Flavor inhaler

Abstract

This flavor inhaler comprises: a first housing that includes an accommodation part for accommodating a consumable and that has a first longitudinal axis; and a second housing that is connected to the first housing and has a second longitudinal axis. The first housing is configured to rotate about a rotational axis orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis, and to be movable between a first position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are parallel, and a second position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis intersect. The flavor inhaler is configured to be able to heat the consumable when the first housing is in the first position and when the first housing is in the second position.

Description

Fragrance attractor

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[0008] , ,

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a fragrance attractor.

[0002] Conventionally, a device that generates an aerosol or the like by heating a material without burning the material containing a fragrance source is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7350996

[0004] In the fragrance attractor of Patent Document 1, since the angle of the consumable with respect to the fragrance attractor cannot be adjusted, it is impossible to smoke with the consumable facing the user's preferred angle.

[0005] One of the objects of the present invention is to enable arbitrary adjustment of the angle of the consumable in the fragrance attractor.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a fragrance attractor is provided. This fragrance attractor includes a housing portion for accommodating a consumable, a first housing having a first longitudinal axis, and a second housing connected to the first housing and having a second longitudinal axis. The first housing is configured to rotate about a rotation axis orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis and is movable between a first position where the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are parallel and a second position where the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis intersect. The fragrance attractor is configured to heat the consumable when the first housing is in the first position and when the first housing is in the second position.

[0007] According to the first aspect, since the fragrance attractor can be used in either the first position or the second position, the angle of the consumable can be arbitrarily adjusted to provide a usage mode preferred by the user.

[0008] When the first housing is in the first position, the first housing may protrude from the second housing when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis. <00S0017>

[0009] In this case, the length along the second longitudinal axis of the flavor inhaler is ensured to facilitate user handling, and the protruding portion of the first housing can be operated to easily rotate the first housing.

[0010] The first housing, when the first housing is in the first position, has a first portion that protrudes from the second housing when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, and a second portion whose position along the first longitudinal axis overlaps with that of the second housing, wherein the length of the second portion along the first longitudinal axis may be shorter than the length of the first portion.

[0011] In this case, the length of the overlapping portion between the first and second housings can be kept from increasing, making the flavor inhaler smaller. Furthermore, the protruding length of the first housing can be ensured, allowing the first housing to be easily rotated.

[0012] When the first housing is in the first position, it may be positioned such that, with respect to the first longitudinal axis, the first housing does not protrude from the inside of the outer edge of the second housing.

[0013] In this case, since the first housing does not protrude from the second housing when viewed from the first longitudinal axis, the flavor inhaler can be made smaller, making it easier to store the flavor inhaler in a bag, and preventing the first housing from getting caught on the bag and rotating unexpectedly.

[0014] The flavor inhaler may have a latch structure configured to allow the first housing to rotate and maintain it in a predetermined position.

[0015] In this case, the first housing can be kept in a position preferred by the user.

[0016] The latch structure may include an engaged portion provided on one of the first housing and the second housing, and an engaging portion provided on the other of the first housing and the second housing that engages with the engaged portion and a biasing member that biases the engaging portion toward the engaged portion.

[0017] In this case, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, and the engaged state is maintained by the biasing member, thereby allowing the first housing to be maintained in the user's preferred position.

[0018] The flavor inhaler may have a sealing portion that seals the space between the first housing and the second housing.

[0019] In this case, when there is an opening between the first housing and the second housing that communicates with the inside of these housings, it is possible to prevent liquids, debris, etc. from entering such an opening.

[0020] The flavor inhaler includes a heating unit disposed within the first housing and configured to heat the consumables, a control unit disposed within the second housing and configured to control the heating unit, and a connecting unit electrically connecting the heating unit and the control unit, wherein the connecting unit may be sealed within the first and second housings by the sealing unit.

[0021] In this case, it is possible to prevent liquids, debris, etc. from coming into contact with the connection point.

[0022] The sealing portion may be arranged in a ring shape so as to surround the rotating shaft.

[0023] In this case, contact between the rotating shaft and liquids or debris can be suppressed. Furthermore, the sealing portion generates frictional force between the first housing and the second housing, allowing the first housing, which rotates around the rotating shaft, to be maintained in the user's preferred position.

