Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

Provided is a flavor inhaler comprising: a housing; a plurality of LEDs housed in the housing and partitioned into a plurality of groups each including at least one LED; a plurality of window parts provided in the housing, configured to be capable of transmitting visible light, separated from each other, and corresponding respectively to the plurality of groups; and a light guide member that guides visible light from the plurality of LEDs to the plurality of window parts. The light guide member includes a plurality of light guide portions corresponding respectively to the plurality of window parts and separated from each other, and a connecting part that connects two adjacent light guide portions. The connecting part is formed so as not to intersect a shortest straight line connecting mutually facing ends of the two adjacent light guide portions.

Description

Fragrance attractor and fragrance attracting system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fragrance attractor and a fragrance attracting system.

[0002] Conventionally, in the field of fragrance attractors, information indicating the state of the device has been visually displayed on the exterior of the device. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a light guide member that guides light from a light source such as an LED to a window provided on the exterior of the device.

[0003] When providing a plurality of light guide members corresponding to a plurality of LEDs, depending on the positional relationship between the LEDs and / or the light guide members, it may be preferable to connect two light guide members to form an integral member from the perspective of the assembly of the fragrance attractor. However, there is a possibility that the light of one LED may enter the window corresponding to the other LED through the connection portion of the integrally formed light guide member.

[0004] Special Table 2024 - 510123, Special Table 2022 - 507727

[0005] The present disclosure provides a fragrance attractor and a fragrance attracting system including a light guide member as an integral member that can appropriately guide light from a plurality of LEDs to a window on the exterior of the device. Means for solving the problem

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a plurality of LEDs housed in the housing and partitioned into a plurality of groups each including at least one LED, a plurality of windows provided on the housing and configured to be transmissive to visible light, spaced apart from each other and corresponding to each of the plurality of groups, and a light guide member that guides visible light from the plurality of LEDs to the plurality of windows. The light guide member includes a plurality of light guide portions corresponding to each of the plurality of windows and spaced apart from each other, and a connection portion that connects two adjacent light guide portions. The connection portion is formed so as not to intersect the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of two adjacent light guide portions. It is a fragrance attractor.

[0007] In the first embodiment described above, the housing of the flavor inhaler houses a plurality of LEDs, each divided into a plurality of groups containing at least one LED. On the one hand, a plurality of window portions corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of LEDs are formed in the housing, and a light guide member guides visible light from the plurality of LEDs to the plurality of window portions. Here, the light guide member includes a plurality of spaced-apart light guide portions corresponding to each of the plurality of window portions, and a connecting portion that connects two adjacent light guide portions. The connecting portion is configured not to intersect with the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of the two adjacent light guide portions. If the connecting portion of the light guide member is provided along the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of two adjacent light guide portions, there is a possibility that the light from the LED corresponding to one light guide portion may enter the other light guide portion. In the first embodiment described above, since the connecting portion is formed to avoid such a path, the mixing of visible light from the LEDs corresponding to each of the spaced-apart light guide portions via the connecting portion is suppressed. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the light guide member, which is an integral component, can appropriately guide light from multiple LEDs to the window portion of the device exterior.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the first aspect described above, wherein the plurality of windows include two windows having different shapes from each other.

[0009] In the second embodiment described above, the housing is provided with two window sections having different shapes. For example, the first window section may correspond to a single LED, and the second window section may be configured as an elongated window section corresponding to a row of multiple LEDs. Thus, according to the second embodiment, the degree of freedom in visually displaying information through the window sections in the housing of the flavor inhaler can be increased.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler, in the second aspect described above, wherein the plurality of windows include a first window extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0011] In the third embodiment described above, a first window portion, which corresponds to a group of LEDs and is configured to allow visible light to pass through, is provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the housing. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, it becomes possible to provide an effective visual display in accordance with the shape of the housing of the flavor inhaler.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first to third aspects described above, the connecting portion is configured to be serpentine in at least a part thereof.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment described above, the connecting portion that connects two adjacent light guide portions is configured to be meandering in at least a part thereof. When the light guide member is configured as a single integrated component, external forces may be applied to the integrally formed light guide member due to heat from the heating component of the flavor inhaler or external impacts, which may cause deformation or detachment within the housing. The connecting portion configured to be meandering can function as a component that absorbs such external forces. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, the connecting portion configured to be meandering can suppress the influence of external forces on the light guide member as a single integrated component.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler, in which, in the first to fourth aspects described above, the device further comprises a rubber member that covers at least a portion of the light guide member and contacts the back surface of the housing, the rubber member having a plurality of openings that connect the plurality of light guide portions of the light guide member to the plurality of window portions, respectively.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment described above, a rubber member is provided that covers at least a portion of the light guide member and contacts the back surface of the housing of the flavor inhaler. The rubber member has an opening that connects the light guide portion of the light guide member to the window portion of the housing. The rubber member can function as a waterproofing member in the vicinity of the light guide member within the housing. Ensuring waterproofing is particularly important for the LED. Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, waterproofing in the vicinity of the light guide member can be ensured within the housing of the flavor inhaler.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the fifth aspect described above, wherein the rubber member is provided with a partition portion that demarcates each of the plurality of openings.

