Patent Description:
There is a known flavor inhaler that heats a flavor generating article without burning. The flavor inhaler comprises a heater configured to atomize an aerosol source, an atomization chamber including at least part of a channel for aerosol that is generated when the aerosol source is heated by the heater, and an intake channel configured to supply air from an inlet to the atomization chamber (see Patent Literatures (PTL) <NUM> to <NUM>, for example). PTL8 is related to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Preferred embodiments are described in the further claims. A first feature of the overall disclosure is a heater assembly comprising a heater configured to atomize an aerosol source, an atomization chamber extending along a predetermined direction to form at least part of an aerosol channel through which aerosol passes, the aerosol being generated when the aerosol source is heated by the heater, and an intake channel configured to supply air from an inlet to the atomization chamber. The intake channel includes a first channel extending along the predetermined direction and leading to the inlet, a second channel extending from the first channel along an intersecting direction intersecting with the predetermined direction as viewed in a section of the heater assembly along the predetermined direction, and a third channel extending from the second channel along the predetermined direction.

A second feature according to the first feature is that the third channel is located adjacent to the atomization chamber in the intersecting direction.

A third feature according to the first or second feature is that the second channel has a shape extending along an inner or outer periphery of the aerosol channel.

A fourth feature according to the third feature is that the second channel includes a channel extending in a first direction along the inner or outer periphery of the aerosol channel, and a channel extending along the inner or outer periphery of the aerosol channel in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

A fifth feature according to the third feature is that the second channel has a shape extending in a spiral manner along the inner or outer periphery of the aerosol channel.

A sixth feature according to any one of the first to fifth features is that the heater assembly comprises a first end provided on a side where air flows from the intake channel into the atomization chamber, and a second end provided on a side where aerosol flows out of the atomization chamber; and that the third channel is provided at a position adjacent to the atomization chamber within an area between the first end and the second end.

A seventh feature according to any one of the first to sixth features is that the aerosol source is a columnar article having a column-like shape; and that the atomization chamber houses the columnar article and supports the columnar article at the first end provided on the side where air flows from the intake channel into the atomization chamber.

An eighth feature according to any one of the first to seventh features is that, when air is sucked in from the inlet, the atomization chamber guides the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in an opposite direction to an airflow direction in the third channel.

A ninth feature according to the seventh feature or the eighth feature referring to the seventh feature is that at least part of the second channel is formed by an outer lateral face of the columnar article with the columnar article inserted in the atomization chamber.

A 10th feature according to the seventh feature or the eighth feature referring to the seventh feature is that the heater assembly comprises a cylindrical member provided along an outer lateral face of the columnar member at a position adjacent to the second channel; and that at least part of the second channel is formed by an outer lateral face of the cylindrical member.

An 11th feature according to any one of the first to 10th features is that the inlet is provided side by side in the intersecting direction with an outlet from which the aerosol is guided out.

A 12th feature according to the 11th feature is that the heater assembly comprises a collar member including a hollow space that forms at least part of the aerosol channel.

A 13th feature according to the 12th feature is that at least part of the second channel is formed by the collar member.

A 14th feature according to the 12th or 13th feature is that hollow space of the collar member includes at least part of the aerosol channel and the first channel.

A 15th feature according to any one of the first to 14th features is that the heater assembly comprises a container with a hollow space including the atomization chamber and the third channel.

A 16th feature is a flavor inhaler including the heater assembly according to any one of the first to 15th features.

An embodiment will be discussed below. In the following description of the drawings, same or similar elements are provided with same or similar reference signs. It should be noted, however, that the drawings are schematic and that there is a possibility that dimensional ratios on the drawings differ from actual ones.

Concrete dimensions and the like therefore should be determined in consideration of the following explanation. Needless to say, there also might be a difference among the drawings in terms of dimensional relationship or ratios.

With respect to the flavor inhaler mentioned in Background Art, various inventive ideas can be seen in the arrangement of the intake channel and the heater. On the other hand, the flavor inhaler is not configured in view of an aspect that the aerosol generated when the aerosol source is heated by the heater leaks from the inlet, and there has been a demand for a solution to the aerosol leakage from the inlet.

