RU2787858C1 - Smoking system, device and expendable part - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking system, device and expendable part.

SUBSTANCE: smoking system containing a disposable part containing a smoking substance and a device configured to heat and spray the smoking substance. The device contains a chamber in which the consumable part is located and a heating unit configured to heat the consumable part located in the chamber. The chamber contains an opening through which the expendable part is inserted, and a locking block configured to hold the expendable part. The locking block contains a compressive element configured to compress the section of the consumable part, and a non-compressing element. Each of the compressive member and non-compressive member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating block is located on the outer surface of the compression element.

EFFECT: providing a more efficient transfer of heat from the heating block to the consumable part.

15 cl, 27 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking system, device, and consumable part.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An aromatic inhaler is known in the related art for inhaling aromatics and the like without burning the material. The aroma inhaler includes, for example, a chamber containing an aroma-producing product and a heater that heats said product located in the chamber (see, for example, patent documents PD1-PD3).

LIST OF CITED DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003] PD1: Japanese translation of PCT Published International Patent Application No. 2001-521123

PD2: Japan Patent No. 5963375

PD3: Published International Application WO 2016/207407 SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system comprising a consumable part containing a smoking substance and a device that heats and atomizes the smoking substance. The device contains a chamber in which the consumable part is placed, and a heating block that heats the consumable part placed in the chamber. The chamber contains an opening through which the consumable part is inserted, and a fixing block that holds the specified consumable part. The locking block contains a compressive element that compresses the section of the consumable part, and a non-compressive element. The compressive element and the non-compressive element each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating block is located on the outer surface of the compression element. The inner surface of the compressive member may also be referred to as a compressive surface that compresses the consumable portion, and the inner surface of the non-compressive member may also be referred to as a non-compressive surface that does not compress the consumable portion.

[0005] According to the first aspect, the consumable part is located essentially near the heating surface (the inner surface of the compressing member), and therefore heat from the heating block can be efficiently transferred to the consumable part. It should be noted that the consumable part contains a smoking substance that contains tobacco and non-tobacco materials. The consumable part may or may not contain a mouthpiece. The consumable part that contains the mouthpiece may be a rod-type consumable part that resembles a conventional cigarette containing tobacco or the like as a smokable substance. A consumable part that does not include a mouthpiece may be a consumable part in which the smoking substance itself, such as tobacco, is compressed into a tablet shape or the like, or a consumable part in which the smoking substance is wrapped with a breathable material such as a non-woven fabric or a sheet. material such as paper. In addition, the heating block may also contain a heating element. The chamber may be, for example, a cylindrical container with a bottom or a cylindrical object without a bottom. The chamber is preferably made using a material such as a metal having a high thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel. This configuration enables efficient heating. The chamber walls preferably have a uniform thickness (including the case where the thickness is substantially uniform). This configuration allows the heat to be evenly distributed throughout the chamber. The chamber thickness is equal to or greater than 0.04 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, for example, preferably equal to or greater than 0.04 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.05 mm and less than or equal to 0 .1 mm.

[0006] The heating block is preferably located without a gap relative to the outer surface of the compressing element (no gap between the outer surface of the compressing element and the heating block). In this document, the absence of a gap also means that there is essentially no gap. With this configuration, the heating block is located near the outer surface of the compressing member, and therefore, even more efficient heat transfer from the heating block to the consumable part can be achieved.

[0007] The opening can preferably receive the consumable part without being compressed. With this configuration, the consumable part can be easily inserted into the chamber. The shape of the opening in the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber, or, in other words, the direction in which the disposable part is introduced into the chamber, or the direction in which the sides of the chamber generally extend (hereinafter referred to as simply the longitudinal direction of the chamber), may be polygonal or elliptical, but preferably round. With this configuration, the consumable part can be easily inserted into the hole.

[0008] The inner circumferential length of the locking block is preferably the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable before it is compressed by the compression member. It should be noted that in this case, the expression "same" includes the meaning "substantially the same". The phrase "substantially the same" refers to a state in which the difference between the inner circumferential length of the locking block and the outer circumferential length of the disposable portion before it is compressed by the compression member is in the range of ±6% of the inner circumferential length of the locking block, for example, preferably within ±4%, more preferably within ±2%. As described above, the locking block includes a compressive element and a non-compressive element. In the case where the inner circumferential length of the locking block and the outer circumferential length of the consumable are substantially the same, the compression member presses against the portion of the consumable so that the outer circumferential shape of the consumable approximately matches the shape of the inner cross section of the retaining block. Compared with the case where the inner circumferential length and the inner circumferential shape of the fixing block are the same as the outer circumferential length and the outer circumferential shape of the consumable part, in this smoking system, a location is formed in which the consumable part is compressed by the compression member and therefore can be increased efficiency of heat transfer from the heating block to the consumable part. In addition, compared with the case where the outer circumferential length of the wear portion is smaller than the inner circumferential length of the fixing block, the inner circumferential surface (non-compressing surface) of the fixing block substantially touches the outer circumferential surface of the wear part even at places where there is no compression of the wear part, and therefore, the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating block to the consumable part can be improved. Moreover, compared with the case where the outer circumferential length of the consumable part is larger than the inner circumferential length of the fixing block, the consumable part can be inserted into the fixing block smoothly, and the deformation caused by the outer circumferential surface of the consumable part and the seal inside the consumable part can be reduced. (eg, tobacco as one example of a smoking substance). As a result, uneven heating and inconsistencies in the tightening resistance of each wear part, which may occur due to deformation caused by the seal inside the wear part, can be eliminated. It can also be noted that, preferably, the inner circumferential length of the locking block is substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the disposable part in the state of its compression by the compressing element, and the inner circumferential length of the locking block can be considered the inner circumferential length in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking chamber. block. In addition, the expression "external circumferential length of the expendable part before it is compressed by the compressing element" can mean the external circumferential length of the portion of the external circumferential length of the expendable part before it is compressed by the compressing element, which is in a position corresponding to the internal circumferential length of the fixing block relative to the location in the longitudinal direction of the chamber when the compressing element presses on the consumable part. In addition, the expression "outer circumferential length of the consumable part in the state of its compression by the compressing element" can mean the outer circumferential length of the portion of the outer circumferential length of the consumable part in the state of its compression by the compressing element, which is located in a position corresponding to the inner circumferential length of the locking block relative to the location in the longitudinal camera direction.

[0009] The outer circumferential surface of the locking block preferably has the same shape and size (outer circumferential length of the locking block in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber) along the entire length of the chamber in the longitudinal direction. This configuration prevents the heating block from being loosely positioned on the outer surface of the clamping member of the fixing block, whereby the heating block can be easily and substantially without gap mounted on the outer surface of the clamping member.

[0010] When the consumable is located at a predetermined position within the chamber, the non-compressive member preferably touches the consumable in an uncompressed state. Here, the uncompressed state is a substantially uncompressed state. With such a configuration, there is essentially no gap between the consumable part and the fixing block, therefore, the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating block to the consumable part can be further improved in the non-compressive member. The non-compressive element has an inner surface that is connected to a compressive element whose opposite inner surface is flat; furthermore, said inner surface of the non-compressive member may be curved.

[0011] The inner surface of the non-compressing element of the fixing block preferably has a curved surface connecting the ends of the inner surface of the compressing element in the circumferential direction of the chamber. With such a configuration, the design of the smoking system can be simplified, and furthermore, cleaning of the non-compressive member can be facilitated, compared to, for example, the case where the inner surface has corners. In the case where an air gap described below is formed inside the chamber, cleaning of said gap is easier compared to, for example, the case where the inner surface has corners. The shape of the inner surface of the non-compressive member in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber is preferably the same as the shape of the opening in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber at any position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber. In other words, the inner surface of the non-compressive member is preferably designed such that the inner surface of the chamber, which forms the opening, extends in the longitudinal direction. With this arrangement, the configuration of the chamber can be simplified, and in the case where the following air gap is formed inside the chamber, there are fewer obstacles to the flow of air coming from the opening of the chamber. Moreover, cleaning of the air gap can be facilitated. It should be noted that the "circumferential direction of the camera" can also be considered as "the rotational direction of the camera around the longitudinal axis".

[0012] The outer surface of the compression element may be a curved or uneven surface, but preferably said surface is flat. It should be noted that in this case, "flat surface" includes a substantially flat surface. In terms of the flatness ratio of the compressing member with respect to the entire outer surface, the state in which "the outer surface of the compressing member is substantially flat" refers to the state in which the flatness ratio of the compressing member with respect to the entire outer surface is 80% or higher, for example, preferably 90% or more, more preferably 95% or more.

[0013] Since the outer surface of the compression member is a flat surface, by connecting the strip electrodes to the heating block located on the outer surface of the clamping member, bending of said electrodes can be prevented, which facilitates their placement inside the device. In addition, compared with the case where the outer surface of the compression member is a curved or uneven surface, the heating block can be accurately positioned and easily placed without forming a gap with the outer surface of the compression member.

[0014] The inner surface of the compression element is preferably a flat surface. This configuration facilitates the insertion of the consumable part. In this case, "flat surface" also includes a substantially flat surface. In addition, the compression member preferably has a uniform thickness. With this configuration, more uniform heating can be achieved. Here, the expression "uniform thickness" also includes the case where the thickness is substantially uniform. The thickness of the compression member is equal to or greater than 0.04 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, for example, preferably equal to or greater than 0.04 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.05 mm and less than or equal to 0.1 mm. With such a configuration, interference with efficient heat transfer to the consumable part caused by an excessively large volume of the compression member can be eliminated, and a sufficiently strong compression member can be provided.

[0015] In the case where the inner surface of the compression element is a flat surface, the chamber may have only one compression element, but preferably the chamber has two or more compression elements located in the circumferential direction. With such a configuration, the compression of the consumable part occurs at two or more places in the circumferential direction of the chamber, and therefore uniform heating of the consumable part from all sides can be ensured.

[0016] The locking block comprises two compressing elements facing each other, wherein at least part of the distance between the inner surfaces of said two compressing elements is preferably less than the width of the disposable portion inserted into the chamber at a location between the compressing elements. Facing each other, the inner surfaces of the two compressing elements of the locking block may be flat surfaces.

[0017] In the case where the inner surfaces of the compressing elements are flat surfaces, three or more compressing elements may be arranged in the circumferential direction. The compressive elements may be positioned so that they face each other, but may also face each of the non-compressive elements. If the non-compressing elements are arranged facing each other, the distance between the intersection point of lines extending perpendicularly from the center of the inner surface of each compressing element and the center of the inner surface of each compressing element in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber may be less than the radius of the inserted consumable part having round cross section. In this case, the term "round" also includes a substantially round shape.