[0017] In the sixth embodiment described above, a rubber member, configured to cover at least a portion of the light guide member and to contact the back surface of the housing of the flavor inhaler, is provided with partitions that demarcate each of the multiple openings in the opening that connects the light guide portion of the light guide member and the window portion of the housing. The partitions of the rubber member function as shielding members that prevent light from leaking out and entering other paths in the light path consisting of the group of LEDs, the light guide portion and the window portion. Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to reliably suppress the mixing of visible light from LEDs corresponding to each of the light guide portions that are spaced apart from each other through the connection portion.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler further comprising an outer panel that covers at least the portion of the housing having the window portion and is provided with a plurality of further window portions corresponding to each of the plurality of window portions.

[0019] In the seventh embodiment described above, the flavor inhaler includes an outer panel that covers the portion of the housing where the window portion is provided and is provided with a plurality of further windows corresponding to each of the plurality of windows. Thus, according to the seventh embodiment, the outer panel can protect the inside of the housing while guiding the light from the LEDs from the plurality of windows of the housing through the further windows.

[0020] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first to seventh aspects described above, the LEDs belonging to one of two groups have a different light emission color than the LEDs belonging to the other group.

[0021] In the eighth embodiment described above, a plurality of LEDs are divided into groups, each containing at least one LED, and the LEDs belonging to one of the two groups have a different emission color from the LEDs belonging to the other group. In this case, it is important that the light from LEDs belonging to different groups does not mix with each other. Here, the connection portion is formed in such a way that the light from the LED corresponding to one light guide portion does not enter the other light guide portion, so that the visible light from the LEDs corresponding to each of the separated light guide portions does not mix through the connection portion. Therefore, according to the eighth embodiment, the light guide member as an integrated component can appropriately guide the light of different emission colors from a plurality of LEDs to the window portion of the device exterior.

[0022] A ninth aspect of this disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first to eighth aspects described above, the plurality of LEDs are mounted on an FPC substrate.

[0023] In the ninth embodiment described above, the plurality of LEDs, housed in a housing and divided into a plurality of groups, each containing at least one LED, are mounted on an FPC substrate. Compared to, for example, a printed circuit board, an FPC substrate allows for greater flexibility in the arrangement of components within the housing. Therefore, according to the ninth embodiment, the arrangement of LEDs in the flavor inhaler can be made more flexible.

[0024] A tenth aspect of this disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a flavor inhaler according to the first to ninth aspects described above, and a consumer material including a flavor source.

[0025] In the tenth embodiment described above, a housing of the flavor inhalation system accommodates a plurality of LEDs, each divided into a plurality of groups, each containing at least one LED. On the one hand, a plurality of window portions corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of LEDs are formed in the housing, and a light guide member guides visible light from the plurality of LEDs to the plurality of window portions. Here, the light guide member includes a plurality of spaced-apart light guide portions corresponding to each of the plurality of window portions, and a connecting portion that connects two adjacent light guide portions. The connecting portion is configured not to intersect with the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of the two adjacent light guide portions. If the connecting portion in the light guide member is provided along the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of two adjacent light guide portions, there is a possibility that the light from the LED corresponding to one light guide portion may enter the other light guide portion. Here, since the connecting portion is formed to avoid such a path, the mixing of visible light from the LEDs corresponding to each of the spaced-apart light guide portions via the connecting portion is suppressed. Therefore, according to the tenth embodiment, a flavor inhalation system can be provided that includes a light-guiding member as an integrated component, which can appropriately guide light from multiple LEDs to the window portion of the device exterior.

[0026] This is a schematic diagram showing the flavor suction system according to this embodiment. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the consumable material. This is a schematic front view of the flavor suction device according to this embodiment. This is a schematic top view of the flavor suction device. This is a schematic bottom view of the flavor suction device. This is a front view of the flavor suction device with the outer panel removed. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor suction device at the line 5-5 shown by arrow 5 in Figure 3B. This is a schematic exploded view showing the arrangement of the light guide members in the entire flavor suction device. This is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the FPC substrate attached to the chassis. This is a front view of the light guide member as seen from the front side of the flavor suction device in Figure 3A. This is a perspective view of the light guide member shown in Figure 8 as seen from the side at an oblique angle. This is a front view of the light guide member shown in Figure 8 with a rubber member attached.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure 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.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic 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 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 path.

