JP7614342B2 - Flavor inhalers and smoking systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler and a smoking system.

Conventionally, there are known flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning any material. For example, one such flavor inhaler is known to have a non-circular chamber that compresses and holds an inserted flavor-generating article (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Chinese Utility Model No. 205052881

However, in the flavor inhaler described in Patent Document 1, the inserted flavor-generating article is compressed and held in the chamber to prevent the flavor-generating article from falling out, but if unintended stress is applied to the flavor-generating article, there is a risk that the flavor-generating article may fall out of the chamber.

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 a flavor-generating article from falling out of a chamber even when stress is applied to the flavor-generating article.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a flavor inhaler is provided. The flavor inhaler includes a storage section having an opening at one end and storing at least a part of a flavor generating article through the opening, the storage section including a contact section that presses a part of the stored flavor generating article along the axial direction of the storage section and a separation section that separates from the stored flavor generating article, a heating section that is disposed along the axial direction of the storage section and heats the flavor generating article stored in the storage section, and a gripping section that grips the flavor generating article stored in the storage section, the storage section having a heating region that overlaps with the heating section and a non-heating region other than the heating region in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage section, and the gripping section is a contact section and is provided in the heating region.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by providing a gripping portion in a heating region that is a contact portion that presses the flavor generating article contained in the storage portion and that overlaps with the heating portion in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage portion, the flavor generating article can be compressed and held in the storage portion while the gripping portion grips the flavor generating article within the storage portion. Therefore, even if stress is applied to the flavor generating article, it is possible to prevent the flavor generating article from falling out of the storage portion. In addition, since the gripping portion can grip the region of the flavor generating article that has hardened due to heating, the flavor generating article can be firmly gripped.

In the second form of the present invention, in the first form, the gripping portion is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the storage portion and presses against the flavor-generating article.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the gripping portion is formed with a protrusion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion and presses against the flavor-generating article, so that the flavor-generating article can be pressed and gripped within the storage portion, thereby suppressing damage to the outer surface of the flavor-generating article.

In the third form of the present invention, in the second form, the protrusions are point-shaped.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the gripping portion is formed with a dot-like protrusion, so that the flavor-generating article can be pressed and gripped within the storage portion with a simple configuration.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the contact portion is flat, and the protrusion is provided at a position that does not overlap with the central axis of the accommodating portion when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by providing a protrusion at a position that does not overlap with the central axis of the storage section when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact section, it is possible to suppress the oscillation of the flavor-generating article toward the separation section with the protrusion as a fulcrum.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the protrusion extends along the axial direction of the accommodating portion.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the gripping portion is formed with a protrusion extending along the axial direction of the storage portion, thereby enabling the flavor-generating article to be stably gripped within the storage portion.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the protrusion extends along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the accommodating portion.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by forming the gripping portion with a protrusion extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage portion, it is possible to suppress the swinging of the flavor-generating article toward the separating portion.

In the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the protrusion extends along a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the accommodating portion and a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the accommodating portion.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, by forming the gripping portion with a protrusion extending along the axial direction of the storage portion and along a direction inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage portion, it is possible to stably grip the flavor-generating article within the storage portion and suppress shaking of the flavor-generating article toward the separating portion.

In the eighth form of the present invention, in the seventh form, the contact portion is a pair of planes facing each other, a protrusion is provided on each of the pair of planes, the ends of the protrusions provided on each of the pair of planes opposite the opening overlap each other when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion, and the ends of the protrusions provided on each of the pair of planes on the opening side extend in directions away from each other when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the protrusions provided on each of a pair of flat surfaces are configured such that, when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion, the ends opposite the opening overlap each other and the ends on the opening side extend in directions away from each other, thereby providing the user with a sense of resistance when inserting the flavor-generating article and improving the feeling of insertion of the flavor-generating article.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, in any of the second to eighth aspects, the protrusion is formed by embossing, and at least a portion of the protrusion is exposed from the heating area to the opening side.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by configuring at least a portion of the protrusion formed by embossing to be exposed from the heating area to the opening side, heated air can be allowed to escape between the heating portion and the protrusion, thereby suppressing peeling of the heating portion.

