Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

Abstract

Provided is a flavor inhaler comprising a housing, a heating unit that is accommodated in the housing and that generates heat, and an FPC board that is accommodated in the housing and on which an element including an LED is mounted. At least a portion of the FPC board is secured inside the housing.

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 Document 1 discloses a fragrance attractor in which an LED is arranged on the exterior of the device.

[0003] On the other hand, due to the miniaturization of devices, elements may be mounted on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board instead of a printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as an FPC board). By using an FPC board, flexibility can be provided in the component arrangement within the device housing. However, when a flexible FPC board is used, there is a risk that the positions of components provided on the FPC board, such as LEDs, may shift.

[0004] JP-A-2023-156363

[0005] The present disclosure provides a fragrance attractor and a fragrance attracting system that can appropriately fix elements including an LED within a device even when an FPC board is used. Means for solving the problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a fragrance attractor including a housing, a heating unit housed in the housing and generating heat, and an FPC board housed in the housing and having an element including an LED mounted thereon, at least a part of the FPC board being fixed inside the housing.

[0007] In the first embodiment described above, an FPC substrate with elements including LEDs is housed in the housing of the flavor inhaler, and at least a portion of the FPC substrate is fixed inside the housing. Since the LEDs are mounted on the FPC substrate rather than on a printed circuit board, there is no need to use a printed circuit board for the LEDs, and the device can be miniaturized. On the other hand, when using a flexible FPC substrate, it is necessary to accurately fix the LEDs and the FPC substrate on which the LEDs are mounted. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler in which the FPC substrate on which elements including LEDs are mounted is accurately fixed inside the device.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the first aspect described above, wherein the housing further includes a window portion configured to transmit visible light emitted by the LED, and the FPC substrate is fixed to position the LED relative to the window portion.

[0009] In the second embodiment described above, the housing of the flavor inhaler includes a window portion configured to allow visible light emitted by an LED to pass through, and the FPC substrate on which the LED and other elements are mounted is fixed so as to position the LED relative to the window portion. When using an LED to visually display information on the exterior of the device housing, if the LED is not precisely positioned, the light emitted from the LED may not properly reach the corresponding display area on the exterior of the device. In this case, it is not possible to properly provide visual display to the user using the LED. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to perform proper visual display without shifting the light of the LED mounted on the FPC substrate away from the window portion on the exterior of the housing. As a result, even when using a flexible FPC substrate, it is possible to properly provide visual display to the user using the LED.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first and second embodiments, the FPC substrate includes a base material and a wiring portion, and the base material includes a fixing portion for fixing the FPC substrate inside the housing.

[0011] In the third embodiment described above, the FPC substrate, which includes an LED and other elements housed in the housing of the flavor inhaler, includes a base material and a wiring portion, and the base material includes a fixing portion that secures the FPC substrate inside the housing. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the fixing portion of the base material of the FPC substrate is fixed to the housing, thereby enabling precise fixing of the FPC substrate on which the elements are mounted inside the device.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the third aspect described above, a protrusion is provided inside the housing, the fixing portion of the FPC substrate includes a hole, and the FPC substrate is fixed by the protrusion of the housing being inserted into the hole.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment described above, a protrusion is provided inside the housing of the flavor inhaler, and the fixing portion of the base material of the FPC substrate includes a hole, and the FPC substrate is fixed by inserting the protrusion into the hole. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, by inserting the protrusion of the housing into the fixing portion of the base material of the FPC substrate, precise fixing to the FPC substrate on which the elements are mounted can be performed inside the device.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler, further comprising a chassis housed in the housing, wherein the protrusion is provided on the chassis, in the fourth aspect described above.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment described above, the chassis is housed inside the housing of the flavor inhaler, and the protrusions that are inserted into the holes in the base material of the FPC substrate inside the housing are provided on the chassis. Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, by inserting the protrusions of the chassis housed inside the housing into the holes in the base material of the FPC substrate, the element can be precisely fixed to the FPC substrate on which it is mounted inside the device.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the fifth aspect described above, wherein the chassis partitions the heating unit and the power supply unit within the housing.

