WO2024100754A1

WO2024100754A1 - Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

Info

Publication number: WO2024100754A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/041491
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宇程野; 亮治藤田
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-11-08
Filing date: 2022-11-08
Publication date: 2024-05-16

Abstract

This flavor inhaler comprises a housing and an accommodation section that accommodates a flavor-producing article. The accommodation section comprises: a tubular member that comprises a first end, into which the flavor-producing article is inserted, and a second end, on the side opposite the first end; and a support member that comprises a first support section, which supports the second end of the tubular member, and a second support section, which is disposed to the first support section on the side opposite the side where the tubular member is disposed and which supports the inserted flavor-producing article. The first support section comprises a first support surface that abuts the tubular member. The flavor inhaler comprises a channel that, when the flavor-producing article is accommodated in the accommodation section, provides, in a part of the flavor-producing article on the second support section side from the position of the first support surface in the direction of insertion of the flavor-producing article, a fluid connection from a surface flanking the direction of insertion of the flavor-producing article to outside the flavor inhaler, at least a part of the channel being demarcated by the support member.

Description

Flavor inhaler and flavor inhalation system

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

Conventionally, there is known a flavor inhaler that generates an aerosol or the like by heating a material containing a flavor source without burning the material. A flavor generating article having a material containing a flavor source is stored and heated in the storage section of such a flavor inhaler. An air flow path is formed in the flavor inhaler to supply air to the stored flavor generating article. Based on this, various storage section configurations have been proposed. In Patent Document 1, a bottom member that defines an air flow path is provided at the bottom of a chamber into which the flavor generating article is inserted. In Patent Document 2, a hollow tube that acts as a stopper for the smokable material is disposed at the end of the heating chamber. In Patent Document 3, air is drawn into the device by passing through an air channel around the outside of the cavity.

International Publication No. 2022/123760 International Publication No. 2016/207407 Patent No. 5963375

It is desirable to provide a flavor inhaler that makes it easy to secure an air flow path.

In view of the above, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system that can prevent the flavor-generating article from shifting in position using a cylindrical member, and that is less susceptible to adverse effects such as the position of the hole through which air is introduced in the flavor-generating article, making it easy to ensure an air flow path.

According to a first aspect, a flavor inhaler is provided. The flavor inhaler includes a housing and a storage section for storing a flavor generating article. The storage section includes a cylindrical member having a first end into which the flavor generating article is inserted and a second end opposite to the first end, a first support section for supporting the second end of the cylindrical member, and a support member arranged on the opposite side of the first support section from the side on which the cylindrical member is arranged and including a second support section for supporting the inserted flavor generating article. The first support section includes a first support surface that abuts against the cylindrical member. The flavor inhaler includes a flow path that is fluidly connected to the outside of the flavor inhaler from a surface of a part of the flavor generating article that is located on the second support section side of the position of the first support surface in the insertion direction of the flavor generating article when the flavor generating article is stored in the storage section, and is at least partially defined by the support member.

According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler that can prevent the flavor-generating product from shifting in position using a cylindrical member and can easily secure a flow path for air to be introduced into the flavor-generating product.

The second aspect is the first aspect, in which the flow path passes between the first support part and the second support part along the wall part of the support member, and connects the space inside the storage part to the outside of the flavor inhaler.

According to the second aspect, the air flow path can be more reliably secured by passing between the first support part and the second support part.

The third aspect is based on the first or second aspect, and is characterized in that the support member includes a first portion in which the first support portion is formed, and a second portion formed opposite the first portion in which the second support portion is formed.

According to the third aspect, a stable air flow path defined by the support member can be secured between the first support portion and the second support portion.

The fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the first portion has a through hole through which the flavor-generating product is inserted.

According to the fourth aspect, a stable flow path for air to be introduced into the flavor generating product can be secured inside the support member.

The fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, wherein the minimum diameter of the through hole has a length corresponding to the width of the end face of the flavor generating product.

According to the fifth aspect, the flavor-generating product contained in the container can be firmly supported.

The sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, wherein the through hole has a first hole portion having the minimum diameter, and a second hole portion having a diameter larger than the minimum diameter, the second hole portion being formed on the side where the tubular member is disposed relative to the first hole portion, and the tubular member is supported by a wall surface that defines the second hole portion in the first portion.

According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent aerosols and the like from leaking through the gap between the cylindrical member and the first part, thereby preventing a decrease in the efficiency of flavor inhalation.

The seventh aspect is any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the housing has an upper surface having a first insertion opening through which the flavor-generating article is inserted, and the upper surface has an opening through which the flow path is connected.

According to the seventh aspect, the air intake is formed in a position that is unlikely to be blocked by the user's hand, which prevents a decrease in the efficiency of flavor inhalation.

The eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, wherein the support member defines the flow path and includes a tube extending to the side where the cylindrical member is disposed.

According to the eighth aspect, the tube and the cylindrical member are arranged in parallel, making it possible to realize a compact flavor inhaler.

The ninth aspect is any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the housing has a top surface in which a first insertion opening is formed, through which the flavor-generating article is inserted, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and the bottom surface has an opening through which the flow path is connected.

According to the ninth aspect, the intake port is formed in a position that is unlikely to be blocked by the user's hand, which prevents a decrease in the efficiency of flavor inhalation.

The tenth aspect is the ninth aspect, in which the second part has a part of the flow path formed therein that passes through the inside of the second part and opens onto a surface of the second part opposite to the surface that supports the flavor-generating product.

According to the tenth aspect, when the air intake is provided on the bottom side of the support member, the air flow path until it is introduced into the storage section can be made shorter, reducing the possibility of blockages, etc.

The eleventh aspect is any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the housing has a first side formed laterally with respect to the insertion direction of the flavor generating article, and the first side has an opening through which the flow path is connected.

According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to shorten the air flow path before it is introduced into the storage section, and it is possible to easily clean the flow path and the support member, thereby forming an air flow path that is less likely to become clogged.

The twelfth aspect is the eleventh aspect, in which the flavor inhaler further includes a cover configured to be movable or rotatable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening.

According to the 12th aspect, the side of the housing and the support member are often close to each other, making it easy to clean the support member, etc., and while air is taken in through the intake port when inhaling flavor, foreign objects are prevented from entering the housing at other times, and adverse effects caused by foreign objects can be suppressed.

