JP7561904B2 - Flavor inhaler and insertion guide member - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler and an insertion guide member.

Conventionally, flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors without burning a base material containing a flavor source are known. As such flavor inhalers, an electric smoking system equipped with a heating element that slides and receives a tobacco inserted into a tobacco receiver is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Special Publication No. 2001-521123

The object of the present invention is to provide a flavor inhaler and an insertion guide member having a new structure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a flavor inhaler is provided. This flavor inhaler is used together with a rod-shaped flavor generating article. This flavor inhaler also includes an insertion guide member having an opening into which the flavor generating article can be inserted, an inner peripheral surface surrounding the outer periphery of the flavor generating article inserted through the opening, and an annular protruding portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface, extending around the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface, and abutting against the flavor generating article over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article, and the protruding portion includes a portion where the longitudinal position of the flavor generating article that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article changes in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned flavor inhaler and insertion guide member are provided.

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an overall perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state in which a flavor generating article is held. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1A. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion guide member. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an insertion guide member. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an insertion guide member. FIG. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the insertion guide member. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 2. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 2. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 2. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 3. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 3. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 3. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 4. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 4. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 4. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 5. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 5. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 5. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 6. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 6. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 6. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 7. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 7. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 7.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations are omitted. The flavor inhaler according to this embodiment is used together with a rod-shaped flavor generating product.

Figure 1A is an overall perspective view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. Figure 1B is an overall perspective view of the flavor inhaler according to this embodiment in a state in which a flavor generating article is held. The flavor inhaler 10 according to this embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor, for example, by heating a flavor generating article 110 having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the flavor inhaler 10 has a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid portion 14, a first ventilation hole 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form the outermost housing 11 of the flavor inhaler 10. The outer housing 11 is sized to fit in the user's hand. When the user uses the flavor inhaler 10, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 10 in their hand and inhale the flavor.

The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 1B, the cover 12 has an opening 12a into which the flavor-generating article 110 can be inserted. The lid portion 14 is configured to open and close the opening 12a of the cover 12. Specifically, the lid portion 14 is attached to the cover 12 and configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position that closes the opening 12a and a second position that opens the opening 12a. In this way, the lid portion 14 can permit or restrict access of the flavor-generating article 110 to the inside of the flavor inhaler 10 (the opening 61 of the insertion guide member 17 shown in FIG. 4).

The switch 13 is used to switch the operation of the flavor inhaler 10 on and off. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a user inserts the flavor generating article 110 into the opening 12a and operates the switch 13, whereby power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating member (not shown), and the flavor generating article 110 can be heated without being burned. When the flavor generating article 110 is heated, aerosol evaporates from the aerosol source contained in the flavor generating article 110, and the flavor of the flavor source is taken in by the aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor by inhaling the part of the flavor generating article 110 protruding from the flavor inhaler 10 (the part shown in FIG. 1B).

The first ventilation port 15 is a ventilation port for introducing air into the heating assembly 41 (see FIG. 3) stored in the internal space of the outer housing 11. The cap 16 is configured to be detachable from the bottom housing 11B. The cap 16 is attached to the bottom housing 11B to form the first ventilation port 15 between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have, for example, a through hole or a notch not shown. In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 10 refers to the direction in which the flavor generating article 110 is inserted into the opening 12a. In addition, in the flavor inhaler 10 of this specification, the side where air flows in (e.g., the first ventilation port 15 side) is the upstream side, and the side where air flows out (e.g., the opening 12a side) is the downstream side.

Next, the configuration of the flavor generating article 110 used in the flavor inhaler 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the flavor generating article 110 has a base material 110A including a filling 111 and a first wrapping paper 112 around which the filling 111 is wrapped, and a suction mouth portion 110B forming an end portion opposite the base material 110A. The base material 110A and the suction mouth portion 110B are connected by a second wrapping paper 113 different from the first wrapping paper 112. However, the second wrapping paper 113 can be omitted, and the base material 110A and the suction mouth portion 110B can be connected using the first wrapping paper 112.

The suction mouth section 110B in FIG. 2 has a paper tube section 114, a filter section 115, and a hollow segment section 116 arranged between the paper tube section 114 and the filter section 115. The hollow segment section 116 is composed of, for example, a packed bed having one or more hollow channels and a plug wrapper covering the packed bed. Since the packed bed has a high fiber packing density, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow channels during inhalation, and hardly any flow occurs within the packed bed. In the flavor-generating article 110, when it is desired to reduce the loss of aerosol components due to filtration in the filter section 115, shortening the length of the filter section 115 and replacing it with the hollow segment section 116 is effective in increasing the amount of aerosol delivered.

