Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES OF CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
  • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter tips or filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces of cigars or cigarettes
  • A24D3/17—Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
  • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F7/00—Mouthpieces for pipes; Mouthpieces for cigar or cigarette holders

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a flavor inhaler, a consumable product, and a flavor inhalation system.
• flavor inhalers are provided with a lid that can be opened and closed to insert and remove consumables (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
• a lid that can be opened and closed to insert and remove consumables.
• a relative arrangement of the lid and the air flow path in the flavor inhaler that is appropriate for this is required.
• the present disclosure provides a consumable product having a novel configuration, and a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system suitable for the same.
• the first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler that includes a storage section for storing a consumable material, the storage section having a proximal end close to the mouth of a user who inhales, a distal end located opposite the proximal end, a heating section for heating the stored consumable material, a lid section configured to be able to open and close a portion along the longitudinal direction of the storage section, and a first opening formed opposite the lid section and configured to allow outside air to flow in.
• the first opening which is configured to allow outside air to flow in, is provided opposite a lid portion configured to be openable and closable at a portion along the longitudinal direction of the storage portion that stores the consumable product.
• a flavor inhaler suitable for consumable products of a novel configuration can be provided, which is equipped with an air flow path through which outside air flows in from a portion opposite the lid portion.
• both the distal end of the storage portion and the first opening are opened and exposed, and the interior of the storage portion and the first opening can be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush into the storage portion or the first opening and moving it back and forth, thereby facilitating maintenance of the storage portion.
• a second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first aspect, in which the lid portion constitutes at least a part of the distal end and is configured to be capable of opening and closing the space that contains the consumable product.
• the lid constitutes a part of the distal end of the storage unit, and the first opening is provided at a position opposite to the lid.
• outside air can be sucked in through the first opening provided near the distal end of the storage unit, and the consumables can be replaced through the distal end by opening the lid.
• the proximal end of the first housing is located vertically above and the distal end is located vertically below, and by closing the lid, the consumables can be prevented from falling vertically downward from the storage unit.
• the lid when the lid is opened in a storage unit that does not store consumables, the first opening is opened and exposed, and in particular, the storage unit is opened all the way from the distal end to the proximal end, so that the first opening and the inside of the storage unit can be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush from the distal end of the storage unit into the first opening and the inside of the storage unit and moving it back and forth, thereby making it easier to maintain the storage unit.
• the third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the second aspect, in which a recess is formed on the back surface of the container that faces the lid, the first opening is disposed inside the recess, and when the lid is closed, an air communication passage is formed that communicates from the first opening to the proximal end via the consumable product.
• an air communication passage is formed that connects the first opening provided near the distal end to the proximal end via the consumables.
• a recess is formed on the rear surface of the storage section, and the first opening is disposed inside the recess.
• the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the third aspect, wherein the first opening is provided on the back surface of the storage portion at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the distal end.
• the first opening is disposed on the rear surface of the storage unit at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the distal end of the storage unit.
• the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the third and fourth aspects, further comprising a second opening provided at or near the proximal end, and when a user inhales, outside air flowing in from the second opening merges with the air communication passage.
• a second opening is provided at or near the proximal end.
• an air flow path that produces a suitable flavor can be formed, and the temperature of the mixed gas obtained by mixing the gas containing the flavor components generated from the consumable product with the outside air inhaled from the second opening can be lowered, so that the mixture of the aerosol and the outside air can be provided to the user at an appropriate temperature.
• the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the fifth aspect, in which the second opening is provided in a mouthpiece through which the user inhales.
• a second opening is provided in the mouthpiece through which the user inhales, near the proximal end of the housing.
• the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the fifth and sixth aspects, in which the second opening includes a plurality of openings.
• multiple openings are provided at or near the proximal end of the storage section to allow outside air to flow in.
• an air flow path that is more suitable for the user to inhale the flavor can be formed.
• the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first aspect, further comprising a third opening provided at the distal end, and the lid is configured to open and close at least a portion of the proximal end.
• the lid is configured so that a portion of the proximal end can be opened and closed, and a third opening is provided at the distal end.
• the lid can be opened to access the consumables from the proximal end, and an air flow path can be formed from the distal end to the proximal end.
• the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the eighth aspect, in which, when the lid is closed, an air communication passage is formed that communicates from the third opening through the consumable product to the proximal end, and when a user inhales, outside air flowing in from the first opening merges into the air communication passage.
• outside air flowing in from the first opening provided near the proximal end joins the air communication passage that connects from the third opening to the proximal end via the consumable product.
• an air flow path that produces a suitable flavor can be configured.
• the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the eighth and ninth aspects above, in which the cover has a mouthpiece through which the user inhales.
