JP7656633B2 - Flavor inhaler and method for manufacturing flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a flavor inhaler and a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler.

Conventionally, in electronic cigarettes consisting of a control unit and a cartomizer, it is known that a metal housing is provided around the control unit, and the metal housing functions as a shield for wireless communication via a communication interface located within the control unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-74585 A

The present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler and a method for manufacturing the same that suppresses interference with communication with external devices via a communication interface.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising a housing having a first wall including a metal part, an atomization part housed in the housing and generating heat, and a communication part housed in the housing and spaced apart from the atomization part for communicating with an external device via the first wall, wherein the metal part does not cover the communication part in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first wall.

In the first aspect, the housing that houses the heat-generating atomization unit is covered with a first wall that includes a metal part with high thermal conductivity, and the communication unit is not covered by the metal part. Therefore, according to the first aspect, the occurrence of localized high temperature areas in the housing due to heat generated by the atomization unit can be suppressed by thermal diffusion by the metal part, and communication with an external device by the communication unit can be suppressed from being hindered by the metal part.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first aspect, wherein the metal portion covers at least a portion of the atomization portion in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first wall.

In the second aspect, the atomization part, which is the heat source, is covered with a metal part having high thermal conductivity on the outer surface of the housing that houses the heat-generating atomization part. Therefore, according to the second aspect, the heat is diffused more effectively on the outer surface of the housing.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first or second aspect, in which more than half of the area of the first wall includes the metal portion.

In the third aspect, more than half of the area of the first wall of the housing that houses the heat-generating atomization unit includes a metal part with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, according to the third aspect, the heat of the atomization unit can be effectively diffused within the flavor inhaler.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the metal portion of the first wall is not included in an area defined within an angular range of 45 degrees to the left and right of a reference line extending from the center of the communication unit toward the first wall in a direction perpendicular to the first wall in a cross-sectional view of the housing cut along a plane perpendicular to the first wall.

In the flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, if the area of the first wall that does not include metal parts that may interfere with communication with an external device is too narrow, communication will be hindered, while if the area of the first wall that does not include metal parts is too wide, sufficient heat diffusion by the metal parts will not be obtained. In the fourth aspect, an angle range of 45 degrees to the left and right of the reference line is secured as an area where no metal parts exist. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to preferably achieve both securing a communication path with an external device by the communication unit and heat diffusion by the metal parts.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the housing further has a second wall opposite the first wall, and the atomization unit and the communication unit are sandwiched between the first wall and the second wall and housed in the housing.

In the fifth aspect, the first wall of the housing includes a pair of opposing first and second walls that sandwich the communication unit, and the first wall includes a metal portion that does not cover the metal portion. Therefore, according to the fifth aspect, the pair of opposing first and second walls of the housing that sandwich the communication unit can ensure both a communication path and heat diffusion.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising an external cover that covers the first wall.

In the sixth aspect, the first wall of the housing that covers the heat-generating atomization unit is covered by a further external cover. Therefore, according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent the heat generated in the atomization unit from being transmitted to the outside of the flavor inhaler.

A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the communication unit communicates with the external device using electromagnetic waves.

In the seventh aspect, the communication unit is not covered by metal parts that interfere with electromagnetic waves on the outer surface of the housing that houses the communication unit that communicates by electromagnetic waves. Therefore, according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to effectively prevent communication between the communication unit and an external device from being hindered by metal parts.

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler, comprising: preparing a housing having a first wall including a metal part; housing a heat-generating atomization part and a communication part that communicates with an external device in the housing; and positioning the metal part so as not to cover the communication part when viewed in a plan view perpendicular to the first wall.

