JP7610619B2 - Flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler.

Conventionally, there are known flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning any material. For example, one such flavor inhaler has a storage section that stores a flavor-generating article and a heating section that heats the flavor-generating article stored in the storage section, and uses an O-ring to ensure airtightness (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2020/035454

In the flavor inhaler described in Patent Document 1, an O-ring is disposed near the storage section. Therefore, the O-ring may deteriorate due to long-term exposure to heat from the heating section and aerosols generated in the storage section. In addition, since the O-ring is stretched to fit into the groove and further compressed in the attached state, the member in which the groove is formed continues to be subjected to compressive stress for a long period of time. If the groove is deformed, the aerosols generated in the storage section may leak into the inside of the housing of the flavor inhaler, which may accelerate the deterioration of the electronic circuit section or cause the device to break down due to poor contact of the electrical contact section. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to increase the thickness or adopt a highly rigid material in order to increase the rigidity of the member in which the groove is formed. In addition, in order to ensure a stable compression amount, it is required to manufacture the member in which the groove is formed with high precision. As a result, the device may become larger and the cost may increase.

The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the problems described above, and aims to provide a flavor inhaler that can prevent aerosol generated in the storage section from leaking into the housing of the flavor inhaler.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler has an opening edge portion that forms an opening, and includes a storage portion that stores at least a portion of a flavor-generating article, a contact portion that contacts at least a portion of the opening edge portion, and a biasing portion that biases the storage portion against the contact portion.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a seal is formed between the opening edge of the storage section and the abutment section, thereby preventing the aerosol generated in the storage section from leaking into the housing of the flavor inhaler.

In the second form of the present invention, in the first form, the abutment portion is a guide portion that guides the flavor-generating article to the storage portion.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a seal is formed between the opening edge of the storage section and the guide section, thereby preventing the aerosol generated in the storage section from leaking into the housing of the flavor inhaler.

In the third form of the present invention, in the first or second form, the storage section has a cylindrical shape with an opening formed at one end, and within the housing of the flavor inhaler, the abutment section, storage section and biasing section are arranged in line along the axial direction of the storage section in this order.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the contact portion, the storage portion and the energizing portion are arranged in this order, so that the energizing portion can be applied to the storage portion of a typical stick-heating type flavor inhaler.

In the fourth form of the present invention, in any of the first to third forms, the abutment portion abuts against the opening edge portion around the entire circumference of the opening.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a seal is formed between the abutment portion and the entire periphery of the opening edge of the storage portion, which further prevents aerosol generated in the storage portion from leaking into the housing of the flavor inhaler.

In the fifth form of the present invention, in any of the first to fourth forms, the abutment portion abuts against at least one of the housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler on the side opposite to the storage portion.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the abutment portion is supported by abutment with the housing of the flavor inhaler or a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the storage portion can be reliably biased against the abutment portion by the biasing portion.

In a sixth form of the present invention, in any of the first to fifth forms, the biasing portion abuts against at least one of the housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler on the side opposite to the storage portion.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the biasing portion is supported by abutment against the housing of the flavor inhaler or a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the abutment portion.

In the seventh form of the present invention, in the sixth form, the biasing portion has a protrusion portion that protrudes in the opposite direction to the storage portion and is formed so as to become sharper as it moves away from the storage portion.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the protrusion has a sharp shape, which makes it easier to transmit the force applied to the tip of the protrusion to the entire biasing part, thereby enabling the biasing part to reliably bias the storage part by the abutment part.

In the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the protrusion is an annular protrusion arranged continuously around the axis of the accommodating portion.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the biasing portion can bias the storage portion while aligning with the axis of the storage portion, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the abutment portion. Furthermore, because the protrusions are continuously arranged, the force applied to the protrusions can be transmitted to the entire biasing portion, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the abutment portion.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the protrusion portion is a plurality of protrusions arranged intermittently around the axis of the accommodating portion.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the biasing part can bias the housing part while aligning with the axis of the housing part, the biasing part can reliably bias the housing part against the abutment part. In addition, since the protrusions are intermittently arranged, heat from the housing part is less likely to be transmitted to the biasing part, so deterioration of the biasing part can be suppressed.

In the tenth form of the present invention, in the sixth form, the biasing portion has a first abutment surface that abuts against a first protrusion protruding toward the biasing portion from at least one of the housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the first contact surface of the biasing portion contacts the first protrusion provided on at least one of the housing of the flavor inhaler and the fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the contact portion.