• the mouthpiece through which the user inhales in the flavor inhaler is configured as part of a lid configured to be able to open and close a portion of the proximal end.
• the number of components of the flavor inhaler can be reduced.
• An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, in which the first opening includes a plurality of openings.
• the first opening arranged opposite the lid has a plurality of openings. Therefore, according to the eleventh aspect, sufficient outside air can be drawn in through the first opening.
• a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable product to be heated by a flavor inhaler, the consumable product including a flavor source, being formed thin, and having an inlet surface configured to allow outside air to flow in, the inlet surface being different from a main surface having a maximum area on the surface of the consumable product.
• the consumable product to be heated by the flavor inhaler is formed thin and configured to allow outside air to flow in from an inlet surface different from the main surface having the largest area.
• a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising filter members arranged at one end and the other end of the consumable material along the longitudinal direction of the main surface, and a flavor source-containing portion arranged between the filter members, the filter members facing a mouthpiece inhaled by a user in the flavor inhaler, and a lid portion configured to be able to open and close a portion along the longitudinal direction of a storage portion that stores the consumable material in the flavor inhaler, and the flavor source-containing portion facing a heating portion that heats the consumable material stored in the flavor inhaler.
• the consumable product has filter members at both ends and a flavor source-containing portion disposed between the filter members.
• the filter members of the consumable product face the mouthpiece and the lid, and the flavor source-containing portion faces the heating portion.
• the flavor source of the consumable product can be appropriately heated to generate an appropriate flavor.
• the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable product according to the twelfth and thirteenth aspects, in which the ratio of the dimension in the short direction of the main surface to the dimension in the thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main surface is 13:X (X ⁇ 3).
• the ratio of the dimension in the short direction of the main surface of the consumable product to the dimension in the thickness direction is 13:X (X ⁇ 3). Therefore, according to the 14th aspect, the time until the center of the consumable product reaches a predetermined temperature suitable for flavor generation can be sufficiently shortened, shortening the time from the start of heating to the start of inhalation, shortening the user's waiting time, and providing a flavor inhalation system suitable as a luxury item.
• the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable product according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects above, in which the dimension in the thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main surface is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.
• the dimension of the consumable product in the thickness direction is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Therefore, according to the fifteenth aspect, a thin consumable product with a novel configuration can be provided.
• the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a consumable material and a flavor inhaler
• the consumable material includes a flavor source
• the flavor inhaler includes a storage section that stores the consumable material, the storage section has a proximal end close to the mouth of a user who inhales the consumable material, a distal end located opposite the proximal end, a heating section that heats the stored consumable material, a lid section configured to be able to open and close a portion of the storage section along the longitudinal direction, and a first opening formed opposite the lid section and configured to allow outside air to flow in.
• the consumable material to be heated by the flavor inhaler is formed thin and configured to allow outside air to flow in from the main surface.
• the first opening in the flavor inhaler configured to allow outside air to flow in is provided to face a lid configured to be able to open and close a portion along the longitudinal direction of the storage section that stores the consumable material.
• the 16th aspect it is possible to provide a flavor inhalation system that makes it easy to maintain the storage section, such as by opening the lid of a storage section that does not store a consumable material, the first opening is opened and exposed, and the inside of the first opening can be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush into the first opening and moving it back and forth.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor inhaler.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a consumable product.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rotation shaft of the flavor inhaler.
• FIG. 4 is a view of the second housing of the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 3 rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
• 5 is a view showing the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 4 in the middle of opening the lid.
• FIG. FIG. 5 is a view showing the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 4 with the lid open;
• FIG. 7 is a view of the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 6 with the consumables removed.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing taken along line AA of FIG. 4.
• FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the first housing shown in FIG. 8A with the lid open.
• FIG. 8C is a diagram showing the first housing shown in FIG. 8B with consumable products removed.
• 13 is a perspective view of the rear surface of the first housing near the distal end, showing the configuration of the opening.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rear surface of the first housing near the distal end, showing a modified example of the opening.
• FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a distal end of a first housing with a lid open;
• FIG. FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to a modified example.
• 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing taken along the line BB in FIG. 10 .
• FIG. 12 is a view showing the first housing shown in FIG. 11 with the cover open.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment.
• an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be used for convenience of explanation.
• the Z axis faces the upper longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 (upper right in FIG. 1)
• the X-Z plane is arranged to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally
• the Y axis is arranged to extend from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100.
• the Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the consumable product 20 housed in the first housing 10 described later or the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
• the X-axis direction can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 20.
• the Y-axis direction can also be referred to as the transverse direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 20.
