EP4066661A1

EP4066661A1 - Flavor source container and non-combustion-type inhaler

Info

Publication number: EP4066661A1
Application number: EP20894147.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kentaro MATSUDA; Manabu Yamada
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2019-11-28
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Also published as: JP2021083384A; JP7256110B2; WO2021106922A1

Abstract

There is provided a flavor source container (10) that is attached to a non-combustion type suction device (1) and accommodates a flavor source, the flavor source container including an inflow port into which an aerosol generated by an atomizer included in the non-combustion type suction device flows and a suction port through which the aerosol is suctioned and flows out, in which the inflow port is formed to at least partially include a region angled with respect to the suction port.

Description

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a flavor source container and a non-combustion type suction device. Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-215879, filed November 28, 2019 , the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[Background Art]

A non-combustion type suction device that adds a flavor from a flavor source to vapor (for example, an aerosol) atomized through heating and sucks the vapor is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The non-combustion type suction device includes, for example, a power supply unit on which a storage battery is mounted, an atomizer which atomizes an aerosol source by heating through power from the power supply unit and generates an aerosol, and a flavor source container in which the aerosol discharged from the atomizer through suction flows in a flow path and which gives a flavor to the aerosol through a flavor source accommodated in the flow path.

[Citation List]

[Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 6593912

[Summary of Invention]

[Technical Problem]

It is desirable that a flavor source container, which improves an opportunity that the aerosol and the flavor source come into contact with each other such that the flavor is easily given to the aerosol, is formed in the non-combustion type suction device. There is a room in the flavor source container in the non-combustion type suction device described in Patent Document 1 such that an opportunity that the aerosol and the flavor source come into contact with each other is improved.
An object of the present invention is to provide a flavor source container and a non-combustion type suction device that can improve an opportunity that the aerosol of the flavor source container and the flavor source come into contact with each other.

[Solution to Problem]

According to an aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the object, there is provided a flavor source container that is attached to a non-combustion type suction device and accommodates a flavor source. The flavor source container includes an inflow port into which an aerosol generated by an atomizer included in the non-combustion type suction device flows and a suction port through which the aerosol, to which a flavor is given by the flavor source, is suctioned and flows out. The inflow port is formed to at least partially include a region angled with respect to the suction port.
In the configuration, since the inflow port is disposed to be angled with respect to the suction port, compared to a case where the inflow port and the suction port are disposed parallel to each other, the area of the inflow port can be increased, and an opportunity that the aerosol, which is taken in from the inflow port into the flavor source container, and the flavor source come into contact with each other can be improved.
In the flavor source container according to the present invention, the inflow port may be formed to face the suction port in an oblique direction.
In the configuration, since the inflow port is disposed in the oblique direction with respect to the suction port, compared to a case where the inflow port and the suction port are disposed parallel to each other, the area of the inflow port can be increased with a simple configuration.
The flavor source container according to the present invention may be configured to include a filter provided to cover at least a part of the inflow port and/or the suction port.
In the configuration, since the filter covers the inflow port and the suction port, the flavor source accommodated in the flavor source container is possible to be prevented from flowing to the outside.
In the flavor source container according to the present invention, the filter may be formed of a non-woven fabric.
In the configuration, the flavor source accommodated in the flavor source container can be prevented from flowing to the outside by using the non-woven fabric as the filter. In the configuration, the weight of the device can be reduced, manufacturability can be improved, and the cost can be reduced.
In the flavor source container according to the present invention, a surface of the inflow port may be formed in a planar shape.
In the configuration, the area of the inflow port can be increased with a simple shape.
A non-combustion type suction device according to another aspect of the present invention may be a non-combustion type suction device including the flavor source container in any description above and the atomizer described. A discharge port, which faces the inflow port and through which the aerosol is discharged, may be formed in the atomizer.
In the configuration, the non-combustion type suction device including the flavor source container and the atomizer that can supply the aerosol to the flavor source container can be realized.
The non-combustion type suction device according to the present invention may further include a housing that accommodates the atomizer such that the discharge port is disposed on a first end side. A continuous body in a state where the flavor source container and the housing are abutted against each other may be formed to be longitudinal in a continuous direction.
In the configuration, as the flavor source container is attached to the housing, the atomizer stored in the housing can be concealed, and the atomizer can be fixed into the housing.
In the non-combustion type suction device according to the present invention, the continuous body may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
In the configuration, since the continuous body is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, it is possible to realize the non-combustion type suction device that easily performs a carrying operation and a sucking operation.
In the non-combustion type suction device according to the present invention, a first abutting portion that abuts against a first end of the housing may be formed at an inflow port side of the flavor source container, a second abutting portion that abuts against the first abutting portion may be formed at the first end of the housing, and in a state where the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are abutted against each other, a dividing line in an oblique direction with respect to a longitudinal direction of the continuous body may be formed on the continuous body.
In the configuration, since the continuous body is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and the dividing line between the flavor source container and the housing is formed in the oblique direction with respect to the longitudinal direction, the non-combustion type suction device of which the right connection direction is easily recognized by a user can be realized.
In the non-combustion type suction device according to the present invention, a first engaging portion may be formed at an inflow port side of the flavor source container, and in the housing, a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion and fixes the flavor source container may be formed on the first end side.
In the configuration, since the flavor source container is fixed to the housing through the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the attachment and detachment of the flavor source container can be easily performed, and the flavor source container can be easily replaced without using a tool. The user can perform a replacement only the flavor source container without touching the atomizer.
In the non-combustion type suction device according to the present invention, a first guide member may be formed at an inflow port side of the flavor source container, and a second guide member that engages with the first guide member and positions the flavor source container may be formed at the first end side of the housing.
In the configuration, the flavor source container is easily positioned and attached with respect to the housing and the atomizer by engaging the first guide member and the second guide member with each other.
In the non-combustion type suction device according to the present invention, a notch portion that guides attachment and detachment of the atomizer may be formed in the housing, and a protruding portion that is guided by the notch portion in an attachment and detachment direction may be formed at the atomizer.
In the configuration, since the notch portion guides the protruding portion, the atomizer is easily positioned, attachment and detachment with respect to the housing can be easily performed, and the design can be improved.
The non-combustion type suction device according to the present invention may further include a power supply unit that is accommodated adjacent to the atomizer on a second end side of the housing and supplies power to the atomizer.
In the configuration, since the power supply unit is accommodated in the housing, design can be improved.