[0017] In the sixth embodiment described above, the chassis, which is provided with a protrusion that is inserted into the hole in the base material of the FPC substrate in the housing of the flavor inhaler, is a component that separates the heating unit that generates heat from the power supply unit inside the housing. The chassis can be said to be a suitable component from the viewpoint of assembling the flavor inhaler. Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment, by providing a protrusion on a component that is suitable from the viewpoint of assembling the flavor inhaler and engaging it with the hole in the base material of the FPC substrate to position and fix the FPC substrate, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and improve the efficiency of assembly.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the fifth and sixth aspects described above, the FPC substrate is bonded to the chassis by an adhesive portion, at least a portion of which is bonded.

[0019] In the seventh embodiment described above, the FPC substrate, which has a hole in the fixing portion that engages with a protrusion of the chassis, is bonded to the chassis by an adhesive portion at least in part. Therefore, according to the seventh embodiment, the engagement between the protrusion of the chassis and the hole in the fixing portion of the FPC substrate is reinforced by the bonding of the chassis and the FPC substrate with adhesive, thereby enabling accurate fixing of the FPC substrate on which the elements are mounted inside the device.

[0020] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler, wherein the chassis is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the fixing portion of the FPC substrate includes a plurality of holes corresponding to each of the plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of holes include at least two holes arranged to sandwich the area on which the LED is mounted.

[0021] In the eighth embodiment described above, the chassis housed in the housing of the flavor inhaler is provided with a plurality of protrusions that are inserted into holes in the base material of the FPC substrate, and the fixing portion of the FPC substrate includes a plurality of holes corresponding to each of the plurality of protrusions, two of which are arranged to sandwich the area on the FPC substrate where the LED is mounted. Therefore, according to the eighth embodiment, the LED can be accurately fixed by the engagement between the holes in the base material of the FPC substrate and the protrusions of the chassis at two locations on the FPC substrate where the area on which the LED is mounted is sandwiched.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the eighth aspect, wherein the plurality of holes have at least two different hole diameters.

[0023] In the ninth embodiment described above, the multiple holes in the base material of the FPC substrate, corresponding to each of the multiple protrusions provided on the chassis of the housing of the flavor inhaler, have at least two different hole diameters. For example, one hole can be stably engaged with the inserted protrusion, while the other hole can be made to have some play between it and the inserted protrusion, thereby facilitating the assembly of the device. Therefore, according to the ninth embodiment, by providing multiple holes of different diameters in the base material of the FPC substrate and inserting each of the multiple protrusions of the chassis into each of the holes, it is possible to ensure some play and facilitate the assembly of the device, as well as to accurately fix the element to the FPC substrate on which it is mounted.

[0024] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the fourth to ninth aspects described above, the protrusion includes a folded portion configured to be able to hold down the edge of the FPC substrate defining the hole.

[0025] In the tenth embodiment described above, the housing chassis of a flavor inhaler has a protrusion that is inserted into a hole in the base material of an FPC substrate, and the protrusion includes a folded portion configured to be able to hold down the edge of the FPC substrate that defines the hole. Therefore, according to the tenth embodiment, the folded portion of the protrusion holds down the edge of the FPC substrate, preventing the inserted protrusion from coming out of the hole, and enabling accurate fixing of the element to the FPC substrate mounted on it inside the device.

[0026] An eleventh aspect of this disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first to tenth aspects described above, the back surface of the FPC substrate where the LED is mounted is reinforced with a reinforcing material.

[0027] In the 11th embodiment described above, in an FPC substrate equipped with an element including an LED housed in the housing of a flavor inhaler, the back surface of the area where the LED is mounted is reinforced with a reinforcing material. Therefore, according to the 11th embodiment, the LED can be stably fixed inside the device.

[0028] A twelfth aspect of this disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a flavor inhaler according to the first to eleventh aspects described above and a consumer material containing a flavor source.