• the Y-axis direction can also be referred to as the thickness direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
• the flavor inhaler 100 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 50.
• a mouthpiece 16 protrudes from the first housing 10.
• the mouthpiece 16 is a member that the user of the flavor inhaler 100 holds in his mouth to inhale the flavor.
• the end where the mouthpiece 16 is provided i.e., the end located closer to the user's mouth when inhaling the flavor
• the distal end 10B In the first housing 10, the opposite side to the proximal end 10A (i.e., the end located away from the user when inhaling the flavor) is referred to as the distal end 10B.
• the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is referred to as the proximal end 50A.
• the first housing 10 is an example of a storage unit of the present disclosure.
• the first housing 10 also includes a lid 12 (described in detail below) that can be opened and closed.
• the lid 12 is an example of a lid portion of the present disclosure.
• the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by, for example, heating a plate-shaped consumable material 20 (see Figures 2B and 9B) having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.
• the consumable material 20 is configured to have a smokable article containing a flavor source, such as tobacco shreds or components extracted from tobacco, and an aerosol source in the central portion along the Z axis, and a filter in another portion.
• the aerosol source include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
• the combination of the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable material 20 is an example of a flavor inhalation system of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 1 cut along the X-Z plane.
• the first housing 10 is provided with a consumable product 20 and a chamber 14 configured to surround and accommodate the consumable product 20 near the center in the longitudinal direction.
• the chamber 14 may be a container including an opening into which the consumable product 20 is inserted and a cylindrical side wall portion that houses at least a part of the consumable product 20.
• the cylindrical shape of the chamber 14 may be selected appropriately according to the shape of the plate-shaped consumable product 20.
• the chamber 14 is preferably formed of a material that is heat resistant and has a small thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. This allows for effective heating of the consumable product 20 from the chamber 14. In FIG.
• the consumable product 20 is configured to include a smokable article in the portion housed in the chamber 14, and to have filters provided at both ends, including the end on the proximal end 10A side or the end on the distal end 10B side, of the portion exposed from the chamber 14.
• FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the consumer product 20.
• the consumer product 20 has a smokable article 20A, a filter 20B, and a cigarette paper 20C.
• the smokable article 20A and the filter 20B are wrapped with the cigarette paper 20C, either in close contact or with a gap between them.
• the filter 20B is made of a filler filled with cellulose acetate fibers at a high or low density, or paper.
• This filter 20B preferably has at least one of the following functions: filtering tobacco smoke (mainstream smoke) flowing from the smokable article 20A when it passes through, cooling tobacco smoke inhaled by the user, preventing the smokable article from falling off, and preventing the consumer product 20 from being crushed by external forces.
• the filter 20B is not limited to a specific type, but may be a plain filter having a fiber bundle such as cellulose acetate, a charcoal filter formed by dispersing an adsorbent such as activated carbon in the plain filter, or the like. However, the filter may be a filter other than a plain filter or a charcoal filter.
• Smokable article 20A is an example of a flavor source-containing portion of the present disclosure.
• Filter 20B is an example of a filter member of the present disclosure.
• a heating element is provided on the outer periphery of the side wall of the chamber 14, covering at least a portion of it.
• the heating element may be, for example, a heating track.
• the heating element is configured to contact the outer periphery of the chamber 14 and heat the consumables 20 contained within the chamber 14.
• the combination of the chamber 14 and the heating element is an example of a heating unit of the present disclosure.
• the flavor inhaler 100 has been described above as generating an aerosol containing flavor by contact heating the chamber 14 containing the plate-shaped consumable product 20 from the outside using a heating element.
• the manner of heating the consumable product 20 in the flavor inhaler disclosed herein is not limited to the external contact heating type.
• the chamber 14 containing the consumable product 20 may be used as a susceptor, and the chamber 14 may be inductively heated by an induction coil wrapped around the chamber 14 to generate an aerosol containing flavor.
• the material and shape of the chamber 14 may be changed as appropriate.
• a susceptor may be provided inside or adjacent to the consumable product 20, and the heating element may be configured to include an induction coil for inductively heating the susceptor.
• a control unit 30 that controls each component of the flavor inhaler 100 is provided inside the first housing 10.
• the control unit 30 includes a board (not shown).
• This board includes, for example, a microprocessor, and can control the supply of power from a power source 52 (described below) to a heating element that covers the chamber 14. This allows the control unit 30 to control the heating of the consumable product 20 by the chamber 14.
• a power source 52 is disposed inside the second housing 50.
• the power source 52 is electrically connected to the board of the control unit 30 and may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery.