In the tenth form of the present invention, in any of the first to ninth forms, the heating section has a heating element that generates heat and an insulating base that supports the heating element, and the heating element and base form in the heating region a heating region in which the heating element is arranged and a non-heating region adjacent to the opening side of the heating region in which the heating element is not arranged, and the gripping portion is provided in the non-heating region.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, by providing a gripping portion in a non-heating area of the heating region where no heating element is located, the flavor-generating article can be heated uniformly.

In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to tenth aspects, a support portion for supporting the flavor-generating article contained in the storage portion is further provided, the support portion being a separation portion and being provided in the heating area.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, by providing a gripping portion in a heating region that is separated from the flavor-generating article contained in the storage section and overlaps with the heating portion in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage section, it is possible to suppress the swinging of the flavor-generating article toward the separation portion.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the support portion is a protrusion formed by embossing, and at least a portion of the support portion is exposed from the heating area to the opening side.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, by configuring at least a part of the support part, which is a protrusion formed by embossing, to be exposed from the heating area to the opening side, heated air can be allowed to escape between the heating part and the protrusion, thereby suppressing peeling of the heating part.

In the thirteenth form of the present invention, in the eleventh or twelfth form, the gripping portion includes a pair of first protrusions arranged in a first direction, and the support portion includes a pair of second protrusions arranged in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction intersect with each other.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the gripping portion includes a pair of first protrusions arranged in a first direction, the support portion includes a pair of second protrusions arranged in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are configured to intersect with each other, thereby making it possible to stably grip the flavor-generating article within the storage portion and suppress shaking of the flavor-generating article toward the separating portion.

In the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the accommodating portion, and the second direction is a direction along the axial direction of the accommodating portion.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, by arranging the first projections in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage section, a wide contact area between the flavor generating article and the first projections can be ensured when viewed in the insertion direction of the flavor generating article, and high contact resistance can be obtained. Furthermore, by arranging the second projections along the axial direction of the storage section, when the flavor generating article deforms within the storage section, the most protruding part can be supported by the second projections, so that the flavor generating article can be more firmly gripped within the storage section.

In the 15th aspect of the present invention, in the 13th or 14th aspect, the size of the first protrusion is smaller than the size of the second protrusion.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, by forming the second protrusion larger, when the flavor-generating article is deformed inside the storage section, the second protrusion penetrates more deeply into the flavor-generating article, thereby enabling the flavor-generating article to be more firmly gripped inside the storage section.

In the 16th form of the present invention, in any of the 13th to 15th forms, one of the pair of second protrusions is provided in a heat generating region of the heating region, and the other of the pair of second protrusions is provided in a non-heat generating region of the heating region.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, by providing the other of the pair of second protrusions in a non-heat-generating region adjacent to the opening side of the heat-generating region, it is possible to grasp both the region of the flavor-generating article that has been hardened by heating and the relatively elastic and flexible region, thereby making it possible to more firmly grasp the flavor-generating article within the storage section.

In the 17th form of the present invention, in any of the 13th to 16th forms, one and the other of a pair of second protrusions are formed to be connected to each other by embossing, and at least a portion of the pair of second protrusions is exposed from the heating area to the opening side.

According to the 17th aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of a pair of second protrusions formed by connecting each other through embossing is exposed from the heating area to the opening side, thereby allowing heated air to escape between the heating portion and the second protrusions, thereby suppressing peeling of the heating portion.

In an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a smoking system is provided. The smoking system includes a flavor inhaler and a flavor generating article. The flavor inhaler is a storage section having an opening at one end and storing at least a part of the flavor generating article through the opening. The storage section includes a storage section including a contact section that presses a part of the stored flavor generating article along the axial direction of the storage section and a separation section that is separated from the stored flavor generating article, a heating section that is arranged along the axial direction of the storage section and heats the flavor generating article stored in the storage section, and a gripping section that grips the flavor generating article stored in the storage section. In a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage section, the storage section has a heating region that overlaps with the heating section and a non-heating region other than the heating region. The flavor generating article includes a filling section filled with a smokable article and a hollow cylindrical section provided continuously with the filling section. The gripping section is a contact section and a heating region, and is provided near the boundary between the filling section and the cylindrical section.

