EP4696164A1 - Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system - Google Patents

Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

Info

Publication number
EP4696164A1
EP4696164A1 EP23932973.3A EP23932973A EP4696164A1 EP 4696164 A1 EP4696164 A1 EP 4696164A1 EP 23932973 A EP23932973 A EP 23932973A EP 4696164 A1 EP4696164 A1 EP 4696164A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
enclosure
flavor inhaler
consumable material
relative position
distal end
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23932973.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Tateki SUMII
Noriyoshi Sato
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Publication of EP4696164A1 publication Critical patent/EP4696164A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a flavor inhaler and to a flavor inhalation system.
  • Flavor inhalers conventionally employ a movement mechanism for moving an enclosure accommodating a heating unit for heating a consumable material and an enclosure accommodating a power source (e.g., see PTL 1 and 2). If a novel flavor inhaler configuration is introduced, however, then a new movement mechanism suitable for this configuration is needed.
  • the present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system comprising a novel relative movement mechanism.
  • a first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising: a first enclosure accommodating a consumable material and a heating unit for heating the consumable material, and a second enclosure accommodating a power source for supplying power to the heating unit, wherein the first enclosure comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; and a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end, and wherein the first enclosure and the second enclosure are configured to be capable of relative movement between a first relative position and a second relative position in a state in which an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source is maintained, and when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, a predetermined part of the distal end of the first enclosure does not overlap the second enclosure, as seen along a longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.
  • the first enclosure accommodating the heating unit and the second enclosure accommodating the power source are capable of relative movement between the first relative position and the second relative position in a state in which an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source is maintained. Then, when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, at least a portion of the distal end of the first enclosure does not overlap the second enclosure, as seen along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side of the first enclosure.
  • the first aspect therefore enables relative movement of the two enclosures in such a way that the distal end of the first enclosure is not obstructed by the second enclosure, which improves the degree of freedom in the configuration of the flavor inhaler. This degree of freedom can be utilized in various ways, especially in a flavor inhaler having a novel configuration.
  • a second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first aspect, wherein, when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the first relative position, at least a portion of the predetermined part of the distal end of the first enclosure overlaps the second enclosure, as seen along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.
  • the second aspect when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the first relative position, at least a portion of the part of the distal end of the first enclosure not overlapping in the second relative position overlaps the second enclosure, as seen along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side of the first enclosure.
  • the second aspect therefore enables relative movement of the two enclosures between the second relative position, in which the predetermined part of the distal end of the first enclosure is open without being obstructed by the second enclosure, and the first relative position in which at least a portion of the predetermined part is obstructed by the second enclosure, which further improves the degree of freedom in the configuration of the flavor inhaler.
  • a third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first and second aspects, wherein the first enclosure further comprises a cover portion which constitutes at least a portion of the distal end and is configured to be capable of opening/closing a space housing the consumable material, and when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, the cover portion is opened so that the consumable material can be removed from the first enclosure.
  • the cover portion which is configured to enable opening/closing of the space housing the consumable material is provided at the distal end of the first enclosure, and when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, the cover portion can then be opened so that the consumable material can be removed from the first enclosure. Accordingly, since the third aspect has a configuration in which the cover portion is provided at the distal end of the first enclosure, the flavor inhaler can therefore be configured to allow access to the cover portion when the first enclosure and the second enclosure have been moved to the second relative position.
  • a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third aspect, wherein the first enclosure further comprises an intake hole which is provided at the distal end and takes in external air, and in a state in which the cover portion is closed, an air communication path enabling communication from the intake hole to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in the first enclosure.
  • the intake hole for drawing in external air is provided together with the cover portion at the distal end of the first enclosure.
  • an air communication path enabling communication from the intake hole to the proximal end through the consumable material is then formed in the first enclosure.
  • the distal end of the first enclosure constituting a terminal portion of the air communication path penetrating the consumable material can therefore be made accessible.
  • detritus such as dust from the consumable material readily accumulates at the distal end of the first enclosure in which the intake hole is provided, this detritus can be cleaned by exposing the distal end of the first enclosure in the second relative position.
  • a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third and fourth aspects, wherein the cover portion comprises a transparent part.
  • the cover portion which is provided at the distal end of the first enclosure and is configured to enable opening/closing of the space housing the consumable material, comprises a transparent part. According to the fifth aspect, it is therefore easily possible to see from the outside whether or not the consumable material is accommodated inside the first enclosure.
  • a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third to fifth aspects, wherein an inclined portion exposing the consumable material is provided at a location in the first enclosure abutting the cover portion.
  • the inclined portion exposing the consumable material is provided so as to abut the cover portion, which is provided at the distal end of the first enclosure and is configured to enable opening/closing of the space housing the consumable material.
  • the area exposed by the inclined portion is therefore greater than when the exposed portion is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction. According to the sixth aspect, it is therefore easier to touch the consumable material when the cover portion is open, making it easier to remove the consumable material.
  • a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third to sixth aspects, wherein the second enclosure comprises a facing portion facing the cover portion of the first enclosure when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the first relative position, and the flavor inhaler further comprises a sensing unit for sensing whether or not the cover portion of the first enclosure and the facing portion of the second enclosure are facing.
  • the second enclosure comprises the facing portion which faces the cover portion of the first enclosure when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the first relative position
  • the flavor inhaler further comprises the sensing unit for sensing whether or not the cover portion of the first enclosure and the facing portion of the second enclosure are facing.
  • the sensing unit can therefore sense whether the cover portion provided at the distal end of the first enclosure is facing the facing portion of the second enclosure, or else whether the cover portion is exposed without being obstructed by the second enclosure.
  • An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the seventh aspect, wherein the sensing unit comprises a magnetic detection unit provided on the cover portion or on the facing portion.
  • the sensing unit which senses the placement of the cover portion provided at the distal end of the first enclosure and the facing portion of the second enclosure with respect to one another, comprises the magnetic detection unit which is provided on the cover portion or on the facing portion. According to the eighth aspect, the placement of the cover portion of the first enclosure and the facing portion of the second enclosure with respect to one another can therefore be sensed magnetically.
  • a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the seventh and eighth aspects, further comprising a control unit for controlling the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit so as to prevent the heating unit from implementing reheating without the sensing unit sensing a non-facing state after the end of use of the consumable material.
  • control unit of the flavor inhaler for controlling the heating unit prevents the heating unit from implementing reheating without a non-facing state, in which the cover portion does not face the facing portion of the second enclosure, being sensed after the end of use of the consumable material.
  • the cover portion should therefore pass through a process of being opened in the non-facing state when a consumable material which has been used up is replaced with a new consumable material. According to the ninth aspect, it is therefore possible to prevent reheating of a spent consumable material.
  • a 10th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a rotary mechanism rotating about a rotational axis, wherein movement between the first relative position and the second relative position is performed by rotational movement afforded by the rotary mechanism.
  • the flavor inhaler further comprises the rotary mechanism having the rotational axis, and movement between the first relative position and the second relative position is performed by rotational movement afforded by the rotary mechanism.
  • movement of the relative positions of the two enclosures can therefore be achieved by the rotational movement afforded by the rotary mechanism.
  • An 11th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 10th aspect, wherein the rotational axis is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.