• the power source 52 is electrically connected to the heating element covering the chamber 14 via the board of the control unit 30. This allows the power source 52 to supply power to the heating element covering the chamber 14 so as to appropriately heat the consumables 20.
• a hinge 40 having a hollow portion is provided between the first housing 10 and the second housing 50, and is formed to straddle the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 and the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50.
• the hinge 40 is configured to rotate the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 relatively around a rotation axis 42 (a straight line that is the center of rotation and is shown by a dashed line) that is approximately parallel to the Z-axis direction.
• the hinge 40 is configured to allow rotation between a first state and a second state, which will be described later.
• the hollow portion of the hinge 40 is provided at a position through which the rotation axis 42 passes, and this hollow portion connects the space inside the first housing 10 and the space inside the second housing 50.
• a wiring portion 44 that electrically connects the control unit 30 of the first housing 10 and the power source 52 of the second housing 50 is arranged in the hollow portion. As shown in FIG. 2, the hinge 40 is positioned so that it is closer to the control unit 30 than it is to the chamber 14 (and heating element).
• the chamber 14 (and the heating element) and the control unit 30 are separated by ribs.
• the end of the chamber 14 on the proximal end 10A side of the first housing 10 (referred to as the first end 16A) and the end on the distal end 10B side (referred to as the second end 17) are elastically held by elastic bodies 15A and 15B inside the first housing 10, respectively (see FIG. 8A).
• the first end 16A and the second end 17 of the chamber 14 can be elastically held by contacting the front and back surfaces of the first housing 10 via the elastic bodies 15A and 15B.
• both the first end 16A and the second end 17 are formed of a resin such as PEEK
• the elastic bodies 15A and 15B that elastically hold them are formed of silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, urethane rubber, silicone sponge, EPDM sponge, urethane sponge, or the like that have a lower thermal conductivity than the resin that forms the first end 16A and the second end 17. Therefore, even if the first end 16A and the second end 17 of the chamber 14 receive heat from the heating element, heat transfer to the first housing 10 is unlikely to occur.
• the rib is provided with a hole (or a notch) through which a power supply member that supplies power from the control unit 30 to the heating element passes.
• control unit 30 Since the space near the control unit 30 and the space near the heating element are connected through this hole, the control unit 30 may be heated by convection of heat generated by the heating element through this hole. Many electronic components mounted in the control unit 30 will have a reduced life if they are operated in a high-temperature environment. Therefore, the holes in the ribs are small enough to pass only the power supply components through, making it difficult for convection to occur.
• Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the rotation axis 42 of the flavor inhaler 100.
• Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 3, in which the second housing 50 has been rotated 90 degrees forward relative to the first housing 10 in a right-handed system in which the positive direction of the Z axis is the direction of advancement of the screw (hereinafter also referred to as being rotated 90 degrees clockwise).
• the state of the hinge 40 shown in FIG. 3 is referred to as the first state.
• the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are aligned.
• the entire surface of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 overlaps with the second housing 50.
• the entire surface of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 faces the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50.
• the state of the hinge 40 shown in FIG. 4 is referred to as the second state.
• the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are not aligned.
• only the portion where the hinge 40 is formed at the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 overlaps with the second housing 50, and other portions do not overlap with the second housing 50.
• most of the second housing 50 is visually seen protruding from the first housing 10 in the positive Y-axis direction.
• the wiring section 44 that electrically connects the control section 30 of the first housing 10 and the power supply 52 of the second housing 50 is disposed in the hollow section of the hinge 40. Therefore, the rotational movement of the hinge 40 does not impede the electrical connection between the two housings. In other words, the electrical connection between the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 is maintained when the hinge 40 rotates between the first state and the second state.
• the rotation by the hinge 40 is a relative rotation between the first housing 10 and the second housing 50.
• the transition from the first state to the second state was made by rotating the second housing 50 90 degrees in a right-handed system in which the positive direction of the Z axis is the direction of advance of the screw, but in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 3, it is also possible to transition to the second state by rotating the first housing 10 90 degrees in a right-handed system in which the negative direction of the Z axis is the direction of advance of the screw (hereinafter, also referred to as rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise).
• the hinge 40 is configured to allow rotation in only one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise; that is, in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 3, the second housing 50 cannot be rotated counterclockwise. Similarly, in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 3, the first housing 10 cannot be rotated clockwise.
• an operation push button 54 can be provided on the rear surface or an outer surface other than the distal end 10B of the first housing 10.
• the operation push button 54 is linked to the control unit 30, and is configured to start or stop heating the chamber 14 by the heating element when pressed.
• an operation push button may be provided on the outer surface of the second housing 50.
• the operation push button 54 is provided near the control unit 30 to simplify electrical connection.
