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

Abstract

Provided is a flavor inhaler comprising: a housing part that houses a flavor source; a heating element that heats the flavor source; a power path part that is disposed around the outer surface of the housing part and supplies power to the heating element; and an electrode. The electrode is configured to be biased to abut the power path part.

Description

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

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

[0002] In the field of flavor inhalers, there have been proposed configurations for supplying power to a heating element that heats consumables. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a heater assembly including an internally heated heat generating component, in which power is supplied from a battery via an electrode holder including a power supply electrode and a circuit board.

[0003] Special table number 2022-547155

[0004] The present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler, a flavor inhalation system, and a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler that are simple in configuration and capable of supplying stable power to a heating element. Means to solve the problem

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising: a housing that houses a flavor source; a heating element that heats the flavor source; a power path portion that is disposed around an outer surface of the housing and supplies power to the heating element; and an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to be energized to abut against the power path portion.

[0006] In the first aspect, the power path portion that supplies power to the heating element is disposed around the outer surface of the housing that houses the flavor source, and the energized electrode abuts the power path portion. Thus, according to the first aspect, stable power supply to the heating element can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the first aspect, further comprising an electrical conductor, a first portion of the electrical conductor constituting the heating element and generating heat by power supplied from the power path portion, a second portion of the electrical conductor different from the first portion including the power path portion, and the first portion configured to have a larger electrical resistance than the second portion.

[0008] In the second aspect, the flavor inhaler further includes a conductor, a first portion of the conductor forming a part of the heating element, a second portion of the conductor including a power path portion, and the first portion of the conductor having a higher electrical resistance than the second portion. Thus, according to the second aspect, the second portion of the conductor functions as the power path portion arranged around the outer surface of the housing, and the first portion of the conductor functions as the heating element, thereby providing a combination of a heating element and a power path portion with a simple configuration.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the second aspect, wherein the first portion of the conductor is configured to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion.

[0010] In the third aspect, the first portion of the conductor has a smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion, so that the first portion has a larger electrical resistance than the second portion, ensuring that the first portion generates more heat due to Joule heating when power is supplied, and therefore the first portion of the conductor functions properly as a heating element.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heating element is disposed on the outer surface of the housing portion.

[0012] In the fourth aspect, the heating element that heats the flavor source is disposed on the outer surface of the housing that houses the flavor source. That is, a peripheral heating type heating element is provided. When a central heating type heating element is employed in a flavor inhaler, the consumable material containing the flavor source is inserted from the tip of the heating blade, so that the contact point between the electrode and the power path section is limited to the bottom surface of the heating element. On the other hand, when a peripheral heating type heating element is employed, even if the electrode is disposed higher in the flavor inhaler, the insertion of the consumable material is not hindered. Thus, according to the fourth aspect, the use of a peripheral heating type heating element increases the degree of freedom in the design of the housing of the flavor inhaler, which can contribute to, for example, the miniaturization of the entire device.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the storage section is divided into a heated section and a non-heated section along the longitudinal direction, the heated section is an area along the longitudinal direction that corresponds to the heating element, and the power path section is arranged in the non-heated section.

[0014] In the fifth aspect, the storage section is divided along the longitudinal direction into a heated section corresponding to the heating element and a non-heated section corresponding to the power path section. Thus, according to the fifth aspect, the flavor source of the consumable product is disposed in the heated section, and the portion of the consumable product that does not need to be heated is located in the non-heated section, thereby enabling efficient heating of the consumable product.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the electrode is biased by an elastic material so as to abut against the power path portion.

[0016] In the sixth aspect, the electrode is biased by the elastic material to abut against the power path portion, and therefore, according to the sixth aspect, the electrode can be stably brought into contact with the power path with a simple configuration.

[0017] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, comprising three or more of the electrodes.

[0018] In the seventh aspect, three or more electrodes are biased to contact the power path section. When three or more electrodes are electrically connected to the power path section, the configuration of the circuit including the electrodes and heating section is not limited to a series circuit, and a parallel circuit can be configured. When multiple heating sections are present in this circuit (for example, when heating sections are arranged on two opposing surfaces of the housing section), differences in the electrical resistance values ​​of these heating sections will result in differences in the heating temperatures of the heating sections in the series circuit. Specifically, W = I ２ According to the relationship between R (W [J]: power, I [A]: current, R [Ω]: electrical resistance), the amount of heat generated by a heating part with a large electrical resistance value is large. １ , R ２ If the two circuits are arranged in different paths, then there will be different amounts of current (I １ , I２ ) flows, and for each path, W １ =I １ ２ R １ , W ２ =I ２ ２ R ２ Immediately after the start of current application, the heated portion with the smallest electrical resistance (R １ A large amount of current I １ flows into the heating section R １ generates a large amount of heat, but then due to the relationship between the resistance temperature coefficient, the heating part R １ As a result, the resistance value of the heated portion R ２ A lot of current I ２ The flow of the heating section R ２ generates a large amount of heat. By repeating this process, the heat generation amounts of the multiple heating parts are equalized, and the temperature difference between them is eliminated. Strictly speaking, even when there are only two electrodes, it is possible to realize a parallel circuit by devising the wiring. However, in this case, the wiring becomes quite complicated. Therefore, according to the seventh aspect, by using a parallel circuit that is easy to design, it is possible to equalize the heat generation of the multiple heating parts.

[0019] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the seventh aspect, further comprising a pair of the electrodes arranged to face each other around the outer surface of the storage portion.

[0020] In the eighth aspect, a pair of electrodes arranged to face each other around the outer surface of the housing are biased to abut against the power path portion arranged around the outer surface of the housing, thereby sandwiching the outer surface of the housing between the pair of opposing electrodes, thereby enabling the housing to be stably held.

[0021] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the storage section is held so as to suppress movement along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.

[0022] In the ninth aspect, the container that contains the flavor source is held so as to be restricted from moving longitudinally of the flavor inhaler. Therefore, according to the ninth aspect, the consumable material containing the flavor source is inserted into the container that is restricted from moving longitudinally, so that the user can recognize the limit of insertion when inserting the consumable material, and the user is prevented from pushing the consumable material too far.

[0023] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the storage section is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0024] In the tenth aspect, the container for containing the flavor source is formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to provide a container that is suitable for the shape of a cylindrical flavor inhaler.

[0025] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the tenth aspect, wherein the storage section includes a side wall section, the side wall section having an arc section and a flat section that are circumferentially adjacent to each other, and the power path section is disposed on the flat section.

[0026] In the eleventh aspect, the storage compartment containing the flavor source includes a sidewall portion having an arc portion and a flat portion adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and the power path portion with which the electrode abuts is located on the flat portion. When the electrode abuts on the flat portion, the contact area is larger and the contact is more stable than when the electrode abuts on the arc portion. Furthermore, when a consumable product containing a flavor source is inserted into the storage compartment, the flat surface compresses the consumable product, improving the thermal conductivity within the consumable product. Therefore, according to the eleventh aspect, by making the inner wall of the storage compartment have a non-uniform distance from the contained consumable product, it is possible to position the inner wall in a manner suitable for heating the consumable product.

[0027] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the storage portion has an insertion end into which the flavor source is inserted and a bottom end located opposite the insertion end, and the power path portion is positioned so as to be closer to the insertion end than to the bottom end.

