JP7208394B2 - Heater assembly and flavor sucker - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to heater assemblies and flavor inhalers.

Conventionally, flavor inhalers are known that heat flavor-generating articles without combustion. The flavor inhaler includes a heater for atomizing the aerosol source, an atomization chamber having at least a portion of a channel for the aerosol produced by the heater heating the aerosol source, and an intake channel for supplying air from an inlet to the atomization chamber. and (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-521123 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-504667 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-505281

A first feature is a heater assembly, a heater for atomizing an aerosol source and a mist extending along a predetermined direction as at least part of an aerosol channel through which the aerosol produced by said heater heats said aerosol source. and an intake channel for supplying air from an inlet to the atomization chamber, the intake channel extending along the predetermined direction and communicating with the inlet; In a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly along a direction, a second channel extending from the first channel along a direction crossing the predetermined direction, and a third channel extending from the second channel along the predetermined direction. The gist is to include: a channel;

The second feature is of the first feature, wherein the third channel is adjacent to the atomization chamber in the cross direction.

A third feature is the gist of the first or second feature, wherein the second channel has a shape extending along an inner circumference or an outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

A fourth feature is the third feature, wherein the second channel includes a channel extending in a first direction along the inner circumference or outer circumference of the aerosol channel and a channel extending in the first direction along the inner circumference or outer circumference of the aerosol channel. and a channel extending in a second direction opposite the one direction.

A fifth feature is the gist of the third feature, wherein the second channel has a shape extending spirally along an inner circumference or an outer circumference of the aerosol channel.

A sixth feature is that in any one of the first to fifth features, the heater assembly has a first end provided on a side where air flows into the atomization chamber from the intake channel; a second end provided on the side from which the aerosol exits the atomization chamber, the third channel adjoining the atomization chamber in an area between the first end and the second end. provided at a position.

A seventh feature is any one of the first to sixth features, wherein the aerosol source is a columnar article having a columnar shape, and the atomization chamber accommodates the columnar article, The gist of the invention is that the columnar article is supported at a first end provided on a side where air flows into the atomization chamber from the intake channel.

An eighth feature is that in any one of the first to seventh features, when air is sucked from the inlet, the atomization chamber is adapted to the direction of air flow in the third channel. directing the aerosol originating from said aerosol source in the opposite direction of said aerosol source.

A ninth feature is the seventh feature or the eighth feature citing the seventh feature, wherein at least part of the second channel is formed in the columnar shape when the columnar article is inserted into the atomization chamber. The gist is that it is constituted by an outer side surface of an article.

A tenth feature is the seventh feature or the eighth feature citing the seventh feature, wherein the heater assembly is a cylinder provided along the outer side surface of the columnar member at a position adjacent to the second channel. A shaped member, wherein at least part of said second channel is defined by an outer side surface of said tubular member.

The gist of the eleventh feature is that in any one of the first to tenth features, the inlet is provided side by side with the outlet from which the aerosol is led out in the cross direction.

A twelfth aspect is the gist of the eleventh aspect, wherein the heater assembly comprises a collar member having a cavity forming at least a portion of the aerosol channel.

A thirteenth aspect is of the twelfth aspect, wherein at least a portion of the second channel is defined by the collar member.

A fourteenth aspect is characterized in that in the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, the cavity of the collar member includes at least a portion of the aerosol channel and the first channel.

A fifteenth aspect is characterized in that in any one of the first through fourteenth aspects, the heater assembly comprises a container having a cavity containing the atomization chamber and the third channel. .

A sixteenth aspect provides a flavor inhaler having a heater assembly of any one of the first through fifteenth aspects.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the generation device 120 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the heater assembly 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the heater assembly 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the collar member 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the collar member 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the container 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the container 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the container 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second channel 82 according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining leakage of aerosol according to the embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining a tubular member 90 according to Modification 1. FIG. 14A and 14B are diagrams for explaining a cylindrical member 90 according to Modification 1. FIG. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining a tubular member 90 according to Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second channel 82 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 17A and 17B are diagrams for explaining aerosol leakage according to Modification 1. FIG.

Embodiments will be described below. In addition, in the following description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar parts. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratio of each dimension may differ from the actual one.

Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, it is needless to say that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[Summary of Disclosure]
In the above-described background art flavor inhaler, various ideas have been devised for the arrangement of the intake channel and the heater. However, no consideration has been given to the manner in which the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source by the heater leaks from the inlet, and improvements are desired regarding the manner in which the aerosol leaks from the inlet.