The thirteenth aspect is the twelfth aspect, in which the cover is configured to be movable or rotatable by pivoting or sliding.

According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to realize an air intake that can be opened and closed by taking advantage of the pivoting or sliding characteristics.

The fourteenth aspect is any one of the third to thirteenth aspects, in which the first portion is made of an elastic member.

According to the 14th aspect, the airtightness between the contained flavor-generating product and the first part can be improved, and leakage of air, etc. can be suppressed.

The fifteenth aspect is any one of the third to fourteenth aspects, in which the second support portion has a second support surface that contacts the flavor-generating article contained in the container, the second support portion is made of an elastic member, and the second support portion deforms based on a force applied to the second support portion so that the second support surface of the second support portion and the surface opposite thereto are in communication.

According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to introduce the cleaning member into the support member while maintaining the airtightness of the support member, making it easy to clean the inside of the support member.

The 16th aspect is the 15th aspect, in which the housing has a second insertion opening into which a cleaning member is inserted, and the second insertion opening is positioned so that the cleaning member can pass through the second insertion opening and the second support portion.

According to the 16th aspect, it is possible to more reliably and easily clean the inside of the support member.

According to the seventeenth aspect, a flavor inhalation system is provided. The flavor inhalation system is characterized by comprising a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects and a flavor generating article.

According to the seventeenth aspect, the cylindrical member can prevent the flavor-generating product from shifting from its original position, and a flavor inhalation system can be provided that can easily secure a flow path for air to be introduced into the flavor-generating product.

The 18th aspect is the 17th aspect, in which the flavor generating article is rod-shaped and has a second side extending in the longitudinal direction, and the second side has a hole for introducing air into the interior of the flavor generating article.

According to the 18th aspect, it is possible to suppress the dispersion or displacement of the contents from the insertion end of the flavor generating product more effectively than when air is introduced from the insertion end of the flavor generating product.

The 19th aspect is the 18th aspect, wherein the flavor-generating article includes an aerosol source and a segment containing the aerosol source, and the hole is connected to the segment.

According to the 19th aspect, the air flow path in the flavor-generating product can be shortened, allowing the flavor-generating product to be configured to be short and compact.

The 20th aspect is the 18th aspect, in which the flavor-generating article includes an inhalation end for a user to inhale the flavor, and an aerosol source, and the aerosol source is disposed on the longitudinal side of the flavor-generating article, closer to the inhalation end than the hole.

According to the 20th aspect, the introduced air flows almost straight through the aerosol source, so the generated aerosols, etc. can be transported more efficiently.

The 21st aspect is the 19th or 20th aspect, in which the flavor inhaler includes a heating section, and the aerosol source is disposed in a position facing the heating section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when the flavor-generating article is contained in the container section.

According to the 21st aspect, it is possible to improve the efficiency of heating the flavor-generating product.

The twenty-second aspect is any one of the eighteenth to twenty-first aspects, in which the flavor-generating article is provided with a plug on the side of the hole opposite the suction end.

According to the 22nd aspect, the plug increases the air flow resistance on the insertion end side of the hole, so that aerosols and the like can flow more efficiently on the suction end side of the hole.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing a flavor inhalation system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a flavor generating section according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an air flow path according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the support member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the support member according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 of FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a consumable product according to a first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a consumable product according to a first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a support member according to Modification Example 1-1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a support member according to Modification 1-2. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flavor inhaler according to modified example 1-2. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a consumable product according to Modification Example 1-3. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a flavor inhalation system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a support member according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a support member according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a flavor inhaler according to a modified example 2-1. FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a flavor inhaler according to a modified example 2-1. FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a flavor inhaler according to a modified example 2-1. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a flavor inhalation system according to a third embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In each of the drawings below, the dimensions of each part have been changed as appropriate for easy understanding.

First embodiment Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a flavor inhalation system 1000 of a first embodiment. The flavor inhalation system 1000 includes a flavor inhaler 100 and a consumable material 200. The flavor inhaler 100 includes a housing 110, a power supply unit 120, a control unit 130, a slide cover 140, and a flavor generating unit 150. The consumable material 200 includes a smokable substance that is a flavor source, and is formed with a hole 201 for introducing air during flavor inhalation. In Fig. 1, the flavor inhaler 100 is shown in a schematic vertical cross-sectional view. The flavor generating unit 150 includes a storage unit 10, a heating unit 40, and a guide member 90. The storage unit 10 includes a cylindrical member 50 and a support member 60. The support member 60 includes a communication tube 63 and a support member main body 600.

In FIG. 1, the space occupied by the consumable product 200 contained in the storage unit 10 is indicated by a dashed dotted line. Hereinafter, this space is referred to as the storage space SP1. The flavor inhalation system 1000 is configured to generate aerosols or the like having a flavor by heating the consumable product 200 contained in the storage unit 10 with the heating unit 40. In this way, the flavor inhaler 100 can be configured as an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the consumable product 200.

The housing 110 houses each part of the flavor inhaler 100, such as the control unit 130 and the flavor generating unit 150. The flavor inhaler 100 is preferably a portable device or a handheld device. From this perspective, the housing 110 preferably has a shape that is easy for a user to hold in his or her hand. In the illustrated example, the housing 110 has a rectangular cross section with rounded corners. However, the shape of the housing 110 is not particularly limited as long as it allows flavor inhalation, and can be, for example, stick-shaped. The housing 110 can be formed, for example, from a resin such as PEEK (polyether ether ketone) or a metal such as aluminum.

The housing 110 is formed with a first insertion opening 111 into which the consumable product 200 is inserted when inhaling flavor, and an air intake 112 for introducing air into the consumable product 200 when inhaling flavor. The first insertion opening 111 is connected to the inside of the cylindrical member 50 via a tubular guide member 90. If the first insertion opening 111 and the inside of the cylindrical member 50 can be connected to allow the consumable product 200 to be inserted, the flavor inhaler 100 does not need to be provided with a guide member 90. The air intake 112 is connected to the storage space SP1 by a first air flow path 70 (FIG. 3) described below.