[Advantageous Effects of Invention]

With the flavor source container and non-combustion type suction device according to the present invention, an opportunity that the aerosol of the flavor source container and the flavor source come into contact with each other is improved.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a non-combustion type suction device according to an embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the non-combustion type suction device.
Fig. 3 is a left side view of the non-combustion type suction device.
Fig. 4 is a right side view of the non-combustion type suction device.
Fig. 5 is a front view of the non-combustion type suction device.
Fig. 6 is a rear view of the non-combustion type suction device.
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the non-combustion type suction device.
Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the non-combustion type suction device when viewed from another direction.
Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of the non-combustion type suction device.
Fig. 10 is a plan view of a flavor source container.
Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the flavor source container.
Fig. 12 is a left side view of the flavor source container.
Fig. 13 is a right side view of the flavor source container.
Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the flavor source container.
Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view of a power supply unit.
Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit.
Fig. 17 is a view showing a modification example of the non-combustion type suction device.
Fig. 18 is a view showing another modification example of the non-combustion type suction device.

[Description of Embodiments]

Hereinafter, a flavor source container and a non-combustion type suction device (hereinafter, referred to as a "suction device" in some cases) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The non-combustion type suction device is a suction device that obtains a flavor by sucking aerosols atomized by heating through a flavor source. Hereinafter, for convenience, viewing in a -z-axis direction in the drawings will be referred to as plan view, viewing in a -x-axis direction will be referred to as front view, and viewing in a y-axis direction will be referred to as side view.
As shown in Figs. 1 to. 9, a non-combustion type suction device 1 includes a flavor source container 10 and a housing 60. The flavor source container 10 accommodates a flavor source. The housing 60 accommodates various types of devices. An atomizer 20 and a power supply unit 30 are accommodated in the housing 60. The atomizer 20 generates aerosols. The power supply unit 30 supplies power to the atomizer 20. In the non-combustion type suction device 1, a continuous body which is long in a continuous direction is formed in a state where the flavor source container 10 and the housing 60 are abutted against each other. The continuous body is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
The non-combustion type suction device 1 is formed, for example, in a column body having a cross section in a longitudinal direction, which is rectangular along an axis L (x-axis direction) direction. In plan view, a dividing line C is formed between the flavor source container 10 and the housing 60 on an upper face 2 and a bottom face 3 of the non-combustion type suction device 1. The dividing line C is formed to extend in an oblique direction with respect to the axis L direction. In side view, the dividing line C in a direction orthogonal to the axis L direction is formed between the flavor source container 10 and the housing 60 on the side faces 4 and 5 of the non-combustion type suction device 1.
The flavor source container 10 is disposed at a first end side portion of the non-combustion type suction device lin the axis L direction. A suction port 11 is formed in an end surface of the flavor source container 10 when viewed from the front. An end member 36 of the power supply unit 30, which is to be described later, is attached to a second end side portion of the non-combustion type suction device 1 in the axis L direction. The end member 36 is accommodated in the housing 60. The end member 36 may be formed integrally with the housing 60.
The flavor source container 10 is an accommodating container that accommodates the flavor source therein. A molded body obtained by forming chopped tobacco and a tobacco raw material into granules can be used as a raw material piece configuring the flavor source. The flavor source may be configured by plants (for example, mint, Chinese herbs, and herbs) other than tobacco. A fragrance such as menthol may be given to the flavor source. The flavor source adds a flavor to heated aerosols as will be described later. The flavor source may be an aerosol source. The flavor source container 10 is formed, for example, detachably with respect to the housing 60. The flavor source container 10 can be replaced by a user as appropriate.
As shown in Figs. 10 to 14, the flavor source container 10 is formed, for example, in a trapezoidal columnar shape using a resin material. The flavor source container 10 may be formed, for example, such that corner portions on a first end 10A side are chamfered and the user feels smoothness when touching. The suction port 11 is formed on the first end 10A side of the flavor source container 10. The suction port 11 is a flow path, through which aerosols to which a flavor is given by the flavor source are suctioned and flow out as the user performs suction. The suction port 11 is a substantially rectangular opening. The suction port 11 is formed in a planar shape. A tubular mouthpiece (not shown) may be attached to the suction port 11.
A filter F is provided on the suction port 11 to cover the opening. Internal and external spaces of the flavor source container 10 are partitioned with the filter F, and the filter prevents the inside flavor source from flowing to the outside. The filter F is formed, for example, of a non-woven fabric. Furthermore, the filter F may be formed of a metal mesh and a porous ceramic. In order to control the flow speed of a flowing gas, a filter fineness or material of the filter F may be changed according to a position in the suction port 11. The filter F may not necessarily cover the entire suction port 11. The filter F may be provided to cover at least a part of the suction port 11.
An inflow port 12 is formed on a second end 10B side of the flavor source container 10. The inflow port 12 is formed in a planar surface of a second end 10B. Between the suction port 11 and the inflow port 12, a flow path 19 communicating with the suction and inflow ports is formed. The flow path 19 is formed in a trapezoidal space. The flow path 19 is an accommodating space that accommodates the flavor source. Aerosols generated by the atomizer 20 flow into the inflow port 12. The inflow port 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular opening. Without being limited thereto, the shape of the inflow port 12 may be formed into other shapes such as an ellipse and a plurality of holes.
A first guide member 18 is formed on the periphery of the inflow port 12. The first guide member 18 extends to surround the periphery of the inflow port 12 in a substantially rectangular shape. The first guide member 18 is formed to protrude from the inflow port 12 outward. The first guide member 18 is formed in a wall shape standing to surround the inflow port 12.
