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WO2024214197A1 - Inhalateur d'arôme et système d'inhalation d'arôme - Google Patents

Inhalateur d'arôme et système d'inhalation d'arôme Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024214197A1
WO2024214197A1 PCT/JP2023/014791 JP2023014791W WO2024214197A1 WO 2024214197 A1 WO2024214197 A1 WO 2024214197A1 JP 2023014791 W JP2023014791 W JP 2023014791W WO 2024214197 A1 WO2024214197 A1 WO 2024214197A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
flavor inhaler
lid
relative position
flavor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/JP2023/014791
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
干城 隅井
則喜 佐藤
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority to JP2025513554A priority Critical patent/JPWO2024214197A1/ja
Priority to CN202380095753.2A priority patent/CN120916656A/zh
Priority to PCT/JP2023/014791 priority patent/WO2024214197A1/fr
Priority to KR1020257029760A priority patent/KR20250136934A/ko
Publication of WO2024214197A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024214197A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system.
  • flavor inhalers use a movement mechanism that moves the relative position between a housing that houses a heating unit that heats consumables and a housing that houses a power source (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
  • a new movement mechanism that is appropriate for this is required.
  • the present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler and a flavor inhalation system equipped with a novel relative position movement mechanism.
  • the first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising a first housing that houses a consumable product and a heating unit that heats the consumable product, and a second housing that houses a power source that supplies power to the heating unit, the first housing having a proximal end that is close to the mouth of a user who inhales, and a distal end that is located on the opposite side of the proximal end, the first housing and the second housing being configured to be relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position while maintaining an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the second relative position, a predetermined portion of the distal end of the first housing does not overlap with the second housing when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.
  • the first housing that houses the heating unit and the second housing that houses the power source are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position while maintaining an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source.
  • the two housings can be moved relative to each other so that the distal end of the first housing is not blocked by the second housing, improving the freedom of configuration of the flavor inhaler. This freedom can be utilized in various ways, particularly in flavor inhalers with novel configurations.
  • a second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first aspect, in which, when the first housing and the second housing are in the first relative position, at least a part of the predetermined portion of the distal end of the first housing overlaps with the second housing when viewed from the proximal end side along the longitudinal direction.
  • the first housing when the first housing is in the first relative position, when viewed from the proximal end of the first housing along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler, at least a portion of the portion of the distal end of the first housing that does not overlap at the second relative position overlaps with the second housing.
  • a third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first and second aspects, wherein the first housing further has a lid portion constituting at least a part of the distal end and configured to be capable of opening and closing the space for storing the consumable product, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the second relative position, the lid portion is opened so that the consumable product can be removed from the first housing.
  • a lid configured to be able to open and close the space for storing the consumable goods is provided at the distal end of the first housing, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the second relative position, the lid can be opened and the consumable goods can be removed from the first housing.
  • the flavor inhaler can be configured such that, with the lid provided at the distal end of the first housing, the lid is made accessible when the first housing and the second housing are moved to the second relative position.
  • the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the third aspect, wherein the first housing further has an intake hole at the distal end for drawing in outside air, and when the lid is closed, the first housing has an air communication passage that connects the intake hole to the proximal end via the consumable product.
  • an intake hole is provided at the distal end of the first housing to draw in outside air together with the lid.
  • an air communication passage is formed in the first housing that communicates from the intake hole through the consumables to the proximal end.
  • the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the third and fourth aspects, in which the lid portion has a transparent portion.
  • the lid portion provided at the distal end of the first housing and configured to be able to open and close the space for storing consumable goods has a transparent portion. Therefore, according to the fifth aspect, it is easy to see from the outside whether or not consumable goods are stored inside the first housing.
  • the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, in which the first housing has an inclined portion at a location where the first housing abuts against the lid, the inclined portion exposing the consumable product.
  • an inclined portion is provided at the distal end of the first housing to expose the consumables so as to abut against a lid portion configured to be able to open and close the space for storing the consumables.
  • the exposed area by the inclined portion is larger than when the exposed portion is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction.
  • a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the third to sixth aspects above, wherein the second housing has a facing portion that faces the lid portion of the first housing when the first housing and the second housing are in the first relative position, and further includes a detection portion that detects whether the lid portion of the first housing and the facing portion of the second housing face each other.
  • the second housing has a facing portion that faces the lid portion of the first housing when the first housing and the second housing are in the first relative position
  • the flavor inhaler further has a detection portion that detects whether the lid portion of the first housing faces the facing portion of the second housing.
  • the detection portion can detect whether the lid portion provided at the distal end of the first housing faces the facing portion of the second housing or is exposed and not blocked by the second housing.
  • the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the seventh aspect, in which the detection unit includes a magnetic detection unit provided in the lid portion or the facing portion.
  • the detector that detects the relative arrangement between the lid portion provided at the distal end of the first housing and the facing portion of the second housing includes a magnetic detector provided on the lid portion or the facing portion.
  • the relative arrangement between the lid portion of the first housing and the facing portion of the second housing can be magnetically detected.
  • a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the seventh and eighth aspects, further comprising a control unit that controls the heating unit, and the control unit controls the heating unit to prevent the heating unit from reheating the consumable product after use of the consumable product is complete without the detection unit detecting a non-opposing state.
  • the control unit of the flavor inhaler which controls the heating unit, prevents the heating unit from reheating the consumable product after use has been completed without detecting a non-facing state in which the lid unit is not facing the facing unit of the second housing.
  • the lid unit should go through a process of being opened in a non-facing state.
  • a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a rotation mechanism that rotates about a rotation axis, and the movement between the first relative position and the second relative position is performed by the rotational motion of the rotation mechanism.
  • the flavor inhaler further includes a rotation mechanism having a rotating shaft, and movement between the first relative position and the second relative position is performed by rotational movement of the rotation mechanism.
  • movement of the relative positions of the two housings can be achieved by rotational movement of the rotation mechanism.
  • An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the tenth aspect, in which the rotation axis is disposed approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.
  • the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism is disposed approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.
  • the relative positions of the two housings can be moved by rotating the first housing or the second housing around the rotation axis along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.
  • a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the tenth and eleventh aspects above, in which the rotation mechanism is a hinge that connects the distal end of the first housing to the second housing and has a hollow portion through which the rotation shaft passes, and a wiring portion that electrically connects the first housing to the second housing is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the rotation mechanism is a hinge that connects the distal end of the first housing to the second housing and has a hollow portion through which the rotation shaft passes, and a wiring portion that electrically connects the first housing to the second housing is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the rotation mechanism is a hinge that connects the distal end of the first housing to the second housing, and a wiring section that electrically connects the first housing to the second housing is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the hinge that is provided to connect the distal end of the first housing to the second housing allows the relative positions of the two housings to be moved, and by accommodating the wiring section that electrically connects the first housing to the second housing, ensures electrical connection between the heating section and the power source.