[0029] As described later, the consumable material 100 has a flavor-generating segment containing an aerosol source and a flavor source, and for example, has a columnar shape extending along its longitudinal direction. The consumable material 100 may be, for example, a tobacco stick. However, it is not limited to this, and the consumable material 100 may have a cylindrical shape, a columnar shape with a polygonal cross-section, or a flattened shape.

[0030] The flavor inhaler 200 includes a battery 10, a control circuit 20, and an atomizing unit 30. 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.

[0031] The control circuit 20 consists of a CPU and memory, and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 200. For example, the control circuit 20 starts heating the consumable 100 in response to user operation on an input device such as a push button or a slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the consumable 100 after a certain period of time has elapsed. The control circuit 20 may also stop heating the consumable 100 before a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating if the number of puffing operations by the user exceeds a certain value. For example, the puffing operation is detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the consumer product 100. The consumer product 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.

[0033] Preferably, the consumable material 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 material 100. In addition, leakage of vapor or aerosol generated in 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.

[0034] The upstream section 130 is located at the tip of the consumable material 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 material 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.

[0035] The downstream segment 102 preferably has an intermediate segment 140 and a mouthpiece segment 120 positioned downstream 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 the mouthpiece), an upstream section 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 flared rim. In particular, the parts are connected to each other by a first tip paper 103 and a second tip paper 104, at least a portion of which are located in the outermost layer.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the intermediate segment 140 may be provided with ventilation V1 in its circumferential and concentric direction. Furthermore, if the concentrically arranged ventilation V1 is considered as a single group of openings, there may be one such group or two or more.

[0037] The flavor source may include at least one of tobacco raw materials and non-tobacco raw materials. In this case, not only tobacco but also other plant materials can be used as the flavor source, so a variety of flavors can be provided. Tobacco raw materials are raw materials derived from tobacco, and specifically include shredded dried tobacco leaves or crushed tobacco leaves. Crushed tobacco leaves are particles obtained by crushing tobacco leaves. As for non-tobacco raw materials, for example, plants used as herbs or spices can be used. Specific examples of plants used as herbs or spices include dill seeds, rosemary, star anise, cloves, oregano, ginger, and chamomile.

[0038] An aerosol source is a material that vaporizes upon heating and generates an aerosol upon cooling, or a material that generates an aerosol upon atomization. Known materials can be used as aerosol sources, including, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0039] Figure 3A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 200 according to this embodiment. Figure 3B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 200 according to this embodiment. Figure 3C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 200 according to this embodiment. In the drawings described herein, an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be included for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z axis points vertically upward, the X-Y plane is arranged to cut the flavor inhaler 200 horizontally, and the Y axis extends from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 200. The Z axis can also be said to be the insertion direction of the consumable material 100 housed in the housing section 38 of the atomizing section 30, which will be described later. The X axis direction can also be said to be the longitudinal direction of the device on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 100, or the direction in which the heating section and the power supply section are aligned. The Y axis direction can also be said to be the short direction (thickness direction) of the device on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 100.

[0040] The flavor inhaler 200 according to this embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol by heating the flavor generating segment 110 of the consumable 100 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the flavor inhaler 200 has an outer housing 201, a slide cover 202, and a switch unit 203. The outer housing 201 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 200 and is sized to fit in the user's hand. When the user uses the flavor inhaler 200, they can hold the outer housing 201 in their hand and inhale the aerosol.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3B and 3C, the outer housing 201 has an outer panel 204 and an outer case 205 so as to be divided in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the outer housing 201 can be formed by connecting the outer panel 204 to the outer case 205 in the Y-axis direction. The outer panel 204 can be configured to be detachably attached to the outer case 205. The outer case 205 has a bottom wall 205a and a peripheral wall 205b extending from the bottom wall 205a.

