EP4714275A1

EP4714275A1 - Flavor inhaler, consumable material, and flavor inhalation system

Info

Publication number: EP4714275A1
Application number: EP23937533.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tateki SUMII; Noriyoshi Sato
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2023-05-18
Filing date: 2023-05-18
Publication date: 2026-03-25
Also published as: WO2024236796A1; KR20250172951A; JPWO2024236796A1

Abstract

Provided is a flavor inhaler comprising an accommodating portion accommodating a consumable material, wherein the accommodating portion comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end; a heating unit for heating the accommodated consumable material; a cover portion configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion along a longitudinal direction; and a first opening portion which is formed facing the cover portion and is configured to allow an inflow of external air.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a flavor inhaler, a consumable material, and a flavor inhalation system.

BACKGROUND ART

Flavor inhalers are conventionally provided with a cover portion which is opened/closed in order to insert and remove a consumable material (e.g., see PTL 1-3). If a novel consumable material configuration is introduced, however, then the cover portion and an air flow path of the flavor inhaler need to be arranged with respect to one another in a manner which is suitable for this configuration.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

PTL 1: JP 2022-521871 A
PTL 2: JP 2022-535505 A
PTL 3: JP 2021-137017 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The present disclosure provides a consumable material having a novel configuration, and a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system which are suitable for the consumable material.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler comprising an accommodating portion accommodating a consumable material, wherein the accommodating portion comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end; a heating unit for heating the accommodated consumable material; a cover portion configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion along a longitudinal direction; and a first opening portion which is formed facing the cover portion and is configured to allow an inflow of external air.
In the first aspect, the first opening portion which is configured to allow an inflow of external air is provided facing the cover portion which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion accommodating the consumable material along a longitudinal direction. The first aspect therefore makes it possible to provide a flavor inhaler which is suitable for a consumable material having a novel configuration, and which comprises an air flow path into which external air flows from a location facing a cover portion. Furthermore, the first aspect allows for easy maintenance of the accommodating portion, for instance, when a cover on the accommodating portion which is not accommodating a consumable material is opened, the distal end and the first opening portion of the accommodating portion are both open and exposed, allowing the interior of the accommodating portion and inside the first opening portion to be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush, etc. into the accommodating portion or the first opening portion and moving the cotton swab or brush, etc. back and forth.
A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first aspect, wherein the cover portion constitutes at least a portion of the distal end and is configured to be capable of opening/closing a space housing the consumable material.
In the second aspect, the cover portion constitutes a portion of the distal end of the accommodating portion, and the first opening portion is provided at a position facing the cover portion. The second aspect therefore enables external air to be drawn in from the first opening portion provided in the vicinity of the distal end of the accommodating portion, while also allowing the consumable material to be replaced through the distal end by opening the cover portion. Furthermore, since the proximal end of the first enclosure is positioned vertically upward and the distal end is positioned vertically downward when a user grips the flavor inhaler, closing the cover makes it possible to prevent the consumable material from dropping out vertically downward from the accommodating portion. Furthermore, maintenance of the accommodating portion can be carried out more easily, for instance, when the cover on the accommodating portion which is not accommodating a consumable material is opened, the first opening portion is open and exposed, and in particular a passage is formed through the accommodating portion from the distal end to the proximal end, allowing the first opening portion and the interior of the accommodating portion to be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush, etc. into the first opening portion and the accommodating portion from the distal end of the accommodating portion and moving the cotton swab or brush, etc. back and forth.
A third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the second aspect, wherein a recess is formed in a rear face of the accommodating portion facing the cover portion, the first opening portion is arranged inside the recess, and an air communication path enabling communication from the first opening portion to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in a state in which the cover portion is closed.
In the third aspect, an air communication path enabling communication from the first opening portion, which is provided in the vicinity of the distal end, to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in a state in which the cover portion is closed. Furthermore, the recess is formed in the rear face of the accommodating portion, and the first opening portion is arranged inside the recess. The third aspect therefore makes it possible to prevent the finger of a user gripping the flavor inhaler from directly touching the first opening portion and obstructing the first opening portion, while also enabling the formation of an air communication path suitable for delivering a flavor to the user's mouth.
A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third aspect, wherein the first opening portion is provided at a position on the rear face of the accommodating portion which is a predetermined distance away from the distal end.
In the fourth aspect, the first opening portion is arranged at a position on the rear face of the accommodating portion which is a predetermined distance away from the distal end of the accommodating portion. According to the fourth aspect, water drops formed by condensation of external air that has flowed into the accommodating portion through the first opening portion can therefore be temporarily collected in a region close to the distal end and dried to thereby prevent condensation from affecting other parts of the flavor inhaler.
A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third and fourth aspects, further comprising a second opening portion provided at the proximal end or in the vicinity of the proximal end, wherein external air flowing in from the second opening portion when a user inhales merges into the air communication path.
In the fifth aspect, the second opening portion is provided at the proximal end or in the vicinity of the proximal end, in addition to the first opening portion provided in the vicinity of the distal end. The fifth aspect therefore enables an air flow path for producing a suitable flavor to be formed, while it is also possible to lower the temperature of a mixed gas comprising a mixture of a gas containing a flavor component generated from the consumable material and external air taken in from the second opening portion, so the user can be provided with a mixture of aerosol and external air at a suitable temperature.
A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the fifth aspect, wherein the second opening portion is provided on a mouthpiece through which the user inhales.
In the sixth aspect, the second opening portion is provided on the mouthpiece through which the user inhales, in the vicinity of the proximal end of the accommodating portion. The sixth aspect therefore allows external air to be drawn in by providing the second opening portion in the vicinity of the proximal end, without any increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, the section of the mouthpiece in the vicinity of the proximal end of the accommodating portion would not be expected to be touched by either the user's mouth or fingers, so obstruction of the second opening portion can also be prevented.
A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the fifth and sixth aspects, wherein the second opening portion comprises a plurality of apertures.
In the seventh aspect, a plurality of apertures into which external air flows are provided at the proximal end or in the vicinity of the proximal end of the accommodating portion. The seventh aspect therefore makes it possible to form an air flow path which is more suitable for the user to inhale a flavor.
An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first aspect, further comprising a third opening portion provided at the distal end, wherein the cover portion is configured to be capable of opening/closing at least a portion of the proximal end.
