 and the second opening 412 are connected to form a single opening. The outer case 410 houses the inner case 420 and the flavor generating assembly 300.

[0057] The inner case 420 is a case disposed inside the outer case 410 and houses the flavor generating assembly 300. The inner case 420 is disposed to facilitate insertion of the flavor generating assembly 300 and to more stably support the flavor generating assembly 300. As shown in FIG. 4 , the inner case 420 has a bottom member 421. The bottom member 421 has an upper surface 422 that supports the flavor generating assembly 300 and is configured to receive the terminal 90. The upper surface 422 preferably extends substantially horizontally. The second end 416 of the outer case 410 is curved for aesthetic reasons or ease of holding, but the presence of the bottom member 421 allows for more stable support of the flavor generating assembly 300.

[0058] The material of the inner case 420 is not particularly limited and may include, for example, a resin material such as PC, PEEK, or ABS, or a metal. The metal included in the inner case 420 may be aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or an alloy containing aluminum, magnesium, or titanium. The flavor inhaler 200 may not have the inner case 420, and the outer case 410 may be a single case that houses the flavor generating assembly 300.

[0059] The flavor generating assembly 300 is housed in the case 400 such that the substrate 81 is positioned on the second opening 412 side. The substrate 81 preferably defines a portion of the surface of the flavor generating assembly 300 on the second opening 412 side. This prevents the substrate 81 or elements near the substrate 81 from coming into contact with the case 400 or other components and being damaged when the flavor generating assembly 300 is inserted into the case 400. Furthermore, even if a communication element 82 ( FIG. 3 ) is located near the substrate 81, communication is less likely to be obstructed by the case 400 or other components, allowing the flavor inhaler 200 to be configured compactly. Furthermore, the substrate 81 can be accessed after the flavor generating assembly 300 is inserted into the case 400. For example, the substrate 81 can be attached or detached to or from the flavor generating assembly 300 housed in the case 400, and elements can be added or removed from the substrate 81 by soldering or the like.

[0060] In the flavor generating assembly 300, the atomizing unit 30 including the heating unit 40 is preferably disposed on the opposite side of the base plate 81 from the second opening 412. The heating unit 40 is preferably disposed on the opposite side of the base plate 81 from the second opening 412 with respect to a central axis Ax2 ( FIG. 17 ) extending in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating assembly 300. This allows efficient heat dissipation from the heating unit 40 through the case 400. It is more preferable that at least one of the outer case 410 and the inner case 420 contains a metal such as aluminum, magnesium, or titanium, or an alloy containing aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or the like, since this promotes heat dissipation.

[0061] An upper member 204 is disposed on the first opening 411 side of the flavor generating assembly 300. The lid 208 disposed on the upper member 204 is preferably movable, in coordinates on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, between a position corresponding to the insertion opening 210 through which the flavor generating article 100 is inserted and a position corresponding to the substrate 81. When a magnet that moves integrally with the lid 208 is disposed on the lid 208, a magnetic sensor can be disposed on the substrate 81, thereby enabling a compact configuration of a mechanism for detecting the position of the lid 208.

[0062] The panel unit 500 is configured to cover the second opening 412. The inner panel 510 corresponds to the shape of the second opening 412 and is a panel extending in the longitudinal direction of the outer case 410 so as to cover the second opening 412. The inner panel 510 is disposed inside the outer panel 520. The outer panel 520 is configured to cover at least a portion of the inner panel 510. The outer panel 520 is preferably detachably attached to the inner panel 510 or the like. In the illustrated example, the outer panel 520 is attracted to the inner panel 510 by magnetic force, as described below. The outer panel 520 also has a protrusion 524 that is configured to be inserted into a recess (not shown) in the upper member 204 to more stably hold the outer panel 520 and facilitate attachment of the outer panel 520.

[0063] The inner panel 510 and the outer panel 520 may be made of resin, metal, or the like. Each of the inner panel 510 and the outer panel 520 may be made partially of resin and partially of metal. The resin included in the inner panel 510 or the outer panel 520 may be, for example, PC, ABS resin, PEEK, or a polymer alloy. The metal included in the inner panel 510 or the outer panel 520 may be aluminum, magnesium, titanium, an alloy containing aluminum, magnesium, or titanium, stainless steel, or the like.

[0064] The upper member 204 has a first connecting portion 91 for connecting to at least one panel of the outer case 410, the inner case 420, the flavor generating assembly 300, or the panel unit 500. The upper member 204 may be formed by combining multiple members, and the first connecting portion 91 may be disposed on any of the multiple members. Alternatively, the upper member 204 may be formed as a single, integrally formed member, and the first connecting portion 91 may be disposed on the single member. In the figures, the first connecting portion 91 may have an engaging portion such as a claw portion to engage with another member, a fastening portion such as a screw hole to connect to another member by fastening, a fitting portion such as a protrusion or recess to connect to another member by fitting, or an adhesive-coated surface to connect to another member by adhesion. Alternatively, the first connecting portion 91 may have a magnetic member or a magnet and be attracted to another member by magnetic force. In FIG. 4, the first connecting portion 91 is a claw portion configured to engage with the outer case 410 or the inner case 420. The first connecting portion 91 makes it possible to more reliably and easily assemble the flavor inhaler 200 .

[0065] At least one panel included in the panel unit 500 may have a second connecting portion 514, 526. The inner panel 510 has a second connecting portion 514 for connecting to the upper member 204, the outer case 410, the inner case 420, the flavor generating assembly 300, or the outer panel 520, which is another panel among the at least one panel. The second connecting portion 514 may have an engaging portion such as a claw portion to engage with another member, a fastening portion such as a hole through which a screw passes and connect to another member by fastening, a fitting portion such as a protrusion or recess to connect to another member by fitting, or an adhesive-coated surface to connect to another member by adhesion. Alternatively, the second connecting portion 514 may have a magnetic member or a magnet and be attracted to another member by magnetic force. In FIG. 4, the second connecting portion 514A is a hole through which a screw passes, and the inner panel 510 is fastened to the flavor generating assembly 300 by the screw. The second connecting portion 514B is a magnetic member and is configured to be attracted to the second connecting portion 526, which is a magnet, on the outer panel 520. The second connecting portion 514 makes it easier to assemble the flavor inhaler 200 with more certainty.