According to the 18th embodiment of the present invention, by providing a contact portion that presses the flavor-generating article contained in the storage portion and a heating region that overlaps with the heating portion in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage portion, and a gripping portion near the boundary between the filling portion and the tubular portion, the flavor-generating article can be compressed and held in the storage portion while the gripping portion grips the flavor-generating article within the storage portion, and damage to the outer surface of the flavor-generating article can be suppressed.

1 is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 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. 1 is a perspective view of a chamber according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber together with the heating unit along arrow 4B-4B shown in FIG. 4A. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber together with the heating unit taken along line 4C-4C 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 a chamber and a heating unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5B with the flavor generating article positioned in a desired position within the chamber. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a heating unit. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a heating unit. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a heating unit. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a heating unit. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber shown in FIG. 14. 4B is another cross-sectional view showing the chamber together with the heating unit along arrow 4B-4B shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber shown in FIG. 17. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber together with the heating unit along arrows 19-19 shown in FIG. 17. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber together with the heating unit along the arrows 20-20 shown in FIG. 17. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20. 19 is another cross-sectional view showing the chamber together with the heating unit along the arrows 19-19 shown in FIG. 17.

Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In each embodiment of the present invention, an example will be described in which the boss is formed by embossing.

First embodiment:
FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 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 a 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.

As shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 has an outer housing 101, a slide cover 102, a switch unit 103, and a terminal 104. 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 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum. The outer housing 101 may have a member made of resin, such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers.

The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving a flavor-generating article, and the slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 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 opening of the outer housing 101 is closed and an open position in which the 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 terminal 104 is an interface such as a USB that connects the flavor inhaler 100 to 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 104 to cause the external power source to pass a current through the power source and charge the power source. In addition, the flavor inhaler 100 can 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 104.

Next, a flavor generating article used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 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 FIG. 2, the flavor generating article 110 has a filling section 111 filled with a smokable material, a hollow tubular member 114 (corresponding to an example of a tubular section) provided continuously with the filling section 111, a hollow filter section 116, and a filter section 115.

The filling section 111 is wound by the first wrapping paper 112. The tubular member 114, the hollow filter section 116, and the filter section 115 are wound by a second wrapping paper 113 different from the first wrapping paper 112. The second wrapping paper 113 also wraps a part of the first wrapping paper 112 around which the filling section 111 is wound. This connects the tubular member 114, the hollow filter section 116, and the filter section 115 to the filling section 111. However, the second wrapping paper 113 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114, the hollow filter section 116, and the filter section 115 may be connected to the filling section 111 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 on the filter section 115 side to make it easier for the user to separate their lips 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 filling section 111 may include a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source. The first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the filling section 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 filling section 111, the tubular member 114, the hollow filter section 116, and the filter section 115, but the configuration of the flavor-generating article 110 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter section 116 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114 and the filter section 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, the inner side of the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100 is provided with a mounting section 10 on which objects to be contained, such as a power supply section 20 and an atomization section 30, described later, are mounted. The mounting section 10 is made of, for example, resin, and may be formed of, in particular, polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. The mounting section 10 may include a portion formed of a metal such as aluminum. Here, from the viewpoints of heat resistance, processability, and strength, it is preferable that the mounting section 10 is polycarbonate. The power supply section 20 and the atomization section 30 are provided in the internal space of the mounting section 10. The power supply unit 20 and the atomizing unit 30 cannot be replaced after the flavor inhaler 100 is assembled. The outer housing 101 and the placement unit 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 atomization section 30 has a chamber 50 (corresponding to an example of a storage section) that extends in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the flavor generating article 110, a heating section 40 that is arranged along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 and covers a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulating section 32, and a substantially cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to store the flavor generating article 110. A boss 51 (corresponding to an example of a gripping section, a protrusion) that grips the stored flavor generating article 110 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50. Details of the boss 51 will be described later.