A heater assembly according to an overview of the disclosure includes a heater for atomizing an aerosol source and an atomization chamber extending along a predetermined direction as at least part of an aerosol channel through which the aerosol produced by the heater heats the aerosol source. , an intake channel for supplying air from an inlet to the atomization chamber. The intake channel extends along the predetermined direction and extends along the intersecting direction from the first channel along the intersecting direction in a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly and a first channel communicating with the inlet along the predetermined direction. and a third channel extending from the second channel along the predetermined direction.

According to the summary of the disclosure, the intake channel has a crank shape including a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. According to such a configuration, even if a backflow of the aerosol from the atomization chamber toward the inlet is assumed, the bending from the third channel to the second channel and from the second channel to the first channel are possible. Since bending increases the resistance of the intake channel, the temperature of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel can be reduced by pressure drop.

[Embodiment]
(flavor aspirator)
A flavor inhaler according to an embodiment will be described below. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the columnar member 110 is not inserted, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the columnar member 110 is inserted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flavor inhaler 100 has a columnar member 110 that constitutes an aerosol source, and a generator 120 that generates aerosol from the columnar member 110 . Flavor inhaler 100 produces an aerosol without combustion. Flavor inhaler 100 may be referred to as a heated or non-burning type flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler 100 may be a portable inhaler.

The columnar member 110 is a member constituting at least an individual aerosol source, and has a columnar shape extending along the predetermined direction X. As shown in FIG. For example, the columnar member 110 may be composed of shredded tobacco, a molded body obtained by molding tobacco material into granules, a molded body obtained by molding tobacco material into a sheet shape, or the like. The post 110 may comprise a wrapping material wrapped around a solid aerosol source. The columnar member 110 may have a filter.

The post 110 may generate an aerosol upon heating and may include an aerosol source including various polyols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or 1,3-butanediol to facilitate aerosol generation. The columnar member 110 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herb, etc.). The columnar member 110 may contain perfume such as menthol.

The generation device 120 has an operation unit 210 that turns on the power of the generation device 120, and a lid body 220 that closes an opening 30X provided in the heater assembly 30, which will be described later. The operation unit 210 may have a function of turning off the power of the generation device 120 . Lid 220 is configured to be slidable, and exposes opening 30X when columnar member 110 is inserted. Lid 220 may be configured to be rotatable. Details of the generator 120 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

(generator)
The generation device according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the generation device 120 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the AA cross section shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3 , generator 120 includes battery 10 , control circuit 20 and heater assembly 30 .

Battery 10 stores power for use by generator 120 . For example, battery 10 is a lithium ion battery. Battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

The control circuit 20 is configured by a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of the generation device 120 . The control circuit 20 starts heating the columnar member 110 when the generator 120 is powered on by the operation unit 210 . The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of heating. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when a certain number of puffing operations have been performed since the start of heating. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the columnar member 110 when the generation device 120 is powered off by the operation unit 210 . The puffing action may be detected by a sensor (not shown). The sensor may be provided on a bottom plate portion 41 (for example, a spaced portion 41B), which will be described later.

The heater assembly 30 generates aerosol by heating the columnar member 110 . The heater assembly 30 has an opening 30X, and the columnar member 110 is inserted into the heater assembly 30 through the opening 30X. The heater assembly 30 has a collar member 31 , a container 40 and a heater 50 . The heater assembly 30 may have an insulation member 60 . However, the heat insulating member 60 may not be part of the heater assembly 30 . Since details of the collar member 31 and the container 40 will be described later, the heater 50 and the heat insulating member 60 will be mainly described here.

A heater 50 is arranged on the outer side surface of the container 40 . In particular, the heater 50 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the outer side surface (surrounding surface) of the container 40 . A heater 50 atomizes the aerosol source. Specifically, the heater 50 heats the columnar member 110 housed in the container 40 . FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the heater 50 is arranged on the outer side surface of the container 40 . The heater 50 may be composed of a base material composed of a film such as polyimide and a heating element composed of a resistance heating element such as metal. The heating element may be sandwiched between two substrates. The metal constituting the heating element may be one or more metals selected from nickel alloys, chromium alloys, stainless steels, and platinum-rhodium.