In FIG. 2, the suction mouth portion 110B is composed of three segments, but in this embodiment, the suction mouth portion 110B may be composed of one or two segments, or may be composed of four or more segments. For example, the hollow segment portion 116 may be omitted, and the paper tube portion 114 and the filter portion 115 may be arranged adjacent to each other to form the suction mouth portion 110B.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the length of the flavor-generating article 110 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 40 mm to 90 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 75 mm, and even more preferably 50 mm to 60 mm. The circumference of the flavor-generating article 110 is preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 17 mm to 24 mm, and even more preferably 20 mm to 23 mm. In addition, the length of the base material portion 110A in the flavor-generating article 110 may be 20 mm, the length of the first wrapping paper 112 may be 20 mm, the length of the hollow segment portion 116 may be 8 mm, and the length of the filter portion 115 may be 7 mm, but the lengths of these individual segments can be changed as appropriate depending on manufacturing suitability, required quality, etc.

In this embodiment, the filling 111 of the flavor generating article 110 may contain an aerosol source that generates an aerosol when heated at a predetermined temperature. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and various extracts from natural products and/or their constituents can be selected depending on the application. Examples of the aerosol source include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol source in the filling 111 is not particularly limited, and is usually 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and usually 50% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less, from the viewpoint of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good smoking flavor.

The filling 111 of the flavor-generating product 110 in this embodiment may contain tobacco shreds as a flavor source. The material of the tobacco shreds is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina and backbone can be used. The content range of the filling 111 in the flavor-generating product 110 is, for example, 200 mg to 400 mg, and preferably 250 mg to 320 mg, in the case of a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm. The moisture content of the filling 111 is, for example, 8% by weight to 18% by weight, and preferably 10% by weight to 16% by weight. Such a moisture content suppresses the occurrence of rolling stains and improves the suitability for rolling during the manufacture of the base material portion 110A. There are no particular limitations on the size of the tobacco shreds used as the filling 111 or the preparation method thereof. For example, dried tobacco leaves shredded to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm may be used. Alternatively, dried tobacco leaves may be crushed to a uniform average particle size of about 20 μm to 200 μm, processed into a sheet, and then chopped into widths of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Furthermore, the above-mentioned sheet may be gathered without being chopped and used as the filler 111. The filler 111 may also contain one or more flavorings. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, but menthol is preferred from the viewpoint of imparting a good smoking taste.

In this embodiment, the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 of the flavor generating article 110 can be made from base paper having a basis weight of, for example, 20 gsm to 65 gsm, and preferably 25 gsm to 45 gsm. The thickness of the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 is not particularly limited, but is 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably 20 μm to 75 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 50 μm, from the viewpoints of rigidity, breathability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking.

In this embodiment, the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 of the flavor-generating article 110 may contain a filler. The content of the filler may be 10% by weight to 60% by weight, preferably 15% by weight to 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113. In this embodiment, the filler is preferably 15% by weight to 45% by weight for a preferred basis weight range (25 gsm to 45 gsm). Examples of the filler that can be used include calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin, and the like. Paper containing such a filler exhibits a bright white color that is preferable from the viewpoint of appearance when used as wrapping paper for the flavor-generating article 110, and can permanently maintain whiteness. By including a large amount of such a filler, for example, the ISO whiteness of the wrapping paper can be 83% or more. From the viewpoint of practical use as wrapping paper for the flavor generating article 110, the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 preferably have a tensile strength of 8 N/15 mm or more. This tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content. Specifically, the tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content below the upper limit of the filler content shown in each of the basis weight ranges exemplified above.

Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 10 shown in Figures 1A and 1B will be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 shown in Figure 1A. As shown in Figure 3, the flavor inhaler 10 has a power supply unit 20, a circuit unit 30, and a heating unit 40 in the internal space of the outer housing 11 and the inner housing 18. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B that constitute the outer housing 11 surround the inner housing 18 and store the inner housing 18 in the internal space.

The circuit section 30 has a first circuit board 31, a second circuit board 32, and a third circuit board 33, which are electrically connected to each other. The first circuit board 31 is arranged, for example, as shown in the figure, extending in the longitudinal direction adjacent to one side of the rectangular power source 21. A partition wall 34 is provided between the first circuit board 31 and the heating section 40, thereby partitioning at least a part of the area that houses the power source section 20 and the first circuit board 31. The partition wall 34 may be provided with a notch or a through hole that fluidly connects the space on the power source section 20 side and the space on the heating section 40 side.