[0024] The housing portion comprises a side wall portion, an opening formed at one end of the side wall portion, and a bottom portion disposed at the other end of the side wall portion, wherein the bottom portion has a contact portion configured to contact the end face of the consumable when the consumable is placed in a desired position in the housing portion, and the housing portion may have a gap between the inner surface of the side wall portion and the consumable that communicates with the opening of the housing portion and the end face of the consumable when the end face of the consumable is in contact with the contact portion.

[0025] In this case, there is no need to provide an opening at the bottom of the storage compartment to allow air in, thus preventing flavors or aerosols generated from consumables from leaking out through such openings.

[0026] The side wall portion has a pressing portion that presses a part of the consumable when the consumable is placed in a desired position in the housing portion, and a non-pressing portion that is circumferentially adjacent to the pressing portion, and the gap may be located between the inner surface of the non-pressing portion and the consumable.

[0027] In this case, the consumable is in substantial contact with the inner surface of the pressing part, so the consumable can be held securely in the housing part, and if the heating part is provided on the side wall of the consumable, heat from the heating part can be efficiently transferred to the consumable.

[0028] The first housing may have an opening that communicates with the storage section for receiving the consumables, and a lid that can open and close the opening.

[0029] In this case, closing the lid when the flavor suction device is not in use can prevent dust and other debris from entering the first housing and storage compartment through the opening.

[0030] The flavor inhaler may have an insulating material that at least partially surrounds the housing.

[0031] In this case, when the user rotates the position of the first housing, etc., it is possible to suppress the user from feeling uncomfortable due to the heat generated by the consumables housed in the housing.

[0032] This figure shows the flavor suction system according to this embodiment. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the consumables. This is a schematic perspective view of the flavor suction device when the first housing is in the first position. This is a cross-sectional view of the flavor suction device at the line 4-4 shown by arrow 4 in Figure 3. This is a schematic perspective view of the flavor suction device when the first housing is in the second position. This is a schematic perspective view of the flavor suction device with the lid open. This is a schematic plan view of the flavor suction device as seen from the first longitudinal axis. This shows a perspective view of the housing section. This shows a cross-sectional view of the housing section at the line 9-9 shown by arrow 9 in Figure 8. This shows a cross-sectional view of the housing section at the line 10-10 shown by arrow 10 in Figure 9.

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the flavor inhalation system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the flavor inhalation system 1000 includes a non-combustion heating type consumable 100 and a flavor inhaler 200. The flavor inhalation system 1000 has a heating unit 40 that heats the outer circumference of the flavor generating segment of the consumable 100, which will be described later. In the illustrated example, the heating unit 40 is provided on the flavor inhaler 200. The air inhaled by the user is guided into the user's oral cavity in the order of, for example, airflow A1, airflow A2, and airflow A3. That is, the flavor inhalation system 1000 shown in Figure 1 has a so-called counterflow type airflow channel. Therefore, with the flavor inhalation system 1000, the heating unit 40 can heat the outer circumference of the flavor generating segment, which will be described later, so that the aerosol and flavor generated in the flavor generating segment can be provided to the user via the airflow channel.

[0034] As described later, the consumable 100 has a flavor-generating segment containing an aerosol source and a flavor source, and has, for example, a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The consumable 100 may be, for example, a tobacco stick. However, it is not limited to this, and the consumable 100 may have a cylindrical shape, a columnar shape with a polygonal cross-section, or a flattened shape.

[0035] The flavor inhaler 200 includes a battery 10, a control unit 20, a housing unit 30, and a heating unit 40. The battery 10 stores the power used by the flavor inhaler 200. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0036] The heating unit 40 is a heating element that generates heat, i.e., its temperature rises, due to power from the battery 10. In the illustrated example, the heating unit 40 is a heater located in the flavor inhaler 200. The heater is located outside the housing unit 30 and is configured to heat the consumables 100 housed in the housing unit 30 from the outside. Thus, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the flavor inhaler 200 is an external heating type heating device. The heating unit 40 may be, for example, a film heater having a conductive track and a pair of polyimide films sandwiching it, arranged along the side wall of the housing unit 30. The heating unit 40 may also include a susceptor and an induction coil configured to inductively heat the susceptor. In that case, the susceptor may constitute the housing unit 30 itself, may be located inside the flavor generating segment of the consumables 100 (described later), or may be a separate component from the housing unit 30 that surrounds the outer surface of the housing unit 30.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, when the consumable 100 is properly inserted into the housing 30 of the flavor suction device 200, a portion of the consumable 100 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor suction device 200. The consumable 100 is electrically heated by the flavor suction device 200. The heating temperature is not particularly limited, but may be 200°C or higher, and preferably 250°C or higher. Also, this heating temperature may be 400°C or lower, and preferably 350°C or lower. The heating temperature here may be the temperature of the heating section 40 when the consumable 100 is inserted into the flavor suction device 200 and used, or the temperature of the flavor generating segment of the consumable 100, which will be described later.