The heat insulating member 60 is arranged to cover the container 40 outside the heater 50 . The heat insulating member 60 may be a vacuum heat insulating member having a double structure. The heat insulating member 60 may be made of a heat insulating material such as airgel or silicon.

(heater assembly)
A heater assembly according to an embodiment will be described below. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views showing the heater assembly 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the heater assembly 30 in the AA cross section shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the columnar member 110 is inserted. FIG. 5 shows the heater assembly 30 in the AA cross section shown in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the columnar member 110 is not inserted. 4 and 5, the heater 50 and the heat insulating member 60 described above are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, heater assembly 30 includes collar member 31 and container 40 .

The collar member 31 has a tubular shape, and is made of, for example, synthetic resin having plasticity. Collar member 31 has an opening 30X for receiving post member 110 . The opening 30X includes an inlet 120IN for introducing air into the heater assembly 30 and an outlet 120OUT for introducing aerosol from the heater assembly 30 while the columnar member 110 is inserted into the heater assembly 30. FIG.

In the embodiment, the outlet 120OUT is the portion occupied by the post 110 because the aerosol passes through the post 110. FIG. Inlet 120IN is the portion not occupied by columnar member 110 . The opening 30X is larger than the inlet 120IN and the outlet 120OUT so that the columnar member 110 can be easily inserted. The collar member 31 may function as an insertion guide for the columnar member 110 .

In the embodiment, the inlet 120IN is provided side by side with the outlet 120OUT in a cross direction Y crossing the predetermined direction X. Although not particularly limited, the cross direction Y may be considered as a direction having an angle of -45° to 45° with respect to the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction X.

The container 40 has a shape extending along the predetermined direction X. As shown in FIG. The container 40 is a member that accommodates the columnar member 110 inserted through the collar member 31 . The container 40 is made of a thermally conductive member (for example, a metal such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless)). The container 40 has a portion (hereinafter referred to as an atomization chamber) occupied by the post 110 when the post 110 is inserted.

The container 40 has a first end 40A provided on the side where air flows from the intake channel (the first channel 81 to the fourth channel 84 in FIG. 5) to the atomization chamber (the fifth channel 85 in FIG. 5). , and a second end 40B on the side from which air exits the atomization chamber.

The container 40 has a bottom plate portion 41 and a tubular portion 42 . The bottom plate portion 41 closes the first end 40A. That is, the container 40 has a cup shape composed of a bottom plate portion 41 and a tubular portion 42 . The container 40 may be integrally formed by a technique such as drawing of a metal plate.

The bottom plate portion 41 has a base portion 41A and a spacing portion 41B at the first end 40A. Specifically, the pedestal portion 41A is in contact with the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and supports the columnar member 110 while the columnar member 110 is inserted. The spacing portion 41B has a shape projecting in a direction away from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 . Since the portion occupied by the columnar member 110 is the atomization chamber, the pedestal portion 41A may be considered to form part of the atomization chamber. Spaced portion 41B may be considered to form part of an intake channel (fourth channel 84 in FIG. 5).

Under this premise, the heater assembly 30 has a first channel 81, a second channel 82, a third channel 83, a fourth channel 84, a fifth channel 85, and a sixth channel 86. .

The first channel 81 is a channel that extends along the predetermined direction X and communicates with the inlet 120IN. The second channel is a channel extending from the first channel 81 along the cross direction Y intersecting the predetermined direction X when the heater assembly 30 is viewed in cross section along the predetermined direction X. As shown in FIG. The third channel 83 is a channel extending along the predetermined direction X from the second channel 82 . A fourth channel 84 is a channel communicating from the third channel 83 to the fifth channel 85 . The fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 are channels extending along the predetermined direction X and communicating with the outlet 120OUT.

In the embodiment, the first channel 81 to the fourth channel constitute an intake channel that supplies air from the inlet 120IN to the atomization chamber (fifth channel 85 in FIG. 5). The fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 constitute channels of aerosol (hereinafter referred to as aerosol channels) generated by heating the aerosol source (here, the columnar member 110) with the heater 50. FIG. A fifth channel 85 constitutes an atomization chamber which constitutes at least part of the aerosol channel.

As described above, in the embodiment, since the aerosol flows through the columnar member 110, it may be considered that the aerosol channel is the columnar member 110 itself. The atomization chamber is the portion of the aerosol channel to which heating by the heater 50 contributes. The atomization chamber is thus the portion of the cavity that container 40 has that is occupied by post 110 .