[0018] The inner surfaces of the compressive elements preferably have pairs of flat compressive surfaces facing each other, and the inner surfaces of the non-compressive elements preferably have pairs of curved non-compressive surfaces facing each other, which connect the ends of the pairs of flat compressive surfaces. The curved non-compressive surfaces may have a generally arcuate cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber. The fixing block can be made in the form of a cylindrical metal object having a uniform thickness. In this case, the uniform thickness includes a substantially uniform thickness. This configuration simplifies the construction of the chamber and enables high-precision manufacturing to be carried out easily. In addition, with such a configuration, the positions of the compressive and non-compressive elements can be arranged in a proportional manner to ensure uniform heating, which facilitates the placement of the heating block on the outer surface of the compressive element with sufficient positioning accuracy, and also without gap, thereby improving the heating efficiency. The thickness of the fixing block is equal to or greater than 0.04 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, for example, preferably equal to or greater than 0.04 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.05 mm and less than or equal to 0.1 mm. With such a configuration, interference with efficient heat transfer to the consumable part caused by an excessively large volume of the fixing block can be eliminated, and a sufficiently strong fixing block can be provided.

[0019] The fixing block can also be configured to form an air gap between the inner surface of the non-compressive member and the consumable part when the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, and the air gap connects the opening of the chamber and the end surface of the consumable part located at a predetermined position in the chamber. chamber, or a chamber opening and an end surface of a consumable located inside the chamber and away from the chamber opening. The air gap is a channel that allows air to pass from the opening of the chamber to the end surface of the consumable when the user takes a puff, and since it is not necessary to equip the smoking system with a separate channel for introducing air supplied to the consumable, the design of the smoking system can be simplified and moreover, since the place where the non-compressive member part of the air gap is formed is open, the air gap can be easily cleaned. In addition, the air passing through the air gap can be efficiently heated, and the heat energy from the heating block can be effectively used. In terms of factors such as drag resistance, the height of the air gap (the maximum distance between the inner surface of the non-compressive member and the consumable part on a line extending in a radially outward direction from the center of the cross section of the consumable part located at a given position in the chamber) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm, most preferably equal to or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm .

For example, if the fixing block has at least two compressing elements spaced apart around the circumference of the chamber, and the disposable portion is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, then the fixing block preferably has an air gap formed between the inner surface of the non-compressing element connecting the two compressing element, and the expendable part, while the specified air gap connects the opening of the chamber and the end surface of the expendable part located in a given position in the chamber, or connects the opening of the chamber and the end surface of the expendable part located inside the chamber and remote from the opening of the chamber. More preferably, two air gaps are formed between the inner surfaces of the two non-compressive elements connecting the two compressing elements and the expendable part. Even more preferably, three or more air gaps are provided between the inner surfaces of the three or more non-compressive elements connecting the three or more compressive elements and the expendable part. With such a configuration, the unbalance of the airflow within the chamber can be further reduced and interference with more uniform heating can be eliminated.

[0020] The two compression members preferably face each other. In this case, the unbalance of the air flow inside the chamber can be further reduced and the interference with more uniform heating can be further eliminated.

[0021] Preferably, there is no projection on the inner surface of the fixing block. If the inner surface of the fixing block having a uniform thickness has a protruding part, it may be difficult to place the heating block on the outer surface of the compression member without forming a gap if a recessed part is formed on the outer surface of the fixing block. Moreover, if there is a projection on the inner surface of the fixing block, the thickness of the fixing block becomes uneven, which may prevent more uniform heating. However, the above problems can be avoided if there is no projection on the inner surface of the fixing block.

[0022] The chamber preferably has a first guide element having a conical surface that connects the inner surface of the chamber forming the opening to the inner surface of the compression member. The first guide element can be used to smoothly change the shape of the cross section of the inner surface of the chamber from the hole to the compression element, which allows you to smoothly enter the consumable part into the chamber. Preferably, the heating block is not located on at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the outer surface of the chamber between the opening and the first guide element, the outer surface of the first guide element, and the outer surface of the non-compressive element.

The inner surface corresponding to the above outer surfaces does not compress the consumable part and, therefore, due to the absence of a heating block on these outer surfaces, energy can be efficiently used for heating.

[0023] The chamber preferably has a cylindrical non-locking block located between the opening and the locking block. In the state where the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, the gap between the inner surface of the non-compressive member and the consumable part is, for example, less than 3 mm or equal to 3 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm, and is equal to or greater than 0.4 mm. If the gap is in the above range, the consumable part can be effectively heated through the non-fixing block, and condensation of the aerosol passing through the inside of the consumable part can be reduced. In addition, with the aforementioned gap, the air passing through the gap can be efficiently heated, and the heat energy from the heating block can be effectively used. Moreover, by setting the gap to be equal to or greater than 0.4 mm, the consumable part can be easily inserted into the chamber. It should be noted that in this description, the expression "the state in which the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber" refers to the state in which the consumable part is correctly located at the intended position inside the chamber for generating aerosol from the consumable part (for example, in the case when the chamber has a "bottom block adjacent to the inserted consumable", this is the state in which the lower block is adjacent to at least a portion of the consumable, or in the case when the device contains a "thrust block adjacent to the inserted consumable", inside or outside the chamber, this is the state in which the consumable part is adjacent to at least part of the thrust block).

[0024] The chamber may include a bottom block. Alternatively, the device may include a thrust block located inside or outside the chamber and adjacent to the consumable part introduced into the chamber. The bottom or stop block preferably supports a portion of the consumable located at a predetermined position in the chamber, so that at least a portion of the end surface of the consumable is exposed. In addition, in the case where the smoking system has the above-described air gap, the lower or thrust block preferably supports the consumable portion so that the open end surface of the consumable portion is connected to the air gap. With this configuration, air can be drawn in from the end surface of the consumable part, and furthermore, the consumable part can be disposed in the longitudinal direction. The bottom block of the chamber comprises a bottom wall and side walls, and the width of the bottom block defined by the side walls may decrease towards the bottom wall. With this configuration, when the consumable part introduced into the chamber enters the bottom block, it is compressed by the side walls and thus positioned. The bottom or thrust block of the chamber comprises a bottom wall or abutment surface, wherein the bottom wall or abutment block may also comprise a protruding portion or a grooved portion. In addition, the bottom or stop block of the chamber includes a bottom wall or stop surface, while the bottom wall or stop surface may also include an opening for drawing air into the chamber.

[0025] In addition, the camera may include a cylindrical element having an opening located at least one end of the specified element. The heating unit may be configured to start heating at the same time for all of the compressing members, or to perform heating for the same period of time.

[0026] The heating block is preferably located over the entire outer surface of the compression element. With this arrangement, more uniform heat transfer from the heating block to the compressing member can be ensured, and as a result, the consumable part held by the fixing block can be efficiently heated.

[0027] The device may also include strip electrodes extending from the heating block. Since the electrodes are in the form of a ribbon, the reliability of the power supply to the heating block can be improved compared to the electrodes in the form of a string. The strip electrodes preferably extend from the flat outer surface of the compressing element beyond this surface in a state where the heating block is located on the outer surface of the compressing element. As described above, since the outer surface of the compressing member is a flat surface, bending of the strip electrodes can be prevented, which makes it easier to stack the electrodes inside the device.

[0028] The heating block preferably includes a heating element and an electrically insulating element that covers at least one surface of the heating element. In addition, the electrical insulating element is preferably located within the area of the outer surface of the fixing block. In other words, the electrical insulating member is preferably positioned so as not to protrude in the longitudinal direction from the outer surface of the fixing block on the side of the first chamber guide member. As described above, in the case where the first guiding member is disposed between the opening and the compressing member, the shape of the outer surface of the chamber and the outer circumferential length of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber may change between the first guiding member and the fixing block. For this reason, by arranging the electrical insulating member only on the outer surface of the fixing block, sagging can be prevented.

[0029] In addition, the device preferably has a sheeting (fixing sheeting) that covers the chamber and the heating block and secures the heating block to the outer surface of the chamber. One example of a heat block attachment sheeting is a shrinkable sheeting that shrinks in response to some external force, more particularly a heat shrinkable sheet or the like that shrinks when subjected to heat. Preferably, the anchor sheet, such as the shrink cover, has a shrink factor that is higher in the circumferential direction of the chamber than in its longitudinal direction in a state in which said anchor sheet covers the chamber and the heater block. The shrink wrap may also contain a material such as polyimide, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, gelatin, or a polysaccharide. With the fixing sheet, the heating block can be securely and tightly fixed to the outer surface of the chamber, further improving the heating efficiency and stabilizing the structure around the chamber. In addition, the sheeting is preferably located on the outer surface of the fixing block. In other words, the sheeting is preferably positioned such that it does not protrude above the outer surface of the fixing block on the side of the first chamber guide in the longitudinal direction. As described above, in the case where the first guide member is located between the opening and the fixing block, the shape of the outer surface of the chamber and the outer circumferential length of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber can change between the first guide element and the fixing block. For this reason, by placing the coating only on the outer surface of the fixing block, sagging can be prevented.

[0030] The heating block may also include a first part located on the side opposite the hole and a second part located on the side of the hole. The heating power dissipation density in the second part is preferably higher than the heating power dissipation density in the first part, or the temperature rise rate in the second part is preferably higher than the temperature rise rate in the first part, or the heating temperature in the second part is preferably higher than the heating temperature in the first part for any equal period of time. In the state in which the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, the second part preferably covers the outer surface of the fixing block corresponding to at least 1/2 of the smoking substance contained in the consumable part in the longitudinal direction of said smoking substance. This configuration reduces the time from turning on the heating block to the first puff, as well as reducing energy consumption.

[0031] In a state in which the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, the upstream (upstream in the direction in which air and aerosol flow when the user takes a puff; the same applies hereinafter) end of the heating block or heating element located on the outer surface of the compression element is preferably located further downstream (downstream in the direction in which air and aerosol flow when the user takes a puff; the same applies hereinafter) than the upper flow end of the smoking substance in the consumable part. For example, the upstream end of the heating block or heating element is located 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less further downstream than the upstream end of the smokable substance in the disposable part located at a predetermined position in the chamber, preferably at 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less further downstream, more preferably 4.5 mm or more and 5.5 mm or less further downstream. This configuration makes it possible to prevent leakage of the aerosol from the upstream end of the smokable substance. In addition, the above configuration may have a positive effect on palatability.

[0032] In a state in which the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, the downstream end of the heating block or heating element located on the outer surface of the compressing element is preferably located further downstream than the downstream end of the smoking substance located in the consumables. For example, the downstream end of the heating block or heating element is located 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less further downstream than the downstream end of the smokable substance located in the consumable part located at a predetermined position in the chamber, preferably at 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less further downstream, more preferably 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less further downstream. This configuration prevents condensation of the aerosol and at the same time reduces energy consumption.

[0033] The heating power dissipation density of the heating block located on the outer surface of the compressive element is preferably higher than the heating power dissipation density of the heating block covering the outer surface of the non-compressive element, or the temperature rise rate of the heating block located on the outer surface of the compressing element is preferably higher, than the rate of temperature increase of the heating block covering the outer surface of the non-compressive element, or the heating temperature of the heating block located on the outer surface of the compressive element, preferably higher than the heating temperature of the heating block located on the outer surface of the non-compressive element, for any equal period of time. According to this configuration, the smokable substance can be heated more efficiently when the coverage of the compression member in the fixing block is equal to or greater than a certain range with respect to the area of the non-compressive member. The heating power dissipation density of the heating block located on the outer surface of the compressive element may also be the same as the heating power dissipation density of the heating block covering the outer surface of the non-compressive element. The temperature rise rate of the heating block located on the outer surface of the compressive element may also be the same as the temperature rise rate of the heating block covering the outer surface of the non-compressive element. The heating temperature of the heating block located on the outer surface of the compressive element may also be the same as the heating temperature of the heating block covering the outer surface of the non-compressing element. It should be noted that in this case, the expression "same" includes the meaning of "substantially the same".

