|
(11) | EP 4 074 199 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | SUCTION DEVICE |
| (57) Provided is a mechanism with which technologies related to suction devices can be
further improved. This suction device comprises: a heating unit that heats an aerosol source disposed in a space to be heated; an intermediate member that forms an air flow path and has a first hole that causes the air flow path to communicate with the space to be heated, and a second hole that causes the air flow path to communicate with a space not to be heated by the heating unit; and a temperature changing unit that is provided to the intermediate member and raises the temperature with aerosol generated by the aerosol source heated by the heating unit and included in air flowing from the first hole into the air flow path. |
Technical Field
Background Art
[0002] Inhaler devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that generate a substance to be inhaled by the user have been widely used. For example, by using a base material that contains an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for adding a flavor component to the aerosol generated, an inhaler device generates an aerosol having a flavor component added thereto. The user can enjoy a flavor by inhaling (hereinafter also referred to as puffing) an aerosol having a flavor component added thereto generated by the inhaler device.
[0003] Inhaler devices have been studied to provide various services in accordance with the result of detection of a puff. There are various ways to detect a puff. As an example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique that focuses on the phenomenon in which the temperature of a heating unit drops in response to a puff. With this technique, a puff is detected on the basis of the temperature drop in the heating unit.
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0005] It has not been long since the development of techniques related to the inhaler devices. Further improvements in performance are required.
[0006] The present invention has been made to address the challenges described above. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can improve the techniques related to inhaler devices.
Solution to Problem
[0007] To address the challenges described above, an aspect of the present invention provides an inhaler device that includes a heating unit configured to heat an aerosol source disposed in a space to be heated; a hollow member configured to form an airflow path and having a first hole and a second hole, the first hole being configured to allow the airflow path to communicate with the space to be heated, the second hole being configured to allow the airflow path to communicate with a space not to be heated by the heating unit; and a temperature changing unit disposed on the hollow member and raised in temperature by an aerosol generated from the aerosol source heated by the heating unit, the aerosol being contained in air flowing through the first hole into the airflow path.
[0008] The temperature changing unit may be raised in temperature by condensation heat generated when the aerosol condenses.
[0009] The temperature changing unit may be raised in temperature by the aerosol in such a way as to gradually approach a predetermined temperature.
[0010] The temperature changing unit may be lowered in temperature by air that flows through the second hole into the airflow path.
[0011] A control unit may be further provided which is configured to detect an inhalation of the aerosol when the temperature of the temperature changing unit drops in a way that satisfies a detection criterion.
[0012] The temperature changing unit may be disposed at a position where the amount of heat transfer from the aerosol flowing through the first hole into the airflow path is greater than the amount of heat transfer from the heating unit.
[0013] The temperature changing unit may be disposed in such a way that air flowing through the second hole into the airflow path is raised in temperature by less than 5°C before reaching the temperature changing unit.
[0014] The temperature changing unit may be disposed closer to the second hole than to the first hole.
[0015] The temperature changing unit may be disposed at a distance of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm from the second hole.
[0017] The hollow member may have, between the first hole and the second hole, at least one first airflow resistance part that makes an airflow resistance in the airflow path greater than in the other part of the hollow member.
[0018] The at least one first airflow resistance part may be disposed closer to the first hole than the temperature changing unit is.
[0019] The at least one first airflow resistance part may be disposed closer to the second hole than the temperature changing unit is.
[0022] The entire length of the airflow path from the first hole to the second hole may be greater than or equal to 8 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm
[0025] The first airflow resistance part may include a protrusion protruding inward in a radial direction of the hollow member.
[0026] The hollow member may have, in the second hole, a second airflow resistance part that makes an airflow resistance in the airflow path greater than in the other part of the hollow member.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0027] As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can improve the techniques related to inhaler devices.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0028]
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an inhaler device according to a first embodiment.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the inhaler device, with a flavor generating article held therein, according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article.
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-section as viewed in the direction of arrow 3-3 in FIG. 1.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heating unit.
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an area where the heating unit engages with an insertion guide member.
[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an area where the heating unit engages with an inlet pipe.
[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an external configuration of the inhaler device, with an outer housing and various constituent elements on the outer housing removed.
[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating an example of a relation between a heating profile and a predicted temperature of a temperature changing unit.
[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a graph for explaining an example of puff detection according to the present embodiment.
[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.
[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.
[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.
[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.
[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.
[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an inhaler device according to a comparative example.
Description of Embodiments
[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, overlapping description of constituent elements having substantially the same functions and configurations will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals.
«1. First Embodiment»
<1.1. Example of Configuration of Inhaler Device>
[0030] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an inhaler device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the inhaler device, with a flavor generating article held therein, according to the first embodiment. An inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to generate, for example, an aerosol containing flavor by heating a flavor generating article 110 having a flavor source including an aerosol source.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the inhaler device 10 includes a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid 14, a first air vent 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B connect to each other to form an outer housing 11, which is an outermost part of the inhaler device 10. The outer housing 11 is sized to fit in the hand of the user. During use of the inhaler device 10, the user can inhale the flavor from the inhaler device 10 held in the hand.
[0032] The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown) and the cover 12 is attached to the top housing 11A in such a way as to close the opening. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover 12 has an opening 12a configured to allow insertion of the flavor generating article 110. The lid 14 is configured to open and close the opening 12a in the cover 12. Specifically, the lid 14 is attached to the cover 12 and configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position at which the opening 12a is closed and a second position at which the opening 12a is opened. The lid 14 can thus permit or limit the access of the flavor generating article 110 into the inhaler device 10 (through an opening 60b in an insertion guide member 60 illustrated in FIG. 5).
[0033] The switch 13 is used to turn on and off the operation of the inhaler device 10. For example, by operating the switch 13, with the flavor generating article 110 inserted in the opening 12a as illustrated in FIG. 2, power is supplied from a power supply (not shown) to a heating element (not shown). This allows the user to heat the flavor generating article 110 without burning it. When the flavor generating article 110 is heated, an aerosol evaporates from the aerosol source included in the flavor generating article 110 and the flavor of the flavor source is added to the aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor through a portion of the flavor generating article 110 protruding from the inhaler device 10 (i.e., portion illustrated in FIG. 2).
[0034] The first air vent 15 is an air vent for introducing air into a heating assembly 41 (see FIG. 4) stored in an internal space of the outer housing 11. The cap 16 is configured to be detachable from the bottom housing 11B. Attaching the cap 16 to the bottom housing 11B forms the first air vent 15 between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have, for example, a through hole or notch (not shown). In the present specification, a longitudinal direction (first direction) of the inhaler device 10 refers to a direction in which the flavor generating article 110 is inserted into the opening 12a. Also, in the present specification, a side of the inhaler device 10 from which a fluid, such as air, flows in (e.g., the side of the first air vent 15) is referred to as an upstream side, and a side of the inhaler device 10 from which such a fluid flows out (e.g., the side of opening 12a) is referred to as a downstream side.
[0035] Next, a configuration of the flavor generating article 110 used in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the flavor generating article 110 includes a base material unit 110A that includes a filling 111 and a first wrapping paper 112 for wrapping the filling 111, and an inhalation unit 110B that forms an end portion opposite the base material unit 110A. The base material unit 110A and the inhalation unit 110B are coupled together by a second wrapping paper 113 different from the first wrapping paper 112. The base material unit 110A and the inhalation unit 110B may be coupled together using the first wrapping paper 112, without using the second wrapping paper 113.