[0066] The outer panel 520 has a second connecting portion 526 for detachably connecting to the upper member 204, the outer case 410, the inner case 420, the flavor generating assembly 300, or the inner panel 510, which is another panel among the at least one of the above panels. The second connecting portion 526 may have an engaging portion such as a claw portion to engage with the other member, a fastening portion such as a hole through which a screw passes and connect to the other member by fastening, a fitting portion such as a protrusion or recess to connect to the other member by fitting, or an adhesive-coated surface to connect to the other member by adhesion. Alternatively, the second connecting portion 526 may have a magnetic member or a magnet and be attracted to the other member by magnetic force. In FIG. 4, the second connecting portion 526 is a magnet and is configured to be attracted to the magnetic member 514B of the inner panel 510. In FIG. 4, the second connecting portion 526 provided on the surface of the outer panel 520 facing the inner panel 510 is schematically shown by a dotted line. The magnet may be disposed on the inner panel 510, but is preferably disposed on the outer panel 520 to reduce the risk of adversely affecting elements near the substrate 81. The second connecting portion 526 makes it possible to more reliably and easily assemble the flavor inhaler 200.

[0067] The outer case 410 has a third connecting portion 417 for connecting to at least one panel of the upper member 204, the inner case 420, the flavor generating assembly 300, or the panel unit 500. The third connecting portion 417 may have an engaging portion such as a claw portion for engaging with another member, a fastening portion such as a hole through which a screw passes for connection to another member by fastening, a fitting portion such as a protrusion or recess for connection to another member by fitting, or an adhesive-coated surface for connection to another member by adhesion. Alternatively, the third connecting portion 417 may have a magnetic member or a magnet and be attracted to another member by magnetic force. In FIG. 4 , the third connecting portion 417 is a recess configured to be connected to a protrusion of the inner case 420 by fitting. The third connecting portion 417 more reliably facilitates assembly of the flavor inhaler 200.

[0068] The inner case 420 has a fourth connecting portion 423 for connecting to at least one panel of the upper member 204, the outer case 410, the flavor generating assembly 300, or the panel unit 500. The fourth connecting portion 423 may have an engaging portion such as a claw portion to engage with another member, a fastening portion such as a hole through which a screw passes to connect to another member by fastening, a fitting portion such as a protrusion or recess to connect to another member by fitting, or an adhesive-coated surface to connect to another member by adhesion. Alternatively, the fourth connecting portion 423 may have a magnetic member or a magnet and be attracted to another member by magnetic force. In FIG. 4 , the fourth connecting portion 423 is a protrusion configured to be connected to a recess of the outer case 410 by fitting. The fourth connecting portion 423 more reliably facilitates assembly of the flavor inhaler 200.

[0069] As described above, the flavor inhaler 200 may have at least one panel of the panel unit 500 arranged on the second opening 412 side of the flavor inhaler 200, and at least one upper member 204 located on the first end 414 side and having a movable lid 208 arranged thereon, so that the first opening 411 or the second opening 412 can be covered and the portion of the flavor generating assembly 300 exposed at the first opening 411 or the second opening 412 can be protected.

[0070] 4, the flavor inhaler 200 may have a tactile switch 380 and a display unit 390. The tactile switch 380 has an ON state when pressed and an OFF state when not pressed, and is configured to generate different electrical signals in a circuit on the substrate 81 in the ON state and the OFF state. For example, the tactile switch 380 is configured to energize the circuit in the ON state and not energize the circuit in the OFF state. The tactile switch 380 functions as an input unit that accepts user input.

[0071] The display unit 390 has at least one of a light source such as a light-emitting diode and a screen made up of a plurality of pixels. In the illustrated example, the inner panel 510 has a through-hole 512 penetrating through it in its thickness direction, and the outer panel 520 has a window 522 at a position facing the through-hole 512 in its thickness direction. The display unit 390 is configured so that a translucent display window that forms an optical path is inserted into the through-hole 512, and is configured to emit light to the outside of the flavor inhaler 200 through the translucent window 522 of the outer panel 520.

[0072] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the inner panel 510 near the through-hole 512 and at least a portion of the outer panel 520 near the window 522 are configured to be elastically deformable by a user's pressure. Furthermore, the tactile switch 380 is disposed opposite the display unit 390 in the thickness direction of the inner panel 510, and is configured so that the tactile switch 380 switches between an ON state and an OFF state by a user's pressure.

[0073] Note that the flavor inhaler 200 may have any interface, such as a button or a touch panel, that accepts input from a user, instead of or in addition to the tactile switch 380. Furthermore, the configuration of the display unit 390 and the optical path is not particularly limited to the above example, as long as the user can obtain information via the display unit 390.

[0074] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the chamber 50. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 5. Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 7A-7A in Fig. 6. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 7B-7B in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7B-7B in a state in which the flavor-generating article 100 has been placed at a desired position in the chamber 50.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the chamber 50 may be a tubular member including a chamber opening 52 through which the flavor generating article 100 is inserted and a tubular sidewall 60 that houses the flavor generating article 100.

[0076] As shown in Figures 6 and 7B, the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the flavor-generating article 100 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses against a portion of the flavor-generating article 100, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the flavor-generating article 100. In this disclosure, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the flavor-generating article 100 is appropriately heated, or the position of the flavor-generating article 100 when the user inhales the flavor. The contact portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The separation portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. The heating portion 40 is placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 be placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, it is preferable that the heating portion 40 including the adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps.

[0077] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat, when a strip-shaped electrode connected to the heating unit 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62, bending of the electrode can be suppressed. As shown in Figures 6 and 7B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

[0078] 5 and 6, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion 54 between the chamber opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the flavor-generating article 100 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-retaining portion 54 and the flavor-generating article 100. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the chamber 50 preferably has a chamber guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the non-retaining portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

[0079] 5, 6, and 7B, the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 arranged in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other so as to be parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the flavor-generating article 100 inserted into the chamber 50 that is disposed between the contact portions 62.