[0029] In the twelfth embodiment described above, an FPC substrate with elements including LEDs is housed in the housing of the flavor inhaler, and at least a portion of the FPC substrate is fixed inside the housing. Since the LEDs are mounted on the FPC substrate rather than on a printed circuit board, there is no need to use a printed circuit board for the LEDs, and the device can be miniaturized. On the other hand, when using a flexible FPC substrate, it is necessary to accurately fix the LEDs and the FPC substrate on which the LEDs are mounted. Therefore, according to the twelfth embodiment, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler equipped with a flavor inhaler in which elements are accurately fixed to the FPC substrate on which they are mounted inside the device.

[0030] 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 the arrow in Figure 3B. This is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the FPC substrate attached to the chassis. This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the FPC substrate. This is an exploded perspective view showing the positional relationship between the chassis and the FPC substrate. This is a front view showing the overall configuration of the chassis. This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the protrusion.

[0031] Embodiments of this 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The fragrance inhaler 200 according to this embodiment is configured to heat the fragrance generation segment 110 of the consumable 100 shown in FIG. 2 to generate an aerosol. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the fragrance inhaler 200 includes an outer housing 201, a slide cover 202, and a switch portion 203. The outer housing 201 constitutes the outermost housing of the fragrance inhaler 200 and has a size that fits in the user's hand. When the user uses the fragrance inhaler 200, the outer housing 201 can be held by hand to inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 201 is an example of the housing of the present disclosure.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 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 detachable from the outer case 205. The outer case 205 has a bottom wall 205a and a peripheral wall 205b extending from the bottom wall 205a.

[0046] The slide cover 202 is slidably attached to the outer housing 201 so as to close an opening 206 for inserting the consumable 100 formed in the outer housing 201. Specifically, the slide cover 202 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 201 between a closed position (the position shown in FIG. 3B) where the opening 206 of the outer housing 201 is closed and an open position where the opening 206 is opened. For example, when the user manually operates the slide cover 202, the slide cover 202 can be moved between the closed position and the open position. Thereby, the slide cover 202 can permit or restrict access of the consumable 100 to the inside of the fragrance inhaler 200.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3B, the outer housing 201 has a recess 207 in which the slide cover 202 is disposed. In the present embodiment, the recess 207 is formed in the upper part of the outer housing 201. The recess 207 has a bottom wall portion 207a and side wall portions 207b. The opening 206 is formed in the bottom wall portion 207a. The slide cover 202 is configured to slide in the first direction d1 inside the recess 207.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3A, the outer panel 204 has a window portion 208 disposed so as 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, the user can operate the switch portion 203 with the consumable 100 inserted into the fragrance attractor 200, so that power is supplied from the battery 10 to the heating portion of the atomization portion 30, and the consumable 100 can be heated without being burned. 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 atomization portion 30.

[0049] 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 provided 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. Further, 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.

[0050] Figure 4 is a front view of the flavor inhaler 200 with the outer panel 204 removed. As shown in Figure 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 Figures 3B and 3C. In the example shown in Figure 4, the inner panel 210 is fixed to the outer case 205 in three places by screws 240. The inner panel 210 may be made of, for example, resin or metal. Alternatively, the inner panel 210 may be made by two-color molding of resin and metal. However, the material of the inner panel 210 is not particularly limited.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, a magnet 242 is provided on the surface of the inner panel 210 facing the outer panel 204. A magnetic material (not shown) is placed on the outer panel 204 at a position facing the magnet 242, and the outer panel 204 is detachably fixed to the inner panel 210 by the magnet 242 attracting the magnetic material with magnetic force. In the example shown in Figure 4, two magnets 242 are placed spaced apart 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 material. Alternatively, the inner panel 210 may be provided with a magnetic material instead of the magnet 242. In this case, the outer panel 204 needs to be provided with a magnet that attracts the magnetic material.

[0052] 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 (not shown) 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] [Details of FPC board and chassis] The following describes the details of the chassis 12 and the FPC board 270 that is attached to the chassis 12.

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the FPC substrate 270 mounted on the chassis 12. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the FPC substrate 270. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the positional relationship between the chassis 12 and the FPC substrate 270. Figure 9 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the chassis 12. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the protrusion 292.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, an FPC substrate 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.

[0061] A light guide member (not shown) is placed between the inner panel 210 and the FPC substrate 270. 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 is placed on the back side of the window portion 244 of the inner panel 210 and guides light from the LED located inside the outer housing 201 to the window portion 244.