[0036] The inhalation unit 110B illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a paper tube segment 114, a filter segment 115, and a hollow segment 116 interposed between the paper tube segment 114 and the filter segment 115. The hollow segment 116 includes, for example, a packed bed having one or more hollow channels and a plug wrapper covering the packed bed. Because of high packing density of fibers in the packed bed, air and aerosol flow through only the hollow channel and barely flow in the packed bed. To reduce the loss of aerosol components caused by filtering in the filter segment 115 of the flavor generating article 110, the amount of delivery of aerosol is effectively increased by shortening the filter segment 115 and replacing the corresponding part with the hollow segment 116.
[0037] Although the inhalation unit 110B illustrated in FIG. 3 is composed of three segments, the inhalation unit 110B may be composed of one or two segments or may be composed of four or more segments in the present embodiment. For example, the paper tube segment 114 and the filter segment 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other to form the inhalation unit 110B, without the hollow segment 116.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the length of the flavor generating article 110 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 40 mm to 90 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 75 mm, and still more preferably 50 mm to 60 mm The circumference of the flavor generating article 110 is preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 17 mm to 24 mm, and still more preferably 20 mm to 23 mm In the flavor generating article 110, the base material unit 110A may be 20 mm long, the first wrapping paper 112 may be 20 mm long, the hollow segment 116 may be 8 mm long, and the filter segment 115 may be 7 mm long. The lengths of the individual segments may be appropriately changed in accordance with, for example, production suitability and required quality.
[0039] In the present embodiment, the filling 111 of the flavor generating article 110 may contain an aerosol source that generates an aerosol by being heated at a predetermined temperature. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited. In accordance with the intended use, the aerosol source may be selected from substances extracted from various natural products and/or constituents of the substances. Examples of the aerosol source include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and their mixtures. The content of the aerosol source in the filling 111 is not particularly limited. For generating a sufficient amount of aerosol and giving a good inhalation flavor, the content of the aerosol source in the filling 111 is typically greater than or equal to 5% by weight and preferably greater than or equal to 10% by weight, and is typically less than or equal to 50% by weight and preferably less than or equal to 20% by weight.
[0040] The filling 111 of the flavor generating article 110 according to the present embodiment may contain shredded tobacco as a flavor source. The ingredients of the shredded tobacco are not particularly limited and known ingredients, such as laminas and midribs, may be used. When the filling 111 has a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm, the content of the filling 111 in the flavor generating article 110 ranges, for example, from 200 mg to 400 mg and preferably from 250 mg to 320 mg. The water content of the filling 111 is, for example, 8% by weight to 18% by weight and preferably 10% by weight to 16% by weight. With this water content, the occurrence of stains in wrapping paper is reduced and good machinability of the base material unit 110A during production is achieved. The size of shredded tobacco used as the filling 111 and the method of processing the shredded tobacco are not particularly limited. For example, dried tobacco leaves shredded into 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm wide pieces may be used. Dried tobacco leaves may be ground into particles of a mean particle size of about 20 µm to 200 µm, made uniform, processed into a sheet, shredded into 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm wide pieces, and used. The sheet obtained in the process described above may be gathered, instead of being shredded, and used as the filling 111. The filling 111 may include one or more types of flavors. The type of flavor is not particularly limited. To give a good smoke taste, it is preferable that the flavor be menthol.
[0041] In the present embodiment, the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 of the flavor generating article 110 can be made of a base paper having a basis weight of, for example, 20 gsm to 65 gsm and preferably 25 gsm to 45 gsm. The thickness of the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 is not particularly limited. For stiffness, air permeability, and ease of adjustment during manufacture of paper, the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 are 10 µm to 100 µm thick, preferably 20 µm to 75 µm thick, and more preferably 30 µm to 50 µm thick.
[0042] In the present embodiment, the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 of the flavor generating article 110 may contain a filler. The filler content with respect to the total weight of the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 may be 10% by weight to 60% by weight and preferably 15% by weight to 45% by weight. In the present embodiment, the filler is preferably 15% by weight to 45% by weight for a preferred range of basis weight (25 gsm to 45 gsm). Example of the filler that can be used include calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. Paper containing such a filler exhibits a bright white color, which is preferable in appearance when the paper is used as a wrapping paper for the flavor generating article 110, and can permanently maintain the whiteness. With a high content of such a filler, for example, the ISO brightness of the wrapping paper can be greater than or equal to 83%. When used as a wrapping paper for the flavor generating article 110, it is preferable in practice that the first wrapping paper 112 and the second wrapping paper 113 have a tensile strength of greater than or equal to 8 N/15 mm This tensile strength can be improved by reducing the filler content. Specifically, the tensile strength canbe improved by making the filler content lower than the upper limit of the filler content for each range of basis weight, described above as an example.
[0043] Next, the internal structure of the inhaler device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 will now be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-section as viewed in the direction of arrow 3-3 in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the inhaler device 10 includes, in the internal space of the outer housing 11 and the inner housing 17, a power supply unit 20, a circuit unit 30, and a heater 40. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B constituting the outer housing 11 are configured to surround the inner housing 17 and allow the inner housing 17 to be stored in the internal space.
[0044] The circuit unit 30 includes a first circuit board 31, a second circuit board 32, and a third circuit board 33 that are electrically connected to each other. For example, the first circuit board 31 is disposed adjacent to one surface of a rectangular power supply 21, as illustrated, to extend in the longitudinal direction. A partition wall 34 is provided between the first circuit board 31 ad the heater 40. This partitions at least part of a region containing the power supply unit 20 and the first circuit board 31. The partition wall 34 may have, for example, a notch or through hole that allows fluid communication between the space on the side of the power supply unit 20 and the space on the side of the heater 40.
[0045] The second circuit board 32 is disposed between the cover 12 and the power supply unit 20 inside the top housing 11A and extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first circuit board 31 extends. The switch 13 is disposed adjacent to the second circuit board 32. When the user holds down the switch 13, a part of the switch 13 may be brought into contact with the second circuit board 32. The third circuit board 33 is disposed in a space formed opposite the opening 12a (see FIG. 2), with the heater 40 therebetween, to extend in the longitudinal direction.
[0046] The third circuit board 33 has a principal surface with various electronic components mounted thereon. For example, the third circuit board 33 may be disposed in the bottom housing 11B, with the principal surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction. This can increase the principal surface of the third circuit board 33 and allows effective use of the space inside the bottom housing 11B.
[0047] The first circuit board 31, the second circuit board 32, and the third circuit board 33 each include, for example, a microprocessor and can control the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the heater 40. The first circuit board 31, the second circuit board 32, and the third circuit board 33 can thus control the heating operation performed by the heater 40 on the flavor generating article 110.
[0048] The power supply unit 20 includes the power supply 21 electrically connected to the first circuit board 31, the second circuit board 32, and the third circuit board 33. The power supply 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the heater 40 through at least one of the first circuit board 31, the second circuit board 32, and the third circuit board 33. The power supply 21 can thus supply power to the heater 40 in such a way that the flavor generating article 110 is appropriately heated. As illustrated, the power supply 21 is disposed in parallel with the heater 40. This can make the inhaler device 10 compact in the longitudinal direction even when the power supply 21 has a large size.
[0049] The inhaler device 10 has a terminal 22 that can be connected to an external power supply. For example, the terminal 22 can be connected to a cable, such as a micro-USB cable. If the power supply 21 is a rechargeable battery, the power supply 21 can be charged by connecting an external power supply to the terminal 22 to allow current to flow from the external power supply to the power supply 21. The terminal 22 may be configured in such a way that data related to the operation of the inhaler device 10 can be transmitted to an external device by connecting a data transmission cable, such as a micro-USB cable, to the terminal 22.