A heater assembly according to the summary of disclosure comprises a heater configured to atomize an aerosol source, an atomization chamber extending along a predetermined direction to form at least part of an aerosol channel through which aerosol passes, the aerosol being generated when the aerosol source is heated by the heater, and an intake channel configured to supply air from an inlet to the atomization chamber. The intake channel includes a first channel extending along the predetermined direction and leading to the inlet, a second channel extending from the first channel along an intersecting direction as viewed in a section of the heater assembly along the predetermined direction, and a third channel extending from the second channel along the predetermined direction.

According to the summary of disclosure, the intake channel has a shape like a crank which includes the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel. With such a configuration, the intake channel is increased in resistance due to a curve from the third channel to the second channel and a curve from the second channel to the first channel, so that even if the aerosol flows backward from the atomization chamber toward the inlet, the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel is decreased in temperature due to pressure loss.

A flavor inhaler according to an embodiment will be discussed below. <FIG> and <FIG> show a flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> shows the flavor inhaler <NUM> with a columnar member <NUM> not inserted therein, and <FIG> shows the flavor inhaler <NUM> with the columnar <NUM> inserted therein.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flavor inhaler <NUM> includes the columnar member <NUM> that forms an aerosol source, and a generator <NUM> that generates aerosol from the columnar member <NUM>. The flavor inhaler <NUM> generates aerosol without burning. The flavor inhaler <NUM> can be termed as a heating type or non-burning type flavor inhaler. The flavor inhaler <NUM> may be a portable inhaler.

The columnar member <NUM> is a member that at least forms a solid aerosol source and has a columnar shape extending along a predetermined direction X. For example, the columnar member <NUM> may comprise shredded tobacco, a molded body formed by molding tobacco material into grains, a molded body formed by molding tobacco material into a sheet, and the like. The columnar member <NUM> may include wrapping material that is wrapped around the solid aerosol source. The columnar member <NUM> may include a filter.

The columnar member <NUM> may generate aerosol by being heated. To encourage the generation of aerosol, the columnar member <NUM> may include an aerosol source containing various kinds of polyols, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and <NUM>,<NUM>-butandiol. The columnar member <NUM> may comprise other plants (for example, mint, herbs or other like plants) than tobacco. The columnar member <NUM> may contain an aroma chemical, such as menthol.

The generator <NUM> includes an operating portion <NUM> that turns on a power source of the generator <NUM>, and a lid body <NUM> that blocks an opening 30X provided in a heater assembly <NUM> mentioned later. The operating portion <NUM> may function to turn off the power source of the generator <NUM>. The lid body <NUM> is configured in a slidable manner and exposes the opening 30X when the columnar member <NUM> is inserted. The lid body <NUM> may be configured in a rotatable manner. The generator <NUM> will be explained below in detail (see <FIG>).

The generator according to the embodiment will be now discussed. <FIG> is a cross-section of the generator <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> shows the cross-section along a line A-A in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the generator <NUM> includes a battery <NUM>, a control circuit <NUM>, and the heater assembly <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> accumulates electric power used in the generator <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> is a lithium ion battery. The battery <NUM> may be rechargeable using an external power source.

The control circuit <NUM> comprises a CPU, a memory, and the like. The control circuit <NUM> controls the behavior of the generator <NUM>. The control circuit <NUM> begins to heat the columnar member <NUM> when the power source of the generator <NUM> is turned on by the operating portion <NUM>. The control circuit <NUM> may stop heating the columnar member <NUM> after a predetermined time period of the heating. The control circuit <NUM> may stop heating the columnar member <NUM> when a predetermined number of times of puffing is performed after the heating begins. The control circuit <NUM> may stop heating the columnar member <NUM> when the power source of the generator <NUM> is turned off by the operating portion <NUM>. The puffing may be detected by a sensor, not shown. The sensor may be provided in a bottom plate portion <NUM> (separated portion 41B, for example) which is discussed later.

The heater assembly <NUM> heats the columnar member <NUM> and thus generates aerosol. The heater assembly <NUM> includes the opening 30X, from which the columnar member <NUM> is inserted into the heater assembly <NUM>. The heater assembly <NUM> includes a collar member <NUM>, a container <NUM>, and a heater <NUM>. The heater assembly <NUM> may include a heat insulating member <NUM>. The heat insulating member <NUM> does not necessarily have to be a part of the heater assembly <NUM>. The collar member <NUM> and the container <NUM> will be discussed later in detail, so that the following explanation is mainly about the heater <NUM> and the heat insulating member <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> is disposed in an outer lateral face of the container <NUM>. Especially the heater <NUM> is disposed to cover at least part of the outer lateral face (peripheral surface) of the container <NUM>. The heater <NUM> atomizes an aerosol source. Specifically, the heater <NUM> heats the columnar member <NUM> that is housed in the container <NUM>. <FIG> shows as an example a case in which the heater <NUM> is disposed in the outer lateral face of the container <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may comprise a heating element that is formed of a resistance heating element, such as a substrate formed of a film made of polyimide or the like, and metal. The heating element may be sandwiched between two substrates. The metal of which the heating element is made may be one or more kinds of metals selected among nickel alloy, chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum rhodium.