  • a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the twelfth aspect above, wherein the first housing further has a control unit that controls the heating unit, and the hinge is disposed relative to the first housing so as to be located closer to the control unit than the heating unit.
  • control unit that controls the heating unit is housed in the first housing, and the hinge is disposed relative to the first housing so as to be located closer to the control unit than the heating unit.
  • the wiring unit that is housed in the hollow portion of the hinge and electrically connects the first housing and the second housing is disposed closer to the control unit than the heating unit, so that the heat from the heating unit can be prevented from affecting the wiring unit.
  • a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the thirteenth aspect, in which the heating unit and the control unit are separated from each other in the first housing, and the end of the heating unit on the proximal end side and the end of the heating unit on the distal end side are elastically held.
  • the heating unit and the control unit are separated, and the proximal end and distal end of the heating unit are elastically maintained. Therefore, according to the 14th aspect, it is possible to effectively prevent the heat from the heating unit from affecting the control unit (and the wiring unit arranged close to the control unit), and to mitigate the impact on the heating unit when the flavor inhaler is subjected to an external impact due to being dropped, etc.
  • a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, in which an operating push button is provided on the outer surface of the first housing or the second housing, the rotation mechanism is configured to allow rotational movement from the first relative position to the second relative position in only one direction, and the pressing direction of the operating push button is determined so as not to generate rotational movement of the rotation mechanism in the one direction.
  • an operation push button is provided on the outer surface of the first or second housing, and the rotation mechanism allows rotational movement from the first relative position to the second relative position in only one direction.
  • the direction in which the operation push button is pressed is determined so as not to generate rotational movement of the rotation mechanism in the one direction.
  • pressing the operation push button for operating the flavor inhaler does not generate rotational movement of the rotation mechanism.
  • a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material that includes a flavor source, has a thin structure, and is heated by the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to fifteenth aspects described above.
  • the consumable material used in the flavor inhaler and heated by the heating unit housed in the first housing includes a flavor source and is configured to be thin. Therefore, according to the 16th aspect, it is possible to provide a consumable material with a novel structure, and a flavor inhaler with a novel structure that uses this consumable material.
  • the seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a consumable material and a flavor inhaler
  • the consumable material includes a flavor source and is configured to be thin
  • the flavor inhaler includes a first housing that houses the consumable material and a heating unit that heats the consumable material, and a second housing that houses a power source that supplies power to the heating unit
  • the first housing has a proximal end that is close to the mouth of a user who inhales and a distal end that is located on the opposite side of the proximal end
  • the first housing and the second housing are configured to be relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position while maintaining an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the second relative position, a predetermined portion of the distal end of the first housing does not overlap with the second housing when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.
  • the first housing that houses the heating unit and the second housing that houses the power source are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position while maintaining the electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source.
  • the second relative position at least a part of the distal end of the first housing does not overlap with the second housing when viewed from the proximal end side of the first housing along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.
  • the consumable material heated by the heating unit housed in the first housing includes a flavor source and is configured to be thin.
  • the two housings can be made relatively movable so that the distal end of the first housing is not blocked by the second housing, and the degree of freedom of the configuration of the flavor inhaler is improved. This degree of freedom can be utilized in various ways, particularly in a flavor inhalation system with a novel configuration.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a flavor inhaler.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a consumable product.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rotation shaft of the flavor inhaler.
  • FIG. 4 is a view of the second housing of the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 3 rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
  • 5 is a view showing the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 4 in the middle of opening the lid.
  • FIG. FIG. 5 is a view showing the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 4 with the lid open;
  • FIG. 7 is a view of the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 6 with the consumables removed.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing taken along line AA of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the first housing shown in FIG. 8A with the lid open.
  • FIG. 8C is a diagram showing the first housing shown in FIG. 8B with consumable products removed.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a distal end of a first housing with a lid open;
  • FIG. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing an example of detection of the relative arrangement of the lid and the second housing using magnetism; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of heating control.
  • 10 is a flowchart showing an example of reheat permission control.
  • FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 12B is a view of the first housing of the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 12A rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise.
  • FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a flavor inhaler according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • 13B is a diagram showing the first housing of the flavor inhaler shown in FIG. 13A rotated 60 degrees in a right-handed system in which the positive direction of the X-axis corresponds to the direction of advancement of the screw.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be used for convenience of explanation.
  • the Z axis faces the upper longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 (upper right in FIG. 1)
  • the X-Z plane is arranged to cut the flavor inhaler 100 horizontally
  • the Y axis is arranged to extend from the front to the back of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the consumable product 20 housed in the first housing 10 described later or the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the X-axis direction can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 20.
  • the Y-axis direction can also be referred to as the transverse direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 20.
  • the Y-axis direction can also be referred to as the thickness direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 50.
  • a mouthpiece 16 protrudes from the first housing 10.
  • the mouthpiece 16 is a member that a user of the flavor inhaler 100 holds in his mouth to inhale the flavor.
  • the end where the mouthpiece 16 is provided i.e., the end located closer to the user's mouth when inhaling the flavor
  • the distal end 10B the opposite side to the proximal end 10A (i.e., the end located away from the user when inhaling the flavor)
  • the distal end 10B In the second housing 50, the end opposite the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is referred to as the proximal end 50A.
  • the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50 is an example of a facing portion of the present disclosure.
  • the first housing 10 also includes a lid 12 (described in detail below) that can be opened and closed.
  • the lid 12 is an example of a lid portion of the present disclosure.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by, for example, heating a plate-shaped consumable material 20 (see Figures 2B and 9B) having a flavor source containing an aerosol source.
  • the consumable material 20 is configured to have a smokable article containing a flavor source, such as tobacco shreds or components extracted from tobacco, and an aerosol source in the central portion along the Z axis, and a filter in another portion.
  • the aerosol source include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
  • the combination of the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable material 20 is an example of a flavor inhalation system of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 1 cut along the X-Z plane.
  • the first housing 10 is provided with a consumable product 20 and a chamber 14 configured to surround and accommodate the consumable product 20 near the center in the longitudinal direction.
  • the chamber 14 may be a container including an opening into which the consumable product 20 is inserted and a cylindrical side wall portion that houses at least a part of the consumable product 20.
  • the cylindrical shape of the chamber 14 may be selected appropriately according to the shape of the plate-shaped consumable product 20.
  • the chamber 14 is preferably formed of a material that is heat resistant and has a small thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. This allows for effective heating of the consumable product 20 from the chamber 14. In FIG.
  • the consumable product 20 is configured to include a smokable article in the portion housed in the chamber 14, and to have filters provided at both ends, including the end on the proximal end 10A side or the end on the distal end 10B side, of the portion exposed from the chamber 14.
  • FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the consumer product 20.