[0050] The heater 40 includes, as illustrated, the heating assembly 41 extending in the longitudinal direction, an inlet pipe 50 L-shaped in cross-section, and an insertion guide member 60 substantially cylindrical in shape. The heating assembly 41 includes a plurality of cylindrical members and is cylindrical in general shape. The heating assembly 41 is configured to accommodate therein a part of the flavor generating article 110. The heating assembly 41 has the function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the flavor generating article 110. The heating assembly 41 also has the function of heating the flavor generating article 110 from outside the periphery of the flavor generating article 110. The inlet pipe 50 is formed of, for example, a resin material and configured to introduce air into a heating unit 42 (see FIG. 5). The insertion guide member 60 is formed of, for example, a resin material, disposed between the cover 12 having the opening 12a (see FIG. 2) and the downstream end of the heating assembly 41, and configured to guide insertion of the flavor generating article 110 into the heating unit 42 (see FIG. 5).
[0051] The bottom housing 11B has the first air vent 15 and a second air vent 18 for introducing air into the heating assembly 41. Specifically, the first air vent 15 is in fluid communication with the upstream end of a flow path that passes through the inlet pipe 50 to reach the heating assembly 41. That is, the first air vent 15 is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the heating assembly 41 through the flow path that passes through the inlet pipe 50. The second air vent 18 is in fluid communication with the upstream end of an airflow path 18A formed between the outer housing 11 and the inner housing 17. The downstream end of the airflow path 18A is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the flow path that passes through the inlet pipe 50. Therefore, like the first air vent 15, the second air vent 18 eventually comes into fluid communication with the heating assembly 41.
[0052] The downstream end of the heating assembly 41 is in fluid communication with the upstream end of a flow path that passes through the insertion guide member 60 to reach the opening 12a illustrated in FIG. 2. When the flavor generating article 110 is inserted into the inhaler device 10 through the opening 12a in the cover 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the flavor generating article 110 passes through the insertion guide member 60 and is partially placed inside the heating assembly 41. Therefore, the insertion guide member 60 is preferably formed in such a way that the opening adjacent to the cover 12 is greater in size than the opening on the downstream side of the heating assembly 41. This facilitates insertion of the flavor generating article 110 through the opening 12a into the insertion guide member 60.
[0053] When the user inhales through a portion of the flavor generating article 110 (i.e., the filter segment 115 illustrated in FIG. 3) protruding from the inhaler device 10, with the flavor generating article 110 inserted in the inhaler device 10 through the opening 12a as illustrated in FIG. 2, air flows through the first air vent 15 and the second air vent 18 into the heating assembly 41. After flowing in, the air passes through the interior of the heating assembly 41 and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the flavor generating article 110. Accordingly, a side of the heating assembly 41 adjacent to the first air vent 15 and the second air vent 18 (i.e., adjacent to the inlet pipe 50) is the upstream side, and a side of the heating assembly 41 adjacent to the opening 12a (i.e., adjacent to the insertion guide member 60) is the downstream side.
[0054] The configuration of the heater 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 will now be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater 40. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the heater 40 includes the heating assembly 41, the inlet pipe 50, and the insertion guide member 60. The heating assembly 41 includes the heating unit 42, a heat insulator 43, a first wall 44, and a second wall 45. The first wall 44 is integrally formed with the insertion guide member 60 on the upstream side of the insertion guide member 60. The second wall 45 is integrally formed with the inlet pipe 50 on the downstream side of the inlet pipe 50. At least one of the first wall 44 and the second wall 45 may be provided separately from the insertion guide member 60 or the inlet pipe 50. One of the first wall 44 and the second wall 45 may be optional.
[0055] The heating unit 42 extends in the longitudinal direction and is configured to heat the flavor generating article 110. The heating unit 42 has a first opening 42a and a second opening 42b at first and second ends thereof, respectively, and is configured to accommodate therein the flavor generating article 110. The first opening 42a allows insertion of the flavor generating article 110 therethrough, and the second opening 42b allows supply of air therethrough toward the flavor generating article 110. The heating unit 42 includes a container (thermal conductive member) 46, a heating element 47, and a heat shrinkable tube 48.
[0056] The container 46 is cup-shaped and forms a chamber that accommodates the flavor generating article 110. The first opening 42a and the second opening 42b are formed in the container 46. In the present embodiment, the container 46 has an inner wall configured to come into contact with at least part of the outer wall of the flavor generating article 110 inserted through the first opening 42a. The container 46 has a bottom wall 46a to be brought into contact with the tip of the flavor generating article 110 inserted through the first opening 42a. The second opening 42b is a through hole formed in the bottom wall 46a of the container 46. The second opening 42b is disposed on the upstream side of airflow, and the first opening 42a is disposed on the downstream side of airflow. The container 46 has a boss 46b on the inner periphery thereof, adjacent to the first opening 42a. The boss 46b is formed in such a way that the outer wall of the flavor generating article 110 inserted in the container 46 is pressed inward in the radial direction (or second direction orthogonal to the first direction).
[0057] The heating element 47 may be, for example, a flexible film heater formed by a heating resistor sandwiched between two films, such as polyimide (PI) films. The heating element 47 is disposed to be in contact with the container 46. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the heating element 47 is disposed on the outer periphery of the container 46, and the inner surface of the heating element 47 is in close contact with the outer surface of the container 46. The entire heating element 47, which is disposed along the outer periphery of the container 46, deforms into a substantially cylindrical shape.
[0058] The heating element 47 generates heat to be applied to the flavor generating article 110. The container 46 is formed of, for example, a metal material of high thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel (SUS). Therefore, heat generated by the heating element 47 is transmitted throughout the container 46, so that the flavor generating article 110 inserted in the container 46 is heated.
[0059] The heat shrinkable tube 48 has a cylindrical shape and maintains the close contact of the heating element 47 with the container 46. Specifically, the heat shrinkable tube 48 thermally shrinks by heat applied thereto on the outer periphery of the heating element 47. This gives stress to the heating element 47 in such a way as to press the heating element 47 against the container 46. The heat shrinkable tube 48 thermally shrinks while covering a positioning portion 50c (described below) formed on the downstream side of the inlet pipe 50. This can bring the inlet pipe 50 into close contact with the container 46.
[0060] The heat insulator 43 is a cylindrical body extending in the longitudinal direction, spaced from the heating unit 42 in the radial direction, and surrounding the outer periphery of the heating unit 42. Specifically, the heat insulator 43 is a cylindrical member having a double tube structure and disposed at a predetermined distance outward from the heat shrinkable tube 48 in the radial direction. Like the container 46, the heat insulator 43 is formed of a metal material, such as SUS. The heat insulator 43 includes an inside tubular member 43a, an outside tubular member 43b, a first annular member 43c, and a second annular member 43d. The inside tubular member 43a and the outside tubular member 43b are arranged in the radial direction of the flavor generating article 110 inserted.
[0061] The first annular member 43c is disposed on the downstream side of the inside tubular member 43a and the outside tubular member 43b, and the second annular member 43d is disposed on the upstream side of the inside tubular member 43a and the outside tubular member 43b. For example, the heat insulator 43 may be a vacuum heat insulator that has low pressure air or vacuum inside the double tube structure. Specifically, when the space defined by the inside tubular member 43a and the outside tubular member 43b and by the first annular member 43c and the second annular member 43d is depressurized, heat generated from the heating element 47 is not easily transferred to the outside of the heating assembly 41.
[0062] The first wall 44 is a partition wall disposed at the first end of the heating unit 42 and configured to prevent the outflow of a fluid through a gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43. The first wall 44 is an annular member disposed across the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43 and in contact with the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43. That is, the first wall 44 circumferentially extends between the downstream end of the heating unit 42 and the downstream end of the heat insulator 43.
