Flavor inhaler

Abstract

Provided is a flavor inhaler. This flavor inhaler comprises a communication element for communicating with the outside, and a metal communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element.

Description

flavor aspirator

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

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning materials have been known, including a type in which an antenna signal output section provided on a printed circuit board mounted inside a metal housing is electrically connected to the inner surface of the metal housing by a contact spring, thereby using the metal housing as an antenna (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Special Publication No. 2023-525388

[0004] In the flavor inhaler of Patent Document 1, the metal housing and the antenna signal output unit are electrically connected by a contact spring, so if poor contact occurs between the metal housing and the antenna signal output unit due to improper assembly of the flavor inhaler or an impact to the flavor inhaler, there is a risk of the antenna sensitivity decreasing.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a flavor inhaler that can improve antenna sensitivity.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhaler including a communication element for communicating with an external device and a metallic communication auxiliary member for improving antenna sensitivity of the communication element.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler that can improve the antenna sensitivity of a communication element by using a metallic communication auxiliary member.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, the flavor inhaler of the first aspect further includes a circuit board having a first surface facing the inside of the flavor inhaler and a second surface facing the outside of the flavor inhaler, and the communication element is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when the communication element is arranged on the first surface of the circuit board, i.e., facing inward of the flavor inhaler, the antenna sensitivity can be maintained by the communication auxiliary member. Furthermore, by arranging the communication element on the first surface of the circuit board, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of elements within the flavor inhaler is increased, and the flavor inhaler can be made more compact.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the communication auxiliary member has a substantially planar base configured to cover at least a portion of the second surface of the circuit board, and an extension portion extending from the base through the side of the circuit board toward the first surface, the extension portion overlapping with the communication element in the direction from the second surface to the first surface, and including a portion close to the communication element.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the extension portion of the communication auxiliary member overlaps with the communication element in the direction from the second surface to the first surface and includes a portion that is close to the communication element, so that the communication auxiliary member can be turned into an antenna and the point of transmission and reception of radio waves can be moved from the first surface side to the second surface side, thereby improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the communication element has an antenna electrode for transmitting and receiving radio waves, and at least a part of the extending portion faces the antenna electrode.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since at least a portion of the extension portion faces the antenna electrode, radio waves from the communication element are efficiently propagated to the communication auxiliary member, thereby further improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect, the extension portion contacts the communication element.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the extending portion comes into contact with the communication element, and therefore the antenna sensitivity of the communication element can be further improved.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the communication auxiliary member is a fixing member for fixing an object to be fixed to a circuit board.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by using a fixing member for fixing an object to a circuit board as a communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of a communication element, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the flavor inhaler and reduce the manufacturing man-hours for the flavor inhaler, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the object to be fixed is a connector for a flexible printed circuit board.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, by using a fixing member for fixing a connector of a flexible printed circuit board to a circuit board as a communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of a communication element, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the flavor inhaler and reduce the manufacturing man-hours for the flavor inhaler, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0020] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any of the second to seventh aspects, the device further includes a case for housing the communication element, the communication auxiliary member, and the circuit board, and the case has a first metal case having an opening formed on the second surface side when the communication element, the communication auxiliary member, and the circuit board are housed therein, and a second non-metal case configured to cover the opening.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the communication auxiliary member is made into an antenna and the point of transmission and reception of radio waves is moved from the first surface side to the second surface side, the radio waves transmitted and received on the second surface side are not obstructed by the metallic first case, and therefore the antenna sensitivity of the communication element can be improved in a flavor inhaler having a case consisting of a metallic first case and a non-metallic second case.

[0022] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the second case is made of resin.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the second case is made of resin, thereby making it possible to improve the antenna sensitivity of the communication element.

[0024] 1 is a perspective view showing a flavor generating system according to one embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a flavor inhaler according to one embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the flavor inhaler taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the flavor inhaler; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber in which a flavor generating article is housed; FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a flavor generating article according to one embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article according to one embodiment; FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a flavor generating article according to another embodiment; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a flavor generating assembly; FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the flavor generating assembly;

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flavor inhaler 200 has an upper member 204, an outer case 410 (corresponding to an example of a first case), an outer panel 520 (corresponding to an example of a second case), 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. The upper member 204 may be an assembly of multiple members.