The second circuit board 32 is disposed inside the top housing 11A between the cover 12 and the power supply unit 20, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first circuit board 31. The switch 13 is disposed adjacent to the second circuit board 32. When a user presses the switch 13, a part of the switch 13 may come into contact with the second circuit board 32. The third circuit board 33 is disposed extending in the longitudinal direction in a space formed on the opposite side of the opening 12a from the heating unit 40.

The third circuit board 33 has a main surface on which various electronic components are attached. For example, the third circuit board 33 may be disposed within the bottom housing 11B so that its main surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. This allows the main surface of the third circuit board 33 to be enlarged, making effective use of the space within the bottom housing 11B.

The first circuit board 31, the second circuit board 32, and the third circuit board 33 each include, for example, a microprocessor, and can control the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40. This allows the first circuit board 31, the second circuit board 32, and the third circuit board 33 to control the heating of the flavor-generating article 110 by the heating unit 40.

The power supply unit 20 has a power supply 21 electrically connected to the first circuit board 31, the second circuit board 32, and the third circuit board 33. The power supply 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the heating unit 40 via at least one of the first circuit board 31, the second circuit board 32, and the third circuit board 33. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the heating unit 40 so as to appropriately heat the flavor generating article 110. As shown in the figure, the power supply 21 is arranged in parallel with the heating unit 40. This makes it possible to prevent the longitudinal length of the flavor inhaler 10 from increasing even if the size of the power supply 21 is increased.

Furthermore, the flavor inhaler 10 has a terminal 22 that can be connected to an external power source. The terminal 22 can be connected to a cable such as a micro USB. If the power source 21 is a rechargeable battery, by connecting the external power source to the terminal 22, a current can be passed from the external power source to the power source 21, thereby charging the power source 21. Furthermore, by connecting a data transmission cable such as a micro USB to the terminal 22, data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 10 can be transmitted to an external device.

As shown in the figure, the heating section 40 has a heating assembly 41 extending in the longitudinal direction, a bottom cap 50 with an L-shaped cross section, and a generally cylindrical insertion guide member 17. The heating assembly 41 includes multiple cylindrical members and forms a cylindrical body as a whole. The heating assembly 41 is configured to be able to store a part of the flavor generating article 110 therein, and has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the flavor generating article 110, and the function of heating the flavor generating article 110 from the outer periphery.

The bottom housing 11B is formed with a first vent 15 and a second vent 19 for introducing air into the heating assembly 41. Specifically, the first vent 15 is fluidly connected to the upstream end of a flow path that passes through the bottom cap 50 and reaches the heating assembly 41. That is, the first vent 15 is fluidly connected to the upstream end of the heating assembly 41 via the through flow path of the bottom cap 50. The second vent 19 is fluidly connected to the upstream end of the air flow path 19A formed between the outer housing 11 and the inner housing 18. Furthermore, the downstream end of the air flow path 19A is fluidly connected to the upstream end of the flow path that passes through the bottom cap 50, so that like the first vent 15, the second vent 19 is also ultimately fluidly connected to the heating assembly 41.

The downstream end of the heating assembly 41 is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the flow path that passes through the insertion guide member 17 and reaches the opening 12a shown in FIG. 1B. The insertion guide member 17 is a member formed of, for example, a resin material, and is provided between the cover 12 having the opening 12a and the downstream end of the heating assembly 41. When the flavor generating article 110 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 from the opening 12a of the cover 12 as shown in FIG. 1B, it passes through the insertion guide member 17, and a part of the flavor generating article 110 is disposed inside the heating assembly 41. For this reason, it is preferable that the insertion guide member 17 is formed so that the opening on the cover 12 side is larger than the size of the opening on the downstream side of the heating assembly 41. This makes it easier to insert the flavor generating article 110 into the insertion guide member 17 from the opening 12a.

As shown in FIG. 1B, when the flavor generating article 110 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 through the opening 12a, and the user inhales from the portion of the flavor generating article 110 protruding from the flavor inhaler 10, i.e., the filter portion 115 shown in FIG. 2, air flows into the heating assembly 41 from the first ventilation port 15 and the second ventilation port 19. The air that flows in passes through the heating assembly 41 and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the flavor generating article 110. Therefore, the side of the heating assembly 41 closer to the first ventilation port 15 and the second ventilation port 19 (the side closer to the bottom cap 50) is the upstream side, and the side of the heating assembly 41 closer to the opening 12a (the side closer to the insertion guide member 17) is the downstream side.

Next, the configuration of the heating unit 40 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heating unit 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the heating unit 40 has a heating assembly 41, a bottom cap 50, and an insertion guide member 17. The heating assembly 41 has a cup-shaped container 42 that forms a chamber for accommodating the flavor-generating article 110, a heating member 43, a heat-shrink tube 44, and a heat insulating member 45.