In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any of the sixth to tenth aspects, the actuation portion has a positioning portion that engages with at least one of the housing and the fixed portion of the flavor inhaler.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the biasing portion is held by the positioning portion on the housing of the flavor inhaler or on a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the abutment portion.

In a twelfth form of the present invention, in any of the sixth to tenth forms, the biasing portion has a notch or a through hole through which a part of the storage portion passes, and the part of the storage portion engages with at least one of the housing and the fixed portion of the flavor inhaler.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a portion of the storage portion engages with the housing of the flavor inhaler or a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler, so that the storage portion can be fixed so as to prevent relative rotation with respect to the housing or the fixed portion while the biasing portion biases the storage portion against the abutment portion.

In the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to twelfth aspects, the biasing portion is formed from an elastic material.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the biasing portion is elastically deformed, so that the biasing portion can maintain the state in which it biases the storage portion within the housing.

In the 14th form of the present invention, in any of the 1st to 13th forms, a support portion is further provided which is formed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the biasing portion and supports the storage portion.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, heat from the storage section is made less likely to be transmitted to the support section, thereby suppressing heat loss from the storage section.

In the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the biasing portion biases the storage portion via the support portion.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, heat from the storage section is less likely to be transmitted to the biasing section, thereby suppressing deterioration of the biasing section and suppressing heat loss from the storage section via the biasing section.

In the 16th aspect of the present invention, in the 14th or 15th aspect, the support portion is arranged between the storage portion and the biasing portion.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage portion, the support portion and the biasing portion are arranged in this order, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the abutment portion via the support portion.

In the 17th aspect of the present invention, in any of the 14th to 16th aspects, the storage portion and the biasing portion do not contact each other.

According to the 17th aspect of the present invention, heat from the storage section is less likely to be transmitted to the biasing section, thereby suppressing deterioration of the biasing section.

In the 18th form of the present invention, in any of the 1st to 17th forms, the urging portion has a second abutment surface that abuts against a second protruding portion that protrudes from the storage portion side toward the urging portion.

According to the 18th aspect of the present invention, the second abutment surface of the biasing portion abuts against the second protrusion protruding from the storage portion side toward the biasing portion, so that the biasing portion can reliably bias the storage portion against the abutment portion.

In the 19th form of the present invention, in any of the first to 18th forms, a housing having an entrance portion is further provided, the storage portion is arranged so that the opening edge portion provided on the opposite side of the bottom portion faces the entrance portion, the abutment portion is configured so that once inserted into the housing from the entrance portion, it cannot escape outside the housing and abuts against the opening edge portion on the opposite side of the through hole exposed outside the housing, and the biasing portion is arranged on the bottom side of the storage portion, and when the abutment portion is inserted into the housing and abuts against the opening edge portion, it is compressed by the abutment portion and the storage portion to bias the storage portion against the abutment portion.

According to the 19th aspect of the present invention, when the abutment portion is inserted into the housing and abuts against the opening edge portion, the biasing portion is compressed by the abutment portion and the storage portion to bias the storage portion against the abutment portion, so that a seal can be formed between the opening edge portion of the storage portion and the abutment portion with a simple configuration, and the size of the flavor inhaler can be prevented from increasing.

In the twentieth form of the present invention, a slide member is further provided that is slidably attached to the housing so as to open and close the entrance portion, and the slide member is configured to cover at least a portion of the abutment portion in the axial direction of the storage portion when the entrance portion is open.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the abutment portion cannot be removed from the housing unless the user destroys the sliding member, thereby realizing a structure that is difficult to tamper with.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a flavor generating article. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along the arrows 3-3 in FIG. 1B. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4B. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 4B. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chamber and the heating section. FIG. 5C is the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5B with the flavor generating article positioned in a desired location within the chamber. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first holding portion. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second holding portion. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heater cushion as viewed from the negative Z-axis direction side. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heater cushion taken along the arrows 11-11 in FIG. 10. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the first holding portion. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a first holding portion as viewed from the negative Z-axis direction side. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an extract of the heater cushion shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heater cushion. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heater cushion as viewed from the negative Z-axis direction side. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of another flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

Figure 1A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment. In the drawings described in this specification, an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system may be attached for convenience of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the X-Y plane is arranged to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is arranged to extend from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z axis can also be said to be the insertion direction of the flavor generating article contained in the chamber 50 of the atomization unit 30 described later, or the axial direction of the chamber 50. The X axis is a direction perpendicular to the Y axis and the Z axis.

The flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor, for example, by heating a stick-shaped flavor generating article having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

1A to 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 has an outer housing 101 (corresponding to an example of a housing), a slide cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 and has a size that fits in the user's hand. When using the flavor inhaler 100, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 in his/her hand and inhale the aerosol. The outer housing 101 may be constructed by assembling multiple members. The outer housing 101 is made of, for example, a resin, and in particular, may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

The outer housing 101 has an opening (corresponding to an example of an inlet portion) not shown for receiving a flavor-generating article, and the slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 so as to close the opening. Specifically, the slide cover 102 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) in which the above-mentioned opening of the outer housing 101 is closed, and an open position in which the above-mentioned opening is opened. For example, the user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. This allows or restricts the access of the flavor-generating article to the inside of the slide cover 102 and the flavor inhaler 100.

The switch unit 103 is used to switch the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 on and off. For example, a user can operate the switch unit 103 while inserting a flavor-generating article into the flavor inhaler 100, whereby power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to a heating unit (not shown), and the flavor-generating article can be heated without being burned. The switch unit 103 may be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101, or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. When the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch unit 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101. In this embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch unit 103 is located inside the outer housing 101 will be described.

The flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power source. If the power source of the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, the external power source can be connected to the terminal so that the external power source can pass a current through the power source and charge the power source. In addition, the flavor inhaler 100 may be configured to transmit data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to an external device by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal.

Next, we will explain the flavor generating article used in the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. In this embodiment, a smoking system can be formed by the flavor inhaler 100 and the flavor generating article 110. In the example shown in Figure 2, the flavor generating article 110 has a smokable article 111, a tubular member 114, a hollow filter portion 116, and a filter portion 115.

The smokable article 111 is wrapped in a first wrapping paper 112. The tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 are wrapped in a second wrapping paper 113 that is different from the first wrapping paper 112. The second wrapping paper 113 also wraps a portion of the first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111. This connects the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111. However, the second wrapping paper 113 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115 to the smokable article 111 may be connected using the first wrapping paper 112. A lip release agent 117 is applied to the outer surface of the second wrapping paper 113 near the end portion on the filter portion 115 side to facilitate the user's lips being released from the second wrapping paper 113. The portion of the flavor generating article 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of the flavor generating article 110 .

The smokable article 111 may include a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source. The first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111 may be a breathable sheet member. The tubular member 114 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the illustrated example, the flavor-generating article 110 includes the smokable article 111, the tubular member 114, the hollow filter portion 116, and the filter portion 115, but the configuration of the flavor-generating article 110 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter portion 116 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114 and the filter portion 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 in the direction of the arrow 3-3 shown in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 3, an inner housing 10 (corresponding to an example of a housing) is provided inside the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100. The inner housing 10 is made of resin, for example, and may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyether ether ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. From the viewpoint of heat resistance and strength, it is preferable that the inner housing 10 is PEEK. A power supply unit 20 and an atomization unit 30 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10. The outer housing 101 and the inner housing 10 may be collectively referred to as a housing.

The power supply unit 20 has a power supply 21. 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 atomization unit 30. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the flavor-generating article 110.

As shown in the figure, the atomizing section 30 has a chamber 50 (corresponding to an example of a storage section) extending in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor-generating article 110, a heating section 40 covering a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulating section 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34 (corresponding to an example of a contact section, a guide section). The chamber 50 is configured to store the flavor-generating article 110. The heating section 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the flavor-generating article 110 stored in the chamber 50. As shown in the figure, a bottom member 36 (corresponding to an example of a storage section) may be provided at the bottom of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 can function as a stopper to position the consumable 110 inserted in the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 has an uneven surface on which the flavor-generating article 110 abuts, and can define a space that can supply air to the surface on which the flavor-generating article 110 abuts. The bottom member 36 is made of, for example, resin, and in particular, may be made of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. Note that the bottom member 36 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity in order to suppress the transfer of heat to the heat insulating portion 32, etc.