[0080] 7B , the inner surface 66a of the separation 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 separation portion 66 is disposed so as to be adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0081] 6 and 7A, a step 560 is formed in the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. The step 560 is configured to expose at least a portion of the end surface of the flavor-generating article 100. The bottom 56 can also support a portion of the flavor-generating article 100 so that the exposed end surface of the flavor-generating article 100 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later. The shape of the step 560 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, as long as it is possible to introduce air into the flavor-generating article 100.

[0082] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken at the same position as Figure 7B with the flavor-generating article 100 placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in Figure 8, when the flavor-generating article 100 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the flavor-generating article 100 can be pressed into contact with the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. Meanwhile, a gap 67 is formed between the flavor-generating article 100 and the separation portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the chamber opening 52 and an end face of the flavor-generating article 100 positioned in the chamber 50. This allows air flowing in from the chamber opening 52 to pass through the gap 67 and enter the interior of the flavor-generating article 100. In other words, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the flavor-generating article 100 and the separation portion 66.

[0083] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the flavor generating article 100. Fig. 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 100. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10 , the flavor generating article 100 includes a flavor source 221 that generates a flavor, and a tip plug 112 arranged upstream of the flavor source 221. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the flavor generating article 100 includes, in order from the tip side (i.e., the side opposite the mouthpiece), the tip plug 112, a flavor generating section 220, a hollow tube section 132, a hollow filter 240, and a filter plug 250. These five components are connected using an outer plug wrap 280, an outer plug wrap 260, and tipping paper 270.

[0084] The flavor generating section 220 is disposed adjacent to and downstream of the tip plug 112. The flavor generating section 220 includes a flavor source 221 and a wrapping paper 222 around which the flavor source 221 is wrapped. The form of the flavor generating section 220 is not particularly limited as long as it is a known form, but typically, the flavor source 221 is wrapped in the wrapping paper 222. The flavor source 221 is wrapped in the wrapping paper 222 so that the flavor source 221 faces inward to form the flavor generating section 220.

[0085] The flavor source 221 may include at least one of a flavoring such as menthol and a natural material such as tobacco. The flavor source 221 may include a tobacco filler. The tobacco filler is not particularly limited and may include at least one of tobacco shreds and a tobacco sheet formed by processing tobacco shreds into a sheet. The flavor generating unit 220 may include an aerosol source. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituent components may be selected depending on the application.

[0086] The configuration of the cigarette paper 222 used in the flavor-generating article 100 is not particularly limited and can be any common configuration. Specifically, for example, the cigarette paper can be primarily made of pulp. Pulp can be wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, esparto, or other pulps commonly used in cigarette papers for tobacco products. The cigarette paper can be obtained by papermaking using one or more of these pulps. These pulps can be used alone or in combination of multiple types in any ratio. Pulp configurations that can be used include chemical pulp obtained by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, soda cooking, etc., ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, and thermomechanical pulp.

[0087] 9 and 10 , the tip plug 112 is located at the tip of the flavor-generating article 100 and is configured to cover the end of the flavor source 221. This prevents the flavor source 221 from falling out of the flavor-generating article 100. Specifically, the tip plug 112 includes a first filler material 211 and a first inner plug wrap 212 that wraps around the first filler material 211. The tip plug 112 may further include an aerosol source supported by the first filler material 211.

[0088] The material of the first inner plug wrap 212 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used. The first inner plug wrap 212 may contain a filler such as calcium carbonate. The thickness of the first inner plug wrap 212 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 μm to 140 μm, preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm. The basis weight of the first inner plug wrap 212 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably 23 gsm to 90 gsm. The first inner plug wrap 212 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material to provide functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

[0089] 9 , the flavor-generating article 100 preferably has a downstream section 130 arranged downstream of the flavor source 221. In this case, the downstream section 130 can cool and filter the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 221. Specifically, the downstream section 130 preferably includes a filter plug 250. This allows the filter plug 250 to cool and filter the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 221.

[0090] The filter plug 250 is located at the end of the flavor-generating article 100 on the mouthpiece side. The filter plug 250 includes a second filler material 251 and a second inner plug wrap 252 around which the second filler material 251 is wound. The filter material used in the second filler material 251 is not particularly limited as long as it has a general filter function. Typical filter functions include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed in when inhaling aerosols, reducing flavors, and reducing nicotine and tar. However, the filter material used in the second filler material 251 does not need to have all of these functions. Furthermore, in electrically heated tobacco products, which tend to produce fewer components and have a lower tobacco filler filling rate than cigarette products, one important function is to suppress filtering while preventing the tobacco filler from falling out.

[0091] The filter medium constituting the second filler 251 of the filter plug 250 may be, for example, one manufactured by the manufacturing method described below, or a commercially available product. The form of the filter plug 250 is not particularly limited, and may be a plain filter including a single filter segment, or a multi-segment filter including multiple filter segments, such as a dual filter or triple filter.

[0092] The second filler 251 constituting the filter plug 250 may be formed in any suitable form, and any known form may be used. For example, cellulose acetate tow processed into a cylindrical shape may be used as the second filler 251. In the case of a filter filled with cellulose acetate tow, triacetin may be added in an amount of 5% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less relative to the weight of the cellulose acetate tow to improve the filter hardness. Alternatively, a paper filter filled with sheet-shaped pulp paper may be used instead of the acetate filter.

[0093] To improve strength and structural rigidity, the filter plug 250 may include a second inner plug wrap 252 (wrap) around which the second filler 251 (described below) is wrapped. The second inner plug wrap 252 may include one or more rows of adhesive-containing seams. The adhesive may include, but is not limited to, a vinyl acetate adhesive or a hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesive may include polyvinyl alcohol. When the filter segment is made up of two or more segments, the second inner plug wrap 252 is preferably wound around these two or more segments.

[0094] The material of the second inner plug wrap 252 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used. The material may contain a filler such as calcium carbonate. The thickness of the second inner plug wrap 252 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 μm to 140 μm, preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm. The basis weight of the second inner plug wrap 252 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably 23 gsm to 90 gsm. The second inner plug wrap 252 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material to provide functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

[0095] 9 and 10, the hollow filter 240 and the filter plug 250 may be connected by, for example, an outer plug wrap 260. The outer plug wrap 260 may be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper.