  • the rotational axis of the rotary mechanism is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler. According to the 11th aspect, movement of the relative positions of the two enclosures can therefore be achieved by rotating the first enclosure or the second enclosure about a rotational axis lying along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.
  • a 12th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 10th and 11th aspects, wherein the rotary mechanism is a hinge which connects the distal end of the first enclosure and the second enclosure, and has a hollow portion through which the rotational axis passes, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first enclosure and the second enclosure is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the rotary mechanism is a hinge which connects the distal end of the first enclosure and the second enclosure, and has a hollow portion through which the rotational axis passes, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first enclosure and the second enclosure is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the rotary mechanism is a hinge which connects the distal end of the first enclosure and the second enclosure, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first enclosure and the second enclosure is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the hinge which is provided so as to connect the distal end of the first enclosure and the second enclosure enables movement of the relative positions of the two enclosures, while also accommodating the wiring portion which electrically connects the first enclosure and the second enclosure, thereby ensuring an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source.
  • a 13th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 12th aspect, wherein the first enclosure further comprises a control unit for controlling the heating unit, and the hinge is arranged in relation to the first enclosure so as to be positioned closer to the control unit than to the heating unit.
  • control unit for controlling the heating unit is accommodated in the first enclosure, and the hinge is arranged in relation to the first enclosure so as to be positioned closer to the control unit than to the heating unit.
  • the wiring portion which is accommodated in the hollow portion of the hinge and electrically connects the first enclosure and the second enclosure is arranged closer to the control unit than to the heating unit, and the effects of heat from the heating unit on the wiring portion can therefore be limited.
  • a 14th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 13th aspect, wherein the heating unit and the control unit are separated from each other in the first enclosure, and an end portion of the heating unit on the proximal end side and an end portion on the distal end side are elastically held.
  • the heating unit and the control unit are separated from each other in the first enclosure, and the end portion of the heating unit on the proximal end side and the end portion on the distal end side are elastically held. According to the 14th aspect, it is possible to effectively limit the effects of heat from the heating unit on the control unit (and the wiring portion arranged close to the control unit), while also alleviating impacts on the heating unit if the flavor inhaler is subjected to an external impact due to being dropped, etc.
  • a 15th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 10th to 14th aspects, wherein an operation push-button is provided on an outer face of the first enclosure or the second enclosure, the rotary mechanism is configured to permit rotational movement from the first relative position to the second relative position in only one direction, and a direction of pressing of the operation push-button is established so as not to produce rotational movement of the rotary mechanism in said one direction.
  • the operation push-button is provided on the outer face of the first enclosure or the second enclosure, and the rotary mechanism permits rotational movement from the first relative position to the second relative position in only one direction.
  • the direction of pressing of the operation push-button is then established so as not to produce rotational movement of the rotary mechanism in said one direction. That is to say, pressing of the operation push-button to operate the flavor inhaler does not produce rotational movement of the rotary mechanism.
  • a 16th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material comprising a flavor source and constructed in a thin form, which is heated by a flavor inhaler in accordance with the first to 15th aspects.
  • the consumable material which is used in the flavor inhaler and is heated by the heating unit accommodated in the first enclosure comprises the flavor source and is constructed in a thin form. According to the 16th aspect, it is therefore possible to provide a consumable material having a novel structure, and a flavor inhaler having a novel structure, which employs the consumable material.
  • a 17th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a consumable material and a flavor inhaler, wherein the consumable material comprises a flavor source and is constructed in a thin form, the flavor inhaler comprises: a first enclosure accommodating the consumable material and a heating unit for heating the consumable material, and a second enclosure accommodating a power source for supplying power to the heating unit, the first enclosure comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; and a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end, and wherein the first enclosure and the second enclosure are configured to be capable of relative movement between a first relative position and a second relative position in a state in which an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source is maintained, and when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, a predetermined part of the distal end of the first enclosure does not overlap the second enclosure, as seen along a longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.
  • the first enclosure accommodating the heating unit and the second enclosure accommodating the power source are capable of relative movement between the first relative position and the second relative position in a state in which an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source is maintained. Then, when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, at least a portion of the distal end of the first enclosure does not overlap the second enclosure, as seen along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side of the first enclosure. Furthermore, the consumable material which is heated by the heating unit accommodated in the first enclosure comprises the flavor source and is constructed in a thin form.
  • the first aspect can therefore enable relative movement of the two enclosures in such a way that the distal end of the first enclosure is not obstructed by the second enclosure, which improves the degree of freedom in the configuration of the flavor inhaler.
  • This degree of freedom can be utilized in various ways, especially in a flavor inhalation system having a novel configuration.
  • Fig. 1 is an oblique view of a flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment.
  • An X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system may be applied to the drawings described in the present specification for convenience of description.
  • the Z-axis is oriented longitudinally upwards (the top right in fig. 1 )
  • the X-Z plane is arranged cutting across the flavor inhaler 100 in a horizontal direction
  • the Y-axis is arranged extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the Z-axis may also refer to a direction of insertion of a consumable material 20 accommodated in a first enclosure 10 which will be described later, or the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the X-axis direction may also refer to a device longitudinal direction in a plane orthogonal to the direction of insertion of the consumable material 20.
  • the Y-axis direction may also refer to a device short-side direction in a plane orthogonal to the direction of insertion of the consumable material 20.
  • the Y-axis direction may also refer to a thickness direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 comprises a first enclosure 10 and a second enclosure 50.
  • a mouthpiece 16 protrudes from the first enclosure 10.
  • the mouthpiece 16 is a member for the user of the flavor inhaler 100 to hold in their mouth to inhale a flavor.
  • An end portion of the first enclosure 10 on the side where the mouthpiece is provided i.e., the end portion positioned on the side closer to the user's mouth during flavor inhalation
  • a proximal end 10A The opposite side of the first enclosure 10 to the proximal end 10A (i.e., the end portion positioned on the side further from the user during flavor inhalation)
  • a distal end 10B An end portion of the second enclosure 50 facing the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10
  • the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50 is an example of a facing portion according to the present disclosure.
  • the first enclosure 10 furthermore comprises a cover 12 (to be described in detail later) configured to be openable/closable.
  • the cover 12 is an example of a cover portion according to the present disclosure.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate a flavor-containing aerosol by heating a plate-shaped consumable material 20 (see fig. 2B and 9B ) having a flavor source comprising an aerosol source, for example.
  • the consumable material 20 comprises a smokable substance that contains an aerosol source, and a flavor source such as shredded tobacco or a component extracted from tobacco, in a central part along the Z-axis direction, and comprises a filter on another part.
  • aerosol sources that may be cited include glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
  • a set comprising the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable material 20 constitutes an example of a flavor inhalation system according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2A is a view in cross section where the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 1 is sectioned along the X-Z plane. As shown in fig. 2A , the consumable material 20 and a chamber 14 configured to surround and accommodate a central region of the consumable material 20 in the longitudinal direction are provided inside the first enclosure 10.
  • the chamber 14 may be a container comprising an opening through which the consumable material 20 is inserted, and a cylindrical side wall portion accommodating at least a portion of the consumable material 20.
  • a suitable shape commensurate with the shape of the plate-shaped consumable material 20 may be selected for the shape of the cylinder of the chamber 14.