In the flavor inhaler manufactured according to the eighth aspect, the outer surface of the housing that houses the heat-generating atomization unit is covered with a first wall including a metal part having high thermal conductivity, and the communication unit is not covered by the metal part. Thus, according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler in which the communication unit is prevented from being hindered by the metal part in communication with an external device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable product; FIG. 2 is a front view of the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment with the outer housing removed. FIG. 2 is a front view of the metal panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the flavor inhaler with the outer housing and the metal panel removed. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1B. FIG. 2 is a simplified side view showing the relationship between the metal panel and a Bluetooth interface according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 9A-9A of FIG. 8B. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 8B. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chamber and a heating unit. FIG. 9C is the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 9B with the consumable placed in a desired location within the chamber. FIG. 1C is a partial cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along the arrows 12-12 shown in FIG. 1B. 13 is a flavor inhaler according to a second embodiment with the outer housing removed. FIG. 11 is a front view of a metal panel according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a simplified side view showing the relationship between a metal panel and a Bluetooth interface according to a second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

1A is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first 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 consumable goods contained in the chamber 50 of the atomization unit 30 described later. The Y axis can also be said to be the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable goods and in which the first wall 10a and the second wall 10b described later face each other. The X axis direction can also be said to be the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumer goods. The Y-axis direction can also be said to be the short side direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumer good.

The flavor inhaler 100 of the first embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor, for example, by heating a stick-shaped consumable product having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.

1A to 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 has an outer housing 101 composed of a front cover 101A and a rear cover 101B, and a slide cover 102. The front cover 101A is an example of an outer cover of the present disclosure.

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. In the outer housing 101, the front cover 101A is formed of a resin such as polycarbonate, and the rear cover 101B is formed of a metal such as aluminum. However, the material of the outer housing 101 is not limited to these, and may be made of resin, and may be selected from any suitable material 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 consumables, 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 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 consumables to the inside of the slide cover 102 and the flavor inhaler 100.

1B and 1C show the front cover 101A and the rear cover 101B of the flavor inhaler 100 as having substantially the same thickness, but the configuration of the outer housing 101 is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure one of the front cover 101A or the rear cover 101B to be thicker than the other.

The flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown). The terminal may be an interface that connects 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 to allow current to flow from the external power source to the power source and charge the power source. In addition, a data transmission cable may be connected to the terminal to allow data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to be transmitted to an external device.

Next, the consumable material used in the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable material 110. In the first embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable material 110 can form a smoking system. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the consumable material 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, hollow filter portion 116, and filter portion 115 may be connected to the smokable article 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 portion on the filter portion 115 side to prevent the user's lips from sticking to the second wrapping paper 113. The portion of the consumable product 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of the consumable product 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 example shown in FIG. 2, the consumable product 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 consumable product 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.

Figure 3 is a front view of the flavor inhaler 100 with the outer housing 101 removed. Figure 4 is a front view of the metal panel 12 alone. Figure 5 is a front view of the flavor inhaler 100 with the outer housing 101 and metal panel 12 removed.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the outer housing 101 and the metal panel 12 are removed, the inner housing 10 is exposed. The inner housing 10 houses the atomizing unit 30, the power supply unit 20, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface 28 connected to the circuit unit (not shown), and is made of resin, for example, and may be made of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), or a polymer alloy containing multiple types of polymers. However, the material of the inner housing 10 is not limited to this. The inner housing 10 has a first wall 10a and a second wall 10b (see FIG. 12) that face each other in the Y-axis direction, and a side wall 10c that connects the first wall 10a and the second wall 10b. FIG. 5 shows the first wall 10a and the side wall 10c. The inner housing 10 with the metal panel 12 attached thereto is an example of a housing of the present disclosure.

The metal panel 12 has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the inner housing 10 and is provided to cover the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10. The metal panel 12 may be formed of, for example, aluminum or the like. The metal panel 12 may be in a sheet form. The metal panel 12 may be provided in close proximity to or in contact with the end of the first wall 10a and the side wall 10c of the inner housing 10. Specifically, for example, the metal panel 12 may be attached to the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10. The metal panel 12, which has a high thermal conductivity, functions as a heat diffusion member that diffuses the heat transferred from the inner housing 10, thereby allowing the heat generated in the atomization section 30 to be diffused inside the flavor inhaler 100. The metal panel 12 is an example of a metal part of the present disclosure. The set of the metal panel 12 and the first wall 10a is an example of a first wall of the present disclosure.