The filter F is provided in the inflow port 12 to cover the opening as in the suction port 11. The internal and external spaces of the flavor source container 10 are partitioned with the filter F, and the filter prevents the inside flavor source from flowing to the outside. The filter F is formed, for example, of a non-woven fabric. Furthermore, the filter F may be formed of a metal mesh and a porous ceramic. In order to control the flow speed of a flowing gas, a filter fineness or material of the filter F may be changed in accordance with a position in the inflow port 12. The filter F may not necessarily cover the entire inflow port 12, or may be provided to cover at least a part of the suction port 11.
The inflow port 12 is formed along a plane inclined with respect to the suction port 11 in plan view. Compared to a case of opening to a plane parallel to the suction port 11, the inflow port 12 is formed to have a large opening area. When the user performs suction from the suction port 11, aerosols generated from the atomizer 20 flow into the inflow port 12. The inflow port 12 is formed to be angled with respect to a direction perpendicular to a flowing direction A of the aerosols. The inflow port 12 is formed to be angled with respect to the direction orthogonal to the axis L direction in the flow path 19 of the aerosols.
Due to such a configuration, the area of the inflow port 12 increases compared to a case where the inflow port 12 is parallel to the suction port 11. For this reason, when aerosols pass through the inflow port 12 and reach the flavor source, it is possible to make an area where the aerosols and the flavor source come into contact with each other large compared to a case where the inflow port 12 is parallel to the suction port 11. For this reason, a flavor can be more efficiently added to the aerosols.
A first abutting portion 15 that abuts against a first end 60A of the housing 60 is formed on the second end 10B side of the flavor source container 10. The first abutting portion 15 is formed in a stepped shape extending to corner portions of the second end 10B of the flavor source container 10, and the height of a step is formed to be substantially the same as the thickness of the first end 60A of the housing 60. A pair of protruding portions 16A and 16B protruding to a downstream side are formed on a side face 13 side and a side face 14 side, which are both sides of the second end 10B side of the flavor source container 10.
A pair of first engaging portions 17A and 17B protruding sideways (directions orthogonal to the axis L) are formed at the pair of protruding portions 16A and 16B. The first engaging portion 17 is formed to protrude in a rectangular shape. The first engaging portion 17 may be formed in a tapered surface to protrude less toward an end portion in plan view. The pair of first engaging portions 17 engage with a pair of second engaging portions 67 formed at the housing 60 as will be described later. The housing 60 is provided adjacent to the flavor source container 10 in the axis L direction.
As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, the housing 60 is an accommodating container that accommodates the atomizer 20 and the power supply unit 30 therein. The atomizer 20 is inserted from a first end 60A side of the housing 60. The power supply unit 30 is inserted from a second end 60B side of the housing 60.
The housing 60 is formed in a tubular body having a rectangular cross section using a resin material. A second abutting portion 61 that abuts against the first abutting portion 15 is formed at the first end 60A of the housing 60. The second abutting portion 61 is formed at an end portion of the housing 60 on the first end 60A side. The second abutting portion 61 is formed to be in the oblique direction with respect to the axis L in plan view. The dividing line C in the oblique direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the continuous body is formed on the continuous body configured by the flavor source container 10 and the housing 60 in a state where the first abutting portion 15 and the second abutting portion 61 are abutted against each other.
The pair of second engaging portions 67 are formed on the first end 60A side of the housing 60. The pair of second engaging portions 67 engage with the pair of first engaging portions 17 on side faces 65 and 66 which are on both sides of the first end 60A. The second engaging portions 67 are formed, for example, in rectangular through-holes to engage with the first engaging portions 17.
A notch portion 62 may be formed on the first end 60A side of the housing 60, and the notch portion 62 guides attachment and detachment of the atomizer 20 along the axis L direction. The notch portion 62 is formed on an upper face 63 side and a lower face 64 side. The notch portion 62 may be formed in one side on any of the upper face 63 side and the lower face 64 side. The notch portion 62 is linearly formed such that a direction along the axis L direction is longer than a width direction orthogonal to the axis L. The notch portion 62 is formed, for example, at a position offset from a center of the housing 60 in a longitudinal direction. An end point of the notch portion 62 is formed in the oblique direction in accordance with the second abutting portion 61.
The description above is an example, and the notch portion 62 may not necessarily be formed to offset. The end point of the notch portion 62 may not necessarily be formed in the oblique direction in accordance with the second abutting portion 61. The notch portion 62 may not necessarily be formed in both directions including the upper face 63 side and the lower face 64 side. That is, the notch portion 62 and a protruding portion 23 to be described later may be formed such that the atomizer 20 is not erroneously inserted into the housing 60. The atomizer 20 is inserted into the first end 60A side of the housing 60.
As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, an intake port 29 is formed in an upper face 21 and a lower face 22 of the atomizer 20. The protruding portion 23 is formed in a band shape such that the protruding portion 23 is guided by the notch portion 62 when the atomizer 20 is inserted into the housing 60. The protruding portion 23 is formed to protrude such that the height of the protruding portion 23 is larger than the thickness of the housing 60.
When the atomizer 20 is taken out from the housing 60, surfaces of the pair of protruding portions 23, which are formed on an upper face 21 side and a lower face 22 side, are pinched by using fingers, and the pair of protruding portions 23 are slid along the notch portion 62. The atomizer 20 may be slid along the notch portion 62 by hooking fingernails of fingers to the protruding portions 23. Accordingly, the atomizer 20 is taken out from the first end 60A side of the housing 60. The surfaces of the protruding portions 23 may be anti-slip processed to form a satin ground, a plurality of steps, and a plurality of small protrusions.
The atomizer 20 is a device that atomizes an aerosol source therein and generates aerosols. The atomizer 20 is an accommodating container in which a space T is formed therein. For example, a liquid aerosol source is enclosed in the space T of the atomizer 20. The atomizer 20 is formed in a column body having a substantially rectangular cross section. The atomizer 20 is formed such that a first end 20A side has a cross section in the oblique direction in accordance with the second abutting portion 61 of the housing 60.
A discharge port 24 through which aerosols are discharged is formed on the first end 20A side of the atomizer 20. The discharge port 24 is formed to face the inflow port 12. The atomizer 20 is formed to have an external dimension smaller than the external dimension of the housing 60 by the thickness of the housing 60 such that the atomizer is accommodated inside the housing 60 in cross sectional view.