[0031] 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. However, the material of the outer case 410 is not limited to these and may be made of resin, for example, and may be selected arbitrarily and suitably from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. Here, in this embodiment, the outer case 410 is formed from metal.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 thereto and may be any suitable material, such as ABS resin, PEEK, or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. From the viewpoint of achieving a unified aesthetic appearance, 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 viewpoint of making it easier for the user to recognize the position where the flavor-generating article 100 is introduced into the flavor inhaler 200, the material of the upper member 204 is preferably different from the material of the outer case 410.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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. The substrate 81 also has a first surface 81a facing the inside of the flavor inhaler 200 and a second surface 81b facing the outside of the flavor inhaler. The communication element 82 is disposed on the first surface 81a of the substrate 81.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the flavor inhaler 200. The flavor inhaler 200 includes a flavor generating assembly 300, 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 (corresponding to an example of a second case) 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.

[0043] 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. 12), 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.

[0044] The outer case 410 extends in its longitudinal direction and has a first end 414, a second end 416 that is longitudinally opposite the first end 414, and a side surface 415 that extends 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 (which corresponds to an example of an opening) 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. The second opening 412 is formed on the second surface 81b of the substrate 81 when the flavor generating assembly 300 is housed in the outer case 410 ( FIG. 3 ).

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 contained 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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. 12 ) 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The inner panel 510 and the outer panel 520 may be formed of resin, metal, or the like. Each of the inner panel 510 and the outer panel 520 may be formed partially of resin and partially of metal. The resin contained in the inner panel 510 or the outer panel 520 may be, for example, PC, ABS resin, PEEK, or a polymer alloy. The metal contained 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. In this embodiment, the inner panel 510 and the outer panel 520 are formed of resin.

[0052] 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 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 more reliably facilitates assembly of the flavor inhaler 200.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member including a chamber opening 52 through which the flavor generating article 100 is inserted and a cylindrical sidewall 60 that houses the flavor generating article 100.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 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 disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 be disposed without any gaps on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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. Also, 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 any 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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, but 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] To improve strength and structural rigidity, the filter plug 250 may include a second inner plug wrap 252 (wrap paper) 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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 the circumferential cross section of a cylinder or the like. The longitudinal length of the hollow tube portion 132 can be adjusted appropriately depending on 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.

[0086] 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 an area 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.

[0087] 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, or esparto. The outer plug wrap 280 can be obtained by papermaking using one or more of these pulps. These pulps can be used alone or in any combination of several types in any ratio. 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.

[0088] 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, or 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 pulp 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 can also 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.

[0089] Next, the manner in which the components constituting the flavor-generating article 100 are connected will be described. In FIG. 9 , gaps are provided between the components to make the connection easier to see. However, in an actual flavor-generating article 100, the components 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 components 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 air vent 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 air vent 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 air vent vf.

[0093] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the flavor generating assembly 300. As shown in Fig. 12, the flavor generating assembly 300 includes a power supply unit 20, an atomizing unit 30, a control unit 80, a terminal 90, a chassis 310, a bracket 320 (which corresponds to an example of a communication auxiliary member or a fixing member), and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 330 (which corresponds to an example of a fixed object).

[0094] The flavor generating assembly 300 compactly integrates multiple parts of the flavor inhaler 200, thereby making the flavor inhaler 200 more compact and facilitating assembly of the flavor inhaler 200. There are no particular limitations on which parts of the flavor inhaler 200 to include in the flavor generating assembly 300, but it is preferable for the flavor generating assembly 300 to include the heating unit 40 and the control unit 80, and more preferably to further include at least one of the power supply unit 20 and the chamber 50. Because the power supply unit 20 and the chamber 50 are components that occupy relatively large volumes in the flavor inhaler 200, integrating them into the flavor generating assembly 300 allows the flavor inhaler 200 to be configured more compactly.

[0095] 12, the flavor generating assembly 300 has a central axis Ax2 extending in the longitudinal direction. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 12, the communication element 82 is located closer to the second opening 412 than the central axis Ax2. This allows radio 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.