The third channel 83 adjoins in the cross-direction Y the atomization chamber (fifth channel in FIG. 5). A third channel 83 is provided adjacent the atomization chamber in the predetermined direction X in the range between the first end 40A and the second end 40B. In other words, the third channel 83 may be provided over the entire range of the container 40 in the predetermined direction X. As mentioned above, the atomization chamber may be considered to be the post 110 , so the third channel 83 is the portion of the cavity that the container 40 has that is not occupied by the post 110 .

Next, gas flow from the inlet 120IN to the outlet 120OUT will be described. First, air flowing into the first channel 81 from the inlet 120IN passes through the first channel 81 as an air flow F1 along the predetermined direction X. As shown in FIG. Second, air entering the second channel 82 from the first channel 81 passes through the second channel 82 as an air flow F2 along the cross-direction Y. As shown in FIG. Third, the air flowing from the second channel 82 to the third channel 83 passes through the third channel 83 as an air flow F3 along the predetermined direction X. As shown in FIG. Fourth, air directed from third channel 83 to fifth channel 85 passes through fourth channel 84 as airflow F4. Fifth, the air flowing into the fifth channel 85 is mixed with the aerosol generated from the columnar member 110 and passes through the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 as the aerosol flow F5.

Here, the direction of the aerosol flow F5 in the fifth channel 85 and the sixth channel 86 is opposite to the direction of the air flow F3 in the third channel. That is, when air is drawn from inlet 120IN, the atomization chamber (fifth channel 85) directs the aerosol emerging from post 110 in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow in the third channel.

(Collar member)
A collar member according to the embodiment will be described below. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the collar member 31 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, collar member 31 has a cavity 31X that includes first channel 81, second channel 82 and sixth channel 86 as described above. Cavity 31X communicates with opening 30X (ie, inlet 120IN and outlet 120OUT). Cavity 31X communicates with third channel 83 and fifth channel 85 (cavity 40X described later). The collar member 31 has a projecting portion 32 , a notch portion 33 and a wall 34 .

The protruding portion 32 is a portion that protrudes further inside the cavity 31X than the wall body 34 . The projecting portion 32 is provided so as to contact the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 while the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 31X. Here, as the projecting portion 32, a case in which a projecting portion 32A and a projecting portion 32B are provided is illustrated. The projecting portion 32A continues along the outer periphery of the cavity 31X.

The notch portion 33 is provided between the projecting portion 32A and the projecting portion 32B. The cutout portion 33 constitutes a first channel 81 through which air enters from the inlet 120IN.

The wall 34 has a tubular shape and constitutes at least part of the cavity 31X. The wall body 34 is located closer to the container 40 than the projecting portion 32 and the notch portion 33 are. The wall 34 is provided apart from the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 . In other words, a gap is provided between the inner side surface of the wall 34 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 . The inner side surface of the wall 34 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 form a second channel 82 through which the air entering from the cutout portion 33 passes.

(container)
Below, the container which concerns on embodiment is demonstrated. 8 to 10 are diagrams showing the container 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a BB section shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the container 40 has a cavity 40X containing the third channel 83, fourth channel 84 and fifth channel 85 described above. Cavity 40X communicates with cavity 31X of collar member 31 . The container 40 has a bottom plate portion 41 and a tubular portion 42 .

The bottom plate portion 41 has a base portion 41A and a spacing portion 41B at the first end 40A. The base portion 41A contacts the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 while the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. That is, the pedestal portion 41A supports the columnar member 110. As shown in FIG. The separating portion 41B is separated from the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 while the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. Note that the first end 40A is not limited to the illustrated structure, and may have any structure as long as it can at least partially support the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 or its vicinity.

The tubular portion 42 defines a cavity 40X and has a holding portion 42A and a spacing portion 42B. The holding portion 42A contacts the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 while the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. As described above, since the atomization chamber is the chamber occupied by the post 110, the retaining portion 42A may be considered a member that defines the atomization chamber. The spacing portion 42B is spaced apart from the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 while the columnar member 110 is inserted into the cavity 40X. That is, a gap is provided between the inner side surface of the spaced portion 42B and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 . Note that the heater 50 described above can be provided at least at a location corresponding to the holding portion 42A on the outer side surface (peripheral surface) of the tubular portion 42 . The heater 50 can extend in the predetermined direction X over at least part of the entire length of the cylindrical portion 42 .