The discharge port 24 is formed, for example, in a substantially circular opening. The discharge port 24 is formed to appear in an inclined surface R facing the inflow port 12. The inclined surface R is formed, for example, at an angle in the oblique direction to be spaced apart from the inflow port 12 and be parallel to the inflow port. A second guide member 25 extending on the periphery of the discharge port 24 is formed at the inclined surface R. The second guide member 25 is formed to surround the periphery of the discharge port 24 in a rectangular shape and to protrude from the inclined surface R toward an inflow port 12 side. The second guide member 25 is formed in the oblique direction with respect to the axis L direction such that an end portion thereof matches the second abutting portion 61 of the housing 60 in plan view in a state where the atomizer 20 is stored in the housing 60.
The second guide member 25 engages with the first guide member 18 to position the flavor source container 10. Both sides of a short protruding portion of the second guide member 25 are formed such that the pair of protruding portions 16A and 16B are pinched therebetween in plan view. Both sides of the short protruding portion of the second guide member 25 are formed in a stepped shape recessed on an inside from a side face of the atomizer 20.
The second guide member 25 has a recess formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The first guide member 18 is formed to protrude in a substantially rectangular shape. The first guide member 18 is inserted and engaged with the recess of the second guide member 25. When the first guide member 18 and the second guide member 25 engage with each other, the flavor source container 10 is positioned. An end portion of the first guide member 18 abuts against the inclined surface R. In this state, the end portion of the first guide member 18 may not necessarily abut against the inclined surface R. In this state, a chamber S is formed between the first guide member 18, the inclined surface R, and the filter F. As will be described later, the chamber S is filled will aerosols discharged from the discharge port 24 and air taken in from the outside.
When the first engaging portions 17 of the flavor source container 10 and the second engaging portions 67 of the housing 60 engage with each other, the atomizer 20 is pressed in a direction of being pushed into the housing 60 by the flavor source container 10, and the protruding portion 23 is pressed toward a flavor source container 10 side by the notch portion 62 of the housing 60. For this reason, the atomizer 20 is reliably fixed into the housing 60.
A flow path 24A communicating with the space T and the discharge port 24 is formed inside the atomizer 20. The intake port 29 through which air is taken in is formed on the downstream side of the flow path 24A. A heating unit 28 that heats the aerosol source is provided in the space T. The heating unit 28 includes a core material 28A and a heater 28B. The core material 28A is formed such that the aerosol source is impregnated. The heater 28B heats the core material 28A. The core material 28A is formed using a fibrous material which is nonflammable and water-absorbent. The core material 28A is impregnated with a liquid due to a capillary phenomenon.
The core material 28A may be formed using a porous ceramic such that the liquid aerosol source is impregnated. The core material 28A is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The coil-shaped heater 28B obtained by winding a nichrome wire with a predetermined number of times of winding is formed on the periphery of the core material 28A. Power from the power supply unit 30 is supplied to the heater 28B.
A pair of lead wires are connected to both sides of the heater 28B. A pair of electrodes G exposed to the outside of the atomizer 20 are connected to tips of the pair of lead wires. When power from the power supply unit 30 is supplied to the heater 28B and the core material 28A is heated, the aerosol source in a state of being impregnated with the core material 28A is atomized and aerosols are generated. The aerosols flow in the flow path 24A and are discharged from the discharge port 24.
As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the power supply unit 30 is inserted from the second end 60B side of the housing 60, and is stored in the housing 60. The power supply unit 30 is disposed adjacent to the atomizer 20 in the housing 60. The power supply unit 30 includes a casing 31, a battery 32, a control device 33, a pair of pin electrodes K, a pair of electrodes M for charging, flexible wiring 34, and a sensor 35. The casing 31 accommodates each functional unit. The battery 32 is accommodated in the casing 31. The control device 33 controls charging and discharging or power supply of the battery 32. The pair of pin electrodes K supply power to the atomizer 20. The flexible wiring 34 electrically connects each configuration of the power supply unit 30. The sensor 35 functions as a trigger for turning power supply on and off.
The casing 31 is formed, for example, in a bucket shape that has a bottom portion 31C and has one side open. The atomizer 20 is disposed adjacent to a first end 31A side of the casing 31. An end wall 31D erected from the bottom portion 31C in the perpendicular direction is formed on the first end 31A side of the casing 31. A rectangular ventilation port 31E is formed in the end wall 31D. The ventilation port 31E is formed to penetrate in a longitudinal direction (axis L direction) of the casing 31. The end wall 31D is formed with a thickness in the axis L direction.
The end member 36 is attached to a second end 31B side of the casing 31. The end member 36 is formed to cover an opening of a second end 60B of the housing 60. A plurality of holes 36H leading to the pair of electrodes M for charging are formed in the end member 36. The battery 32 is accommodated on an end member 36 side of the casing 31.
The battery 32 is a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery. For example, a lithium is battery is used as the battery 32. The control device 33 is configured by a plate-shape substrate on which a plurality of electronic components (not shown) are mounted. The control device 33 is fixed to the first end 31A side of the casing 31 by a screw 39. The pair of pin electrodes K are attached to protrude from the first end 31A side of the casing 31. The pair of pin electrodes K press against and come into contact with the pair of electrodes G of the atomizer 20, and the pair of pin electrodes K and the pair of electrodes G are electrically connected to each other. The pair of pin electrodes K supply power from the battery 32 to the atomizer 20.
The sensor 35 is attached to an inside (an internal side of the casing 31) of the end wall 31D. For example, a pressure sensor formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is used as the sensor 35. The sensor 35 is disposed such that a short side direction in which a dimension is shortest faces the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the casing 31 in a three-axis orthogonal direction of a rectangular parallelepiped of the sensor 35.
An annular groove 31G is formed in an outer periphery of the end wall 31D. An annular seal member P is attached to the annular groove 31G. The seal member P is pressed against an inner wall surface of the housing 60. The flexible wiring 34 is a flexible substrate in which wiring is printed on a flexible thin plate. The flexible wiring 34 electrically connects the battery 32, the electrodes M, the control device 33, and the pin electrodes K to each other.