The container 42 has a first opening 42a at one end through which the flavor generating article 110 can be inserted, and a second opening 42b at the other end that forms an air inlet, and is configured to accommodate the flavor generating article 110. In this embodiment, the container 42 has an inner wall configured to contact at least a part of the outer wall of the flavor generating article 110 inserted from the first opening 42a. Furthermore, the container 42 has a bottom wall 42d against which the tip of the flavor generating article 110 inserted from the first opening 42a abuts. The second opening 42b is a through hole formed in the bottom wall 42d of the container 42. The second opening 42b is located upstream of the air flow, and the first opening 42a is located downstream. In addition, a boss 42c configured to press the outer wall of the inserted flavor generating article 110 radially inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the container 42 on the first opening 42a side.

The heating member 43 may be a flexible film heater, for example, configured by sandwiching a heating resistor between two films such as PI (polyimide). The heating member 43 is arranged so as to be in contact with the container 42. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the heating member 43 is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the container 42, and the inner surface of the heating member 43 is in close contact with the outer surface of the container 42. Since the heating member 43 is arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the container 42, it is deformed into a roughly cylindrical shape as a whole.

The heat shrink tube 44 is cylindrical and maintains the heating member 43 in close contact with the container 42. Specifically, the heat shrink tube 44 is thermally shrunk by applying heat while being disposed on the outer periphery of the heating member 43, thereby applying stress to the heating member 43 so as to press the heating member 43 against the container 42. Here, the heat shrink tube 44 thermally shrunk covering a portion of the downstream side of the bottom cap 50, thereby allowing the container 42 and the bottom cap 50 to be in close contact with each other.

The heat insulating member 45 is a cylindrical member having a double-tube structure and is arranged at a predetermined interval from the heat shrink tube 44 in the radial outward direction. The heat insulating member 45 has an inner tubular member 45a, an outer tubular member 45b, a first annular member 45c, and a second annular member 45d. The inner tubular member 45a and the outer tubular member 45b are arranged in a line in the radial direction of the inserted flavor generating product 110. The first annular member 45c is arranged downstream of the inner tubular member 45a and the outer tubular member 45b, and the second annular member 45d is arranged upstream of the inner tubular member 45a and the outer tubular member 45b. For example, the heat insulating member 45 can be a vacuum insulation material having reduced pressure air or vacuum inside the double-tube structure. Specifically, by reducing the pressure in the space formed by the inner tubular member 45a and the outer tubular member 45b and the first annular member 45c and the second annular member 45d, the heat generated by the heating member 43 is less likely to be transmitted to the outside of the heating assembly 41. However, the structure of the insulating member 45 is not limited to the above, and the insulating member 45 in the figure may be omitted.

The bottom cap 50 is a member that forms a pipe having a downstream end 50a that engages with the upstream end (the end on the second opening 42b side) of the container 42, and an upstream end 50b on the opposite side of the downstream end 50a. The bottom cap 50 forms an internal flow path that introduces air toward the second opening 42b of the container 42. The bottom cap 50 shown in FIG. 4 forms an internal flow path that is bent in an L-shape. In addition, the upstream end 50b of the bottom cap 50 is disposed in close proximity to or adjacent to the first air vent 15 and the air flow path 19A shown in FIG. 3.

The upstream end of the insertion guide member 17 (the end on the first opening 42a side) surrounds the outer periphery of the downstream end of the container 42, and a predetermined gap is provided between the insertion guide member 17 and the container 42. In other words, the upstream end of the insertion guide member 17 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the downstream end of the container 42, and is capable of accommodating the downstream end of the container 42.

Next, the configuration of the insertion guide member 17 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion guide member 17. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the insertion guide member 17. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are cross-sectional perspective views of the insertion guide member 17. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the insertion guide member. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the insertion guide member.

As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the insertion guide member 17 has an opening 61, an inner peripheral surface 62, a protruding portion 63, a guide portion 64, a groove portion 65, and an enclosing portion 66. The opening 61 communicates with the opening 12a of the cover 12, and is configured to allow the flavor generating article 110 to be inserted therein. The inner peripheral surface 62 is configured to surround the outer periphery of the flavor generating article 110 inserted through the opening 61. The inner peripheral surface 62 also has a non-protruding portion 62a formed adjacent to the opening 61 side of the protruding portion 63 and the opposite side of the opening 61, and including an area spaced apart from the outer periphery of the inserted flavor generating article 110.