3 and 4, the metal panel 12 has an opening 14 at the bottom in the Z-axis direction. Thus, as shown in Fig. 3, a portion of the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10 is exposed from the opening 14 of the metal panel 12. As described below, the portion of the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10 exposed from the opening 14 of the metal panel 12 includes an area corresponding to the Bluetooth interface 28 housed within the inner housing 10.

As described later, the shape and size of the opening 14 of the metal panel 12 according to the first embodiment can be appropriately determined on the condition that the Bluetooth interface 28 is not covered. However, since the effect of the metal panel 12 in dissipating heat increases as the area of the metal panel 12 increases, the metal panel 12 is preferably provided so as to cover 50% or more of the area of the outer surface of the inner housing 10. According to the first embodiment, the metal panel 12 covers the first wall 10a except for the opening 14, so that the heat from the atomization unit 30 that reaches the first wall 10a is diffused by the metal panel 12, and the inner housing 10 can be prevented from becoming locally hot.

As described below, the atomization unit 30 generates heat within the inner housing 10, so that the first wall 10a tends to have a locally high temperature near the atomization unit 30. Therefore, it is preferable that the metal panel 12 cover at least a portion of the area on the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10 that corresponds to the atomization unit 30 contained within the inner housing 10.

Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the arrows 6-6 shown in Figure 1B. Figure 7 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along a cross section perpendicular to the X-axis including the Bluetooth interface 28.

As shown in Fig. 6, a power supply unit 20 and an atomization unit 30 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10 of the flavor inhaler 100. Furthermore, a circuit unit (not shown) is provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10.

The circuit unit includes, for example, a microprocessor, and can control the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the atomization unit 30. This allows the circuit unit to control the heating of the consumable product 110 by the atomization unit 30. The circuit unit is also electrically connected to the Bluetooth interface 28. The Bluetooth interface 28 is an example of a communication unit of the present disclosure.

The flavor inhaler 100 of the first embodiment can communicate with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

Here, the area covering the Bluetooth interface 28 in the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10 shown in Fig. 5 constitutes a part of the area exposed from the opening 14 of the metal panel 12 shown in Fig. 3. The Bluetooth interface 28 is located in the positive direction of the Y axis relative to the part of the first wall 10a exposed from the opening 14 in Fig. 3. In other words, when viewed from the front of the flavor inhaler 100, the Bluetooth interface 28 is not covered by the metal panel 12. Therefore, although metal members generally interfere with electromagnetic waves, the flavor inhaler 100 can communicate with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28 at least via the area exposed from the opening 14 of the metal panel 12 as a path.

Referring to Figure 7, the details of the relative arrangement of the metal panel 12 and the Bluetooth interface 28 according to the first embodiment will be described. For ease of explanation, the inner housing 10 and the components housed within the inner housing 10, excluding the Bluetooth interface 28, are not shown in Figure 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the area defined by an angle range of 45 degrees to the left and right of the line parallel to the Y axis from the center of the Bluetooth interface 28 toward the front of the flavor inhaler 100 is exposed from the opening 14 of the metal panel 12. The cross section shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a cross section perpendicular to the X axis including the Bluetooth interface 28, and a different cross section can be selected along the X axis. In this case, the position of the center of the Bluetooth interface 28 in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane may not be the same as that in FIG. 7 in the selected cross section. However, in any cross section, the area defined by an angle range of 45 degrees to the left and right of the above-mentioned reference line is exposed from the opening 14 of the metal panel 12. However, if the Bluetooth interface 28 has a protrusion or the like that does not function as an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, the condition regarding the above-mentioned area defined by the center of the Bluetooth interface 28 and the reference line does not apply to the part consisting only of the protrusion or the like. In other words, if the Bluetooth interface 28 has a protrusion that does not substantially contribute to the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves due to design reasons, this protrusion does not need to satisfy the conditions shown in Fig. 7. The above-mentioned reference line and the angular range defined around it are determined based on the portion that substantially contributes to the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves.