In each of the following figures, unless otherwise specified, the Z axis is taken in the direction in which the consumable product 200 is inserted into the storage section 10 (insertion direction), the X axis is taken perpendicular to the Z axis so that the first air flow path 70 passes through the ZX plane, and the Y axis is taken perpendicular to the Z axis and the X axis (see coordinate system 8). Note that the first air flow path 70 does not have to be formed along a plane.

The power supply unit 120 includes a power source such as a battery. The power supply unit 120 stores the power used by the flavor inhaler 100. For example, the power supply unit 120 is a lithium ion battery. The power supply unit 120 is rechargeable by an external power source, and it is preferable that the flavor inhaler 100 includes a connection terminal that can be connected to an external terminal for charging. Note that the flavor inhaler 100 does not necessarily have to be rechargeable.

The control unit 130 includes a control device such as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The control unit 130 controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. The control unit 130 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. For example, the control unit 130 controls the flavor generating unit 150 to start heating the smokable material in response to a user operation on an input device such as a push button or a slide switch (not shown), and ends the heating of the smokable material after a certain period of time has elapsed. If the number of puffing actions by the user exceeds a certain value, the control unit 130 may end the heating of the smokable material even before a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of heating the smokable material. For example, the puffing action is detected by a sensor (not shown). The manner in which the control unit 130 controls the heating is not particularly limited. For example, the control unit 130 may detect the insertion of the consumable product 200 into the storage unit 10, and start heating based on the detection.

The slide cover 140 is configured to be movable or rotatable between a first position in which it covers the first insertion opening 111 and a second position in which it does not cover the first insertion opening 111. When the slide cover 140 is in the first position, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the storage section 10. When the slide cover 140 is in the second position, it is possible to inhale flavor and clean the flavor generating section 150.

The flavor generating unit 150 heats the consumable product 200 contained in the container 10, generating a flavored substance that can be inhaled. The flavor generating unit 150 is also configured to introduce air into the consumable product 200 when the user inhales.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic of the flavor generating unit 150. The storage unit 10 stores the consumable product 200 during flavor inhalation. In the storage unit 10, the storage space SP1 in which the consumable product 200 is placed is defined by a cylindrical member 50 and a support member 60. In this manner, the cylindrical member 50 and the support member 60 form a chamber that stores the consumable product 200. The storage unit 10 is formed around the central axis AX of the storage space SP1. In the following, unless otherwise specified, "radial direction" and "circumferential direction" refer to the radial direction and circumferential direction of a rotating coordinate system centered on the central axis AX.

The cylindrical member 50 has a first end 51 through which the consumer product 200 is inserted and a second end 52 opposite to the first end 51. The cylindrical member 50 extends in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumer product 200, and is configured so that the consumer product 200 passes through the inside of the cylindrical member 50 through the first end 51 and the second end 52. The cylindrical member 50 is configured to support at least a part of the side of the consumer product 200 contained in the storage section 10. Alternatively, the cylindrical member 50 may be configured not to contact the consumer product 200 contained in the storage section 10, but to be disposed in the vicinity of the consumer product 200 to suppress misalignment of the consumer product 200. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cylindrical member 50 is not particularly limited as long as the consumer product 200 can pass through it. However, it is preferable that the minimum inner diameter of the cross section is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the consumer product 200 from the viewpoint of firmly supporting the consumer product 200. In the illustrated example, the first end 51 of the cylindrical member 50 is in contact with a tubular guide member 90 that guides the insertion of the consumable product 200, but is not limited to this.

The cylindrical member 50 is preferably made of a material that is heat resistant and has a small coefficient of thermal expansion. From this perspective, the cylindrical member 50 is preferably made of stainless steel. In addition to metal, the cylindrical member 50 may be made of a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, etc.

The support member 60 supports the tubular member 50 and the consumer product 200 housed in the housing 10. The support member 60 has a first support portion 615 that supports the second end 52 of the tubular member 50. The tubular member 50 is abutted and supported by a first support surface 610, which is the surface of the first support portion 615 on the side on which the tubular member 50 is arranged. In the following, the side on which the tubular member 50 is arranged is referred to as the first side 11, and the opposite side of the first side 11 is referred to as the second side 12, based on the position of the first support surface 610 in the insertion direction of the consumer product 200. The support member 60 has a second support portion 625 that is arranged on the second side 12 and supports the inserted consumer product 200, and the consumer product 200 is abutted and supported by a second support surface 620, which is the surface of the second support portion 625 on the side on which the tubular member 50 is arranged.

The support member 60 comprises a first portion 61 and a second portion 62 formed to face the first portion 61. The first portion 61 and the second portion 62 extend in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable product 200. In the illustrated example, the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 are configured to extend in a direction approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction. The first portion 61 and the second portion 62 are preferably plate-shaped. The first support portion 615 is a portion of the first portion 61 that is located from the first support surface 610 in the insertion direction of the consumable product 200. The second support portion 625 is a portion of the second portion 62 that is located from the second support surface 620 in the insertion direction of the consumable product 200.

The first portion 61 has a first support surface 610 formed on the surface of the first side 11. The first portion 61 has a through hole 69 formed radially inward from the first support surface 610. The second portion 62 has a second support surface 620 formed on the second side 12 from the first support surface 610. The second support surface 620 is formed in a position facing the through hole 69 in the insertion direction. In this way, the storage section 10 is configured so that the consumer product 200 that has passed through the inside of the tubular member 50 passes through the through hole 69, passes through the inside of the support member 60 and abuts against the second support surface 620.