  • the consumer product 20 has a smokable article 20A, a filter 20B, and a cigarette paper 20C.
  • the smokable article 20A and the filter 20B are wrapped with the cigarette paper 20C, either in close contact or with a gap between them.
  • the filter 20B is made of a filler filled with cellulose acetate fibers at a high or low density, or paper.
  • This filter 20B preferably has at least one of the following functions: filtering tobacco smoke (mainstream smoke) flowing from the smokable article 20A when it passes through, cooling tobacco smoke inhaled by the user, preventing the smokable article from falling off, and preventing the consumer product 20 from being crushed by an external force.
  • the filter 20B is not limited to a specific type, but may be a plain filter having a fiber bundle such as cellulose acetate, or a charcoal filter formed by dispersing an adsorbent such as activated carbon in the plain filter. However, the filter may be a filter other than a plain filter or a charcoal filter.
  • a heating element is provided on the outer periphery of the side wall of the chamber 14, covering at least a portion of it.
  • the heating element may be, for example, a heating track.
  • the heating element is configured to contact the outer periphery of the chamber 14 and heat the consumables 20 contained within the chamber 14.
  • the combination of the chamber 14 and the heating element is an example of a heating unit of the present disclosure.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 has been described above as generating an aerosol containing flavor by contact heating the chamber 14 housing the plate-shaped consumable product 20 from the outside using a heating element.
  • the manner of heating the consumable product in the flavor inhaler disclosed herein is not limited to the external contact heating type.
  • the chamber 14 housing the consumable product 20 may be used as a susceptor, and the chamber 14 may be inductively heated by an induction coil wrapped around the chamber 14 to generate an aerosol containing flavor.
  • the material and shape of the chamber 14 may be changed as appropriate.
  • a susceptor may be provided inside or adjacent to the consumable product 20, and the heating element may be configured to include an induction coil for inductively heating the susceptor.
  • a control unit 30 that controls each component of the flavor inhaler 100 is provided inside the first housing 10.
  • the control unit 30 includes a board (not shown).
  • This board includes, for example, a microprocessor, and can control the supply of power from a power source 52 (described below) to a heating element that covers the chamber 14. This allows the control unit 30 to control the heating of the consumable product 20 by the chamber 14.
  • a power source 52 is disposed inside the second housing 50.
  • the power source 52 is electrically connected to the board of the control unit 30 and may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery.
  • the power source 52 is electrically connected to the heating element covering the chamber 14 via the board of the control unit 30. This allows the power source 52 to supply power to the heating element covering the chamber 14 so as to appropriately heat the consumables 20.
  • a hinge 40 having a hollow portion is provided between the first housing 10 and the second housing 50, and is formed to straddle the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 and the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50.
  • the hinge 40 is configured to rotate the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 relatively around a rotation axis 42 (a straight line that is the center of rotation and is shown by a dashed line) that is approximately parallel to the Z-axis direction.
  • the hinge 40 is configured to allow rotation between a first state and a second state, which will be described later.
  • the hollow portion of the hinge 40 is provided at a position through which the rotation axis 42 passes, and this hollow portion connects the space inside the first housing 10 and the space inside the second housing 50.
  • a wiring portion 44 that electrically connects the control unit 30 of the first housing 10 and the power source 52 of the second housing 50 is arranged in the hollow portion. As shown in FIG. 2, the hinge 40 is positioned so that the distance to the control unit 30 is smaller than the distance to the chamber 14 (and the heating element).
  • the hinge 40 is an example of a rotation mechanism of the present disclosure.
  • the chamber 14 (and the heating element) and the control unit 30 are separated by ribs.
  • the end of the chamber 14 on the proximal end 10A side of the first housing 10 (referred to as the first end 16A) and the end on the distal end 10B side (referred to as the second end 17) are elastically held by elastic bodies 15A and 15B inside the first housing 10, respectively (see FIG. 8A).
  • the first end 16A and the second end 17 of the chamber 14 can be elastically held by contacting the front and back surfaces of the first housing 10 via the elastic bodies 15A and 15B.
  • both the first end 16A and the second end 17 are formed of a resin such as PEEK
  • the elastic bodies 15A and 15B that elastically hold them are formed of silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, urethane rubber, silicone sponge, EPDM sponge, urethane sponge, or the like that have a lower thermal conductivity than the resin that forms the first end 16A and the second end 17. Therefore, even if the first end 16A and the second end 17 of the chamber 14 receive heat from the heating element, heat transfer to the first housing 10 is unlikely to occur.
  • the rib is provided with a hole (or a notch) through which a power supply member that supplies power from the control unit 30 to the heating element passes.
  • control unit 30 Since the space near the control unit 30 and the space near the heating element are connected through this hole, the control unit 30 may be heated by convection of heat generated by the heating element through this hole. Many electronic components mounted in the control unit 30 will have a reduced life if they are operated in a high-temperature environment. Therefore, the holes in the ribs are small enough to pass only the power supply components through, making it difficult for convection to occur.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the rotation axis 42 of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 3, in which the second housing 50 has been rotated 90 degrees forward relative to the first housing 10 in a right-handed system in which the positive direction of the Z axis is the direction of advancement of the screw (hereinafter also referred to as being rotated 90 degrees clockwise).
  • the state of the hinge 40 shown in FIG. 3 is referred to as the first state.
  • the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are aligned.
  • almost the entire surface of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 overlaps with the second housing 50.
  • the entire surface of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 faces the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50.
  • the first state of the hinge 40 is an example of the first relative position of the present disclosure.
  • the state of the hinge 40 shown in FIG. 4 is referred to as the second state.
  • the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are not aligned.
  • most of the second housing 50 is visually seen protruding from the first housing 10 in the positive Y-axis direction.
  • the second state of the hinge 40 is an example of the second relative position of the present disclosure.
  • the hinge 40 transitions from the second state to the first state.
  • the second state of the hinge 40 shown in FIG. 4 when the flavor inhaler 100 is observed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first housing 10, a predetermined portion of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 does not overlap with the second housing 50.
  • the first state of the hinge 40 shown in FIG. 3 when the flavor inhaler 100 is observed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 from the proximal end 10A side of the first housing 10, a predetermined portion of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 overlaps with the second housing 50.
  • the area of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 that overlaps with the second housing 50 is smaller in the second state than in the first state.
  • the wiring section 44 that electrically connects the control section 30 of the first housing 10 and the power supply 52 of the second housing 50 is disposed in the hollow section of the hinge 40. Therefore, the rotational movement of the hinge 40 does not impede the electrical connection between the two housings. In other words, the electrical connection between the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 is maintained when the hinge 40 rotates between the first state and the second state.
  • the rotation by the hinge 40 is a relative rotation between the first housing 10 and the second housing 50.