In the first embodiment of the flavor inhaler 100, the area defined by the above-mentioned angle range is guaranteed as a path to be used for communication with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

The power supply unit 20 has a power supply 21 electrically connected to a circuit unit (not shown). 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 via the circuit unit. This allows the power supply 21 to supply power to the atomization unit 30 so as to appropriately heat the consumable product 110.

6, the atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50 extending in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 110, a heating unit 40 surrounding a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a generally cylindrical insertion guide member 34. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the consumable product 110. The heating unit 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and to heat the consumable product 110 accommodated in the chamber 50. The chamber 50 and the heating unit 40 will be described in detail below.

The insulating section 32 is disposed to surround the chamber 50 and the heating section 40. The insulating section 32 may be, for example, an aerogel. The insertion guide member 34 is formed of a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is provided between the slide cover 102 in the closed position and the chamber 50. 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 consumable product 110 into the chamber 50 by inserting the consumable product 110 into the insertion guide member 34.

The flavor inhaler 100 further has a first support part 37 and a second support part 38 that support both ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32. The first support part 37 is arranged to support the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the slide cover 102 side (Z-axis positive side). The second support part 38 is arranged to directly or indirectly support the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the Z-axis negative side. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a bottom member 36 may be provided at the bottom of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may function as a stopper that positions the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may define a space that can supply air to the surface that the consumable product 110 abuts against. The bottom member 36 has unevenness on the surface that the consumable product 110 abuts against, and may be formed of, for example, a resin material such as PEEK, metal, glass, or ceramic, but is not limited thereto. The first support portion 37 and the second support portion 38 may be made of an elastomer such as silicone rubber. When joining the bottom member 36 to the bottom of the chamber 50, an adhesive may be used that may be made of a resin material such as an epoxy resin or an inorganic material.

Next, the structure of the chamber 50 will be described. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the line 9A-9A in FIG. 8B. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the line 9B-9B in FIG. 8B. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heating unit 40. As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member including an opening 52 into which the consumable product 110 is inserted and a cylindrical side wall portion 60 that houses the consumable product 110. The chamber 50 is preferably made of a material that is heat resistant and has a small coefficient of thermal expansion, and may be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. This allows for effective heating of the consumable product 110 from the chamber 50.

8B and 9B, the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a separation portion 66. When the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses a part of the consumable product 110, and the separation portion 66 is separated from the consumable product 110. In this specification, the "desired position in the chamber 50" refers to a position where the consumable product 110 is appropriately heated, or the position of the consumable product 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. 10, 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 8A and 9B, 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 10. As shown in Figures 8B and 9B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Also, as shown in Figures 8B and 9B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

8A, 8B, and 9B, 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 consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50 that is disposed between the contact portions 62.

9B, 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.

8B, the chamber 50 may have a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that the bottom member 36 shown in FIG. 6 can penetrate and be disposed inside the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 supports a portion of the consumable product 110 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a portion of an end face of the consumable product 110 is exposed. The bottom 56 may also support a portion of the consumable product 110 so that the exposed end face of the consumable product 110 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 11) described below.

As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion 54 between the opening 52 and the side wall portion 60. When the consumable product 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-retaining portion 54 and the consumable product 110. Also, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 with 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.

10, 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. 10, 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 the first embodiment, an electrical insulator 44 is disposed over both sides of the heating element 42 .

11 is a cross-sectional view of the consumable product 110 shown in FIG. 9B when the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 11, when the consumable product 110 is placed at a desired position in the chamber 50, the consumable product 110 can be pressed against the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. On the other hand, a gap 67 is formed between the consumable product 110 and the spaced portion 66. The gap 67 can be connected to the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and an end face of the consumable product 110 positioned in the chamber 50. This allows air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and flow into the inside of the consumable product 110. In other words, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the consumable product 110 and the spaced portion 66.