The protruding portion 63 is annular and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 62 and extends over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 62. The protruding portion 63 is configured to abut against the flavor generating article 110 over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article 110. Here, the protruding portion 63 includes a portion in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 62 where the longitudinal position of the flavor generating article 110 that abuts against the inserted flavor generating article 110 changes. Specifically, the protruding portion 63 includes an inclined portion 63a, two convex portions 63b, and a pair of horizontal portions 63c. The inclined portion 63a is configured to extend obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110. The convex portions 63b are provided in two places so as to protrude toward the opening 61 side. The two convex portions 63b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 62. The horizontal portions 63c extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110 and are arranged to face each other with respect to the central axis of the inserted flavor generating article 110. The horizontal portions 63c also form the end portion on the opposite side (lower side in FIG. 5 ) of the opening 61 of the protruding portion 63 in the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110.

The guide portion (second guide portion) 64 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 62 and is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 110 inserted from the horizontal portion 63c to the opposite side of the opening 61 (the lower side in FIG. 5). The guide portion 64 guides the movement of the flavor generating article 110 relative to the inner peripheral surface 62. The guide portion 64 also has a guide surface 64a disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article 110. The guide surface 64a is configured to be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article 110 and to extend along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110.

The groove portion 65 is provided on the opening 61 side of the insertion guide member 17 and is attached to the cover 12 to form a space for the movement of the lid portion 14 that opens and closes the opening 12a of the cover 12. The surrounding portion 66 is provided on the opposite side of the insertion guide member 17 to the opening 61 (the upstream end of the insertion guide member 17) and is configured to surround the outer periphery of the downstream end of the container 42.

According to the above configuration, at each position in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 110 in the region where the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article 110 abuts against the protruding portion 63, a region where the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 is separated from the inner peripheral surface 62, i.e., a gap is formed. Therefore, even if the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 receives a pressing force from the protruding portion 63 when the flavor generating article 110 is inserted and/or removed, at least a part of the pressing force is used to move and/or deform the flavor generating article 110 in the gap. Therefore, the normal force that the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 actually receives from the protruding portion 63 is smaller than the pressing force when no gap is formed. Thus, according to the above configuration, the normal force acting on the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 from the protruding portion 63 is smaller, so that the frictional force acting on the flavor generating article 110 when the flavor generating article 110 is inserted and/or removed can be reduced.

In addition, the protruding portion 63 abuts against the flavor generating article 110 over the entire outer periphery of the inserted flavor generating article 110, thereby preventing the hot steam generated in the heating section 40 from leaking out of the opening 61. The protruding portion 63 may be configured to abut against a portion of each longitudinal portion of the inserted flavor generating article 110 that is prone to elastic deformation when subjected to a radially inward pressing force. For example, the protruding portion 63 may be configured to abut against the paper tube portion 114 of the flavor generating article 110 shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, the guide portion 64 has a guide surface 64a arranged to face the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor-generating article 110, so that the guide surface 64a can prevent the inserted flavor-generating article 110 from swinging around the horizontal portion 63c as a fulcrum.

The insertion guide member 17 may be formed by combining multiple members. This allows the insertion guide member 17 to be easily formed with a complex shape. In this case, the protrusion 63 may be formed at the joint between the multiple members. When multiple members are combined, a process is required to eliminate the step that occurs at the joint between the members, but by actively using this step as the protrusion 63, the process to eliminate the step can be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the non-protruding portion 62a may be formed on only one of the opening 61 side and the opposite side of the opening 61 of the protruding portion 63. The convex portion 63b is not limited to two locations, and may be provided in three or more locations as long as they are equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 62. The convex portion 63b may be provided in only one location on the inner circumferential surface 62. The guide portion (first guide portion) 64 may be configured to extend from the horizontal portion 63c to the opening 61 side (upper side in FIG. 5) along the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 110 inserted therein. Furthermore, the guide portion 64 may extend from only one side of the horizontal portion 63c.

Below, we will explain modified examples of the protrusion 63 and guide portion 64 in the above embodiment.

(Variation 1)
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 1. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 1. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 1. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along line 12-12 in Fig. 11, and Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along line 13-13 in Fig. 11.

As shown in Figs. 11 to 13, the protruding portion 63 is formed by an inclined portion 63a extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110. According to the above configuration, the normal force acting on the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 from the protruding portion 63 can be evenly distributed in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 110. Furthermore, at each position in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 110 in the region where the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article 110 abuts against the protruding portion 63, there is one or two contact points between the protruding portion 63 and the flavor generating article 110. Therefore, the gap becomes larger at each position in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 110, making it easier for the flavor generating article 110 to move and/or deform.