The surface of the housing 110 on which the first insertion opening 111 through which the consumable product is inserted is formed is referred to as the upper surface 113. In this embodiment, the support member 60 is provided with a communication pipe 63. The communication pipe 63 extends from the support member 60 to the first side 11 toward the upper surface 113. Inside the support member 60, a side space 71 is formed radially outside the storage space SP1. A communication flow path 72 inside the communication pipe 63 connects the side space 71 to the intake port 112. The side space 71 and the communication flow path 72 form a first air flow path 70. The first air flow path 70 connects the outside of the flavor inhaler 100 to the storage space SP1. The first air flow path 70 is configured to pass between the first support portion 615 and the second support portion 625 along the wall portion 6 of the support member 60. A first air flow path 70 is formed along the wall portion 6 of the support member 60 between the path connecting the first support portion 615 and the second support portion 625.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of the air flow path in the flavor inhaler 100. Figure 3 shows the flavor generating unit 150 with the consumable product 200 housed inside. When a user uses the flavor inhaler 100 to inhale flavor, air is introduced into the air intake 112 from outside the flavor inhaler 100. The air introduced into the air intake 112 passes through the communicating flow path 72 of the first air flow path 70 and the side space 71 in that order, and is introduced into the hole 201 of the consumable product 200 (arrow A10). The hole 201 is formed in the outer surface 202 of the consumable product 200 on the side of the insertion direction.

In this way, the first air flow path 70 passes between the position of the first support surface 610 and the position of the second support surface 620 in the insertion direction of the consumable product 200, and communicates the space inside the storage unit 10, particularly the storage space SP1, with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100, and is configured so that at least a part of the first air flow path 70 is defined by the support member 60. When the consumable product 200 is stored in the storage unit 10, the first air flow path 70 fluidly connects from the outer surface 202 of a part of the consumable product 200 (schematically shown by a dashed line) that is closer to the second support surface 620 than the position of the first support surface 610 in the insertion direction of the consumable product 200 to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. As a result, the support member 60 supports the cylindrical member 50, making it possible to suppress the positional deviation of the consumable product 200 due to the cylindrical member 50, and it is possible to provide a flavor inhaler 100 that is less adversely affected or restricted by the position of the hole 201 of the consumable product 200 and is easy to ensure an air flow path.

The consumable product 200 has an insertion end 208 that is inserted into the storage section 10, and a suction end 209 on the opposite side to the insertion end 208. The air introduced into the hole 201 passes through a second air flow path 700 formed inside the consumable product 200, and is released from the suction end 209 to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100 together with aerosols and the like having flavor generated inside the consumable product 200 (arrow A20).

FIG. 4 is a side view that shows a schematic of the support member 60. FIG. 5 is a plan view that shows a schematic of the support member 60. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 of FIG. 4 that shows a schematic of the second support surface 620. In this embodiment, the support member 60 includes a support member main body 600 and a communicating tube 63. The support member main body 600 includes the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 described above.

5 and 6, the surfaces of the first part 61 and the second part 62 on which the cylindrical member 50 is disposed are the first surface 611 and the second surface 621, respectively. The portion of the first surface 611 that is formed to surround the through hole 69 and against which the cylindrical member 50 abuts is the first support surface 610. In the illustrated example, the first support surface 610 is formed in an annular shape, but the shape of the first support surface 610 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the cylindrical member 50. From the viewpoint of firmly supporting the contained consumer product 200, it is preferable that the minimum diameter D of the through hole 69 is a length corresponding to the width W1 (FIG. 8) of the end surface of the consumer product. Here, the length corresponding to the width W1 is the same as the width W1 or a length slightly different from the width W1 based on manufacturing variations or the elasticity of the first part. In the second part 60, the portion of the second surface 621 against which the consumer product 200 abuts constitutes the second support surface 620.

In the illustrated example, the communication tube 63 extends from the first surface 611 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first surface 611. The shape of the communication tube 63 is not particularly limited as long as it can communicate between the inside of the support member 60 and the air intake port 112. It is also possible to not provide the communication tube 63 and have the air introduced from the air intake port 112 pass through gaps between the members inside the housing 110 and be introduced into the inside of the support member 60 from a hole formed in the support member main body 600.

There are no particular limitations on the composition of the support member 60, so long as it can withstand the heat of the heating unit 40 and can be processed. From the viewpoints of heat resistance and processability, the support member 60 is preferably made of a resin such as PEEK. The support member 60 can be formed by molding, cutting, or the like. It is preferable that the support member 60, and in particular the first portion 61, be made of an elastic material, from the viewpoints of improving the airtightness between the contained consumable product 200 and the first portion 61 and suppressing leakage of air, etc. The elastic material preferably contains at least one of silicone, polyester elastomer, and polyurethane elastomer.

In this embodiment, the upper surface 113 of the housing 110 is formed with an intake port 112, which is an opening to which the first air flow path 70 is connected. This allows the intake port to be formed in a position that is unlikely to be blocked by the user's hand, and reduces the decrease in efficiency of flavor inhalation. In addition, the communication pipe 63 that defines the first air flow path 70 extends from the support member 60 to the side where the cylindrical member 50 is located, so that the communication pipe 63 and the cylindrical member 50 are arranged in parallel, and a compact flavor inhaler 100 can be realized. Note that, as long as air can be introduced into the inside of the support member 60, the position of the intake port 112 and the shape of the air flow path to the support member 60 are not particularly limited.

In this embodiment, the support member 60 comprises a first portion 61 on which a first support surface 610 is formed, and a second portion 62 formed opposite the first portion 61 on which a second support surface 620 is formed. This allows an air flow path to be stably secured between the first support surface 610 and the second support surface 620 in the support member 60. The first portion 61 also comprises a through hole 69 into which the consumable product 200 is inserted. This allows an air flow path to be stably secured inside the support member 60, leading to the inserted consumable product 200.

The heating unit 40 (FIG. 1) is configured to heat the smokable material of the consumable product 200. The heating unit 40 is supplied with power from the power supply unit 120, and performs heating under the control of the control unit 130. The heating unit 40 may include a heating element such as a resistive heater. A heating track is preferred as the resistive heater. In the case where a susceptor such as a metal piece is disposed in the consumable product 200, the heating unit 40 may include an induction coil for inductively heating the susceptor.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view that shows the consumable product 200. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view that shows the consumable product 200. FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal cross section along the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 200. The consumable product 200 is a flavor-generating product that generates a flavor when heated. The consumable product 200 includes a plurality of segments that are aligned in the longitudinal direction. These segments include a plug 210, a flavor segment 220, a support segment 230, a cooling segment 240, and a filter 250, and are arranged in this order from the insertion end 208 toward the suction end 209. The consumable product 200 is packaged in a wrapper 290 that includes paper or the like.