The heat insulating section 32 is generally cylindrical and is arranged to cover the chamber 50. The heat insulating section 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 is provided between the slide cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 50. When the insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the housing through the opening of the outer housing 101, the claws engage with the housing and are configured to be unable to escape outside the housing. The insertion guide member 34 is made of, for example, resin, and may be formed, in particular, from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The insertion guide member 34 may be formed of metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. In addition, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable that the insertion guide member 34 is PEEK. When the slide cover 102 is in the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100 and guides the insertion of the flavor generating article 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the flavor generating article 110 into the through hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34. When in the open position, the slide cover 102 is configured to cover at least a part of the insertion guide member 34 in the axial direction of the chamber 50 while exposing the through hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34 to the outside. In Fig. 3, the state in which the slide cover 102 is closed to cover the entire through hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

The flavor inhaler 100 further has a first holding part 37 and a second holding part 38 which hold both ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32. The first holding part 37 is arranged to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the negative Z-axis side. The second holding part 38 is arranged to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the slide cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side). The first holding part 37 and the second holding part 38 will be described in detail later.

Next, the structure of the chamber 50 will be described. Figure 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 4B-4B in Figure 4A. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5A-5A in Figure 4B. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5B-5B in Figure 4B. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating section 40.

4A and 4B, the chamber 50 may have a cylindrical shape including an opening 52 into which the flavor-generating article 110 is inserted and a cylindrical side wall portion 60 that accommodates the flavor-generating article 110. A flange portion 52a (corresponding to an example of an opening edge portion) is formed at the end portion that defines the opening 52 of the chamber 50. The chamber 50 is arranged so that the flange portion 52a provided on the opposite side of the bottom portion 56 faces the opening of the outer housing 101. The chamber 50 is preferably formed of a material that has heat resistance and a small thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed of, for example, stainless steel. In addition to metal, the chamber 50 may be formed of a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, etc. This enables effective heating from the chamber 50 to the flavor-generating article 110. In addition, the chamber 50 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may have a cup shape.

4B and 5B, the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the flavor generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses a part of the flavor generating article 110, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the flavor generating article 110. In this specification, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the flavor generating article 110 is appropriately heated, or the position of the flavor generating article 110 when the user smokes. The contact portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The separation portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in FIG. 6, the heating portion 40 is placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 is placed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, it is preferable that the heating portion 40 including the adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 without any gaps.

As shown in Figures 4A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat, it is possible to prevent the band-shaped electrode 48 from bending when the band-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heating portion 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 as shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Also, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

4A, 4B, and 5B, the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other so as to be parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 that is disposed between the contact portions 62.

5B, the inner surface 66a of the spaced portion 66 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. The spaced portion 66 is also disposed adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the chamber 50 may have a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that the bottom member 36 shown in FIG. 3 can penetrate and be placed inside the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may be fixed to the inside of the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 by adhesive or the like. The adhesive interposed between the bottom member 36 and the bottom 56 may be made of a resin material such as an epoxy resin. Alternatively, an inorganic adhesive such as cement or welding may be used. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 may support a part of the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a part of the end surface of the flavor generating article 110 is exposed. The bottom 56 may also support a part of the flavor generating article 110 so that the exposed end surface of the flavor generating article 110 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 7) described later.

As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion 54 between the opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the flavor-generating article 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-retaining portion 54 and the flavor-generating article 110. Also, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a that connects the inner surface of the non-retaining portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

6, the heating unit 40 has a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element 42 is preferably arranged so as to heat the contact portion 62 without contacting the separation portion 66 of the chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 42 is preferably arranged only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62. The heating element 42 may have a difference in heating capacity between the portion that heats the separation portion 66 of the chamber 50 and the portion that heats the contact portion 62. Specifically, the heating element 42 may be configured to heat the contact portion 62 to a higher temperature than the separation portion 66. For example, the arrangement density of the heating track of the heating element 42 in the contact portion 62 and the separation portion 66 may be adjusted. In addition, the heating element 42 may have approximately the same heating capacity around the entire circumference of the chamber 50 and be wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the heating unit 40 preferably has, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrically insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. In this embodiment, an electrical insulator 44 is disposed to cover both sides of the heating element 42 .

7 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110 shown in FIG. 5B in a state in which the flavor generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 7, when the flavor generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the flavor generating article 110 can be pressed against the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. On the other hand, a gap 67 is formed between the flavor generating article 110 and the spaced portion 66. The gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end face of the flavor generating article 110 positioned in the chamber 50. As a result, air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 can pass through the gap 67 and flow into the inside of the flavor generating article 110. In other words, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the flavor generating article 110 and the spaced portion 66.