The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and heat the flavor-generating article 110 contained in the chamber 50. As shown in the figure, a bottom member 36 may be provided at the bottom of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may function as a stopper for positioning the flavor-generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 has an uneven surface on which the flavor-generating article 110 abuts, and may define a space through which air can be supplied to the surface on which the flavor-generating article 110 abuts. The bottom member 36 is made of, for example, a resin, and may be formed of, in particular, polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum. In addition, the bottom member 36 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity in order to suppress the transfer of heat to the insulating portion 32 and the like.

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 outer housing 101 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 of, in particular, 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 (Z-axis 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 so as 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 that hold both ends of the chamber 50 and the insulating part 32. The first holding part 37 is positioned to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the insulating part 32 on the negative Z-axis side. The second holding part 38 is positioned to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the insulating part 32 on the slide cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side).

Next, the structure of the chamber 50 will be described. Figure 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber 50 together with the heating unit 40 at view 4B-4B shown in Figure 4A. Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber 50 together with the heating unit 40 at view 4C-4C shown in Figure 4A. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 at view 5A-5A shown in Figure 4B. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 at view 5B-5B shown in Figure 4B. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating unit 40 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C, 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 is formed at the end 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, 4C, 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 along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, and the separation portion 66 separates from the flavor generating article 110. That is, the chamber 50 compresses and holds the inserted 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. The heating section 40 is preferably disposed without gaps on the outer surface 62b of the contact section 62. The heating section 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, the heating section 40 including the adhesive layer is preferably disposed without gaps on the outer surface 62b of the contact section 62.

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, as shown in Figure 6, when the band-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heating portion 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62, bending of the band-shaped electrode 48 can be suppressed. 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.

4C and 5B, the inner surface 66a of the spaced portion 66 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. The spaced portion 66 is also disposed so as to be adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the contact portion 62 and the spaced portion 66 form a non-circular inner surface in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50.

4B and 4C, the chamber 50 may have a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that the bottom member 36 shown in FIG. 3 can be inserted through it and 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 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. Here, in the internal space of the chamber 50, a heated region 50A is formed, which is a region along the Z-axis direction that overlaps with the heated section 40 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, i.e., the location where the heated section 40 is located, and a non-heated region 50B other than the heated region 50A.

As shown in Figures 4A, 4B and 5A, 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 resistor (corresponding to an example of a heating element). 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 resistor 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 may be wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 50. 6, the heating unit 40 preferably has, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrical insulating member 44 (corresponding to an example of a base) made of a resin or the like that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. In this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is disposed so as to cover both surfaces of the heating element 42.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110 in a desired position in the chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 7, the boss 51 shown in FIG. 5A is shown by an imaginary line. 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, the 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.

Here, the flavor generating article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 is compressed and gripped by being pressed by the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50, but if unintended stress acts on the flavor generating article 110, the flavor generating article 110 may come out of the chamber 50. In addition, the stress acting on the flavor generating article 110 may cause the flavor generating article 110 to swing toward the separation portion 66.

4B, 4C, 5A and 7, the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50 is formed with a boss 51 configured to press and grip the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110 housed in the chamber 50 radially inward of the chamber 50. The boss 51 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50, on the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62, and in the heating region 50A. The boss 51 is provided on each of the inner surfaces 62a facing each other. The boss 51 is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and presses the flavor-generating article 110, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, specifically, in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction). The boss 51 is formed by embossing, but may be formed by a convex member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50. Furthermore, the boss 51 may be provided on only one of the opposing inner surfaces 62a, or a plurality of bosses 51 may be provided on one inner surface 62a.

In this way, by providing the boss 51 on the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 and in the heating region 50A, the flavor generating article 110 can be compressed and held in the chamber 50 while being gripped by the boss 51 within the chamber 50. Therefore, even if stress is applied to the flavor generating article 110, it is possible to prevent the flavor generating article 110 from falling out of the chamber 50. In addition, since the gripping portion can grip the region of the flavor generating article that has been hardened by heating, the flavor generating article can be gripped firmly.

Furthermore, by configuring the boss 51 with a protrusion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and presses against the flavor generating article 110, the flavor generating article 110 can be pressed and gripped within the chamber 50. Therefore, damage to the outer surface of the flavor generating article 110 can be suppressed compared to when the flavor generating article 110 is gripped with, for example, a fingernail or the like.