The shape of the consumable product 200 is not particularly limited as long as the insertion end 208 can be placed in the storage section 10 and the flavor can be inhaled from the suction end 209. The consumable product 200 is preferably rod-shaped from the viewpoints of ease of handling and cooling the aerosol, etc. by increasing the distance between the heated part and the suction end. The consumable product 200 has an outer surface 202 (second side surface) extending in the longitudinal direction, and a hole 201 is formed in the outer surface 202 for introducing air into the inside of the consumable product 200. This makes it possible to suppress the dissipation or displacement of the contents from the insertion end 208 compared to the case where air is introduced from the insertion end 208. A second air flow path 700 is formed from the hole 201 to the suction end 209.

The plug 210 is a member for preventing smokable substances, such as tobacco leaves, arranged in the flavor segment 220 from spilling out of the consumable product 200. The plug 210 is formed on the insertion end 208 side of the hole 201 through which air is introduced. The plug 210 increases the air flow resistance on the insertion end 208 side relative to the hole 201, so that aerosols, etc. can flow more efficiently on the suction end 209 side relative to the hole 201.

The flavor segment 220 contains a smokable substance. When the consumable product 200 is stored in the storage section 10, the smokable substance is positioned opposite the heating section 40 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 200. This can improve heating efficiency.

The type of smokable substance is not particularly limited as long as it can generate flavor when heated. It is preferable that the smokable substance generates flavor without burning. The smokable substance may be a solid or liquid. The smokable substance may be configured as an aerosol source that is heated at a predetermined temperature to generate vapor, and the vapor is cooled to become an aerosol. The smokable substance may include tobacco such as lamina or rib, or other known plants. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and/or their components may be selected depending on the application. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

The consumable product 200 of this embodiment includes an aerosol source and a flavor segment 220 that includes the aerosol source, and the hole 201 through which air is introduced from the first air flow path 70 is connected to the flavor segment 220. This allows the second air flow path 700 to be short, and the consumable product 200 to be configured to be short and compact.

The support segment 230 comprises a hollow member or the like through which the aerosol or vapor generated in the flavor segment 220 can pass. The support segment 230 functions as a stopper that prevents the smokable substance or the like in the flavor segment 220 from moving toward the inhalation end 209.

The cooling segment 240 has a flow path through which the aerosol or vapor introduced from the support segment 230 passes. This flow path cools the aerosol or vapor so that it is not too hot for the user at the suction end 209. The form of the cooling segment 240 is not particularly limited as long as it can form such a flow path, and it can be composed of a hollow member or the like that has a length sufficient for cooling.

The filter 250 selectively passes a portion of the fluid introduced from the cooling segment 240, including aerosols and the like having flavor. The aerosols and the like that pass through the filter 250 are released to the outside of the consumable product 200 from the suction end 209. Note that the configuration of the consumable product 200 is not particularly limited as long as flavor inhalation is possible in the flavor generating section 150. For example, the plug 210 does not need to be provided, and the support segment 230 and the cooling segment 240 may be combined into a single segment.

The flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment includes a support member 60 having a first support portion 615 that supports the second end 52 of the cylindrical member 50, and a second support portion 625 that is arranged on the opposite side of the first support portion 615 to the side where the cylindrical member 50 is arranged and supports the inserted consumable product 200, and a first air flow path 70 that passes between the first support portion 615 and the second support portion 625 along the wall portion 6 of the support member 60, communicates the space inside the storage portion 10 with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100, and is at least partially defined by the support member 60. This makes it possible to provide a flavor inhaler 100 that can suppress positional deviation of the consumable product 200 by the cylindrical member 50 and is less adversely affected by the position of the hole 201 through which air is introduced in the consumable product 200 and can easily ensure an air flow path.

(Variation 1-1)
In the above-described embodiment, a notch may be formed in the inner wall that defines the through-hole 69 of the support member 60 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic of the support member 60A according to this modified example. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a section including the central axis AX. The support member 60A has a configuration substantially similar to the support member 60 described above, but differs in that it has a first portion 61A instead of the first portion 61. The first portion 61A has a through hole 69A through which the consumable product 200 passes. The through hole 69A has a first hole portion 691 and a second hole portion 692. The first hole portion 691 is formed closer to the second portion 62 side than the second hole portion 692. It is preferable that the first hole portion 691 and the second hole portion 692 are formed axially symmetrically with respect to the central axis AX.

The minimum diameter D1 of the first hole 691 corresponds to the minimum diameter D of the through hole 69A and is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the second hole 692. Therefore, the bottom surface 612 defining the second hole 692 becomes the first support surface 610 that supports the tubular member 50. A notch is formed in the inner wall defining the through hole 69A, and the tubular member 50 is placed in this notch. In this way, by forming the first support surface 610 on the wall surface defining the second hole 692 in the first part 61A, it is possible to suppress leakage of aerosols and the like through the gap between the tubular member 50 of the first part 61 and the first part 61A, compared to the case where there is no notch.

(Variation 1-2)
In the above-described embodiment, the second portion 62 of the support member 60 may be made of an elastic member, and the second support surface 620 and the surface opposite to the second support surface 620 may be configured to be able to communicate with each other.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a support member 60B according to this modified example. FIG. 10 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. 4. The support member 60B has a configuration similar to that of the support member 60 described above, but differs from the support member 60 in that it has a second portion 62A instead of the second portion 62.

The wall 622 constituting the second portion 62A has a notch 623 formed therein that passes through the second support surface 620. This notch 623 improves the flexibility of the second portion 62A. In the second portion 62A, the wall 622 (second support portion 625) on which the second support surface 620 is formed is deformed based on the force applied to the wall 622 so that the second support surface 620 of the wall 622 and its opposite surface (back surface) are connected to each other. For example, if the force with which the consumer product 200 presses the wall 622 is less than a predetermined strength, the second support surface 620 and its back surface are not connected to each other. If the force is greater than or equal to the predetermined strength, the wall 622 constituting the second support surface 620 can be configured to bend inward or outward from the support member 60, and a gap is formed between the bent wall 622, and the second support surface 620 and its back surface are connected to each other.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic of a flavor inhaler 101 according to this modified example. The flavor inhaler 101 has a similar configuration to the flavor inhaler 100 of the above-described embodiment, but differs from the flavor inhaler 100 in that it includes a support member 60B instead of the support member 60 and a housing 1101 instead of the housing 110.