[0038] The flavor inhaler 200 has a first housing 50 equipped with a housing section 30 for housing consumables 100, and a second housing 70 connected to the first housing 50. The specific configurations of the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 will be described later.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the consumable 100. The consumable 100 comprises an upstream segment 101 including a flavor generating segment 110 and a downstream segment 102 including at least a mouthpiece segment 120. The flavor generating segment 110 includes an aerosol source and a flavor source. The second tip paper 104 surrounds the flavor generating segment 110 and is configured to connect the flavor generating segment 110 and the downstream segment 102.

[0040] Preferably, the consumable 100 has an upstream portion 130 that abuts against the upstream end 110a of the flavor generating segment 110. In this case, the end of the flavor generating segment 110 is covered by the upstream portion 130, so that the flavor generating segment 110 does not fall off the consumable 100. In addition, leakage of vapor or aerosol generated by the flavor generating segment 110 to the upstream side of the flavor generating segment 110 can be suppressed. As shown in Figure 2, the upstream segment 101 comprises a flavor generating segment 110 that generates aerosol by heating, and an upstream portion 130.

[0041] The upstream section 130 is located at the tip of the consumable 100 and is configured to cover the end of the flavor generating segment 110. The upstream section 130 can be made of a material that is generally usable as a filter material for the consumable 100. Specifically, for example, the upstream section 130 may be paper, plastic film, cellulose acetate, or nonwoven fabric. The upstream section 130 is preferably paper. The length of the upstream section 130 in the longitudinal direction may be 1 mm or more, or 10 mm or less. Any additional members may be provided on the upstream side of the upstream section 130.

[0042] The downstream segment 102 preferably has an intermediate segment 140 and a mouthpiece segment 120 disposed on the downstream side of the intermediate segment 140. The mouthpiece segment 120 may have a hollow segment 120a and a filter segment 120b. In a more specific example, the consumable 100 has, in order from the tip side (i.e., the side opposite to the suction port), an upstream portion 130, a flavor generating segment 110, an intermediate segment 140, a hollow segment 120a, and a filter segment 120b. These five parts are covered by a trumpet. In particular, each part is connected to each other by a first chip paper 103 and a second chip paper 104, at least a part of which is located in the outermost layer.

[0043] As shown in the figure, ventilation V1 may be provided in the intermediate segment 140 in the circumferential direction and concentrically. Also, when the ventilation V1 existing concentrically is regarded as one group of apertures, the group of apertures may be one or two or more.

[0044] The flavor source may contain at least one of a tobacco raw material and a non-tobacco raw material. In this case, not only tobacco but also other plant materials and the like can be used for the flavor source, so that various flavors can be provided. The tobacco raw material is a raw material derived from tobacco, and specifically includes ground dried tobacco leaves or leaf tobacco pulverized matter. The leaf tobacco pulverized matter is particles obtained by pulverizing leaf tobacco. As the non-tobacco raw material, for example, plants used as herbs or spices can be used. Specific examples of plants used as herbs or spices include dill seed, rosemary, star anise, clove, oregano, ginger, chamomile, and the like.