In addition, by forming the boss 51 with a protrusion extending along the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction), the rotation of the flavor-generating article 110 around the Y-axis is restricted. Therefore, the swinging of the flavor-generating article 110 toward the separation portion 66 can be suppressed.

Note that the shape of the boss is not limited to those shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5A and 7. Below, referring to Figures 8 and 9, boss shapes different from those shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5A and 7 will be described. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a heating section 40. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 shown in Figure 8. Figures 8 and 9 show cross sections corresponding to Figures 4C and 5A, respectively.

8 and 9, a boss 51A is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50, which is configured to press the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110 housed in the chamber 50 radially inward to grip the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110. The boss 51A is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50, on the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62, and in the heating region 50A. The boss 51A is provided on each of the inner surfaces 62a that face each other. The boss 51A is a point-like protrusion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and presses the flavor-generating article 110. By configuring the boss 51A with a point-like protrusion, the flavor-generating article 110 can be pressed and gripped in the chamber 50 with a simple configuration.

8 and 9, the boss 51A is provided at a position overlapping with the central axis of the chamber 50 when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion 62, but is not limited to this. The arrangement of the boss 51A will be described below with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a heating portion. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber shown in Fig. 10. Figs. 10 and 11 show cross sections corresponding to Figs. 4C and 5A, respectively.

10 and 11, a boss 51A is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50, which is configured to press and grip the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 contained in the chamber 50 radially inward of the chamber 50. Here, the boss 51A is provided at a position that does not overlap with the central axis of the chamber 50 when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion 62. By providing the boss 51A at a position that does not overlap with the central axis of the chamber 50, the positions of the boss 51A and the separation portion 66 can be brought closer together, so that the swinging of the flavor generating article 110 toward the separation portion 66 with the boss 51A as a fulcrum can be suppressed.

Next, referring to Figures 12 and 13, we will explain the shape of the boss different from the shapes shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5A and 7. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with the heating unit 40. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 shown in Figure 12. Figures 12 and 13 show cross sections corresponding to Figures 4C and 5A, respectively.

12 and 13, the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50 is formed with a boss 51B configured to press the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110 housed in the chamber 50 radially inward to hold the flavor-generating article 110. The boss 51B is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50, on the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62, and in the heating region 50A. The boss 51B is provided on each of the inner surfaces 62a facing each other. The boss 51B is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and presses the flavor-generating article 110, and extends along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. By forming the boss 51B with a protrusion extending along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, the flavor-generating article 110 can be stably held in the chamber 50, compared to, for example, holding the flavor-generating article 110 with a point-shaped boss.

Next, referring to Figures 14 and 15, we will explain the shape of the boss which is different from the shapes shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5A and 7. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing another chamber 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with the heating unit 40. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 shown in Figure 14. Figures 14 and 15 show cross sections corresponding to Figures 4C and 5A, respectively.

14 and 15, the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50 is formed with a boss 51C configured to press and grip the outer peripheral surface of the flavor-generating article 110 housed in the chamber 50 radially inward of the chamber 50. The boss 51C is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50, which is the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 and in the heating region 50A. The boss 51C is provided on each of the inner surfaces 62a facing each other. The boss 51C is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and presses the flavor-generating article 110, and extends along a direction inclined (diagonal) with respect to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) and lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the chamber 50. The aspect ratio of the boss 51C is 1 or more. Furthermore, the pair of bosses 51C are configured such that, when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion 62, the ends opposite the opening 52 overlap each other, and the ends on the opening 52 side extend in a direction away from each other. Here, it is preferable that the inclination angles of the pair of bosses 51C with respect to the central axis of the chamber 50 are equal to each other.

By forming the boss 51C with a protrusion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) and lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the chamber 50, the flavor-generating article 110 can be stably held within the chamber 50 and shaking of the flavor-generating article 110 toward the separation portion 66 can be suppressed, compared to when the flavor-generating article 110 is held with, for example, a point-shaped boss.