(Variation 2)
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 2. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 2. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 2. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along arrows 15-15 in Fig. 14, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along arrows 16-16 in Fig. 14.

As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the protruding portion 63 is formed by an inclined portion 63a, as in the first modification. The guide portion (second guide portion) 64 is configured to extend from the end of the protruding portion 63 on the opening 61 side (upper side in Figure 14) along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110 to the opposite side of the opening 61 (lower side in Figure 14). The guide portion 64 also has a guide surface 64a arranged to face the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article 110.

According to the above configuration, the guide surface 64a can prevent the inserted flavor generating article 110 from swinging. In addition, the guide portion 64 extends from the end of the protruding portion 63 on the opening 61 side (upper side in FIG. 14) to the opposite side of the opening 61 (lower side in FIG. 14), so that the movement of the flavor generating article 110 can be guided over a long range in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 110.

The guide portion 64 is not limited to extending from the end of the protruding portion 63 on the opening 61 side (upper side in FIG. 14), but may extend from any position on the protruding portion 63. The guide portion (first guide portion) 64 may also extend from the protruding portion 63 to the opening 61 side (upper side in FIG. 14) along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110.

(Variation 3)
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 3. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 3. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 3. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along line 18-18 in Fig. 17, and Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along line 19-19 in Fig. 17.

As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the protruding portion 63 includes an inclined portion 63a, two vertical portions 63d, and a horizontal portion 63c. The vertical portions 63d are configured to extend adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110. The horizontal portion (first horizontal portion) 63c extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110, and forms the end portion of the protruding portion 63 on the opening 61 side (upper side in Figure 17) in the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110. Here, the vertical portion 63d extends from the end portion of the inclined portion 63a on the opening 61 side (upper side in Figure 17) to the opening 61 side, and the end portion of the vertical portion 63d on the opening 61 side is connected by the horizontal portion 63c.

With the above configuration, the vertical portion 63d functions as an insertion guide that guides the movement of the flavor generating article 110 relative to the inner circumferential surface 62, making it possible to eliminate the need for the guide portion 64 shown in FIG. 14, for example. In addition, the horizontal portion 63c can function as a bearing that positions the inserted flavor generating article 110 in the radial direction.

(Variation 4)
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 4. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 4. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 4. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along line 21-21 in Fig. 20, and Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along line 22-22 in Fig. 20.

As shown in Figures 20 to 22, the protruding portion 63 includes an inclined portion 63a, a pair of vertical portions 63d, and a horizontal portion 63c. The vertical portion 63d is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110. The horizontal portion (first horizontal portion) 63c extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110, and forms the end portion of the protruding portion 63 on the opening 61 side (upper side in Figure 20) in the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110. Here, the vertical portions 63d are arranged to face each other with respect to the central axis of the inserted flavor generating article 110 at approximately the midpoint of the longitudinal direction of the inclined portion 63a. Note that the horizontal portion 63c does not have to be provided.

According to the above configuration, the vertical portion 63d functions as an insertion guide that guides the movement of the flavor generating article 110 relative to the inner circumferential surface 62, making it possible to eliminate the need for the guide portion 64 shown in FIG. 14, for example. The horizontal portion 63c can function as a bearing that positions the inserted flavor generating article 110 in the radial direction. Furthermore, by locating the vertical portion 63d at the longitudinal center position of the inclined portion 63a, it is possible to prevent the end of the vertical portion 63d from getting caught on the flavor generating article 110 when inserting and/or removing the flavor generating article 110.

(Variation 5)
Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 5. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 5. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 5. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along arrows 24-24 shown in Fig. 23, and Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along arrows 25-25 shown in Fig. 23.

23 to 25, the protruding portion 63 includes four vertical portions 63d and four horizontal portions 63c. The vertical portions 63d are configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor-generating article 110. The horizontal portions 63c are configured to extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor-generating article 110 and connect the ends of adjacent vertical portions 63d. The horizontal portions (first horizontal portion, second horizontal portion) 63c form the end of the protruding portion 63 on the opening 61 side (upper side in FIG. 23) in the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor-generating article 110, and also form the end on the opposite side of the opening 61 (lower side in FIG. 23). Here, the vertical portions 63d and the horizontal portions 63c form two convex portions 63b protruding toward the opening 61 side (upper side in FIG. 23). The two convex portions (upward convex portions) 63b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 62. When the horizontal portion 63c formed at the end of the protruding portion 63 on the opening 61 side is used as a reference, the vertical portion 63d and the horizontal portion 63c can also be considered to form two convex portions (downward convex portions) that protrude to the opposite side of the opening 61 (the lower side in FIG. 23).