Next, we will explain the position and arrangement of the atomization unit 30 within the inner housing 10. Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along the arrows 12-12 in Figure 1B.

As described above, in the first embodiment, an air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the separation portion 66 and the consumable product 110, so that air passing through the air flow path can absorb heat from the separation portion 66 and cool the separation portion 66.

As described above, the heating element 42 of the heating unit 40 is positioned to heat the contact portion 62 without contacting the spaced portion 66 of the sidewall portion 60 of the chamber 50. In other words, since the spaced portion 66 is not directly heated by the heating unit 40, heating of the spaced portion 66 by the heating unit 40 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the outer housing 101 accommodates the inner housing 10 therein. The inner surface (the surface on the Y-axis positive side) of the front cover 101A of the outer housing 101 faces the outer surface (the surface on the Y-axis negative side) of the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10 via the metal panel 12. Since the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10 is covered by the front cover 101A of the outer housing 101, the heat from the atomization unit 30 transferred to the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10 can be prevented from being transferred to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable when holding the flavor inhaler 100.

[Second embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 13 is a front view of the flavor inhaler 200 according to the second embodiment with the outer housing 101 removed. Figure 14 is a front view of the metal panel 212 alone. Figure 15 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 200 taken along a cross section perpendicular to the X-axis including the Bluetooth interface 28.

The flavor inhaler 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the metal panel 212. That is, in the flavor inhaler 200 according to the second embodiment, instead of the metal panel 12 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the metal panel 212 shown in Fig. 14 is provided so as to cover the first wall 10a of the inner housing 10. The metal panel 212 according to the second embodiment is another example of a metal part of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the metal panel 12 according to the first embodiment has an opening 14 at the bottom in the Z-axis direction. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14, the metal panel 212 according to the second embodiment does not have an opening, is cut near the center in the Z-axis direction, and is configured not to extend to the bottom in the Z-axis direction. The solid line shown in Figure 13 dividing the flavor inhaler 200 horizontally (in a direction parallel to the X-axis) represents the bottom end 212A of the metal panel 212. Therefore, in Figure 13, the first wall 10a and side wall 10c of the inner housing 10 are exposed in the portion below the bottom end 212A of the metal panel 212.

As in the first embodiment, from the viewpoint of heat diffusion efficiency, the metal panel 212 according to the second embodiment is preferably provided so as to cover 50% or more of the area of the outer surface of the inner housing 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the heat-generating atomization section 30 is disposed in the upper part in the Z-axis direction within the inner housing 10. According to the second embodiment, the metal panel 212 covers the upper part in the Z-axis direction corresponding to the atomization section of the first wall 10a, so that the heat from the atomization section 30 that reaches the first wall 10a is diffused by the metal panel 212, and it is possible to prevent the inner housing 10 from becoming locally hot.

6, the Bluetooth interface 28 is disposed at the lower part in the Z-axis direction within the inner housing 10. The Bluetooth interface 28 is located in the positive direction of the Y-axis relative to a part of the first wall 10a that is exposed and located below the lower end 212A of the metal panel 212 in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 13. That is, when viewed from the front of the flavor inhaler 200, the Bluetooth interface 28 is not covered by the metal panel 212. Therefore, although metal members generally interfere with electromagnetic waves, the flavor inhaler 200 can communicate with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28 at least via a path that is not covered by the metal panel 212.

Referring to Figure 15, the details of the relative arrangement of the metal panel 212 and the Bluetooth interface 28 according to the second embodiment will be described. For ease of explanation, the inner housing 10 and the components housed within the inner housing 10, excluding the Bluetooth interface 28, are not shown in Figure 15.