[0034] The heating block may include a heating element, which may be a heating track. The outer surface of the compressive member and the outer surface of the non-compressive member may be connected to each other at an angle, and an interface may be formed between the outer surface of the compressive member and the outer surface of the non-compressive member. The heating path preferably extends only in a direction crossing the direction in which the interface runs, more preferably in a direction extending at right angles to the direction in which the interface runs. With this configuration, the heating track is not easily damaged and peeled from the outer surface of the fixing block. It should be noted that in this case, the expression "a direction passing at a right angle" also includes a direction passing essentially at a right angle.

[0035] The heating block may be, for example, a flat heater. As one example, a flat heater may have a structure in which a layer containing an electrically insulating material and a layer containing a heating track of a heating element are stacked on top of each other. As another example, the heating block may be of a construction in which a layer containing a heating track is sandwiched between two layers containing an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be, for example, polyimide, and the heating track may be a metal, such as, for example, stainless steel. With this configuration, a flexible heating structure is obtained which is easy to manufacture and also highly reliable.

[0036] The consumable portion comprises a first portion having a first hardness and a second portion having a second hardness, wherein the second portion is separated from the first portion in the insertion direction of the consumable portion, and the first portion may be located closer to the longitudinal end of the consumable portion than the second portion .

[0037] When the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, the specified consumable part is preferably located in such a way that at least a part of the first section is pressed against the inner surface of the compressing element. In addition, the first hardness is equal to or greater than 65% and less than or equal to 90%, for example, preferably equal to or greater than 70% and less than or equal to 85%, more preferably equal to or greater than 73% and less than or equal to 82%, most preferably, equal to or greater than 77% and less than or equal to 81%. With this configuration, the consumable part retains its shape more easily and is easier to insert into the fixing block.

[0038] When the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, the specified consumable part is preferably located in such a way that at least a part of the second section is pressed against the inner surface of the compressing element. In addition, the second hardness is equal to or greater than 90% and less than or equal to 99%, for example, preferably equal to or greater than 90% and less than or equal to 98%, more preferably equal to or greater than 92% and less than or equal to 98%, most preferably, equal to or greater than 95% and less than or equal to 98%. With this configuration, installation is easy and the consumable is held securely.

[0039] The second hardness is preferably higher than the first hardness. According to such a configuration, easy insertion of the consumable part into the fixing block and, at the same time, strong holding of the consumable part can be ensured. In addition, as a result of changing the state in which only the first portion is pressed against the inner surface of the compressing member to the state in which the second portion is also pressed against the inner surface of the compressing member when the consumable is inserted into the chamber, the user may feel a change in resistance when the consumable is inserted. parts. As a result, during installation, the user can understand how far the consumable has been inserted into the chamber, and can use this information as a hint to understand how far further the consumable needs to be inserted to reach the desired installation position, which facilitates the positioning of the consumable. in the given position. The first and second portions are preferably adjacent so that the user can clearly feel the change in resistance. In addition, the difference between the first and second hardness is preferably at least equal to or greater than 4%, more preferably equal to or greater than 10%, most preferably equal to or greater than 14%.

[0040] The term "hardness", as used throughout this description, means resistance to deformation. Hardness is usually expressed as a factor. In the case where the consumable is a cylindrical rod, and assuming that Ds is the diameter of the consumable before the application of the load, and Dd is the diameter of the consumable in the direction in which the predetermined load is applied, when the load is applied in the direction of the diameter, the deformation d the consumable part when exposed to a given load can be expressed as Ds - Dd. In this case, the hardness (% is expressed as Dd/Ds × 100 (%. The harder the material of which the consumable is made, the more the hardness approaches 100%.

[0041] To measure Dd, a device under the trade name Hardness Tester NYU (Borgwaldt KC GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) is used, and the measurement is carried out at an ambient temperature in the range of 22 ° C ± 2 ° C and a relative humidity of 60%, according to the standard ISO 187, evaluating the effect of a load of 88 grams for 5 seconds.

[0042] Preferably, the length of the first length of the consumable portion in the longitudinal direction is less than or equal to the length of the inner surface of the compression member in the longitudinal direction, and when the consumable portion is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, its first portion does not protrude from the inner surface of the compression member in the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, in the case where the smokable substance is contained in the first portion, said smokable substance is compressed along the entire length in the longitudinal direction, thereby ensuring efficient heating and spraying of the entire smoking substance. In addition, when the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, the entire outer circumferential surface of the smokable substance of the consumable part is preferably covered by the locking block. With such a configuration, the entire outer circumferential surface of the smoking substance is directly heated by the fixing block, and therefore the smoking substance can be uniformly heated in an efficient manner. In addition, when the consumable part is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, the said consumable part is preferably located in such a way that at least a part of the first section is pressed against the inner surface of the compressing element, but at the same time, at least a part of the second section is pressed against the inner surface. compression element. With such a configuration, in the case where the smokable substance is contained in the first portion, efficient heating of the smokable substance can be ensured by the compressing member while holding the consumable part firmly.

[0043] The distance that the second portion of the flow part enters into the locking block when the flow part is located at the predetermined position is preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 2 mm and less than or equal to 8 mm, most preferably equal to or greater than 4 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm. With such a configuration, an adequate holding force of the consumable part and ease of insertion of the consumable part can be ensured at the same time.

[0044] The chamber may also have a bottom or thrust block. The length of the lower or thrust block of the chamber from the bottom wall or thrust surface adjacent to the consumable part to the end of the compressing element located on the side of the opening is greater than the length of the first section of the consumable part in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the length of the first section), and also preferably in 1.5 times less than the length of the first section, more preferably 1.35 times less. As an addition/alternative, when the consumable is located at a predetermined position in the chamber, at least part of the first portion of the consumable is preferably located closer to the opening compared to the central part of the fixing block in the longitudinal direction. With such a configuration, a change in resistance can be sensed before the first portion of the flow part abuts against the bottom wall or abutment surface of the chamber, and since the insertion position at which the change is felt can correspond to a position relatively close to the predetermined insertion position of the flow part, the flow part easier to position in a predetermined position, and the user can experience a more comfortable feeling when using the device.

[0045] The first section preferably contains a smokable substance containing tobacco as one example of a flavor source. In addition, the first section may include a breathable sheet covering element wrapped around the smokable substance, and a cover that is attached to said sheet covering element and prevents the smokable substance from falling out. The lid is breathable and can be attached to the sheet covering element, for example using an adhesive. The lid can also be attached to the sheet covering element using frictional force. For example, the lid may be a paper or acetate filter. The second section may contain a cylindrical element. The cylindrical element may be a paper tube or a hollow filter.

[0046] A hollow filter may be configured with a filling layer containing one or more hollow channels and a wrapper covering said layer. Because the fibers in the filling layer have a high density of packing, air and aerosol only pass through the hollow channel(s) during puffing, and there is little or no flow within the sealing layer. The hollow filter may also include a mouthpiece formed using an adjacent filter block or the like. Shortening the length of the filter block and replacing the shortened length with a hollow filter element will be effective in increasing the amount of aerosol delivered when reducing the reduction in aerosol component in the consumable due to filtration through the filter block is required.

[0047] The consumable may also include a first wrapping paper that is wrapped around the smokable substance. The length of the flow portion in the longitudinal direction is preferably 40 mm to 90 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 75 mm, even more preferably 50 mm to 60 mm. The circumferential length of the consumable part is preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 17 mm to 24 mm, even more preferably 20 mm to 23 mm. In addition, the length of the smokable substance in the consumable part may be from 18 mm to 22 mm, the length of the first wrapping paper may be from 18 mm to 22 mm, the length of the hollow filter element may be from 7 mm to 9 mm, and the length of the filter block can be 6mm to 8mm.

[0048] The smoking substance in the disposable part may contain an aerosol source that, when heated to a predetermined temperature, generates an aerosol. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and the extracts and/or their components can be selected according to the purpose from any natural substances of various types. Examples of the aerosol source include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol source included in the smoking substance (in weight percent relative to the total weight of the smoking substance) is not particularly limited, but from the point of view of generating a sufficient amount of aerosol, as well as imparting a pleasant inhalable aroma, the specified content is usually equal to or greater than 5 wt. .%, preferably equal to or greater than 10 wt.%, and, in addition, usually less than or equal to 50 wt.%, preferably less than or equal to 20 wt.%.

[0049] For the smoking substance used in the consumable part as a flavor source, tobacco such as leaf tobacco, tobacco stem, or other known plant material can be used. In addition, a flavor source such as tobacco may be in the form of crumbs, sheets, veins, powder, granules, pellets, slurry, porous form, or the like. In the case where the smoking substance has a circumferential length of 20 mm to 23 mm, and a length of 18 mm to 22 mm, the quantity range of the smoking substance, such as tobacco, contained in the consumable part may be, for example, 200 mg to 400 mg , preferably from 250 mg to 320 mg. The moisture content of a smokable substance such as tobacco (in weight percent relative to the total weight of the smokable substance) is, for example, 8 wt% to 18 wt%, preferably 10 wt% to 16 wt%. With this moisture content, the coloring of the stranded billets is reduced and good rollability is ensured during the manufacturing process. Moreover, the consumable part is easier to deform accordingly, ensuring that it conforms to the shape of the cross section of the fixing block. The size and preparation method of the cut tobacco used as one example of the smoking substance is not specifically limited. For example, you can use dried tobacco leaves that have been cut into pieces with a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. In addition, dried tobacco leaves can be pulverized so that the average particle size is approximately 20 µm to 200 µm, and then uniform tobacco particles can be formed into sheets, cut into pieces with a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. and used. In addition, the product obtained by forming the sheets processed by the above method without cutting can also be used as a smokable substance. The smoking substance may also contain one or more aromatic substances. The type of fragrance is not particularly limited, but menthol is preferable from the point of view of imparting a pleasant inhalable fragrance.

[0050] The consumable portion may also include a second wrapping paper that is different from the first wrapping paper and is used to wrap at least one of the cylindrical element, the hollow filter element, and the filter block. The second wrapping paper may also cover a portion of the first wrapping paper used to wrap the smokable substance. The first wrapping paper and the second wrapping paper of the consumable part can be made, for example, from a base paper having a basis weight corresponding to 20 GSM - 65 GSM. The thickness of the first wrapping paper and the second wrapping paper is not particularly limited, but in terms of stiffness, air permeability, and ease of adjustment in the papermaking process, the thickness is usually 10 µm to 100 µm.