[0096] The chassis 310 functions as a support for each part of the flavor generating assembly 300. That is, the power supply unit 20, the atomizing unit 30, the control unit 80, and the terminal 90 are attached to the chassis 310. The material constituting the chassis 310 is not particularly limited, but the chassis 310 may include resin such as PC, metal, or the like.

[0097] The bracket 320 is configured to fix the connector 331 of the FPC 330 to the substrate 81 and to prevent the substrate 81 from moving away from the chassis 310. In the illustrated example, the bracket 320 is attached to the chassis 310. There are no particular limitations on the material that constitutes the bracket 320, but the bracket 320 can include a metal such as stainless steel.

[0098] In this embodiment, the bracket 320 functions as a communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 (FIG. 3). By using the metal bracket 320, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler 200 that can improve the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82. Details will be described later.

[0099] In the illustrated example, the leads from the heating unit 40 (FIG. 3), the battery 21 (FIG. 3), 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.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, the metal bracket 320 functions as a communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 (FIG. 3). Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, an aspect in which the bracket 320 improves the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 will be described. FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the flavor generating assembly 300.

[0101] 13 , the control unit 80 has a substrate 81 having a first surface 81 a and a second surface 81 b, and a communication element 82 disposed on the first surface 81 a of the substrate 81. The communication element 82 has an antenna electrode 821 for transmitting and receiving radio waves on a part thereof. In the illustrated example, the antenna electrode 821 is provided at the end of the communication element 82 facing in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0102] The bracket 320 has a substantially planar base 321 configured to cover at least a portion of the second surface 81b of the substrate 81, and an extension 322 that extends from the base 321 toward the first surface 81a along the side surface of the substrate 81. The extension 322 overlaps with the communication element 82 in the direction from the second surface 81b to the first surface 81a, and includes a portion that is close to the communication element 82.

[0103] In this way, the extension portion 322 of the bracket 320 overlaps with the communication element 82 in the direction from the second surface 81b to the first surface 81a and includes a portion that is close to the communication element 82. Therefore, by turning the bracket 320 into an antenna and moving the point of transmission and reception of radio waves from the first surface 81a side to the second surface 81b side, the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 can be improved.

[0104] Furthermore, even when the communication element 82 is arranged on the first surface 81a of the substrate 81, i.e., facing inward of the flavor inhaler 200, the antenna sensitivity can be maintained by the bracket 320. Furthermore, by arranging the communication element 82 on the first surface 81a of the substrate 81, the degree of freedom in arranging the elements within the flavor inhaler 200 increases, and the flavor inhaler 200 can be made more compact.

[0105] Here, at least a portion of the extension portion 322 may be configured to face the antenna electrode 821. By facing at least a portion of the extension portion 322 to the antenna electrode 821, radio waves from the communication element 82 are efficiently propagated to the bracket 320, and the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 can be further improved.

[0106] Furthermore, the extending portion 322 may be configured to cover a range of 80% to 100% of the area of ​​the antenna electrode 821. By configuring the extending portion 322 to cover a range of 80% to 100% of the area of ​​the antenna electrode 821, sufficient antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 can be ensured.

[0107] Furthermore, the distance between the communication element 82 and the extending portion 322 may be 1.5 mm or less at a position where the communication element 82 and the extending portion 322 are close to each other. By setting the distance between the communication element 82 and the extending portion 322 to 1.5 mm or less at a position where the communication element 82 and the extending portion 322 are close to each other, sufficient antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 can be ensured. In this case, the extending portion 322 may be in contact with the communication element 82. In this case, since the extending portion 322 is in contact with the communication element 82, the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 can be improved.