The housing 1101 has a second insertion opening 117 formed on the bottom surface 116. The bottom surface 116 is the surface opposite to the top surface 113 in which the first insertion opening 111 through which the consumer product 200 is inserted is formed. The second insertion opening 117 is configured to be openable and closable by a lid 118. The second insertion opening 117 is configured to allow the cleaning member 300 to be inserted when the second insertion opening 117 is in an open state. The illustrated example shows a state in which the cleaning member 300 is inserted from the second insertion opening 117. The cleaning member 300 is not particularly limited in its form as long as it is capable of cleaning the inside of the support member 60B, etc., but is preferably a rod-shaped member. When the second insertion opening 117 is in a closed state, foreign matter is prevented from entering the inside of the housing 1101. If the second insertion opening 117 can be opened and closed, any covering member such as a slide cover may be installed instead of the lid 118. Furthermore, as long as the cleaning member 300 can pass through the second insertion opening 117 and the second support surface 620, the second insertion opening 117 may be installed on any side surface other than the bottom surface 116.

In the flavor inhaler 101 of this modified example, the second support portion 625 is made of an elastic member, and deforms based on the force applied to the second support portion 625 so that the second support surface 620 and the surface on the opposite side are connected. This allows the cleaning member 300 to be introduced into the support member 60B while maintaining the airtightness of the support member 60B, making it easy to clean the inside of the support member 60B.

In this modified flavor inhaler 101, the housing 1101 has a second insertion opening 117, which is positioned so that the cleaning member 300 can pass through the second insertion opening 117 and the second support portion 625. This makes it easier to clean the inside of the support member 60B more reliably.

(Modification 1-3)
In the consumable product 200 of the above-described embodiment, the hole 201 may be formed closer to the insertion end 208 than the flavor segment 220 .

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a consumable product 200A according to this modified example. The consumable product 200A has a configuration similar to that of the consumable product 200 described above, but differs from the consumable product 200 in that the hole 201A through which air is introduced from the first air flow path 70 is formed to communicate with the plug 210. In this modified example, the aerosol source is disposed in the flavor segment 220, which is closer to the suction end 209 than the hole 201, in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product 200. This allows the air introduced from the hole 201A to flow almost straight through the flavor segment 220, so that the generated aerosols and the like can be transported more efficiently.

Second embodiment The flavor inhalation system 1000A of the second embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the flavor inhalation system 1000 of the first embodiment. However, it differs from the flavor inhalation system 1000 in that it has a flavor inhaler 100A instead of the flavor inhaler 100.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a flavor inhalation system 1000A of this embodiment. The flavor inhaler 100A has a configuration substantially similar to that of the flavor inhaler 100, but differs from the flavor inhaler 100 described above in that it has a housing 110A instead of the housing 110 and a support member 60C instead of the support member 60.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a schematic of the support member 60C according to this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the support member 60C. The support member 60C has a configuration similar to that of the support member 60 described above, but differs in that it does not have a communicating tube 63, but has an opening 640 in a side wall 64 formed to the side of the central axis AX. The opening 640 defines a flow path for introducing air from outside the support member 60C. In the illustrated example, the opening 640 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as air can be introduced into the support member 60C through the opening 640.

As shown in FIG. 13, the housing 110A has a side surface 114 formed laterally with respect to the insertion direction of the consumable product 200. The side surface 114 has an air intake 112A. The air intake 112A constitutes a first air flow path 70A that communicates with the hole 201 of the consumable product 200 housed in the housing 10. In the illustrated example, the air intake 112A is formed at a position radially opposite the opening 640. This makes it easy to clean the inside of the support member 60C and the first air flow path 70A. Note that the position of the air intake 112A is not particularly limited as long as air can be introduced into the inside of the support member 60C through the air intake 112A and the opening 640.

The intake port 112A is connected to the side space 71, the opening 640, and the first air flow path 70A that passes through the inside of the housing 110A. Thus, in the flavor inhaler 100A of this embodiment, the housing 110A has a side surface 114 (first side surface) formed laterally with respect to the insertion direction of the consumable product 200, and the side surface 114 has an intake port 112A, which is an opening through which the first air flow path 70A is connected. As a result, the side surface 114 can be positioned close to the support member 60C, which shortens the air flow path until it is introduced into the storage section 10 and makes it easier to clean the flow path and the support member 60C, forming an air flow path that is less likely to become clogged.

(Variation 2-1)
In the above-described embodiment, the housing 110A may be provided with a cover that can move or rotate between an open position that opens the intake port 112A and a closed position that closes the intake port 112A. This allows easy cleaning of the support member 60C and allows air to be taken in through the intake port 112A when inhaling flavor. At other times, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the flavor generating unit 150 and suppress adverse effects caused by foreign matter.

Figures 16 and 17 are conceptual diagrams showing the opening and closing of the intake port 112A by the cover 141 in the flavor inhaler 100B of this modified example. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the side surface 115 of the flavor inhaler 100B, which is located to the side of the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable product 200 and on which the intake port 112A is not formed.

The flavor inhaler 100B has a configuration similar to that of the flavor inhaler 100A described above, but is different in that a cover 141 capable of opening and closing the intake port 112A is provided. In the illustrated example, the cover 141 is formed to surround the housing 110A. However, the manner in which the cover 141 can move or rotate between the open position in which the intake port 112A is opened as illustrated in FIG. 16 and the closed position in which the intake port 112A is closed as illustrated in FIG. 17 is not particularly limited. In FIGS. 16-18, the arrow A30 shows a schematic diagram of the movement of the cover 141 between the open position and the closed position in the insertion direction of the consumable product 200. In this modified example, the cover 141 is provided on the housing 110A in addition to the slide cover 140 that covers the first insertion port 111 through which the consumable product 200 is inserted.

In addition to moving linearly between the open and closed positions as in the illustrated example, the cover 141 may also move along a curve or rotate. The cover 141 may also slide along the housing 110A, or may be configured to pivot around a specified axis. In this way, the sliding or pivoting characteristics can be utilized to configure the intake port 112A to be able to be opened and closed.