[0096] The downstream section 130 may further include a hollow tube section 132 and a hollow filter 240. The hollow filter 240 is disposed adjacent to and downstream of the hollow tube section 132. The hollow filter 240 includes a filter medium 241 having one or more hollow sections, and a third inner plug wrap 242 around which the filter medium 241 is wound. The third inner plug wrap 242 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as the plug wrap used in cigarettes, for example. The third inner plug wrap 242 may be omitted. The hollow filter 240 may also be omitted.

[0097] The hollow tube portion 132 is sandwiched adjacent to the flavor generating portion 220 and the hollow filter 240 or the filter plug 250 (if the hollow filter 240 is not present), and is typically a rod-shaped member having a cavity in a circumferential cross section of a cylinder or the like that is hollow (hollow). The longitudinal length of the hollow tube portion 132 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is typically 15 mm or more, preferably 20 mm or more, and typically 40 mm or less, preferably 35 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less. By setting the longitudinal length of the hollow tube portion 132 at or above the lower limit, a sufficient cooling effect can be ensured to obtain a good flavor, while by setting it at or below the upper limit, loss due to adhesion of the generated steam and aerosol to the inner wall of the hollow tube portion 132 can be suppressed.

[0098] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the hollow tube portion 132 may be provided with circumferential and concentric air vents (vf) (also referred to in the art as ventilation filters). The presence of the air vents (vf) allows air to flow into the hollow tube portion 132 from the outside during use, lowering the temperature of the components and air flowing in from the flavor generating section 220. The air vents (vf) may be provided in a region 4 mm or more toward the hollow tube portion 132 from the boundary between the hollow tube portion 132 and the hollow filter 240 or the filter plug 250 (if the hollow filter 240 is not present). In this case, the air vents (vf) not only improve the cooling capacity of the hollow tube portion 132 but also suppress the retention of components generated by heating within the hollow tube portion 132, thereby improving the delivery amount of the components. In addition, when an aerosol source is used in the flavor generating section 220, the vapor containing the aerosol source and tobacco flavor components generated when the flavor generating article 100 is heated comes into contact with air from the outside, lowers in temperature, and liquefies, thereby facilitating the generation of the aerosol.

[0099] The configuration of the outer plug wrap 280 is not particularly limited and can be any common configuration. Specifically, for example, the outer plug wrap 280 can be primarily made of pulp. Pulp can be wood pulp, such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, or pulp commonly used in cigarette paper for tobacco products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, and esparto. The outer plug wrap 280 can be obtained by papermaking one or more of these pulps. These pulps can be used alone or in any combination of two or more types. Pulp types that can be used include chemical pulp obtained by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, and soda cooking, ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, and thermomechanical pulp. Commercially available products may be used for the outer plug wrap 280. The shape of the outer plug wrap 280 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, square or rectangular. The outer plug wrap 280 may include at least one of fillers, additives, and coatings.

[0100] The configuration of the tipping paper 270 is not particularly limited and can be any common configuration. Specifically, for example, the tipping paper 270 can be primarily composed of pulp. Pulp can be wood pulp, such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, or pulp commonly used in cigarette paper for tobacco products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, and esparto. The tipping paper 270 can be obtained by papermaking one or more of these pulps. These pulps can be used alone or in any combination of multiple types in any ratio. Pulp types that can be used include chemical pulps produced by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, and soda cooking, ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, and thermomechanical pulp. Commercially available tipping paper 270 may be used. The shape of the tipping paper 270 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, square or rectangular. Furthermore, flavor generating article 100 may have one sheet of tipping paper 270, or may have multiple sheets of tipping paper 270. Tipping paper 270 may contain at least one of a filler, an auxiliary agent, a coating agent, and a lip release material that helps a user to easily separate tipping paper 270 from their lips without substantial adhesion when they hold the mouthpiece of flavor generating article 100 between their mouths.

[0101] Next, the connection manner of each element constituting the flavor generating article 100 will be described. In FIG. 9 , gaps are provided between the elements to make the connection easier to see. However, in an actual flavor generating article 100, the elements are adjacent to each other without any gaps, as shown in FIG. 10 . In the flavor generating article 100 shown in FIG. 9 , the five elements are connected using an outer plug wrap 280, an outer plug wrap 260, and tipping paper 270. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , the outer plug wrap 280 connects the tip plug 112, the flavor generating section 220, and the hollow tube section 132. Here, the outer plug wrap 280 is wrapped around the tip plug 112, the flavor generating section 220, and a portion of the hollow tube section 132 to cover them entirely. This connected body is referred to as a first connected body 285. Furthermore, the outer plug wrap 260 connects the hollow filter 240 and the filter plug 250 by wrapping around them to cover them entirely. This connected body is referred to as a second connected body 265. Furthermore, tipping paper 270 connects the first connector 285 and the second connector 265. Here, the tipping paper 270 covers the entire second connector 265 and a portion of the first connector 285, leaving the first connector 285 exposed at the upstream end. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 9 , the outer plug wrap 280 does not cover the hollow tube portion 132 to the downstream end, leaving the hollow tube portion 132 exposed at the downstream end. However, the outer plug wrap 280 may cover the hollow tube portion 132 to the downstream end. In this case, it is preferable that the outer plug wrap 280 and the tipping paper 270 have an opening located directly above the ventilation hole vf provided in the hollow tube portion 132. As a result, it is preferable that the ventilation hole vf be provided so as to penetrate the tipping paper 270, the outer plug wrap 280, and the hollow tube portion 132.

[0102] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a flavor generating article 100 according to another embodiment. The flavor generating article 100 shown in FIG. 11 differs from the flavor generating article 100 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 only in the manner of connection. In the flavor generating article 100 shown in FIG. 11, five components are connected using an outer plug wrap 280, an outer plug wrap 260, and tipping paper 270. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer plug wrap 280 connects the tip plug 112 and the flavor generating section 220 by wrapping them together so as to cover their entirety. This connected body is referred to as a first connected body 285. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the outer plug wrap 260 connects the hollow filter 240 and the filter plug 250 by wrapping them together so as to cover their entirety. This connected body is referred to as a second connected body 265. Furthermore, the tipping paper 270 connects the first connected body 285, the hollow tube section 132, and the second connected body 265. Here, the tipping paper 270 covers the entire hollow tube portion 132 and the second connecting body 265 and a portion of the first connecting body 285, leaving the first connecting body 285 exposed at the upstream end. Five components may be connected in the form shown in Fig. 11. Note that, in Fig. 11, the outer plug wrap 280 covers the flavor generating section 220 up to the downstream end, but the flavor generating section 220 may not be covered all the way to the downstream end, leaving the flavor generating section 220 exposed at the downstream end.