The heat insulating member <NUM> is disposed outside the heater <NUM> so as to cover the container <NUM>. The heat insulating member <NUM> may be a vacuum insulating member having a double structure. The heat insulating member <NUM> may be made of a heat insulating material, such as aerogel and silicon.

The heater assembly according to the embodiment will be discussed below. <FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sections showing the heater assembly <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> is the cross-section of the heater assembly <NUM> along the line A-A in <FIG>. <FIG> shows the heater assembly <NUM> with the columnar member <NUM> inserted therein. <FIG> is the cross-section of the heater assembly <NUM> along a line A-A in <FIG>. <FIG> shows the heater assembly <NUM> with the columnar member <NUM> not inserted therein. The heater <NUM> and the heat insulating member <NUM> are omitted from <FIG> and <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the heater assembly <NUM> includes the collar member <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

The collar member <NUM> has a cylindrical shape and is made, for example, of synthetic resin having plasticity. The collar member <NUM> includes the opening 30X for receiving the columnar member <NUM>. The opening 30X includes an inlet 120IN that guides air into the heater assembly <NUM> and an outlet 120OUT that guides aerosol out of the heater assembly <NUM>, with the columnar member <NUM> inserted in the heater assembly <NUM>.

According to the embodiment, aerosol passes through the columnar member <NUM>, which means that the outlet 120OUT is a portion that is occupied by the columnar member <NUM>. The inlet 120IN is a portion that is not occupied by the columnar member <NUM>. To facilitate the insertion of the columnar member <NUM>, the opening 30X is larger than the inlet 120IN and the outlet 120OUT. The collar member <NUM> may function as an insertion guide for the columnar member <NUM>.

According to the embodiment, the inlet 120IN is provided side by side with the outlet 120OUT in an intersecting direction Y intersecting with a predetermined direction X. The intersecting direction Y may be considered as, but not limited to, a direction with an angle ranging from -<NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees from a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction X.

The container <NUM> has a shape extending along the predetermined direction X. The container <NUM> is a member that houses the columnar member <NUM> that is inserted into the container <NUM> through the collar member <NUM>. The container <NUM> comprises a heat conductive member (for example, metal such as SUS (steel use stainless)). The container <NUM> includes a portion (hereinafter, referred to as an atomization chamber) occupied by the columnar member <NUM> when the columnar member <NUM> is inserted in the container <NUM>.

The container <NUM> includes a first end 40A provided on a side where air flows from an intake channel (first to fourth channels <NUM> to <NUM> in <FIG>) into the atomization chamber (fifth channel <NUM> in <FIG>), and a second end 40B provided on a side where air flows out of the atomization chamber.

The container <NUM> includes the bottom plate portion <NUM> and a cylindrical portion <NUM>. The bottom plate portion <NUM> blocks the first end 40A. In short, the container <NUM> has a cup-like shape comprising the bottom plate portion <NUM> and the cylindrical portion <NUM>. The container <NUM> may be integrally formed by a method such as drawing applied to a metal sheet.

The bottom plate portion <NUM> includes a seat portion 41A and a separated portion 41B at the first end 40A. Specifically, the seat portion 41A contacts a bottom surface of the columnar member <NUM> with the columnar member <NUM> inserted, to thereby support the columnar member <NUM>. The separated portion 41B has a shape bulging in a direction away from the bottom surface of the columnar member <NUM> and is separated from the bottom surface of the columnar member <NUM>. Since the portion occupied by the columnar member <NUM> is the atomization chamber, the seat portion 41A may be considered to comprise part of the atomization chamber. The separated portion 41B may be considered to comprise part of the intake channel (fourth channel <NUM> in <FIG>).

Under the condition above, the heater assembly <NUM> includes the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, the third channel <NUM>, the fourth channel <NUM>, the fifth channel <NUM>, and the sixth channel <NUM>.