[0045] The aerosol source is a material that is vaporized by heating and cooled to generate an aerosol or a material that generates an aerosol by atomization. Known materials can be used as the aerosol source, and examples thereof include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0046] As described above, in conventional flavor inhalers, the angle of the consumables relative to the flavor inhaler could not be adjusted, so it was not possible to smoke the consumables with the user's preferred angle. Therefore, the flavor inhaler 200 of this embodiment allows the angle of the first housing 50 relative to the second housing 70 to be arbitrarily adjusted. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the flavor inhaler 200 when the first housing 50 is in the first position. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 200 in the direction of arrow 4-4 shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the flavor inhaler 200 when the first housing 50 is in the second position. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first housing 50 has a first longitudinal axis AX1, and the second housing 70 has a second longitudinal axis AX2. The first longitudinal axis AX1 may be an axis along the direction of extension of the longest side of the first housing 50, or it may be an axis along the direction of insertion of the consumables 100 into the housing 30. The second longitudinal axis AX2 may be an axis along the direction of extension of the longest side of the second housing 70, or it may be an axis along the direction adjacent to the control unit 20 and the battery 10 as shown in Figure 1.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the fragrance suction device 200 has a rotating shaft 44 extending in a direction orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis AX2. The rotating shaft 44 penetrates through the first housing 50, and both ends thereof are supported by the second housing 70. Thereby, the rotating shaft 44 rotatably supports the first housing 50 with respect to the second housing 70. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the fragrance suction device 200 includes a heating unit 40 disposed in the first housing 50 and configured to heat the consumable 100, and a control unit 20 disposed in the second housing 70 and configured to control the heating unit 40. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 4, the fragrance suction device 200 has a connection part 42 that electrically connects the heating unit 40 and the control unit 20. The connection part 42 can be, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The first housing 50 and the second housing 70 each have a first passage 51 and a second passage 71 for the connection part 42 to pass through. Specifically, the connection part 42 connects to the heating unit 在本文中,接続部42の制御部20側の部分は図示省略されている。 40 inside the first housing 50, extends inside the second housing 70 through the first passage 51 and the second passage 71, and connects to the control unit 20. In FIG. 4, the portion of the connection part 42 on the control unit 20 side is not shown.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first housing 50 is configured to be movable between a first position (see FIG. 3) where the first longitudinal axis AX1 and the second longitudinal axis AX2 are parallel and the first housing 50 rotates about the rotating shaft 44, and a second position (see FIG. 5) where the first longitudinal axis AX1 and the second longitudinal axis AX2 intersect. The second position is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 5, but can be any position where the first longitudinal axis AX1 and the second longitudinal axis AX2 intersect. The rotating shaft 44 extends so as to be orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis AX1 and the second longitudinal axis AX2 regardless of whether the first housing 50 is in the first position or the second position.