Next, the structures of the first holding part 37 and the second holding part 38 that hold the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 will be described. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first holding part 37. Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second holding part 38. Note that in Figure 8, the bottom member 36 shown in Figure 3 is omitted.

8, the first holding part 37 has a cap 72 (corresponding to an example of a support part) and a heater cushion 74 (corresponding to an example of a biasing part). The cap 72 is configured so that the first side surface 72a facing the chamber 50 abuts against the bottom part 56 of the chamber 50 to support the chamber 50. The cap 72 is made of, for example, a resin, and may be formed in particular from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The cap 72 may be formed from metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the cap 72 is preferably made of PEEK. In addition, the cap 72 has a rib 72b (second protruding part) protruding toward the heater cushion 74 on the surface opposite to the first side surface 72a.

The heater cushion 74 is configured to accommodate and support one end of the cap 72. The heater cushion 74 has a second side surface 74d (second abutment surface) configured to abut against the rib 72b formed on the cap 72. The heater cushion 74 may be formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. When using silicone rubber, the preferred Shore A hardness range is 40 to 60, and can be appropriately selected depending on the deformation of the heater cushion 74. The heater cushion 74 is configured to be positioned and fixed to the fixing portion 22 fixed to the inner housing (not shown). The fixing portion 22 may be the inner housing itself.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second holding portion 38 has a gasket 80 and an annular member 90. The gasket 80 is disposed around the non-holding portion 54 of the chamber 50 and is configured to support the chamber 50. The gasket 80 is made of, for example, a resin, and may be formed in particular from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The gasket 80 may be formed from metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable that the gasket 80 is PEEK.

The ring member 90 is configured to engage with and support the insertion guide member 34 and the gasket 80. The ring member 90 may be formed of an elastic member such as silicone rubber. When silicone rubber is used, the preferred Shore A hardness range is 40 to 60, and can be selected appropriately depending on the deformation of the ring member 90. The ring member 90 is configured to be positioned and fixed to a fixing portion 22 fixed to an inner housing (not shown). Although not shown, the insertion guide member 34 is configured to abut against the fixing portion 22 on the side opposite the chamber 50.

As shown in Figure 9, the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 is configured to abut the opposite side of the through-hole 34a of the insertion guide member 34 over the entire circumference. Also, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the insertion guide member 34, chamber 50, cap 72, and heater cushion 74 are arranged in this order along the axial direction of the chamber 50. Since the insertion guide member 34, chamber 50, and heater cushion 74 are arranged in this order, the heater cushion 74 can be applied to the chamber 50 of a general stick-heating flavor inhaler. Note that the cap 72 may not be provided and the heater cushion 74 may support the chamber 50.

Here, the heater cushion 74 is formed of an elastic material such as silicon as described above, and is configured to bias the chamber 50 to the insertion guide member 34, i.e., in the positive direction of the Z axis, via the cap 72. Specifically, when the insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the housing and abuts against the flange portion 52a, the heater cushion 74 is compressed by the insertion guide member 34 and the chamber 50 to bias the chamber 50 to the insertion guide member 34. As a result, a seal is formed between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34, so that the aerosol generated in the chamber 50 by heating the flavor-generating article 110 can be prevented from leaking from between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34 into the inner housing. In addition, a seal is formed between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34 over the entire circumference, so that the aerosol generated in the chamber 50 can be further prevented from leaking into the inner housing.

Furthermore, by forming the heater cushion 74 from an elastic member, the heater cushion 74 fixed to the fixing portion 22 is elastically deformed, so that the heater cushion 74 can maintain a state in which it biases the chamber 50 within the inner housing.

In addition, since the heater cushion 74 biases the chamber 50 via the cap 72, the heater cushion 74 and the chamber 50 do not come into contact with each other, so that heat from the chamber 50 is less likely to be transferred to the heater cushion 74, and deterioration of the heater cushion 74 can be suppressed.

At this time, it is preferable that the cap 72 is formed of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the heater cushion 74. This makes it difficult for heat from the chamber 50 to be transferred to the cap 72, thereby suppressing heat loss from the chamber 50. In addition, since heat from the chamber 50 is difficult to transfer to the heater cushion 74 via the cap 72, deterioration of the heater cushion 74 is suppressed, and heat loss from the chamber 50 via the heater cushion 74 is suppressed.