The first channel <NUM> is a channel extending along the predetermined direction X and leading to the inlet 120IN. The second channel is a channel extending from the first channel <NUM> along the intersecting direction Y intersecting with the predetermined direction X as viewed in a section of the heater assembly <NUM> along the predetermined direction X. The third channel <NUM> is a channel extending from the second channel <NUM> along the predetermined direction X. The fourth channel <NUM> is a channel connecting the third channel <NUM> and the fifth channel <NUM>. The fifth channel <NUM> and the sixth channel <NUM> are channels extending along the predetermined direction X and leading to the outlet 120OUT.

According to the embodiment, the first to fourth channels <NUM> to <NUM> form the intake channel for supplying air from the inlet 120IN to the atomization chamber (fifth channel <NUM> in <FIG>). The fifth channel <NUM> and the sixth channel <NUM> form a channel for aerosol (hereinafter, referred to as an aerosol channel) which is generated when the aerosol source (namely, the columnar member <NUM> here) is heated by the heater <NUM>. The fifth channel <NUM> forms the atomization chamber forming at least part of the aerosol channel.

As described above, according to the embodiment, since aerosol passes through the columnar member <NUM>, the aerosol channel may be considered as the columnar member <NUM> itself. The atomization chamber is a portion of the aerosol channel to which the heating by the heater <NUM> contributes. The atomization chamber is therefore a portion occupied by the columnar member <NUM> in a hollow space of the container <NUM>.

The third channel <NUM> is located adjacent to the atomization chamber (fifth channel in <FIG>) in the intersecting direction Y. The third channel <NUM> is provided at a position adjacent to the atomization chamber within an area between the first end 40A and the second end 40B in the predetermined direction X. In other words, the third channel <NUM> may be provided all over the container <NUM> in the predetermined direction X. Since the atomization chamber may be considered as the columnar member <NUM> as already mentioned, the third channel <NUM> is a portion that is not occupied by the columnar member <NUM> in the hollow space of the container <NUM>.

The following discussion explains a gas flow from the inlet 120IN to the outlet 120OUT. Firstly, air that flows from the inlet 120IN into the first channel <NUM> passes through the first channel <NUM> as an airflow F1 moving along the predetermined direction X. Secondly, air that flows from the first channel <NUM> into the second channel <NUM> passes through the second channel <NUM> as an airflow F2 moving along the intersecting direction Y. Thirdly, air that flows from the second channel <NUM> into the third channel <NUM> passes through the third channel <NUM> as an airflow F3 moving along the predetermined direction X. Fourthly, air that is guided from the third channel <NUM> to the fifth channel <NUM> passes through the fourth channel <NUM> as an airflow F4. Fifthly, air that flows into the fifth channel <NUM> is mixed with the aerosol generated from the columnar member <NUM> and then passes through the fifth and sixth channels <NUM> and <NUM> as an aerosol flow F5.

A direction of the aerosol flow F5 moving through the fifth and sixth channels <NUM> and <NUM> is opposite from a direction of the airflow F3 moving through the third channel. When air is sucked in from the inlet 120IN, the atomization chamber (fifth channel <NUM>) guides the aerosol generated from the columnar member <NUM> in the opposite direction from the airflow direction in the third channel.

The collar member according to the embodiment will be now discussed. <FIG> show the collar member <NUM> according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the collar member <NUM> includes a hollow space 31X including the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, and the sixth channel <NUM>. The hollow space 31X is in communication with the opening 30X (namely, the inlet 120IN and the outlet 120OUT). The hollow space 31X is in communication with the third channel <NUM> and the fifth channel <NUM> (hollow space 40X mentioned later). The collar member <NUM> includes a protruding portion <NUM>, a notch portion <NUM>, and a wall body <NUM>.

The protruding portion <NUM> is a portion protruding beyond the wall body <NUM> into the hollow space 31X. The protruding portion <NUM> is so provided as to come into contact with an outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM> with the columnar member <NUM> inserted in the hollow space 31X. The present specification discusses as an example a case in which a protruding portion 32A and a protruding portion 32B are provided as the protruding portion <NUM>. The protruding portion 32A stretches along an outer periphery of the hollow space 31X.

The notch portion <NUM> is provided between the protruding portion 32A and the protruding portion 32B. The notch portion <NUM> forms the first channel <NUM> through which the air entering from the inlet 120IN passes.