The flavor inhalation system 1000B of the third embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the flavor inhalation system 1000 of the first embodiment. However, it differs from the flavor inhalation system 1000 in that it has a flavor inhaler 100C instead of the flavor inhaler 100.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a flavor inhalation system 1000B of this embodiment. The flavor inhaler 100C has a configuration similar to that of the flavor inhaler 100, but differs from the flavor inhaler 100 in that it includes a housing 110B instead of the housing 110, a support member 60D instead of the support member 60, and further includes a communication tube 80.

The support member 60D has a configuration similar to that of the support member 60 described above, but differs in that it has a second portion 62B instead of the second portion 62. The second portion 62B has an air inlet hole 65 formed therein, which penetrates from the surface on which the second support surface 620 is located (the second surface 621 in FIG. 10) to the surface opposite the second support surface 620. The air inlet hole 65 connects the lateral space 71 inside the support member 60D to the communication pipe 80 outside the support member 60D.

The housing 110B has an intake port 112B formed on the bottom surface 116. The bottom surface 116 is the surface opposite to the top surface 113 in which the first insertion port 111 through which the consumable product 200 is inserted is formed. The communication pipe 80 communicates the air introduction hole 65 with the intake port 112B. In this embodiment, the communication pipe 80 is not included in the support member 60D, but may be formed integrally with the support member 60D. When inhaling flavor, air introduced from the intake port 112B passes through the communication pipe 80, the air introduction hole 65 and the side space 71 in this order, and is introduced into the hole 201 of the consumable product 200 contained in the storage section 10. In this way, the communication pipe 80, the air introduction hole 65 and the side space 71 constitute the first air flow path 70B. The flavor inhaler 100C may be configured not to include the communication tube 80, and the air introduced through the intake port 112B may be introduced into the air introduction hole 65 through the gaps between the members arranged in the housing 110B.

In the flavor inhaler 100C of this embodiment, the housing 110B has a top surface 113 in which a first insertion opening 111 into which the consumable product 200 is inserted is formed, and a bottom surface 116 on the opposite side of the top surface 113, and the bottom surface 116 has an intake port 112B which is an opening through which the first air flow path 70B is connected. The intake port 112B formed on the bottom surface 116 is unlikely to be blocked by the user's finger, so that a decrease in the efficiency of flavor inhalation can be suppressed. In addition, a part of the first air flow path 70B is formed in the second part 62B of the support member 60D, which passes through the inside of the second part 62B and opens on the surface of the second part 62B opposite the second support surface 620. This allows the first air flow path 70B to be shorter when the intake port 112B is provided on the bottom surface 116 side of the flavor generating unit 150.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical ideas of the present invention as long as it provides the functions and effects of the present invention.

A first aspect of the present invention is a flavor inhaler comprising a housing and a storage section for storing a flavor generating article, the storage section comprising a tubular member having a first end into which the flavor generating article is inserted and a second end opposite the first end, a first support section for supporting the second end of the tubular member, and a support member arranged on the opposite side of the first support section to the side on which the tubular member is arranged and for supporting the inserted flavor generating article, the first support section comprising a first support surface that abuts the tubular member, and the flavor inhaler comprising a flow path that, when the flavor generating article is stored in the storage section, fluidly connects a surface of a part of the flavor generating article that is located on the second support section side of the position of the first support surface in the insertion direction of the flavor generating article, which is on the lateral side with respect to the insertion direction of the flavor generating article, to the outside of the flavor inhaler, and at least a portion of which is defined by the support member.
A second aspect of the present invention is the first aspect, wherein the flow path passes between the first support portion and the second support portion along a wall portion of the support member, and connects the space within the storage portion to the outside of the flavor inhaler.
A third aspect of the present invention is directed to the first or second aspect, wherein the support member comprises a first portion in which the first support portion is formed, and a second portion formed opposite the first portion and in which the second support portion is formed.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is the third aspect, wherein the first portion has a through hole into which the flavor generating article is inserted.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is the fourth aspect, wherein the minimum diameter of the through hole has a length corresponding to the width of the end face of the flavor generating article.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is directed to the fifth aspect, wherein the through hole has a first hole portion having the minimum diameter and a second hole portion formed on the side where the tubular member is located relative to the first hole portion and having a diameter larger than the minimum diameter, and the tubular member is supported in the first portion by a wall surface that defines the second hole portion.
A seventh aspect of the present invention is a housing according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the housing has an upper surface having a first insertion opening through which the flavor-generating article is inserted, and the upper surface has an opening through which the flow path is connected.
An eighth aspect of the present invention is the seventh aspect, wherein the support member includes a tube that defines the flow path and extends toward a side where the tubular member is disposed.
A ninth aspect of the present invention is a housing according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the housing has a top surface having a first insertion opening through which the flavor-generating article is inserted, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and the bottom surface has an opening through which the flow path is connected.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is the ninth aspect, wherein the second portion has a portion of the flow path formed therein, the portion passing through the interior of the second portion and opening onto a surface of the second portion opposite to the surface supporting the flavor generating article.
An eleventh aspect of the present invention is any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the housing has a first side formed laterally relative to the insertion direction of the flavor generating article, and the first side has an opening through which the flow path is connected.
A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler of the eleventh aspect, further comprising a cover configured to be movable or rotatable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening.
A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the twelfth aspect, wherein the cover is configured to be movable or rotatable by pivoting or sliding.
A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is any one of the third to thirteenth aspects, wherein the first portion is made of an elastic member.
A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is any one of the third to fourteenth aspects, wherein the second support portion has a second support surface that abuts against the flavor-generating article contained in the storage portion, the second support portion is made of an elastic member, and deforms based on a force applied to the second support portion so that the second support surface of the second support portion and the opposite surface thereof are connected.
A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the fifteenth aspect, wherein the housing is provided with a second insertion opening into which a cleaning member is inserted, and the second insertion opening is positioned at a position where the cleaning member can pass through the second insertion opening and the second support portion.
A flavor inhalation system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention includes the flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects and the flavor generating article.
An 18th aspect of the present invention is the 17th aspect, wherein the flavor generating article is rod-shaped and has a second side extending in the longitudinal direction, and the second side has a hole for introducing air into the interior of the flavor generating article.
A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the flavor generating article according to the eighteenth aspect, further comprising an aerosol source and a segment including the aerosol source, the hole being in communication with the segment.
A twentieth aspect of the present invention is the flavor generating article of the eighteenth aspect, wherein the flavor generating article comprises an suction end for a user to inhale flavor, and an aerosol source, the aerosol source being positioned on the suction end side of the hole in the longitudinal position of the flavor generating article.
A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, wherein the flavor inhaler is provided with a heating section, and the aerosol source is arranged in a position facing the heating section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when the flavor generating article is contained in the containing section.
A twenty-second aspect of the present invention is any one of the eighteenth to twenty-first aspects, wherein the flavor generating article further comprises a plug on the side of the hole opposite the suction end.