[0062] As an example, the FPC substrate 270 is equipped 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 6, 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. In this disclosure, an LED group refers to one that contains at least one LED, and is not limited to one that itself contains multiple LEDs.

[0063] On the FPC substrate 270, the back surface of the area where the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are mounted may be reinforced with a reinforcing material. Examples of reinforcing materials include stainless steel, glass epoxy, PET, and polyimide.

[0064] A light guide member (not shown) 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, 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.

[0065] Here, the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 must be precisely positioned and fixed inside the outer housing 201. If the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are not precisely positioned, the light emitted from each may not properly reach the corresponding window portions 244A and 244B. In this case, it is not possible to properly provide a visual display to the user using LEDs. Therefore, in this embodiment, the FPC substrate 270 on which the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are mounted is positioned and fixed inside the outer housing 201.

[0066] The FPC substrate 270 has a base material 270A and a wiring section (not shown). The base material 270A functions to mount elements such as the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284. The wiring section connects the elements mounted on the base material 270A to the battery 10 and the control circuit 20.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270 includes a main body portion 272, fixing portions 274 and 276, and a holding portion 278. The main body portion 272 is a member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the outer housing 201, and the other members of the base material 270A are provided on the main body portion 272. The fixing portions 274 and 276 have, for example, a substantially rectangular shape, and are provided with holes 274A and 276A, respectively. In this embodiment, the FPC substrate 270 is fixed within the outer housing 201 by inserting the protrusions 290 and 292 of the chassis 12, which will be described later, into the holes 274A and 276A of the fixing portions 274 and 276, respectively. However, the configuration of the fixing portions 274 and 276 is not limited to this, and is acceptable as long as it can appropriately fix the FPC substrate 270 within the outer housing 201. For example, the fixing portion 274 and the fixing portion 276 may be bonded to the corresponding location on the chassis 12 by adhesive portions.

[0068] As a result, the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are positioned and fixed relative to the corresponding window sections 244A and 244B. Specifically, it is ensured that the light emitted from the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 reaches the corresponding window sections 244A and 244B appropriately.

[0069] In particular, as shown in Figure 6, the fixing portions 274 and 276 of the FPC substrate 270 are arranged along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor inhaler 200 so as to sandwich the area on which the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are mounted.

[0070] Furthermore, the number of fixing parts on the FPC substrate 270 is not limited to two, and can be appropriately selected from the viewpoint of positioning and fixing the FPC substrate 270. In addition, the diameters of the holes 274A and 276A can be selected to be different from each other. This configuration increases the degree of design freedom. For example, it is possible to provide a larger amount of play in one pair of holes and corresponding protrusions compared to the other pair of holes and protrusions.

[0071] The holding portion 278 of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270 is a component that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the battery 10 (see Figures 6 and 8). The holding portion 278 contacting the outer circumferential surface of the battery 10 and holding the battery 10 contributes to the stable positioning and fixing of the FPC substrate 270.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, the FPC substrate 270 is attached to the chassis 12 from the front side (negative Y-axis direction side) of the flavor inhaler 200. The atomizing unit 30, including the heating unit 36, is attached to the chassis 12 from the negative X-axis direction side, and the battery 10 is attached from the positive X-axis direction side. Thus, within the outer housing 201, the chassis 12 partitions the atomizing unit 30, including the heating unit 36, and the battery 10.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, protrusions 290 and 292 are provided on the front surface (the side in the negative Y-axis direction) of the chassis 12. The protrusions 290 and 292 correspond to the fixing portions 274 and 276 of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270, respectively (see Figure 7). The protrusions 290 and 292 of the chassis 12 are inserted into the holes 274A and 276A of the fixing portions 274 and 276 of the FPC substrate 270, respectively. As described above, with this configuration, the FPC substrate 270 is positioned and fixed within the outer housing 201.

[0074] Similar to the number of fixing parts on the FPC substrate 270, the number of protrusions on the chassis 12 is not limited to two. From the viewpoint of accurate positioning and fixing of the FPC substrate 270, the number of fixing parts and the corresponding protrusions can be appropriately selected.