[0103] The form of the flavor generating article 100 is not particularly limited to the above-described example, as long as the flavor generating article 100 inserted into the flavor inhaler 200 can be heated by the heating unit 40 and can generate a flavor. For example, the flavor generating article 100 does not need to have a tip plug 112.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 1 , when the flavor generating article 100 is properly inserted into the chamber 50 of the flavor inhaler 200, a portion of the flavor generating article 100 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 200. Specifically, in the state shown in Fig. 1 , all or a portion of the second connecting body 265 shown in Fig. 9 or 11 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 200. Furthermore, in the state shown in Fig. 1 , a portion of the hollow tube portion 132 shown in Fig. 9 or 11 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 200. In this case, the vent hole vf formed in the hollow tube portion 132 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 200, or may be located inside the flavor inhaler 200 (upstream of the insertion port 210 through which the flavor generating article 100 is inserted). It is preferable that the vent hole vf formed in the hollow tube portion 132 be located inside the flavor inhaler 200, since this makes it less likely for the user to block the vent hole vf.

[0105] 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34, taken parallel to the insertion direction of the flavor-generating article 100. The cylindrical insertion guide member 34 is located on the insertion opening 210 side of the chamber 50, and the interior of the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the interior of the chamber 50. The flavor inhaler 200 may have a cylindrical gasket 36 disposed radially outward with respect to the central axis Ax1 of the chamber 50, at the end of the chamber 50 on the chamber opening 52 side. The gasket 36 has a rib 37 on its inner circumferential surface on the chamber 50 side, and a protruding portion 53 protruding radially outward from the tip of the chamber 50 on the chamber opening 52 side is supported by the rib 37. The protruding portion 53 is further pressed by the end face of the insertion guide member 34 from the side opposite the rib 37 in the insertion direction.

[0106] The flavor inhaler 200 may have a sealing member 38 located between the gasket 36 and the insertion guide member 34. This makes it possible to prevent undesirable components, such as sidestream smoke, generated by heating by the heating unit 40 from adversely affecting the internal equipment of the flavor inhaler 200. The sealing member 38 is preferably disposed in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the gasket 36 and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion guide member 34. From the viewpoint of low gas permeability, the sealing member 38 preferably contains fluororubber, and is more preferably an O-ring containing fluororubber.

[0107] 13 and 14 are a side cross-sectional view and a bottom view showing an example of the insertion guide member 34. The insertion guide member 34 has a pair of first protrusions 334A and a pair of second protrusions 334B. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion guide member 34 cut along the central axis Ax1, showing the arrangement of the first protrusions 334A and the second protrusions 334B in the insertion direction of the flavor-generating article 100. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the insertion guide member 34, showing the arrangement of the first protrusions 334A and the second protrusions 334B in the circumferential direction of the flavor-generating article 100. As in the illustrated example, the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34 are preferably arranged coaxially. Separately arranging the first protrusions 334A and the second protrusions 334B reduces the area of ​​contact between the flavor-generating article 100 and the insertion guide member 34. This makes it possible to prevent the flavor-generating article 100 from breaking or bending when the flavor-generating article 100 is pulled out after the flavor has been inhaled.

[0108] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first protrusions 334A and the second protrusions 334B have different shapes. As shown in Figure 13, the pair of first protrusions 334A extend along the central axis Ax1, and in a cross section passing through the central axis Ax1 of the insertion guide member 34, the first protrusions 334A have inclined portions 336 that approach the central axis Ax1 as they move toward the chamber 50 in the insertion direction. The inclined portions 336 may be substantially linear or arc-shaped. It is preferable that the inclined portions 336 have a convex shape that extends radially inward. The first protrusions 334A press and grip the inserted flavor-generating article 100 from both sides.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 14 , the pair of second protrusions 334B have inner circumferential surfaces curved along an imaginary circle 326 centered on the central axis Ax1. As such, the second protrusions 334B preferably have a concave shape extending radially inward. The second protrusions 334B limit the angle of the flavor-generating article 100 when the flavor-generating article 100 is pulled out after flavor inhalation, thereby preventing the flavor-generating article 100 from breaking or bending. To avoid excessively restricting the angle of the flavor-generating article 100, making it difficult to remove, the radius of the imaginary circle 326 is preferably larger than the radius of the flavor-generating article 100. The insertion guide member 34 may be configured in any manner as long as the flavor-generating article 100 can be inserted into the chamber 50 and flavor inhalation is possible.

[0110] Fig. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view including the heating unit 40 and the chamber 50. Fig. 15 shows a cross section parallel to the insertion direction of the flavor-generating article 100. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the insertion direction along arrows 16-16 shown in Fig. 15. As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the atomizing unit 30 has a first heat insulating section 361 that constitutes the heat insulating section 32, a sealing section 362, a fixing section 363, and a sensor 391.

[0111] The first heat insulating section 361 is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the chamber 50, and suppresses heat radiation to the outside of the chamber 50. The first heat insulating section 361 has a multilayer structure in which heat-resistant sheet-like heat insulating members 364 are wound in multiple layers around the cylindrical portion of the chamber 50. Here, the sheet-like heat insulating members 364 are glass fiber sheets containing aerogel particles, for example, formed by applying aerogel ink to a glass fiber sheet and drying it, and have a heat resistance temperature of approximately 350°C and a thermal conductivity of approximately 25 mW / mK.

[0112] Aerogel has internal pores that are divided into spaces smaller than the mean free path of air (approximately 70 nm), preventing air convection and suppressing heat conduction. The average pore diameter is preferably approximately 50 nm or less. Aerogel also has low density, suppressing heat conduction. That is, aerogel achieves high thermal insulation due to the above structure. Aerogel may include, for example, silica aerogel, carbon aerogel, or a porous structure made of fumed silica.