[0063] The second wall 45 is a partition wall disposed at the second end of the heating unit 42 and configured to prevent the outflow of a fluid through the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43. The second wall 45 is an annular member disposed across the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43 and in contact with the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43. That is, the second wall 45 circumferentially extends between the upstream end of the heating unit 42 and the upstream end of the heat insulator 43.
[0064] With the first wall 44 at the first end of the heating unit 42 and the second wall 45 at the second end of the heating unit 42, air is blocked from flowing out through the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43. It is thus possible to reduce the outflow of air through the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43 caused by convection developed in this gap, and thus to reduce the diffusion of high-temperature air inside the inhaler device 10. Since this allows high-temperature air around the heating unit 42 to remain around the heating unit 42, the efficiency of the heating unit 42 in heating the flavor generating article 110 can be improved. Even with only one of the first wall 44 and the second wall 45, it is still possible to reduce the outflow of air through the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43 caused by convection developed in this gap, and thus to reduce the diffusion of high-temperature air inside the inhaler device 10.
[0065] The inlet pipe 50 is a component that forms a pipe having a downstream end 50a engaging with the upstream end of the container 46 (i.e., the end portion adjacent to the second opening 42b) and an upstream end 50b opposite the downstream end 50a. The inlet pipe 50 forms an internal flow path that guides air toward the second opening 42b in the container 46. The inlet pipe 50 illustrated in FIG. 5 forms an internal flow path that is bent in an L-shape. The upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50 is disposed in proximity to, or adjacent to, the first air vent 15 and the airflow path 18A illustrated in FIG. 4. The inlet pipe 50 has the positioning portion 50c for positioning the container 46.
[0066] The insertion guide member 60 is a substantially cylindrical member having an upstream end 60a that engages with the downstream end of the container 46 (i.e., the end portion adjacent to the first opening 42a) and an opening 60b opposite the upstream end 60a. The opening 60b is in fluid communication with the opening 12a in the cover 12 (see FIG. 2) and is configured to allow insertion of the flavor generating article 110.
[0067] By the insertion guide member 60 integrally formed with the first wall 44 and the inlet pipe 50 integrally formed with the second wall 45, the heating assembly 41 is secured to the inner housing 17 of the inhaler device 10. The heat insulator 43 is secured to the inner housing 17 without being in contact with the inner housing 17. This can reduce heat transfer from the heat insulator 43 to the inner housing 17.
[0068] An area where the heating unit 42 engages with the insertion guide member 60 and an area where the heating unit 42 engages with the inlet pipe 50 will now be described in detail. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an area where the heating unit 42 engages with the insertion guide member 60. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an area where the heating unit 42 engages with the inlet pipe 50. As illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the container 46 has a first extending portion 46c extending from the heating element 47 in the direction from the second end toward the first end, and a second extending portion 46d extending from the heating element 47 in the direction from the first end toward the second end.
[0069] That is, the first wall 44 is disposed across a gap between the first extending portion 46c and the heat insulator 43, and the second wall 45 is disposed across a gap between the second extending portion 46d and the heat insulator 43. Since this prevents the first wall 44 and the second wall 45 from being in contact with the heating element 47, it is possible to reduce heat transfer from the heating unit 42 to the heat insulator 43 through the first wall 44 and the second wall 45.
[0070] The first extending portion 46c is in contact with the first wall 44 only at the first end of the heating unit 42, and the second extending portion 46d is in contact with the second wall 45 only at the second end of the heating unit 42. Since this reduces the area of contact between the heating unit 42 and the first wall 44 and between the heating unit 42 and the second wall 45, it is possible to further reduce heat transfer from the heating unit 42 to the heat insulator 43 through the first wall 44 and the second wall 45. One of the first extending portion 46c and the second extending portion 46d may be optional.
[0071] The first wall 44 has a first protruding portion 44a which is a protrusion disposed in the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43 and protruding from the first wall 44 into the gap. The first protruding portion 44a extends from the first wall 44 to a first edge of the heating element 47 in proximity to the first end, and is disposed at a distance from the heating unit 42. This can make the volume of the space formed by the heating unit 42, the heat insulator 43, the first wall 44, and the second wall 45 smaller than that in the case without the first protruding portion 44a, and thus can reduce air in the space. It is possible, as a result, to reduce heat transfer from the heating unit 42 to the heat insulator 43 caused by convection. With the first protruding portion 44a, high-temperature air can be blocked from reaching the vicinity of the first wall 44. Even if high-temperature air reaches the vicinity of the first wall 44, the air is confined in a narrow space between the first protruding portion 44a and the heating unit 42. Therefore, the heat transfer from the heating unit 42 to the heat insulator 43 through the first wall 44 can be reduced.
[0072] While not shown, the second wall 45 may have a second protruding portion which is a protrusion disposed in the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43 and protruding from the second wall 45 into the gap. The second protruding portion extends from the second wall 45 to a second edge of the heating element 47 in proximity to the second end, and is disposed at a distance from the heating unit 42. Instead of the first protruding portion 44a and the second protruding portion, a filling member may be provided, which is disposed in the gap between the heating unit 42 and the heat insulator 43 and longitudinally extends at a distance from the heating unit 42. The filling member may be secured, for example, to the inner periphery of the heat insulator 43. The filling member may be an aerogel hermetically sealed in the space defined by the heating unit 42, the heat insulator 43, the first wall 44, and the second wall 45. In the cases described above, it is also possible to reduce heat transfer from the heating unit 42 to the heat insulator 43 caused by convection, and reduce heat transfer from the heating unit 42 to the heat insulator 43 through the first wall 44 or the second wall 45.
[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a temperature changing unit 70 is provided on the inlet pipe 50. The temperature changing unit 70 is a component raised and lowered in temperature by transfer of heat. The inlet pipe 50 is an L-shaped pipe having a bent portion bent at a right angle in the middle. The temperature changing unit 70 is closer to the upstream end 50b than the bent portion is. A distance LA between the temperature changing unit 70 and the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50, a distance LB between the temperature changing unit 70 and the bent portion of the inlet pipe 50, and a distance Lc between the bent portion and the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 may be set to any values. For example, the distance LA may be 1 mm, the distance LB may be 5 mm, and the distance Lc may be 4 mm
[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an external configuration of the inhaler device 10, with the outer housing 11 and various constituent elements on the outer housing 11 removed. The temperature changing unit 70 is connected to the circuit unit 30 through a conductive wire 71. The temperature changing unit 70 and the conductive wire 71 are sandwiched in a film 72 and attached to the outer periphery of the inlet pipe 50.
<1.2. Features of Puff Detection>
(1) Temperature change in temperature changing unit
[0076] The heating unit 42 is configured to heat an aerosol source disposed in a space to be heated. Here, the space to be heated is a space inside the container 46. The heating unit 42 heats the aerosol source included in the flavor generating article 110 inserted in the container 46. An aerosol is generated as a result.
[0077] The inlet pipe 50 is an example of a hollow member forming an airflow path and having a first hole that allows the airflow path to communicate with a space to be heated by the heating unit 42 and a second hole that allows the airflow path to communicate with a space not to be heated by the heating unit 42. The cross-section of the hollow member may be circular, polygonal, or of any shape. The internal space of the inlet pipe 50 is an example of the airflow path. The downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 is an example of the first hole. The airflow path in the inlet pipe 50 is allowed to communicate with the space inside the container 46 through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 and the second opening 42b in the container 46. The upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50 is an example of the second hole. The airflow path in the inlet pipe 50 is allowed to communicate with the space outside the inhaler device 10 through the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50, the first air vent 15, and the second air vent 18.
[0078] The temperature changing unit 70 is provided in the inlet pipe 50. The temperature changing unit 70 changes in temperature on the basis of air in the inlet pipe 50.