In the eighth aspect, the cover portion is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the proximal end, and a further third opening portion is provided at the distal end. The eighth aspect therefore makes the consumable material accessible from the proximal end by opening the cover portion, while an air flow path running from the distal end to the proximal end can also be formed.
A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the eighth aspect, wherein an air communication path enabling communication from the third opening portion to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in a state in which the cover portion is closed, and external air flowing in from the first opening portion when a user inhales merges into the air communication path.
In the ninth aspect, external air that has flowed in from the first opening portion provided in the vicinity of the proximal end is merged into the air communication path enabling communication from the third opening to the proximal end through the consumable material. The ninth aspect therefore makes it possible to form an air flow path for producing a suitable flavor.
A 10th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the eighth and ninth aspects, wherein the cover portion comprises a mouthpiece through which the user inhales.
In the 10th aspect, the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler through which the user inhales is formed as part of the cover portion which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the proximal end. The 10th aspect therefore makes it possible to reduce the number of components of the flavor inhaler.
An 11th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first to 10th aspects, wherein the first opening portion comprises a plurality of apertures.
In the 11th aspect, the first opening portion which is arranged facing the cover portion comprises a plurality of apertures. The 11th aspect therefore enables sufficient external air to be taken in at the first opening portion.
A 12th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material to be heated in a flavor inhaler, containing a flavor source, formed in a thin shape, and comprising an inflow face configured to allow an inflow of external air, wherein the inflow face differs from a main face on a surface of the consumable material which has the largest area.
In the 12th aspect, the consumable material to be heated in a flavor inhaler is formed in a thin shape and is configured to allow an inflow of external air from an inflow face which differs from a main face having the largest area. The 12th aspect therefore makes it possible to provide a consumable material having a novel configuration.
A 13th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material which is in accordance with the 12th aspect, further comprising, along a longitudinal direction of the main face, filter members arranged at one end portion and another end portion of the consumable material, and a flavor source-containing portion arranged between the filter members, wherein the filter members face a mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler through which the user inhales, and a cover portion of the flavor inhaler which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of an accommodating portion accommodating the consumable material along a longitudinal direction, and the flavor source-containing portion faces a heating unit for heating the consumable material accommodated in the flavor inhaler.
In the 13th aspect, the consumable material comprises the filter members at both end portions, and the flavor source-containing portion arranged between the filter members. The filter members of the consumable material then face the mouthpiece and the cover portion, and the flavor source-containing portion is arranged facing the heating unit. The 13th aspect therefore allows the flavor source of the consumable material to be suitably heated in order to generate a suitable flavor.
A 14th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material which is in accordance with the 12th and 13th aspects, wherein a ratio of a dimension in a short-side direction of the main face and a dimension in a thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main face is 13:X (X≤3).
In the 14th aspect, the ratio of a dimension in the short-side direction of the main face of the consumable material and a dimension in the thickness direction is 13:X (X≤3). According to the 14th aspect, a time until the center of the consumable material reaches a predetermined temperature suitable for flavor generation can therefore be sufficiently shortened, so the time from the start of heating until the start of inhalation is shortened, shortening the user's waiting time, and it is possible to provide a flavor inhalation system which is suitable as an article of taste.
A 15th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material which is in accordance with the 12th to 14th aspects, wherein the dimension in the thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main face is 1 mm-3 mm.
In the 15th aspect, the dimension in the thickness direction of the consumable material is 1 mm-3 mm. The 15th aspect therefore makes it possible to provide a thin consumable material having a novel configuration.
A 16th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a consumable material and a flavor inhaler, wherein the consumable material contains a flavor source, is formed in a thin shape, and comprises a main face configured to allow an inflow of external air, the flavor inhaler comprises an accommodating portion accommodating the consumable material, and the accommodating portion comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end; a heating unit for heating the accommodated consumable material; a cover portion configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion along a longitudinal direction; and a first opening portion which is formed facing the cover portion and is configured to allow an inflow of external air.
In the 16th aspect, the consumable material to be heated in the flavor inhaler is formed with a thin shape and is configured to allow an inflow of external air from the main face. Furthermore, in the flavor inhaler, the first opening portion which is configured to allow an inflow of external air is provided facing the cover portion which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion accommodating the consumable material along a longitudinal direction. The 16th aspect therefore makes it possible to provide a flavor inhalation system comprising a consumable material having a novel configuration, and a flavor inhaler comprising an air flow path which is suitable for the consumable material. Furthermore, the 16th aspect makes it possible to provide a flavor inhalation system which allows for easy maintenance of the accommodating portion, for instance, when a cover on the accommodating portion which is not accommodating a consumable material is opened, the first opening portion is open and exposed, allowing the inside of the first opening portion to be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush, etc. into the first opening portion and moving the cotton swab or brush, etc. back and forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an oblique view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2A is a view in cross section of a flavor inhaler.
Fig. 2B is a view in cross section showing an example of a consumable material.
Fig. 3 is an oblique view showing a rotational axis of the flavor inhaler.
Fig. 4 shows a second enclosure of the flavor inhaler shown in fig. 3 rotated 90° clockwise.
Fig. 5 is a view partway through an operation to open a cover of the flavor inhaler shown in fig. 4.
Fig. 6 shows a state in which the cover of the flavor inhaler shown in fig. 4 is open.
Fig. 7 is a view of the flavor inhaler shown in fig. 6 with the consumable material removed.
Fig. 8A is a view in cross section of the first enclosure seen along the arrows A-A in fig. 4.
Fig. 8B shows a state of the first enclosure shown in fig. 8A with the cover open.
Fig. 8C is a view of the first enclosure shown in fig. 8B with the consumable material removed.
Fig. 8D is an oblique view of the vicinity of a distal end on a rear face of the first enclosure, showing the configuration of an opening portion.
Fig. 8E is an oblique view of the vicinity of the distal end on the rear face of the first enclosure, showing a variant example of the opening portion.
Fig. 9A is an oblique view showing the vicinity of the distal end of the first enclosure with the cover open.
Fig. 9B is an oblique view showing the consumable material.
Fig. 10 is a front-side oblique view of a flavor inhaler according to a variant example.
Fig. 11 is a view in cross section of the first enclosure seen along the arrows B-B in fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a view of the open cover of the first enclosure shown in fig. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numbers and duplicate descriptions will not be given.
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. In this coordinate system, 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, and 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. Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, the Y-axis direction may also refer to a thickness direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
As shown in fig. 1, 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) will be referred to as 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) will be referred to as a distal end 10B. An end portion of the second enclosure 50 facing the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 will be referred to as a proximal end 50A. The first enclosure 10 is an example of an accommodating 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. As an 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. Examples of 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.