Furthermore, by arranging the chamber 50, cap 72 and heater cushion 74 in this order, the heater cushion 74 can reliably bias the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34 via the cap 72.

Next, a preferred shape of the heater cushion 74 will be described. Figure 10 is an oblique view of the heater cushion 74 as viewed from the negative Z-axis direction. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heater cushion as viewed along the arrows 11-11 shown in Figure 10. As shown in Figures 8, 10 and 11, the heater cushion 74 has a protrusion 74a, a positioning portion 74b and an opening 74c.

The heater cushion 74 has a third side 74e (first abutment surface) configured to abut against the fixed portion 22 on the surface opposite the chamber 50. As a result, the heater cushion 74 abuts against and is supported by the fixed portion 22, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34. In addition, since the insertion guide member 34 abuts against the fixed portion 22, it is supported by the fixed portion 22, and the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34.

At this time, it is preferable that the protrusion 74a is formed so that it protrudes in the direction opposite to the chamber 50 and becomes sharper as it moves away from the chamber 50. Since the protrusion 74a has a sharp shape, the force applied to the tip of the protrusion 74a can be easily transmitted to the entire heater cushion 74, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 by the insertion guide member 34.

In addition, the protrusions 74a are preferably annular protrusions arranged continuously around the axis of the chamber 50. This allows the heater cushion 74 to urge the chamber 50 while aligning with the axis of the chamber 50, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34. In addition, because the protrusions 74a are arranged continuously, the force applied to the protrusions 74a can be transmitted to the entire heater cushion 74, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34.

The protrusions 74a may be multiple protrusions arranged intermittently around the axis of the chamber 50. Even in this case, the heater cushion 74 can urge the chamber 50 while aligning with the axis of the chamber 50, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34. In this case, the contact area between the protrusions 74a and the chamber 50 is reduced, so that heat from the chamber 50 is less likely to be transmitted to the heater cushion 74, and deterioration of the heater cushion 74 can be suppressed.

Although the heater cushion 74 has been described as having the protrusion 74a, this is not limited thereto, and the fixing portion 22 may have a protrusion (first protrusion) that protrudes toward the heater cushion 74. In this case, the third side surface 74e comes into contact with the first protrusion, and the heater cushion 74 can bias the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34 via the cap 72.

The positioning portion 74b protrudes in the opposite direction to the chamber 50 and is configured to engage with a positioning hole 22a formed in the fixing portion 22. This allows the heater cushion 74 to be held by the fixing portion 22 and fixed so as not to shift position, so that the heater cushion 74 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34.

The opening 74c is an opening for passing the electrode of the heating unit 40 shown in FIG. 6. By providing the opening 74c in the heater cushion 74, the electrode 48 of the heating unit 40 can be extended approximately parallel to the axial direction of the chamber 50.

In addition, in FIG. 9, a sealing surface may be formed at the contact point between the gasket 80 and the annular member 90 to further prevent aerosol generated in the chamber 50 from leaking into the inner housing from between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34.

In summary, the second holding portion 38 holds the annular member 90, the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50, and the inner diameter of one end side of the insulating portion 32. The heater cushion 74 holds the bottom side of the chamber 50 and the inner diameter of the other end side of the insulating portion 32. A rib 72b provided on the support portion 72 abuts against a second side surface 74d of the heater cushion 74, and a protrusion portion 74a formed on a third side surface 74e of the heater cushion 74 abuts against the fixed portion 22.

When these are housed in the housing, the insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the housing, and the tip of the insertion guide member 34 comes into contact with the flange portion 52a. When the insertion guide member 34 is inserted further until the claws of the insertion guide member 34 engage with the housing, the rib 72b bites into the heater cushion 74, and at the same time the protrusion 74a of the heater cushion 74 is crushed, causing the heater cushion 74 to generate a reaction force. This causes the tip of the insertion guide member 34 to adhere closely to the flange portion 52a, eliminating the gap between the flange portion 52a and the insertion guide member 34. In addition, since the chamber 50 heats up, it is preferable that the part close to the mouth of the flavor inhaler 100 does not become hot when the user puts his mouth to the flavor-generating product 110 and inhales.

Therefore, in this embodiment, an insertion guide member 34 is provided that abuts against the chamber 50 and is exposed to the outside of the housing. The insertion guide member 34 is made of a resin material that has a lower thermal conductivity and a lower specific heat than the metal chamber 50, so it is configured so that the degree of temperature rise of the insertion guide member 34 is lower than that of the chamber 50.