Here, the inner side surface of the spaced portion 42B of the cylindrical portion 42 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 form a third channel 83 through which the air flowing from the second channel 82 passes. A spaced portion 41B of the bottom plate portion 41 constitutes a fourth channel 84 through which air is directed from the third channel 83 to the fifth channel 85 . A portion of the bottom surface of the columnar member 110 and a portion of the spaced portion 42B of the cylindrical portion 42 may also be considered to constitute the fourth channel 84 . The pedestal portion 41A of the bottom plate portion 41 and the retaining portion 42A of the tubular portion 42 form a fifth channel 85 (ie, atomization chamber).

In embodiments, cavity 40X includes third channel 83 and fifth channel 85 . A third channel 83 and a fifth channel 85 are defined by inserting the columnar member 110 into the cavity 40X. As described above, the third channel 83 is the portion of the cavity 40X not occupied by the columnar member 110, and the fifth channel 85 is the portion of the cavity 40X occupied by the columnar member 110. FIG.

(Second channel)
The second channel according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second channel 82 according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a CC cross section shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second channel 82 is a channel that connects the first channel 81 and the third channel 83 . As described above, the second channel 82 extends along the cross direction Y intersecting the predetermined direction X when the heater assembly 30 is viewed in cross section along the predetermined direction X (see FIG. 5, for example). is a channel extending from

Here, the second channel 82 is formed between the inner side surface of the wall 34 of the collar member 31 and the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 . Second end 40B of container 40 may be considered to define at least a portion of second channel 82 .

In such cases, the second channel 82 has a shape that extends along the circumference of the aerosol channel (ie, the post 110 or the sixth channel 86). Specifically, the second channels 82 include a channel 821 extending along the inner circumference of the aerosol channel in a _first direction and a channel 82 extending along the inner circumference of the aerosol channel in a second direction opposite the first direction. ₂ and

(Leakage of aerosol)
The aerosol leakage according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining leakage of aerosol according to the embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. FIG.

Here, when aerosol leakage occurs, the first channel 81, the second channel 82 and the third channel 83 do not function as intake channels, but function as aerosol channels. For example, as a case where the aerosol leaks, there is a case where the user performs a blowing motion without performing a suction motion.

The aerosol emerging from the atomization chamber passes through the third channel 83 as an aerosol stream R3 along the predetermined direction X, as shown in FIG. Subsequently, the aerosol flowing into the second channel 82 from the third channel 83 passes through the second channel 82 as an aerosol flow R2 along the cross direction Y. The aerosol flowing from the second channel 82 into the first channel 81 passes through the first channel 81 as an aerosol flow R1 along the predetermined direction X. As shown in FIG. Thus, aerosol escapes from inlet 120IN.

That is, the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel repeats bending from the aerosol flow R3 to the aerosol flow R2 and from the aerosol flow R2 to the aerosol flow R1. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel can be lowered by the pressure loss.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the aerosol flow R3 collides with the protruding portion 32 of the collar member 31 to generate turbulent flow. Such turbulent flow promotes heat exchange with the wall surface of the collar member 31, so that the temperature of the aerosol can be expected to decrease. Similarly, it is conceivable that the aerosol flow R2 collides with the wall 34 of the collar member 31 to cause turbulence. Such turbulence may also contribute to temperature reduction of the aerosol.

(Action and effect)
In an embodiment, the intake channel has a crank shape including a first channel 81 , a second channel 82 and a third channel 83 . According to such a configuration, even if a backflow of aerosol from the atomization chamber toward the inlet 120IN is assumed, the bending from the third channel 83 to the second channel 82 and the flow from the second channel 82 Since the bend into the first channel 81 increases the resistance of the intake channel, the temperature of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel can be reduced by pressure loss.

[Modification 1]
Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below. In the following, mainly the differences with respect to the embodiments will be described. In Modification 1, the heater assembly 30 has a tubular member provided along the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 at a position adjacent to the second channel 82 .

(cylindrical member)
The tubular member according to Modification 1 will be described below. 13 to 15 are diagrams for explaining the tubular member 90 according to Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30. As shown in FIG. 14 and 15 are perspective views showing the container 40. FIG. 14 and 15, in addition to the container 40, the tubular member 90 described above is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the heater assembly 30 has a tubular member 90. As shown in FIGS. The tubular member 90 may be made of a thermally conductive member (for example, metal such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless)). The tubular member 90 may be made of the same member as the container 40 . A tubular member 90 is provided adjacent to the second channel 82 . The tubular member 90 is provided along the outer side surface of the columnar member 110 . In other words, the inner side surface of tubular member 90 defines the fifth channel 85 described above.