Although not shown in detail, 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. 2A, 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. As shown in fig. 2B, 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. The smokable substance 20A is an example of a flavor source-containing portion according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the filter 20B is an example of a filter member according to the present disclosure.
Although not depicted, 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. However, the form of heating of the consumable material 20 in the flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure is not limited solely to external contact-heating. For example, 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. Furthermore, as an example, 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.
Furthermore, as shown in fig. 2A, 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.
As shown in fig. 2A, 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.
Furthermore, as shown in fig. 2A, 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. Specifically, the hinge 40 is configured to permit rotation between a first state and a second state which will be described later. Furthermore, 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. As shown in fig. 2, 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).
Furthermore, as shown in fig. 2A, 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. Although not shown in detail, 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). Specifically, for example, 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. Furthermore, 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.
Relative rotation of the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50 about the rotational axis 42 by means of the hinge 40 will be described next with the aid of fig. 3 and 4. 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. To put it another way, if the flavor inhaler 100 in fig. 3 is viewed along the longitudinal direction from the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10, 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 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. To put it another way, if the flavor inhaler 100 in fig. 4 is viewed along the longitudinal direction 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 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.
As indicated above, 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.
It should be noted that rotation afforded by the hinge 40 constitutes relative rotation between the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 50. In the transition from fig. 3 to fig. 4, 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).
In this embodiment, however, 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. Similarly, the first enclosure 10 cannot be rotated clockwise in the flavor inhaler shown in fig. 3.
Furthermore, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, 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. It should be noted that 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. In order to simplify the electrical connection, the operation push-button 54 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the control unit 30.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4, 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. When the operation push-button 54 of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in fig. 3 is pressed (when a force is applied in the Y-axis positive direction), 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. Furthermore, 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. Meanwhile, if 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). Although not described in detail, the same also applies if 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.
Opening/closing of the cover 12 and removal of the consumable material 20 will be described next with reference to fig. 5-7. 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. 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 10 of the flavor inhaler 100 can be removed by opening the cover 12.
Specifically, as shown in fig. 5, 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. It should be noted that when 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. When 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. Here, the user can remove the consumable material 20 from the first enclosure 10. As shown in fig. 7, 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.
Note that an opening portion 60 comprising apertures 60A, 60B and 60C is exposed on the inclined portion 32. The opening portion 60 will be described in detail later. The opening portion 60 is an example of a first opening portion according to the present disclosure.
The internal space of the first enclosure 10 which accommodates the consumable material 20, and the consumable material 20, will be described in detail with reference to fig. 8A-9B. 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. 8D is an oblique view of the vicinity of the distal end 10B on the rear face of the first enclosure 10, showing the configuration of the opening portion 60. Fig. 8E is an oblique view of the vicinity of the distal end 10B on the rear face of the first enclosure 10, showing a variant example of the opening portion 60. 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.
As shown in fig. 8A, a first intake hole 24 is provided on the mouthpiece 16 in the vicinity of the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10. The first intake hole 24 may comprise a plurality of apertures. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first intake hole 24 is not limited to what is shown in fig. 8A, and the first intake hole 24 may also be provided at the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10, instead of on the mouthpiece 16. The first intake hole 24 is an example of the second opening portion according to the present disclosure.
Meanwhile, the opening portion 60 is provided at a place facing the cover 12 on the rear face of the first enclosure 10. As shown in fig. 8D, the opening portion 60 provided on the rear face of the first enclosure 10 comprises recesses 60D, 60E and 60F. The recesses 60D, 60E, 60F are connected to the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10. The apertures 60A, 60B, 60C are respectively provided in the recesses 60D, 60E, 60F at positions which are predetermined distance away from the distal end 10B toward the proximal end 10A side. This distance will be referred to as L.
When the user is gripping the first enclosure 10, there would be a drop in the external air intake function if the user's hand were to obstruct the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C, which would therefore be undesirable. To ensure that the user's hand cannot touch the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C, inlets of the apertures 60A. 60B, 60C are provided at the bottom of the recesses 60D, 60E, 60F, instead of the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C being directly arranged on the rear face of the enclosure 10. The recesses should be shaped so that the user's hand can be prevented from touching the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C, and the recesses do not necessarily have to be connected to the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10, nor does a different recess need to be provided for each of the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C. As shown in fig. 8E, for example, the recess may be shaped to lie continuously across the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C at a position spaced apart from the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10.
Furthermore, the consumable material 20 accommodated in its regular position inside the chamber 14 is arranged so as to be separated from the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C. In particular, cushioning is provided inside the first enclosure 10 in the vicinity of the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C, between the second end portion 17 of the chamber 14 and the inner face of the enclosure 10, maintaining a pathway for external air that has flowed in through the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C to proceed suitably through the inside of the first enclosure 10.
When the user takes a draw with the mouthpiece 16 held in their mouth while the cover 12 is in a closed state as shown in fig. 8A, external air flows into the internal space of the first enclosure 10 from the opening portion 60 and the first intake hole 24, and an air communication path is formed so as to allow communication from the opening portion 60 through the inside of the consumable material 20 by way of the gap maintained inside the first enclosure 10, reaching the user's mouth via the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10 and the mouthpiece 16. In a state in which the consumable material 20 is being heated by the abovementioned heating element and chamber 14, a flavor generated from the consumable material 20 is borne as far as the user's mouth by this air communication path. It should be noted that the placement of the opening portion 60 is not limited to what is shown in fig. 8A, and the placement may be appropriately selected in a location facing the cover 12, provided that the air communication path can be suitably formed.