[0049] Furthermore, the flavor inhaler 200 is configured to heat the consumable 100 when the first housing 50 is in the first position and when the first housing 50 is in the second position. That is, regardless of whether the flavor inhaler 200 is in the state shown in Figure 3 or the state shown in Figure 5, the heating unit 40 heats the consumable 100 to provide the user with flavor or aerosol. As a result, the flavor inhaler 200 can be used in either the first or second position, and the angle of the consumable 100 can be adjusted arbitrarily to provide the user with their preferred usage method.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, when the first housing 50 is in the first position, it is preferable that the first housing 50 protrudes from the second housing 70 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis AX1 (or the second longitudinal axis AX2). In this case, the length of the flavor inhaler 200 along the second longitudinal axis AX2 is ensured to facilitate user handling, and the protruding portion of the first housing 50 can be operated to easily rotate the first housing 50. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, when the first housing 50 is in the first position, it has a first portion 50a that protrudes from the second housing 70 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis AX1, and a second portion 50b whose position along the first longitudinal axis AX1 coincides with that of the second housing 70. Here, it is preferable that the length of the second portion 50b along the first longitudinal axis AX1 is shorter than the length of the first portion 50a. In this case, the length of the overlapping portion between the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 can be kept from increasing, thereby miniaturizing the flavor inhaler 200. Furthermore, the protruding length of the first housing 50 can be ensured, allowing the first housing 50 to be easily rotated.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flavor inhaler 200 preferably has a latch structure 80 configured to rotatably maintain the first housing 50 in a predetermined position. In this case, the first housing 50 can be maintained in a position preferred by the user. Specifically, the latch structure 80 preferably has an engaged portion 80a provided on one of the first housing 50 and the second housing 70, and an engaging portion 80b provided on the other of the first housing and the second housing 70 that engages with the engaged portion 80a and a biasing member 80c that biases the engaging portion 80b toward the engaged portion 80a. In this case, the engaging portion 80b engages with the engaged portion 80a, and the engaged state is maintained by the biasing member 80c, thereby allowing the first housing 50 to be maintained in a position preferred by the user. In the illustrated example, the engaged portion 80a includes a plurality of recesses provided on the first housing 50. In the illustrated example, the engaging portion 80b is a pin member provided in the second housing 70, and the biasing member 80c is a spring that biases the pin member into the recess. The engaged portion 80a is not limited to the illustrated example and may be provided in the second housing 70 or may have a form other than a recess. Similarly, the engaging portion 80b and the biasing member 80c may be provided in the first housing 50 or may have a form other than a pin member and a spring.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, it is preferable that the flavor inhaler 200 has a sealing portion 46 that seals the space between the first housing 50 and the second housing 70. In this case, when there are openings between the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 that communicate with the inside of these housings, such as a first passage 51 and a second passage 71, it is possible to prevent liquids, debris, etc. from entering such openings. In the illustrated example, the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 each have a first passage 51 and a second passage 71 for the connecting portion 42 to pass through, so there is a risk that liquids, debris, etc. may enter the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 through the first passage 51 and the second passage 71. For this reason, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, it is preferable that the sealing portion 46 be arranged to surround the first passage 51 and the second passage 71. This prevents liquids, debris, etc. from entering the first passage 51 and the second passage 71. It is also preferable that the connecting portion 42 is sealed inside the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 by the sealing portion 46. In this case, it is possible to prevent liquids, debris, etc. from coming into contact with the connection part 42.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, it is preferable that the sealing portion 46 be arranged in an annular shape so as to surround the rotating shaft 44. In this case, it is possible to suppress contact between liquids, dirt, etc., with the rotating shaft 44. In addition, the sealing portion 46 generates frictional force between the first housing 50 and the second housing 70, allowing the first housing 50, which rotates around the rotating shaft 44, to be maintained in a position preferred by the user.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that the flavor inhaler 200 has an insulating material 74 that at least partially surrounds the housing section 30. In this case, when the user rotates the position of the first housing 50, it is possible to suppress the user from feeling uncomfortable due to the heat of the consumables 100 housed in the housing section 30. In the illustrated example, the insulating material 74 extends longitudinally over substantially the entire length of the housing section 30, but the arrangement of the insulating material 74 is arbitrary. For example, the insulating material 74 may extend to a length that can surround the heating section 40.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first housing 50 preferably has an opening 53 that communicates with the storage section 30 to receive consumables 100, and a lid 54 that can open and close the opening 53. In this case, by closing the lid 54 when the flavor inhaler 200 is not in use, it is possible to prevent dirt and other debris from entering the first housing 50 and the storage section 30 through the opening 53. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the flavor inhaler 200 with the lid 54 open. Figure 6 shows an example where the first housing 50 is in the second position. As shown in Figure 6, the opening 53 is formed at the end of the first housing 50 opposite to the end that is rotatably connected to the second housing 70 by a pivot shaft 44. The lid 54 only needs to have a structure that can open and close the opening 53, and in the example shown in Figure 6, the end 54a of the lid 54 is pivotally hinged to the end of the first housing 50. The hinged end 54a of the lid 54 and the opposite end 54b may be configured to engage with the first housing 50.

[0056] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the flavor inhaler 200 as seen from the first longitudinal axis AX1. Specifically, Figure 7 shows a plan view of the flavor inhaler 200 as seen from the first housing 50 side along the first longitudinal axis AX1, with the first housing 50 in a first position. As shown in Figure 7, when the first housing 50 is in a first position, it is preferable that the first housing 50 is positioned so as seen from the first longitudinal axis AX1 that it does not protrude from the outer edge 70a of the second housing 70. In this case, since the first housing 50 does not protrude from the second housing 70 as seen from the first longitudinal axis AX1, the flavor inhaler 200 can be made smaller, making it easier to store the flavor inhaler 200 in a bag, and preventing the first housing 50 from getting caught on a bag and rotating unexpectedly.

[0057] Next, the housing section 30 of the flavor inhaler 200 will be described. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the housing section 30. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the housing section 30 in the direction of arrow 9-9 shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the housing section 30 has a side wall 60, an opening 32 formed at one end of the side wall 60, and a bottom 36 positioned at the other end of the side wall 60. The housing section 30 is preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, and can be made of stainless steel, for example. This allows for effective heating of the consumables 100 from the housing section 30.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the bottom portion 36 has a contact portion 36a configured to contact the end face of the consumable 100 when the consumable 100 is placed in a desired position in the storage portion 30. The bottom portion 36 also has a recess 36b configured to be recessed relative to the contact portion 36a. The space between the recess 36b and the end face of the consumable 100 communicates with a gap 67, which will be described later.