[0028] In the twelfth aspect, the housing for housing the flavor source has an insertion end into which the flavor source is inserted and a bottom end opposite the insertion end, and the power path is positioned closer to the insertion end than to the bottom end of the housing, thereby enabling power to be supplied to the heating element above the housing rather than below.

[0029] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a consumable material containing a flavor source and a flavor inhaler, wherein the flavor inhaler includes a housing portion that contains the flavor source, a heating element that heats the flavor source, a power path portion that is disposed around an outer surface of the housing portion and supplies power to the heating element, and an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to be energized to abut against the power path portion.

[0030] In the thirteenth aspect, a power path portion that supplies power to the heating element is disposed around the outer surface of the housing portion that houses the flavor source, and the energized electrode abuts the power path portion. Thus, according to the thirteenth aspect, a flavor inhalation system that can stably supply power to the heating element with a simple configuration can be provided.

[0031] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein when the consumable material is contained in the container, the flavor source is arranged in parallel with the heating element.

[0032] In the fourteenth aspect, when a consumable material containing a flavor source is contained in the container, the flavor source is arranged in parallel with the heating element. Thus, according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to provide a flavor inhalation system having a heating element arranged in a position suitable for heating the flavor source.

[0033] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler, comprising: preparing a storage unit configured to be able to store a flavor source; arranging a heating element for heating the flavor source and a power path unit for supplying power to the heating element around the outer surface of the storage unit; preparing a holding unit equipped with an electrode, configured to receive one end of the storage unit closer to the power path unit than the heating element and to hold the storage unit so as not to move along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler; and pushing the one end side of the storage unit into the holding unit to urge the electrode of the holding unit into contact with the power path unit.

[0034] In the fifteenth aspect, the heating element and the power path are disposed around one end of the housing, and the electrode is biased into contact with the power path by being pressed into the holding portion having the electrode. Thus, the fifteenth aspect provides a flavor inhaler that can stably supply power to the heating element with a simple configuration.

[0035] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the electrode is biased to abut against the power path portion by an elastic material disposed in the holding portion.

[0036] In the sixteenth aspect, the elastic material disposed in the holding portion biases the electrode so as to contact the power path portion, and thus, the sixteenth aspect provides a flavor inhaler that can stably supply power to the heating element with a simple biasing mechanism using an elastic material.

[0037] 1 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler containing a consumable product. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the consumable product. FIG. 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable product. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along the line a-a in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the chamber alone. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the line 5B-5B in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the line 6A-6A in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the line 6B-6B in FIG. 6B. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber with the consumable product placed at a desired position in the chamber. FIG. 5A is a front view of the side wall of the chamber shown in FIG. 5B, viewed from the outer surface of the contact portion. FIG. 6B is a view showing a state in which the chamber is properly pressed into the mount. FIG. 8 is a view showing a comparative example of the heating unit in FIG. 8, where a solder fixing portion is provided instead of the current-carrying portion. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the details of the configuration of the heating unit as a film heater. FIG. 8 is a view showing a chamber in which heating units as film heaters are provided around the periphery instead of the heating unit shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a modified example of the configuration shown in FIG. 12. 10A and 10B show an example of a mount for supplying power to a heater near the opening of a chamber, and another example of a mount for supplying power to a heater near the opening of a chamber.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flavor inhaler 100 housing a consumable product 200 inserted through the opening 110. For ease of explanation, the drawings described in this specification may include an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the X-Y plane is positioned to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is positioned to extend from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the consumable product 200 housed in the chamber 50 (described later). The X axis can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 200. The Y axis can also be referred to as the lateral direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 200.

[0040] The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate a flavor-containing aerosol by heating, for example, a stick-shaped consumable product 200 having a flavor source containing an aerosol source. As an example, the consumable product 200 is configured to include a smokable article containing a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source at its tip in the negative Z-axis direction, and a filter at another location. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. While the present embodiment describes the consumable product 200 as being stick-shaped, the consumable product used in the flavor inhaler 100 is not limited to this. For example, the consumable product may be configured to include a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol source. Furthermore, the cartridge may have a heating unit.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the flavor inhaler 100 has a housing 102 composed of an upper housing 104 and a lower housing 106, and a slide cover 108.

[0042] The housing 102 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 100, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand and inhale the aerosol. Regarding the housing 102, the upper housing 104 is formed from a resin such as polycarbonate, and the lower housing 106 is formed from a metal such as aluminum. However, the material of the housing 102 is not limited to these and can be any suitable resin, particularly polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers.

[0043] The upper housing 104 has an opening 110 for receiving the consumable product 200, and the slide cover 108 is slidably attached to the upper housing 104 to close the opening 110. Specifically, the slide cover 108 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the upper housing 104 between a closed position, at which the opening 110 of the upper housing 104 is closed, and an open position (the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ), at which the opening is open. For example, a user can manually operate the slide cover 108 to move the slide cover 108 between the closed position and the open position. In this way, the slide cover 108 can allow or restrict access of the consumable product 200 to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0044] 1 and 2 illustrate the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100 such that the joint surface between the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 intersects obliquely with the XY plane, but the configuration of the housing 102 is not limited to this. For example, the housing 102 may be configured from three or more members. Furthermore, the housing 102 does not have to be configured from multiple members, and may be a single part.

[0045] The flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, connecting the external power source to the terminal allows current to flow from the external power source to the power source, thereby charging the power source. In addition, connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal may allow data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to be transmitted to an external device.

[0046] Next, the consumable product 200 used in the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. Fig. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the consumable product 200. Fig. 3B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable product 200. As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the consumable product 200 includes a flavor source 421 that generates a flavor, and a tip plug 312 that is arranged upstream of the flavor source 421. More specifically, in the example shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the consumable product 200 includes, in order from the tip side (i.e., the side opposite the mouthpiece), the tip plug 312, a flavor generating section 420, a hollow tube section 332, a hollow filter 440, and a filter plug 450. These five components are connected using an outer plug wrap 480, an outer plug wrap 460, and tipping paper 470.

[0047] The flavor generating section 420 is disposed adjacent to and downstream of the tip plug 312. The flavor generating section 420 includes a flavor source 421 and a wrapping paper 422 around which the flavor source 421 is wrapped. The form of the flavor generating section 420 is not particularly limited as long as it is a known form, but typically, the flavor source 421 is wrapped in the wrapping paper 422. The flavor source 421 is wrapped in the wrapping paper 422 so that the flavor source 421 faces inward to form the flavor generating section 420.

[0048] The flavor source 421 may include at least one of a flavoring such as menthol and a natural material such as tobacco. The flavor source 421 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 420 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.

[0049] The configuration of the cigarette paper 422 used in the consumer product 200 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 paper for tobacco products, and 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 can be chemical pulp obtained by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, soda cooking, or the like, ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, thermomechanical pulp, or the like.

[0050] 3A and 3B , the tip plug 312 is located at the tip of the consumable product 200 and is configured to cover the end of the flavor source 421. This prevents the flavor source 421 from falling out of the consumable product 200. Specifically, the tip plug 312 includes a first filler material 411 and a first inner plug wrap 412 that wraps around the first filler material 411. The tip plug 312 may further include an aerosol source supported by the first filler material 411.