  • the transition from the first state to the second state was made by rotating the second housing 50 90 degrees in a right-handed system in which the positive direction of the Z axis is the direction of advance of the screw, but in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 3, it is also possible to transition to the second state by rotating the first housing 10 90 degrees in a right-handed system in which the negative direction of the Z axis is the direction of advance of the screw (hereinafter, also referred to as rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise).
  • the hinge 40 is configured to allow rotation in only one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise; that is, in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 3, the second housing 50 cannot be rotated counterclockwise. Similarly, in the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 3, the first housing 10 cannot be rotated clockwise.
  • an operation push button 54 can be provided on the rear surface or an outer surface other than the distal end 10B of the first housing 10.
  • the operation push button 54 is linked to the control unit 30, and is configured to start or stop heating the chamber 14 by the heating element when pressed.
  • an operation push button may be provided on the outer surface of the second housing 50.
  • the operation push button 54 is provided near the control unit 30 to simplify electrical connection.
  • the operation push button 54 can be specifically provided near the end of the first housing 10 on the negative side of the X-axis.
  • the force point (the pressed operation push button 54) overlaps with or is close to the fulcrum (the rotation axis 42), so the rotation moment generated by the pressing force at each point of the first housing 10 is zero or small.
  • the clockwise rotation of the first housing 10 is restricted in the first place. Therefore, the pressing force on the operation push button 54 does not generate rotation of the hinge 40.
  • the operation push button 54 is provided near the end of the first housing 10 on the positive side of the X-axis, so the distance between the force point and the fulcrum is large, so the rotation moment generated by the pressing force at each point of the first housing 10 is large.
  • the counterclockwise rotation of the first housing 10 is not restricted. Therefore, pressing the operation push button 54 in this case may cause the first housing 10 to rotate counterclockwise (unintended by the user).
  • the operation push button is provided on the outer surface of the second housing 50. In other words, it is preferable to provide the operation push button near the end of the front surface of the second housing 50 on the negative X-axis direction side.
  • Figure 5 is a diagram showing the lid 12 of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 4 in the middle of being opened.
  • Figure 6 is a diagram showing the lid 12 of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 4 in an open state.
  • Figure 7 is a diagram showing the flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figure 6 with the consumable product 20 removed.
  • the lid 12 constitutes a part of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10, and is capable of opening and closing one end of the space that contains the consumable product 20. By opening the lid 12, it is possible to remove the consumable product 20 from the first housing 10 (or load a new consumable product 20 into the first housing 10). As shown in Figures 5 to 7, when the hinge 40 is in the second state, the portion of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 where the lid 12 is provided is not blocked by the second housing 50 and is open. In this case, it is possible to open the lid 12 and remove the consumable product 20 contained in the first housing of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the lid 12 which has been fixed in the closed state, is unlocked by sliding the lid 12 along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the hinge 40 is in the first state
  • the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 faces the second housing 50, and the lid 12 cannot be slid.
  • the lid 12 is opened, the consumable product 20 contained in the internal space of the first housing 10 is exposed.
  • the user can then remove the consumable product 20 from the first housing 10.
  • FIG. 7 when the consumable product 20 is removed, the internal space of the first housing 10, in particular the inclined portion 32 described below, is exposed.
  • Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the first housing 10 along the arrow A-A in Figure 4.
  • Figure 8B is a diagram showing the first housing 10 shown in Figure 8A with the lid 12 open.
  • Figure 8C is a diagram showing the first housing 10 shown in Figure 8B with the consumable product 20 removed.
  • Figure 9A is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 with the lid 12 open.
  • Figure 9B is a perspective view showing the consumable product 20.
  • a first intake hole 24 is provided near the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10.
  • a second intake hole is provided at the location constituting the distal end 10B of the lid 12.
  • an air communication passage is formed that penetrates the inside of the consumable product 20 from the second intake hole, and communicates with the user's mouth via the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10 and the mouthpiece 16.
  • the consumable product 20 is heated by the heating element and the chamber 14 described above, the flavor generated from the consumable product 20 is carried to the user's mouth through this air communication passage.
  • the arrangement of the second intake hole is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8A, and can be appropriately selected near the distal end 10B of the first housing as long as it is suitable for forming an air communication passage.
  • the lid 12 is made up of an outer lid 12A and an inner lid 12B. Since the consumable product 20 is stored inside the first housing 10 from its leading edge to its trailing edge, in order to easily determine whether or not the consumable product 20 is stored inside, the outer lid 12A and the inner lid 12B may be provided with transparent portions, allowing the user to see the inside of the closed lid 12 from the outside.
  • FIG. 8B when the lid 12 is opened, the end of the consumable product 20 on the distal end 10B side of the first housing 10 (the end on the negative side of the Z axis) is exposed.
  • FIG. 8B can also be said to be a view of the first housing 10 shown in FIG. 6 from a different angle and position.
  • the consumable product 20 is exposed within a predetermined angle range.
  • an inclined portion 32 is provided in the internal space of the first housing 10 with the consumable product 20 removed.
  • the inclined portion 32 is formed to form an inclined surface, rather than parallel to the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • FIG. 8C can also be said to be a view of the first housing 10 shown in FIG. 7 from a different angle and position.
  • the inclined portion 32 is a member that faces the inner lid 12B when the lid 12 is closed.
  • the lid 12 and the inclined portion 32 are not limited to being in contact with each other.
  • an elastic body such as rubber or a cushion may be interposed between the lid 12 and the inclined portion 32, and the elastic body may be compressed and sandwiched.
  • FIG. 9A shows the vicinity of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 with the lid 12 open.
  • An opening 18 for accommodating the hinge 40 is provided near the end of the distal end 10B on the negative side of the X-axis.
  • the consumable product 20 of this embodiment is formed to be thin.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 can be provided with a mechanism for detecting the rotation state of the hinge 40 and the open/close state of the lid 12.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detecting the relative arrangement of the lid 12 and the second housing 50 using magnetism.
  • a magnet can be installed on the lid 12 of the first housing 10, and a magnetic detection element 56 can be installed at a location facing the lid 12 of the second housing 50.
  • the magnetic detection element 56 is connected to the control unit 30 housed in the first housing 10, for example, via the wiring unit 44. It should be noted that a magnetic detection element can be installed on the lid 12 of the first housing 10, and a magnet can be installed at a location facing the lid 12 of the second housing 50.
  • the magnet and magnetic detection element 56 are an example of a detection unit of the present disclosure.
  • the control unit 30 determines that the hinge 40 is in the first state and the lid 12 is closed based on the detection result of the magnetic detection element 56.
  • the control unit 30 may determine that the hinge 40 is in the second state and the lid 12 is closed.
  • the control unit 30 may determine that the hinge 40 is in the first state and the lid 12 is open based on the magnitude of the detected magnetic field.
  • control unit 30 may determine that the hinge 40 is in the second state and the lid 12 is open based on the magnitude of the detected magnetic field.