[0075] Furthermore, a portion of the FPC substrate 270 may be bonded to the chassis 12 by adhesive. The FPC substrate 270 is fixed to the chassis 12 by the insertion of the protrusions 290 and 292 of the chassis 12 into the holes 274A and 276A of the FPC substrate 270, but the bonding by adhesive ensures stable fixation.

[0076] As shown in Figure 10, the protrusion 292 of the chassis 12 can be constructed by providing a folded portion 292B at the tip of the shaft portion 292A. The folded portion 292B can be made of an elastic material and is compressed when the protrusion 292 is inserted into the hole 276A of the fixing portion 276 of the FPC substrate 270. Once insertion is complete, the folded portion 292B is released from its deformation and returns to its original shape, holding down the edge of the hole 276A. Alternatively, the folded portion 292B may be formed integrally with the shaft portion 292A using the same material as the shaft portion 292A and the chassis 12. If the protrusion 292 is about to come out of the hole 276A due to an external impact or the like, the folded portion 292B functions to hold down the edge of the hole 276A. This configuration contributes to the engagement between the protrusion 292 of the chassis 12 and the hole 276A of the FPC substrate 270, and further contributes to the stabilization of the positioning and fixing of the FPC substrate 270 within the outer housing 201.

[0077] The other protrusions 290 of the chassis 12 can also be configured in the same way as the protrusion 292.

[0078] In this embodiment, the protrusions 290 and 292 were described as being provided on the front surface (the negative Y-axis side) of the chassis 12. However, the protrusions 290 and 292 are not limited to being located on the chassis 12. They can be provided at appropriate locations inside the outer housing 201. Specifically, the protrusions may be provided on the inner wall of the outer housing 201, or on the back surface (the positive Y-axis side) of the inner panel 210.

[0079] (Operation of this embodiment) In this embodiment, an FPC substrate 270, on which elements including a first LED group 282 and a second LED group 284 are mounted, is housed in the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200, and at least a portion of the FPC substrate 270 is fixed inside the outer housing 201. Since the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are mounted on the FPC substrate 270 rather than on a printed circuit board, there is no need to use a printed circuit board for the LEDs, and the flavor inhaler 200 can be miniaturized. On the other hand, when using the FPC substrate 270, it is required to accurately position and fix the LEDs and the FPC substrate 270 on which the LEDs are mounted. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler 200 in which the FPC substrate 270 on which elements including the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are accurately fixed inside the device.

[0080] In this embodiment, the inner panel 210 of the flavor inhaler 200 includes window portions 244A and 244B configured to transmit visible light emitted by the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284, and the outer panel 204 includes a window portion 208 corresponding to the window portions 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210. The FPC substrate 270, on which the elements including the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are mounted, is fixed so as to position the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 relative to the window portions 244A and 244B. When using LEDs to visually display information on the exterior of the outer housing 201 of the device, if the LEDs are not accurately positioned, the light emitted from the LEDs may not properly reach the corresponding display area on the exterior of the outer housing 201. In this case, it is not possible to properly perform visual display to the user using LEDs. Therefore, when using LEDs to visually display information on the windows 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210 of the flavor inhaler 200, it is necessary to accurately position and fix the first LED group 282, the second LED group 284, and the FPC substrate 270 on which the LED groups are mounted. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, appropriate visual display can be performed without shifting the light of the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 mounted on the FPC substrate 270 from the windows 244A and 244B of the inner panel 210. As a result, even when using a flexible FPC substrate 270, appropriate visual display using LEDs can be performed for the user.

[0081] In this embodiment, the FPC substrate 270, which includes elements such as the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 housed in the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200, includes a base material 270A and a wiring section (not shown), and the base material 270A includes fixing parts 274 and 276 that fix the FPC substrate 270 inside the outer housing 201. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by fixing the fixing parts 274 and 276 of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270 to the outer housing 201, accurate fixing of the FPC substrate 270 on which the elements are mounted can be performed inside the device.