• Temperature rise in temperature changing unit 70
[0079] The temperature changing unit 70 is raised in temperature by air that flows through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50. Specifically, the temperature changing unit 70 is raised in temperature by an aerosol that is contained in air flowing through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50. The aerosol described above is generated from the aerosol source heated by the heating unit 42.
[0080] The temperature changing unit 70 is raised in temperature by the aerosol in such a way as to gradually approach a predetermined temperature. Since the aerosol generated from the flavor generating article 110 has a high content of water, the temperature of the aerosol is about 100°C. When the aerosol of about 100°C flows into the inlet pipe 50, the temperature of the inlet pipe 50 is raised to gradually approach 100°C. As the temperature of the inlet pipe 50 rises, the temperature changing unit 70 is also raised in temperature to gradually approach 100°C.
[0081] Specifically, when the temperature in the inlet pipe 50 is lower than 100°C, the aerosol flowing into the inlet pipe 50 is cooled by the inlet pipe 50 and condensed. For example. the temperature in the inlet pipe 50 is lower than 100°C during preheating (described below). Condensation is a concept which refers to the change of a gas to a liquid, including a phenomenon in which a liquid suspended in a gas stops being suspended (e.g., adhering to the inner periphery of the inlet pipe 50). Heat released when a gas changes to a liquid is also referred to as condensation heat. The temperature changing unit 70 is raised in temperature by condensation heat generated when the aerosol condenses. Specifically, the inlet pipe 50 is first raised in temperature by condensation heat, and the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 rises as the temperature of the inlet pipe 50 rises.
[0082] On the other hand, when the temperature in the inlet pipe 50 gradually approaches 100°C, the aerosol flowing into the inlet pipe 50 does not easily condense. The temperature in the inlet pipe 50 gradually approaches 100°C when, for example, a predetermined time elapses after the completion of preheating (described below). When the aerosol flowing into the inlet pipe 50 does not easily condense, the temperature rise in the inlet pipe 50 stops and the temperature rise in the temperature changing unit 70 stops accordingly.
• Temperature drop in temperature changing unit 70
[0083] The temperature changing unit 70 is lowered in temperature by air flowing into the inlet pipe 50 through the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50. The inflow of air through the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50 occurs when the user inhales an aerosol generated from the aerosol source heated by the heating unit 42. Specifically, when the user takes a puff, air in the inlet pipe 50 flows out through the downstream end 50a into the container 46 as the user inhales the aerosol, whereas outside air flows through the upstream end 50b into the inlet pipe 50. The outside air, which is not affected by heating of the heating unit 42 or is not heated by the inlet pipe 50, is lower in temperature than the existing air in the inlet pipe 50. Therefore, when the outside air flows into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50, the inlet pipe 50 is cooled by the outside air and the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 drops accordingly.
• Temperature detection
[0084] The circuit unit 30 controls various types of processing in the inhaler device 10. The circuit unit 30 is an example of a control unit of the present embodiment. The circuit unit 30 detects the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70. For example, the temperature changing unit 70 may be a thermistor. The thermistor is a component having an electric resistance that varies with temperature. In this case, the circuit unit 30 detects the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 on the basis of the electric resistance of the thermistor.
[0085] The circuit unit 30 may detect the temperature of the heating unit 42. For example, the circuit unit 30 detects the temperature of the heating unit 42 on the basis of the electric resistance of a heating resistor included in the heating element 47. Alternatively, a thermistor may be provided near the heating unit 42. In this case, the circuit unit 30 detects the temperature of the heating unit 42 on the basis of the electric resistance of the thermistor.
(2) Heating according to heating profile
[0086] The circuit unit 30 controls the heating unit 42 in such a way that heating is performed in accordance with a predetermined heating profile. A heating profile is information that defines the temperature of the heating unit 42 which changes with time from the start of heating. The circuit unit 30 controls the heating unit 42 in such a way that a temperature change similar to the temperature change in the heating profile is achieved by the heating unit 42. The heating unit 42 can be controlled, for example, by controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 42. The supply of power may be controlled, for example, by pulse width modulation (PWM) control.
[0087] When the heating unit 42 performs heating in accordance with the heating profile, the temperature change in the temperature changing unit 70 can be predicted. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating an example of a relation between the heating profile and the predicted temperature of the temperature changing unit 70. Here, the predicted temperature is a temperature predicted as the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70. The horizontal axis of the present graph represents the time that elapses from the start of the heating by the heating unit 42. The vertical axis of the present graph represents temperature. Line 80 indicates an example of the heating profile. Line 81 indicates an example of the temperature change predicted for the temperature changing unit 70. The inhaler device 10 controls the heating unit 42 in such a way that the temperature change similar to that represented by the heating profile indicated by line 80 is achieved by the heating unit 42. The temperature change indicated by line 81 is thus achieved by the temperature changing unit 70. As illustrated in FIG. 9, it is predicted that the rate of temperature rise in the temperature changing unit 70 will be slower than the rate of temperature rise in the heating unit 42. This is because of a time lag in heat transfer. It is also predicted, as illustrated in FIG. 9, that the maximum temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 will be lower than the maximum temperature of the heating unit 42. This is because the temperature changing unit 70 is raised in temperature on the basis of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source heated by the heating unit 42, and also because the heating unit 42 and the temperature changing unit 70 are distant from each other.
[0088] Heating executed by the heating unit 42 can be divided into preheating and main heating. Preheating refers to heating executed in accordance with a heating profile, from the start of heating until a predetermined time elapses or the temperature of the heating unit 42 reaches a predetermined temperature. Main heating refers to heating executed after the preheating. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, heating executed before a time To elapses is preheating, and heating executed after the time To elapses is main heating. Hereinafter, the time that elapses from the start of heating may simply be referred to as elapsed time.
[0089] A predicted temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 at the end of preheating is also referred to as a first temperature. The temperature changing unit 70 may be raised in temperature not only during preheating, but also during main heating. It is predicted from line 81 in FIG. 9 that by heating in accordance with the heating profile, the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 will be raised to reach a second temperature and kept at the second temperature thereafter. Note that the second temperature is 100°C.
(3) Puff detection
[0090] The inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment performs puff detection that focuses on the fact that the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 drops in response to a puff. Specifically, the circuit unit 30 detects an inhalation (or puff) of aerosol when the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 drops in a way that satisfies a detection criterion.
[0091] The detection criterion may be that a difference between a reference temperature and the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (hereinafter also referred to as a puff detection threshold). That is, the circuit unit 30 detects a puff when a difference between the reference temperature and the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 is greater than or equal to the puff detection threshold. On the other hand, the circuit unit 30 does not detect a puff when a difference between the reference temperature and the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 is less than the puff detection threshold. For example, the reference temperature may be a predicted temperature of the temperature changing unit 70. In this case, the circuit unit 30 detects a puff when a difference between the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 at an elapsed time and the predicted temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 at the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the puff detection threshold. Alternatively, the reference temperature may be the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 a predetermined period of time ago. In this case, the circuit unit 30 detects a puff when a difference between the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 at an elapsed time and the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 the predetermined period of time before the elapsed time (e.g., immediately before the elapsed time) is greater than or equal to the puff detection threshold. This configuration makes it possible to detect a puff on the basis of the extent to which the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 drops in response to the puff.
[0092] The puff detection may be performed, for example, to determine the product life of the flavor generating article 110. The product life of the flavor generating article 110 is a time to depletion of the aerosol source included in the flavor generating article 110. As the amount of aerosol generated by heating of the heating unit 42 increases, or as the amount of aerosol inhaled in puffs increases, the product life of the flavor generating article 110 decreases.