Next, an assembling method of the non-combustion type suction device 1 described above will be described.
As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the power supply unit 30 is inserted into the opening on the second end 60B side of the housing 60. Then, the seal member P attached to the power supply unit 30 comes into close contact with the inner wall surface of the housing 60, and the power supply unit 30 is fitted into the housing 60. Next, the end member 36 closes the opening of the second end 60B of the housing 60 and fixes the second end 31B side of the casing 31 of the power supply unit 30. Accordingly, the power supply unit 30 is fixed to the housing 60. In a case where the power supply unit 30 is removed from the housing 60, a reverse operation of the operation may be performed.
Next, the atomizer 20 is inserted from the first end 60A side of the housing 60. Specifically, the electrodes G of the atomizer 20 face the first end 31A side of the casing 31 in the housing 60, and the atomizer 20 is inserted into the housing 60. At this time, the pair of protruding portions 23 of the atomizer 20 are guided by the notch portion 62 of the housing 60, and the atomizer 20 is moved in an insertion direction. Subsequently, the protruding portion 23 abuts against a terminal end of the notch portion 62. Since the notch portion 62 and the protruding portion 23 are formed asymmetrically with respect to the axis L direction, reverse insertion of the atomizer 20 is prevented. Accordingly, the pair of electrodes G of the atomizer 20 are connected to the pair of pin electrodes K of the power supply unit 30 in a normal posture.
As the pair of electrodes G are connected to the pair of pin electrodes K, the heater 28B of the heating unit 28 can be energized with power of the power supply unit 30 via the pin electrodes K and the electrodes G. In a case where the atomizer 20 is removed from the housing 60, a reverse operation of the operation described above may be performed. At this time, the pair of protruding portions 23 are pinched with fingers, and the atomizer 20 can be slid in a pulling direction.
Next, the flavor source container 10 is attached to the housing 60. Specifically, the pair of first engaging portions 17A and 17B of the flavor source container 10 are engaged with the pair of second engaging portions 67 of the housing 60, and the flavor source container 10 is fixed to the housing 60. Then, the first guide member 18 of the flavor source container 10 and the second guide member 25 of the atomizer 20 are engaged with each other, and the flavor source container 10 is positioned.
Accordingly, the flavor source container 10 is in a state where the atomizer 20 is pressed to a power supply unit 30 side. In this state, the pin electrodes K of the power supply unit 30 are elastically displaced to a -X side and come into close contact with the electrodes G as a force is applied in a direction in which the electrodes G of the atomizer 20 are pressed. When the flavor source container 10 is fixed to the housing 60, the dividing line C in the oblique direction with respect to the axis L direction is formed between the flavor source container 10 and the housing 60. In this manner, the assembly of the non-combustion type suction device 1 is completed.