In addition, when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion 62, the pair of bosses 51C are configured so that the ends opposite the opening 52 overlap each other and the ends on the opening 52 side extend in directions away from each other. This causes a force acting on the flavor-generating article 110 to rotate when the flavor-generating article 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, while the surface of the contact portion 62 generates a resistance force that suppresses this force. Therefore, a sense of resistance can be imparted to the user when inserting the flavor-generating article 110, improving the feeling of insertion of the flavor-generating article 110.

At least a part of the boss may be exposed from the heating region to the opening side. Figure 16 is another cross-sectional view showing the chamber along with the heating section in the direction of arrows 4B-4B shown in Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 16, at least a part of the boss 51 is exposed from the heating region 50A to the opening 52 side. By configuring the boss 51 so that at least a part of it is exposed from the heating region 50A to the opening 52 side in this way, it is possible to allow heated air to escape between the heating section 40 and the boss 51, thereby preventing the heating section 40 from peeling off from the chamber 50. The same can be said for bosses 51A to 51C having a different shape from the boss 51.

2, 3, 4B, and 4C, the relationship between the position of the boss 51 in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 and the flavor generating article 110 will be described. The position of the boss in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 is preferably near the boundary between the filling section 111 of the flavor generating article 110 and the tubular member 114 when the flavor generating article 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, specifically, on an imaginary plane where the boundary is located.

If the boss 51 is disposed closer to the filter section 115 than this imaginary plane, the desired gripping force by the boss 51 may not be obtained. That is, the flavor-generating article 110 is thinned by heating, but the opening of the cylindrical member 114, which is the boundary between the filling section 111 and the cylindrical member 114, is most deformed. Therefore, the boss 51 may slip on the outer surface of the cylindrical member 114 that is inclined toward the opening and may not be able to grip it sufficiently, and the desired gripping force may not be exerted. In addition, the boss 51 may be disposed closer to the filling section 111 than this imaginary plane, but if the boss 51 grips the flavor-generating article 110 at a position away from this imaginary plane, the flavor-generating article 110 may be damaged. That is, the strength of the flavor-generating article 110 tends to be weakest near this imaginary plane, and if the flavor-generating article 110 is gripped at a position away from this imaginary plane, the flavor-generating article 110 may break near this imaginary plane when the flavor-generating article 110 is pulled out or when the flavor-generating article 110 is shaken.

Therefore, by providing a boss 51 near the boundary between the filling section 111 and the tubular member 114, the flavor-generating article 110 can be compressed and held in the chamber 50, while the flavor-generating article 110 can be grasped by the boss 51 within the chamber 50, and damage to the outer surface of the flavor-generating article 110 can be suppressed.

Second embodiment:
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber along with the heating unit taken along arrows 19-19 shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the chamber along with the heating unit taken along arrows 20-20 shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber along arrows 21-21 shown in Fig. 20. Descriptions of configurations similar to those of the first embodiment described above in Figs. 17 to 21 will be omitted.

17 to 21, the heating section 40 is formed with a heat generating area 40A and a non-heat generating area 40B adjacent to the opening 52 side of the heat generating area 40A. Here, the heat generating area 40A is an area in which a heat generating element such as the heating element 42 shown in Fig. 6 is disposed, and the non-heat generating area 40B is an area formed of a base such as the electrically insulating member 44 shown in Fig. 6, in which no heat generating element is disposed.

In addition, on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50, a boss 51D (corresponding to an example of a gripping portion or protrusion) is formed, which is configured to grip the outer peripheral surface of the flavor generating article 110 housed in the chamber 50 by pressing it radially inward of the chamber 50. The boss 51D is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50, on the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62, and in the heating region 50A. In addition, two bosses 51D are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, specifically along the lateral direction (Y-axis direction), to form a pair of bosses 51D (corresponding to an example of a first protrusion). In addition, the pair of bosses 51D are provided on each of the inner surfaces 62a facing each other. Furthermore, the pair of bosses 51D are provided at positions corresponding to the non-heating region 40B of the heating unit 40.