[0093] FIG. 10 is a graph for explaining an example of puff detection according to the present embodiment. The horizontal axis of the present graph represents the time that elapses from the start of heating by the heating unit 42. The vertical axis of the present graph represents the temperature. Line 81 indicates an example of a temperature change predicted for the temperature changing unit 70. Line 82 indicate s an example of an actual temperature change of the temperature changing unit 70. The circuit unit 30 detect a puff when a difference TMPDIFF between the predicted temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 and the actual temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 is greater than or equal to a threshold TH. The circuit unit 30 may start the puff detection after the elapse of time To. During preheating, in which the flavor generating article 110 is not heated enough and the amount of aerosol generated is less than that during main heating, the product life of the flavor generating article 110 is less likely to be shortened even when puffs are taken. Accordingly, when puff detection is intended to determine the product life of the flavor generating article 110, the preheating period is excluded from the period of puff detection in the configuration described above. This can improve accuracy in determining the product life of the flavor generating article 110.
(4) Features related to position of temperature changing unit 70
[0094] The temperature changing unit 70 is disposed closer to the upstream end 50b than to the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50. In other words, the temperature changing unit 70 is disposed at the position where the amount of heat transfer from an aerosol flowing through the downstream end 50a into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50 is greater than the amount of heat transfer from the heating unit 42. This configuration can prevent the temperature changing unit 70 from being excessively heated by heat transfer from the heating unit 42.
[0095] In particular, the temperature changing unit 70 is disposed in such a way that air flowing through the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50 into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50 is raised in temperature by less than 5°C before reaching the position of the temperature changing unit 70. With this configuration, outside air that flows through the upstream end 50b into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50 in response to a puff can reach the position of the temperature changing unit 70 without much increase in temperature. Accordingly, the resulting large difference in temperature between the temperature changing unit 70 and the outside air reaching the position of the temperature changing unit 70 causes a significant drop in the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70. In other words, since the extent to which the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 drops in response to a puff can be made large enough to well exceed the puff detection threshold, the accuracy of puff detection can be improved.
[0096] Specifically, the temperature changing unit 70 is disposed at a distance LA of less than or equal to 1.5 mm from the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50. This configuration can improve the puff detection accuracy as described above.
[0097] When the distance LA is less than or equal to 1.5 mm, the temperature changing unit 70 is located at a distance LB of greater than or equal to 4 mm from the bent portion of the inlet pipe 50. With this configuration, the length of the area where the film 72 holding the temperature changing unit 70 can be in contact with the inlet pipe 50 can be greater than or equal to 4 mm Since this can provide a sufficiently large contact area, the film 72 can be attached to the outer periphery of the inlet pipe 50 with a sufficient strength in the region of contact. The temperature changing unit 70 can thus be prevented from peeling off the inlet pipe 50.
[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the temperature changing unit 70 is provided on the outer periphery of the inlet pipe 50. With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the effect of dust entering the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50, as well as the effect of aerosol condensing to water and adhering to the inner periphery of the inlet pipe 50, and thus to prevent the temperature changing unit 70 from malfunctioning.
[0099] The temperature changing unit 70 is preferably disposed at a distance of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm from the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50. If the film 72 attached to the inlet pipe 50 protrudes out of the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50, the protruding portion interferes with other constituent elements during assembly of the inhaler device 10. That is, the film 72 may be accidentally brought into contact with other constituent elements and this may lead to the occurrence of manufacturing problems. With the configuration described above, where the film 72 is disposed not to protrude from the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50, the occurrence of manufacturing problems can be reduced.
[0100] When the inlet pipe 50 is L-shaped, the entire length of the airflow path from the downstream end 50a to the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50 is preferably greater than or equal to 8 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm. With this configuration, where the entire length of the airflow path is relatively short, an aerosol flowing in through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 is prevented from reaching the position of the temperature changing unit 70 in an excessively cooled state. The temperature changing unit 70 can therefore be raised in temperature to a degree which allows the temperature to quickly and sufficiently drop in response to a puff. It is thus possible to improve the accuracy of puff detection.
(5) Features related to airflow resistance part
[0101] The inlet pipe 50 includes an airflow resistance part that makes an airflow resistance in the airflow path inside the inlet pipe 50 greater than in the other part of the inlet pipe 50. Here, the other part refers to a part of the inlet pipe 50 not provided with the airflow resistance part. The airflow resistance, described above, includes at least an airflow resistance to an aerosol that flows from the downstream end 50a toward the upstream end 50b. With this configuration, an aerosol flowing through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50 during heating by the heating unit 42 can remain inside the airflow path. This makes it possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70. By the aerosol remaining in the airflow path, the temperature of the entire inlet pipe 50 is also efficiently increased. Since this makes it difficult for heat of the heating unit 42 to escape, the heating efficiency of the heating unit 42 can also be improved.
• First airflow resistance part
[0102] As the airflow resistance part, the inlet pipe 50 may include at least one first airflow resistance part between the downstream end 50a and the upstream end 50b. This configuration allows an aerosol flowing in through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 to temporarily remain in the space between the downstream end 50a and the first airflow resistance part, and can slow down the flow of the aerosol over the first airflow resistance part toward and out of the upstream end 50b. This allows the aerosol flowing in through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 to remain throughout the interior of the airflow path during heating by the heating unit 42. It is thus possible to improve the efficiency of temperature rise of the temperature changing unit 70 and the heating efficiency of the heating unit 42.
[0103] The at least one first airflow resistance part may be disposed closer to the downstream end 50a than the temperature changing unit 70 is. This configuration allows outside air flowing in through the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50 in response to a puff to reach the position of the temperature changing unit 70 without being retained by the first airflow resistance part. The outside air can thus reach the position of the temperature changing unit 70 without being significantly heated. That is, since the extent to which the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 drops in response to a puff can be made large enough to well exceed the puff detection threshold, the accuracy of puff detection can be improved.
[0104] The at least one first airflow resistance part may be disposed closer to the upstream end 50b than the temperature changing unit 70 is. This configuration allows an aerosol flowing in through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 to remain in the space between the downstream end 50a and the first airflow resistance part, that is, in the space including the position of the temperature changing unit 70. It is thus possible to improve the efficiency of temperature rise of the temperature changing unit 70.
[0105] The at least one first airflow resistance part may be disposed at the position of the temperature changing unit 70. This configuration allows an aerosol flowing in through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 to remain at least in the vicinity of the temperature changing unit 70. It is thus possible to improve the efficiency of temperature rise of the temperature changing unit 70.
[0107] The first airflow resistance part may include a bend in the inlet pipe 50. With this configuration, the bent portion can produce an airflow resistance. For example, as described above, the inlet pipe 50 may be configured as an L-shaped pipe with a bent portion having an angle of 90 degrees. The angle of the bent portion of the inlet pipe 50 is not limited to 90 degrees, and may be an acute angle or an obtuse angle.
[0108] The first airflow resistance part may include a curvature in the inlet pipe 50. With this configuration, the curved portion can produce an airflow resistance. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the inlet pipe 50 may be curved.
[0109] The first airflow resistance part may include a branch of the inlet pipe 50. With this configuration, the branched portion can produce an airflow resistance. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the inlet pipe 50 may be configured as a T-shaped pipe having one downstream end 50a and two upstream ends 50b. The temperature changing unit 70 is simply required to be provided in the vicinity of at least one of the two upstream ends 50b.
[0110] The first airflow resistance part may include a protrusion protruding inward in the radial direction of the inlet pipe 50. With this configuration, the protrusion protruding inward in the radial direction of the inlet pipe 50 can produce an airflow resistance. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the inlet pipe 50 may have a ridge 51 as the protrusion protruding inward in the radial direction of the inlet pipe 50. When the inlet pipe 50 has a protrusion protruding inward in the radial direction of the inlet pipe 50, the inlet pipe 50 may be linearly configured as illustrated in FIG. 13.