When the non-combustion type suction device 1 described above is used, the user sucks the flavor source container 10 or the mouthpiece (not shown) that can be attached to the flavor source container 10 while holding in the mouth. When suctioned, the sensor 35 detects a change in the pressure through the ventilation port 31E. When the control device 33 determines that the pressure is lower than, for example, a predetermined value based on the value of the pressure detected by the sensor 35, the control device performs control of supplying power to the pin electrodes K.
Power is supplied from the pin electrodes K to the atomizer 20 via the electrodes G, and the heater 28B is energized. At this time, as the inside of the housing 60 becomes a negative pressure, fresh air is introduced into the housing 60 from the outside. The air introduced from the outside is suctioned, for example, through the dividing line C, and is guided to the intake port 29 of the atomizer 20. Alternatively, the air may be introduced into the housing 60 via a gap between the notch portion 62 and the protruding portion 23. An outside air introduction port, which is formed in a rectangular shape, a circular shape, or a slit shape, may be formed in the housing 60 as appropriate.
When the heater 28B is energized, the core material 28A is heated. Then, the liquid aerosol source impregnated with the core material 28A is atomized. Atomized aerosols fill the flow path 24A. The atomized aerosols are discharged from the discharge port 24, and flow into the chamber S. In the chamber S, the aerosols are mixed with air taken in from the dividing line C, and the mixed gas flows from the inflow port 12 into the flavor source container 10. At this time, since the flavor source container 10 is formed such that the area of the inflow port 12 increases, the flowing amount of the mixed gas flowing into the inside increases. After then, the mixed gas of the atomized aerosols and the air enters the user's mouth with a flavor added through the flavor source container 10. Accordingly, the user can obtain tastes and flavors.