[0051] A filler may be included in the first wrapping paper and the second wrapping paper of the consumable. The filler content can be from 10 wt.% to 60 wt.% in relation to the total weight of the first wrapping paper and the second wrapping paper, preferably from 15 wt.% to 45 wt.%. In this embodiment, the filler is preferably from 15 wt.% to 45 wt.% relative to the preferred basis weight range (from 25 gsm to 45 gsm). As the filler, for example, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin or the like can be used. Paper containing a filler like the above fillers has a bright white color, which is preferable in terms of appearance for use as a consumable wrapping paper and can keep its whiteness all the time. By adding a large amount of said filler, the whiteness of wrapping paper according to the ISO standard can be set equal to or greater than, for example, 83%. In addition, from the point of view of practical use as a wrapping paper for a consumable part, the first wrapping paper and the second wrapping paper preferably have a tear strength equal to or greater than 8 N/15 mm. With this configuration, the wrapping paper is difficult to be torn even when the consumable held in the fixing block is removed. The tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content. In particular, the tensile strength can be increased by lowering the filler content below the upper limit of this content given above as an example of basis weight ranges.

[0052] The fixing block comprises a first fixing block, wherein the chamber comprises a second fixing block located further from the opening than the first fixing block. In the state in which the consumable is held by the first and second fixing blocks of the chamber, the second fixing block is configured to more compress the consumable compared to the first fixing block, and/or the inner cross-sectional area of the second fixing block is smaller than the inner cross-sectional area of the first fixing block in plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber. With this configuration, the draw resistance during smoking can be controlled by compression in the second locking block. Because the second latch block is separate from the first latch block, the shape of the second latch block can be configured to provide the desired draw resistance, regardless of the shape of the first latch block, which is suitable for optimal heating. The heating block need not be located on the outer surface of the second compression element. In particular, because the heating block is not located on the second fixing block, in the case where the consumable portion compressed by the second fixing block, such as the above-described cover, does not contain a smoking substance, the inefficient heating component can be reduced, and the energy can be used effectively.

[0053] The first locking block may include a first compressive element that compresses the consumable portion and a first non-compressive element. The second locking block may include a second compressive element that compresses the consumable portion and a second non-compressive element. Due to the fact that the first fixing block contains the first compression element, the consumable part is located substantially near the heating surface (the inner surface of the pressing element) in the first fixing block, and therefore heat from the heating block can be efficiently transferred to the consumable part.

[0054] The chamber preferably has a second guide element having a conical surface that connects the inner surface of the first compression element with the inner surface of the second compression element. The second guide element can be used to smoothly change the shape of the cross-section of the inner surface of the chamber from the first compression element to the second compression element, which allows the consumable part to be smoothly introduced into the chamber.

[0055] The first lock block may have a pair of first compression surfaces facing each other, and the second lock block may have a pair of second compression surfaces facing each other. The shortest distance between the second pressing surfaces is preferably less than the shortest distance between the first pressing surfaces. The second compressing surfaces may be flat surfaces. In this case, the flat surface includes a substantially flat surface. If the second compressing surfaces are flat surfaces, then in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber, the compressing surfaces of the second locking block may be oriented in the same direction as the compressing surface of the chamber of the first locking block. This configuration simplifies the manufacture of the chamber and further facilitates the insertion of the consumable.

[0056] The second locking block can also be located at the end of the chamber. In particular, in the case when the smoking substance located at the front end of the consumable part is compressed under the pressure of the second fixing block, compressing and compacting at the specified end, it is possible to reduce the number of situations in which, after smoking, the smoking substance falls inside the chamber when the consumable is removed from it. parts.

[0057] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system comprising a consumable containing a smoking substance and a device that heats and atomizes the smoking substance. The device contains a chamber in which the consumable part is placed, and a heating block that heats the consumable part placed in the chamber. The inner circumferential length of the chamber is the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable before it is inserted into the chamber, and the inner circumferential shape of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber differs from the cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumable before it is introduced into the chamber . In this case, the expression "same" includes the meaning "substantially the same". The expression "substantially the same" refers to a state in which the difference between the inner circumferential length of the chamber and the outer circumferential length of the consumable before it is introduced into the chamber is within ±6% of the inner circumferential length of the chamber, for example, preferably within ±4% , more preferably within ±2%.

[0058] According to the second aspect, the consumable part is located substantially adjacent to the heating surface (the inner surface of the chamber), and therefore, efficient heat transfer from the heating block to the consumable part can be ensured. In particular, since the inner circumferential length of the chamber and the outer circumferential length of the consumable part are substantially the same, and the inner circumferential shape of the chamber differs from the cross-sectional shape of the consumable part installed therein, the portion of the consumable part is compressed by the inner surface of the chamber, and the outer circumferential shape of the consumable part approximately corresponds to inner circumferential shape of the inner surface of the locking block. Compared with the case where the inner circumferential length and the inner circumferential shape of the chamber are the same as the outer circumferential length and the cross-sectional shape of the consumable part, in this smoking system, a location is formed where the consumable part is compressed by the chamber, and therefore the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating element can be improved. block to the consumable part. In addition, compared with the case where the outer circumferential length of the consumable part is smaller than the inner circumferential length of the chamber, the inner circumferential surface (non-compressive surface) of the chamber substantially touches the outer circumferential surface of the consumable part even at places where there is no compression of the consumable part, and therefore, the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating block to the consumable part can be improved. Moreover, compared with the case where the outer circumferential length of the consumable part is larger than the inner circumferential length of the chamber, the consumable part can be inserted into the chamber smoothly, and the deformation caused by the outer circumferential surface of the consumable part and the seal inside the consumable part (for example, tobacco, as one example of a smoking substance) can be reduced. As a result, uneven heating and inconsistencies in the tightening resistance of each wear part, which may occur due to deformation caused by the seal inside the wear part, can be eliminated. It can also be noted that the inner circumferential length of the chamber is preferably substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable part in the state of compression by the chamber, and the inner circumferential length of the chamber can be considered the inner circumferential length in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber. In addition, the expression "external circumferential length of the expendable part before its introduction into the chamber" can mean the external circumferential length of the portion of the external circumferential length of the expendable part before its introduction into the chamber, which is located at a position corresponding to the internal circumferential length of the chamber relative to the location in the longitudinal direction of the chamber, when the consumable part is introduced into the chamber. In addition, the expression "external circumferential length of the expendable part in the state of its compression by the chamber" can mean the outer circumferential length of the portion of the outer circumferential length of the expendable part in the state of its compression by the chamber, which is located in a position corresponding to the internal circumferential length of the chamber relative to the location in the longitudinal direction of the chamber.

[0059] It should be noted that with the second aspect, the features of the other aspect can be combined with or used in it, to the extent that the implementation and effect of the second aspect is not impaired. Moreover, the camera according to the second aspect may also include a locking block according to another aspect.

[0060] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system comprising a consumable containing a smoking substance and a device that heats and atomizes the smoking substance. The device contains a chamber in which the consumable part is placed. The chamber contains an opening through which the consumable is inserted and a locking block that holds the consumable. The fixing block contains a compressing element that compresses the consumable portion. The device contains an induction coil that heats at least the compressive element. The compressing element contains a current collector, which is heated by said inductive winding.

[0061] According to the third aspect, the consumable part is compressed by the heating surface (the inner surface of the compressing member), while the compressing member that compresses the consumable portion is heated by the induction coil, and therefore heat from the compressing member can be effectively transferred to the consumable part. The current collector can be located on the outer or inner surface of the compressing element, or closed by these surfaces, while the current collector can be enclosed in the chamber walls forming the compressing element, or the chamber walls forming the compressing element can be made in the form of a current collector.

[0062] The induction winding may be configured using a single wire, but in terms of effective heat dissipation, the winding may also be a stranded high frequency winding wire in a twisted shape. The single wire or stranded high frequency winding wire preferably comprises at least one material selected from the group of materials containing copper, aluminium, nickel, silver, gold and their alloys such as stainless steel. The sheath material of the stranded high-frequency winding wire can be, for example, polyimide or polyester.

[0063] The induction coil may be wound in a spiral (3D twisted form) or a serpentine (two dimensional twisted form). The shape of the induction winding can be cylindrical (obtained by bending a helical or serpentine winding) or flat. The inductive coil may be adjacent to the chamber, may surround the chamber, or protrude into the chamber, but by positioning the inductive coil so that it surrounds the chamber, it is possible to efficiently supply energy to the compressive element of the chamber. One or more induction windings may be provided. As an example of a configuration surrounding the chamber, the inductive coil may be in the form of a coil surrounding the chamber, or in the form of a serpentine coil, bent so as to surround the chamber, or may be made such that it contains several flat coils that surround the chamber. , but by using the configuration of the inductive spiral winding surrounding the chamber, the cost can be reduced due to such a simple configuration.

[0064] The frequency applied to the induction coil may be approximately equal to or greater than 80 kHz and less than or equal to 500 kHz, preferably approximately equal to or greater than 150 kHz and less than or equal to 250 kHz, more preferably equal to or greater than 190 kHz and less than or equal to is equal to 210 kHz. Alternatively, the frequency applied to the induction coil may be equal to or greater than 1 MHz and less than or equal to 30 MHz, preferably equal to or greater than 2 MHz and less than or equal to 10 MHz, more preferably equal to or greater than 5 MHz and less than or equal to 7 MHz. These frequencies can be determined by taking into account factors such as the material and shape of the current collector.

[0065] The device can also be positioned so that it operates in a fluctuating electromagnetic field in which the maximum magnetic flux density is approximately equal to or greater than 0.5 Tesla (T) and less than or equal to 2 Tesla (T).

[0066] The term "susceptor" as used herein means a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat, and refers to a material for heating a "smoking substance". The current collector is located in a position where heat can be transferred to the "smoking substance". When the pantograph is located inside the fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the pantograph and internal magnetic hysteresis losses cause it to heat up.

[0067] The current collector preferably contains at least one material selected from the group of materials containing aluminum, iron, nickel, and their alloys (eg, nichrome and stainless steel). The current collector and the lines of current flowing through it preferably contain circuits surrounding the space in which the consumable part is located. With such a configuration, efficient generation of eddy currents can be ensured in the heat generating portion of the chamber.

[0068] The current collector may be of any shape and may be, for example, granular, rod-shaped, ribbon-shaped, annular or tubular. If the current collector has closed electrical paths, the generation of eddy currents can take place in an efficient manner. Several pantographs having the same shape or several pantographs having different shapes can be made.

[0069] It should be noted that with the third aspect, the features of the other aspect can be combined with or used in it, to the extent that the implementation and effect of the third aspect is not impaired.

[0070] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device that heats and atomizes a smokable substance. The device includes a chamber in which the consumable part is placed, and a heating block that heats the consumable part placed in the chamber. The chamber contains an opening through which the consumable is inserted, and a locking block that holds the consumable. The fixing block contains a compressive element that compresses the section of the consumable part, and a non-compressive element. Each of the compressive element and the non-compressive element has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating block is located on the outer surface of the compression element.

[0071] According to the fourth aspect, the consumable part is disposed substantially adjacent to the heating surface (the inner surface of the compressing member), and hence heat from the heating block can be effectively transferred to the consumable part.