[0042] The slide cover 202 is slidably mounted on the outer housing 201 to close an opening 206 formed in the outer housing 201 for inserting the consumable 100. Specifically, the slide cover 202 is configured to move along the outer surface of the outer housing 201 between a closed position (shown in Figure 3B) that closes the opening 206 of the outer housing 201 and an open position that opens the opening 206. For example, a user can move the slide cover 202 between the closed and open positions by manually operating it. This allows the slide cover 202 to allow or restrict access of the consumable 100 to the inside of the flavor inhaler 200.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3B, the outer housing 201 has a recess 207 in which the slide cover 202 is positioned. In this embodiment, the recess 207 is formed on the upper part of the outer housing 201. The recess 207 has a bottom wall portion 207a and a side wall portion 207b. The opening 206 is formed in the bottom wall portion 207a. The slide cover 202 is configured to slide in a first direction d1 inside the recess 207.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3A, the outer panel 204 has a window portion 208 arranged to overlap with a window portion 244 of an inner panel 210 described later, and a switch portion 203. The switch portion 203 is used to switch on and off the operation of the fragrance attractor 200. For example, when the user operates the switch portion 203 with the consumable 100 inserted into the fragrance attractor 200, power is supplied from the battery 10 to the heating portion of the atomizing portion 30, and the consumable 100 can be heated without being burned. Note that the switch portion 203 may have a switch provided outside the outer housing 201 or may have a switch located inside the outer housing 201. When the switch is located inside the outer housing 201, by pressing the switch portion 203 on the surface of the outer housing 201, the outer housing 201 is curved and the switch is indirectly pressed. In the present embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch portion 203 is located inside the outer housing 201 will be described. Further, the fragrance attractor 200 may be configured to detect that the consumable 100 has been inserted into the fragrance attractor 200 and automatically supply power from the battery 10 to the heating portion of the atomizing portion 30. The window portion 208 of the outer panel 204 is an example of a further window portion of the present disclosure.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3C, the fragrance attractor 200 may have a terminal 209. The terminal 209 can be an interface for connecting the fragrance attractor 200 to, for example, an external power source. When the battery 10 included in the fragrance attractor 200 is a rechargeable battery, by connecting an external power source to the terminal 209, a current can be passed from the external power source to the battery 10 to charge the battery 10. Also, by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal 209, data related to the operation of the fragrance attractor 200 may be transmitted to an external device.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a front view of the fragrance attractor 200 with the outer panel 204 removed. As shown in FIG. 4, when the outer panel 204 is removed, the inner panel 210 is exposed. The inner panel 210 is attached to the outer case 205 so as to close the opening defined by the peripheral wall 205b of the outer case 205 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the inner panel 210 is fixed to the outer case 205 at three locations by screws 240. The inner panel 210 can be formed of, for example, resin or metal. Alternatively, the inner panel 210 can be formed by two-color molding of resin and metal. However, the material of the inner panel 210 is not particularly limited. The outer housing 201 with the outer panel 204 removed and the inner panel 210 exposed is an example of the housing of the present disclosure.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, a magnet 242 is provided on the surface of the inner panel 210 facing the outer panel 204. A magnetic body (not shown) is disposed at a position facing the magnet 242 of the outer panel 204. By the magnet 242 attracting the magnetic body by magnetic force, the outer panel 204 is detachably fixed to the inner panel 210. In the example shown in FIG. 4, two magnets 242 are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction. The outer panel 204 may be provided with a magnet configured to attract the magnet 242 instead of the magnetic body. Further, the inner panel 210 may be provided with a magnetic body instead of the magnet 242. In this case, the outer panel 204 needs to be provided with a magnet that attracts the magnetic body.

[0048] The inner panel 210 has a window portion 244 that transmits light from a light source such as an LED located inside the outer housing 201. Of the window portions 244, the one shown at the top in Figures 3A and 4 is called window portion 244A, and the one shown below it, elongated and extending along the Z-axis, is called window portion 244B. By displaying light from the light source through the window portion 244, the window portion 244 can function as an indicator showing the status of the flavor inhaler 200. In this disclosure, a light guide member 250, which will be described later, is arranged on the back side of the window portion 244. In the example shown in Figure 4, the inner panel 210 has two window portions 244A and 244B with different shapes, but the number and shape of the window portions 244 can be arbitrary. The inner panel 210 also has a switch 246 that is pressed by pressing the switch portion 203 of the outer panel 204 shown in Figure 3A. Window portion 244B is an example of the first window portion in this disclosure.

[0049] Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 200 will be described. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 200 in the direction of the arrow 5-5 shown in Figure 3B. As shown in Figure 5, the internal space of the outer case 205 houses a battery 10, a control circuit 20 (not shown), and an atomizing unit 30 for heating the consumable 100. The flavor inhaler 200 also has a chassis 12 that integrally fixes the battery 10 and the atomizing unit 30. The battery 10 and the atomizing unit 30, while fixed by the chassis 12, can be inserted into the interior of the outer case 205 through the opening defined by the peripheral wall 205b shown in Figures 3B and 3C.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the atomizing section 30 includes a housing section 38 extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable material 100, a heating section 36 surrounding a part of the housing section 38, a heat insulating section 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The housing section 38 is configured to house the consumable material 100. The housing section 38 is preferably made of a material that has heat resistance and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and can be made of, for example, metal such as stainless steel, resin such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), glass, or ceramic.