In addition, a boss 51E (corresponding to an example of a support portion) configured to support the flavor generating article 110 contained in the chamber 50 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50. The boss 51E is provided on the inner surface 66a of the separation portion 66 and in the heating region 50A on the inner peripheral surface of the chamber 50. Two bosses 51E are arranged side by side along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 to form a pair of bosses 51E (corresponding to an example of a second protrusion). The pair of bosses 51E are provided on each of the inner surfaces 66a facing each other. Here, one of the pair of bosses 51E is provided at a position corresponding to the heat generating region 40A of the heating section 40, and the other of the pair of bosses 51E is provided at a position corresponding to the non-heat generating region 40B of the heating section 40. Furthermore, at least a part of the other of the pair of bosses 51E is exposed from the heating region 50A to the opening 52 side. By arranging the pair of bosses 51E along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, it is possible to prevent the pair of bosses 51E from blocking the air flow path (gap 67) formed between the flavor generating article 110 and the separation portion 66. Note that the pair of bosses 51E may be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, specifically, in the lateral direction (X-axis direction).

In this way, by providing the boss 51D in the non-heating area 40B where no heating element is located, the flavor-generating article 110 can be heated uniformly. In other words, if the boss 51D is provided in the heating area 40A, the part of the flavor-generating article 110 pressed by the boss 51D may be locally heated. Therefore, by providing the boss 51D in the non-heating area 40B, it is possible to heat the flavor-generating article 110 uniformly.

Furthermore, by providing boss 51E on inner surface 66a of separation portion 66 and in heating region 50A, it is possible to support and regulate movement of flavor-generating article 110 toward separation portion 66. Therefore, even if stress acts on flavor-generating article 110, it is possible to suppress shaking of flavor-generating article 110 toward separation portion 66.

Furthermore, by providing the other of the pair of bosses 51E at a position corresponding to the non-heat generating region 40B of the heating section 40, it is possible to grasp both the region of the flavor generating article 110 that has been hardened by heating and the relatively elastic and flexible region, thereby making it possible to more firmly grasp the flavor generating article 110 within the chamber 50.

In addition, by configuring the other of the pair of bosses 51E so that at least a portion thereof is exposed from the heating region 50A to the opening 52 side, heated air between the heating unit 40 and the boss 51E can be released, thereby preventing the heating unit 40 from peeling off from the chamber 50. Note that at least a portion of the boss 51D may be configured so that it is exposed from the heating region 50A to the opening 52 side.

In addition, by arranging the pair of bosses 51D in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) and the pair of bosses 51E in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50 so that the direction in which the pair of bosses 51D are arranged intersects, specifically, by arranging the pair of bosses 51D in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) and the pair of bosses 51E in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, the flavor-generating article 110 can be stably held in the chamber 50 and the swing of the flavor-generating article 110 toward the separation portion 66 side can be suppressed. In addition, by arranging the bosses 51D in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) of the chamber 50, it is possible to ensure a wide contact area between the flavor-generating article 110 and the boss 51D when viewed in the insertion direction of the flavor-generating article 110, and a high contact resistance can be obtained. In addition, by arranging the bosses 51E in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50, the most protruding part of the flavor-generating article 110 can be supported by the boss 51E when the flavor-generating article 110 is deformed in the chamber 50, so that the flavor-generating article 110 can be more firmly held in the chamber 50.

Here, the size of boss 51D is configured to be smaller than the size of boss 51E. By forming boss 51E large in this way, when flavor-generating article 110 deforms within chamber 50, boss 51E bites deeper into flavor-generating article 110, so that flavor-generating article 110 can be more firmly held within chamber 50.

Note that one of the pair of bosses 51E may be connected to the other, and at least a portion of the pair of bosses 51E may be exposed from the heating region to the opening side. FIG. 22 is another cross-sectional view showing the chamber along with the heating portion, taken along arrows 19-19 in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 22, at least a portion of the pair of bosses 51E is exposed from the heating region 50A to the opening 52 side. By configuring the pair of bosses 51E so that at least a portion of the pair of bosses 51E is exposed from the heating region 50A to the opening 52 side in this manner, heated air between the heating portion 40 and the bosses 51E can be released, and thus separation of the heating portion 40 from the chamber 50 can be suppressed.