[0051] The material of the first inner plug wrap 412 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used. The first inner plug wrap 412 may contain a filler such as calcium carbonate. The thickness of the first inner plug wrap 412 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 412 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 412 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material to provide functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

[0052] 3A , the consumable product 200 preferably has a downstream portion 330 disposed downstream of the flavor source 421. In this case, the downstream portion 330 can cool and filter the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 421. Specifically, the downstream portion 330 preferably includes a filter plug 450. This allows the filter plug 450 to cool and filter the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 421.

[0053] The filter plug 450 is located at the end of the consumable product 200 on the mouthpiece side. The filter plug 450 includes a second filler material 451 and a second inner plug wrap 452 around which the second filler material 451 is wound. The filter material used in the second filler material 451 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 flavor, and reducing nicotine and tar, but the filter material used in the second filler material 451 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 compared to cigarette products, one important function is to suppress filtering while preventing the tobacco filler from falling out.

[0054] The filter medium constituting the second filler 451 of the filter plug 450 may be, for example, one manufactured by the manufacturing method described below, or a commercially available product. The form of the filter plug 450 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.

[0055] The second filler 451 constituting the filter plug 450 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 451. 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.

[0056] To improve strength and structural rigidity, the filter plug 450 may include a second inner plug wrap 452 (wrap paper) around which the second filler 451 (described below) is wrapped. The second inner plug wrap 452 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 452 is preferably wound around these two or more segments.

[0057] The material of the second inner plug wrap 452 is not particularly limited and may be a known material, and may contain a filler such as calcium carbonate. The thickness of the second inner plug wrap 452 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 452 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 452 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material to provide functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

[0058] 3A and 3B, the hollow filter 440 and the filter plug 450 may be connected by, for example, an outer plug wrap 460. The outer plug wrap 460 may be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper.

[0059] The downstream section 330 may further include a hollow tube section 332 and a hollow filter 440. The hollow filter 440 is disposed adjacent to and downstream of the hollow tube section 332. The hollow filter 440 includes a filter medium 441 having one or more hollow sections, and a third inner plug wrap 442 around which the filter medium 441 is wound. The third inner plug wrap 442 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as the plug wrap used in cigarettes, for example. The third inner plug wrap 442 may be omitted. The hollow filter 440 may also be omitted.

[0060] The hollow tube portion 332 is sandwiched adjacent to the flavor generating portion 420 and the hollow filter 440 or the filter plug 450 (if the hollow filter 440 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 332 can be appropriately changed 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 332 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 vapor and aerosol to the inner wall of the hollow tube portion 332 can be suppressed.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the hollow tube portion 332 may be provided with circumferential and concentric air vents vf (also referred to as ventilation filters in the technical field of the present disclosure). The presence of the air vents vf allows air to flow into the hollow tube portion 332 from the outside during use, lowering the temperature of the components and air flowing in from the flavor generating section 420. The air vents vf may be provided in an area 4 mm or more toward the hollow tube portion 332 from the boundary between the hollow tube portion 332 and the hollow filter 440 or filter plug 450 (if the hollow filter 440 is not present). In this case, the air vents vf not only improve the cooling capacity of the hollow tube portion 332 but also suppress the retention of components generated by heating within the hollow tube portion 332, thereby improving the delivery amount of the components. In addition, when an aerosol source is used in the flavor generating unit 420, the vapor containing the aerosol source and tobacco flavor components generated when the consumable product 200 is heated comes into contact with air from outside, lowering its temperature and liquefying, thereby facilitating the generation of the aerosol.

[0062] The configuration of the outer plug wrap 480 is not particularly limited and can be any common configuration. Specifically, for example, the outer plug wrap 480 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 480 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 480. The shape of the outer plug wrap 480 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, square or rectangular. The outer plug wrap 480 may include at least one of fillers, additives, and coatings.

[0063] The configuration of the tipping paper 470 is not particularly limited and can be any common configuration. Specifically, for example, the tipping paper 470 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 470 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 470 can also be used. The shape of the tipping paper 470 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, square or rectangular. Furthermore, the consumable product 200 may have one sheet of tipping paper 470, or may have multiple sheets of tipping paper 470. The tipping paper 470 may include at least one of a filler, an auxiliary agent, a coating agent, and a lip release material that helps the tipping paper 470 to easily separate from the lips without causing substantial adhesion when the user holds the mouthpiece of the consumable product 200 in their mouth.

[0064] Next, the connection manner of each element constituting the consumable product 200 will be described. In FIG. 3A , gaps are provided between the elements to make the connection easier to see. However, in the actual consumable product 200, the elements are adjacent to each other without any gaps, as shown in FIG. 3B . In the consumable product 200 shown in FIG. 3A , the five elements are connected using an outer plug wrap 480, an outer plug wrap 460, and tipping paper 470. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A , the outer plug wrap 480 connects the tip plug 312, the flavor generating section 420, and the hollow tube section 332. Here, the outer plug wrap 480 is wrapped around the tip plug 312, the flavor generating section 420, and a portion of the hollow tube section 332 to cover them entirely. This connected body is referred to as a first connected body 485. Furthermore, the outer plug wrap 460 connects the hollow filter 440 and the filter plug 450 by wrapping around them to cover them entirely. This connected body is referred to as a second connected body 465. Furthermore, tipping paper 470 connects the first connector 485 and the second connector 465. Here, the tipping paper 470 covers the entire second connector 465 and a portion of the first connector 485, leaving the first connector 485 exposed at the upstream end. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 3A , the outer plug wrap 480 does not cover the hollow tube portion 332 to the downstream end, leaving the hollow tube portion 332 exposed at the downstream end. However, the outer plug wrap 480 may cover the hollow tube portion 332 to the downstream end. In this case, it is preferable that the outer plug wrap 480 and the tipping paper 470 have an opening located directly above the ventilation hole vf provided in the hollow tube portion 332. As a result, it is preferable that the ventilation hole vf be provided so as to penetrate the tipping paper 470, the outer plug wrap 480, and the hollow tube portion 332.

[0065] Next, a description will be given of the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the line aa shown in Figure 1.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, a power supply unit 20, an atomizing unit 30, and a control unit 80 are provided in the internal space of the housing 102 of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0067] The control unit 80 includes a substrate 82. The substrate 82 includes, for example, a microprocessor and is capable of controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the atomization unit 30. This allows the control unit 80 to control the heating of the consumable product 200 by the atomization unit 30. The control unit 80 also includes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface 28. The control unit 80 is capable of communicating with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

[0068] The power supply unit 20 has a power source 21 electrically connected to a circuit board 82 of the control unit 80. The power source 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source 21 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 30 via the circuit board 82. This allows the power source 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the consumable product 200.

[0069] The atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50 extending in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 200, a heating unit 40 (not shown in FIG. 4 ) surrounding a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a generally cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the consumable product 200. The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the consumable product 200 accommodated in the chamber 50. As an example, a susceptor may be provided inside or adjacent to the consumable product 200, and the heating unit 40 may include an induction coil for inductively heating the susceptor.

[0070] The heat insulating section 32 is disposed to surround the chamber 50 and its heating section 40. The heat insulating section 32 may be made of, for example, aerogel. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is provided between the sliding cover 108 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the sliding cover 108 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100, and guides the insertion of the consumable product 200 into the chamber 50 by inserting the consumable product 200 into the insertion guide member 34.