• Second airflow resistance part
[0111] As the airflow resistance part, the inlet pipe 50 may include a second airflow resistance part at the upstream end 50b. This configuration allows an aerosol flowing in through the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 to remain in the space between the downstream end 50a and the upstream end 50b, that is, throughout the interior of the airflow path during heating by the heating unit 42. It is thus possible to improve the efficiency of temperature rise of the temperature changing unit 70 and the heating efficiency of the heating unit 42.
[0112] The second airflow resistance part may include a portion of the inlet pipe 50 having an inside diameter smaller than that of the other part of the inlet pipe 50. With this configuration, the portion with a smaller inside diameter can produce an airflow resistance. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50 may be configured to have a smaller inside diameter than the other part of the inlet pipe 50.
[0113] The second airflow resistance part may include a protrusion protruding inward in the radial direction of the inlet pipe 50. With this configuration, the protrusion protruding inward in the radial direction of the inlet pipe 50 can produce an airflow resistance. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified configuration of the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the upstream end 50b of the inlet pipe 50 may have a ridge 52.
[0114] The second airflow resistance part may include a bend in the inlet pipe 50. That is, the inlet pipe 50 may be bent at the upstream end 50b.
[0115] The second airflow resistance part may include a curvature in the inlet pipe 50. That is, the inlet pipe 50 may be curved at the upstream end 50b.
• Supplement
[0116] The inlet pipe 50 may have one or more first airflow resistance parts, or may have one or more second airflow resistance parts. The inlet pipe 50 may have a first airflow resistance part and a second airflow resistance part. As the number of first airflow resistance parts and second airflow resistance parts increases, it becomes more likely that the efficiency of temperature rise of the temperature changing unit 70 and the heating efficiency of the heating unit 42 will be improved. Specifically, for example, when the inlet pipe 50 has one first airflow resistance part and one second airflow resistance part, the efficiency of temperature rise of the temperature changing unit 70 and the heating efficiency of the heating unit 42 are expected to be improved more than when the inlet pipe 50 has only one of the first and second airflow resistance parts. On the other hand, as the number of first airflow resistance parts and second airflow resistance part decreases, it becomes easier to discharge water adhering to the inner periphery of the inlet pipe 50 after condensation and prevent the water from remaining in the inlet pipe 50. Specifically, for example, when the inlet pipe 50 has only one of the first and second airflow resistance parts, it is easier to prevent water from remaining in the inlet pipe 50 than when the inlet pipe 50 has one first airflow resistance part and one second airflow resistance part.
[0117] Also, for example, when the airflow resistance part of the inlet pipe 50 has a greater diameter than the other part of the inlet pipe 50, it is easier to prevent water from remaining in the inlet pipe 50. Also, for example, when the downstream end 50a of the inlet pipe 50 has a mesh structure (not shown) to prevent the filling 111 in the flavor generating article 110 from overflowing into the inlet pipe 50, water is more effectively prevented from remaining in the inlet pipe 50. This is because if the filling 111 in the flavor generating article 110 overflows into the inlet pipe 50, water is absorbed by the filling 111 and remains in the inlet pipe 50.
(6) Advantages
[0118] Advantages of the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to a comparative example.
[0119] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an inhaler device 90 according to a comparative example. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example differs from the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment in that the inlet pipe 50 is linearly configured and the temperature changing unit 70 is provided in the vicinity of the downstream end 50a (i.e., near the heating unit 42). The other configuration of the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example is the same as the configuration of the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment. In the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example, the inlet pipe 50 is first raised in temperature by heat transfer from the heating unit 42, and the temperature changing unit 70 is raised in temperature by heat transfer from the inlet pipe 50. The inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example then detects a puff on the basis of the extent to which the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 drops in response to the puff.
[0120] In the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example, heat from the heating unit 42 is sequentially transferred from a portion of the inlet pipe 50 adjacent to the heating unit 42 to the position of the temperature changing unit 70. This means that there is a substantial time lag before heat of the heating unit 42 is transferred through the inlet pipe 50 to reach the temperature changing unit 70. In the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, on the other hand, an aerosol flowing through the downstream end 50a into the inlet pipe 50 directly reaches the position of the temperature changing unit 70 in the inlet pipe 50. This means that there is only a small time lag before heat of the aerosol reaches the temperature changing unit 70. That is, in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, the time lag before the heat reaches the temperature changing unit 70 can be made much shorter than that in the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example. That is, in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, the rate of temperature rise in the temperature changing unit 70 can be made much faster than that in the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example.
[0121] When a heating profile with a high rate of temperature rise of the heating unit 42 is adopted, the duration of preheating can be shortened. If the duration of preheating is shortened in the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example, the process of preheating comes to an end before the temperature changing unit 70 is sufficiently raised in temperature, due to a slow rate of temperature rise. At the stage when the temperature changing unit 70 is not sufficiently raised in temperature, the temperature difference between the temperature changing unit 70 and outside air is not large enough to allow the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 to sufficiently drop in response to a puff and this degrades the accuracy of puff detection. That is, the accuracy of puff detection is low during the period from the end of preheating until when the temperature changing unit 70 is sufficiently raised in temperature. On the other hand, even when the duration of preheating is shortened in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, the process of preheating can come to an end after the temperature changing unit 70 is sufficiently raised in temperature, because of a fast rate of temperature rise. Additionally, when a heating profile with a faster rate of temperature rise of the heating unit 42 is adopted, a larger amount of aerosol is generated at an earlier stage and this can further accelerate the temperature rise. A high accuracy of puff detection can thus be achieved immediately after completion of preheating.
[0122] Typically, the heating unit 42 is raised in temperature to, for example, 300°C, which is much higher than 100°C. In the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example, where the temperature changing unit 70 is disposed in the vicinity of the heating unit 42, the temperature changing unit 70 is also raised in temperature to a level much higher than 100°C. That is, the second temperature in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment is much lower than the second temperature in the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example.
[0123] In the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, where the second temperature is much lower and the rate of temperature rise is faster than in the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example, the period in which the temperature changing unit 70 is not sufficiently raised in temperature (or specifically, the period before the second temperature is reached) can be made much shorter than that in the inhaler device 90. Therefore, in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, the period in which the puff detection accuracy is low is shorter than that in the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example. In other words, a higher accuracy of puff detection can be achieved.
[0124] In the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, where the second temperature is much lower than that in the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example, the risk of malfunction caused by high temperature can be reduced.
[0125] In the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example, where the temperature changing unit 70 is provided in the vicinity of the downstream end 50a, air that flows through the upstream end 50b into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50 in response to a puff reaches the position of the temperature changing unit 70 after being greatly raised in temperature. Therefore, the extent to which the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 drops in response to a puff is small and there is room for improvement in the accuracy of puff detection. On the other hand, in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, where the temperature changing unit 70 is provided in the vicinity of the upstream end 50b, air that flows into the airflow path in the inlet pipe 50 in response to a puff can reach the position of the temperature changing unit 70 without being significantly raised in temperature. Accordingly, since the temperature of the temperature changing unit 70 significantly drops in response to a puff, the accuracy of puff detection can be improved in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0126] In the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, the inlet pipe 50 is, for example, L-shaped to provide an airflow resistance part. In the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example, on the other hand, the inlet pipe 50 is linearly formed and does not have an airflow resistance part. Accordingly, in the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment, the amount of aerosol that flows out through the downstream end 50a into the inlet pipe 50 and remains in the inlet pipe 50 is greater than that in the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example. Since this makes it difficult for heat to escape from the housing, the inhaler device 10 according to the present embodiment requires less power to raise the temperature of the heating unit 42 than the inhaler device 90 according to the comparative example.