[0051] The heating unit 36 ​​is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of the housing unit 38 and heat the flavor-generating segment 110 of the consumable material 100 housed in the housing unit 38. Specifically, the heating unit 36 ​​may include a heating element such as a heating track and an electrically insulating sheet covering at least one side of the heating element. Alternatively, the heating unit 36 ​​may include a susceptor and an induction coil configured to inductively heat the susceptor. In this case, the susceptor may constitute the housing unit 38 itself, be placed inside the flavor-generating segment 110 of the consumable material 100, or be a separate component from the housing unit 38 that surrounds the outer surface of the housing unit 38. Furthermore, the heating unit 36 ​​may include a heating element that heats the flavor-generating segment 110 of the consumable material 100 from the inside.

[0052] The heat insulating section 32 is generally cylindrical and is positioned to surround the housing section 38. The heat insulating section 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 is made of a resin material such as PEEK, PC (polycarbonate), or ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) and is provided between the slide cover 202 in the closed position and the housing section 38.

[0053] The insertion guide member 34 has the function of guiding the insertion of the consumable material 100. Specifically, when the slide cover 202 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 guides the insertion of the consumable material 100 into the housing section 38 by inserting the consumable material 100 into the insertion guide member 34. In this embodiment, since the insertion guide member 34 may come into contact with the housing section 38, it is preferable that the insertion guide member 34 be made of PEEK from the viewpoint of heat resistance.

[0054] [Details of the light guide member] The details of the light guide member 250, which guides light from a light source such as an LED to the window portion 244 of the inner panel 210, will be described below.

[0055] Figure 6 is a schematic exploded view showing the arrangement of the light guide member 250 in the entire flavor inhaler 200. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the FPC substrate 270 attached to the chassis 12. Figure 8 is a front view of the light guide member 250 viewed from the negative Y-axis direction side (the front side of the flavor inhaler 200 in Figure 3A). Figure 9 is a perspective view of the light guide member 250 shown in Figure 8 viewed from the side at an oblique angle. Figure 10 is a front view of the light guide member 250 shown in Figure 8 with the rubber member 290 attached.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the light guide member 250 is positioned between the inner panel 210 and the chassis 12. As described above, in the flavor inhaler 200, the battery 10 and the atomizing unit 30 can be fixed by the chassis 12 and inserted into the outer case 205 through an opening defined by the peripheral wall 205b. Specifically, as described above, the light guide member 250 is positioned on the back side of the window portion 244 of the inner panel 210 and guides light from the LED positioned inside the outer housing 201 to the window portion 244.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC board) 270 is attached to the chassis 12, which is housed in the outer case 205 and holds the battery 10 and the atomizing unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the FPC board).

[0058] Furthermore, the FPC substrate 270 is mounted, as an example, with a first LED group 282 and a second LED group 284. The first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are spaced apart from each other. The first LED group 282 corresponds to the window portion 244A shown in Figure 4, and the second LED group 284 is arranged to correspond to the window portion 244B shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 7, the first LED group 282 contains two LEDs, and the second LED group 284 contains six LEDs. The first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 emit light in different colors. For example, the two LEDs belonging to the first LED group 282 may be a red LED and a blue LED arranged side by side, and all six LEDs belonging to the second LED group 284 may be white LEDs. Note that the term "group of LEDs" in this disclosure refers to a group that contains at least one LED, and is not limited to a group that itself contains multiple LEDs.

[0059] The light guide member 250 is positioned on the back side of the window portion 244 of the inner panel 210 so as to cover the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284. The light emitted from the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 reaches the window portions 244A and 244B respectively via the light guide member 250, and the status of the flavor inhaler 200 can be visually communicated to the user via the window portion 208 of the outer panel 204.