  • the chamber 14 is preferably formed from a material that is heat resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and may, for example, be formed from a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. This allows for efficient heating of the consumable material 20 from the chamber 14. In fig.
  • the consumable material 20 includes a smokable substance in the part accommodated in the chamber 14, and is configured so that a filter is provided at both end portions including the end portion on the proximal end 10A side of the part exposed from the chamber 14, and the end portion on the distal end 10B side.
  • Fig. 2B is a view in cross section showing an example of the consumable material 20.
  • the consumable material 20 comprises a smokable substance 20A, a filter 20B, and a wrapping paper 20C.
  • the smokable substance 20A and the filter 20B are provided in close contact or at an interval, and are wrapped with the wrapping paper 20C.
  • the filter 20B comprises a filling element or paper, etc. filled with a high density or a low density of cellulose acetate fibers.
  • the filter 20B filters tobacco smoke (mainstream smoke) as it passes through after flowing in from the smokable substance 20A, and preferably has at least any one function from among cooling the tobacco smoke to be inhaled by the user, preventing the smokable substance from falling out, and preventing external forces from crushing the consumable material 20.
  • the filter 20B is not limited to a specific type, and it may be a plain filter comprising a bundle of fibers such as cellulose acetate, or a charcoal filter formed by dispersing an adsorbent such as activated charcoal in the abovementioned plain filter, or the like. However, the filter may equally be a filter other than a plain filter or a charcoal filter.
  • a heating element may be provided on the outer circumference of the side wall portion of the chamber 14, covering at least a portion thereof.
  • the heating element may be a heating track, for example.
  • the heating element is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 14 and to heat the consumable material 20 accommodated inside the chamber 14.
  • a set comprising the chamber 14 and the heating element is an example of a heating unit according to the present disclosure.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 was described above as a device for generating a flavor-containing aerosol by externally contact-heating the chamber 14 accommodating the plate-shaped consumable material 20 by means of a heating element.
  • the form of heating of the consumable material in the flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure is not limited solely to external contact-heating.
  • a flavor-containing aerosol may also be generated by inductively heating the chamber 14 by means of an induction coil wound around the chamber 14 accommodating the consumable material 20, with the chamber 14 serving as a susceptor.
  • the material and shape of the chamber 14 may be suitably modified in this case.
  • a susceptor may be provided inside or adjacent to the consumable material 20, and the heating element may also include an induction coil for inductively heating the susceptor.
  • a control unit 30 for controlling each member of the flavor inhaler 100 is provided inside the first enclosure 10.
  • the control unit 30 comprises a board which is not depicted.
  • the board may comprise a microprocessor, etc., for example, and may control the supply of power from a power source 52 (to be described later) to the heating element covering the chamber 14. This enables the control unit 30 to control heating of the consumable material 20 by the chamber 14.
  • the power source 52 is arranged inside the second enclosure 50.
  • the power source 52 is electrically connected to the board of the control unit 30, and may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery, for example.
  • the power source 52 is electrically connected to the heating element covering the chamber 14 by way of the board of the control unit 30. This allows the power source 52 to supply power to the heating element covering the chamber 14 to heat the consumable material 20 appropriately.
  • a hinge 40 having a hollow portion and formed to extend across the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50 is provided between the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50.
  • the hinge 40 is configured to allow relative rotation of the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 about a rotational axis 42 (a straight line forming the center of rotation indicated by the single-dot chain line) substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction.
  • the hinge 40 is configured to permit rotation between a first state and a second state which will be described later.
  • the hollow portion of the hinge 40 is provided at a position through which the rotational axis 42 passes, and this hollow portion joins a space inside the first enclosure 10 and a space inside the second enclosure 50.
  • a wiring portion 44 electrically connecting the control unit 30 in the first enclosure 10 and the power source 52 in the second enclosure 50 is arranged in the hollow portion.
  • the hinge 40 is arranged so that a distance in relation to the control unit 30 is smaller than a distance in relation to the chamber 14 (and the heating element).
  • the hinge 40 is an example of a rotary mechanism according to the present disclosure.
  • the chamber 14 (and the heating element) and the control unit 30 are separated from each other by a rib inside the first enclosure 10.
  • a rib inside the first enclosure 10.
  • an end portion of the chamber 14 on the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10 (referred to as a first end portion 16A), and an end portion on the distal end 10B side (referred to as a second end portion 17) are elastically held inside the first enclosure 10 by means of elastic bodies 15A and 15B, respectively (see fig. 8A ).
  • the first end portion 16A or the second end portion 17 of the chamber 14 may be elastically held as a result of the first end portion 16A and the second end portion 17 of the chamber 14 contacting a front surface and a rear surface of the first enclosure 10 through the elastic bodies 15A and 15B.
  • the first end portion 16A and the second end portion 17 are both formed by a resin such as PEEK, and the elastic bodies 15A and 15B elastically holding same are formed from silicone rubber or EPDM rubber, urethane rubber, silicone sponge or EPDM sponge, or urethane sponge, etc., having lower thermal conductivity than the resin forming the first end portion 16A and the second end portion 17.
  • the first end portion 16A and the second end portion 17 of the chamber 14 are therefore less less prone to heat transfer to the first enclosure 10 even if subjected to heat from the heating element. Furthermore, a hole (or cutout) penetrated by an electrical supply member for supplying electricity from the control unit 30 to the heating element is provided in the rib. The space close to the control unit 30 and the space close to the heating element are linked by way of this hole, so it is possible that convection of heat generated by the heating element will cause an increase in the temperature of the control unit 30 through the hole. Operating many of the electronic components mounted inside the control unit under a high-temperature environment will lead to a reduction in lifespan. The hole provided in the rib is therefore formed as a hole which is sufficiently small that only the electrical supply member can pass therethrough, making convection less likely.
  • Fig. 3 is an oblique view showing the rotational axis 42 of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • Fig. 4 shows the flavor inhaler 100 illustrated in fig. 3 with the second enclosure rotated 90° forward (also described below as 90° clockwise rotation) in relation to the first enclosure 10 in a right-hand system with a Z-axis positive direction as a direction of advance of a screw.
  • the state of the hinge 40 shown in fig. 3 will be referred to as the first state.
  • the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 are aligned in the flavor inhaler 100 in the first state.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 in fig. 3 is viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10, roughly the entire surface of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 overlaps the second enclosure 50.
  • the entire surface of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 faces the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50 in particular.
  • the first state of the hinge 40 is an example of a first relative position according to the present disclosure.
  • the state of the hinge 40 shown in fig. 4 will be referred to as the second state.
  • the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 are not aligned in the flavor inhaler 100 in the second state.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 in fig. 4 is viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10, only the place at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 where the hinge 40 is formed overlaps the second enclosure 50, and another part (referred to as a predetermined part of the distal end 10B) does not overlap the second enclosure 50. That is to say, in this case, most of the second enclosure 50 can be seen protruding from the first enclosure 10 in the Y-axis positive direction.
  • the second state of the hinge 40 is an example of a second relative position according to the present disclosure.
  • a case in which the hinge 40 transitions from the second state to the first state will be considered.