Furthermore, as shown in fig. 8A, 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. It should be noted that an inner face of the inner cover 12B is referred to as a bottom portion 12C of the cover 12.
If the consumable material 20 is not fully inserted into the chamber 14 so that a predetermined amount thereof is not inserted, the bottom portion 12C of the cover 12 will collide with the consumable material 20, and the user will not be able to close the cover 12 even if the user attempts to close the cover 12. This allows the user to ascertain that the consumable material 20 is not in a fully inserted state. In addition, even if the consumable material 20 is subjected to external vibration or impact after it has been fully inserted into the chamber 14, movement from its predetermined position inside the chamber 14 to an irregular position is impeded by the consumable material 20 colliding with the bottom portion 12C of the cover 12. The user can therefore stably inhale the flavor after the consumable material 20 has been fitted at its regular position.
When the cover 12 is open, as shown in fig. 8B, the end portion of the consumable material 20 on the distal end 10B side of the first enclosure 10 (the Z-axis negative direction-side end portion) is exposed. 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.
As shown in fig. 8C, 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. As shown in fig. 8A, 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.
It should be noted that there is no limitation to a form in which the cover 12 and the inclined portion 32 are in abutment, and it is equally possible to adopt a structure in which an elastic body such as rubber or cushioning is interposed between the cover 12 and the inclined portion 32, with the elastic body being sandwiched in a compressed manner.
The arrangement positions of the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C will be described here. When the user is holding the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand to draw in the consumable material 20, air that has flowed into the consumable material 20 through the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C of the opening portion 60 and the gap in the first enclosure 10 is heated inside the chamber 14. When the user stops drawing, the inflow of external air into the first enclosure 10 is stopped, and air stagnates inside a region enclosed by the bottom portion 12C of the cover 12 and the second end portion 17 of the chamber 14. The stagnant air contacts external air through the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C and contacts the heated consumable material 20, and condensation is therefore formed. Meanwhile, the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10 of the flavor inhaler 100 being gripped by the user is positioned vertically upward and the distal end 10B is positioned vertically downward. This means that water drops produced by the condensation flow toward the distal end 10B side of the first enclosure 10. The water drops produced by the condensation could cause a short-circuit if they adhere to members conducting current, and this could lead to erroneous operation of the device, so these water drops are preferably dried promptly to ensure that they do not flow outside of the pathway.
To deal with condensation, it would be feasible to increase the axial length of the first enclosure 10 (the distance along the Z-axis direction from the proximal end 10A to the distal end 10B). The presence of a pathway of sufficient length would allow the water drops to spread and form a thin film inside the first enclosure 10, which would dry more easily. However, increasing the axial length of the first enclosure 10 would lead to an increase in the overall length of the flavor inhaler 100.
As described above, the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C are arranged at positions which are the distance L away from the distal end 10B toward the proximal end 10A side in this embodiment, so the water drops produced by condensation temporarily collect within a region around the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 located vertically below the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C, and it is here where the water drops are dried. In addition, this region is closed off by the cover 12, therefore making it possible to prevent an outflow of water drops to outside of the first enclosure 10, and specifically to prevent adhesion of moisture to other parts arranged inside the first enclosure 10, such as the control unit 30.
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.
Furthermore, as shown in fig. 9A, the opening portion 60 comprising the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C is exposed at the inclined portion 32, vertically below an end portion of the consumable material 20. The number of apertures included in the opening portion 60 is not limited to three, and the number may be selected, as appropriate, provided that a suitable air flow path can be formed.
As shown in fig. 9B, the consumable material 20 according to this embodiment is formed in a thin shape. The consumable material 20 comprises a main face 22, which is the face having the largest area. The main face 22 is formed by a wrapping paper 20C (see fig. 2B). Furthermore, a distal face 22a connected to the main face 22 and positioned on the distal end 10B side of the first enclosure 10 in a state in which the consumable material 20 is appropriately inserted inside the chamber 14, and a proximal face 22b positioned on the proximal end 10A side of the first enclosure 10, are open without being wrapped by the wrapping paper 20. External air can therefore flow into the consumable material 20 through the distal face 22a, and can flow out from the proximal face 22b positioned on the opposite side to the distal face 22a. In the mode shown in fig. 9B, the main face 22 constitutes front and rear faces of the consumable material 20. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional views shown in fig. 8A-8C, upper and lower faces of the consumable material 20 constitute the main face 22, a left end face constitutes the distal face 22a, and a right end face constitutes the proximal face 22b. As shown in fig. 8A-8C, when the consumable material 20 is accommodated inside the chamber 14 in the interior of the first enclosure 10, the chamber 14 heats the consumable material 20 by close contact between the side wall of the chamber 14 and the main face 22 of the consumable material 20. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 8A-8C, the main face 22 of the consumable material 20 is arranged facing the opening portion 60 in the interior of the first enclosure 10. The consumable material 20 is subjected to heat from the chamber 14, which is heated by the heating element, through the main face which has the largest area on the surface thereof, and the consumable material 20 can therefore be efficiently heated.
The relationship between the internal structure of the consumable material 20 shown in fig. 2B and the internal configuration of the first enclosure 10 shown in fig. 8A-8C will be described. The filters 20B are arranged at one end portion and the other end portion of the consumable material 20 along the longitudinal direction of the main face 22 (the Z-axis direction in fig. 8A-8C), and the smokable substance 20A is arranged between the two filters 20B. In the cross-sectional view shown in fig. 8A, the filters 20B are facing the mouthpiece 16 and the cover 12. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional view shown in fig. 8A, the smokable substance 20A is facing the chamber 14.
Experiments carried out by the inventors of the present disclosure showed that when a sample 1 of consumable material (diameter 7 mm (cross-sectional area S1)) was heated inside a chamber, the time taken for the center of the consumable material to reach a predetermined temperature T0 was t1. On the other hand, when the same experiment was carried out using a sample 2 of consumable material formed in a thinner shape than the sample 1 (with the dimension of the sample 2 in the short-side direction being 13 mm so that a cross-sectional area S2 is the same as the cross-sectional area S1 when the distance from the heating face to the center is assumed to be 3 mm (no greater than half of the 7 mm diameter)), it was found that the time taken for the center of the consumable material to reach the predetermined temperature T0 suitable for flavor generation was t2 (t2<t1). As an example of the configuration of the consumable material 20, a ratio of the dimension in the short-side direction of the main face 22 and the dimension in the thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main face 22 may be set at 13:3, or may be set so that the proportion of the dimension in the thickness direction is smaller than this. With this numerical value range, the time until the center of the consumable material 20 reaches the predetermined temperature T0 can be sufficiently shortened, so the time from the start of heating until the start of inhalation is shortened, shortening the user's waiting time, and it is possible to provide a flavor inhalation system which is suitable as an article of taste. Furthermore, as an example of the configuration of the consumable material 20, the dimension in the thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main face 22 should be 1 mm-3 mm.