[0060] The first LED group 282 corresponds to window portion 244A, and the second LED group 284 corresponds to window portion 244B. When the second LED group 284 is not emitting light, if some of the light from the first LED group 282 enters the window portion 244B via the light guide member 250, proper visual information transmission cannot be achieved. In particular, as described above, the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 emit light of different colors, so it is necessary to avoid the mixing of the two types of light in the light guide member 250 from the standpoint of proper information transmission. To achieve this, it is conceivable to construct the light guide member from multiple independent members corresponding to each LED group, but in this disclosure, from the viewpoint of the assembly of the flavor inhaler 200, the light guide member 250 is constructed as an integrated member. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify assembly.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, the light guide member 250 according to this embodiment includes two light guide portions 252 and 254 and a connecting portion 256 that connects them. The light guide portions 252 and 254 each include projections 252A and 254A, and are arranged to cover the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 shown in Figure 7, respectively. The projections 252A and 254A are provided in the light guide member 250 to correspond to the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 located on the positive Y-axis side, and to the window portions 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210 shown in Figure 4, located on the negative Y-axis side (front side of the device). The light guide member 250 may be integrally formed from a translucent, milky white material that has light-transmitting and diffusive properties and is a material that easily guides incoming light. For example, plastics such as polycarbonate or acrylic can be used as the material. The light emitted from the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 travels through the light guide member 250 and reaches the window portions 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210, mainly from the protrusions 252A and 254A.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, in the light guide member 250, the connecting portion 256 that connects the two light guide portions 252 and 254 extends in a way that avoids intersecting a path that would cross the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of the two light guide portions. If the two light guide portions 252 and 254 were connected by a connecting portion with a shorter path, the red and blue light emitted from the first LED group 282 would not remain in the light guide portion 252 but would pass through the connecting portion to reach the light guide portion 254, and together with the white light emitted from the second LED group 284, it would pass through the projection portion 254A. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 256 that connects a plurality of spaced-apart light guide portions 252, 254 corresponding to the respective window portions 244A, 244B is formed so as not to intersect with the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of two adjacent light guide portions 252, 254, thereby lengthening the light guide path. As a result, the guided light is attenuated within the connecting portion 256, and the mixing of light from different groups of LEDs, such as light of different emission colors, through the connecting portion 256 is suppressed.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the connecting portion 256 is formed in such a meandering shape. This meandering shape lengthens the light guide path and allows the connecting portion 256 to absorb deformation caused by external shocks and heat.

[0064] As shown in the perspective view of Figure 9, in this embodiment, the path of the connecting portion 256 is selected two-dimensionally (i.e., substantially coplanar with the two light guide portions 252 and 254). On the other hand, the selection of the path of the connecting portion 256 is not limited to detouring on substantially coplanar, but may also be selected three-dimensionally (detouring along the Y-axis direction, i.e., along the thickness direction of the flavor inhaler 200). As long as the path of the connecting portion 256 is selected so as not to intersect with the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of the two light guide portions 252 and 254, it is possible to suppress the mixing of light from different LEDs, for example, light of different emission colors, through the connecting portion 256. However, selecting the path of the connecting portion 256 two-dimensionally has advantages from the viewpoint of the assembly of the flavor inhaler 200. By reducing the thickness of the light guide member 250 (length in the Y-axis direction), the overall thickness of the flavor inhaler 200 can be reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the rubber member 290 may be attached from above the light guide member 250 (from the inner panel 210 side). The rubber member 290 is made of a material that does not transmit visible light, such as urethane rubber or silicone rubber. The rubber member 290 comprises a first portion 290A and a second portion 290B that cover the light guide portions 252 and 254 of the light guide member 250, and a third portion 290C that covers the connecting portion 256. The first portion 290A and the second portion 290B are provided with openings corresponding to the protrusions 252A and 254A, respectively. The first portion 290A and the second portion 290B are also provided with partition portions 292A and 292B that are configured as protrusions that define their respective outer edges. The partitions 292A and 292B separate the first portion 290A, which includes an opening, from the second portion 290B, thus preventing light leakage from around the light guide member 250. In other words, when the first LED group emits light, it is guided to the projection 254A only through the connection portion 256, but since the connection portion 256 has a long path, the amount of light guided to the projection 254A when the first LED group emits light is extremely small.

[0066] The placement of the rubber member 290 between the back surface of the inner panel 210 and the light guide member 250 helps to suppress the mixing of light from different LEDs, such as light of different emission colors, through the connection portion 256, and also enhances waterproofing near the light guide member 250. In particular, it ensures the waterproofing of the terminals mounted on the FPC substrate 270, including the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 shown in Figure 7.

[0067] Furthermore, since the partitions 292A and 292B demarcate the outer edges of the first portion 290A and the second portion 290B, the functions of suppressing light mixing and ensuring waterproofness are enhanced.

[0068] Although Figure 10 shows that the rubber member 290 has further openings (294A, 294B), these openings are for the assembly of the flavor inhaler 200 and will be sealed with screws or the like, so no light will leak out from them.