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.

40: heating section 40A: heat generating region 40B: non-heat generating region 42: heating element 44: electrical insulating member 50: chamber 50A: heat generating region 50B: non-heating region 51, 51A to 51E: boss 62: contact section 66: separation section 100: flavor inhaler 110: flavor generating article 111: filling section 114: cylindrical member

Claims (18)

1. A flavor inhaler, comprising:
a storage section having an opening formed at one end and configured to store at least a portion of a flavor generating article through the opening, the storage section including a contact section that contacts a portion of the stored flavor generating article and a separation section that is separated from the stored flavor generating article;
a heating section arranged along an axial direction of the storage section and configured to heat the flavor-generating article stored in the storage section;
a gripping portion for gripping the flavor generating article contained in the containing portion,
The housing portion has a heated region that is a region along an axial direction of the housing portion corresponding to a location where the heating portion is disposed, and a non-heated region other than the heated region,
The gripping portion is provided at the contact portion in the heating region ,
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1,
The gripping portion is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the storage portion and presses the flavor generating article.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2,
The protrusions are dot-shaped.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 3,
The contact portion is a flat surface,
The protrusion is provided at a position not overlapping with a central axis of the housing portion when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2,
The protrusion extends along the axial direction of the housing portion.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2,
The protrusion extends along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing portion.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 2,
The protrusion extends along an axial direction of the housing portion and a direction inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing portion.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 7,
The contact portion is a pair of flat surfaces facing each other,
The protrusions are provided on each of the pair of flat surfaces,
end portions of the projections provided on each of the pair of flat surfaces, opposite to the opening, overlap each other when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion;
the ends of the projections provided on the pair of flat surfaces on the opening side extend in directions away from each other when viewed from a plane parallel to the contact portion;
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 2 to 8,
The protrusions are formed by embossing,
At least a portion of the protrusion is exposed from the heating region to the opening side.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The heating unit includes:
A heating element that generates heat;
An insulating base that supports the heating element,
a heat generating region in which the heat generating element is disposed and a non-heat generating region adjacent to the opening side of the heat generating region and in which the heat generating element is not disposed are formed by the heat generating element and the base,
The grip portion is provided on the contact portion in the non-heat generating region.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A support portion for supporting the flavor generating article contained in the container portion is further provided,
The support portion is provided in the spaced portion in the heating region .
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 11,
The support portion is a protrusion formed by embossing,
At least a portion of the support portion is exposed to the opening side from the heating region.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 11 or 12,
The grip portion includes a pair of first protrusions arranged in a first direction,
The support portion includes a pair of second protrusions arranged in a second direction,
The first direction and the second direction intersect with each other.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 13,
The first direction is a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the housing portion,
The second direction is a direction along the axial direction of the housing portion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to claim 13 or 14,
The size of the first protrusion is smaller than the size of the second protrusion.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
one of the pair of second protrusions is provided at the spaced portion in the heat generating region of the heating region,
The other of the pair of second protrusions is provided in the spaced portion in the non-heating region of the heating region.
Flavor inhaler. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
one and the other of the pair of second protrusions are formed to be connected to each other by embossing,
At least a portion of the pair of second projections is exposed from the heating region to the opening side.
Flavor inhaler. 1. A smoking system comprising:
A flavor inhaler and a flavor generating article are provided,
The flavor inhaler comprises:
a storage section having an opening formed at one end and configured to store at least a portion of the flavor generating article through the opening, the storage section including a contact section that contacts the portion of the flavor generating article stored therein and a separation section that is separated from the flavor generating article stored therein;
a heating section arranged along an axial direction of the storage section and configured to heat the flavor-generating article stored in the storage section;
a gripping portion for gripping the flavor generating article contained in the containing portion,
The housing portion has a heated region that is a region along an axial direction of the housing portion corresponding to a location where the heating portion is disposed, and a non-heated region other than the heated region,
The flavor generating article comprises:
a filling section filled with smokable material;
A hollow cylindrical portion provided continuously with the filling portion,
The gripping portion is the contact portion in the heating region and is provided near the boundary between the filling portion and the cylindrical portion.
Smoking system.