[0059] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the housing section 30 in the direction of the arrow 10-10 shown in Figure 9. Figure 10 shows the consumable 100 in contact with the contact section 36a. As shown in Figure 10, it is preferable that the housing section 30 has a gap 67 between the inner surface of the side wall section 60 and the consumable 100, communicating with the opening 32 of the housing section 30 and the end face of the consumable 100, when the end face of the consumable 100 is in contact with the contact section 36a. This makes it possible to form an airflow path, a so-called counterflow type airflow path, in which air flowing in from the opening 32 of the housing section 30 enters the end face of the consumable 100 through the gap 67 when the user smokes. In this case, it is not necessary to provide an opening for taking in air at the bottom 36 of the housing section 30, so it is possible to prevent flavor or aerosol generated from the consumable 100 from flowing out through such an opening.

[0060] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the side wall portion 60 has a pressing portion 62 that presses a part of the consumable 100 when the consumable 100 is placed in a desired position in the housing portion 30, and a non-pressing portion 66. The pressing portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The non-pressing portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. In the illustrated example, the non-pressing portion 66 is arranged to be adjacent to the pressing portion 62 in the circumferential direction. Here, as shown in Figure 10, it is preferable that the gap 67 is arranged between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the consumable 100. In this case, since the consumable 100 is in substantial contact with the inner surface of the pressing portion 62, the consumable 100 can be firmly held in the housing portion 30, and if the heating portion 40 is provided on the side wall portion 60 of the consumable 100, heat from the heating portion 40 can be efficiently transferred to the consumable 100. The heating section 40 shown in Figure 1 is preferably positioned on the inner surface 62a or outer surface 62b of the pressing section 62.

[0061] It is preferable that the opening 32 of the housing section 30 can accept the consumables 100 without pressing them. The shape of the opening 32 of the housing section 30 on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing section 30, in other words, on a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the consumables 100 are inserted into the housing section 30, may be polygonal or elliptical, but it is preferable that it be circular.

[0062] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 is flat, the heating portion 40 can be accurately positioned on the inner surface 62a or outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62, and the heating portion 40 can be easily and seamlessly placed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 is flat. Also, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the thickness of the pressing portion 62 is uniform.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the housing section 30 has two pressing sections 62 in the circumferential direction of the housing section 30. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the two pressing sections 62 face each other. Preferably, at least a portion of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two pressing sections 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the consumable 100 inserted into the housing section 30 that is positioned between the pressing sections 62.

[0064] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, it is preferable that the housing portion 30 has a first guide portion 38 with a tapered surface 38a that connects the inner surface of the housing portion 30 forming the opening 32 with the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62.

[0065] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, specification, and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it achieves the function and effect of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the flavor inhaler 200 employs a configuration that flows air in a so-called counter-flow manner, but it is not limited to this, and a configuration that flows air in a so-called bottom-flow manner may also be adopted. The heating method of the flavor inhaler 200 employed in the present invention is not limited to resistance heating, but may also be induction heating, microwave heating, or the like.

[0066] Some embodiments disclosed herein are described below: (1) A flavor inhaler comprising: a first housing having a first longitudinal axis and a housing for accommodating consumables; and a second housing connected to the first housing and having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first housing is configured to rotate about a rotation axis perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis so as to be movable between a first position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are parallel and a second position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis intersect, and the flavor inhaler is configured to heat the consumables when the first housing is in the first position and when the first housing is in the second position. (2) The flavor inhaler according to (1), wherein when the first housing is in the first position, the first housing protrudes from the second housing when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. (3) A flavor inhaler according to (2), wherein the first housing has, when the first housing is in the first position, a first portion that protrudes from the second housing when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, and a second portion whose position along the first longitudinal axis coincides with that of the second housing, and the length of the second portion along the first longitudinal axis is shorter than the length of the first portion. (4) A flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein when the first housing is in the first position, the first housing is positioned such that, when viewed from the first longitudinal axis, the first housing does not protrude beyond the outer edge of the second housing. (5) A flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first housing has a latch structure configured to make the first housing rotatable and maintain it in a predetermined position. (6) A flavor inhaler as described in (5), wherein the latch structure comprises: an engaged portion provided on one of the first housing and the second housing; and an engaging portion provided on the other of the first housing and the second housing that engages with the engaged portion and a biasing member that biases the engaging portion toward the engaged portion.(7) A flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein it has a sealing portion that seals the space between the first housing and the second housing. (8) A flavor inhaler according to (7), wherein it has a heating portion disposed in the first housing and configured to heat the consumables, a control portion disposed in the second housing and configured to control the heating portion, and a connecting portion that electrically connects the heating portion and the control portion, wherein the connecting portion is sealed in the first housing and the second housing by the sealing portion. (9) A flavor inhaler according to (7) or (8), wherein the sealing portion is arranged in an annular shape so as to surround the rotating shaft. (10) A flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the housing portion has a side wall portion, an opening formed at one end of the side wall portion, and a bottom portion disposed at the other end of the side wall portion, the bottom portion has a contact portion configured to contact the end face of the consumable when the consumable is placed in a desired position in the housing portion, and the housing portion has a gap between the inner surface of the side wall portion and the consumable that communicates with the opening of the housing portion and the end face of the consumable when the end face of the consumable is in contact with the contact portion. (11) A flavor inhaler according to (10), wherein the side wall portion has a pressing portion that presses a part of the consumable when the consumable is placed in a desired position in the housing portion, and a non-pressing portion circumferentially adjacent to the pressing portion, the gap is disposed between the inner surface of the non-pressing portion and the consumable. (12) A flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the first housing has an opening that communicates with the housing and receives the consumables, and a lid that can open and close the opening. (13) A flavor inhaler according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the housing has an insulating material that at least partially surrounds the housing.