[0071] Furthermore, the nebulizer 30 and the control unit 80 are covered by a heat diffusion sleeve 70 and disposed within the interior space of the housing 102. The heat diffusion sleeve 70 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, and dissipates heat generated by the nebulizer 30 within the housing 102. The heat diffusion sleeve 70 may be configured to be disposed only within the upper housing 104 without interfering with the lower housing 106. Furthermore, an open area may be provided in the heat diffusion sleeve 70 to avoid interfering with communication with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28 of the control unit 80. While metal members generally interfere with electromagnetic waves, the open area of ​​the heat diffusion sleeve 70 at least serves as a path through which the control unit 80 can communicate with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

[0072] (Details of the configuration of the atomization unit) The configuration of the atomization unit 30 of this embodiment will be described in detail below. Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the chamber 50 alone. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 5B-5B shown in Fig. 5A. Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 6A-6A shown in Fig. 5B. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 6B-6B shown in Fig. 5B. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 6B showing the consumable product 200 placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. Fig. 8 is a front view of the side wall 60 of the chamber 50 shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, as viewed from the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62.

[0073] 5A and 5B , the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member including an opening 52 into which the consumable product 200 is inserted and a cylindrical sidewall 60 that houses the consumable product 200. The chamber 50 is preferably formed from a material that is heat-resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and may be formed from, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. This allows for effective heating of the consumable product 200 from the chamber 50. The cylindrical shape of the chamber 50 matches the shape of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 1. The chamber 50 is an example of a housing portion of the present disclosure. The opening 52 is an example of an insertion end portion of the present disclosure.

[0074] 5B and 6B , the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the consumable product 200 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses against a portion of the consumable product 200, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the consumable product 200. In the present disclosure, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the consumable product 200 is appropriately heated, or a position of the consumable product 200 when the user smokes. 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. As described below, the thin-walled portion 120A of the heating portion 40 of the chamber 50 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. The contact portion 62 is an example of a flat portion of the present disclosure, and the separation portion 66 is an example of an arc portion of the present disclosure.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. As shown in Figures 5B and 6B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5B and 6B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

[0076] 5A and 5B, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion 54 between the opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the consumable product 200 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-retaining portion 54 and the consumable product 200. Also, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 with a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the non-retaining portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

[0077] 5A, 5B, and 6B, 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 consumable product 200 inserted into the chamber 50 that is disposed between the contact portions 62.

[0078] 6B , an 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.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6B, the chamber 50 has a bottom 56. The upper retaining portion 134 of the mount 130 can support a portion of the consumable 200 such that the exposed end surface of the consumable 200 communicates with a cavity 67 (see Figure 7), which will be described later. The bottom 56 of the chamber is an example of a bottom end portion of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 7 is the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 6B with the consumable product 200 placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in Figure 7, when the consumable product 200 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the consumable product 200 can be pressed into contact with the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. Meanwhile, a gap 67 is formed between the consumable product 200 and the separation portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and an end face of the consumable product 200 positioned in the chamber 50. This allows air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and enter the inside of the consumable product 200. In other words, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the consumable product 200 and the separation portion 66.

[0081] Next, the details of the configuration of the heating unit 40 included in the atomization unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . Because FIG. 8 shows the chamber 50 as viewed from the positive X-axis direction, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 of the sidewall portion 60 is visible in the center. The outer surfaces 66b of the two separation portions 66 are slightly visible to the right and left of the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 in FIG. 8 . As shown in FIG. 8 , a silver layer 122 is provided to cover the sidewall portion 60 of the chamber 50 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B . An insulating layer 124 is provided on the silver layer 122 on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 of the sidewall portion 60. A conductor 120 is then disposed on the insulating layer 124. As shown in FIG. 8 , the end of the conductor 120 (the end of a thin-walled portion 120A, described later) protrudes above the silver layer 122 and contacts the silver layer 122. The conductor 120 can be made of a metal such as silver, copper, or gold, as long as it has a lower electrical resistance and a higher thermal diffusion coefficient than the material of the chamber 50. An example of the heating unit 40 is made up of a silver layer 122, an insulating layer 124, and the conductor 120.

[0082] The conductor 120 is configured to have a thin portion 120A located above the silver layer 122 (through the insulating layer 124), a main portion 120B not located above the silver layer 122, and a conductive portion 120C forming a portion near the lower end of the main portion 120B. The thin portion 120A of the conductor 120 has a higher electrical resistance than the main portion 120B. As an example, the thin portion 120A can be configured to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the main portion 120B. Note that in FIG. 8, the thin portion 120A is folded back at the bent portion at the upper end, so when cut in a cross section parallel to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction), the cross section includes two separate regions of the thin portion 120A. The cross-sectional area of ​​the thin portion 120A refers to the area of ​​only one of these two regions. The same applies when the thin-walled portion 120A is folded in a more complex manner. If the cut surface includes multiple separated regions of the thin-walled portion 120A, only one of these regions is the "cross-sectional area of ​​the thin-walled portion 120A," and not the sum of the areas of these regions. Furthermore, due to manufacturing limitations, the cross-sectional area of ​​a local portion of the thin-walled portion 120A of the conductor 120 (e.g., near the bend shown in FIG. 8 ) may be larger than that of the main body portion 120B, or the definition of the cross-sectional area may be unclear. However, the "cross-sectional area of ​​the thin-walled portion 120A" in this embodiment excludes such localized, unique regions. The thin-walled portion 120A of the conductor 120 is an example of the heating element and first portion of the present disclosure, and the main body portion 120B is an example of the power path portion and second portion of the present disclosure.

[0083] As described below, when the electrodes 132A and 132B of the mount 130 contact the current-carrying portion 120C, power is supplied to the conductor 120, causing a current to flow. In this case, because the main body 120B has only low electrical resistance, no significant Joule heat is generated in the main body 120B, and the main body 120B essentially functions solely as a power path. On the other hand, the thin-walled portion 120A, which has a higher electrical resistance, generates Joule heat and heats up as a result of the current flowing through it. Furthermore, as described above, the end of the thin-walled portion 120A of the conductor 120 extends beyond the insulating layer 124 and contacts the silver layer 122, allowing the current to reach the silver layer 122. Because the silver layer 122 is made of a conductor, it has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating layer 124. Therefore, Joule heat generated in the thin portion 120A of the conductor 120 is conducted to the periphery of the sidewall 60 of the chamber 50 (which has two contact portions 62 and two separation portions 66) via the silver layer 122. Note that while FIG. 8 shows the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 of the sidewall 60 of the chamber 50, which is perpendicular to the positive direction of the X-axis, a similar pair of an insulating layer 124 and a conductor 120 is provided (via the silver layer 122) on the outer surface 62b of the opposite contact portion 62, which is perpendicular to the positive direction of the X-axis. With the above configuration, when power is supplied to the two conductors 120 that make up the pair, the thin portion 120A generates heat, and the entire periphery of the sidewall 60 of the chamber 50, which is surrounded by the silver layer 122, is heated by thermal conduction via the silver layer 122.

[0084] In particular, the thin portion 120A, which generates heat as power is supplied to the conductor 120, is disposed only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62 of the sidewall portion 60 of the chamber 50 (via the silver layer 122 and the insulating layer 124). Therefore, the heating portion 40 included in the atomizing unit 30 is able to heat the contact portion 62 to a higher temperature than the separation portion 66. As described above, the consumable product 200 inserted into the chamber 50 comes into contact with and is pressed against the contact portion 62 of the sidewall portion 60, while a gap 67 is formed between the contact portion 62 and the separation portion 66. Therefore, this configuration of the heating portion 40 is advantageous in that it can heat the contact portion 62 to a higher temperature than the separation portion 66.