  • control unit 30 can determine that in any of the cases of (2) to (4) in Fig. 10, the state is not that of Fig. 10 (1) (where the lid 12 is closed and the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are in a first relative position relationship). Furthermore, if it is necessary to make a determination to distinguish between any of Fig. 10 (2) to (4), for example, a second magnetic detection element that detects the magnetism of the magnet can be placed in the first housing 10 at a position where it detects the magnetism of the magnet when the lid 12 is closed and does not detect the magnetism of the magnet when the lid 12 is open.
  • the magnetic properties of the magnet and the detection sensitivity of the magnetic detection element 56 are selected as appropriate for the control unit 30 to recognize the above four cases.
  • a Hall element, MR element, or the like is suitable for the magnetic detection element 56.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may only perform a heating operation when the hinge 40 is in the first state and the lid 12 is closed (FIG. 10 (1)).
  • the lid 12 is open, so heating obviously should not be performed.
  • the lid 12 is closed, so the user may perform inhalation.
  • this embodiment will be described as the user inhaling only when the hinge 40 is in the first state and the lid 12 is closed.
  • the results of detection using the magnet and magnetic detection element 56 may be used to control heating by the control unit 30.
  • heating may be enabled only when the hinge 40 is in the first state and the lid 12 is closed ((1) in FIG. 10), and heating may be suppressed in the other three cases.
  • the control unit 30 may be controlled so as not to allow reheating unless the consumable product 20 is removed and replaced with a new one. Specifically, once the control unit 30 recognizes that use of the consumable product 20 has been completed, the control unit 30 will not perform reheating unless the detection result by the magnetic detection element 56 indicates that the hinge 40 is in the second state ((2) or (3) in Figure 10). This is because removal and replacement of the consumable product 20 requires that the hinge 40 is in the second state and the lid 12 is opened. In other words, as long as the hinge 40 remains in the first state, the control unit 30 determines that replacement of the consumable product 20 has not been completed and prohibits reheating. More precise control is also possible.
  • the control unit 30 can control the device not to allow reheating unless it is confirmed that the device has passed through a state in which the hinge 40 is in the second state and the lid 12 is closed ((2) in FIG. 10), passed through a state in which the hinge 40 is in the second state and the lid 12 is open ((4) in FIG. 10), and returned to the state of (2) in FIG. 10, and finally returned to the state of (1) in FIG. 10. This is because the removal and replacement of the consumer product 20 requires going through the above steps.
  • the method of detecting the rotation state of the hinge 40 and the open/close state of the lid 12 in the flavor inhaler 100 is not limited to a magnetic configuration. It is possible to modify the design so that detection is performed appropriately using electrical, optical, mechanical means, etc.
  • an engagement mechanism may be provided between the first housing 10 and the second housing 50, and the rotation state of the hinge 40 may be detected by detecting the engagement state of the engagement mechanism.
  • Fig. 11A is a flowchart showing an example of heating control.
  • Fig. 11B is a flowchart showing an example of reheating permission control.
  • the control unit 30 is configured as a computer equipped with a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM that stores programs for executing a heating control routine and a reheating permission control routine (all not shown).
  • the CPU of the control unit 30 reads the program stored in the ROM and executes the heating control routine shown in FIG. 11A.
  • step S102 it is determined whether or not pressing of the operation push button 54 has been detected. If pressing is detected, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if pressing is not detected, the determination in step S102 is repeated.
  • step S104 heating of the consumables 20 is started by the heating element that covers the outer periphery of the side wall of the chamber 14.
  • step S106 it is determined whether the sidewall of the chamber 14 has reached a predetermined temperature.
  • This predetermined temperature is a temperature at which the consumable product 20 is heated appropriately for inhalation by the user. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the determination in step S106 is repeated until a positive determination is made.
  • step S108 a display provided on the outer surface of the first housing 10 or the second housing 50 indicates that inhalation is possible, and prompts the user to start inhalation.
  • the display can display a message, for example, by emitting light of a predetermined color from an LED. Then, the process proceeds to step S110.
  • step S110 it is determined whether or not it has been detected that the hinge 40 is in the first state.
  • a detection method using the magnet provided in the lid 12 and the magnetic detection element 56 provided in the second housing 50 described above can be used. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, that is, if it is determined that the hinge 40 is not in the first state (i.e., the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are not aligned), the heating control routine ends and heating of the heating element is forcibly terminated.
  • step S112 it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of heating. This predetermined time is the time until the flavor source of the consumable product 20 is reduced and the user is no longer able to inhale properly. If the determination is positive, the heating control routine ends and heating of the heating element is terminated.
  • the CPU of the control unit 30 reads the program stored in the ROM and executes the reheat permission control routine shown in FIG. 11B.
  • step S122 it is determined whether or not it has been detected that heating of the chamber 14 by the heating element has ended. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S124.
  • step S124 it is determined whether or not it has been detected that the lid 12 is closed. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S126. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S130.
  • step S130 the above-mentioned display unit displays that the lid 12 is open, prompting the user to close the lid 12, and the process returns to step S124. As described above, the display unit can display a message by emitting light of a predetermined color from an LED.
  • step S126 it is determined whether or not it has been detected that the hinge 40 is in the first state. For this detection, for example, a detection method using the magnet provided in the lid 12 and the magnetic detection element 56 provided in the second housing 50 described above can be used. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S132. In step S132, the display unit displays that the hinge is not in the first state (i.e., the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are not aligned), and the user is prompted to rotate the hinge 14 to the first state, and the process returns to step S126.
  • a detection method using the magnet provided in the lid 12 and the magnetic detection element 56 provided in the second housing 50 described above can be used. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S132.
  • step S132 the display unit displays that the hinge is not in the first state (i.e., the first housing 10
  • step S1208 it is determined whether or not it has been detected that the hinge 14, which is in the first state, has passed through the second state.
  • the hinge 40 in order to remove and replace the consumable product 20, the hinge 40 must be in the second state and the lid 12 must be opened. In other words, if the hinge 40 remains in the first state after heating has ended, the consumable product 20 has not been replaced and reheating should not be permitted. Therefore, if the determination is negative, a message is displayed on the display unit urging the user to replace the used consumable product, and the process returns to step S124.
  • the reheating permission control routine ends. In this case, the user can press the operation push button 54 to perform reheating.
  • the above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the substantially entire surface of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is overlapped with the second housing 50.
  • the entire portion (the above-mentioned specified portion) that does not overlap with the second housing 50 in the second state of the hinge 40 is overlapped with the second housing 50 in the first state.
  • the configuration of the first housing and the second housing of the present disclosure is not limited to this.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 when the flavor inhaler 100 is viewed from the proximal end 10A side of the first housing 10 due to the presence of a recess in the distal end 10B of the first housing 10, even in the first state of the hinge 40, a part of the second housing 50 may not overlap with the second housing 50. In this case, only a portion of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 that does not overlap with the second housing 50 in the second state of the hinge 40 (this portion is referred to as the specified portion) overlaps with the second housing 50 in the first state.