• the operation push button 54 can be specifically provided near the end of the first housing 10 on the negative side of the X-axis.
• the force point (the pressed operation push button 54) overlaps with or is close to the fulcrum (the rotation axis 42), so the rotation moment generated by the pressing force at each point of the first housing 10 is zero or small.
• the clockwise rotation of the first housing 10 is restricted in the first place. Therefore, the pressing force on the operation push button 54 does not generate rotation of the hinge 40.
• an opening 60 including openings 60A, 60B, and 60C is exposed in the inclined portion 32. Details of the opening 60 will be described later.
• the opening 60 is an example of a first opening of the present disclosure.
• Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the first housing 10 along the arrow A-A in Fig. 4.
• Fig. 8B is a diagram showing the first housing 10 shown in Fig. 8A with the lid 12 open.
• Fig. 8C is a diagram showing the first housing 10 shown in Fig. 8B with the consumable product 20 removed.
• Fig. 8D is a perspective view of the vicinity of the distal end 10B on the back surface of the first housing 10, showing the configuration of the opening 60.
• Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the first housing 10 along the arrow A-A in Fig. 4.
• Fig. 8B is a diagram showing the first housing 10 shown in Fig. 8A with the lid 12 open.
• Fig. 8C is a diagram showing the first housing 10 shown in Fig. 8B with the consumable product 20 removed.
• Fig. 8D is a perspective view of the vicinity of the distal end 10B on the back surface of the first housing 10, showing the
• FIG. 8E is a perspective view of the vicinity of the distal end 10B on the back surface of the first housing 10, showing a modified example of the opening 60.
• Fig. 9A is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 with the lid 12 open.
• Fig. 9B is a perspective view showing the consumable product 20.
• a first intake hole 24 is provided in the mouthpiece 16 near the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10.
• the first intake hole 24 may include multiple openings.
• the arrangement of the first intake hole 24 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8A, and it is also possible to provide the first intake hole 24 in the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10 instead of in the mouthpiece 16.
• the first intake hole 24 is an example of a second opening of the present disclosure.
• the entrances to the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C are provided at the bottoms of the recesses 60D, 60E, and 60F.
• These recesses may have any shape that can prevent the user's hands from touching the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C, and do not necessarily have to be connected to the distal end 10B of the first housing 10, and it is also not necessary to provide a different recess for each of the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C.
• the shape may be such that it continuously spans the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C at a position spaced apart from the distal end 10B of the first housing 10.
• the consumable product 20 housed in the correct position inside the chamber 14 is positioned so as to be separated from the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C.
• cushions are provided between the second end 17 of the chamber 14 and the inner surface of the first housing 10 and in the vicinity of the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C, ensuring a path for the outside air that flows in through the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C to move appropriately inside the first housing 10.
• the lid 12 is composed of an outer lid 12A and an inner lid 12B. Since the consumer product 20 is stored inside the first housing 10 from its front to its rear, in order to easily determine whether or not the consumer product 20 is stored, the outer lid 12A and the inner lid 12B may be provided with transparent portions so that the user can see the inside of the closed lid 12 from the outside.
• the inner surface of the inner lid 12B is referred to as the bottom 12C of the lid 12.
• the bottom 12C of the lid 12 will collide with the consumable product 20 even if the user tries to close the lid 12, and the user will not be able to close the lid 12. This allows the user to recognize that the consumable product 20 is in an incompletely inserted state. Furthermore, after the consumable product 20 is fully inserted into the chamber 14, even if the consumable product 20 is subjected to external vibrations or impacts, the consumable product 20 will not collide with the bottom 12C of the lid 12 and will be prevented from moving from the specified position in the chamber 14 to an incorrect position. Therefore, after the consumable product 20 is attached in the correct position, the user can stably inhale the flavor.
• FIG. 8B when the lid 12 is opened, the end of the consumable product 20 on the distal end 10B side of the first housing 10 (the end on the negative side of the Z axis) is exposed.
• FIG. 8B can also be said to be a view of the first housing 10 shown in FIG. 6 from a different angle and position.
• the consumable product 20 is exposed within a predetermined angle range.
• an inclined portion 32 is provided in the internal space of the first housing 10 with the consumable product 20 removed.
• the inclined portion 32 is formed to form an inclined surface, rather than parallel to the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the flavor inhaler 100.
• FIG. 8C can also be said to be a view of the first housing 10 shown in FIG. 7 from a different angle and position.
• the inclined portion 32 is a member that faces the inner lid 12B when the lid 12 is closed.
• the lid 12 and the inclined portion 32 are not limited to being in contact with each other.
• an elastic body such as rubber or a cushion may be interposed between the lid 12 and the inclined portion 32, and the elastic body may be compressed and sandwiched.