[0085] 8, depending on the configuration of the heating unit 40, the chamber 50 is divided along the longitudinal direction into a heated portion 50A that is heated and a non-heated portion 50B that is not heated. The portion of the chamber 50 that corresponds to the location where the thin portion 120A of the conductor 120 extends is the heated portion 50A, and the other portion is the non-heated portion 50B. In other words, the main body portion 120B of the conductor 120 extends over the non-heated portion 50B.

[0086] 3B , the tip of the consumable product 200 is filled with a first filler 411 instead of a flavor source, and a flavor generating section 420 configured by wrapping a flavor source 421 in wrapping paper 422 is located downstream of the first filler 411. The heated section 50A of the chamber 50 described above may be located in a position suitable for heating the flavor source 421 of the consumable product 200.

[0087] 9 and 10, details of power supply to the heating unit 40 in the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the chamber 50 is properly pressed into the inside of the mount 130. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a comparative example of the heating unit 40 in which a solder fixing unit 126 is provided instead of the current-carrying unit 120C in Fig. 8.

[0088] FIG. 9 shows the chamber 50 as viewed from the negative Y-axis direction (i.e., as viewed from the front of the flavor inhaler 100), and therefore the outer surface 66b of the separation portion 66 of the side wall portion 60 is visible in the center. The outer surfaces 62b of the two contact portions 62 are slightly visible on the right and left sides of the outer surface 66b of the separation portion 66 in FIG. 9 . Therefore, the insulating layer 124 and the conductor 120 disposed on the outer surface 66b of the separation portion 66 are not clearly shown in FIG. 9 . However, FIG. 9 merely shows the combination of the heating unit 40 and the chamber 50 shown in FIG. 8 from a different angle (specifically, rotated 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis). For ease of explanation, FIG. 9 also shows the gasket 36 above the chamber 50, which constitutes a mechanism connecting the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34.

[0089] FIG. 9 shows the mount 130. The mount 130 is configured to include electrodes 132A and 132B facing each other around the sidewall 60 of the chamber 50, an upper support portion 134, current-carrying wires 136A and 136B, and a lower support portion 138. The electrodes 132A and 132B are held to the inner wall of the mount 130 via corresponding springs (not shown, but hidden inside the mount 130 in FIG. 9). The current-carrying wires 136A and 136B are electrically connected to the power supply 21 via the substrate 82 (see FIG. 4). With this configuration, power from the power supply 21 is supplied to the electrodes 132A and 132B via the current-carrying wires 136A and 136B and current-carrying wires (not shown) inside the mount 130.

[0090] The upper holding portion 134 is for stably holding the chamber 50 inside the mount 130, and the lower holding portion 138 is for stably fixing the mount 130 to the lower structure of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0091] When the chamber 50 is properly pressed into the mount 130, the upper holding portion 134 of the mount 130 contacts the bottom 56 of the chamber 50, and the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 of the sidewall 60 of the chamber 50 presses against a spring (not shown) located inside the mount 130. The repulsive force of the pressed spring causes the electrodes 132A and 132B to abut against the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. This is the situation shown in FIG. 9. In particular, in this case, the electrodes 132A and 132B of the mount 130 abut against the current-carrying portion 120C of the conductor 120 shown in FIG. 8. In other words, the portion of the main body 120B of the conductor 120 where the electrodes 132A and 132B abut is referred to as the current-carrying portion 120C. In this embodiment, contact between electrodes 132A and 132B and current-carrying portion 120C allows power to be supplied from power source 21 to heating portion 40 of atomization unit 30, making it possible to heat consumable product 200 inserted into chamber 50. Furthermore, contact between the tip of upper holding portion 134 of mount 130 and bottom portion 56 of chamber 50 prevents chamber 50 from moving further in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a comparative example that does not employ a mechanism for abutting electrodes 132A and 132B against current-carrying unit 120C using the repulsive force of a spring as shown in Fig. 9. In this case, as shown in Fig. 10, a solder-fixed unit 126 is provided instead of current-carrying unit 120C. Solder-fixed unit 126 is where electrodes 132A and 132B are soldered to main body 120B of conductor 120. In the comparative example of Fig. 10, instead of a pressing mechanism using the repulsive force of a spring, electrodes 132A and 132B are fixed to main body 120B of conductor 120 by soldering, thereby realizing power supply from power source 21 to heating unit 40 of atomization unit 30.

[0093] In contrast to the comparative example of FIG. 10 , the configurations shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 allow the power supply mechanism to the heating unit 40 to be established simply by pushing the chamber 50 into the mount 130, simplifying the manufacture of the flavor inhaler 100. Specifically, the laborious task of soldering or other internal work is eliminated. Furthermore, contact using a biasing mechanism made of elastic material is more stable than electrical contact made by soldering. Additionally, the configurations shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 offer the following advantages over the comparative example of FIG. 10 : (1) They prevent the possibility of damaging other components due to incorrect soldering. (For example, solder may come into contact with the heating unit during soldering, causing a change in resistance, or solder may come into contact with an insulating layer, resulting in insulation breakdown.) (2) After soldering a lead wire to the conductor 120, accidentally pulling the lead wire may cause the soldered portion to come off, potentially damaging the conductor 120. (3) If the conductor 120 is made of a material that is difficult to solder, soldering may be impossible in the first place. (4) If solder gets on an unexpected location, the current path changes and the thin portion 120A of the conductor 120 no longer functions as a heating portion.

[0094] (Modifications of Heating Unit) The heating unit included in atomization unit 30 is not limited to the configuration (printed heater) shown in Fig. 8, but can also be configured as a film heater as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the details of the configuration of heating unit 140 as a film heater. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing chamber 50 in which heating unit 140 as a film heater is provided around the chamber 50 instead of heating unit 40 shown in Fig. 8.

[0095] 11 , the heating unit 140 is configured to include a first insulating layer 210, a conductor 240, a second insulating layer 220, and an adhesive layer 230. The first insulating layer 210 and the second insulating layer 220 are films that sandwich the conductor 240. The adhesive layer 230 is adhered to the first insulating layer 210 and fixes the heating unit 140 to the side wall 60 of the chamber 50 (i.e., the outer surfaces 62 b of the pair of contact portions 62 and the outer surfaces 66 b of the pair of spacing portions 66).

[0096] The conductor 240 includes a bent portion 240A and a current-carrying portion 240B. The bent portion 240A is slender and generates heat due to Joule heat when a current flows through the conductor 240. The current-carrying portion 240B is configured to have a lower electrical resistance than the bent portion 240A, and the electrodes 132A and 132B come into contact with a portion of the bent portion 240B when the chamber 50 is pressed into the mount 130. Directly above the contact points of the current-carrying portion 240B with the electrodes 132A and 132B, a current-carrying opening 222 is provided in the second insulating layer 220, so that electrical contact between the electrodes 132A and 132B and the conductor 240 is not impeded. Because the current-carrying portion 240B has a low electrical resistance, it essentially functions solely as a power path when a current flows through the conductor 240. The bent portion 240A can also be configured to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the conductive portion 240B. Similar to the cross-sectional area of ​​the thin-walled portion 120 in FIG. 8 , the bent portion 240A is folded back by bending, and therefore, when cut in a cross section parallel to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction), multiple separated regions of the thin-walled portion 120A are included. Only one of these regions is the "cross-sectional area of ​​the bent portion 240A," and the areas of these regions are not the sum of the total. As described above with respect to the "cross-sectional area of ​​the thin-walled portion 120A," the "cross-sectional area of ​​the bent portion 240A" in this embodiment excludes localized anomalies due to manufacturing limitations. The bent portion 240A of the conductor 240 is an example of the heating element and first portion of the present disclosure, and the conductive portion 240B is an example of the power path portion and second portion of the present disclosure.