  • the second state of the hinge 40 shown in fig. 4 if the flavor inhaler 100 is viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10, the predetermined part of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 does not overlap the second enclosure 50.
  • the first state of the hinge 40 shown in fig. 3 if the flavor inhaler 100 is viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10, the predetermined part of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 overlaps the second enclosure 50.
  • the area of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 overlapping the second enclosure 50 is smaller in the second state than in the first state.
  • the wiring portion 40 for electrically connecting the control unit 30 in the first enclosure 10 and the power source 52 in the second enclosure 50 is arranged in the hollow portion of the hinge 40. Rotational movement of the hinge 40 therefore does not impede the electrical connection between the two enclosures. That is to say, the electrical connection between the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 is maintained during rotational movement of the hinge 40 between the first state and the second state.
  • rotation afforded by the hinge 40 constitutes relative rotation between the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50.
  • the transition from the first state to the second state was achieved by 90° rotation of the second enclosure 50 in a right-hand system with the Z-axis positive direction as the direction of advance of a screw, but the transition to the second state may also be achieved by 90° rotation of the first enclosure 10 of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 3 in a right-hand system with the Z-axis negative direction as the direction of advance of a screw (also referred to below as 90° counterclockwise rotation).
  • the hinge 40 is configured to permit rotation in only one direction, namely clockwise or counterclockwise, which is to say that the second enclosure 50 cannot be rotated counterclockwise in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 3 .
  • the first enclosure 10 cannot be rotated clockwise in the flavor inhaler shown in fig. 3 .
  • an operation push-button 54 may be provided on a back face of the first enclosure 10 or on an outer face other than the distal end 10B.
  • the operation push-button 54 collaborates with the control unit 30, and is configured to start or end heating of the chamber 14 by the heating element when pressed.
  • an operation push-button may equally be provided on an outer face of the second enclosure 50, instead of the operation push-button 54 provided on the first enclosure 10.
  • the operation push-button 54 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the control unit 30.
  • the operation push-button 54 may specifically be provided in the vicinity of the X-axis negative direction-side end portion of the first enclosure 10.
  • a point of force (the operation push-button 54 which has been pressed) lies over or adjacent to a point of support (the rotational axis 42), so a rotational moment generated by the pressing force at each point of the first enclosure 10 is zero or small.
  • clockwise rotation of the first enclosure 10 is restricted in the first place, as stated above. The pressing force on the operation push-button 54 therefore produces no rotation of the hinge 40.
  • the operation push-button 54 were to be provided in the vicinity of the X-axis positive direction-side end portion of the first enclosure 10, then there would be a large distance between the point of force and the point of support, and the rotational moment generated by the pressing force at each point of the first enclosure 10 would increase. Furthermore, counterclockwise rotation of the first enclosure 10 is not restricted. Pressing of the operation push-button 54 in this case could therefore produce counterclockwise rotation of the first enclosure 10 (not intended by the user).
  • the operation push-button is provided on the outer face of the second enclosure 50. That is to say, the operation push-button is preferably provided in the vicinity of the X-axis negative direction-side end portion of the front face of the second enclosure 50.
  • Fig. 5 is a view partway through an operation to open the cover 12 of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 4 .
  • Fig. 6 shows a state in which the cover 12 of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 4 is open.
  • Fig. 7 is a view of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 6 with the consumable material 20 removed.
  • the cover 12 forms part of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and is also capable of opening/closing one end portion of a space accommodating the consumable material 20.
  • the consumable material 20 can be removed from the first enclosure 10 (or a new consumable material 20 can be loaded in the first enclosure 10) by opening the cover 12.
  • the cover 12 As shown in fig. 5-7 , when the hinge 40 is in the second state, the place where the cover 12 is provided at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 is open, without being obstructed by the second enclosure 50. In this case, the consumable material 20 accommodated in the first enclosure of the flavor inhaler 100 can be removed by opening the cover 12.
  • the cover 12 fixed in the closed state can be unlocked by sliding the cover 12 along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the hinge 40 is in the first state
  • the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 is facing the second enclosure 50, and the cover 12 therefore cannot be made to slide.
  • the cover 12 is in the open state as shown in fig. 6
  • the consumable material 20 accommodated in the internal space of the first enclosure 10 is exposed.
  • the user can remove the consumable material 20 from the first enclosure 10.
  • the internal space of the first enclosure 10, and in particular an inclined portion 32 which will be described later, are exposed when the consumable material 20 is removed.
  • Fig. 8A is a view in cross section of the first enclosure 10 seen along the arrows A-A in fig. 4 .
  • Fig. 8B shows a state of the first enclosure 10 shown in fig. 8A with the cover 12 open.
  • Fig. 8C is a view of the first enclosure 10 shown in fig. 8B with the consumable material 20 removed.
  • Fig. 9A is an oblique view showing the vicinity of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 with the cover 12 open.
  • Fig. 9B is an oblique view showing the consumable material 20.
  • a first intake hole 24 is provided in the vicinity of the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10. Meanwhile, a second intake hole is provided on a part of the cover 12 constituting the distal end 10B.
  • an air communication path is formed so as to allow communication from the second intake hole through the inside of the consumable material 20, reaching the user's mouth via the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10 and the mouthpiece 16.
  • the placement of the second intake hole is not limited to what is shown in fig. 8A , and the placement may be appropriately selected in the vicinity of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure, provided that the air communication path can be suitably formed.
  • the cover 12 is constructed with an outer cover 12A and an inner cover 12B.
  • the consumable material 20 is accommodated from its tip end to its rear end inside the first enclosure 10, so a transparent part may be provided in the outer cover 12A and the inner cover 12B in order to be able to easily distinguish whether or not the consumable material 20 is accommodated, enabling the user to see inside the closed cover 12 from the outside.
  • Fig. 8B can also be counted as a view in which the first enclosure 10 shown in fig. 6 is seen from a different angle and position.
  • the consumable material 20 is exposed over a predetermined angular range in the open state of the cover 12.
  • the inclined portion 32 is provided in the internal space of the first enclosure 10 from which the consumable material 20 has been removed.
  • the inclined portion 32 is formed so as to form an inclined face rather than a face parallel to a thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • Fig. 8C can also be counted as a view in which the first enclosure 10 shown in fig. 7 is seen from a different angle and position.
  • the inclined portion 32 is a member facing the inner cover 12B when the cover 12 is closed. Providing the inclined portion 32 increases the exposed area of the consumable material 20 while the cover 12 is in an open state, making it easier for the user to touch the consumable material 20 so that the consumable material 20 is easy to remove and put in place.
  • Fig. 9A shows the vicinity of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 with the cover 12 open.
  • An opening 18 for receiving the hinge 40 is provided in the vicinity of the X-axis negative direction-side end portion of the distal end 10B.
  • the consumable material 20 As shown in fig. 9B , the consumable material 20 according to this embodiment is shaped in a thin form.
  • Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of using magnetism to sense the placement of the cover 12 and the second enclosure 50 with respect to one another.
  • a magnet may be installed on the cover 12 of the first enclosure 10, and a magnetic detection element 56 may be installed at a location on the second enclosure 50 facing the cover 12.
  • the magnetic detection element 56 is connected, via the wiring portion 44, for example, to the control unit 30 accommodated in the first enclosure 10.