[0072] The location of the heating block on the outer surface of the compression element, as described above, is just one example of a configuration in which heat is efficiently transferred through the chamber to the consumable part, due to the fact that the consumable part is located essentially near the heating surface of the chamber. According to the fourth aspect, a device is proposed that provides heating and spraying of a smoking substance, and the device may contain a chamber in which the consumable part is placed, and a heating block that provides heating of the consumable part located in the chamber, while the chamber may contain an opening through which the consumable is inserted. part, and a fixing block that holds the consumable part, and the fixing block may contain a compressive element that compresses the portion of the consumable part, and a non-compressive element, while each of the compressing element and the non-compressing element may have an inner and outer surface, and the consumable part may be heated by means of a compressive element. In addition, the heating block is not limited to specific features, but may be a heating block located on the outer surface of the compressing element, as described above, or a current collector may be included in the compressing element, and the specified element can be heated by an electromagnetic field and/or lines magnetic force generated by an inductive winding or the like, as described above.

[0073] the Heating block is preferably located on the outer surface of the compression element without the formation of a gap. In this case, the absence of a gap also means that there is practically no gap. With such a configuration, the consumable portion is located substantially adjacent to the heating surface (the inner surface of the compression member), and therefore heat from the heating block can be more effectively transferred to the consumable portion.

[0074] The inner surfaces of the compressive elements preferably have pairs of flat compressive surfaces facing each other, while the inner surfaces of the non-compressive elements preferably have pairs of curved non-compressive surfaces facing each other, which connect the ends of the pairs of flat compressive surfaces, and more preferably, the thickness compressive and non-compressive members is uniform (which also includes the case where the thickness is substantially uniform) and the same (which also includes the case where the thickness is essentially the same). Accordingly, the structure of the chamber is simplified and high-precision production is facilitated, and the positions of the compressive and non-compressive elements can be arranged proportionally to ensure uniform heating, which facilitates the placement of the heating block on the outer surface of the compressive element with sufficient positioning accuracy, and also without clearance, thereby improving efficiency. heating.

[0075] It should be noted that with the fourth aspect, the features of the other aspect can be combined with or used in it, to the extent that the implementation and effect of the fourth aspect is not impaired.

[0076] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable used in any of the aforementioned smoking systems. The consumable part contains the first section compressed by the compressing element of the chamber, the mouthpiece and the second section located between the first section and the mouthpiece.

[0077] It should be noted that with the fifth aspect, the features of the other aspect can be combined with or used in it, to the extent that the implementation and effect of the fifth aspect is not impaired.

[0078] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus that heats and atomizes a smokable substance contained in a consumable part. The device contains a chamber in which the consumable part is placed. The chamber contains an opening through which the consumable is inserted, and a locking block that holds the consumable. The fixing block contains a compressing element that compresses the consumable portion. The device contains an induction winding, which heats at least the specified compressive element. The compressing element contains a current collector heated by said inductive winding.

[0079] It should be noted that with the sixth aspect, the features of the other aspect can be combined with or used in it, to the extent that the implementation and effect of the sixth aspect is not impaired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a smoking system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a camera.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the camera along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

Fig. 5A is a sectional view of the camera taken along line 5A-5A in FIG. four.

Fig. 5B is a sectional view of the camera along line 5B-5B of FIG. four.

Fig. 5C is a sectional view of the camera along line 5C-5C in FIG. four.

Fig. 6A is a longitudinal sectional view of the chamber including the non-compressive member, with the expendable portion positioned in the drawing in a predetermined position in the chamber.

Fig. 6B is a longitudinal section through the chamber including the compression member, with the expendable portion in the drawing at a predetermined position in the chamber.

Fig. 7A is a sectional view of the camera taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 6B.

Fig. 7B is a sectional view of the camera taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 6B.

Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view illustrating another example of a camera compression member.

Fig. 9 is a schematic sectional view illustrating another example of a camera compression member.

Fig. 10 is a schematic sectional view illustrating another example of a camera compression member.

Fig. 11 is a schematic sectional view illustrating another example of a camera compression member.

Fig. 12 is a schematic side sectional view of the consumable.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the consumable before and after loading.

Fig. 14 is a schematic sectional view of a chamber provided in the smoking system device according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 15A is a sectional view of the camera taken along line 18A-18A in FIG. fourteen.

Fig. 15B is a sectional view of the camera along line 18B-18B of FIG. fourteen.

Fig. 16 is a schematic sectional view of a heater assembly provided in the smoking system device according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the camera along line 20-20 shown in FIG. sixteen.

Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of a smoking system according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 19A is a longitudinal sectional view of the chamber according to the fourth embodiment, including the non-compressive member, with the consumable part in the drawing at a predetermined position in the chamber.

Fig. 19B is a longitudinal sectional view of the chamber according to the fourth embodiment, including the compression member, with the expendable part located in the drawing at a predetermined position in the chamber.

Fig. 20A is a sectional view of the camera taken along line 23A-23A in FIG. 19V.

Fig. 20B is a sectional view of the camera taken along line 23B-23B shown in FIG. 19V.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIANTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0081] First embodiment

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding structural elements are indicated by the same position numbers, and the description of these elements is not duplicated. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a smoking system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the smoking system 100 includes a disposable portion 110 containing the smoking substance and a device 120 that provides heating and atomization of the smoking substance. The first embodiment illustrates an example in which the user takes the consumable portion 110 into his mouth and performs a puff. The air inhaled by the user is directed into the user's mouth, for example, as airflow 100A, airflow 100C, and airflow 100B in the above order.

[0082] The consumable portion 110 is a base material containing a smokable substance such as tobacco that can be smoked to emit an aroma, and has, for example, a rod shape extending in the longitudinal direction. For example, the consumable part 110 may be a tobacco stick.

[0083] The device 120 includes a battery 10, a control circuit 20, and a heater assembly 30. Battery 10 contains a store of energy used by device 120. For example, battery 10 is a lithium ion battery. In addition, the battery 10 can be charged from an external power source.

[0084] The control circuit 20 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and controls the operation of the device 120. For example, the control circuit 20 starts heating the consumable portion 110 in response to a user manipulation performed on an input device not shown in the drawing, such as button, sliding contact or switch, and stops the heating of the consumable part 110 after a certain period of time. The control circuit 20 may also stop heating the consumable 110 when the number of puffs performed by the user exceeds a certain value, even if a certain amount of time has not yet passed since the heating of the consumable 110 began. For example, puffs are detected by a sensor not shown in the drawing.

[0085] Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may start heating the consumable portion 110 in response to the start of a puff and stop heating the consumable portion 110 in response to the end of the puff. The control circuit 20 can also stop the heating of the consumable part 110 if a certain amount of time has passed since the start of the puff, even if the puff has not yet ended. In this embodiment, the control circuit 20 is located between battery 10 and heater assembly 30, preventing heat transfer from said heater assembly 30 to battery 10.

[0086] Heater assembly 30 is an assembly that provides heat to consumable portion 110. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heater assembly 30 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the heater assembly 30 includes a top cover 32, a heating block 40, and a chamber 50. The chamber 50 is configured to receive a consumable portion 110. The heating block 40 is configured to heat a consumable portion 110 housed in the chamber 50. The top cover 32 functions as a guide when the insertion of the consumable part 110 into the chamber 50, and also allows the chamber 50 to be attached to the device 120.

[0087] In FIG. 3 is a perspective view of camera 50. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 5A is a sectional view of chamber 50 taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4. FIG. 5B is a sectional view of chamber 50 taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 4. In FIG. 5C is a sectional view of chamber 50 taken along line 5C-5C of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 3 and 4, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical bottom member having an opening 52 into which the consumable portion 110 is inserted and a locking block 60 which retains the consumable portion 110. It should be noted that the chamber 50 may also be a cylindrical member, not having a bottom. The chamber may be made using a metal having a high thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel, for example. This configuration allows efficient heating in the direction from chamber 50 to consumable portion 110.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4 and 5C, locking block 60 includes a compression member 62 that compresses a portion of wear portion 110 and a non-compressive member 66. Compression member 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The non-compressive member 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in FIG. 2, the heating block 40 is located on the outer surface 62b of the compression member 62. The heating block 40 is preferably located on the outer surface 62b of the compression member 62 without forming a gap.

[0089] The consumable part 110 can be inserted into the hole 52 in the chamber 50, preferably without preload. The shape of the opening 52 of the chamber 50 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50, or in other words the direction in which the disposable portion 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, or the direction in which the sides of the chamber 50 generally extend, may be polygonal or elliptical, but preferably is round.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 3 and 5C, the outer surface 62b of the compression member 62 is a flat surface. Since the outer surface 62b of the compressing member 62 is a flat surface, by connecting the strip electrodes 48 to the heating block 40 disposed on this outer surface, bending of said electrodes 48 can be prevented. As a result, the electrodes 48 are easily placed inside the apparatus 120. In addition , compared with the case where the outer surface 62b of the compressing member 62 is a curved or uneven surface, the heating block 40 can be precisely positioned and easily positioned without forming a gap with the outer surface 62b of the compressing member 62. As shown in FIG. 4 and 5C, the inner surface 62a of the compression member 62 is a flat surface. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4 and 5C, the compression member 62 has a uniform thickness.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, 4 and 5C, in the first embodiment, the chamber 50 includes two or more compression members 62 located in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 4 and 5C, the two compression members 62 of the lock block 60 face each other. At least part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two compression elements 62 is preferably less than the width of the consumable portion 110 inserted into the chamber 50 at the location between the compression elements 62. As shown in the drawings, the inner surfaces 62a of the compression elements 62 are flat surfaces.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 5C, the inner surfaces 62a of the compressive members 62 have pairs of flat compressive surfaces facing each other, and the inner surfaces 66a of the non-compressive members 66 have pairs of curved non-compressive surfaces facing each other that connect the ends of the pairs of flat compressive surfaces. As shown in the drawings, the curved non-compressive surfaces may have a generally arcuate cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 5C, the fixing block 60 is made in the form of a cylindrical metal object of uniform thickness.

[0093] In FIG. 6A is a longitudinal section through chamber 50, including non-compressive member 66, with consumable portion 110 positioned in chamber 50 in FIG. 6B is a longitudinal section through chamber 50, including compression members 62, with expendable portion 110 positioned in chamber 50 in FIG. 7A is a sectional view of chamber 50 taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 6B. On FIG. 7B is a sectional view of camera 50 taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 6B. It should be noted that in Fig. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the consumable 110 before it is compressed to better understand how the consumable 110 is compressed by the compression elements 62.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 7B, the air gap 67 between the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66 and the consumable portion 110 is substantially maintained even if the consumable portion 110 is positioned in the chamber 50 and compressed by the compressing members 62 and deformed. Air gap 67 may connect opening 52 of chamber 50 to an end surface (lower end surface shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) of consumable portion 110 located within chamber 50. Air gap 67 may also connect opening 52 of chamber 50 to an end surface (lower end surface). the surface shown in Fig. 6A and 6B) of the consumable part 110 located inside the chamber 50 at a distance from the opening 52 of the said chamber. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide the smoking system 100 with a separate passage for introducing air supplied to the consumable portion 110, and therefore, the structure of the smoking system 100 can be simplified. element 66, open, the channel can be easily cleaned. With respect to factors such as draw resistance, the height of the air gap 67 between the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66 and the wear portion 110 is preferably equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.2 mm. and less than or equal to 0.8 mm, most preferably equal to or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 3-6, the chamber 50 has a bottom block 56. As shown in FIG. 6B, bottom block 56 provides support for a portion of consumable 110 inserted into chamber 50 such that at least a portion of the end surface of consumable 110 is exposed. In addition, the bottom block 56 may support a portion of the consumable 110 such that the open end surface of the consumable 110 is connected to the air gap 67.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 4, 6A and 6B, the bottom block 56 of chamber 50 has a bottom wall 56a and may also have side walls 56b. The width of the bottom block 56, defined by the side walls 56b, may decrease towards the bottom wall 56a. As shown in FIG. 5C and 7B, the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66 of the fixing block 60 is curved in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50.