6: Wall portion of the support member 10: Storage portion 11: First side 12: Second side 40: Heating portion 50: Cylindrical member 51: First end 52: Second end 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D: Support member 61, 61A: First portion 62, 62A, 62B: Second portion 63, 80: Communication pipe 69, 69A: Through hole 70, 70A, 70B: First air flow path 71: Side space 72: Communication flow path 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 101: Flavor inhaler 110, 110A, 110B, 1101: Housing 111: First insertion port 112, 112A, 112B: Intake port 113: Upper surface 114, 115 of the housing: Side surface 116 of the housing : Bottom surface 117 of housing : Second insertion opening 140 : Slide cover 141 : Cover 150 : Flavor generating section 200, 200A : Consumable product 201, 201A : Hole 202 : Outer surface 208 of consumable product : Insertion end 209 of consumable product : Inhalation end 210 of consumable product : Plug 220 : Flavor segment 300 : Cleaning member 600 : Support member main body 610 : First support surface 612 : Bottom surface 615 of second hole portion : First support portion 620 : Second support surface 623 : Notch 625 : Second support portion 640 : Opening 691 : First hole portion 692 : Second hole portion 700 : Second air flow path 1000, 1000A, 1000B : Flavor inhalation system AX : Central axis D : Minimum diameter D1 of through hole : Minimum diameter D2 of first hole portion : Inner diameter SP1 of the second hole portion : Storage space

Claims

A flavor inhaler comprising a housing and a storage section for storing a flavor generating article,
The storage section includes:
a tubular member having a first end into which the flavor generating article is inserted and a second end opposite the first end;
a support member including a first support portion supporting the second end of the tubular member, and a second support portion disposed on the opposite side of the first support portion to the side on which the tubular member is disposed, the second support portion supporting the inserted flavor generating article,
The first support portion includes a first support surface that contacts the cylindrical member,
The flavor inhaler is provided with a flow path that, when the flavor generating article is accommodated in the accommodation section, fluidly connects a surface of a part of the flavor generating article that is located on the second support section side relative to the insertion direction of the flavor generating article relative to the position of the first support surface to the outside of the flavor inhaler, and is at least partially defined by the support member.
The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the flow path passes between the first support part and the second support part along the wall part of the support member, and connects the space inside the storage part to the outside of the flavor inhaler.
The flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member comprises a first portion in which the first support part is formed, and a second portion formed to face the first portion and in which the second support part is formed.
The flavor inhaler of claim 3, wherein the first portion has a through hole through which the flavor generating article is inserted.
The flavor inhaler according to claim 4, wherein the minimum diameter of the through hole has a length corresponding to the width of the end face of the flavor generating product.
the through hole has a first hole portion having the minimum diameter, and a second hole portion formed on a side where the cylindrical member is disposed relative to the first hole portion and having a diameter larger than the minimum diameter,
The flavor inhaler according to claim 5 , wherein the cylindrical member is supported by a wall surface that defines the second hole in the first portion.
the housing has an upper surface formed with a first insertion opening through which the flavor-generating article is inserted;
The flavor inhaler according to claim 3 , wherein the upper surface is provided with an opening through which the flow path is communicated.
The flavor inhaler according to claim 7, wherein the support member defines the flow path and includes a tube extending to a side on which the cylindrical member is disposed.
the housing has a top surface having a first insertion opening through which the flavor-generating article is inserted, and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface;
The flavor inhaler according to claim 3 , wherein the bottom surface is provided with an opening through which the flow path is communicated.
The flavor inhaler according to claim 9, wherein the second portion has a part of the flow path formed therein, the part passing through the interior of the second portion and opening on a surface of the second portion opposite to a surface supporting the flavor generating article.
the housing has a first side formed laterally with respect to an insertion direction of the flavor generating article,
The flavor inhaler according to claim 3 , wherein the first side surface has an opening through which the flow path is communicated.
The flavor inhaler according to claim 11, further comprising a cover configured to be movable or rotatable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening.
The flavor inhaler according to claim 12, wherein the cover is configured to be movable or rotatable by pivoting or sliding.
The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the first portion is made of an elastic member.
the second support portion includes a second support surface that contacts the flavor-generating article contained in the container portion,
The flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the second support portion is made of an elastic member and deforms based on a force applied to the second support portion so that the second support surface of the second support portion and the opposite surface thereof are in communication with each other.
The housing includes a second insertion opening into which a cleaning member is inserted,
The flavor inhaler according to claim 15, wherein the second insertion opening is disposed at a position that allows the cleaning member to pass through the second insertion opening and the second support portion.
A flavor inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
A flavor inhalation system comprising the flavor generating article.
the flavor generating article is rod-shaped and has a second side extending longitudinally therethrough;
The flavor inhalation system according to claim 17, wherein the second side is provided with holes for introducing air into the interior of the flavor generating article.
The flavor inhalation system according to claim 18, wherein the flavor generating article comprises an aerosol source and a segment including the aerosol source, and the hole is connected to the segment.
The flavor generating article includes an inhalation end for a user to inhale a flavor, and an aerosol source;
The flavor inhalation system according to claim 18 , wherein the aerosol source is disposed on the suction end side of the hole in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article.
The flavor inhaler includes a heating unit,
The flavor inhalation system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the aerosol source is arranged at a position facing the heating section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when the flavor generating article is contained in the containing section.
The flavor inhalation system according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the flavor generating article is provided with a plug on the side of the hole opposite the suction end.