• the arrangement of the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C will be described.
• the air that flows into the consumable product 20 through the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C of the opening 60 and the gaps in the first housing 10 is heated in the chamber 14.
• the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10 is located vertically upward and the distal end 10B is located vertically downward. Therefore, the water droplets generated by condensation flow toward the distal end 10B of the first housing 10. If the water droplets generated by condensation adhere to a conductive member, for example, they may cause a short circuit and induce malfunction of the device, so it is preferable to dry them quickly so that they do not flow out of the path.
• the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C are disposed at a distance L from the distal end 10B toward the proximal end 10A, so that the water droplets generated by condensation temporarily accumulate in the area around the distal end 10B of the first housing 10, which is located vertically below the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C, and can be dried there. Furthermore, because this area is closed by the lid 12, it is possible to prevent the water droplets from leaking out of the first housing 10, and more specifically, to prevent the moisture from adhering to other components disposed inside the first housing 10, such as the control unit 30.
• FIG. 9A shows the vicinity of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 with the lid 12 open.
• An opening 18 for accommodating the hinge 40 is provided near the end of the distal end 10B on the negative side of the X-axis.
• the above-mentioned opening 60 including openings 60A, 60B, and 60C is exposed vertically below the end of the consumable product 20 in the inclined portion 32.
• the number of openings included in the opening 60 is not limited to three, and can be selected as appropriate as long as a suitable air flow path can be formed.
• the consumer product 20 of this embodiment is formed to be thin.
• the consumer product 20 has a main surface 22, which is the surface with the largest area.
• the main surface 22 is formed in wrapping paper 20C (see FIG. 2B).
• the distal surface 22a which is connected to the main surface 22 and located on the distal end 10B side of the first housing 10 when the consumer product 20 is properly inserted into the chamber 14, and the proximal surface 22b, which is located on the proximal end 10A side of the first housing 10, are not wrapped with wrapping paper 20 and are open. Therefore, it is possible for outside air to flow into the inside of the consumer product 20 through the distal surface 22a and to flow out from the proximal surface 22b located opposite the distal surface 22a.
• the main surface 22 of the consumable product 20 is disposed so as to face the opening 60.
• the consumable product 20 receives heat from the chamber 14 heated by the heating element through the main surface that has the largest area on its surface, so that the consumable product 20 can be heated efficiently.
• Filters 20B are disposed at one end and the other end of the consumable product 20 along the longitudinal direction of the main surface 22 (the Z-axis direction in Figures 8A to 8C), and a smokable article 20A is disposed between the two filters 20B.
• the filter 20B faces the mouthpiece 16 and the lid 12.
• the smokable article 20A faces the chamber 14.
• the ratio of the short-side dimension of the main surface 22 to the thickness dimension approximately perpendicular to the main surface 22 can be set to 13:3, or the ratio of the thickness dimension can be made smaller than this.
• the time it takes for the center of the consumable product 20 to reach the predetermined temperature T0 can be sufficiently shortened, shortening the time from the start of heating to the start of inhalation, shortening the user's waiting time, and providing a flavor inhalation system that is suitable as a luxury item.
• the dimension in the thickness direction approximately perpendicular to the main surface 22 may be 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.
• Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of a flavor inhaler 200 according to the modified example.
• Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing 210 taken along the line B-B in Fig. 10.
• Fig. 12 is a view of the first housing 210 shown in Fig. 11 with the lid 212 opened. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.
• the mouthpiece 16 protrudes from the first housing 210 of the flavor inhaler 200.
• the end of the first housing 210 on which the mouthpiece 16 is provided i.e., the end located closer to the user's mouth when inhaling flavor
• the end of the first housing 210 opposite the proximal end 210A i.e., the end located away from the user when inhaling flavor
• the distal end 210B is referred to as the distal end 210B.
• the first housing 210 is provided with a lid 212 that is configured to be openable and closable.
• the lid 212 constitutes part of the proximal end 210A of the first housing 210, and is capable of opening and closing one end of the space that contains the consumable product 20.
• the mouthpiece 16 is configured as part of the lid 212. By opening the lid 12, it is possible to remove the consumable product 20 from the first housing 210 (or load a new consumable product 20 into the first housing 210).
• the lid 212 is an example of a lid portion of the present disclosure.
• an opening 260 is provided on the back surface of the first housing 210 facing the lid 212.
• outside air flows into the internal space of the first housing 210 from the second intake hole 224 and the opening 260, and an air communication passage is formed that penetrates the inside of the consumable product 20 and communicates with the user's mouth via the proximal end 210A of the first housing 210 and the mouthpiece 16.