15, the area defined by the angle range of 45 degrees to the left and right of the line parallel to the Y axis from the center of the Bluetooth interface 28 toward the front of the flavor inhaler 100 is located in the negative direction of the Z axis from the lower end 212A of the metal panel 212. The cross section shown in FIG. 15 is an example of a cross section perpendicular to the X axis including the Bluetooth interface 28, and a different cross section can be selected along the X axis. In this case, the position of the center of the Bluetooth interface 28 in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane may not be the same as that in FIG. 15 in the selected cross section. However, in both cross sections, the area defined by the angle range of 45 degrees to the left and right of the above-mentioned reference line is located in the negative direction of the Z axis from the lower end 212A of the metal panel 212. However, as in the first embodiment, if the Bluetooth interface 28 has a protrusion or the like that does not function as an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, the condition regarding the above-mentioned area defined by the center of the Bluetooth interface 28 and the reference line does not apply to the part consisting only of the protrusion or the like. In other words, if the Bluetooth interface 28 has a protrusion that does not substantially contribute to the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves for design reasons, this protrusion does not need to satisfy the conditions shown in Fig. 15. As in the first embodiment, the above-mentioned reference line and the angular range defined around it are determined based on the portion that substantially contributes to the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves.

In the second embodiment of the flavor inhaler 200, the area defined by the above-mentioned angle range is guaranteed as a path to be used for communication with external devices via the Bluetooth interface 28.

Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims and the specification and drawings. Any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical ideas of the present disclosure as long as it achieves the function of the present disclosure. For example, the flavor inhaler 100 of the present disclosure has a so-called counterflow 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 consumable product 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, and 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 consumable product 110 has a susceptor, the heating element 42 can heat the susceptor of the consumable product 110 by induction heating.

10: Inner housing 10a: First wall 10b: Second wall 10c: Side wall 12: Metal panel 14: Opening 20: Power supply section 21: Power supply 28: Bluetooth interface 30: Atomization section 32: Thermal insulation section 34: Insertion guide member 36: Bottom member 37: First support section 38: Second support section 40: Heating section 42: Heating element 44: Electrical insulation member 48: Electrode 50: Chamber 52: Opening 54: Non-holding section 56: Bottom section 56a: Hole 58: First guide section 58a: Tapered surface 60: Side wall section 62: Contact section 62a: Inner surface 62b: Outer surface 66: Separation section 66a: Inner surface 66b: Outer surface 67: Gap 100: Flavor inhaler 101: Outer housing Reference Signs List 101A: Front cover 101B: Rear cover 101C: Third wall 102: Slide cover 110: Consumable material 111: Smokable article 112: First wrapping paper 113: Second wrapping paper 114: Cylindrical member 115: Filter portion 116: Hollow filter portion 117: Lip release agent 200: Flavor inhaler 212: Metal panel 212A: Lower end portion

Claims (8)

a housing having a first wall ;
a metal panel covering at least a portion of the first wall ;
An atomization unit that is housed in the housing and generates heat;
a communication unit that is accommodated in the housing and that communicates with an external device through the first wall, the communication unit being disposed away from the atomization unit;
Equipped with
The metal panel does not cover the communication unit in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first wall.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1,
The metal panel covers at least a portion of the atomization unit in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first wall.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2,
At least half of the area of the first wall is covered with the metal panel.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the metal panel is not included in an area defined within an angular range of 45 degrees to the left and right of a reference line extending from a center of the communication unit toward the metal panel along a direction perpendicular to the metal panel in a cross-sectional view of the housing cut along a plane perpendicular to the metal panel,
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The housing further includes a second wall facing the first wall,
The atomization unit and the communication unit are sandwiched between the first wall and the second wall and housed in the housing.
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
an outer cover covering the first wall and the metal panel;
Flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The communication unit communicates with the external device using electromagnetic waves.
Flavor inhaler. preparing a housing having a first wall and a metal panel covering at least a portion of the first wall;
The housing contains a heat generating atomization unit and a communication unit that communicates with an external device,
the metal panel is disposed so as not to cover the communication unit in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first wall.
Including,
A method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler.

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