[0097] The conductor 240 is preferably configured in a shape suitable for heating the consumable item 200 inserted in the chamber 50. Specifically, since the heating section 140 does not have a thermally conductive member equivalent to the silver layer 122 in the heating section 40 of Fig. 8, it is preferable that the bent portion 240A extend so as to surround the outer periphery of the side wall section 60 of the chamber 50. On the other hand, it is preferable that the bent portion 240A extend more over the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 than over the outer surface 66b of the separation portion 66, so that the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is heated intensively.

[0098] 12 shows an example of a conductor 240 constituting the heating unit 140 as a film heater. The current-carrying portion 240B of the conductor 240 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50 (via the adhesive layer 230 and the first insulating layer 210), and a portion of the current-carrying portion 240B is exposed from the second insulating layer 220 via the current-carrying opening 222. When the chamber 50 is properly pressed against the mount 130, the tip of the upper holding portion 134 of the mount 130 comes into contact with the bottom 56 of the chamber 50, and a spring (not shown) located inside the mount 130 is pressed by the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 of the side wall portion 60 of the chamber 50, and the repulsive force of the pressed spring causes the electrodes 132A and 132B to abut against the corresponding locations of the current-carrying portion 240B. As in the case of the heating unit 40 shown in Figure 8, when the electrodes 132A and 132B come into contact with the corresponding locations of the conductive unit 240B, power is supplied from the power source 21 to the heating unit 140 of the atomization unit 30, making it possible to heat the consumable product 200 inserted into the chamber 50.

[0099] 12, the bent portion 240A of the conductor 240 extends so as to surround the outer periphery of the side wall portion 60 of the chamber 50, and extends further over the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 than over the outer surface 66b of the separation portion 66. As described above, such a configuration of the bent portion 240A is preferable in terms of efficient heating of the chamber 50 by the heating unit 40.

[0100] (Modifications of the Mount) The mount in the flavor inhaler 100 of the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the mount 130 shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, and other configurations may be employed. Hereinafter, modifications of the mount will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. Note that parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. FIG. 13 shows a modification of the configuration shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 shows an example of a mount that supplies power to the heating unit 140 near the opening 52 of the chamber 50. FIG. 15 shows another example of a mount that supplies power to the heating unit 140 near the opening 52 of the chamber 50. Note that although FIGS. 13 to 15 show the heating unit 140 as the film heater shown in FIG. 12 as an example of the heating unit, this is merely an example. The modifications of the mount shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 may also be consistent with the configuration of the heating unit 40 (printed heater) shown in FIG. 8.

[0101] FIG. 13 shows a mount 250 that includes a third electrode 132C on the negative Y-axis direction side (the front side of the flavor inhaler 100), instead of the mount 130 shown in FIG. 12. Like the electrodes 132A and 132B, the third electrode 132C is held in place by a spring (not shown) located inside the mount 130 and corresponding to the electrode 132C. The configuration of the heating unit 140 is also modified to match the configuration of the mount 250. Specifically, the conductor 240 includes two current-carrying portions 240B disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50, as well as an additional current-carrying portion 240B facing the third electrode 132C. Furthermore, the configuration of the bent portion 240A of the conductor 240 is appropriately modified so as to be suitable for heating the consumable product 200 inserted into the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 13, the number of electrodes in the present disclosure is not limited to two, but may be three or any other appropriate number.

[0102] 9 , 12 , and 13 , the electrodes abut against current-carrying portion 120C or current-carrying portion 240B disposed on sidewall portion 60 near bottom 56 of chamber 50. However, the electrode configuration of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Specifically, as exemplified by mount 260 shown in FIG. 14 and mount 270 shown in FIG. 15 , the mount configuration may be changed so that electrodes 132A and 132B face sidewall portion 60 near opening 52 of chamber 50. In this case, the position of current-carrying portion 240B is also changed to match the position of the electrodes, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 .

[0103] (Manufacturing Method) The flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be manufactured as follows: First, a chamber 50 configured to be able to accommodate the consumable product 200 is manufactured. Next, a heating unit is disposed around the side wall portion 60 of the chamber 50.

[0104] Specifically, in the case of the heating unit 40 (Printed Heater) shown in Fig. 8, a silver layer 122 is provided to cover the side wall 60 of the chamber 50, an insulating layer 124 is provided on the silver layer 122 on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62, and the conductor 120 is placed on the insulating layer 124. In the case of the heating unit 140 as a film heater shown in Fig. 12, the conductor 240 is sandwiched between a first insulating layer 210 and a second insulating layer, and then an adhesive layer 230 is adhered to the first insulating layer 210 to fix the heating unit 140 to the side wall 60 of the chamber 50.

[0105] A mount 130 is prepared, which can receive one end (bottom 56) of the chamber 50 and hold the chamber 50 so as not to move along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100, and which has electrodes 132A and 132B each held on its inner wall via a spring (not shown) located inside. The bottom 56 side of the chamber is then pressed into the inside of the mount 130, and the spring is biased so that the electrodes 132A and 132B of the mount 130 abut against the current-carrying portion 120C or the current-carrying portion 240B. In this manner, the configurations shown in Figures 9 and 12 can be formed.

[0106] (Operation of the Present Embodiment) In the present embodiment, the main body 120B, which supplies power to the thin portion 120A of the conductor 120, or the current-carrying portion 240B, which supplies power to the bent portion 240A of the conductor 240, is disposed around the sidewall 60 of the chamber 50, which houses the consumable product 200 containing the flavor source 421, and the electrode 132A (132B), which is biased by a spring (not shown) located inside the mount 130, abuts against the current-carrying portion 120C or the current-carrying portion 240B. Furthermore, the configurations shown in Figures 8 and 9 have the advantages (1) to (4) described above over the comparative example in Figure 10. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a stable power supply to the thin portion 120A or the bent portion 240A can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0107] In this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 includes a conductor 120 (240), a thin portion 120A (bent portion 240A) of the conductor 120 (240) that generates heat when power is supplied, a main body 120B (conductive portion 240B) that functions as a power path, and the thin portion 120A (bent portion 240A) that has a higher electrical resistance than the main body 120B (conductive portion 240B). Thus, according to this embodiment, the main body 120B (conductive portion 240B) functions as a power path arranged around the sidewall 60 of the chamber 50, and the thin portion 120A (bent portion 240A) functions as a heating element, thereby providing a combination of a heating element and a power path portion with a simple configuration.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thin-walled portion 120A (bent portion 240A) of the conductor 120 (240) has a smaller cross-sectional area than the main body portion 120B (current-carrying portion 240B). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the electrical resistance of the thin-walled portion 120A (bent portion 240A) is greater than that of the main body portion 120B (current-carrying portion 240B), and it is guaranteed that greater heat will be generated by Joule heat when power is supplied, so that the thin-walled portion 120A (bent portion 240A) of the conductor 120 (240) functions appropriately as a heating element.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thin-walled portion 120A (bent portion 240A) of the conductor 120 (240) that heats the consumable product 200 is disposed on the outer surface of the chamber 50 that accommodates the consumable product 200. In other words, a peripheral heating type heating element is provided. When a central heating type heating element is employed in the flavor inhaler 100, the consumable product 200 is inserted from the tip of the heating blade, and therefore the contact point between the electrode and the power path portion is limited to the bottom surface of the heating element. On the other hand, when a peripheral heating type heating element is employed, even if the electrode is disposed higher in the flavor inhaler 100, it does not prevent the insertion of the consumable product 200. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the use of a peripheral heating type heating element increases the degree of freedom in the design of the housing of the flavor inhaler 100, which can contribute to, for example, miniaturization of the entire device.