• the consumable product 20 is heated by the heating element and the chamber 14, the flavor generated from the consumable product 20 is carried to the user's mouth through this air communication passage.
• the arrangement of the opening 260 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 11, and can be appropriately selected at a location facing the lid 11 as long as it is suitable for forming an air communication passage.
• the opening 260 may have multiple openings.
• the opening 260 is an example of a first opening of the present disclosure.
• the lid 212 of the first housing 210 can be opened. In the state shown in FIG. 12, the user can access the consumable product 20 contained in the first housing 210.
• the opening 60 (260) configured to allow outside air to flow in is provided opposite the lid 12 (212) configured to be able to open and close a portion along the longitudinal direction of the first housing 10 (210) that houses the consumable product 20.
• a flavor inhaler 100 (200) suitable for a consumable product 20 of a novel configuration which is provided with an air flow path through which outside air flows in from a portion opposite the lid 12 (212).
• the lid 12 (212) when the lid 12 (212) is opened on the first housing 10 (210) that does not contain a consumer product 20, the distal end 10B (210B) and the opening 60 (260) of the first housing 10 (210) are both opened and exposed, and by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush into the first housing 10 (210) or the opening 60 (260) and moving it back and forth, the inside of the first housing 10 (210) and the inside of the opening 60 (260) can be cleaned, making maintenance of the first housing 10 (210) easy.
• the lid 12 constitutes a part of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10, and an opening 60 is provided at a position opposite the lid 12. Therefore, according to this embodiment, outside air can be sucked in through the opening 60 provided near the distal end 10B, and the consumable product 20 can be replaced via the distal end 10B by opening the lid 12.
• the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10 is located vertically above and the distal end 10B is located vertically below.
• the consumable product 20 can be prevented from falling vertically downward from the distal end 10B of the first housing 10.
• the opening 60 is opened and exposed, and in particular, the entire first housing 10 is opened from the distal end 10B to the proximal end 10A. Therefore, by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush from the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 into the opening 60 and inside the first housing 10 and moving it back and forth, the opening 60 and the inside of the first housing 10 can be cleaned, making maintenance of the first housing 10 easier.
• an air communication passage is formed that connects the opening 60 provided near the distal end 10B to the proximal end 10A via the consumer product 20.
• recesses 60D, 60E, and 60F are formed on the back surface of the first housing 10, and the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C of the first opening 60 are located inside the recesses 60D, 60E, and 60F, respectively.
• the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C of the first opening 60 are disposed on the rear surface of the first housing 10 at a position spaced a predetermined distance L from the distal end 10B of the first housing 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, water droplets formed by condensation of outside air that flows into the first housing 10 through the openings 60A, 60B, and 60C of the first opening 60 are temporarily stored in an area near the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 and dried, thereby preventing the condensation from affecting other components of the flavor inhaler 100.
• a first air intake hole 24 is provided at or near the proximal end 10A. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to configure an air flow path that produces a suitable flavor, and to lower the temperature of the mixed gas that is a mixture of the gas containing the flavor components generated from the consumable product 20 and the outside air inhaled from the first air intake hole 24, so that the mixture of the aerosol and the outside air can be provided to the user at an appropriate temperature.
• a first intake hole 24 is provided in the mouthpiece 16 through which the user inhales, near the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, outside air can be sucked in by providing the first intake hole 24 near the proximal end 10A without increasing the number of parts. Furthermore, because the portion of the mouthpiece 16 near the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10 is unlikely to be touched by the user's mouth or fingers, blocking of the first intake hole 24 can also be prevented.
• the lid 212 is configured so that a portion of the proximal end 210A of the first housing 210 can be opened and closed, and a second air intake hole 224 is provided at the distal end 210B. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the lid 212 can be opened to access the consumable product 20 from the proximal end 210A, and an air flow path can be formed from the distal end 210B to the proximal end 210A.
• outside air that flows in from an opening 260 provided near the proximal end 210A joins the air communication passage that connects from the second air intake hole 224 through the consumable product 20 to the proximal end 210A. Therefore, according to this embodiment, an air flow path that produces a suitable flavor can be configured.
• the opening 260 arranged opposite the lid 212 has multiple openings. Therefore, according to this embodiment, sufficient outside air can be drawn in through the opening 260.
• the consumable product 20 to be heated by the flavor inhaler is formed thin and configured to allow outside air to flow in from the main surface 22. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a consumable product 20 with a novel configuration can be provided.
• the main surface 22 of the consumable product 20 through which outside air flows is disposed so as to face the opening 60 (260) inside the flavor inhaler 100 (200). Therefore, according to this embodiment, an air flow path through which outside air flows into the inside of the consumable product 20 can be formed.