[0097] The shape of the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66 in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is preferably the same as the shape of the opening 52 in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 at any position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. In other words, the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66 is preferably designed such that the inner surface of the chamber 50, which forms the opening 52, extends in said longitudinal direction.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 2-4, the chamber 50 preferably includes a cylindrical non-locking block 54 disposed between the opening 52 and the locking block 60. In a state where the consumable 110 is positioned in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-latching block 54 and the consumable 110.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 4-7, the outer circumferential surface of the lock block 60 preferably has the same shape and size (outer circumferential length of the lock block 60 in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction) along the entire length of said lock block 60 in the longitudinal direction.

[0100] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, 4, 5B and 6B, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide element 58 having a tapered surface 58a which connects the inner surface of the chamber 50 forming the opening 52 to the inner surfaces 62a of the compression members 62.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 2, heating block 40 includes heating element 42. For example, heating element 42 may be a heating track. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the outer surfaces 62b of the compressive members 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-compressive member 66 may be connected to each other at an angle, and an interface 71 may be formed between the outer surface 62b of the compressive members 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-compressive member 66. The heating path preferably extends in a direction crossing the direction in which the interface 71 runs (longitudinal direction of the chamber), preferably at right angles to the direction in which the interface 71 runs.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the heating element 42, the heating block 40 preferably includes an electrically insulating element 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. In this embodiment, the electrically insulating element 44 is positioned such that it covers the surfaces on either side of the heating element. In addition, the electrical insulating member 44 is preferably disposed within the outer surface of the fixing block 60. In other words, the electrical insulating member 44 is preferably positioned so that it does not protrude from the outer surface of the fixing block 60 on the side of the first guiding member 58 of the chamber 50 in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the first guide member 58 is located between the opening 52 and the compression members 62, and therefore the shape of the outer surface of the chamber 50 and the outer circumferential length of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber can change in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. For this reason, due to by placing the electrical insulating member 44 on the outer surface of the fixing block 60, sagging of said member can be prevented.

[0103] In addition, the device 120 is preferably made with a sheet covering that covers the chamber 50 and the heating block 40, and ensures that the block is attached to the outer surface of the chamber. With this configuration, the heating block 40 can be securely and tightly fixed to the outer surface of the chamber 50, which further improves the heating efficiency and stabilizes the structure of the entire chamber 50. In addition, said sheeting is preferably located on the outer surface of the fixing block 60. In other words, said sheeting the cover is preferably positioned so that it does not protrude above the outer surface of the locking block 60 on the side of the first guiding element 58 of the chamber 50 in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the first guide member 58 is located between the opening 52 and the fixing block 60, and therefore the shape of the outer surface of the chamber 50 and the outer circumferential length of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber can change in the longitudinal direction of this chamber 50. For this reason, By placing said sheeting on the outer surface of the fixing block 60, sagging can be prevented.

[0104] Preferably, the heating block 40 is not located on at least one of the surfaces selected from the group containing the outer surface of the chamber 50 between the opening 52 and the first guide element 58 or, in other words, the outer surface of the non-latching block 54, the outer surface of the first guide element 58 and the outer surface of the non-compressive element 66. The heating block 40 is preferably located over the entire outer surface 62b of the compressing elements 62.

[0105] In the first embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 2, the device 120 includes strip electrodes 48 extending from the heating block 40. The strip electrodes 48 preferably extend from the flat outer surfaces 62b of the compression members 62 outwardly of said surfaces in a state where the heating block 40 is located on these outer surfaces 62b.

[0106] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, 6A and 6B, the heating block 40 includes a first part 40a located on the side opposite the opening 52 and a second part 40b located on the side of the opening 52. The heating power dissipation density in the second part 40b is preferably higher than the heating power dissipation density in the first part 40a. Alternatively, the temperature increase rate in the second part 40b is preferably higher than the temperature increase rate in the first part 40a. Alternatively, the heating temperature of the second part 40b is preferably higher than the heating temperature of the first part 40a for any equal amount of time. In a state in which the consumable portion 110 is located at a predetermined position in the chamber 50, the second portion 40b preferably covers the outer surface of the fixing block 60, corresponding to at least 1/2 of the smokable substance contained in the disposable portion 110 in the longitudinal direction of the smokable substance.

[0107] In the embodiment described above, the chamber 50 includes a pair of compression members 62 facing each other, but the shape of the chamber is not limited to this arrangement. On FIG. 8-11 are schematic sections illustrating other examples of compression members 62 of chamber 50. FIG. 8-11, the dotted line indicates the cross-section of the consumable portion 110 before it is compressed to make it easier to understand how this portion is compressed by the compression elements 62. In the example depicted in FIG. 8, chamber 50 includes three compressive members 62 having flat inner surfaces 62a and one non-compressive member 66 (inner surface 66a). Among these three compressing members 62, there is a pair of compressing members 62 (inner surfaces 62a) that face each other. Each of the remaining compression element 62 and non-compressive element 66 are located between a pair of compression elements 62 and facing each other. As shown in FIG. 8, the distance between a pair of compression members 62 having flat inner surfaces 62a is less than the diameter of the insertable consumable portion 110 having a circular cross section. With this configuration, when the consumable part 110 is located inside the chamber 50, this consumable part 110 is compressed by the inner surfaces 62a of the compressing members 62.

[0108] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the chamber 50 includes three compressive elements 62 (inner surfaces 62a) and three non-compressive elements 66 (inner surfaces 66a) located between each of the three compressive elements 62. The inner surfaces 62a of the compressive elements 62 are flat surfaces, while the inner surfaces 66a are non-compressive elements 66 are curved surfaces. Each compression element 62 faces a corresponding non-compressive element 66. In the cross section shown in FIG. 9, that is, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber, the distance between the point P1 at which lines extending perpendicularly from the center C1 of the inner surface 62a of each compressing member 62 intersect and the center C1 of each of said inner surfaces is less than the radius of the inserted consumable part. 110 having a circular cross section. With this configuration, when the consumable part 110 is located inside the chamber 50, this part is compressed by the compressing elements 62.

[0109] In the example shown in FIG. 10, chamber 50 includes one compressive member 62 (inner surface 62a) and one non-compressive member 66 (inner surface 66a). The inner surface 62a of the compressive member 62 is a flat surface, while the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66 is a curved surface. Cylindrical locking block 60 is formed by a compressive element 62 and a non-compressive element 66.

[0110] In the example shown in FIG. 11, chamber 50 includes four compressive members 62 (inner surfaces 62a) and four non-compressive members 66 (inner surfaces 66a). The inner surfaces 62a of the compression members 62 are flat surfaces, while the inner surfaces 66a of the non-compressive members 66 are curved surfaces connecting the inner surfaces 62a of adjacent compression members 62. The two compression members 62 (inner surfaces 62a) face each other and the remaining two element 62 (inner surfaces 62a) face each other. At least one of the distances between one pair of compressing elements 62 (inner surfaces 62a) facing each other, or the distance between another pair of compressing elements 62 (inner surfaces 62a) facing each other, is less than the diameter of the consumable part 110. At this configuration, when the consumable part 110 is located inside the chamber 50, the specified consumable part 110 is compressed by the compressing elements 62.

[0111] As shown in the above FIGS. 8-11, at least one compression element 62 may be provided, but three or more of these elements may also be located in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50. In addition, the compressive members 62 may face each other, but may also be positioned facing each of the non-compressive members 66. As in the examples illustrated in FIG. 8 and 10, in the case where the consumable portion 110 is displaced in the direction of the compressive force received from the compressive member 62 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber (as shown in Fig. 8, the consumable portion 110 is subjected to a compressive force directed upward from the bottom of the image , and in Fig. 10, the consumable portion 110 is subjected to a compressive force directed downward from the top of the image), a support may also be provided between the consumable portion 110 and the device 120 so that the consumable portion 110 does not move and does not contact the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive element 66 Said support may be located at a location corresponding to the smoking substance of the disposable part 110, as well as at a location not corresponding to the smoking substance. It should be noted that although in FIG. 8-11, the consumable portion 110 is shown before it is compressed, in the case where an air gap 67 is formed between the non-compressing member 66 and the consumable portion 110, even if said portion is compressed by the compressing member 62 and deformed, the air gap 67 is substantially maintained between the inner surface 66a the non-compressive member 66 and the wear portion 110. On the other hand, as in the fourth embodiment described later, the wear portion 110 can also be compressed by the compression member 62 and deformed such that the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66 and the wear portion 110 come into contact.

[0112] Next, the consumable part 110 used in the smoking system 100 will be described in detail. In FIG. 12 schematically shows the consumable portion 110 in a sectional side view. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the consumable portion 110 includes the smokable substance 111, a cylindrical element 114, a hollow filter block 116, and a filter element 115. The smokable substance 111 is wrapped in a first wrapping paper 112. The cylindrical element 114, the hollow filter block 116, and the filter element 115 are wrapped with a second wrapping paper 113 , which is different from the first wrapping paper 112. The second wrapping paper 113 also covers a portion of the first wrapping paper 112 used to wrap the smokable substance 111. With this configuration, the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter block 116, and the filter element 115 are connected to the smokable substance 111. However, the second wrapping paper 113 may be absent, and the first wrapping paper 112 can be used to connect the cylindrical element 114, the hollow filter block 116 and the filter element 115 with the smoking substance 111. The outer surface near the end of the second wrapping paper 113 from the side of the filter element 11 5 is coated with a lip preventer 117 to reduce sticking of the user's lips to the second wrapping paper 113. The portion of the consumable 110 coated with the lip preventer 117 serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 110.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the region corresponding to the smoking substance 111 and the first wrapping paper 112 is designated as the first region S1. In addition, at least part of the section corresponding to the cylindrical element 114 is designated as the second section S2. More specifically, the part of the cylindrical member 114 wrapped with the second wrapping paper 113 not covered by the lip-preventing agent 117 is designated as the second portion S2.

[0114] The first section SI contains a smoking substance 111, such as tobacco, for example. Further, in the first portion S1, the first wrapping paper 112 in which the smokable substance 111 is wrapped may be a breathable sheet cover. The end of the first section S1 can also be provided with a lid preventing the smoking substance from falling out 111. The lid can be attached to the first wrapping paper 112, for example, with an adhesive. The lid can also be attached to the first wrapping paper 112 using friction. For example, the lid may be a paper or acetate filter. The cylindrical element 114 located in the second section S2 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter.

[0115] In the example shown in the drawings, the consumable part 110 includes a smokable substance 111, a cylindrical element 114, a hollow filter block 116, and a filter element 115, but the configuration of the consumable part 110 is not limited to this example. For example, the hollow filter block 116 may be omitted, and the cylindrical element 114 and the filter element 115 may be located next to each other.