Variant example

A variant example of the embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 10-12. Fig. 10 is a front-side oblique view of a flavor inhaler 200 according to the variant example. Fig. 11 is a view in cross section of a first enclosure 210 seen along the arrows B-B in fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a view of an open cover 212 of the first enclosure 210 shown in fig. 11. 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.
As shown in fig. 10, the flavor inhaler 200 is configured so that a first enclosure 210 arranged on the X-axis positive direction side and a second enclosure 250 arranged on the X-axis negative direction side are parallel to each other. The first enclosure 210 accommodates a plate-shaped consumable material 20 and is configured to be capable of providing heating, while the second enclosure 250 accommodates a power source 52. The first enclosure 210 and the second enclosure 250 are divided by a rib which is not depicted, for example. The first enclosure 210 is an example of an accommodating portion according to the present disclosure.
As shown in fig. 10, the mouthpiece 16 protrudes from the first enclosure 210 of the flavor inhaler 200. An end portion of the first enclosure 210 on the side where the mouthpiece 16 is provided (i.e., the end portion positioned on the side closer to the user's mouth during flavor inhalation) will be referred to as a proximal end 210A. The opposite side of the first enclosure 210 to the proximal end 210A (i.e., the end portion positioned on the side further from the user during flavor inhalation) will be referred to as a distal end 210B.
The first enclosure 210 comprises a cover 212 configured to be openable/closable. The cover 212 forms part of the proximal end 210A of the first enclosure 210 and is also capable of opening/closing one end portion of a space accommodating the consumable material 20. The mouthpiece 16 is formed as part of the cover 212. The consumable material 20 can be removed from the first enclosure 210 (or a new consumable material 20 can be loaded in the first enclosure 210) by opening the cover 12. The cover 212 is an example of a cover portion according to the present disclosure.
As shown in fig. 10 and 11, a second intake hole 224 is provided at the distal end 210B of the first enclosure 210. The second intake hole 224 may comprise a plurality of apertures. The second intake hole 224 is an example of a third opening portion according to the present disclosure.
Furthermore, as shown in fig. 11, an opening portion 260 is provided at a place facing the cover 212 on the rear face of the first enclosure 210. When the user takes a draw with the mouthpiece 16 held in their mouth while the cover 12 is in a closed state as shown in fig. 11, external air flows into the internal space of the first enclosure 210 from the second intake hole 224 and the opening portion 260, and an air communication path is formed so as to allow communication through the inside of the consumable material 20, reaching the user's mouth via the proximal end 210A of the first enclosure 210 and the mouthpiece 16. In a state in which the consumable material 20 is being heated by the abovementioned heating element and chamber 14, a flavor generated from the consumable material 20 is borne as far as the user's mouth by this air communication path. It should be noted that the placement of the opening portion 260 is not limited to what is shown in fig. 11, and the placement may be appropriately selected in a location facing the cover 212, provided that the air communication path can be suitably formed. In particular, the opening portion 260 may comprise a plurality of apertures. The opening portion 260 is an example of a first opening portion according to the present disclosure.
As shown in fig. 12, the cover 212 of the first enclosure 210 can be opened. The consumable material 20 accommodated in the first enclosure 210 is accessible to the user in the state shown in fig. 12.