[Modification Example]

The inflow port 12 in the flavor source container 10 may be formed in various shapes in order to expand the area. In the following description, the same configuration as in the embodiment will be assigned with the same name and reference sign as appropriate, and redundant description will be omitted.
As shown in Fig. 17, the inflow port 12 of the flavor source container 10 may be formed in a V-shape bent to a suction port 11 side in plan view. A V-shaped dividing line C1 is formed between the flavor source container 10 and the housing 60 in plan view. The inflow port 12 may be asymmetrical with respect to the axis L direction in plan view. The inflow port 12 may have a curved shape including a U-shape and an inverted U-shape. The inflow port 12 may be formed in a V-shape bent in a direction opposite to the suction port 11 in plan view.
As shown in Fig. 18, the inflow port 12 of the flavor source container 10 may be formed by a plurality of continuous V-shapes in plan view. A dividing line C2, in which the plurality of V-shapes are continuous, is formed between the flavor source container 10 and the housing 60 in plan view. The inflow port 12 may be formed such that an uneven shape is continuous in plan view. The uneven shape may be formed by a curved line.
The modification example may be applied to an inflow port in a side view state. That is, the inflow port 12 may be formed to at least partially include a region angled with respect to the suction port 11. For example, a part of the inflow port 12 may be formed to be angled with respect to the suction port 11, and other portions of the inflow port 12 may be formed parallel to the suction port 11.
As described above, with the non-combustion type suction device 1, the flowing amount of aerosols in the flavor source container 10 is increased, and the user can be provided with an aerosol mixed gas to which a larger amount of flavor is added. With the non-combustion type suction device 1, not only the flowing amount of aerosols is increased, but also the dividing line C having a new shape is formed between the flavor source container 10 and the housing 60, and design is greatly improved. With the non-combustion type suction device 1, since a configuration where each device can be easily attached and detached with respect to the inside of the housing 60 can be adopted and a configuration where a device fixing method is not affected by the appearance is adopted, design can be greatly improved.
The embodiment of the present invention has been described hereinbefore. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and can be changed or replaced as appropriate. For example, in the flavor source container 10, a baffle plate or a rectification plate may be attached into the flow path 19 such that a flow path in which a gas flows has the same length. The density of the flavor source container 10 may be changed according to a position in the flow path 19 such that a contact opportunity for the flavor source with aerosols is as uniform as possible.