[0113] Here, the innermost surface of the first heat insulating section 361 contacts the chamber 50 and / or the heating section 40, and the outermost surface of the first heat insulating section 361 is separated from the inner surface of the case section 400. The first heat insulating section 361 has a multilayer structure in which one sheet-like heat insulating member 364 having a thickness of 1 mm or less, for example 0.5 mm, is wound continuously in six layers around the cylindrical section of the chamber 50.

[0114] That is, the first heat insulating section 361 is formed by first contacting one end of the sheet-shaped heat insulating member 364 with the outer peripheral surface of the prepared chamber 50 and / or heating section 40, and then continuously wrapping the sheet-shaped heat insulating member 364 around the cylindrical portion of the chamber 50 up to six layers. Here, the first heat insulating section 361 may have a multi-layer structure in which the sheet-shaped heat insulating member 364 is wrapped in, for example, three to seven layers.

[0115] The sealing portion 362 is disposed to cover both ends of the first insulating portion 361 in the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 200. The sealing portion 362 prevents air from entering the first insulating portion 361. The sealing portion 362 may be, for example, a sponge washer formed of a foam with a closed-cell structure that prevents air from passing through. A sponge washer formed of a foam with a closed-cell structure has a certain degree of softness, thereby improving fit compared to a case where a silicone ring or the like is used as the sealing portion 362. Furthermore, using a sponge washer formed of a foam with a closed-cell structure as the sealing portion 362 can prevent powder from falling off the first insulating portion 361 compared to a foam with an open-cell structure. The material of the sponge washer constituting the sealing portion 362 is not particularly limited and may include, for example, a resin such as silicone resin. The sponge washer constituting the sealing portion 362 may have a notch formed therein to facilitate attachment.

[0116] The fixing portion 363 is disposed so as to cover the first heat insulating portion 361 and the sealing portion 362, and fixes the first heat insulating portion 361 and the sealing portion 362. The fixing portion 363 may be, for example, a heat shrink tube or a resin film such as a PI (polyimide) film. The fixing portion 363 presses and fixes the first heat insulating portion 361 and the sealing portion 362 to the chamber 50. The fixing portion 363 is not shown in FIG. 15 .

[0117] The sensor 391 is disposed between the layers of the first insulating section 361 and measures the temperature of the chamber 50. The sensor 391 may be a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermocouple. The temperature of the chamber 50 detected by the sensor 391 is output to the control unit 80 to control heating of the flavor-generating article 100 by the atomizing unit 30. As shown in FIG. 15 , the sensor 391 has a lead 392 electrically connected to the control unit 80. The lead 392 extending from between the layers of the first insulating section 361 may be pressed toward the chamber 50 by the sealing section 362. By pressing the lead 392 toward the chamber 50 by the sealing section 362, the sealing section 362 holds the lead 392. Therefore, even if a force is applied to the lead 392, the lead 392 can be prevented from moving and causing deformation of the first insulating section 361.

[0118] In addition, as long as the heating unit 40 can heat the flavor-generating article 100 inserted into the flavor inhaler 200 and the user can inhale the flavor, the aspects of the first insulating unit 361 and the sealing unit 362, etc. are not particularly limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0119] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the flavor generating assembly 300. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an intermediate body 700 consisting of the flavor generating assembly 300 and a case unit 400 in which the flavor generating assembly 300 is housed. As shown in FIG. 17 , the flavor generating assembly 300 includes a power supply unit 20, an atomizing unit 30, a control unit 80, terminals 90, a chassis 310, a bracket 320, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 330. The flavor generating assembly 300 compactly integrates multiple components of the flavor inhaler 200, thereby making the flavor inhaler 200 more compact and facilitating assembly of the flavor inhaler 200. While there are no particular limitations on which components of the flavor inhaler 200 should be included in the flavor generating assembly 300, it is preferable that the flavor generating assembly 300 include the heating unit 40 and the control unit 80, and more preferably, at least one of the power supply unit 20 and the chamber 50. Since the power supply unit 20 and the chamber 50 are components with a relatively large volume in the flavor inhaler 200, by integrating them into the flavor generating assembly 300, the flavor inhaler 200 can be configured more compactly.

[0120] 18 , in the flavor inhaler 200, the flavor generating assembly 300 is positioned to face the first opening 411 in the longitudinal direction of the outer case 410 and to face the second opening 412 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer case 410. This allows the flavor generating assembly 300 to be easily inserted into the case 400 with a simple configuration while preventing adverse effects caused by contact between the case 400 and components arranged on the second opening 412 side of the flavor generating assembly 300.

[0121] 17, the flavor generating assembly 300 has a central axis Ax2 extending in the longitudinal direction. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 17, the communication element 82 is located closer to the second opening 412 than the central axis Ax2. This allows electromagnetic waves from the communication element 82 to easily pass through the second opening 412, further reducing the risk of communication being interrupted by the case 400 or the like.

[0122] 18 , the substrate 81 is preferably disposed on the second opening 412 side of the flavor generating assembly 300. The substrate 81 is preferably located on the second opening 412 side of the central axis Ax2 in the flavor generating assembly 300. This prevents adverse effects such as damage to the elements of the control unit 80 due to contact with the case unit 400 when inserting the flavor generating assembly 300 into the case unit 400. Furthermore, even if the communication element 82 ( FIG. 3 ) is disposed near the substrate 81, the risk of communication being interrupted by the case unit 400 or the like can be reduced, allowing the flavor inhaler 200 to be made compact.

[0123] The chassis 310 functions as a support for each part of the flavor generating assembly 300. The material constituting the chassis 310 is not particularly limited, but the chassis 310 may include resin such as PC, metal, or the like.

[0124] The bracket 320 is configured to hold a member such as the substrate 81 and to prevent deviation. In the illustrated example, the bracket 320 is attached to the chassis 310. The material constituting the bracket 320 is not particularly limited, but the bracket 320 may include a metal such as stainless steel. The bracket 320 may be configured to cover a portion of the substrate 81.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the leads from the heating unit 40, the battery 21, the substrate 81, and the terminals 90 are electrically connected via the FPC 330. Use of the FPC 330 can make the flavor generating assembly 300 lighter and more compact. The FPC 330 can be electrically connected to any electrical and electronic components of the flavor generating assembly 300.