  • the first relative position and the second relative position are not necessarily uniquely defined, and multiple cases are possible.
  • the state in FIG. 3 where the hinge 40 is rotated clockwise a predetermined angle less than 90 degrees may be the first relative position of the present disclosure.
  • the state in FIG. 4 where the hinge 40 is rotated counterclockwise a predetermined angle less than 90 degrees may be the second relative position of the present disclosure.
  • Those skilled in the art may appropriately determine the extent to which the first and second relative positions can be called based on the possibility of opening and closing the lid.
  • the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is released to an extent that the user can operate the lid 12 from the outside to remove and replace the consumable product 20.
  • the chamber 14 is configured to allow the user to insert and remove the consumable product 20 from the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 so that the user can hold the mouthpiece 16 in their mouth and inhale the mainstream smoke generated from the consumable product 20.
  • the chamber 14 may be configured so that the user can hold the consumable product 20 in their mouth and inhale it directly without using the mouthpiece 16, so that the consumable product can be inserted and removed from the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10.
  • a lid may be provided on the distal end 10B so that the inside of the chamber 14 can be cleaned.
  • the hinge 40 since the consumable product 20 is exposed, the hinge 40 does not need to detect that it has passed through the second state at least once during the reheat permission control. This is because in this embodiment, the hinge 40 does not need to rotate and the lid does not need to be opened and closed to replace the consumable product 20.
  • Fig. 12A is a front perspective view of the flavor inhaler 200 according to the first modified example.
  • Fig. 12B is a view in which the first housing 210 of the flavor inhaler 200 shown in Fig. 11A is rotated 180 degrees around a rotation axis 242 substantially parallel to the Y axis in a right-handed system in which the negative direction of the Y axis is the direction of advancement of the screw (hereinafter, also referred to as being rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise).
  • Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions are omitted.
  • the flavor inhaler 200 includes a first housing 210 and a second housing 250.
  • the first housing 210 houses the consumable product 20 and a heating device for heating the consumable product 20, and is provided with a lid 12.
  • the second housing 250 houses the power source 52 and includes a hinge 240.
  • the hinge 240 is a mechanism for rotating the first housing 210 and the second housing 250 relatively around a rotation axis 242 that is approximately parallel to the Y-axis direction.
  • FIG. 12A shows the first state of the hinge 240.
  • the entire surface of the distal end 210B of the first housing 210 overlaps with the second housing 250 (and the hinge 240 that constitutes part of it). In this case, the user cannot touch and operate the lid 12.
  • the second state of the hinge 240 shown in FIG. 11B is obtained.
  • the distal end 210B of the first housing 210 where the lid 12 is located is not blocked by the second housing 250 (and the hinge 240 which constitutes part of it) and is open. In this case, the user can open and close the lid 12, and remove and replace the consumable product 20.
  • Fig. 13A is a front perspective view of the flavor inhaler 300 according to the second modified example.
  • Fig. 13B is a view in which the first housing 310 of the flavor inhaler 300 shown in Fig. 13A is rotated 60 degrees around a rotation axis 342 approximately parallel to the X-axis in a right-handed system in which the positive direction of the X-axis is the direction of advancement of the screw. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.
  • the flavor inhaler 300 includes a first housing 310 and a second housing 350.
  • the first housing 310 houses the consumable product 20 and a heating device for heating the consumable product 20, and is provided with a lid 12.
  • the second housing 350 houses a power source 52.
  • a hinge 340 is provided between the first housing 310 and the second housing 350. The hinge 340 is a mechanism for rotating the first housing 310 and the second housing 350 relatively along a rotation axis 342 that is approximately parallel to the Y-axis direction.
  • FIG. 13A shows the first state of the hinge 340.
  • the entire surface of the distal end 310B of the first housing 310 overlaps with the second housing 350. In this case, the user cannot touch and operate the lid 12.
  • the second state of the hinge 340 shown in FIG. 13B is obtained.
  • the distal end 310B of the first housing 310 where the lid 12 is located is not blocked by the second housing 350 and is open. In this case, the user can open and close the lid 12, and remove and replace the consumable product 20.
  • the protruding part may collide if the user drops it, so as with the above-mentioned method of holding the heating part, it becomes necessary to make the parts inside the protruding part elastically held so that they are less likely to break.
  • the first housing 10 housing the chamber 14 connected to the heating element and the second housing 50 housing the power source 52 can be moved relatively between the first state and the second state while maintaining the electrical connection between the heating element and the power source 52.
  • the second state when viewed from the proximal end 10A side of the first housing 10 along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100, at least a part of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 does not overlap with the second housing 50. Therefore, in this embodiment, the two housings can be moved relatively so that the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is not blocked by the second housing 50, and the degree of freedom of the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 is improved.
  • this degree of freedom can be utilized in various ways in the flavor inhaler 100 having a novel configuration. Since the power source 52 is degraded or deteriorated when heated, it is desirable to suppress the current at high temperatures, but the time required to heat the consumables 20 increases due to the suppression of the current. As a result, the time from when the user operates to supply current to the heating element to when the flavor can be inhaled becomes long, which makes the user feel like he or she is waiting for a long time. Furthermore, if the power source 52 is charging, the charging time becomes longer due to the suppression of the current. Therefore, by housing the heating element and the power source 52 in different housings, it is made difficult for the heat from the heating element to be transmitted to the power source 52, so that it is possible to avoid performance degradation or deterioration of the power source 52 and long charging times.
  • the hinge 40 when the hinge 40 is in the first state, as viewed from the proximal end 10A of the first housing 10 along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100, the portion of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 that does not overlap in the second state of the hinge 40 (the portion where the hinge 40 is not provided) overlaps with the second housing 50. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to move the two housings relatively between the second state in which a specific portion of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is not blocked by the second housing 50, and the first state in which a specific portion of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is blocked by the second housing 50, further improving the degree of freedom of the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100.
  • the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is provided with a lid 12 that is configured to open and close the space for storing the consumable product 20.
  • the lid 12 can be opened and the consumable product 20 can be removed from the first housing 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, under the configuration in which the lid 12 is provided at the distal end 10B of the first housing 10, the flavor inhaler 100 can be configured so that the lid 12 is in an accessible state when the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are moved to the second state.
  • the lid 12 does not open, so the consumable product 20 will not fall out.
  • the user who picked up the flavor inhaler 100 can continue to perform the inhalation operation.
  • the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is provided with a second intake hole for drawing in outside air through the lid 12.
  • the first housing 10 has an air communication passage that connects from the second intake hole to the proximal end 10A via the consumable product 20. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are moved to the second state, the distal end 10B of the first housing 10, which constitutes the end of the air communication passage that penetrates the consumable product 20, can be made accessible.