The wall body <NUM> has a cylindrical shape and forms at least part of the hollow space 31X. The wall body <NUM> is positioned closer to the container <NUM> than the protruding portion <NUM> and the notch portion <NUM>. The wall body <NUM> is provided away from the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM>. In other words, a gap is provided between an inner lateral face of the wall body <NUM> and the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM>. The inner lateral face of the wall body <NUM> and the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM> form the second channel <NUM> through which the air entering from the notch portion <NUM> passes.

The container according to the embodiment will be discussed below. <FIG> show the container <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> shows a cross-section along a line B-B in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the container <NUM> includes a hollow space 40X including the third channel <NUM>, the fourth channel <NUM>, and the fifth channel <NUM>. The hollow space 40X is in communication with the hollow space 31X of the collar member <NUM>. The container <NUM> includes the bottom plate portion <NUM> and the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

The bottom plate portion <NUM> includes the seat portion 41A and the separated portion 41B at the first end 40A. The seat portion 41A contacts the bottom surface of the columnar member <NUM> with the columnar member <NUM> inserted in the hollow space 40X, which means that the seat portion 41A supports the columnar member <NUM>. The separated portion 41B is separated from the bottom surface of the columnar member <NUM> with the columnar member <NUM> inserted in the hollow space 40X. The first end 40A does not necessarily have to have a structure as illustrated in the drawing and may have any structure as long as the first end 40A is capable of at least partially supporting the bottom surface of the columnar member <NUM> or a region in the vicinity thereof.

The cylindrical portion <NUM> sections off the hollow space 40X and includes a holding portion 42A and a separated portion 42B. The holding portion 42A contacts the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM> with the columnar member <NUM> inserted in the hollow space 40X. Since the atomization chamber is a chamber occupied by the columnar member <NUM> as already mentioned, the holding portion 42A may be considered as a member that defines the atomization chamber. The separated portion 42B is separated from the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM> with the columnar member <NUM> inserted in the hollow space 40X. In other words, a gap is provided between an inner lateral face of the separated portion 42B and the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM>. The above-mentioned heater <NUM> may be at least provided in an outer lateral face (peripheral surface) of the cylindrical portion <NUM> at a place that corresponds to the holding portion 42A. The heater <NUM> may extend over the entire length or at least part of the length of the cylindrical portion <NUM> in the predetermined direction X.

The inner lateral face of the separated portion 42B of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM> form the third channel <NUM> through which the air entering from the second channel <NUM> passes. The separated portion 41B of the bottom plate portion <NUM> forms the fourth channel <NUM> through which the air guided from the third channel <NUM> to the fifth channel <NUM> passes. Part of the bottom surface of the columnar member <NUM> and part of the separated portion 42B of the cylindrical portion <NUM> may be considered to also form the fourth channel <NUM>. The seat portion 41A of the bottom plate portion <NUM> and the holding portion 42A of the cylindrical portion <NUM> form the fifth channel <NUM> (namely, the atomization chamber).

According to the embodiment, the hollow space 40X includes the third channel <NUM> and the fifth channel <NUM>. The third channel <NUM> and the fifth channel <NUM> are sectioned off by the columnar member <NUM> being inserted into the hollow space 40X. As stated above, the third channel <NUM> is a portion that is not occupied by the columnar member <NUM> in the hollow space 40X, whereas the fifth channel <NUM> is a portion that is occupied by the columnar member <NUM> in the hollow space 40X.

The second channel according to the embodiment will be now discussed. <FIG> shows the second channel <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-section along a line C-C in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second channel <NUM> is a channel connecting the first channel <NUM> and the third channel <NUM>. As noted above, the second channel <NUM> is a channel extending from the first channel <NUM> along the intersecting direction Y intersecting with the predetermined direction X as viewed in a section of the heater assembly <NUM> along the predetermined direction X (see <FIG>, for example).

The second channel <NUM> is formed between the inner lateral face of the wall body <NUM> of the collar member <NUM> and the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM>. The second end 40B of the container <NUM> may be considered to form at least part of the second channel <NUM>.

In such a case, the second channel <NUM> has a shape extending along an outer periphery of the aerosol channel (namely, the columnar member <NUM> or the sixth channel <NUM>). To be more specific, the second channel <NUM> includes a channel <NUM><NUM> extending in a first direction along an inner periphery of the aerosol channel and a channel <NUM><NUM> extending in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel.

The following discusses leakage of aerosol according to the embodiment. <FIG> is a view for explaining the leakage of the aerosol according to the embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective cross-section of the heater assembly <NUM>.