The above-mentioned structure prevents the user from feeling hot, while eliminating gaps inside the flavor inhaler 100, so that the aerosol present in the chamber 50 does not leak into the housing.

In this embodiment, the heater cushion 74 is described as being positioned and fixed to the fixed portion 22, but this is not limited to the above. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another form of the first holding portion. FIG. 13 is an oblique view of the first holding portion as viewed from the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first holding portion 137 has a ring 172 (corresponding to an example of a support portion) and a heater cushion 174. In addition, the bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 has an axis portion 36a that protrudes to the outside of the chamber 50 through a hole 56a in the chamber 50.

The ring 172 is configured to abut against the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 to support the chamber 50. The ring 172 also has a hole 172a in the center through which the shaft 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The ring 172 is made of resin, for example, and in particular may be made of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.

The heater cushion 174 is configured to accommodate and support one end of the ring 172. The heater cushion 174 also has a hole 174a in the center through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The heater cushion 174 may be formed of an elastic material such as silicon. The heater cushion 174 may have a notch through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes, instead of the hole 174a.

The bottom member 36 is configured so that the shaft portion 36a is positioned and fixed to the fixed portion 22 which is fixed to an inner housing (not shown). The fixed portion 22 may be the inner housing itself. The shaft portion 36a has a flat surface 36b at the end on the negative Z-axis side. The fixed portion 22 has a flat surface 22b facing the flat surface 36b of the shaft portion 36a. By engaging the flat surface 36b of the shaft portion 36a with the flat surface 22b of the fixed portion 22, relative rotation of the chamber 50 with respect to the fixed portion 22 can be prevented.

Next, a preferred shape of the heater cushion 174 will be described. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an excerpt of the heater cushion shown in Figure 12. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the heater cushion. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the heater cushion as seen from the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the heater cushion 174 has a hole 174a and a protrusion 174b.

As described above, the hole 174a is a hole through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The protrusion portion 174b protrudes in the direction opposite the chamber 50 and is configured to abut against the fixed portion 22. As a result, the protrusion portion 174b abuts against the fixed portion 22 and is supported, so that the heater cushion 174 can reliably urge the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34.

Even with the first retaining portion 37 having such a structure, the heater cushion 174 presses the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34, thereby forming a seal between the flange portion 52a of the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34, thereby preventing aerosol generated in the chamber 50 by heating the flavor-generating article 110 from leaking between the chamber 50 and the insertion guide member 34 into the inside of the inner housing.

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.

For example, the flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment has a so-called counter-flow type air flow path in which air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end face of the flavor generating article 110, but is not limited to this, and may have a so-called bottom-flow type air flow path in which air is supplied into the chamber 50 from the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. In addition, the heating element 42 is not limited to a resistance heating type, but may be an induction heating type. In that case, the heating element 42 can heat the chamber 50 by induction heating. In addition, if the flavor generating article 110 has a susceptor, the heating element 42 can heat the susceptor of the flavor generating article 110 by induction heating. Note that, although a structure in which the heating element 42 is disposed around the chamber 50 to raise the temperature of the flavor generating article 110 in the chamber 50 has been described, a method of raising the temperature of the flavor generating article 110 in the chamber 50 may be to directly apply the heating element 42 to the flavor generating article 110 or to generate frictional heat by vibration between the substances in the flavor generating article 110.

In the above embodiment, the heater cushion 74 biases the chamber 50 against the insertion guide member 34, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 17 is a schematic front view of another flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the flavor inhaler 200 has a housing 210 (corresponding to an example of a housing), a container 220 (corresponding to an example of a storage section), a lid section 230 (corresponding to an example of a contact section), a biasing section 240, and a mouthpiece 250. Note that the heating section is not shown in FIG. 17.

The housing 210 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 200 and has a size that fits in the user's hand. The container 220 is configured to accommodate the flavor generating article 260. The container 220 also has an air inlet 220a that takes in air from the outside, and an opening edge 220b formed at the end on the mouthpiece 250 side that defines the opening of the container 220. The flavor generating article 260 may be a molded product such as loose tobacco, slurry tobacco, or a tablet, rather than the stick type shown in the above embodiment.