(Appendix)

The flavor source container 10 may be configured as follows.
A flavor source container that is attached to a non-combustion type suction device and accommodates a flavor source, the flavor source container including an inflow port into which an aerosol generated by an atomizer flows and a suction port through which the aerosol, to which a flavor is given by the flavor source, is suctioned and flows out, in which the inflow port is formed to at least partially include a region angled with respect to a direction perpendicular to a flowing direction of the aerosol.
A flavor source container that is attached to a non-combustion type suction device and accommodates a flavor source, the flavor source container including an inflow port into which an aerosol generated by an atomizer flows and a suction port through which the aerosol, to which a flavor is given by the flavor source, is suctioned and flows out, in which the inflow port is formed to at least partially include a region angled with respect to a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of a flow path of the aerosol, which is provided on a downstream side.

[Industrial Applicability]

The flavor source container and the non-combustion type suction device, in which an opportunity that aerosols of the flavor source container and the flavor source come into contact with each other is improved, can be provided.

[Reference Signs List]

1: non-combustion type suction device
2: upper face
3: bottom face
4: side face
5: side face
10: flavor source container
10A: first end
10B: second end
11: suction port
12: inflow port
13: side face
14: side face
15: first abutting portion
16A: protruding portion
16B: protruding portion
17: first engaging portion
17A: first engaging portion
17B: first engaging portion
18: first guide member
19: flow path
20: atomizer
20A: first end
21: upper face
22: lower face
23: protruding portion
24: discharge port
24A: flow path
25: second guide member
28: heating unit
28A: core material
28B: heater
29: intake port
30: power supply unit
31: casing
31C: bottom portion
31D: end wall
31E: ventilation port
31G: annular groove
32: battery
33: control device
34: flexible wiring
35: sensor
36: end member
36H: hole
39: screw
60: housing
61: second abutting portion
62: notch portion
63: upper face
64: lower face
65, 66: side face
67: second engaging portion
C, C1, C2: dividing line
F: filter
G: electrode
K: pin electrode
L: axis
M: electrode
P: seal member
R: inclined surface
S: chamber

Claims

A flavor source container that is attached to a non-combustion type suction device and accommodates a flavor source, the flavor source container comprising:
an inflow port into which an aerosol generated by an atomizer included in the non-combustion type suction device flows; and

a suction port through which the aerosol is suctioned and flows out,

wherein the inflow port is formed to at least partially include a region angled with respect to the suction port.
The flavor source container according to Claim 1,
wherein the inflow port is formed to face the suction port in an oblique direction.
The flavor source container according to Claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
a filter provided to cover at least a part of the inflow port and/or the suction port.
The flavor source container according to Claim 3,
wherein the filter is formed of a non-woven fabric.
The flavor source container according to any one of Claims 1 to 4,
wherein a surface of the inflow port is formed in a planar shape.
A non-combustion type suction device comprising:
the flavor source container according to any one of Claims 1 to 5; and

the atomizer,

wherein a discharge port, which faces the inflow port and through which the aerosol is discharged, is formed in the atomizer.
The non-combustion type suction device according to Claim 6, further comprising:
a housing that accommodates the atomizer such that the discharge port is disposed on a first end side,

wherein a continuous body in a state where the flavor source container and the housing are abutted against each other is formed to be longitudinal in a continuous direction.
The non-combustion type suction device according to Claim 7,
wherein the continuous body is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
The non-combustion type suction device according to Claim 8,
wherein a first abutting portion that abuts against a first end of the housing is formed at an inflow port side of the flavor source container,

a second abutting portion that abuts against the first abutting portion is formed at the first end of the housing, and

in a state where the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are abutted against each other, a dividing line in an oblique direction with respect to a longitudinal direction of the continuous body is formed on the continuous body.
The non-combustion type suction device according to any one of Claims 7 to 9,
wherein a first engaging portion is formed at an inflow port side of the flavor source container, and

a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion and fixes the flavor source container is formed at the first end side of the housing.
The non-combustion type suction device according to any one of Claims 7 to 10,
wherein a first guide member is formed at an inflow port side of the flavor source container, and

a second guide member that engages with the first guide member and positions the flavor source container is formed at the first end side of the housing.
The non-combustion type suction device according to any one of Claims 7 to 11,
wherein a notch portion that guides attachment and detachment of the atomizer is formed in the housing, and

a protruding portion that is guided by the notch portion in an attachment and detachment direction is formed at the atomizer.
The non-combustion type suction device according to any one of Claims 7 to 12, further comprising:
a power supply unit that is accommodated adjacent to the atomizer on a second end side of the housing and supplies power to the atomizer.