  • the magnetic detection element may be installed on the cover 12 of the first enclosure 10, and the magnet may be installed at a location on the second enclosure 50 facing the cover 12.
  • the magnet and the magnetic detection element 56 are an example of a sensing unit according to the present disclosure.
  • the control unit 30 determines that the hinge 40 is in the first state and that the cover 12 is in a closed state, based on a detection result of the magnetic detection element 56.
  • the control unit 30 may determine that the hinge 40 is in the second state and that the cover 12 is in a closed state, based on the magnitude of magnetism detected.
  • the control unit 30 may determine that the hinge 40 is in the first state and that the cover 12 is in an open state, based on the magnitude of magnetism detected.
  • the control unit 30 may determine that the hinge 40 is in the second state and that the cover 12 is in an open state, based on the magnitude of magnetism detected.
  • control unit 30 may determine in the cases of all of fig. 10 (2)-(4) that the state is not that of fig. 10 (1) (with the cover 12 closed and the first enclosure 10 and second enclosure 50 in the relationship of the first relative position).
  • a second magnetic detection element for detecting magnetism of the magnet should be placed inside the first enclosure 10 at a position where the magnetism of the magnet is detected when the cover 12 is closed and the magnetism of the magnet is not detected when the cover 12 is open.
  • the magnetic characteristics of the magnet and the detection sensitivity of the magnetic detection element 56 are suitably selected in order for the control unit 30 to be able to identify the four cases above.
  • a Hall element or an MR element, etc. is suitable as the magnetic detection element 56.
  • a heating operation should then be implemented in the flavor inhaler 100 only when the hinge 40 is in the first state and the cover 12 is in a closed state ( fig. 10 (1)).
  • the cover 12 is open in the cases of fig. 10 ( 3 ) and ( 4 ), so heating should obviously not be implemented. Meanwhile, the cover 12 is closed in the case of fig. 10 (2), so the user may take a draw. Taking account of the user's ease of gripping, however, this embodiment is described on the assumption that the user takes a draw only when the hinge 40 is in the first state while the cover 12 is also closed.
  • control unit 30 may also be utilized by the control unit 30 to control heating.
  • control may be performed so that heating is enabled only when the hinge 40 is in the first state while the cover 12 is also closed ( fig. 10 (1)), and heating is limited in the other three cases.
  • control may be performed so that after it has been identified that a consumable material 20 has been used up, reheating is not permitted unless the consumable material 20 has been removed and replaced with a new material.
  • the control unit 30 identifies the end of use of the consumable material 20, the control unit 30 does not implement reheating unless the detection result from the magnetic detection element 56 shows that the hinge 40 is in the second state ( fig. 10 ( 2 ) or ( 3 )). This is because it is necessary for the hinge 40 to be in the second state and for the cover 12 to be opened in order to remove and replace the consumable material 20.
  • the control unit 30 judges that replacement of the consumable material 20 is not complete and prohibits reheating. More precise control is also feasible. For example, when the consumable material 20 has been used up, the control unit 30 may also perform control so that reheating is not permitted unless it is identified that a state in which the hinge 40 is in the second state while the cover 12 is also closed ( fig. 10 (2)) has passed, then a state in which the hinge 40 is in the second state while the cover 12 is also open ( fig. 10 (4)) has passed, then the state in fig. 10 (2) is once again reached, and finally the state is restored to fig. 10 (1). This is because the steps above need to be undertaken in order to remove and replace the consumable material 20.
  • a detection method employing the magnet and the magnetic detection sensor 56 was described above, but the method for detecting the state of rotation of the hinge 40 and the state of opening/closing of the cover 12 in the flavor inhaler 100 is not limited to a magnetic system.
  • the design may be modified so that detection is appropriately performed by using an electrical, optical, or mechanical means, etc.
  • an engaging mechanism may be provided between the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50, and a state of rotation of the hinge 40 may be detected by detecting a state of engagement of the engaging mechanism.
  • Fig. 11A is a flowchart showing an example of heating control.
  • Fig. 11B is a flowchart showing an example of reheating permission control.
  • the control unit 30 is configured as a computer comprising a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM which stores a program for executing a heating control routine and a reheating permission control routine (none of these components being depicted).
  • the CPU of the control unit 30 reads out the program stored in the ROM to execute the heating control routine shown in fig. 11A .
  • step S102 it is determined whether or not pressing of the operation push-button 54 has been sensed.
  • the routine advances to step S104 if pressing has been sensed. Meanwhile, the determination of step S102 is repeated if pressing has not been sensed.
  • step S104 heating of the consumable material 20 by the heating element covering the outer circumference of the side wall portion of the chamber 14 is started.
  • step S106 it is determined whether or not the side wall portion of the chamber 14 has reached a predetermined temperature.
  • the predetermined temperature is a temperature which is suitable for heating of the consumable material 20 in order for the user to inhale.
  • the routine advances to step S108 if the determination is positive. If the determination is negative, on the other hand, step S106 is repeated until the determination is positive.
  • step S108 a display unit provided on the outer face of the first enclosure 10 of the second enclosure 50 displays the fact that inhalation is possible, prompting the user to start inhaling.
  • the display unit may display a message by means of an LED emitting light of a predetermined color, for example.
  • the routine then advances to step S110.
  • step S110 it is determined whether or not it has been sensed that the hinge 40 is in the first state.
  • this sensing it is possible to use the sensing method described above employing the magnet provided on the cover 12 and the magnetic detection element 56 provided on the second enclosure 50. If the determination is positive, the routine advances to step S112. If the determination is negative, on the other hand, that is, if it is determined that the hinge 40 is not in the first state (i.e., that the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 are not aligned), the heating control routine ends and heating by the heating element is forcibly terminated.
  • step S112 it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of heating. This predetermined time is a time until the flavor source in the consumable material 20 has decreased so that the user can no longer take suitable inhalations. If the determination is positive, the heating control routine ends and heating by the heating element is terminated.
  • the CPU of the control unit 30 reads out the program stored in the ROM to execute the reheating permission control routine shown in fig. 11B .
  • step S122 it is determined whether or not the end of heating of the chamber 14 by the heating element has been sensed. If the determination is positive, the routine advances to step S124.
  • step S124 it is determined whether or not it has been sensed that the cover 12 is closed. If the determination is positive, the routine advances to step S126. If the determination is negative, on the other hand, the routine advances to step S130.
  • step S130 the display unit displays that the cover 12 is open, prompting the user to close the cover, and the routine again returns to step S124. As described above, the display unit may display a message by means of the LED emitting light of the predetermined color.
  • step S126 it is determined whether or not it has been sensed that the hinge 40 is in the first state. As an example of this sensing, it is possible to use the sensing method described above employing the magnet provided on the cover 12 and the magnetic detection element 56 provided on the second enclosure 50. If the determination is positive, the routine advances to step S128. If the determination is negative, on the other hand, the routine advances to step S132. In step S132, the display unit displays that the hinge is not in the first state (i.e., that the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 are not aligned), prompting the user to rotate the hinge 14 to reach the first state, and the routine once again returns to step S126.
  • the display unit displays that the hinge is not in the first state (i.e., that the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 are not aligned), prompting the user to rotate the hinge 14 to reach the first state, and the routine once again returns to step S126.