[0069] (Operation of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200 houses a plurality of LEDs divided into a first LED group 282 and a second LED group 284. On the one hand, window portions 244A and 244B corresponding to the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are formed in the inner panel 210, and a light guide member 250 guides visible light from the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 to the window portions 244A and 244B, respectively. Here, the light guide member 250 includes light guide portions 252 and 254 that correspond to the window portions 244A and 244B and are spaced apart from each other, and a connecting portion 256 that connects two adjacent light guide portions 252 and 254. The connecting portion 256 is configured not to intersect with the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of the two adjacent light guide portions 252 and 254. In the light guide member 250, if a connecting portion 256 is provided along the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of adjacent light guide portions 252 and 254, there is a possibility that light from an LED corresponding to one light guide portion may enter the other light guide portion. Since the connecting portion 256 is formed to avoid such a path, the mixing of visible light from the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284, corresponding to the respective light guide portions 252 and 254, via the connecting portion 256 is suppressed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the light guide member 250 as an integrated component can appropriately guide light from multiple LEDs to the window portions 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210.

[0070] In this embodiment, the inner panel 210 is provided with two windows 244A and 244B having different shapes. For example, the first window can correspond to a single LED, and the second window can be configured as an elongated window corresponding to a row of multiple LEDs. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in visually displaying information through the windows 244A and 244B on the inner panel 210 of the flavor inhaler 200 can be increased.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a window portion 244B, which corresponds to the second LED group 284 and is configured to allow visible light to pass through, is provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the outer housing 201. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to provide effective visual display along the shape of the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200.

[0072] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 256 that connects two adjacent light guide portions 252 and 254 is configured to be serpentine in at least a part thereof. When the light guide member 250 is configured as a single integrated component, external forces may be applied to the integrally formed light guide member 250 due to heat from the atomizing portion 30 of the flavor inhaler 200 or external impacts, which may cause deformation or detachment within the outer housing 201. The serpentine connecting portion 256 can function as a component that absorbs such external forces. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the serpentine connecting portion 256 can suppress the influence of external forces on the light guide member 250 as a single integrated component.

[0073] In this embodiment, a rubber member 290 is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the light guide member 250 and to contact the back surface of the inner panel 210 of the flavor inhaler 200. The rubber member 290 has openings that connect the light guide portions 252 and 254 of the light guide member 250 to the window portions 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210, respectively. The rubber member 290 can function as a waterproofing member in the vicinity of the light guide member 250 within the outer housing 201. In particular, ensuring waterproofing is important for LEDs. Therefore, according to this embodiment, waterproofing in the vicinity of the light guide member 250 can be ensured within the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200.

[0074] In this embodiment, the rubber member 290, which covers at least a portion of the light guide member 250 and is configured to contact the back surface of the inner panel 210 of the flavor inhaler 200, is provided with partition portions 292A and 292B that divide the openings connecting the light guide portions 252 and 254 of the light guide member 250 and the window portions 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210 into a first portion 290A and a second portion 290B, respectively, which include each of the openings. The partition portions 292A and 292B of the rubber member 290 function as shielding members that prevent light from leaking out and entering other paths in the light path consisting of the first LED group (second LED group 284), the light guide portion 252 (254), and the window portion 244A (244B). Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably suppress the mixing of visible light from the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284, which correspond to the respective light guide portions 252 and 254 that are spaced apart from each other, via the connecting portion 256.

[0075] In this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 200 includes an outer panel 204 that covers the portion of the inner panel 210 where the windows 244A and 244B are provided, and which is provided with a plurality of windows 208 corresponding to each of the windows 244A and 244B. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the light from the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 from the windows 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210 is guided through the plurality of windows 208, while the inside of the flavor inhaler 200 can be protected by the outer panel 204.

[0076] In this embodiment, the plurality of LEDs are divided into a first LED group 282 and a second LED group 284, and the LEDs belonging to one of the two groups have different emission colors from the LEDs belonging to the other group. In this case, it is important that the light from LEDs belonging to different groups does not mix with each other. Here, the connection portion 256 is formed in such a way that the light from the LED corresponding to one light guide portion 252 does not enter the other light guide portion 254, so that the visible light from the LEDs corresponding to the respective separated light guide portions 252 and 254 does not mix via the connection portion 256. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the light guide member 250 as an integrated member can appropriately guide the light of different emission colors from the plurality of LEDs to the window portions 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210, respectively.

[0077] In this embodiment, the multiple LEDs housed in the outer housing 201 and divided into a first LED group 282 and a second LED group 284 are mounted on an FPC substrate 270. The FPC substrate 270 allows for greater flexibility in component placement within the outer housing 201 compared to, for example, a printed circuit board. Therefore, according to this embodiment, flexibility in the arrangement of LEDs in the flavor inhaler 200 can be achieved.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a flavor inhalation system 1000 equipped with a light guide member 250 as an integrated component that can appropriately guide light from multiple LEDs to the window portions 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210.

[0079] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical ideas of this disclosure as long as it achieves the function of this disclosure.