Action of the embodiment

In the embodiment, the opening portion 60 (260) which is configured to allow an inflow of external air is provided facing the cover 12 (212) which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the first enclosure 10 (210) accommodating the consumable material 20 along a longitudinal direction. This embodiment therefore makes it possible to provide a flavor inhaler 100 (200) which is suitable for a consumable material 20 having a novel configuration, and which comprises an air flow path into which external air flows from a location facing the cover 12 (212). Furthermore, the embodiment allows for easy maintenance of the first enclosure 10 (210), for instance, when the cover 12 (212) on the first enclosure 10 (210) which is not accommodating the consumable material 20 is opened, the distal end 10B (210B) and the opening portion 60 (260) of the first enclosure 10 (210) are both open and exposed, allowing the interior of the first enclosure 10 (210) and inside the opening portion 60 (260) to be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush, etc. into the first enclosure 10 (210) or the opening portion 60 (260) and moving the cotton swab or brush, etc. back and forth.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the cover 12 constitutes a portion of the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10, and the opening portion 60 is provided at a position facing the cover 12. The embodiment therefore enables external air to be drawn in from the opening portion 60 provided in the vicinity of the distal end 10B, while also allowing the consumable material 20 to be replaced through the distal end 10B by opening the cover 12. Furthermore, since the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10 is positioned vertically upward and the distal end 10B is positioned vertically downward when a user grips the flavor inhaler 100, closing the cover 12 makes it possible to prevent the consumable material 20 from dropping out vertically downward from the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10. Furthermore, maintenance of the first enclosure 10 can be carried out more easily, for instance, when the cover 12 on the first enclosure 10 which is not accommodating a consumable material 20 is opened, the opening portion 60 is open and exposed, and in particular a passage is formed through the first enclosure 10 from the distal end 10B to the proximal end 10A, allowing the opening portion 60 and the interior of the first enclosure 10 to be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush, etc. into the opening portion 60 and the first enclosure 10 from the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and moving the cotton swab or brush, etc. back and forth.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, an air communication path enabling communication from the opening portion 60, which is provided in the vicinity of the distal end 10B, to the proximal end 10A through the consumable material 20 is formed in a state in which the cover 12 is closed. Furthermore, the recesses 60D, 60E, 60F are formed in the rear face of the first enclosure 10, and the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C of the first opening portion 60 are arranged inside the respective recesses 60D, 60E, 60F. The embodiment therefore makes it possible to prevent the finger of a user gripping the flavor inhaler 100 from directly touching the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C of the first opening portion 60 and obstructing the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C, while also enabling the formation of an air communication path suitable for delivering a flavor to the user's mouth.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C of the first opening portion 60 are arranged at a position on the rear face of the first enclosure 10 which is a predetermined distance L away from the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10. According to the embodiment, water drops formed by condensation of external air that has flowed into the first enclosure 10 through the apertures 60A, 60B, 60C of the first opening portion 60 can therefore be temporarily collected in a region close to the distal end 10B of the first enclosure 10 and dried to thereby prevent condensation from affecting other parts of the flavor inhaler 100.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the first intake hole 24 is provided at the proximal end 10A or in the vicinity of the proximal end 10A, in addition to the opening portion 60 provided in the vicinity of the distal end 10B. The embodiment therefore enables an air flow path for producing a suitable flavor to be formed, while it is also possible to lower the temperature of a mixed gas comprising a mixture of a gas containing a flavor component generated from the consumable material 20 and external air taken in from the first intake hole 24, so the user can be provided with a mixture of aerosol and external air at a suitable temperature.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the first intake hole 24 is provided on the mouthpiece 16 through which the user inhales, in the vicinity of the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10. The embodiment therefore allows external air to be drawn in by providing the first intake hole 24 in the vicinity of the proximal end 10A, without any increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, the section of the mouthpiece 16 in the vicinity of the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10 would not be expected to be touched by either the user's mouth or fingers, so obstruction of the first intake hole 24 can also be prevented.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, a plurality of apertures into which external air flows are provided at the proximal end 10A or in the vicinity of the proximal end 10A of the first enclosure 10. The embodiment therefore makes it possible to form an air flow path which is more suitable for the user to inhale a flavor.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the cover 212 is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the proximal end 210A of the first enclosure 210, and a second intake hole 224 is provided at the distal end 210B. The embodiment therefore makes the consumable material 20 accessible from the proximal end 210A by opening the cover 212, while an air flow path running from the distal end 210B to the proximal end 210A can also be formed.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, external air that has flowed in from the opening portion 260 provided in the vicinity of the proximal end 210A is merged into the air communication path enabling communication from the second intake hole 224 to the proximal end 210A through the consumable material 20. The embodiment therefore makes it possible to form an air flow path for producing a suitable flavor.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the mouthpiece 16 of the flavor inhaler 200 through which the user inhales is formed as part of the cover 212 which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the proximal end 210A. The embodiment therefore makes it possible to reduce the number of components of the flavor inhaler 200.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the opening portion 260 which is arranged facing the cover 212 comprises a plurality of apertures. The embodiment therefore enables sufficient external air to be taken in at the opening portion 260.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the consumable material 20 to be heated in the flavor inhaler is formed with a thin shape and is configured to allow an inflow of external air from the main face 22. The embodiment therefore makes it possible to provide a consumable material 20 having a novel configuration.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the main face 22 through which external air flows into the consumable material 20 is arranged facing the opening portion 60 (260) inside the flavor inhaler 100 (200). The embodiment therefore makes it possible to form an air flow path through which external air flows into the consumable material 20.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the consumable material 20 comprises the filters 20B at both end portions, and the smokable substance 20A arranged between the filters 20B. The filters 20B of the consumable material 20 then face the mouthpiece 16 and the cover 12, and the smokable substance 20A is arranged facing the chamber 14. The embodiment therefore allows the flavor source of the consumable material 20 to be suitably heated in order to generate a suitable flavor.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the ratio of a dimension in the longitudinal direction of the main face 22 of the consumable material 20 and a dimension in the thickness direction is 13:X (X≤3). According to the embodiment, the time until the center of the consumable material 20 reaches a predetermined temperature T0 suitable for flavor generation can therefore be sufficiently shortened, so the time from the start of heating until the start of inhalation is shortened, shortening the user's waiting time, and it is possible to provide a flavor inhalation system which is suitable as an article of taste.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the dimension in the thickness direction of the consumable material 20 is 1 mm-3 mm. The embodiment therefore makes it possible to provide a thin consumable material 20 having a novel configuration.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, the consumable material 20 to be heated in the flavor inhaler 100 (200) is formed with a thin shape and is configured to allow an inflow of external air from the main face 22. Furthermore, the opening portion 60 (260) which is configured to allow an inflow of external air to the flavor inhaler 100 (200) is provided facing the cover 12 (212) which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the first enclosure 10 (210) accommodating the consumable material 20 along the longitudinal direction. The embodiment therefore makes it possible to provide a flavor inhalation system comprising a consumable material 20 having a novel configuration, and a flavor inhaler 100 (200) comprising an air flow path which is suitable for the consumable material 20. Furthermore, the embodiment makes it possible to provide a flavor inhalation system which allows for easy maintenance of the first enclosure 10 (210), for instance, when the cover 12 (212) on the first enclosure 10 (210) which is not accommodating the consumable material 20 is opened, the opening portion 60 (260) is open and exposed, allowing the inside of the opening portion 60 (260) to be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush, etc. into the opening portion 60 (260) and moving the cotton swab or brush, etc. back and forth.
Embodiments and a variant example of the present disclosure were described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments and variant example, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept disclosed in the claims, specification and drawings. Moreover, any shape or material not directly stated in the specification or drawings is also within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure, provided that it exhibits the action of the present disclosure.