  • the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 can be exposed in the second state to clean off the dirt.
  • the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 where the second intake hole is provided is not covered by the user's hand, so that the second suction hole can be prevented from being blocked by the user's hand.
  • the lid 12, which is provided at the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 and is configured to be able to open and close the space that stores the consumable goods 20, has a transparent portion. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is easy to see from the outside whether or not the consumable goods 20 are stored inside the first housing 10.
  • an inclined portion 32 is provided at the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 to expose the consumable product 20 so as to abut against the lid 12 that is configured to be able to open and close the space that stores the consumable product 20.
  • the exposed area of the consumable product 20 by the inclined portion 32 is larger than when the exposed portion is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the lid 12 is opened, the consumable product 20 can be easily touched, making it easy to remove the consumable product 20.
  • the second housing 50 has a proximal end 50A that faces the lid 12 of the first housing 10 when the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 are in the first state
  • the flavor inhaler 100 further has a detection unit that detects whether the lid 12 of the first housing 10 faces the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the detection unit can detect whether the lid 12 provided at the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 faces the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50 or is exposed and not blocked by the second housing 50.
  • the detection unit that detects the relative arrangement between the lid 12 provided at the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 and the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50 includes a magnetic detection element 56 provided at the lid 12 or the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the relative arrangement between the lid 12 of the first housing 10 and the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50 can be magnetically detected.
  • the control unit 30 of the flavor inhaler 100 which controls the heating element of the chamber 14, prevents the heating element from reheating without detecting a non-facing state in which the lid 12 is not facing the proximal end 50A of the second housing 50 after use of the consumable product 20 is complete.
  • the lid 12 should go through a process of being opened in a non-facing state. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the used consumable product 20 from being reheated, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption in heating a consumable product that has no flavor.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 further includes a hinge 40 having a rotation shaft 42, and movement between the first state and the second state is achieved by the rotational movement of the hinge 40. Therefore, according to this embodiment, movement of the relative positions of the two housings can be achieved by the rotational movement of the hinge 40.
  • the rotation axis 42 of the hinge 40 is disposed approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by rotating the first housing 10 or the second housing 50 around the rotation axis along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100, the relative positions of the two housings can be moved.
  • the hinge 40 connects the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 to the second housing 50, and a wiring section 44 that electrically connects the first housing 10 to the second housing 50 is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge 40.
  • the hinge 40 provided to connect the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 to the second housing 50 enables the relative positions of the two housings to be moved, and by accommodating the wiring section 44 that electrically connects the first housing 10 to the second housing 50, ensures electrical connection between the heating element of the chamber 14 and the power source 52.
  • control unit 30 that controls the heating element of the chamber 14 is housed in the first housing 10, and the hinge 40 is arranged with respect to the first housing 10 so as to be located closer to the control unit 30 than the chamber 14 and the heating element. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the wiring unit 44 that is housed in the hollow portion of the hinge 40 and electrically connects the first housing 10 and the second housing 50 is arranged closer to the control unit 30 than the chamber 14, so that the path for heat convection between the chamber 14 and the wiring unit 44, and further between the chamber 14 and the power source 52, can be lengthened, and the effect of heat from the chamber 14 on the wiring unit 44 can be suppressed.
  • the chamber 14 and the control unit 30 are separated by a rib (shown in FIG. 2) of the first housing 10, and the first end 16A on the proximal end 10A side of the chamber 14 and the second end 17 on the distal end 10B side are elastically held by elastic members 15A and 15B that have a low thermal conductivity with respect to the resin material forming the first end 16A and the second end 17.
  • heat convection in the chamber 14 is made difficult and heat transfer to the first housing 10 is also made difficult, so that thermal effects on the control unit 30 (and the wiring unit 44 arranged close to the control unit 30) can be effectively suppressed, and impacts on the chamber 14 can be mitigated when the flavor inhaler 100 is subjected to external impact due to being dropped, etc.
  • the ribs of the first housing 10 only a hole for passing the power supply member that supplies power from the control unit 30 to the heating element connects the space near the control unit 30 to the space near the heating element, but this hole is small enough to pass only the power supply member, making it difficult for convection to occur and reducing the temperature rise of the board.
  • the hinge 40 allows rotational movement from the first state to the second state in only one direction.
  • the pressing direction of the operation push button 54 provided on the outer surface of the first housing 10 is determined so as not to generate rotational movement of the hinge 40 in that one direction. In other words, pressing the operation push button 54 for operating the flavor inhaler 100 does not generate rotational movement of the hinge 40. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent unintended relative movement of the two housings caused by pressing the operation push button 54.
  • the consumable product 20 used in the flavor inhaler 100 and heated by the chamber 14 housed in the first housing 10 includes a flavor source and is thin. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a consumable product 20 with a novel structure, and a flavor inhaler 100 with a novel structure that uses this consumable product 20.
  • the first housing 10 housing the chamber 14 and the second housing 50 housing the power source 52 can be moved relatively between the first state and the second state while maintaining the electrical connection between the heating element of the chamber 14 and the power source 52.
  • the second state when viewed from the proximal end 10A side of the first housing 10 along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100, at least a part of the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 does not overlap with the second housing 50.
  • the consumable material 20 heated by the chamber 14 housed in the first housing 10 includes a flavor source and is configured to be thin.
  • the two housings can be moved relatively so that the distal end 10B of the first housing 10 is not blocked by the second housing 50, and the freedom of configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 is improved.
  • This freedom can be utilized in various ways, especially in a flavor inhalation system with a novel configuration.
  • a first aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler comprising a first housing that houses a consumable product and a heating unit that heats the consumable product, and a second housing that houses a power source that supplies power to the heating unit, wherein the first housing has a proximal end that is close to the mouth of a user who inhales, and a distal end that is located opposite the proximal end, the first housing and the second housing are configured to be relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position while maintaining an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the second relative position, a predetermined portion of the distal end of the first housing does not overlap with the second housing when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.
  • a second aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first aspect above, wherein when the first housing and the second housing are in the first relative position, at least a portion of the specified portion of the distal end of the first housing overlaps with the second housing when viewed along the longitudinal direction from the proximal end side.
  • a third aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the first and second aspects above, wherein the first housing further has a lid portion constituting at least a part of the distal end and configured to be capable of opening and closing a space for storing the consumable product, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the second relative position, the lid portion is opened so that the consumable product can be removed from the first housing.
  • a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the third aspect, wherein the first housing further has an intake hole provided at the distal end for drawing in outside air, and when the lid portion is in a closed state, the first housing is provided with an air communication passage that connects the intake hole to the proximal end via the consumer product.
  • a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the third and fourth aspects, wherein the lid portion has a transparent portion.