«2. Summary»
[0127] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various changes or modifications within the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is to be understood that these changes and modifications are to be embraced by the technical scope of the present invention.
[0128] The advantages described in the present specification are merely intended for explanatory or illustrative purposes and not for limiting purposes. That is, in addition to or in place of the advantages described above, the present invention may achieve other advantages that are obvious to those skilled in the art from the description of the present specification.
[0129] The series of processes carried out by each of the devices described in the present specification may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Programs constituting such software are stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (non-transitory medium) inside or outside the device. For example, each of the programs is read into a RAM during execution by a computer and is executed by a processor, such as a CPU. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, and a flash memory. The computer program described above may be distributed, for example, via a network without using such a recording medium.
[0130] The configurations described below also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
- (1) An inhaler device including:
a heating unit configured to heat an aerosol source disposed in a space to be heated;
a hollow member configured to form an airflow path and having a first hole and a second hole, the first hole being configured to allow the airflow path to communicate with the space to be heated, the second hole being configured to allow the airflow path to communicate with a space not to be heated by the heating unit; and
a temperature changing unit disposed on the hollow member and raised in temperature by an aerosol generated from the aerosol source heated by the heating unit, the aerosol being contained in air flowing through the first hole into the airflow path.
- (2) The inhaler device according to (1), in which the temperature changing unit is raised in temperature by condensation heat generated when the aerosol condenses.
- (3) The inhaler device according to (1) or (2), in which the temperature changing unit is raised in temperature by the aerosol in such a way as to gradually approach a predetermined temperature.
- (4) The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the temperature changing unit is lowered in temperature by air that flows through the second hole into the airflow path.
- (5) The inhaler device according to (4), further including a control unit configured to detect an inhalation of the aerosol when the temperature of the temperature changing unit drops in a way that satisfies a detection criterion.
- (6) The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (5), in which the temperature changing unit is disposed at a position where the amount of heat transfer from the aerosol flowing through the first hole into the airflow path is greater than the amount of heat transfer from the heating unit.
- (7) The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (6), in which the temperature changing unit is disposed in such a way that air flowing through the second hole into the airflow path is raised in temperature by less than 5°C before reaching the temperature changing unit.
- (8) The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (7), in which the temperature changing unit is disposed closer to the second hole than to the first hole.
- (9) The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (8), in which the temperature changing unit is disposed at a distance of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm from the second hole.
- (10) The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (9), in which the temperature changing unit is disposed on an outer periphery of the hollow member.
- (11) The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (10), in which the hollow member has, between the first hole and the second hole, at least one first airflow resistance part that makes an airflow resistance in the airflow path greater than in the other part of the hollow member.
- (12) The inhaler device according to (11), in which the at least one first airflow resistance part is disposed closer to the first hole than the temperature changing unit is.
- (13) The inhaler device according to (11) or (12), in which the at least one first airflow resistance part is disposed closer to the second hole than the temperature changing unit is.
- (14) The inhaler device according to any one of (11) to (13), in which the first airflow resistance part includes a bend in the hollow member.
- (15) The inhaler device according to (14), in which the hollow member is L-shaped.
- (16) The inhaler device according to (15), in which the entire length of the airflow path from the first hole to the second hole is greater than or equal to 8 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm
- (17) The inhaler device according to any one of (11) to (16), in which the first airflow resistance part includes a curvature in the hollow member.
- (18) The inhaler device according to any one of (11) to (17), in which the first airflow resistance part includes a branch of the hollow member.
- (19) The inhaler device according to (18), in which the hollow member is T-shaped.
- (20) The inhaler device according to any one of (11) to (19), in which the first airflow resistance part includes a protrusion protruding inward in a radial direction of the hollow member.
- (21) The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (20), in which the hollow member has, in the second hole, a second airflow resistance part that makes an airflow resistance in the airflow path greater than in the other part of the hollow member.
- (22) The inhaler device according to (21), in which the second airflow resistance part includes a portion of the hollow member having an inside diameter smaller than the other part of the hollow member.
- (23) The inhaler device according to (21), in which the second airflow resistance part includes a protrusion protruding inward in a radial direction of the hollow member.
Reference Signs List
[0131]
- 10
- inhaler device
- 41
- heating assembly
- 42
- heating unit
- 42a
- first opening
- 42b
- second opening
- 43
- heat insulator
- 43a
- inside tubular member
- 43b
- outside tubular member
- 43c
- first annular member
- 43d
- second annular member
- 44
- first wall
- 44a
- first protruding portion
- 45
- second wall
- 46
- container
- 46a
- bottom wall
- 46b
- boss
- 46c
- first extending portion
- 46d
- second extending portion
- 47
- heating element
- 48
- heat shrinkable tube
- 50
- inlet pipe
- 50a
- downstream end
- 50b
- upstream end
- 50c
- positioning portion
- 60
- insertion guide member
- 60a
- upstream end
- 60b
- opening
- 70
- temperature changing unit
- 71
- conductive wire
- 72
- film
- 110
- flavor generating article
1. An inhaler device comprising:
a heating unit configured to heat an aerosol source disposed in a space to be heated;
a hollow member configured to form an airflow path and having a first hole and a second hole, the first hole being configured to allow the airflow path to communicate with the space to be heated, the second hole being configured to allow the airflow path to communicate with a space not to be heated by the heating unit; and
a temperature changing unit disposed on the hollow member and raised in temperature by an aerosol generated from the aerosol source heated by the heating unit, the aerosol being contained in air flowing through the first hole into the airflow path.
2. The inhaler device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature changing unit is
raised in temperature by condensation heat generated when the aerosol condenses.
3. The inhaler device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature changing unit
is raised in temperature by the aerosol in such a way as to gradually approach a predetermined
temperature.
4. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temperature
changing unit is lowered in temperature by air that flows through the second hole
into the airflow path.
5. The inhaler device according to claim 4, further comprising a control unit configured
to detect an inhalation of the aerosol when the temperature of the temperature changing
unit drops in a way that satisfies a detection criterion.
6. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature
changing unit is disposed at a position where the amount of heat transfer from the
aerosol flowing through the first hole into the airflow path is greater than the amount
of heat transfer from the heating unit.
7. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the temperature
changing unit is disposed in such a way that air flowing through the second hole into
the airflow path is raised in temperature by less than 5°C before reaching the temperature
changing unit.
8. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the temperature
changing unit is disposed closer to the second hole than to the first hole.
9. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the temperature
changing unit is disposed at a distance of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less
than or equal to 1.5 mm from the second hole.
10. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the temperature
changing unit is disposed on an outer periphery of the hollow member.
11. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hollow member
has, between the first hole and the second hole, at least one first airflow resistance
part that makes an airflow resistance in the airflow path greater than in the other
part of the hollow member.
12. The inhaler device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one first airflow resistance
part is disposed closer to the first hole than the temperature changing unit is.
13. The inhaler device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one first airflow
resistance part is disposed closer to the second hole than the temperature changing
unit is.
14. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first airflow
resistance part includes a bend in the hollow member.
15. The inhaler device according to claim 14, wherein the hollow member is L-shaped.
16. The inhaler device according to claim 15, wherein the entire length of the airflow
path from the first hole to the second hole is greater than or equal to 8 mm and less
than or equal to 15 mm
17. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the first airflow
resistance part includes a curvature in the hollow member.
18. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the first airflow
resistance part includes a branch of the hollow member.
19. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the first airflow
resistance part includes a protrusion protruding inward in a radial direction of the
hollow member.
20. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the hollow member
has, in the second hole, a second airflow resistance part that makes an airflow resistance
in the airflow path greater than in the other part of the hollow member.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description