The lid portion 230 has an aerosol flow path 230a through which the aerosol generated by heating the flavor generating article 260 passes. The biasing portion 240 is configured to accommodate and support the lower surface of the container 220, for example. The biasing portion 240 may be formed of an elastic material such as silicon. The mouthpiece 250 is configured to be detachable from the housing 210, and holds and fixes the lid portion 230 when attached to the housing 210.

Even in the flavor inhaler 200 having such a configuration, the biasing portion 240 biases the container 220 against the lid portion 230, thereby forming a seal between the opening edge portion 220b of the container 220 and the lid portion 230, thereby preventing aerosol generated in the container 220 by heating the flavor generating article 260 from leaking into the inside of the housing 210 from between the container 220 and the lid portion 230.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Inner housing 34... Insertion guide member 34a... Through hole 37... First holding portion 38... Second holding portion 50... Chamber 52... Opening 52a... Flange portion 72... Cap 72a... First side 72b... Rib 74... Heater cushion 74a... Projection portion 74b... Positioning portion 74c... Opening portion 74d... Second side 74e... Third side 80... Gasket 90... Ring member 100... Flavor inhaler 101... Outer housing 110... Flavor generating article 174... Heater cushion 174a... Hole 174b... Projection portion 200... Flavor inhaler 210... Housing 220... Container 230... Lid portion 240... Pressing portion 260... Flavor generating article 220b... Opening edge portion

Claims (20)

a storage section having an opening edge portion that forms an opening and that stores at least a portion of the flavor generating article;
A heating unit that covers a part of the storage unit;
an abutment portion that abuts against at least a portion of the opening edge portion;
a biasing portion that biases the accommodation portion against the abutment portion;
A flavor inhaler equipped with The flavor inhaler according to claim 1,
The abutment portion is a guide portion that guides the flavor generating article to the storage portion.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2,
The storage portion has a cylindrical shape with the opening formed at one end,
In the housing of the flavor inhaler, the contact portion, the storage portion, and the biasing portion are arranged in this order along an axial direction of the storage portion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The abutting portion abuts against the opening edge portion over the entire periphery of the opening.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The abutting portion abuts against at least one of a housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixing portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler on the opposite side to the storage portion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The biasing portion abuts against at least one of a housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixing portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler on a side opposite to the housing.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 6,
The biasing portion has a protrusion that protrudes in a direction opposite to the housing portion and becomes sharper as it moves away from the housing portion.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 7,
The protrusion is an annular protrusion arranged continuously around the axis of the housing.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 7,
The protrusions are a plurality of protrusions arranged intermittently around the axis of the housing.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 6,
the biasing portion has a first abutment surface that abuts against a first protruding portion that protrudes toward the biasing portion from at least one of a housing of the flavor inhaler and a fixed portion fixed to the housing of the flavor inhaler,
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 6 to 10,
The biasing portion has a positioning portion that is engaged with at least one of a housing of the flavor inhaler and the fixed portion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 6 to 10,
the biasing portion has a notch or a through hole through which a part of the accommodation portion passes,
A portion of the housing portion engages with at least one of a housing of the flavor inhaler and the fixing portion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The biasing portion is formed of an elastic material.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The housing portion is supported by a support portion formed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the biasing portion.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 14,
The biasing portion biases the accommodation portion via the support portion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to claim 14 or 15,
The support portion is disposed between the accommodation portion and the biasing portion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 14 to 16,
The storage portion and the biasing portion are not in contact with each other.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
The biasing portion has a second abutment surface that abuts against a second protruding portion that protrudes from the storage portion toward the biasing portion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
a housing having an inlet;
The storage section is arranged such that the opening edge portion provided on the opposite side of the bottom portion faces the inlet portion,
the abutment portion is configured so that once inserted into the housing from the inlet portion, the abutment portion cannot escape from the housing, and abuts against the opening edge portion on the opposite side of the through hole exposed to the outside of the housing,
the biasing portion is disposed on the bottom side of the storage portion, and is compressed by the abutment portion and the storage portion in a state in which the abutment portion is inserted into the housing and abuts against the opening edge portion, thereby biasing the storage portion against the abutment portion.
Flavor inhaler. 20. The flavor inhaler according to claim 19,
a slide member slidably attached to the housing so as to open and close the inlet portion,
The slide member is configured to cover at least a portion of the abutment portion in the axial direction of the storage portion when the inlet portion is opened.
Flavor inhaler.

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