Addendum 1

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler comprising an accommodating portion accommodating a consumable material, wherein the accommodating portion comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end; a heating unit for heating the accommodated consumable material; a cover portion configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion along a longitudinal direction; and a first opening portion which is formed facing the cover portion and is configured to allow an inflow of external air.

Addendum 2

A second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first aspect, wherein the cover portion constitutes at least a portion of the distal end and is configured to be capable of opening/closing a space housing the consumable material.

Addendum 3

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the second aspect, wherein a recess is formed in a rear face of the accommodating portion facing the cover portion, the first opening portion is arranged inside the recess, and an air communication path enabling communication from the first opening portion to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in a state in which the cover portion is closed.

Addendum 4

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third aspect, wherein the first opening portion is provided at a position on the rear face of the accommodating portion which is a predetermined distance away from the distal end.

Addendum 5

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the third and fourth aspects, further comprising a second opening portion provided at the proximal end or in the vicinity of the proximal end, wherein external air flowing in from the second opening portion when a user inhales merges into the air communication path.

Addendum 6

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the fifth aspect, wherein the second opening portion is provided on a mouthpiece through which the user inhales.

Addendum 7

A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the fifth and sixth aspects, wherein the second opening portion comprises a plurality of apertures.

Addendum 8

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first aspect, further comprising a third opening portion provided at the distal end, wherein the cover portion is configured to be capable of opening/closing at least a portion of the proximal end.

Addendum 9

A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the eighth aspect, wherein an air communication path enabling communication from the third opening portion to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in a state in which the cover portion is closed, and external air flowing in from the first opening portion when a user inhales merges into the air communication path.

Addendum 10

A 10th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the eighth and ninth aspects, wherein the cover portion comprises a mouthpiece through which the user inhales.

Addendum 11

An 11th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler which is in accordance with the first to 10th aspects, wherein the first opening portion comprises a plurality of apertures.