  • a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the third to fifth aspects above, wherein the first housing has an inclined portion at a location where it abuts the lid portion, exposing the consumable product.
  • a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the third to sixth aspects above, wherein the second housing has a facing portion that faces the lid portion of the first housing when the first housing and the second housing are in the first relative position, and further includes a detection portion that detects whether the lid portion of the first housing and the facing portion of the second housing are facing each other.
  • An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the seventh aspect, wherein the detection unit includes a magnetic detection unit provided in the lid portion or the facing portion.
  • a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler in the seventh and eighth aspects described above, further comprising a control unit that controls the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit to prevent the heating unit from performing reheating without the detection unit detecting a non-opposing state after completion of use of the consumable product.
  • a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the first to ninth aspects above, further comprising a rotation mechanism that rotates around a rotation axis, and movement between the first relative position and the second relative position is achieved by rotational motion of the rotation mechanism.
  • An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the tenth aspect, wherein the rotation axis is disposed approximately parallel to a longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler.
  • a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the tenth and eleventh aspects, wherein the rotation mechanism is a hinge that connects a distal end of the first housing and the second housing and has a hollow portion through which the rotation axis passes, and a wiring portion that electrically connects the first housing and the second housing is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • the rotation mechanism is a hinge that connects a distal end of the first housing and the second housing and has a hollow portion through which the rotation axis passes, and a wiring portion that electrically connects the first housing and the second housing is provided in the hollow portion of the hinge.
  • a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler of the twelfth aspect above, wherein the first housing further has a control unit that controls the heating unit, and the hinge is positioned relative to the first housing so as to be located closer to the control unit than the heating unit.
  • a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein, in the first housing, the heating unit and the control unit are separated from each other, and the end portion of the heating unit on the proximal end side and the end portion of the heating unit on the distal end side are elastically retained.
  • a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, wherein an operation push button is provided on an outer surface of the first housing or the second housing, the rotation mechanism is configured to allow rotational movement from the first relative position to the second relative position in only one direction, and the pressing direction of the operation push button is determined so as not to generate rotational movement of the rotation mechanism in the one direction.
  • a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a consumable material to be heated by the flavor inhaler of any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the consumable material including a flavor source and having a thin configuration.
  • a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhalation system including a consumable material and a flavor inhaler, wherein the consumable material includes a flavor source and is configured to be thin, the flavor inhaler includes a first housing that houses the consumable material and a heating unit that heats the consumable material, and a second housing that houses a power source that supplies power to the heating unit, the first housing has a proximal end that is close to a mouth of a user who inhales the consumable material and a distal end that is located opposite the proximal end, the first housing and the second housing are configured to be relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position while maintaining an electrical connection between the heating unit and the power source, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the second relative position, a predetermined portion of the distal end of the first housing does not overlap with the second housing when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler from the proximal end side.

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  • Packages (AREA)
  • Seasonings (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un inhalateur d'arôme comprenant : un premier boîtier qui loge un matériau consommable et une unité de chauffage qui chauffe le matériau consommable ; et un second boîtier qui loge une alimentation électrique qui fournit de l'énergie à l'unité de chauffage. Le premier boîtier a une extrémité proximale qui s'approche de la bouche d'un utilisateur lors de l'inhalation et une extrémité distale qui est positionnée du côté opposé à l'extrémité proximale. Le premier boîtier et le second boîtier sont conçus de façon à pouvoir effectuer un mouvement relatif entre une première position relative et une seconde position relative dans un état dans lequel une connexion électrique entre l'unité de chauffage et l'alimentation électrique est maintenue. Lorsque le premier boîtier et le second boîtier sont dans la seconde position relative, une partie prescrite de l'extrémité distale du premier boîtier ne chevauche pas le second boîtier lorsqu'elle est vue le long de la direction longitudinale de l'inhalateur d'arôme à partir du côté extrémité proximale.
PCT/JP2023/014791 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 Inhalateur d'arôme et système d'inhalation d'arôme Pending WO2024214197A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2025513554A JPWO2024214197A1 (fr) 2023-04-12 2023-04-12
CN202380095753.2A CN120916656A (zh) 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 风味吸入器和风味吸入系统
PCT/JP2023/014791 WO2024214197A1 (fr) 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 Inhalateur d'arôme et système d'inhalation d'arôme
KR1020257029760A KR20250136934A (ko) 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 향미 흡입기 및 향미 흡입 시스템

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2023/014791 WO2024214197A1 (fr) 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 Inhalateur d'arôme et système d'inhalation d'arôme

Publications (1)

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WO2024214197A1 true WO2024214197A1 (fr) 2024-10-17

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PCT/JP2023/014791 Pending WO2024214197A1 (fr) 2023-04-12 2023-04-12 Inhalateur d'arôme et système d'inhalation d'arôme

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JP (1) JPWO2024214197A1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20250136934A (fr)
CN (1) CN120916656A (fr)
WO (1) WO2024214197A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018235959A1 (fr) * 2017-06-22 2018-12-27 日本たばこ産業株式会社 Segment de génération d'arôme, article de génération d'arôme le comprenant, et système d'inhalation d'arôme
US20200000147A1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-01-02 Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. Electronic cigarette
CN210611008U (zh) * 2019-06-19 2020-05-26 深圳市合元科技有限公司 旋转式烟弹及电子烟
CN113633027A (zh) * 2021-08-30 2021-11-12 深圳市恒万升科技有限公司 一种自动电极加装系统
JP2022510588A (ja) * 2018-12-18 2022-01-27 チャイナ タバコ フーナン インダストリアル カンパニー リミテッド 霧化シートユニット、アトマイザー及び電子タバコ

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20210104746A (ko) 2018-12-21 2021-08-25 제이티 인터내셔널 소시에떼 아노님 전자 담배 및 전자 담배를 위한 카트리지
WO2020193374A1 (fr) 2019-03-22 2020-10-01 Philip Morris Products S.A. Boîtier doté d'un support rotatif pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018235959A1 (fr) * 2017-06-22 2018-12-27 日本たばこ産業株式会社 Segment de génération d'arôme, article de génération d'arôme le comprenant, et système d'inhalation d'arôme
US20200000147A1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-01-02 Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. Electronic cigarette
JP2022510588A (ja) * 2018-12-18 2022-01-27 チャイナ タバコ フーナン インダストリアル カンパニー リミテッド 霧化シートユニット、アトマイザー及び電子タバコ
CN210611008U (zh) * 2019-06-19 2020-05-26 深圳市合元科技有限公司 旋转式烟弹及电子烟
CN113633027A (zh) * 2021-08-30 2021-11-12 深圳市恒万升科技有限公司 一种自动电极加装系统

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JPWO2024214197A1 (fr) 2024-10-17
CN120916656A (zh) 2025-11-07
KR20250136934A (ko) 2025-09-16

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