Here, container 40 has a tapered portion 43 that widens outwardly toward second end 40B. The tapered portion 43 is provided so as to be continuous in the predetermined direction X with the holding portion 42A other than the spaced portion 42B. Tapered portion 43 retains tubular member 90 such that the inner side surface of tubular member 90 is aligned with the inner side surface of retaining portion 42A. That is, the tubular member 90 contacts the container 40 at the tapered portion 43 .

On the other hand, the tubular member 90 is spaced apart from the spaced portion 42B because it is necessary to communicate the second channel 82 and the third channel 83 with each other. A gap is provided between the cylindrical member 90 and the spacing portion 42B.

In Modification 1, the tubular member 90 may include a portion that overlaps the container 40 in the cross direction Y. As shown in FIG. For example, the tubular member 90 may include a portion that overlaps with a portion of the tapered portion 43, and may include a portion that overlaps with the spacing portion 42B.

(Second channel)
The second channel according to Modification 1 will be described below. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second channel 82 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a DD cross section shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, the second channel 82 is a channel that connects the first channel 81 and the third channel 83 . As described above, when the heater assembly 30 is viewed in cross section along the predetermined direction X (see, for example, FIG. 13), the second channel 82 extends along the cross direction Y intersecting the predetermined direction X. is a channel extending from

Here, at least part of the second channel 82 is formed by the outer side surface of the tubular member 90 . For example, second channel 82 is formed between the inner side of wall 34 of collar member 31 and the outer side of tubular member 90 . A second channel 82 may be formed between the inner side of the retaining portion 42 A of the container 40 and the outer side of the tubular member 90 .

In such cases, the second channel 82 has a shape that extends along the circumference of the aerosol channel (ie, tubular member 90). Specifically, the second channels 82 include a channel 821 extending along the inner circumference of the aerosol channel in a _first direction and a channel 82 extending along the inner circumference of the aerosol channel in a second direction opposite the first direction. ₂ and

(Leakage of aerosol)
The aerosol leakage according to Modification 1 will be described below. 17A and 17B are diagrams for explaining aerosol leakage according to Modification 1. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. FIG.

Basically, the mechanism for aerosol leakage is the same as in FIG. 12 described above. However, it should be noted that the aerosol flowing back through the second channel 82 (aerosol flow R2) passes through the outside of the tubular member 90 .

(Action and effect)
In Modification 1, at least part of the second channel 82 is configured by the tubular member 90 . With such a configuration, at least a portion of the second channel 82 is isolated from the columnar member 110, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel. For example, an improvement in cooling efficiency can be expected by forming the tubular member 90 from a thermally conductive member.

[Other embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by the above-described embodiments, the statements and drawings forming part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, implementations and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

In embodiments such as those described above, the _second channels 82 are channels extending in _two directions, including channels 82-1 and 82-2 (see FIGS. 11 and 16). However, the embodiments and the like are not limited to this. The second channel 82 may have a channel extending in one direction (eg, either _one of channel 82-1 and channel _82-2 ).

Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiments, the second channel 82 may have a shape extending spirally along the outer circumference of the aerosol channel (columnar member 110 or tubular member 90). With such a configuration, the channel length of the second channel 82 is increased, so the cooling efficiency of the aerosol flowing back through the intake channel is improved.

In the embodiments described above and the like, the second channel 82 has a shape that extends along the outer circumference of the aerosol channel (columnar member 110 or tubular member 90). However, embodiments are not so limited. The second channel 82 may have a shape that extends along the inner circumference of the aerosol channel. For example, the second channel 82 may be arranged inside the sixth channel 86 described above, and the second channel 82 may be partitioned from the sixth channel 86 by a partition wall or the like.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiments, the heater 50 may be provided only in the holding portion 42A of the container 40 without being provided in the spaced portion 42B of the container 40 . According to such a configuration, the heater 50 is not arranged in the portion that does not contribute to the heating of the columnar member 110 (the portion adjacent to the third channel 83). be done.

In the embodiments and the like, the case in which the heater 50 is arranged on the outer side surface of the container 40 has been illustrated. However, embodiments are not so limited. The heater 50 may be arranged on the inner side surface of the container 40 . Alternatively, the heater 50 may have a shape that allows it to be inserted into the columnar member 110 .