[0110] In this embodiment, the chamber 50 is divided along the longitudinal direction into a heated portion 50A corresponding to the thin-walled portion 120A (bent portion 240A) and a non-heated portion 50B corresponding to the power path portion. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the flavor source 421 of the consumable product 200 is disposed in the heated portion 50A, and the portion of the consumable product that does not need to be heated is positioned in the non-heated portion 50B, thereby enabling efficient heating of the consumable product 200.

[0111] In this embodiment, electrode 132A (132B) is biased by a spring (not shown) located inside mount 130 to contact current-carrying portion 120C or current-carrying portion 240B. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the electrode can be stably brought into contact with the power path with a simple configuration.

[0112] In a modification of this embodiment, the three electrodes 132A, 132B, and 132C are energized and contact the corresponding current-carrying portions 240B (see FIG. 13). When the three electrodes are electrically connected to the corresponding current-carrying portions 240B, the configuration of the circuit including the three electrodes 132A, 132B, and 132C and multiple heating portions (for example, the two thin-walled portions 120A arranged on the outer surfaces 62b of the opposing contact portions 62 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) is not limited to a series circuit, and a parallel circuit can be configured. If there is a difference in the electrical resistance values ​​of the two thin-walled portions 120A, a difference in the heating temperatures of the two thin-walled portions 120A will occur in the series circuit. Specifically, W=I２ According to the relationship between R (W [J]: power, I [A]: current, R [Ω]: electrical resistance), the heat generation amount of the thin portion 120A with a large electrical resistance value is large. On the other hand, if two thin portions 120A are arranged in parallel circuits with different paths, different amounts of current (I １ , I ２ ) flows, and for each path, W １ =I １ ２ R １ , W ２ =I ２ ２ R ２ Immediately after the start of energization, the thin-walled portion 120A (R １ A large amount of current I １ is playing and R １ generates a large amount of heat, but then, due to the relationship between the temperature coefficient of resistance, R １ As a result, the resistance value of the other thin portion 120A (R ２ ) is arranged in a path with a lot of current I ２ will start to flow, and R ２ generates a large amount of heat. By repeating this process, the heat generation amounts of the two thin-walled portions 120A are equalized, and the temperature difference between them is eliminated. Strictly speaking, even in the case where the mount 130 as shown in FIG. 9 has only two electrodes, 132A and 132B, it is possible to realize a parallel circuit by devising the wiring. In this case, however, the wiring becomes quite complicated. Therefore, according to a modification of this embodiment, it is possible to equalize the heat generation of multiple heating units by using a parallel circuit that is easy to design.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of electrodes 132A and 132B arranged to face each other around the outer surface of the accommodation portion are biased to abut against current-carrying portion 120C or current-carrying portion 240B arranged around the outer surface of chamber 50. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the pair of opposing electrodes 132A and 132B sandwich the outer surface of chamber 50, so that chamber 50 can be stably held.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chamber 50 that accommodates the consumable product 200 is held by the mount 130 so as to be restricted from moving along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the consumable product 200 is inserted into the chamber 50 that is restricted from moving in the longitudinal direction, so that the user can recognize the limit of insertion when inserting the consumable product 200, and the user is prevented from pushing the consumable product 200 too far.

[0115] In this embodiment, the chamber 50 that houses the consumable product 200 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a chamber 50 that is suitable for the shape of the cylindrical flavor inhaler 100.

[0116] In this embodiment, the chamber 50 that houses the consumable product 200 has a sidewall 60, which has an arc-shaped separation portion 66 and a flat contact portion 62 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and the main body portion 120B (current-carrying portion 240B) of the conductor 120 (240) that contacts the electrode 132A (132B) is disposed on the contact portion 62. When the main body portion 120B (current-carrying portion 240B) that contacts the electrode 132A (132B) is disposed on the flat contact portion 62, the contact area between the electrode 132A (132B) and the main body portion 120B (current-carrying portion 240B) is larger than when it is disposed on the arc-shaped separation portion 66, and electrical contact is more stable. Furthermore, when the consumable product 200 is inserted into the chamber 50, the flat contact portion 62 compresses the consumable product 200, improving thermal conductivity within the consumable product 200. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by making the side wall portion 60 of the chamber 50 have a non-uniform distance from the contained consumable product 200, it is possible to position the side wall portion 60 in a manner that is suitable for heating the consumable product 200.

[0117] In a modification of this embodiment, the chamber 50 that houses the consumable product 200 has an opening 52 through which the consumable product 200 is inserted and a bottom 56 located on the opposite side of the opening 52, and the main body 120B (current-carrying portion 240B) of the conductor 120 (240) is positioned closer to the opening 52 than the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. Therefore, according to this modification of the embodiment, it is possible to supply power to the thin-walled portion 120A (bent portion 240A) of the conductor 120 (240) above the chamber 50, rather than below.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 120B (current-carrying portion 240B) that supplies power to the thin-walled portion 120A (bent portion 240A) of the conductor 120 (240) is disposed around the side wall 60 of the chamber 50 that contains the consumable product 200, and the energized electrode 132A (132B) abuts against the main body 120B (current-carrying portion 240B). Thus, this embodiment provides a flavor inhalation system that can stably supply power to the heating element with a simple configuration.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the consumable product 200 including the flavor source 421 is housed in the chamber 50, the flavor source 421 is arranged in parallel with the thin-walled portion 120A (bent portion 240A) of the conductor 120 (240) along the longitudinal direction. Therefore, this embodiment can provide a flavor inhalation system having a heating element arranged at a position suitable for heating the flavor source 421.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by pressing the bottom 56 side of the chamber 50, around which the conductor 120 (240) is arranged, into the mount 130 equipped with the electrodes 132A and 132B, the electrodes 132A and 132B are urged to abut against the main body 120B (current-carrying portion 240B) of the conductor 120 (240). Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler 100 that can stably supply power to the heating element with a simple configuration.

[0121] In this embodiment, a spring (not shown) disposed in the mount 130 biases the electrodes 132A and 132B so that they contact the main body 120B (current-carrying portion 240B) of the conductor 120 (240). Therefore, this embodiment provides a flavor inhaler 100 that can stably supply power to the heating element with a simple configuration of a biasing mechanism using a spring.

[0122] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas 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 ideas of the present disclosure as long as it achieves the effects of the present disclosure.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising: a housing that houses a flavor source; a heating element that heats the flavor source; a power path portion that is disposed around an outer surface of the housing and supplies power to the heating element; and an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to be energized to abut against the power path portion.