[0082] In this embodiment, the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200 is provided with protrusions 290 and 292, and the fixing portions 274 and 276 of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270 include holes 274A and 276A, respectively, and the FPC substrate 270 is fixed by inserting the protrusions 290 and 292 into the holes 274A and 276A, respectively. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by inserting the protrusions 290 and 292 into the fixing portions 274 and 276 of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270, precise fixing to the FPC substrate 270 on which the elements are mounted can be performed inside the device.

[0083] In this embodiment, the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200 houses the chassis 12, and the protrusions 290 and 292, which are inserted into the holes 274A and 276A of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270, are provided on the chassis 12. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by inserting the protrusions 290 and 292 of the chassis 12 into the holes 274A and 276A of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270, the device can be precisely fixed to the FPC substrate 270 on which the elements are mounted inside the device.

[0084] In this embodiment, the chassis 12, which is provided with protrusions 290 and 292 that are inserted into holes 274A and 276A in the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270 in the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200, is a component that separates the atomizing unit 30, which includes a heating unit 36 ​​that generates heat, from the battery 10 inside the outer housing 201. The chassis 12 can be said to be a suitable component from the viewpoint of assembling the flavor inhaler 200. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by providing the protrusions 290 and 292 on the chassis 12, which is suitable from the viewpoint of assembling the flavor inhaler 200, and engaging them with holes 274A and 276A in the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270 to position and fix the FPC substrate 270, the number of parts can be reduced and the efficiency of assembly can be improved.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the FPC substrate 270, which has holes 274A and 276A in its fixing portions 274 and 276 that engage with the protrusions 290 and 292 of the chassis 12, is bonded to the chassis 12 by adhesive portions at least in part. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the engagement between the protrusions 290 and 292 of the chassis 12 and the fixing portions 274 and 276 of the FPC substrate 270 is reinforced by the bonding of the FPC substrate 270 and the chassis 12 with adhesive, thereby enabling accurate fixing of the FPC substrate 270 on which the elements are mounted inside the device.

[0086] In this embodiment, the chassis 12 of the flavor inhaler 200 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 290, 292 that are inserted into holes 274A, 276A in the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270. The fixing portions 274, 276 of the FPC substrate 270 include a plurality of holes 274A, 276A corresponding to each of the plurality of protrusions 290, 292. The two holes 274A, 276A are arranged on the FPC substrate 270 to sandwich the area on which the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 are mounted along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 200. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the LEDs can be accurately fixed because the holes 274A, 276A in the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270 and the protrusions 290, 292 of the chassis 12 are engaged at two locations on the FPC substrate 270 that are arranged to sandwich the area on which the LEDs are mounted.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple holes 274A and 276A in the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270, corresponding to each of the multiple protrusions 290 and 292 provided on the chassis 12 of the flavor inhaler 200, may have different hole diameters. For example, by ensuring that one hole 274A stably engages with the inserted protrusion 290, and the other hole 276A has some play between it and the inserted protrusion 292, the assembly of the flavor inhaler 200 can be made easier. Thus, according to this embodiment, by providing multiple holes 274A and 276A with different hole diameters in the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270, and then inserting the multiple protrusions 290 and 292 of the chassis 12 into each of the holes 274A and 276A, it is possible to ensure some play and facilitate the assembly of the device, while also enabling accurate fixing to the FPC substrate 270 on which the element is mounted.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chassis 12 of the flavor inhaler 200 has protrusions 290 and 292 that are inserted into holes 274A and 276A of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270, and the protrusion 292 includes a folded portion 292B configured to be able to hold down the edge of the base material 270A of the FPC substrate 270 that defines the hole 276A. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the folded portion 292B of the protrusion 292 holds down the edge of the FPC substrate 270, preventing the inserted protrusion 292 from coming out of the hole 276A, and enabling accurate fixing to the FPC substrate 270 on which the elements are mounted inside the device.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the FPC substrate 270 equipped with elements including the first LED group 282 and the second LED group 284 housed in the outer housing 201 of the flavor inhaler 200, the back surface of the area where the LEDs are mounted is reinforced with a reinforcing material. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the LEDs can be stably fixed inside the device.