According to the above configuration, the vertical portion 63d functions as an insertion guide that guides the movement of the flavor generating article 110 relative to the inner circumferential surface 62, making it possible to eliminate the need for the guide portion 64 shown in FIG. 14, for example. In addition, the horizontal portion 63c can function as a bearing that positions the inserted flavor generating article 110 in the radial direction. In addition, the overall length of the protruding portion 63 can be increased, so that the function of the insertion guide can be more effectively exerted.

(Variation 6)
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 6. Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 6. Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 6. Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along arrows 27-27 shown in Fig. 26, and Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along arrows 28-28 shown in Fig. 26.

26 to 28, the protruding portion 63 includes an inclined portion 63a, two convex portions 63b, and four horizontal portions 63c. The convex portions 63b are provided at two locations so as to protrude toward the opening 61 side (upper side in FIG. 26). The two convex portions 63b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 62. The horizontal portions 63c are configured to extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor-generating article 110. The horizontal portions (first horizontal portion, second horizontal portion) 63c form the end of the protruding portion 63 on the opening 61 side (upper side in FIG. 26) in the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor-generating article 110, and also form the end on the opposite side of the opening 61 (lower side in FIG. 26). Here, the horizontal portions 63c are configured to be as short as possible.

With the above configuration, by making the horizontal portion 63c as short as possible, it is possible to reduce the insertion resistance when inserting and/or removing the flavor-generating article 110 while retaining the bearing function of the horizontal portion 63c for radial positioning of the inserted flavor-generating article 110.

(Variation 7)
Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to Modification 7. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 7. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view typically showing an inner circumferential surface according to Modification 7. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along line 30-30 in Fig. 29, and Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of inner circumferential surface 62 taken along line 31-31 in Fig. 29.

As shown in Figures 29 to 31, the protrusion 63 includes an inclined portion 63a and two convex portions 63b. The convex portions 63b are provided in two locations so as to protrude toward the opening 61 side (the upper side in Figure 29). The two convex portions 63b are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 62.

According to the above configuration, by omitting the vertical section extending along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110 and the horizontal section extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article 110, it is possible to prevent the flavor generating article 110 from getting caught when inserting and/or removing the flavor generating article 110.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, 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 the present invention as long as it provides the functions and effects of the present invention.

Some of the forms disclosed in this specification are described below.
According to a first form, there is provided a flavor inhaler to be used together with a rod-shaped flavor generating article, the flavor inhaler comprising an insertion guide member having an opening through which the flavor generating article can be inserted, an inner circumferential surface surrounding the outer periphery of the flavor generating article inserted through the opening, and an annular protrusion protruding from the inner circumferential surface and extending around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface and abutting the flavor generating article around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the inserted flavor generating article, the protrusion including a portion whereby the longitudinal position of the flavor generating article that abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the inserted flavor generating article changes in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface.

According to the second embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of the first embodiment, the inner peripheral surface has a non-protruding portion formed adjacent to at least one of the opening side of the protruding portion and the side opposite the opening, and including an area spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article.

According to the third embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of the first or second embodiment, the protruding portion includes an inclined portion that extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article.

According to the fourth embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to third embodiments, the protruding portion includes a plurality of convex portions protruding toward the opening side, and the plurality of convex portions are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface.

According to the fifth embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of any of the first to fourth embodiments, the protruding portion includes at least one horizontal portion extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor-generating article, and the at least one horizontal portion includes a first horizontal portion forming an end portion on the opening side of the protruding portion in the longitudinal direction and/or a second horizontal portion forming an end portion on the opposite side of the opening.

According to the sixth embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the protruding portion includes a pair of horizontal portions that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article and face each other relative to the central axis of the inserted flavor generating article, and the pair of horizontal portions form ends on opposite sides of the opening of the protruding portion in the longitudinal direction.

According to the seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the flavor inhaler includes at least one guide portion provided on the inner circumferential surface and configured to guide the movement of the flavor generating article relative to the inner circumferential surface, and the at least one guide portion includes a first guide portion extending toward the opening along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article inserted from the protruding portion and/or a second guide portion extending to the opposite side of the opening.

According to the eighth embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of the seventh embodiment, the guide portion has a guide surface arranged to face the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article.

According to the ninth embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of the eighth embodiment, the guide surface is configured to be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article and to extend along the longitudinal direction.

According to the tenth embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of any of the first to third embodiments, the protruding portion includes a pair of vertical portions extending adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article, and a horizontal portion extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the pair of vertical portions extending from the opening side end of the inclined portion to the opening side, and the opening side ends of the pair of vertical portions are connected by the horizontal portion.