[0126] 19 is a front view of the outer case 410, FIG. 20 is a side view of the outer case 410, and FIG. 21 is a plan view of the outer case 410. The outer case 410 has an opening 413, which is an opening that connects a first opening 411 formed at a first end 414 of the outer case 410 with a second opening 412 formed at a side surface 415. The side surface 415 is formed to surround a central axis Ax3 extending in the longitudinal direction of the outer case 410, and defines the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 410.

[0127] The first opening 411 is formed at the first end 414 so that the central axis Ax3 passes through the first opening 411. In other words, the first opening 411 opens in the longitudinal direction toward the upper member 204. The first opening 411 is located on the end surface of the first end 414, and as shown in FIG. 20 , the end surface is formed so as to intersect with the central axis Ax3.

[0128] The first opening 411 has a dimension that allows the flavor generating assembly 300 to be inserted into the outer case 410 through the first opening 411. The maximum width of the first opening 411 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is preferably greater than the maximum width of the flavor generating assembly 300 in the same direction. The first opening 411 is preferably configured to allow the flavor generating assembly 300 to be inserted in the longitudinal direction.

[0129] The second opening 412 has a dimension that prevents the flavor generating assembly 300 inserted into the outer case 410 from falling out through the second opening 412. This allows the flavor generating assembly 300 inserted into the outer case 410 through the first opening 411 to be stably held within the case part 400, facilitating subsequent assembly work.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 19 , the width of the second opening 412, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer case 410, is defined as a first width W1. The direction in which this first width W1 is measured is defined as the width direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 17 , the width of the flavor generating assembly 300 in this width direction is defined as a second width W2. At a certain position in the longitudinal direction of the outer case 410, the first width W1 is preferably smaller than the second width W2. This more reliably prevents the flavor generating assembly 300 inserted into the outer case 410 from falling through the second opening 412. For example, the first width W1 may be smaller than the second width W2 at the position in the longitudinal direction where the chamber 50, the substrate 81, the chassis 310, or the power supply unit 20 are located. The outer case 410 may have at least one protrusion protruding in the width direction from the side wall 415 along the second opening 412. For example, the protrusions may be provided so as to protrude in the width direction from the opening end of the side wall 415 that contacts the second opening 412. The position and shape of the protrusions are not particularly limited, but they are preferably provided on both sides of the second opening 412 in the width direction, and a pair of such protrusions may be provided at one or more positions in the insertion direction. This configuration can further prevent the flavor generating assembly 300 from falling off the case portion 400 and can also prevent the inner panel 510 from penetrating into the outer case 410 due to impact, etc.

[0131] 19 , the second opening 412 extends from the first end 414 to the second end 416. The second opening 412 preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the outer case 410. The longitudinal length of the outer case 410 is defined as a first length L1, and the longitudinal length of the second opening 412 is defined as a second length L2. The position of the upper end of the second opening 412 can be set to, for example, an upper limit height that can be set so that the flavor generating assembly 300 does not pass through the second opening 412 when inserted.

[0132] The second length L2 is preferably greater than 50% of the first length L1, more preferably greater than 60%, even more preferably greater than 70%, and even more preferably greater than 80%. The longer the second length L2, the more reliably the components of the flavor generating assembly 300 located on the second opening 412 side can be prevented from being damaged or otherwise adversely affected by contact with the case 400 when the flavor generating assembly 300 is inserted into the case 400. To protect the substrate 81 and its surrounding elements, the second opening 412 may extend beyond the tip of the second end 416 of the substrate 81 toward the second end 416. From the same perspective, the second length L2 may be set based on the position of the substrate 81.

[0133] 19 , the outer case 410 may have a third connecting portion 417. In the illustrated example, the third connecting portion 417 is a recess formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer case 410, and is configured to fit with a protrusion (not shown) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner case 420. As described above, the form of the third connecting portion 417 is not particularly limited, and it may be connected to another member by engagement, fastening, or the like.

[0134] 21 , the outer case 410 may have a terminal insertion opening 419 into which an external terminal to be connected to the terminal 90 is inserted. The terminal insertion opening 419 is formed at the second end 416. The position and size of the terminal insertion opening 419 are not particularly limited. For example, the terminal insertion opening 419 may be formed at the side surface 415.

[0135] A method for manufacturing the flavor inhaler 200 will be described below. This manufacturing method includes at least the following first to fourth steps. The first to fourth steps are performed in numerical order. In the first step, the case part 400 including the outer case 410 and the flavor generating assembly 300 are prepared.

[0136] In the second step, the inner case 420 is inserted into the outer case 410. Preferably, the inner case 420 is inserted through the first opening 411 of the outer case 410. The inner case 420 can be fixed to the inside of the outer case 410 by engaging with a claw member (not shown), fitting with a fitting portion, or bonding with an adhesive. If the flavor inhaler 200 does not have the inner case 420, the second step may be omitted. Alternatively, the inner case 420 may be inserted into the outer case 410 as a part of the flavor generating assembly 300 in the third step.

[0137] In a third step, the flavor generating assembly 300 is inserted into the case portion 400. The flavor generating assembly 300 is inserted into the outer case 410 through the first opening 411, and the flavor generating assembly 300 is attached inside the outer case 410.

[0138] FIG. 22 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the third step. FIG. 22 schematically illustrates the movement of the flavor generating assembly 300 in the insertion direction toward the outer case 410, into which the inner case 420 is disposed. The flavor generating assembly 300 can be inserted into the outer case 410 from the end opposite the insertion opening 210 of the flavor generating article 100 (the end where the terminal 90 is formed). In the illustrated example, the terminal 90 is inserted into a through-hole formed in the bottom member 421 of the inner case 420 so as to be connectable to an external terminal (not shown) inserted through the terminal insertion opening 419 of the outer case 410. When the flavor generating assembly 300 is inserted into the outer case 410, an intermediate body 700 ( FIG. 18 ) is obtained.