[0080] (Note 1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising a housing, a plurality of LEDs housed in the housing and divided into a plurality of groups, each containing at least one LED, a plurality of window portions provided in the housing and configured to transmit visible light, spaced apart from each other and corresponding to each of the plurality of groups, and a light guide member for guiding visible light from the plurality of LEDs to the plurality of window portions, wherein the light guide member includes a plurality of spaced-apart light guide portions corresponding to each of the plurality of window portions, and a connecting portion connecting two adjacent light guide portions, the connecting portion being formed so as not to intersect with the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of two adjacent light guide portions.

[0081] (Note 2) A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the first aspect, wherein the plurality of windows include two windows having different shapes from each other.

[0082] (Note 3) A third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the second aspect, wherein the plurality of windows include a first window extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0083] (Note 4) A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first to third aspects described above, the connecting portion is configured to be serpentine in at least a part thereof.

[0084] (Note 5) A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler that, in the first to fourth aspects, further comprises a rubber member that covers at least a portion of the light guide member and contacts the back surface of the housing, wherein the rubber member has a plurality of openings that connect the plurality of light guide portions of the light guide member to the plurality of window portions, respectively.

[0085] (Note 6) A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the fifth aspect described above, the rubber member is provided with a partition portion that demarcates each of the plurality of openings.

[0086] (Note 7) A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler further comprising an outer panel that covers at least the portion of the housing in the first to sixth aspects described above, and is provided with a plurality of further windows corresponding to each of the plurality of windows.

[0087] (Note 8) An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first to seventh aspects described above, the LEDs belonging to one of the two groups have a different light emission color than the LEDs belonging to the other group.

[0088] (Note 9) The ninth aspect of this disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first to eighth aspects described above, the plurality of LEDs are mounted on an FPC substrate.

[0089] (Note 10) The tenth aspect of this disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a flavor inhaler according to the first to ninth aspects described above and a consumer material containing a flavor source.

[0090] 10...Battery 12...Chassis 20...Control circuit 30...Atomization unit 32...Insulation unit 34...Insertion guide member 36...Heating unit 38...Housing unit 100...Consumable material 101...Upstream segment 102...Downstream segment 103...First tip paper 104...Second tip paper 110...Flavor generation segment 110a...Upstream end 120...Mouthpiece segment 120a...Hollow segment 120b...Filter segment 130...Upstream section 140...Intermediate segment 200...Flavor inhaler 201...Outer housing 202...Slide cover 203...Switch section 204...Outer panel 205...Outer case 205a...Bottom wall 205b...Surface wall 206...Opening 207...Recess 207a...Bottom wall section 207b...Side wall section 208...Window section 209...Terminal 210...Inner panel 240...Screw 242...Magnet 244...Window section 244A...Window section 244B...Window section 246...Switch 250...Light guide member 252...Light guide portion 252A...Protrusion 254...Light guide portion 254A...Protrusion 256...Connection portion 270...FPC substrate 272...Extension portion 280...Pressed portion 290...Rubber member 290A...First portion 290B...Second portion 290C...Third portion 294A...Opening 294B...Opening 1000...Flavor inhalation system A1...Airflow A2...Airflow A3...Airflow d1...First direction V1...Ventilation

Claims

1. A flavor inhaler comprising: a housing; a plurality of LEDs housed in the housing and divided into a plurality of groups, each containing at least one LED; a plurality of window portions provided in the housing and configured to transmit visible light, spaced apart from each other and corresponding to each of the plurality of groups; and a light guide member for guiding visible light from the plurality of LEDs to the plurality of window portions, wherein the light guide member includes a plurality of spaced-apart light guide portions corresponding to each of the plurality of window portions, and a connecting portion connecting two adjacent light guide portions, the connecting portion being formed so as not to intersect with the shortest straight line connecting the opposing ends of two adjacent light guide portions.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of window portions include two window portions having different shapes from each other.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of window portions include a first window portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing.

4. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the connecting portion is configured to be serpentine.

5. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a rubber member that covers at least a portion of the light guide member and contacts the back surface of the housing, wherein the rubber member has a plurality of openings that connect the plurality of light guide portions of the light guide member to the plurality of window portions, respectively.

6. The flavor inhaler according to claim 5, wherein the rubber member is provided with a partition portion that demarcates each of the plurality of openings.

7. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an outer panel that covers at least the portion of the housing in which the window portion is provided, and is provided with a plurality of further window portions corresponding to each of the plurality of window portions.

8. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the LEDs belonging to one of the two groups have a different light emission color from the LEDs belonging to the other group.

9. The flavor inhaler according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of LEDs are mounted on an FPC substrate.

10. A flavor inhalation system comprising a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a consumable material containing a flavor source.

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