  • step S1208 it is determined whether or not it has been sensed that the hinge 14 in the first state has passed through the second state. As indicated above, it is necessary for the hinge 40 to be in the second state and for the cover 12 to be opened in order to remove and replace the consumable material 20. That is to say, if the hinge 40 remains in the first state after the end of heating, reheating should not be permitted because the consumable material 20 has not been replaced. Accordingly, if the determination is negative, the display unit displays a message prompting the user to replace the spent consumable material, and the routine once again returns to step S124. If the determination is positive, on the other hand, the reheating permission control routine ends. In this case, the user presses the operation push-button 54 so that reheating can be performed.
  • the first relative position and the second relative position are not necessarily definitively set, and a number of cases may be adopted.
  • a state in which the hinge 40 in fig. 3 has been rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle smaller than 90° is conceivable as the first relative position according to the present disclosure.
  • a state in which the hinge 40 in fig. 4 has been rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle smaller than 90° is conceivable as the second relative position according to the present disclosure.
  • the extent to which positions can be referred to as the first and second relative positions may be determined, as appropriate, by a person skilled in the art, based on the opening/closing capability of the cover portion.
  • the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 is freed to the extent that the user can remove or replace the consumable material 20 by operating the cover 12 from the outside.
  • the configuration described above enables the consumable material 20 to be inserted into and withdrawn from the chamber 14 from the distal end 10B side of the first enclosure 10, but a configuration may equally be adopted in which the user can inhale the consumable material 20 while directly holding the consumable material in their mouth, without the intermediary of the mouthpiece 16, in such a way that the consumable material can be inserted and withdrawn from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10.
  • a cover should also be provided at the distal end 10B in this mode, in order to allow the the inside of the chamber 14 to be cleaned.
  • the consumable material 20 is exposed in this mode, so there is no need to sense that the hinge 40 has passed through the second state at least once for the reheating permission control. This is because there is no need to rotate the hinge 40 or to open/close the cover in order to replace the consumable material 20 in this mode.
  • Fig. 12A is a front-side oblique view of a flavor inhaler 200 according to the first variant example.
  • Fig. 12B shows a first enclosure 210 of the flavor inhaler 200 shown in fig. 11A rotated 180° about a rotational axis 242 substantially parallel to the Y-axis in a right-hand system with the Y-axis negative direction as the direction of advance of a screw (also described below as 180° counterclockwise rotation). Note that components which are identical or correspond to those of the embodiment described above are assigned the same reference signs and duplicate descriptions will not be given.
  • the flavor inhaler 200 comprises a first enclosure 210 and a second enclosure 250.
  • the first enclosure 210 accommodates a consumable material 20 and a heating device for heating the consumable material 20, while also being provided with a cover 12.
  • the second enclosure 250 accommodates a power source 52 while also comprising a hinge 240.
  • the hinge 240 is a mechanism allowing relative rotation of the first enclosure 210 and the second enclosure 250 about the rotational axis 242 substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction.
  • Fig. 12A shows a first state of the hinge 240.
  • the flavor inhaler 200 is viewed along the Z-axis (i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 200) from a proximal end 210A side of the first enclosure 210 (from the mouthpiece 16 side), the entire surface of a distal end 210B of the first enclosure 210 overlaps the second enclosure 250 (and the hinge 240 forming a part thereof). In this case, the user cannot touch the cover 12 to operate it.
  • a second state of the hinge 240 shown in fig. 11B is achieved by 180° rotation of the first enclosure 210 about the rotational axis 242 of the hinge 240 in a right-hand system with the Y-axis negative direction as the direction of advance of the screw.
  • the location at the distal end 210B of the first enclosure 210 where the cover 12 is disposed is opened, without being obstructed by the second enclosure 250 (and the hinge 240 forming a part thereof).
  • the user can open/close the cover 12, and also remove and replace the consumable material 20.
  • FIG. 13A is a front-side oblique view of a flavor inhaler 300 according to the second variant example.
  • FIG. 13B shows a first enclosure 310 of the flavor inhaler 300 shown in fig. 13A rotated 60° about a rotational axis 342 substantially parallel to the X-axis in a right-hand system with the X-axis positive direction as the direction of advance of a screw. Note that components which are identical or correspond to those of the embodiment described above are assigned the same reference signs and duplicate descriptions will not be given.
  • the flavor inhaler 300 comprises a first enclosure 310 and a second enclosure 350.
  • the first enclosure 310 accommodates a consumable material 20 and a heating device for heating the consumable material 20, while also being provided with a cover 12.
  • the second enclosure 350 accommodates a power source 52.
  • a hinge 340 is provided between the first enclosure 310 and the second enclosure 350. The hinge 340 is a mechanism allowing relative rotation of the first enclosure 310 and the second enclosure 350 along the rotational axis 342 substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction.
  • Fig. 13A shows a first state of the hinge 340.
  • the flavor inhaler 300 is viewed along the Z-axis (i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 300) from a proximal end 310A side of the first enclosure 310 (from the mouthpiece 16 side), the entire surface of a distal end 310B of the first enclosure 310 overlaps the second enclosure 350. In this case, the user cannot touch the cover 12 to operate it.
  • a second state of the hinge 340 shown in fig. 13B is achieved by 60° rotation of the first enclosure 310 about the rotational axis 342 of the hinge 340 in a right-hand system with the X-axis positive direction as the direction of advance of the screw.
  • the location at the distal end 310B of the first enclosure 310 where the cover 12 is disposed is opened, without being obstructed by the second enclosure 350. In this case, the user can open/close the cover 12, and also remove and replace the consumable material 20.
  • the hinge 240 (340) must be made to protrude from the first enclosure 210 (310) and the second enclosure 250 (350).
  • the rotation direction of the first enclosure and the second enclosure should therefore be selected as rotation about the X-axis or the Y-axis when the hinge is to protrude, or a rotation direction about the Z-axis should be selected when the hinge is not to protrude (when the hinge is embedded inside the first enclosure and the second enclosure).
  • a rotation direction about the Z-axis is preferably selected from the perspective of avoiding increased costs due to more elastic bodies.
  • the first enclosure 10 accommodating the chamber 14 connected to the heating element, and the second enclosure 50 accommodating the power source 52 are capable of relative movement between the first state and the second state in a state in which an electrical connection between the heating element and the power source 52 is maintained. Then, when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second state, at least a portion of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 does not overlap the second enclosure 50, as seen along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10.
  • the embodiment therefore enables relative movement of the two enclosures in such a way that the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 is not obstructed by the second enclosure 50, which improves the degree of freedom in the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • This degree of freedom can be utilized in various ways, especially in the flavor inhaler 100 having a novel configuration.
  • An increased power source temperature leads to a drop in performance and deterioration, so it is desirable to limit the current under high temperatures, but this current limitation extends the time needed to heat the consumable material 20. This results in a longer time between the user performing an operation so that current is supplied to the heating element, and the user being able to inhale the flavor, and the user may feel the length of this waiting time.
  • the current limitation extends the charging time. A drop in performance and deterioration of the power source 52, and a longer charging time can be avoided because the heating element and the power source 52 are accommodated in different enclosures, making the transfer of heat from the heating element to the power source 52 less likely to occur.