According to the eleventh embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to third embodiments, the protruding portion includes a pair of vertical portions that extend along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article, and the pair of vertical portions are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction.

According to the twelfth embodiment, in the flavor inhaler of the first or second embodiment, the protrusion includes a plurality of vertical portions extending along the longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor-generating article, and a horizontal portion extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and connecting the ends of adjacent vertical portions, and the vertical portions and horizontal portions form an upward convex portion protruding toward the opening side and/or a downward convex portion protruding on the opposite side of the opening.

According to the thirteenth embodiment, in any one of the flavor inhalers from the first to the twelfth embodiments, the insertion guide member is formed by combining a plurality of members, and the protrusion is formed at the joint between the plurality of members.

According to the fourteenth embodiment, an insertion guide member for a rod-shaped flavor generating article is provided, the insertion guide member comprising an opening into which the flavor generating article can be inserted, an inner peripheral surface surrounding the outer periphery of the flavor generating article inserted through the opening, and an annular protrusion protruding from the inner peripheral surface and extending around the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface, and abutting against the flavor generating article around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article, the protrusion including a portion that changes the longitudinal position of the flavor generating article abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10: flavor inhaler 17: insertion guide member 61: opening 62: inner circumferential surface 62a: non-projecting portion 63: projecting portion 63a: inclined portion 63b: convex portion 63c: horizontal portion 63d: vertical portion 64: guide portion 64a: guide surface 65: groove portion 66: surrounding portion 110: flavor-generating article

Claims (12)

A flavor inhaler to be used together with a stick-shaped flavor generating article,
an opening into which the flavor generating article can be inserted;
an inner circumferential surface surrounding the outer periphery of the flavor generating article inserted through the opening;
an insertion guide member having a protruding portion protruding from the inner circumferential surface and abutting against the flavor generating article,
the protruding portion includes a portion of the inner circumferential surface where a longitudinal position of the flavor generating article changes when the protruding portion abuts against an outer circumferential surface of the inserted flavor generating article,
The insertion guide member is formed by combining a plurality of members,
The protrusion is formed at a joint between the plurality of members.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1,
the inner circumferential surface has a non-protruding portion formed adjacent to at least one of the opening side and the side opposite to the opening of the protruding portion and including a region spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the inserted flavor generating article. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2,
The protrusion includes an inclined portion extending obliquely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The protrusion includes a plurality of convex portions protruding toward the opening,
the plurality of convex portions are disposed at equal intervals in a circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
the protrusion includes at least one horizontal portion extending perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article;
The at least one horizontal portion includes a first horizontal portion forming an end portion of the protrusion on the opening side in the longitudinal direction and/or a second horizontal portion forming an end portion opposite the opening. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
the protrusion includes a pair of horizontal portions extending perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the inserted flavor generating article and facing each other with respect to a central axis of the inserted flavor generating article;
The pair of horizontal portions form ends of the protruding portion opposite the opening in the longitudinal direction. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
at least one guide portion provided on the inner circumferential surface and configured to guide movement of the flavor generating article relative to the inner circumferential surface;
The at least one guide portion includes a first guide portion extending toward the opening along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article inserted from the protruding portion and/or a second guide portion extending to the opposite side of the opening. The flavor inhaler according to claim 7,
The guide portion has a guide surface disposed so as to face an outer peripheral surface of the inserted flavor generating article. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
Further comprising a container capable of housing the flavor generating article;
The end of the insertion guide member opposite the opening surrounds an outer periphery of the end of the container on the opening side,
A predetermined gap is provided between the insertion guide member and the container.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
a heating member for heating the inserted flavor generating article;
a heat insulating member disposed at a distance from the heating member in a radial direction of the inserted flavor generating article,
The heat insulating member is a vacuum heat insulating material having reduced pressure air or vacuum inside the double structure.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
The protrusion is configured to abut against a hollow portion of each of the longitudinal portions of the inserted flavor generating article.
Flavor inhaler. An insertion guide member for a stick-shaped flavor generating article,
an opening into which the flavor generating article can be inserted;
an inner circumferential surface surrounding the outer periphery of the flavor generating article inserted through the opening;
a protruding portion protruding from the inner circumferential surface and abutting against the flavor generating article,
the protruding portion includes a portion in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface where the longitudinal position of the flavor generating article changes when the protruding portion abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the inserted flavor generating article,
The insertion guide member is formed by combining a plurality of members,
The protrusion is formed at a joint between the plurality of members.
Insertion guide member.

Images