[0116] As shown in the drawings, the first section S1 of the consumable part 110 is located closer to the longitudinal end of the consumable part 110 than the second section S2. The first section S1 has a first hardness and the second section S2 has a second hardness. The first hardness is preferably equal to or greater than 65% and less than or equal to 90%, more preferably equal to or greater than 70% and less than or equal to 85%, most preferably equal to or greater than 73% and less than or equal to 82%.

[0117] When the disposable portion 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, it is positioned such that at least a portion of the second portion S2 is pressed against the inner surface 62a of the compression member 62. The second hardness is preferably equal to or greater than 90% and less than or equal to 99%, more preferably equal to or greater than 90% and less than or equal to 98%, most preferably equal to or greater than 92% and less than or equal to 96%. With this configuration, the installation process is easy and the consumable part 110 is firmly held by the fixing block 60.

[0118] The second hardness is preferably higher than the first hardness.

According to such a configuration, the consumable part 110 can be easily inserted into the fixing block 60 while firmly holding the consumable part 110. In addition, by changing the position from the state in which only the first portion S1 is pressed against the inner surface 62a of the compressing member 62, to the state , in which the second portion S2 is also pressed against said surface, when the consumable portion 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, the user may feel a change in resistance when the consumable portion 110 is inserted. As a result, during the installation process, the user can understand how far the consumable portion 110 has been inserted into chamber 50, and use this information as a hint for understanding how much further the consumable 110 needs to be advanced to reach the desired installation position, which makes it easier to position the consumable 110 at the desired position. This change in resistance can be felt more clearly in the case where the first section S1 and the second section S2 are located next to each other, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0119] As described above, the term "hardness", as used throughout this description, means resistance to deformation. Hardness is usually expressed as a factor. On FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the flow portion 110 before and after the application of a load F. As shown in the figure, Ds denotes the diameter of the flow portion before application of the load, and Dd corresponds to the diameter of the flow portion 110 after application of a given load, measured in its direction of action. The deformation d of the consumable part under the application of a given load can be expressed as Ds-Dd. In this case, the hardness (%) is expressed as Dd/Ds×100 (%).

[0120] Preferably, the length of the first portion S1 of the flow portion 110 in the longitudinal direction is less than or equal to the length of the inner surface 62a of the compression member 62 in the longitudinal direction, and when the flow portion 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, it is positioned in the chamber so that the first portion S1 of the consumable portion 110 does not protrude from the inner surface 62a of the compression member 62 in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. In addition, when the consumable portion 110 is located at a predetermined position in the chamber 50, the entire outer circumferential surface of the smoking substance contained in the consumable portion 110 is preferably covered by the locking block 60.

[0121] The distance that the second portion S2 of the flow portion 110 enters the locking block 60 when the flow portion 110 is located at a predetermined position within the chamber 50 is preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 2 mm and less than or equal to 8 mm, most preferably equal to or greater than 4 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm.

[0122] The length of the chamber 50 from the bottom wall 56a to the end of the compression member 62 on the side of the opening 52 is longer than the length of the first section S1 of the consumable part 110 in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the length of the first section), and is also preferably 1.5 times less than the length of the first section S1 is more preferably 1.35 times less. Further, when the consumable portion 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, at least a portion of the first portion S1 of the consumable portion 110 is preferably located closer to the opening 52 than the central portion of the fixing block 60 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the end of the first section S1 on the side of the second section S2 is preferably located closer to the hole 52 than the central part of the fixing block 60 in the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, a change in resistance can be felt because the second portion S2 enters the fixing block 60 before the first portion S1 of the consumable portion 110 abuts against the bottom wall 56a of the chamber 50, and since the installation position at which the change is felt can be set as a position relatively close to the predetermined installation position of the consumable 110 makes it easier to position the consumable at the predetermined position, and the user may experience a more pleasant feeling when using the device.

[0123] Second embodiment

Next, the smoking system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the smoking system 100 of the second embodiment, the design of the chamber 50 differs from that of the chamber in the smoking system 100 of the first embodiment. On FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of a chamber 50 located in the device 120 of the smoking system 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15A is a sectional view of camera 50 taken along line 18A-18A of FIG. 14. FIG. 15B illustrates the camera 50 in section taken along line 18B-18B of FIG. 14. In particular, the camera 50 of the second embodiment differs from the camera 50 of the first embodiment in that it has a first fixing block 70 and a second fixing block 76.

[0124] The first locking block 70 is configured to hold the consumable 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The second locking block 76 is located further from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 than the first locking block 70 and is configured to hold the consumable 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The first locking block 70 includes first compression members 72 that compress a portion of wear portion 110 and first non-compressive members 73. The first compression members 72 have inner surfaces 72a and outer surfaces 72b. The first non-compressive members 73 have inner surfaces 73a and outer surfaces 73b. The second locking block 76 includes second compression elements 77 that compress the portion of the wear part 110 and second non-compressive elements 78. The second compression elements 77 have inner surfaces 77a and outer surfaces 77b. The second non-compressive members 78 have inner surfaces 78a and outer surfaces 78b.

[0125] In a state in which the consumable 110 is held by the first fixing block 70 and the second fixing block 76, the second fixing block 76 provides a stronger compression of the consumable 110 than the first fixing block 70. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A and 15B, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50, the inner cross-sectional area of the second locking block 76 is smaller than the inner cross-sectional area of the first locking block 70. As a result of compression of the consumable portion 110 by the inner surfaces 72a of the first compressing members 72, said consumable portion 110 is located substantially adjacent to the heating surface (the inner surfaces 72a of the first compression members 72) in the first fixing block 70, and therefore the heat from the heating block 40 can be efficiently transferred to the consumable part 110. Here, the draw resistance during smoking can be adjusted. compression in the second fixing block 76. The heating block 40 does not need to be located on the outer surfaces 77b of the second compressing elements 77. In particular, due to the absence of the heating block 40 on the second fixing block 76, in the case where the portion of the consumable part 110 is compressed into With the second fixing block 76, which is the above-described cover, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat that does not contribute to efficient heating of the smoking substance.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 14, the chamber 50 has a second guide 79 having a tapered surface 79a that connects the inner surfaces 72a of the first compression members 72 to the inner surfaces 77a of the second compression members 77. The second guide 79 can smoothly change the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the chamber 50 from the first compressing elements 72 to the second compressing elements 77, which allows you to smoothly enter the consumable part 110 into the second locking block 76.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 15A, the inner surfaces 72a of the first compression members 72 of the first locking block 70 face each other. In other words, the inner surfaces 72a of the first compression members 72 form a pair of first compression surfaces. As shown in FIG. 15B, the inner surfaces 77a of the second compression members 77 of the second locking block 76 face each other. In other words, the inner surfaces 77a of the second compression members 77 form a pair of second compression surfaces. The shortest distance between the second pressing surfaces is preferably less than the shortest distance between the first pressing surfaces. In addition, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first compressing surfaces and the second compressing surfaces are flat surfaces. As shown in FIG. 15A and 15B, the compressing surfaces of the second locking block 76 and the compressing surfaces of the first locking block 70 are oriented in the same direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 14, the second locking block 76 is located at the end of the chamber 50. With this configuration, in the case that the smoking substance located at the end of the consumable part 110 is pressed, the compression by the second fixing block 76 seals said smoking substance and reduces the occurrence of situations where the smoking substance the substance falls out inside the chamber 50 when the expendable part 110 is removed from the specified chamber after the end of smoking.

[0129] The inner surfaces 72a and outer surfaces 72b of the first compression member 72, and the inner surfaces 77a and outer surfaces 77b of the second compression member 77 may have similar characteristics to the inner surfaces 62a and outer surfaces 62b of the compression members 62 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the inner surfaces 73a and outer surfaces 73b of the first non-compressive member 73, and the inner surfaces 78a and outer surfaces 78b of the second non-compressive member 78 may have similar characteristics to the inner surfaces 66a and outer surfaces 66b of the non-compressive members 66 according to the first embodiment.

[0130] Third embodiment

Next, the smoking system 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the smoking system 100 according to the third embodiment, the chamber 50 and the heating unit 40 differ in structure from the smoking system 100 according to the first embodiment. On FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view of a heater assembly 30 provided in the device 120 of the smoking system 100 according to the third embodiment. On FIG. 17 is a sectional view of chamber 50 taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, the top cover 32 shown in FIG. 2.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 15 and 16, the shape of the chamber 50 is approximately the same as that of the chamber 50 according to the first embodiment. On the other hand, in addition to the heating block 40, the heater assembly 30 according to the third embodiment is provided with an induction coil 46 that heats the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 15, the inductive coil 46 may also surround the compression member 62 of the chamber 50. With this configuration, the heat generating portion of the chamber 50 can be efficiently supplied with energy. It should be noted that the inductive coil 46 may also be a cylindrical coil.

[0132] The compression element 62 of the chamber 50 includes a current collector 63, the heating of which is provided by an induction winding 46. The current collector 63 may be located on the outer surface 62b or the inner surface 62a of the compression element 62, while the current collector 63 may be enclosed in the walls of the chamber 50, forming a compressive element 62, or these walls themselves can be made in the form of a current collector. The current collector 63 preferably comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of aluminium, iron, nickel and their alloys (eg nichrome and stainless steel).

[0133] In the third embodiment, the non-compressive member 66 of the chamber 50 also includes a current collector 63. As shown in FIG. 17, with this configuration, the current collector 63 and the current lines passing through this current collector form closed loops surrounding the space in which the consumable part 110 is located (the interior of the chamber 50).

[0134] As described above, in the third embodiment, at least the compression member 62 includes a current collector 63 that is heated by the induction coil 46.

[0135] Fourth embodiment

Next, the smoking system 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the smoking system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the air passages of the smoking system 100 and the structure of the chamber 50 are different from those of the smoking system 100 according to the first embodiment. On FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a smoking system 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 18, in the smoking system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, there is substantially no air intake gap formed between the heater assembly 30 and the consumable portion 110. As shown in FIG. 18, in the smoking system 100, at the bottom of the heater assembly 30, an air intake hole 30a is provided, and a passage 15 is provided for drawing air into the hole 30a. In the example illustrated in the drawings, air passage 15 extends connecting opening 30a and the bottom of smoking system 100 (on the opposite side of heater assembly 30 from opening 52 of chamber 50 through which consumable portion 110 is inserted). Air passage 15 may be of any shape that communicates opening 30a with the surroundings of smoking system 100. In this configuration, air inhaled by the user is directed from the bottom of smoking system 100 through the ends of consumable portion 110 into the user's mouth, as indicated by airflow line 100D.

[0137] In FIG. 19A is a longitudinal section through chamber 50 according to the fourth embodiment, including non-compressive member 66, with consumable portion 110 positioned in chamber 50 in FIG. 19B is a longitudinal sectional view of the chamber 50 according to the fourth embodiment, including the compression member 62, with the expendable portion 110 positioned in the chamber 50 in the drawing. FIG. 20A is a sectional view of chamber 50 taken along line 23A-23A of FIG. 19V. On FIG. 20B is a sectional view of chamber 50 taken along line 23B-23B of FIG. 19V. It should be noted that in Fig. 20B shows a cross-sectional view of the consumable portion 110 before it is compressed in order to better understand how the consumable portion 110 is compressed by the compression elements 62.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 19B, when the consumable portion 110 is positioned in the chamber 50, there is substantially no gap in the locking block 60 between the inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66 and the consumable portion 110. In addition, as shown in FIG. 19A and 19B, an opening 30a is provided in the bottom wall 56a of the lower block 56 of chamber 50 to allow air to enter chamber 50.