  • the hinge 40 when the hinge 40 is in the first state, the part of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 which does not overlap in the second state of the hinge 40 (the part where the hinge 40 is not provided) overlaps the second enclosure 50, as seen along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10.
  • the embodiment therefore enables relative movement of the two enclosures between the second state, in which the predetermined part of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 is not obstructed by the second enclosure 50, and the first state in which the predetermined part of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 is obstructed by the second enclosure 50, which further improves the degree of freedom in the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the cover 12 which is configured to enable opening/closing of the space housing the consumable material 20 is provided at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10, and when the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 are in the second state, the cover 12 can then be opened so that the consumable material 20 can be removed from the first enclosure 10. Accordingly, since this embodiment has a configuration in which the cover 12 is provided at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10, the flavor inhaler 100 can be configured to allow access to the cover 12 when the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 have been moved to the second state.
  • the cover 12 does not open even if the user accidentally drops the flavor inhaler on the floor, so the consumable material 20 will not be dislodged. As a result, the user having picked up the flavor inhaler 100 can continue inhalation actions.
  • the second intake hole for drawing in external air is provided in the cover 12 at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10.
  • an air communication path enabling communication from the second intake hole to the proximal end 10A through the consumable material 20 is then formed in the first enclosure 10.
  • the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 constituting a terminal portion of the air communication path penetrating the consumable material 20 can therefore be made accessible.
  • detritus such as dust from the consumable material 20 readily accumulates in the vicinity of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 in which the second intake hole is provided, this detritus can be cleaned by exposing the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 in the second state.
  • the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 in which the second intake hole is provided is not covered by the user's hand gripping the flavor inhaler, so it is possible to avoid obstruction of the second intake hole by the user's hand.
  • the cover 12 which is provided at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and is configured to enable opening/closing of the space housing the consumable material 20, comprises a transparent part. According to the embodiment, it is therefore easily possible to see from the outside whether or not the consumable material 20 is accommodated inside the first enclosure 10.
  • the inclined portion 32 exposing the consumable material 20 is provided so as to abut the cover 12, which is provided at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and is configured to enable opening/closing of the space housing the consumable material 20.
  • the area of the consumable material 20 which is exposed by the inclined portion 32 is therefore greater than when the exposed portion is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction. According to the embodiment, it is therefore easier to touch the consumable material 20 when the cover 12 is open, making it easier to remove the consumable material 20.
  • the second enclosure 50 comprises the proximal end 50A which faces the cover 12 of the first enclosure 10 when the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 are in the first state
  • the flavor inhaler 100 further comprises the sensing unit for sensing whether or not the cover 12 of the first enclosure 10 and the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50 are facing.
  • the sensing unit can therefore sense whether the cover 12 provided at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 is facing the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50, or else whether the cover 12 is exposed without being obstructed by the second enclosure 50.
  • the sensing unit which senses the placement of the cover 12 provided at the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50 with respect to one another, comprises the magnetic detection element 56 which is provided on the cover 12 or at the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50.
  • the placement of the cover 12 of the first enclosure 10 and the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50 with respect to one another can therefore be sensed magnetically.
  • control unit 30 of the flavor inhaler 100 for controlling the heating element of the chamber 14 prevents the heating element from implementing reheating without a non-facing state, in which the cover 12 does not face the proximal end 50A of the second enclosure 50, being sensed after the end of use of the consumable material 20.
  • the cover 12 should therefore pass through a process of being opened in the non-facing state when a consumable material which has been used up is replaced with a new consumable material 20. According to the embodiment, it is therefore possible to prevent reheating of a spent consumable material 20, so it is possible to avoid needless power consumption in heating a consumable material which has no flavor.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 further comprises the hinge 40 having the rotational axis 42, and movement between the first state and the second state is performed by rotational movement afforded by the hinge 40. According to the embodiment, movement of the relative positions of the two enclosures can therefore be achieved by the rotational movement afforded by the hinge 40.
  • the rotational axis 42 of the hinge 40 is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100. According to the embodiment, movement of the relative positions of the two enclosures can therefore be achieved by rotating the first enclosure 10 or the second enclosure 50 about a rotational axis lying along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the hinge 40 connects the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50, and the wiring portion 44 electrically connecting the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the hinge 40 which is provided so as to connect the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 enables movement of the relative positions of the two enclosures, while also accommodating the wiring portion 44 which electrically connects the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50, thereby ensuring an electrical connection between the heating element of the chamber 14 and the power source 52.
  • the hollow portion also referred to as a hollow form
  • the wiring portion 44 are arranged at a position through which the rotational axis of the hinge 40 passes
  • a wiring portion is arranged around the hinge without a hollow portion being provided (also referred to as a solid form)
  • the wiring portion undergoes deformation from being wound around the hinge when the hinge rotates, and tension is exerted at both ends of the wiring portion which is fixedly connected to the control unit 30, etc., risking release of the fixed connection.
  • the configuration in which the wiring portion 44 is arranged in the hollow portion of the hinge 40 therefore enables twisting deformation of the wiring portion 44 inside the hollow portion, making it possible to minimize the tension exerted on both ends, thus reducing causes of releasing the fixed connection.
  • the control unit 30 for controlling the heating element of the chamber 14 is accommodated in the first enclosure 10, and the hinge 40 is arranged in relation to the first enclosure 10 so as to be positioned closer to the control unit 30 than to the chamber 14 and the heating element.
  • the wiring portion 44 which is accommodated in the hollow portion of the hinge 40 and electrically connects the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 is arranged closer to the control unit 30 than to the chamber 14, and it is therefore possible to lengthen the pathway of heat convection between the chamber 14 and the wiring portion 44 and also between the chamber 14 and the power source 52 so that the effects of heat from the chamber 14 on the wiring portion 44 can be limited.
  • the chamber 14 and the control unit 30 are separated from each other by a rib (shown in fig. 2 ) in the first enclosure 10, and the first end portion 16A of the chamber 14 on the proximal end 10A side and the second end portion 17 on the distal end 10B side are elastically held by means of the elastic members 15A and 15B having lower thermal conductivity than the resin material forming the first end portion 16A and the second end portion 17.
  • convection of heat from the chamber 14 is less likely to occur and heat transfer to the first enclosure 10 is also less likely to occur, so it is possible to effectively limit thermal effects on the control unit 30 (and the wiring portion 44 arranged close to the control unit 30), while also alleviating impacts on the chamber 14 if the flavor inhaler 100 is subjected to an external impact due to being dropped, etc.
  • the space close to the control unit 30 and the space close to the heating element are linked only by the hole in the rib of the first enclosure 10 penetrated by the electrical supply member for supplying electricity from the control unit 30 to the heating element, and this hole is sufficiently small that only the electrical supply member can pass therethrough, therefore making convection less likely, and an increase in the temperature of the board can thus be alleviated.
  • the hinge 40 permits rotational movement from the first state to the second state in only one direction.
  • the direction of pressing of the operation push-button 54 provided on the outer face of the first enclosure 10 is then established so as not to produce rotational movement of the hinge 40 in said one direction. That is to say, pressing of the operation push-button 54 to operate the flavor inhaler 100 does not produce rotational movement of the hinge 40. According to the embodiment, it is therefore possible to prevent pressing of the operation push-button 54 from producing relative motion of the two enclosures which is not intended by the user.