[0124] (Supplementary Note 2) A second aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the first aspect, further comprising an electrical conductor, a first portion of the electrical conductor constituting the heating element and generating heat by power supplied from the power path portion, a second portion of the electrical conductor different from the first portion including the power path portion, and the first portion configured to have a larger electrical resistance than the second portion.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 3) A third aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the second aspect, wherein the first portion of the conductor is configured to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 4) A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heating element is disposed on the outer surface of the container.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 5) A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the storage section is divided into a heated section and a non-heated section along the longitudinal direction, the heated section is an area along the longitudinal direction that corresponds to the heating element, and the power path section is disposed in the non-heated section.

[0128] (Supplementary Note 6) A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the electrode is biased by an elastic material so as to come into contact with the power path portion.

[0129] (Supplementary Note 7) A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, which includes three or more of the electrodes.

[0130] (Supplementary Note 8) An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the seventh aspect, further comprising a pair of the electrodes arranged to face each other around the outer surface of the housing portion.

[0131] (Supplementary Note 9) A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the storage section is held so as to suppress movement along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.

[0132] (Supplementary Note 10) A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the storage section is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0133] (Appendix 11) An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the above-mentioned tenth aspect, wherein the storage portion includes a side wall portion, the side wall portion has an arc portion and a flat portion that are circumferentially adjacent to each other, and the power path portion is disposed on the flat portion.

[0134] (Appendix 12) A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the storage portion has an insertion end into which the flavor source is inserted and a bottom end located opposite the insertion end, and the power path portion is positioned so as to be closer to the insertion end than to the bottom end.

[0135] (Supplementary Note 13) A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a consumable material containing a flavor source and a flavor inhaler, wherein the flavor inhaler includes a housing that contains the flavor source, a heating element that heats the flavor source, a power path portion that is disposed around the outer surface of the housing and supplies power to the heating element, and an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to be energized to abut against the power path portion.

[0136] (Appendix 14) A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein when the consumable material is contained in the container, the flavor source is arranged in parallel with the heating element.

[0137] (Appendix 15) A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler, comprising: preparing a storage unit configured to be able to store a flavor source; arranging a heating element for heating the flavor source and a power path unit for supplying power to the heating element around the outer surface of the storage unit; preparing a holding unit equipped with an electrode, configured to receive one end of the storage unit closer to the power path unit than the heating element and to hold the storage unit so as not to move along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler; and pushing the one end side of the storage unit into the holding unit to urge the electrode of the holding unit into contact with the power path unit.

[0138] (Appendix 16) A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the electrode is biased to abut against the power path portion by an elastic material disposed in the holding portion.

[0139] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20...power supply unit 21...power supply 28...Bluetooth interface 30...atomization unit 32...heat insulation unit 34...insertion guide member 36...gasket 40...heating unit 50...chamber 50A...heated unit 50B...non-heated unit 52...opening 54...non-holding unit 56...bottom 58...first guide unit 58a...tapered surface 60...side wall unit 62...contact unit 62a...inner surface 62b...outer surface 66...separation unit 66a...inner surface 66b...outer surface 67...air gap 70...heat diffusion sleeve 80...control unit 82...substrate 100...flavor inhaler 102...housing 104...upper housing 106...lower housing 108...sliding cover 110...opening 120...conductor 120A...thin-walled unit 120B...main unit 120C...Conductive portion 122...Silver layer 124...Insulating layer 126...Solder fixing portion 130...Mount 132A...Electrode 132B...Electrode 132C...Third electrode 134...Upper holding portion 136A...Conductive wire 136B...Conductive wire 138...Lower holding portion 140...Heating portion 200...Consumable item 210...First insulating layer 212...First inner plug wrap 220...Second insulating layer 222...Conductive opening 230...Adhesive layer 240...Conductor 240A...Bent portion 240B...Conductive portion 250...Mount 260...Mount 270...Mount 312...Tip plug 330...Downstream portion 332...Hollow tube portion 411...First filler 411...First filler 412...First inner plug wrap 420...Flavor generating section 421...Flavor source 422...Wrapping paper 440...Hollow filter 441...Filter material 442...Third inner plug wrap 450...Filter plug 451...Second filler 452...Second inner plug wrap 460...Outer plug wrap 465...Second connecting body 470...Tipping paper 480...Outer plug wrap 485...First connecting body vf...Ventilation hole

Claims

1. An aroma attractor comprising: a housing portion for housing an aroma source; a heating element for heating the aroma source; a power path portion disposed around an outer surface of the housing portion for supplying power to the heating element; and an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to be biased into contact with the power path portion.

2. The aroma attractor according to claim 1, further comprising a conductor, wherein a first portion of the conductor forms the heating element and generates heat by power supplied from the power path portion, a second portion of the conductor different from the first portion includes the power path portion, and the first portion is configured to have a greater electrical resistance than the second portion.

3. The aroma attractor according to claim 2, wherein the first portion of the conductor is configured to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion.

4. The aroma attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating element is disposed on the outer surface of the housing portion.

5. The aroma attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing portion is divided along a longitudinal direction into a heated portion and a non-heated portion, the heated portion is a region corresponding to the heating element along the longitudinal direction, and the power path portion is disposed in the non-heated portion.

6. The aroma attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrode is biased by an elastic material into contact with the power path portion.

7. The aroma attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising three or more of the electrodes.

8. The aroma attractor according to claim 7, comprising a pair of the electrodes disposed to face each other around the outer surface of the housing portion.

9. The aroma attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing portion is held so as to be restricted from moving along the longitudinal direction of the aroma attractor.

10. The aroma attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing portion is formed in a cylindrical shape.

11. The aroma attractor according to claim 10, wherein the housing portion includes a side wall portion, the side wall portion has arc portions and flat portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and the power path portion is disposed on the flat portions.

12. The housing portion includes an insertion end portion into which the fragrance source is inserted and a bottom end portion located on the side opposite to the insertion end portion, and the power path portion is arranged closer to the insertion end portion than the bottom end portion. The fragrance suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A fragrance suction system including a consumable material containing a fragrance source and a fragrance suction device, wherein the fragrance suction device includes a housing portion for housing the fragrance source, a heating element for heating the fragrance source, a power path portion arranged around the outer surface of the housing portion for supplying power to the heating element, and an electrode, and the electrode is configured to be biased to contact the power path portion. The fragrance suction system.

14. When the consumable material is housed in the housing portion, the fragrance source is arranged in parallel with the heating element. The fragrance suction system according to claim 13.

15. A method for manufacturing a fragrance suction device, including preparing a housing portion configured to be able to house a fragrance source, arranging a heating element for heating the fragrance source and a power path portion for supplying power to the heating element around the outer surface of the housing portion, receiving one end portion of the housing portion closer to the power path portion than the heating element, and preparing a holding portion having an electrode and configured to be able to hold the housing portion so as not to move along the longitudinal direction of the fragrance suction device, and pushing the one end portion side of the housing portion into the holding portion to bias the electrode of the holding portion to contact the power path portion. The method for manufacturing a fragrance suction device.

16. The electrode is biased to contact the power path portion by an elastic material arranged in the holding portion. The method for manufacturing a fragrance suction device according to claim 15.

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