• the consumable product 20 includes filters 20B at both ends and a smokable article 20A disposed between the filters 20B.
• the filters 20B of the consumable product 20 are disposed so as to face the mouthpiece 16 and the lid 12, and the smokable article 20A faces the chamber 14. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the flavor source of the consumable product 20 can be appropriately heated to generate an appropriate flavor.
• the ratio of the longitudinal dimension of the main surface 22 of the consumable product 20 to the dimension in the thickness direction is 13:X (X ⁇ 3). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the time it takes for the center of the consumable product 20 to reach a predetermined temperature T0 suitable for flavor generation can be sufficiently shortened, shortening the time from the start of heating to the start of inhalation, shortening the user's waiting time, and providing a flavor inhalation system suitable for use as a luxury item.
• the dimension in the thickness direction of the consumable product 20 is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a thin consumable product 20 with a novel configuration.
• the consumable product 20 to be heated by the flavor inhaler 100 (200) is formed thin and configured to allow outside air to flow in from the main surface 22.
• an opening 60 (260) configured to allow outside air to flow in the flavor inhaler 100 (200) is provided opposite a lid 12 (212) configured to be able to open and close a portion along the longitudinal direction of the first housing 10 (210) that houses the consumable product 20.
• the opening 60 (260) is opened and exposed, and the inside of the opening 60 (260) can be cleaned by inserting a straight cotton swab or brush into the opening 60 (260) and moving it back and forth, thereby providing a flavor inhalation system that makes maintenance of the first housing 10 (210) easy.
• a first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising a storage section for storing a consumable material, the storage section having a proximal end close to the mouth of a user who inhales, a distal end located opposite the proximal end, a heating section for heating the stored consumable material, a lid section configured to be able to open and close a portion along the longitudinal direction of the storage section, and a first opening formed opposite the lid section and configured to allow outside air to flow in.
• a second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first aspect, wherein the lid portion constitutes at least a part of the distal end and is configured to be capable of opening and closing a space that stores the consumer product.
• a third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the second aspect above, wherein a recess is formed on the back surface of the storage section facing the lid section, the first opening is disposed inside the recess, and when the lid section is closed, an air communication passage is formed that communicates from the first opening through the consumer product to the proximal end.
• a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the third aspect, wherein the first opening is provided on the back surface of the storage portion at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the distal end.
• a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the third and fourth aspects, further comprising a second opening provided at or near the proximal end, and when a user inhales, outside air flowing in from the second opening merges with the air communication passage.
• a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the fifth and sixth aspects, wherein the second opening includes a plurality of openings.
• a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the eighth and ninth aspects, wherein the cover portion has a mouthpiece through which a user inhales.
• An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the first opening includes a plurality of apertures.
• a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable product for being heated in a flavor inhaler, the consumable product including a flavor source, having a thin shape and an inlet surface configured to allow outside air to flow in, the inlet surface being different from a main surface having a maximum area on the surface of the consumable product.
• a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material according to the twelfth aspect above, further comprising filter members arranged at one end and the other end of the consumable material along the longitudinal direction of the main surface, and a flavor source-containing portion arranged between the filter members, wherein the filter members face a mouthpiece inhaled by a user in the flavor inhaler and a lid portion configured to be able to open and close a portion along the longitudinal direction of a storage portion that stores the consumable material in the flavor inhaler, and the flavor source-containing portion faces a heating portion that heats the consumable material stored in the flavor inhaler.
• a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the consumable product according to the twelfth and thirteenth aspects, wherein a ratio of a dimension in a short side direction of the main surface to a dimension in a thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main surface is 13:X (X ⁇ 3).
• a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable product according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, wherein a dimension in a thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the main surface is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.
• a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a consumable material and a flavor inhaler, wherein the consumable material includes a flavor source, is formed thin, and has a main surface configured to allow outside air to flow in, and the flavor inhaler has a storage section that stores the consumable material, the storage section having a proximal end close to the mouth of a user who inhales the consumable material, a distal end located opposite the proximal end, a heating section that heats the stored consumable material, a lid section configured to be able to open and close a portion along the longitudinal direction of the storage section, and a first opening formed opposite the lid section and configured to allow outside air to flow in.

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• 2023
  • 2023-05-18 EP EP23937533.0A patent/EP4714275A1/en active Pending
  • 2023-05-18 JP JP2025520352A patent/JPWO2024236796A1/ja active Pending
  • 2023-05-18 KR KR1020257038170A patent/KR20250172951A/ko active Pending
  • 2023-05-18 WO PCT/JP2023/018565 patent/WO2024236796A1/ja not_active Ceased

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