  • the consumable material 20 which is used in the flavor inhaler 100 and is heated by the chamber 14 accommodated in the first enclosure 10 comprises a flavor source and is constructed in a thin form. According to the embodiment, it is therefore possible to provide a consumable material 20 having a novel structure, and a flavor inhaler 100 having a novel structure, which employs the consumable material 20.
  • the first enclosure accommodating the chamber 14 and the second enclosure accommodating the power source 52 are capable of relative movement between the first state and the second state in a state in which an electrical connection between the heating element of the chamber 14 and the power source 52 is maintained. Then, when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second state, at least a portion of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 does not overlap the second enclosure 50, as seen along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure. Furthermore, the consumable material 20 which is heated by the chamber 14 accommodated in the first enclosure 10 comprises the flavor source and is constructed in a thin form.
  • the embodiment can therefore enable relative movement of the two enclosures in such a way that the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 is not obstructed by the second enclosure 50, which improves the degree of freedom in the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • This degree of freedom can be utilized in various ways, especially in a flavor inhalation system having a novel configuration.
  • a first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising: a first enclosure accommodating a consumable material and a heating unit for heating the consumable material, and a second enclosure accommodating a power source for supplying power to the heating unit, wherein the first enclosure comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; and a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end, and wherein the first enclosure and the second enclosure are configured to be capable of relative movement between a first relative position and a second relative position in a state in which an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source is maintained, and when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, a predetermined part of the distal end of the first enclosure does not overlap the second enclosure, as seen along a longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.
  • a second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first aspect, wherein, when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the first relative position, at least a portion of the predetermined part of the distal end of the first enclosure overlaps the second enclosure, as seen along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.
  • a third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first and second aspects, wherein the first enclosure further comprises a cover portion which constitutes at least a portion of the distal end and is configured to be capable of opening/closing a space housing the consumable material, and when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, the cover portion is opened so that the consumable material can be removed from the first enclosure.
  • a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third aspect, wherein the first enclosure further comprises an intake hole which is provided at the distal end and takes in external air, and in a state in which the cover portion is closed, an air communication path enabling communication from the intake hole to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in the first enclosure.
  • a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third and fourth aspects, wherein the cover portion comprises a transparent part.
  • a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third to fifth aspects, wherein an inclined portion exposing the consumable material is provided at a location in the first enclosure abutting the cover portion.
  • a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third to sixth aspects, wherein the second enclosure comprises a facing portion facing the cover portion of the first enclosure when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the first relative position, and the flavor inhaler further comprises a sensing unit for sensing whether or not the cover portion of the first enclosure and the facing portion of the second enclosure are facing.
  • An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the seventh aspect, wherein the sensing unit comprises a magnetic detection unit provided on the cover portion or on the facing portion.
  • a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the seventh and eighth aspects, further comprising a control unit for controlling the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit so as to prevent the heating unit from implementing reheating without the sensing unit sensing a non-facing state after the end of use of the consumable material.
  • a 10th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a rotary mechanism rotating about a rotational axis, wherein movement between the first relative position and the second relative position is performed by rotational movement afforded by the rotary mechanism.
  • An 11th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 10th aspect, wherein the rotational axis is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.
  • a 12th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 10th and 11th aspects, wherein the rotary mechanism is a hinge which connects the distal end of the first enclosure and the second enclosure, and has a hollow portion through which the rotational axis passes, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first enclosure and the second enclosure is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the rotary mechanism is a hinge which connects the distal end of the first enclosure and the second enclosure, and has a hollow portion through which the rotational axis passes, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first enclosure and the second enclosure is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • a 13th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 12th aspect, wherein the first enclosure further comprises a control unit for controlling the heating unit, and the hinge is arranged in relation to the first enclosure so as to be positioned closer to the control unit than to the heating unit.
  • a 14th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 13th aspect, wherein the heating unit and the control unit are separated from each other in the first enclosure, and an end portion of the heating unit on the proximal end side and an end portion on the distal end side are elastically held.
  • a 15th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the 10th to 14th aspects, wherein an operation push-button is provided on an outer face of the first enclosure or the second enclosure, the rotary mechanism is configured to permit rotational movement from the first relative position to the second relative position in only one direction, and a direction of pressing of the operation push-button is established so as not to produce rotational movement of the rotary mechanism in said one direction.
  • a 16th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material comprising a flavor source and constructed in a thin form, which is heated by a flavor inhaler in accordance with the first to 15th aspects.
  • a 17th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a consumable material and a flavor inhaler, wherein the consumable material comprises a flavor source and is constructed in a thin form, the flavor inhaler comprises: a first enclosure accommodating the consumable material and a heating unit for heating the consumable material; and a second enclosure accommodating a power source for supplying power to the heating unit, the first enclosure comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; and a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end, and wherein the first enclosure and the second enclosure are configured to be capable of relative movement between a first relative position and a second relative position in a state in which an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source is maintained, and when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second relative position, a predetermined part of the distal end of the first enclosure does not overlap the second enclosure, as seen along a longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.

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EP23932973.3A 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system Pending EP4696164A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2023/014791 WO2024214197A1 (ja) 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 香味吸引器及び香味吸引システム

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EP4696164A1 true EP4696164A1 (en) 2026-02-18

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EP23932973.3A Pending EP4696164A1 (en) 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

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EP (1) EP4696164A1 (https=)
JP (1) JPWO2024214197A1 (https=)
KR (1) KR20250136934A (https=)
CN (1) CN120916656A (https=)
WO (1) WO2024214197A1 (https=)

Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2022515366A (ja) 2018-12-21 2022-02-18 ジェイティー インターナショナル エス．エイ． 電子タバコ及び電子タバコ用カートリッジ
JP2022524742A (ja) 2019-03-22 2022-05-10 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム エアロゾル発生装置用の回転可能なホルダー付きケース

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WO2018235241A1 (ja) * 2017-06-22 2018-12-27 日本たばこ産業株式会社 香味発生セグメント、ならびにこれを備える香味発生物品および香味吸引システム
EP3549465B1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-08-12 Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. Electronic cigarette
JP7194280B2 (ja) * 2018-12-18 2022-12-21 チャイナ タバコ フーナン インダストリアル カンパニー リミテッド 霧化シートユニット、アトマイザー及び電子タバコ
CN210611008U (zh) * 2019-06-19 2020-05-26 深圳市合元科技有限公司 旋转式烟弹及电子烟
CN113633027A (zh) * 2021-08-30 2021-11-12 深圳市恒万升科技有限公司 一种自动电极加装系统

Patent Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2022515366A (ja) 2018-12-21 2022-02-18 ジェイティー インターナショナル エス．エイ． 電子タバコ及び電子タバコ用カートリッジ
JP2022524742A (ja) 2019-03-22 2022-05-10 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム エアロゾル発生装置用の回転可能なホルダー付きケース

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See also references of WO2024214197A1

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CN120916656A (zh) 2025-11-07
JPWO2024214197A1 (https=) 2024-10-17
KR20250136934A (ko) 2025-09-16
WO2024214197A1 (ja) 2024-10-17

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