When the aerosol leakage happens, the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, and the third channel <NUM> function not as an intake channel but as an aerosol channel. For example, a considerable situation of aerosol leakage is where the user exhales air instead of inhaling air.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the aerosol generated from the atomization chamber passes through the third channel <NUM> as an aerosol flow R3 moving along the predetermined direction X. Subsequently, the aerosol flowing from the third channel <NUM> into the second channel <NUM> passes through the second channel <NUM> as an aerosol flow R2 moving along the intersecting direction Y. The aerosol flowing from the second channel <NUM> into the first channel <NUM> passes through the first channel <NUM> as an aerosol flow R1 moving along the predetermined direction X. The aerosol thus leaks from the inlet 120IN.

In other words, the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel repeatedly flows in a curve from the aerosol flow R3 to the aerosol flow R2 and flows in a curve from the aerosol flow R2 to the aerosol flow R1. Accordingly, the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel can be decreased in temperature by pressure loss.

There is also a possibility that a turbulent flow generates when the aerosol flow R3 collides against the protruding portion <NUM> of the collar member <NUM>. Such a turbulent flow encourages a thermal exchange with a wall surface of the collar member <NUM>, so that a decrease in temperature of aerosol can be expected. There is another possibility that a turbulent flow generates when the aerosol flow R2 collides against the wall body <NUM> of the collar member <NUM>. Such a turbulent flow is also likely to contribute to a decrease in the temperature of aerosol.

According to the embodiment, the intake channel has a crank-like shape including the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, and the third channel <NUM>. With such a configuration, the curve from the third channel <NUM> to the second channel <NUM> and the curve from the second channel <NUM> to the first channel <NUM> increase resistance of the intake channel, so that even if the aerosol flows backward from the atomization chamber toward the inlet 120IN, the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel is decreased in temperature due to pressure loss.

Modification Example <NUM> of the embodiment will be discussed below. This Modification Example <NUM> is not covered by the subject-matter of the claims. J Z The following discussion explains mainly differences from the embodiment. According to Modification Example <NUM>, the heater assembly <NUM> includes a cylindrical member provided along the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM> at a position adjacent to the second channel <NUM>.

The cylindrical member according to Modification Example <NUM> will be discussed. <FIG> are views for explaining a cylindrical member <NUM> according to Modification Example <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-section of the heater assembly <NUM>. <FIG> are perspective views of the container <NUM>. <FIG> show the cylindrical member <NUM> as well as the container <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the heater assembly <NUM> includes the cylindrical member <NUM>. The cylindrical member <NUM> may comprise a heat conductive member (for example, metal such as SUS (steel use stainless)). The cylindrical member <NUM> may comprise the same member as the container <NUM>. The cylindrical member <NUM> is provided at a position adjacent to the second channel <NUM>. The cylindrical member <NUM> is provided along the outer lateral face of the columnar member <NUM>. In other words, the cylindrical member <NUM> has an inner lateral face that partitions off the fifth channel <NUM>.

The container <NUM> includes a tapered portion <NUM> that outwardly spreads toward the second end 40B. The tapered portion <NUM> is provided continuously to the holding portion 42A but not to the separated portion 42B in the predetermined direction X. The tapered portion <NUM> holds the cylindrical member <NUM> so that the inner lateral face of the cylindrical member <NUM> is aligned with an inner lateral face of the holding portion 42A. Accordingly, the cylindrical member <NUM> contacts the container <NUM> at the tapered portion <NUM>.

At the same time, the cylindrical member <NUM> is located away from the separated portion 42B for the necessity of bringing the second and third channels <NUM> and <NUM> into communication. A gap is provided between the cylindrical member <NUM> and the separated portion 42B.

According to Modification Example <NUM>, the cylindrical member <NUM> may include a portion overlapping the container <NUM> in the intersecting direction Y. For example, the cylindrical member <NUM> may include a portion overlapping part of the tapered portion <NUM> or a portion overlapping the separated portion 42B.

The second channel according to Modification Example <NUM> will be now discussed. <FIG> shows the second channel <NUM> according to Modification Example <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-section along a line D-D in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second channel <NUM> is a channel connecting the first channel <NUM> and the third channel <NUM>. As already mentioned, the second channel <NUM> is a channel extending from the first channel <NUM> along the intersecting direction Y intersecting with the predetermined direction X as viewed in a section (see <FIG>, for example) of the heater assembly <NUM> along the predetermined direction X.