[0067] 20: Control unit 30: Housing unit 32: Opening 36: Bottom 36a: Contact part 40: Heating unit 42: Connection part 44: Rotating shaft 46: Sealing part 50: First housing 50a: First part 50b: Second part 53: Opening 54: Lid 60: Side wall 62: Pressing part 66: Non-pressing part 66a: Inner surface 67: Gap 70: Second housing 70a: Outer edge 74: Thermal insulation material 80: Latch structure 80a: Engaged part 80b: Engaging part 80c: Biasing member 100: Consumables 200: Flavoring suction device AX1: First longitudinal axis AX2: Second longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A flavor inhaler comprising: a first housing having a first longitudinal axis and a housing section for storing consumables; and a second housing connected to the first housing and having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first housing is configured to rotate about a rotation axis perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, so as to be movable between a first position where the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are parallel and a second position where the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis intersect, and the flavor inhaler is configured to heat the consumables when the first housing is in the first position and when the first housing is in the second position.

2. A flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein when the first housing is in the first position, the first housing protrudes from the second housing when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

3. A flavor inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the first housing has, when the first housing is in the first position, a first portion that protrudes from the second housing when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, and a second portion whose position along the first longitudinal axis coincides with that of the second housing, and the length of the second portion along the first longitudinal axis is shorter than the length of the first portion.

4. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the first housing is in the first position, the first housing is positioned such that it does not protrude from the outer edge of the second housing when viewed with respect to the first longitudinal axis.

5. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first housing is configured to be rotatable and to maintain a predetermined position.

6. A flavor inhaler according to claim 5, wherein the latch structure comprises: an engaged portion provided on one of the first housing and the second housing; and an engaging portion provided on the other of the first housing and the second housing that engages with the engaged portion and a biasing member that biases the engaging portion toward the engaged portion.

7. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flavor inhaler has a sealing portion that seals the space between the first housing and the second housing.

8. A flavor inhaler according to claim 7, comprising: a heating unit disposed within the first housing and configured to heat the consumables; a control unit disposed within the second housing and configured to control the heating unit; and a connecting unit electrically connecting the heating unit and the control unit, wherein the connecting unit is sealed within the first housing and the second housing by the sealing unit.

9. A flavor inhaler according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the sealing portion is arranged in an annular shape so as to surround the rotating shaft.

10. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing portion has a side wall portion, an opening formed at one end of the side wall portion, and a bottom portion disposed at the other end of the side wall portion, the bottom portion has a contact portion configured to contact the end face of the consumable when the consumable is placed in a desired position in the housing portion, and the housing portion has a gap between the inner surface of the side wall portion and the consumable that communicates with the opening of the housing portion and the end face of the consumable when the end face of the consumable is in contact with the contact portion.

11. A flavor inhaler according to claim 10, wherein the side wall portion has a pressing portion that presses a part of the consumable when the consumable is placed in a desired position in the housing portion, and a non-pressing portion that is circumferentially adjacent to the pressing portion, and the gap is disposed between the inner surface of the non-pressing portion and the consumable.

12. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first housing has an opening that communicates with the housing and receives the consumables, and a lid that can open and close the opening.

13. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inhaler has an insulating material that at least partially surrounds the housing portion.

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