Addendum 12

A 12th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material to be heated in a flavor inhaler, containing a flavor source, formed in a thin shape, and comprising an inflow face configured to allow an inflow of external air, wherein the inflow face differs from a main face on a surface of the consumable material which has the largest area.

Addendum 13

A 13th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material which is in accordance with the 12th aspect, further comprising, along a longitudinal direction of the main face, filter members arranged at one end portion and another end portion of the consumable material, and a flavor source-containing portion arranged between the filter members, wherein the filter members face a mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler through which the user inhales, and a cover portion of the flavor inhaler which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of an accommodating portion accommodating the consumable material along a longitudinal direction, and the flavor source-containing portion faces a heating unit for heating the consumable material accommodated in the flavor inhaler.

Addendum 14

A 14th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material which is in accordance with the 12th and 13th aspects, wherein a ratio of a dimension in a short-side direction of the main face and a dimension in a thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main face is 13:X (X≤3).

Addendum 15

A 15th aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material which is in accordance with the 12th to 14th aspects, wherein the dimension in the thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main face is 1 mm-3 mm.

Addendum 16

A 16th aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system comprising a consumable material and a flavor inhaler, wherein the consumable material contains a flavor source, is formed in a thin shape, and comprises a main face configured to allow an inflow of external air, the flavor inhaler comprises an accommodating portion accommodating the consumable material, and the accommodating portion comprises: a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user; a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end; a heating unit for heating the accommodated consumable material; a cover portion configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion along a longitudinal direction; and a first opening portion which is formed facing the cover portion and is configured to allow an inflow of external air.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

10 First enclosure
10A Proximal end
10B Distal end
12 Cover
12A Outer cover
12B Inner cover
14 Chamber
15A Elastic body
15B Elastic body
16 Mouthpiece
16A First end portion
17 Second end portion
18 Opening
20 Consumable material
20A Smokable substance
20B Filter
20C Wrapping paper
22 Main face
22a Distal face
22b Proximal face
24 First intake hole
30 Control unit
32 Inclined portion
40 Hinge
42 Rotational axis
44 Wiring portion
50 Second enclosure
50A Proximal end
52 Power source
54 Operation push-button
56 Magnetic detection element
60 Opening portion
60A, 60B, 60C Aperture
60D, 60E, 60F Recess
100 Flavor inhaler
200 Flavor inhaler
210 First enclosure
210A Proximal end
210B Distal end
212 Cover
224 Second intake hole
250 Second enclosure
260 Opening portion

Claims

A flavor inhaler comprising an accommodating portion accommodating a consumable material,
wherein the accommodating portion comprises:
a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user;

a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end;

a heating unit for heating the accommodated consumable material;

a cover portion configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion along a longitudinal direction; and

a first opening portion which is formed facing the cover portion and is configured to allow an inflow of external air.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover portion constitutes at least a portion of the distal end and is configured to be capable of opening/closing a space housing the consumable material.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 2, wherein a recess is formed in a rear face of the accommodating portion facing the cover portion,
the first opening portion is arranged inside the recess, and

an air communication path enabling communication from the first opening portion to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in a state in which the cover portion is closed.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first opening portion is provided at a position on the rear face of the accommodating portion which is a predetermined distance away from the distal end.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 3 or 4, further comprising a second opening portion provided at the proximal end or in the vicinity of the proximal end,
wherein external air flowing in from the second opening portion when a user inhales merges into the air communication path.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second opening portion is provided on a mouthpiece through which the user inhales.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the second opening portion comprises a plurality of apertures.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third opening portion provided at the distal end,
wherein the cover portion is configured to be capable of opening/closing at least a portion of the proximal end.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 8, wherein an air communication path enabling communication from the third opening portion to the proximal end through the consumable material is formed in a state in which the cover portion is closed, and
external air flowing in from the first opening portion when a user inhales merges into the air communication path.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the cover portion comprises a mouthpiece through which the user inhales.
The flavor inhaler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first opening portion comprises a plurality of apertures.
A consumable material to be heated in a flavor inhaler,
containing a flavor source, formed in a thin shape, and comprising an inflow face configured to allow an inflow of external air, wherein the inflow face differs from a main face on a surface of the consumable material which has the largest area.
The consumable material as claimed in claim 12, further comprising, along a longitudinal direction of the main face, filter members arranged at one end portion and another end portion of the consumable material, and a flavor source-containing portion arranged between the filter members,
wherein the filter members face a mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler through which the user inhales, and a cover portion of the flavor inhaler which is configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of an accommodating portion accommodating the consumable material along a longitudinal direction, and

the flavor source-containing portion faces a heating unit for heating the consumable material accommodated in the flavor inhaler.
The consumable material as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein a ratio of a dimension in a short-side direction of the main face and a dimension in a thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main face is 13:X (X≤3).
The consumable material as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the dimension in the thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main face is 1 mm-3 mm.
A flavor inhalation system comprising a consumable material and a flavor inhaler, wherein
the consumable material contains a flavor source, is formed in a thin shape, and comprises a main face configured to allow an inflow of external air,

the flavor inhaler comprises an accommodating portion accommodating the consumable material, and

the accommodating portion comprises:
a proximal end in proximity to the mouth of an inhaling user;

a distal end positioned on the opposite side to the proximal end;

a heating unit for heating the accommodated consumable material;

a cover portion configured to be capable of opening/closing a portion of the accommodating portion along a longitudinal direction; and

a first opening portion which is formed facing the cover portion and is configured to allow an inflow of external air.