[0090] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a flavor inhalation system 1000 that includes a flavor inhaler 200 that is precisely fixed to an FPC substrate 270 on which elements including LEDs are mounted inside the device.

[0091] 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.

[0092] (Note 1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising a housing, a heating element housed in the housing that generates heat, and an FPC substrate housed in the housing that mounts elements including LEDs, wherein at least a portion of the FPC substrate is fixed inside the housing.

[0093] (Note 2) A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the first aspect described above, wherein the housing further includes a window portion configured to transmit visible light emitted by the LED, and the FPC substrate is fixed to position the LED relative to the window portion.

[0094] (Note 3) A third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first and second aspects described above, the FPC substrate includes a base material and a wiring portion, and the base material includes a fixing portion for fixing the FPC substrate inside the housing.

[0095] (Note 4) A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the third aspect described above, a protrusion is provided inside the housing, the fixing portion of the FPC substrate includes a hole, and the FPC substrate is fixed by the protrusion being inserted into the hole.

[0096] (Note 5) A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler further comprising a chassis housed in the housing in the fourth aspect, wherein the protrusion is provided on the chassis.

[0097] (Note 6) A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the fifth aspect described above, wherein the chassis partitions the heating unit and the power supply unit within the housing.

[0098] (Note 7) A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the fifth and sixth aspects described above, the FPC substrate is bonded to the chassis by an adhesive portion, at least a portion of which is bonded.

[0099] (Note 8) An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the fifth to seventh aspects described above, the chassis is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the fixing portion of the FPC substrate includes a plurality of holes corresponding to each of the plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of holes include at least two holes arranged to sandwich the area on which the LED is mounted.

[0100] (Note 9) The ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the eighth aspect described above, the plurality of holes have at least two different hole diameters.

[0101] (Note 10) The tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the fourth to ninth aspects described above, the protrusion includes a folded portion configured to be able to hold down the edge of the FPC substrate defining the hole.

[0102] (Note 11) An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in which, in the first to tenth aspects described above, the back surface of the FPC substrate where the LED is mounted is reinforced with a reinforcing material.

[0103] (Note 12) A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a flavor inhaler according to the first to eleventh aspects described above and a consumer material including a flavor source.

[0104] 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 244A...Window section 244B...Window section 246...Switch 270...Circuit board 270A...Base material 272...Main body section 274...Fixing section 274A...Hole section 276...Fixing section 276A...Hole section 278...Holding section 282...First LED group 284...Second LED group 290...Protrusion 292...Protrusion 292A...Shaft section 292B...Folded section 1000...Flavor suction system A1...Airflow A2...Airflow A3...Airflow V1...Ventilation

Claims

1. A flavor inhaler comprising a housing, a heating element housed in the housing that generates heat, and an FPC substrate housed in the housing and equipped with elements including an LED, wherein at least a portion of the FPC substrate is fixed inside the housing.

2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a window portion configured to transmit visible light emitted by the LED, and the FPC substrate is fixed to position the LED relative to the window portion.

3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the FPC substrate includes a base material and a wiring portion, and the base material includes a fixing portion for fixing the FPC substrate inside the housing.

4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 3, wherein a protrusion is provided inside the housing, the fixing portion of the FPC substrate includes a hole, and the FPC substrate is fixed by the protrusion being inserted into the hole.

5. The flavor inhaler according to claim 4, further comprising a chassis housed in the housing, wherein the protrusion is provided on the chassis.

6. The flavor inhaler according to claim 5, wherein the chassis separates the heating unit and the power supply unit within the housing.

7. The flavor inhaler according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least a portion of the FPC substrate is bonded to the chassis by an adhesive portion.

8. The chassis is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the fixing portion of the FPC substrate includes a plurality of holes corresponding to each of the plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of holes include at least two holes arranged to sandwich the area on which the LED is mounted, according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The flavor inhaler according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of holes have at least two different hole diameters.

10. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the protrusion includes a folded portion configured to be able to hold down the edge of the FPC substrate defining the hole.

11. The back surface of the FPC substrate where the LED is mounted is reinforced with a reinforcing material, as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A flavor inhalation system comprising a flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a consumable material containing a flavor source.

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