In embodiments and the like, one cavity 40X included in container 40 includes third channel 83 and fifth channel 85 . However, embodiments are not so limited. The third channel 83 and the fifth channel 85 may be provided as separate cavities separated by partitions or the like. Similarly, one cavity 31X of collar member 31 includes first channel 81, second channel 82 and sixth channel 86. As shown in FIG. However, embodiments are not so limited. The first channel 81, the second channel 82 and the sixth channel 86 may be provided as separate cavities separated by partitions or the like.

In the embodiment and the like, the heater assembly 30 has one channel group as the channel group including the first channel 81, the second channel 82 and the third channel 83, although the second channel 82 may branch. However, embodiments are not so limited. For example, heater assembly 30 may have two or more channel groups. In such cases, two or more channel groups may have configurations that do not communicate with each other. Alternatively, two or more channel groups may share at least some channels. For example, the heater assembly 30 may have two or more first channels 81 and a second channel 82 communicating with both the two or more first channels 81 . In such cases, the heater assembly 30 may have one third channel 83 or two or more third channels 83 .

In the above-described embodiments and the like, the case where the aerosol source is an individual has been exemplified. However, the embodiments and the like are not limited to this. The aerosol source may be liquid. A liquid retaining member, eg, a wick, is positioned within the atomization chamber and a heater heats the aerosol source retained by the liquid retaining member. In such cases, a solid flavor source (eg, tobacco source) may be provided downstream of the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source.

Claims (17)

an atomization chamber extending along a predetermined direction as at least part of an aerosol channel through which the aerosol produced by heating the aerosol source passes;
an intake channel that supplies air from an inlet to the atomization chamber;
The intake channel is
a first channel extending along the predetermined direction and communicating with the inlet;
a second channel extending from the first channel along a cross direction crossing the predetermined direction;
a third channel extending along the predetermined direction from the second channel;
The flavor inhaler, wherein the second channel has a shape that extends along the inner or outer perimeter of the aerosol channel. 2. The flavor inhaler of claim 1, wherein said third channel adjoins said atomization chamber in said cross direction. The second channel comprises a channel extending in a first direction along the inner or outer perimeter of the aerosol channel and a channel extending in a second direction opposite the first direction along the inner or outer perimeter of the aerosol channel. 3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a first end provided on the side from which air flows into the atomization chamber from the intake channel;
a second end provided on the side from which the aerosol flows out of the atomization chamber;
4. A flavor inhaler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third channel is provided adjacent the atomization chamber in an area between the first end and the second end. vessel. The aerosol source is a columnar article having a columnar shape,
5. The atomization chamber accommodates the columnar article and supports the columnar article at a first end provided on a side where air flows into the atomization chamber from the intake channel. The flavor inhaler according to any one of . 6. The apparatus of claims 1-5, wherein when air is drawn from the inlet, the atomization chamber directs aerosol emanating from the aerosol source in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow in the third channel. A flavor inhaler according to any one of the preceding items. Claim 6 according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein at least part of said second channel is constituted by the outer side surface of said columnar article in a state in which said columnar article is inserted into said atomization chamber. flavor aspirator. 8. A flavor inhaler according to any preceding claim, comprising a collar member having a cavity forming at least part of the aerosol channel. 6. The collar member has an opening for receiving the post-shaped article, the opening including the inlet and an outlet through which the aerosol is directed, the opening being larger than the inlet and the outlet. 9. A flavor inhaler according to claim 8 dependent on claim 8 or claim 7 dependent on claim 8. The collar member has a protrusion and a notch,
10. A flavor inhaler according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said first channel is defined by said cutout. 11. A flavor inhaler as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least part of the second channel is defined by the collar member. 12. A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the cavity of the collar member comprises at least part of the aerosol channel and the first channel. 13. A flavor inhaler according to any preceding claim, comprising a tubular member forming at least part of the aerosol channel. a container having a cavity containing the atomization chamber and the third channel;
14. A flavor inhaler according to any preceding claim, comprising a heater located on the outer side of the container. The heater has a heating element,
15. The flavor inhaler of Claim 14, wherein the heating element is sandwiched between two substrates. a container having a cavity containing the atomization chamber and the third channel;
The container has a bottom plate portion and a cylindrical portion,
16. The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a sensor provided on said bottom plate for detecting a puffing action. A smoking system comprising the flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a columnar member constituting the aerosol source.

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