[0139] Non-compressive element 66 preferably comes into contact with the consumable part 110 in its uncompressed state, when the specified part is located inside the chamber 50. In this case, the uncompressed state is essentially an uncompressed state.

[0140] In the fourth embodiment, the inner circumferential length of the locking block 60 is the same as the outer circumferential length of the disposable portion 110 before it is compressed by the compression member 62. It should be noted that in this case, the expression "same" includes the meaning "substantially the same ".

[0141] As described above, the locking block 60 includes a compression element 62 and a non-compressing element 66. In the case where the inner circumferential length of the locking block 60 and the outer circumferential length of the consumable part 110 are substantially the same, the portion of the consumable part 110 is compressed by the compressing element 62, in As a result, the outer circumferential shape of the consumable portion 110 becomes approximately corresponding to the shape of the inner cross section of the fixing block 60. system 100, a place is formed where the consumable portion 110 is compressed by the compressing member 62, and hence the heat transfer efficiency from the heating block 40 to the consumable portion 110 can be improved. In addition, compared with the case where the outer circumferential length of the wear portion 110 is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the locking block 60, the inner circumferential surface (inner surface 66a of the non-compressive member 66) of the locking block 60 substantially touches the outer circumferential surface of the disposable portion 110 even at locations where the consumable part 110 is not pressed and therefore the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating block 40 to the consumable part 110 can be improved. Moreover, compared with the case where the outer circumferential length of the wear part 110 is larger than the inner circumferential length of the locking block 60, the wear part 110 can be inserted into the locking block 60 smoothly, and the deformation caused by the outer circumferential surface of the wear part 110 and the seal inside the wear part 110 (for example, tobacco) can be reduced. As a result, uneven heating and variability in the tightening resistance of each wear part 110, which can occur due to deformation caused by sealing inside the wear part 110, can be eliminated.

[0142] By this, it can be said that the inner circumferential length of the locking block 60 is preferably substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable part 110 in the state of its compression by the compressing member 62, and the inner circumferential length of the locking block 60 can be considered the inner circumferential length in the plane , perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 of the locking block 60. In addition, the "outer circumferential length of the consumable part 110 before it is compressed by the compression element 62" may be the outer circumferential length of the portion of the outer circumference of the consumable part 110 before it is compressed by the compression element 62, which is located in the position , corresponding to the inner circumferential length of the fixing block 60, relative to the position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50, when the consumable portion 110 is compressed by the compression member 62. In addition, "the outer circumferential length of the consumable portion 110 in the state of its compression by the compression member 62" may be the outer circumferential length of the section outer environment length of the consumable part 110 in the state of its compression by the compression member 62, which is located at a position corresponding to the inner circumferential length of the fixing block 60, relative to the location in the longitudinal direction of the chamber.

[0143] In the fourth embodiment, the inner circumferential length of the chamber 50 (fixing block 60) may also be the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable 110 before it is inserted into the chamber 50, and the inner circumferential shape of the chamber 50 (fixing block 60) in the plane , perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber, may also differ from the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumable part 110 prior to its introduction into the chamber 50. In this case, the expression "same" includes the meaning of "substantially the same".

[0144] According to this embodiment, the consumable portion 110 is located substantially adjacent to the heating surface (inner surface 62a of the compressing member 62 of the chamber 50), and therefore heat from the heating block 40 can be efficiently transferred to the consumable portion 110. In particular, since the inner the circumferential length of the chamber 50 and the outer circumferential length of the consumable portion 110 are substantially the same, and the inner circumferential shape of the chamber 50 differs from the cross-sectional shape of the consumable portion 110 inserted into the chamber 50, the portion of the consumable portion 110 is compressed by the inner surface of the chamber 50, and the outer circumferential shape consumable portion 110 approximately corresponds to the inner circumferential shape of the inner surface of the fixing block 60. Compared with the case where the inner circumferential length and inner circumferential shape of the chamber 50 are the same with the outer circumferential length and cross-sectional shape of the disposable portion 110, in the smoking system 100 There is a location where the consumable portion 110 is compressed by the chamber 50, and therefore the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating block 40 to the consumable portion 110 can be improved. In addition, compared with the case where the outer circumferential length of the flow portion 110 is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the chamber 50, the inner circumferential surface (non-compressive surface) of the chamber 50 substantially touches the outer circumferential surface of the flow portion 110 even in places where the flow portion 110 does not is subjected to compression, and therefore the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating block 40 to the consumable part 110 can be improved. Moreover, compared with the case where the outer circumferential length of the consumable portion 110 is larger than the inner circumferential length of the chamber 50, the consumable portion 110 can be introduced into the chamber 50 smoothly, and the deformation caused by the outer circumferential surface of the consumable portion 110 and the seal inside the consumable portion 110 ( e.g. tobacco) can be reduced. As a result, uneven heating and variability in draw resistance through each consumable 110 that can occur due to deformation caused by seals within the consumable 110 can be eliminated.

[0145] It can also be noted that the inner circumferential length of the chamber 50 is preferably substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the disposable portion 110 in the state of its compression by the chamber 50, and the inner circumferential length of the chamber 50 may be equal to the inner circumferential length in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. In addition, "the outer circumferential length of the expendable part 110 before its introduction into the chamber 50" may be the outer circumference length of the portion of the outer circumferential length of the disposable part 110 before its introduction into the chamber 50, which is located in a position corresponding to the inner circumferential length relative to positioning in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 when the consumable part 110 is inserted into said chamber. In addition, "the outer circumferential length of the consumable part 110 in the state of its compression by the chamber 50" may be the outer circumferential length of the portion of the outer circumferential length of the consumable part 110 in the state of its compression by the chamber 50, which is located at a position corresponding to the inner circumferential length of the chamber 50 relative to the location in longitudinal direction of said chamber.

[0146] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been presented above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without going beyond the technical idea disclosed in the claims, specifications and drawings. It should be noted that any form or material not directly disclosed in the description and not illustrated by the drawings does not go beyond the technical idea of the present invention if they cause the actions and effects described in this application. Moreover, the forms, comparative values, or the like used in the description using the expression at least "substantially" are not limited to "shape, comparative value, or the like." in the strict sense”, but also include “forms, comparative values, or the like. within the range within which at least the intended action is presented.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0147] 40: heating block

40a: first section

40b: second section

42: heating element

44: electrical insulating element

46: induction winding

48: electrode

50: camera

52: hole

54: non-fixing block

58: first guide element

58a: conical surface

60: fixing block

62: compression element

62a: inner surface

62b: outer surface

63: pantograph

66: non-compressive element

66a: inner surface

66b: outer surface

67: air gap

70: first fixing block

72a: inner surface

72b: outer surface

73a: inner surface

73b: outer surface

76: second fixing block

77a: inner surface

77b: outer surface

78a: inner surface

78b: outer surface

79a: conical surface

100: smoking system

110: consumable

111: smoking substance

120: device

S1: first section

S2: second section

Claims (15)

1. A smoking system comprising a consumable part containing a smoking substance and a device that heats and sprays a smoking substance, said device comprising a chamber in which the consumable part is placed, and a heating unit that heats the consumable part placed in the chamber, while the chamber contains an opening through which the consumable part is inserted, and a locking block that holds the consumable part, wherein the locking block contains a compressive element that compresses the portion of the consumable part, and a non-compressive element, and each of the compressive element and the non-compressive element has an inner surface and an outer surface , and the heating block is located on the outer surface of the compressing element. 2. The smoking system of claim 1, wherein the inner circumferential length of the locking block is the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable before it is compressed by the compression member. 3. The smoking system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the compression member is a flat surface. 4. The smoking system according to Claim. 1, in which the specified device contains a tape electrode extending from the heating block, and in the state when the heating block is located on the outer surface of the compressing element, the specified tape electrode extends from the outer surface of the compressing element beyond the specified surface. 5. The smoking system of claim 1, wherein the consumable part comprises a first portion having a first hardness and a second portion having a second hardness, wherein the second portion is separated from the first portion in the insertion direction of the consumable portion and the second hardness is higher than the first hardness . 6. The smoking system of claim 5, wherein when the consumable portion is installed at a predetermined position in the chamber, said consumable portion is positioned such that at least a portion of the first portion is pressed against the inner surface of the compression member. 7. The smoking system of claim 5, wherein when the consumable portion is installed at a predetermined position in the chamber, said consumable portion is positioned such that at least a portion of the second portion is pressed against the inner surface of the compression member. 8. The smoking system according to claim 5, wherein the length of the first portion of the consumable part in the longitudinal direction is less than or equal to the length of the inner surface of the compression element in the longitudinal direction, and when the consumable part is installed at a predetermined position in the chamber, the specified consumable part is located in the chamber in such a way that the first section of the consumable part does not protrude from the inner surface of the compressing element, and also in such a way that at least part of the second section is pressed against the inner surface of the compressing element. 9. The smoking system according to claim 1, in which the fixing block contains two compressing elements facing each other, and at least part of the distance between the inner surfaces of said two compressing elements is less than the width of the consumable part installed in the chamber at the location between the compressing elements. 10. The smoking system according to claim 1, in which the locking block comprises at least two compressing elements located at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction of the chamber, and the fixing block is made with the formation of an air gap between the inner surface of the non-compressing element connecting the two compressing elements , and a consumable part, when the specified part is located in a predetermined position in the chamber, and the specified air gap connects the specified opening of the chamber and the end surface of the consumable part located inside the chamber, or the specified opening of the chamber and the end surface of the consumable part located inside the chamber and remote from the specified camera holes. 11. The smoking system of claim 1, wherein the heating block comprises a heating element and an electrically insulating element that covers at least one surface of said heating element, the electrically insulating element being positioned such that it does not protrude from the outer surface of the locking block in the longitudinal direction cameras. 12. The smoking system of claim. 1, in which the inner surface of the compressive element has a pair of flat compressive surfaces facing each other, and the inner surface of the non-compressive element has a pair of curved non-compressive surfaces facing each other, which connect the ends of the pair of flat compressive surfaces. 13. A device that heats and sprays a smoking substance, and the device includes a chamber in which the consumable part is located, and a heating block that heats the consumable part located in the chamber, the chamber contains an opening through which the consumable part is inserted, and a fixing block, which holds the consumable part, while the fixing block contains a compressing element that compresses the consumable portion, and a non-compressing element, and each of the compressing element and non-compressing element has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the heating block is located on the outer surface of the compressing element. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the inner surface of the compressive element has a pair of flat compressive surfaces facing each other, and the inner surface of the non-compressive element has a pair of curved non-compressive surfaces facing each other and connecting the ends of the pair of flat compressing surfaces. 15. Consumable part used in the smoking system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, containing the first section, which is partially compressed by the specified chamber, the mouthpiece and the second section located between the first section and the mouthpiece.

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