[0108] As described above, the bracket 320 used as the communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 is a fixing member for fixing the connector 331 of the FPC 330, which is the object to be fixed, to the substrate 81. By using the bracket 320 for fixing the connector 331 of the FPC 330 to the substrate 81 as the communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82, the number of parts of the flavor inhaler 200 can be reduced, and the number of manufacturing steps for the flavor inhaler 200 can be reduced, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0109] As described above, the case that houses the flavor generating assembly 300, including the communication element 82, the bracket 320, and the substrate, includes the metal outer case 410 having the second opening 412 formed on the second surface 81b side when the flavor generating assembly 300 is housed in the outer case 410, and the resin inner panel 510 and outer panel 520 configured to cover the second opening 412. As a result, when the bracket 320 is used as an antenna and the location for transmitting and receiving radio waves is moved from the first surface 81a side to the second surface 81b side, the radio waves transmitted and received on the second surface 81b side are not obstructed by the metal outer case 410, thereby improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element 82 in the flavor inhaler 200 having a case consisting of the metal outer case 410 and the resin inner panel 510 and outer panel 520.

[0110] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the components described in the claims and specification may be combined or omitted to the extent that at least part of the above-described problems can be solved or at least part of the effects can be achieved.

[0111] Some aspects disclosed in this specification are described below. A first aspect of the present invention is a flavor inhaler comprising a communication element for communicating with the outside and a metallic communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element. A second aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler of the first aspect, further comprising a circuit board having a first surface facing the inside of the flavor inhaler and a second surface facing the outside of the flavor inhaler, wherein the communication element is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board. A third aspect of the present invention is the second aspect, wherein the communication auxiliary member has a substantially planar base configured to cover at least a portion of the second surface of the circuit board, and an extension extending from the base along a side surface of the circuit board toward the first surface, the extension extending from the base along the side surface of the circuit board toward the first surface, the extension overlapping with the communication element in the direction from the second surface to the first surface and including a portion adjacent to the communication element. A fourth aspect of the present invention is the third aspect, wherein the communication element has an antenna electrode for transmitting and receiving radio waves, and at least a portion of the extension faces the antenna electrode. A fifth aspect of the present invention is the third or fourth aspect, wherein the extension contacts the communication element. In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the communication auxiliary member is a fixing member for fixing an object to a circuit board. In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the object to be fixed is a connector for a flexible printed circuit board. In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to seventh aspects, a case is further provided for accommodating the communication element, the communication auxiliary member, and the circuit board, the case having a first case made of metal with an opening formed on the second surface side when the communication element, the communication auxiliary member, and the circuit board are accommodated, and a second case made of non-metallic and configured to cover the opening. In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the second case is made of resin.

[0112] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 80...Controller 81...Substrate 81a...First surface 81b...Second surface 82...Communication element 200...Flavor inhaler 320...Bracket 321...Base 322...Extending portion 330...Flexible printed circuit board 331...Connector 410...Outer case 412...Second opening 510...Inner panel 520...Outer panel 821...Antenna electrode

Claims

1. A fragrance attractor, comprising: a communication element for communicating with the outside; and a metal communication auxiliary member for improving the antenna sensitivity of the communication element.

2. The fragrance attractor according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit board having a first surface facing the inside of the fragrance attractor and a second surface facing the outside of the fragrance attractor, wherein the communication element is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board.

3. The fragrance attractor according to claim 2, wherein the communication auxiliary member includes: a substantially planar base portion configured to cover at least a part of the second surface of the circuit board; and an extension portion extending from the base portion through a side surface of the circuit board to the first surface side, the extension portion overlapping the communication element and including a portion proximate to the communication element in a direction from the second surface to the first surface.

4. The fragrance attractor according to claim 3, wherein the communication element has an antenna electrode for transmitting and receiving radio waves, and at least a part of the extension portion faces the antenna electrode.

5. The fragrance attractor according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the extension portion is in contact with the communication element.

6. The fragrance attractor according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the communication auxiliary member is a fixing member for fixing an object to be fixed to the circuit board.

7. The fragrance attractor according to claim 6, wherein the object to be fixed is a connector of a flexible printed circuit board.

8. The fragrance attractor according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising a case for housing the communication element, the communication auxiliary member, and the circuit board, the case including: a first metal case having an opening formed on the second surface side in a state where the communication element, the communication auxiliary member, and the circuit board are housed; and a second non-metal case configured to cover the opening.

9. The fragrance attractor according to claim 8, wherein the second case is made of resin, the fragrance attractor.

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