[0139] In a fourth step, other components included in the flavor inhaler 200 are attached to the intermediate body 700 including the flavor generating assembly 300 and the outer case 410. For example, the upper member 204, the inner panel 510, and the outer panel 520 are attached to the intermediate body 700. Note that detachable components such as the outer panel 520 may be provided as accessories without being attached to the flavor inhaler 200 during the manufacturing process.

[0140] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical idea described in the specification and drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0141] A first aspect of the present invention is a flavor inhaler comprising an assembly including a heating unit and a control unit, and a case for accommodating the assembly, the case extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first end and a second end, a first opening formed in an end surface of the first end, and a second opening formed in a side surface extending from the first end to the second end, the first opening and the second opening being connected, the first opening having a dimension that allows the assembly to be inserted into the case through the first opening, and the second opening having a dimension that prevents the inserted assembly from falling through the second opening. In a second aspect of the present invention, the width of the second opening in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at a certain position in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the width of the assembly at that position. In a third aspect of the present invention, the control unit comprises a circuit board, and the circuit board is located on the second opening side of the assembly. In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the assembly includes a communication element located closer to the second opening than the central axis of the assembly. In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the case has a curved surface at the second end. In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the assembly further includes an inner case disposed inside the case, the inner case including a bottom member located on the second end side and supporting the assembly. In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the assembly further includes at least one of a chamber for accommodating a flavor-generating article and a power supply unit. In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the longitudinal length of the second opening is greater than 50% of the longitudinal length of the case. In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the assembly is positioned so as to face the first opening in the longitudinal direction and to face the second opening perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to ninth aspects further includes at least one panel arranged on the second opening side of the flavor inhaler and at least one first end member located on the first end side and having a movable lid arranged thereon. In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the first end member of the tenth aspect includes a first connecting portion for connecting the first end member to the at least one panel, the assembly, or the case. In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the at least one panel of the tenth or eleventh aspects includes a second connecting portion for connecting the at least one panel to another of the assembly, the case, the first end member, or the at least one panel. In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to twelfth aspects is a non-combustion heated tobacco product. In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a flavor generating system includes the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects and a flavor generating article. A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler comprising an assembly including a heating unit and a control unit, and a case accommodating the assembly, wherein the case extends in a longitudinal direction, has a first end and a second end, and comprises a first opening formed in an end face of the first end and a second opening formed in a side face extending from the first end side to the second end side, the first opening and the second opening are connected to each other, the first opening has a dimension that allows the assembly to be inserted into the case through the first opening, and the second opening has a dimension that prevents the inserted assembly from falling out through the second opening, and the method comprises inserting the assembly into the case through the first opening and attaching the assembly to the inside of the case.

[0142] 20: Power supply unit 30: Atomization unit 34: Insertion guide member 38: Sealing member 40: Heating unit 50: Chamber 80: Control unit 81: Board 82: Communication element 91: First connection unit 100: Flavor-generating article 200: Flavor inhaler 204: Upper member 208: Lid 300: Flavor-generating assembly 310: Chassis 320: Gasket 330: Flexible printed circuit board 334A: First protrusion 334B: Second protrusion 362: Sealing unit 391: Sensor 392: Sensor lead 400: Case unit 410: Outer case 411: First opening 412: Second opening 413: Opening 414: First end of outer case 415: Side surface of outer case 416: Second end of outer case 420: Inner case 421: Bottom member 500: Panel portion 510: Inner panel 514, 514A, 514B, 526: Second connecting portion 520: Outer panel 700: Intermediate body 1000: Flavor generating system Ax1: Central axis of insertion guide member Ax2: Central axis of flavor generating assembly Ax3: Central axis of outer case L1: First length L2: Second length W1: First width W2: Second width

Claims

1. A fragrance aspirator comprising an assembly including a heating part and a control part, and a case for housing the assembly, wherein the case extends in a longitudinal direction, has a first end and a second end, and includes a first opening formed in an end face of the first end, and a second opening formed in a side face extending from the first end side to the second end side, the first opening and the second opening are connected openings, the first opening has a dimension such that the assembly can be inserted into the case through the first opening, and the second opening has a dimension such that the inserted assembly does not fall off through the second opening.

2. The fragrance aspirator according to claim 1, wherein a width in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second opening at a certain position in the longitudinal direction is smaller than a width in the width direction of the assembly at the position.

3. The fragrance aspirator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control part includes a circuit board, and the circuit board is disposed on the second opening side in the assembly.

4. The fragrance aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the assembly includes a communication element located on the second opening side with respect to a central axis of the assembly.

5. The fragrance aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the case has a curved surface at the second end.

6. The fragrance aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the assembly further includes an inner case disposed inside the case, and the inner case is located on the second end side and includes a bottom member for supporting the assembly.

7. The fragrance aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the assembly further includes at least one of a chamber for housing a fragrance-generating article and a power supply part.

8. The fragrance aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a length in the longitudinal direction of the second opening is greater than 50% of a length in the longitudinal direction of the case.

9. The fragrance suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the assembly is positioned to face the first opening in the longitudinal direction and to face the second opening perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

10. The fragrance suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one panel disposed on the second opening side of the fragrance suction device and at least one of a first end side member located at the first end side and having a movable lid disposed thereon.

11. The fragrance suction device according to claim 10, wherein the first end side member includes a first connection portion for connecting the first end side member to the at least one panel, the assembly, or the case.

12. The fragrance suction device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one panel includes a second connection portion for connecting the at least one panel to the assembly, the case, the first end side member, or another panel among the at least one panel.

13. The fragrance suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fragrance suction device is a non-combustion heated tobacco.

14. A fragrance generation system comprising the fragrance suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a fragrance generating article.

15. A method for manufacturing a fragrance suction device comprising an assembly including a heating portion and a control portion and a case for housing the assembly, wherein the case extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first end and a second end, and includes a first opening formed in an end surface of the first end and a second opening formed in a side surface extending from the first end side to the second end side, the first opening and the second opening being connected openings, the first opening having a dimension such that the assembly can be inserted into the case through the first opening, the second opening having a dimension such that the inserted assembly does not fall off through the second opening, the method including inserting the assembly into the case through the first opening and attaching the assembly inside the case.

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