At least part of the second channel <NUM> is formed by the outer lateral face of the cylindrical member <NUM>. For example, the second channel <NUM> is formed between the inner lateral face of the wall body <NUM> of the collar member <NUM> and the outer lateral face of the cylindrical member <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> may be formed between the inner lateral face of the holding portion 42A of the container <NUM> and the outer lateral face of the cylindrical member <NUM>.

In the foregoing case, the second channel <NUM> has a shape extending along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (namely, the cylindrical member <NUM>). To be specific, the second channel <NUM> includes the channel <NUM><NUM> extending in the first direction along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel and the channel <NUM><NUM> extending along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel in the second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

The following explains leakage of the aerosol according to Modification Example. <FIG> is a view for explaining the leakage of the aerosol according to Modification Example <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective cross-section of the heater assembly <NUM>.

A mechanism of the aerosol leakage is basically the same as the one illustrated in <FIG>. It should be noted, however, that the aerosol flowing backward through the second channel <NUM> (aerosol flow R2) passes outside the cylindrical member <NUM>.

According to Modification Example <NUM>, at least part of the second channel <NUM> comprises the cylindrical member <NUM>. With such a configuration, at least part of the second channel <NUM> is separated away from the columnar member <NUM>, which improves an efficiency of cooling the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel. The improvement of the cooling efficiency can be expected, for example, if the cylindrical member <NUM> is formed of a heat-conductive member.

The invention has been explained by discussing the embodiment. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the descriptions and drawings that are part of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will learn from the disclosure various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational technology.

According to the above-discussed embodiment and the like, the second channel <NUM> includes a channel extending in two directions (the channels <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM>) (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The embodiment and the like, however, are not limited to the configuration mentioned above. The second channel <NUM> may include a channel extending in one direction (for example, either one of the channels <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM>).

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment and the like, the second channel <NUM> may have a shape extending in a spiral manner along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (columnar member <NUM> or cylindrical member <NUM>). With such a configuration, the second channel <NUM> is increased in channel length, which improves the efficiency of cooling the aerosol flowing backward through the intake channel.

According to the embodiment and the like, the second channel <NUM> has the shape extending along the outer periphery of the aerosol channel (columnar member <NUM> or cylindrical member <NUM>). The embodiment, however, does not necessarily have to include the second channel <NUM> in such a shape. The second channel <NUM> may have a shape extending along the inner periphery of the aerosol channel. For example, the second channel <NUM> may be disposed in an inner side of the sixth channel <NUM> so that the second channel <NUM> is divided by the sixth channel <NUM> and a partition wall or the like.

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment and the like, the heater <NUM> may be provided only in the holding portion 42A of the container <NUM> without being provided in the separated portion 42B of the container <NUM>. With such a configuration, the heater <NUM> is not disposed in a region that does not contribute to the heating of the columnar member <NUM> (a region adjacent to the third channel <NUM>). This suppresses a decrease in efficiency of cooling the aerosol flowing backward through the third channel <NUM>.

The embodiment and the like illustrate the case where the heater <NUM> is disposed in the outer lateral face of the container <NUM>. However, the embodiment is not limited to the foregoing case. On the contrary, the heater <NUM> may be disposed in an inner lateral face of the container <NUM>. The heater <NUM> also may have a shape that is insertable in the columnar member <NUM>.

According to the embodiment and the like, the single hollow space 40X of the container <NUM> includes the third channel <NUM> and the fifth channel <NUM>. The embodiment, however, is not limited to this configuration. The third channel <NUM> and the fifth channel <NUM> may be provided as separate hollow spaces partitioned by a partition wall or the like. Likewise, although the single hollow space 31X of the collar member <NUM> includes the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, and the sixth channel <NUM>, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, and the sixth channel <NUM> may be provided as separate hollow spaces partitioned by partition walls or the like.

According to the embodiment and the like, the heater assembly <NUM> includes the single channel group as a channel group of the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, and the third channel <NUM>, albeit having a configuration that the second channel <NUM> is divided. The embodiment, however, is not limited to this configuration. For example, the heater assembly <NUM> may include two or more channel groups. In such a case, the two or more channel groups may be so configured as not to be connected to each other. The two or more channel groups also may share at least some channels. For example, the heater assembly <NUM> may include two or more first channels <NUM> and further include a second channel <NUM> connected to all of the two or more first channels <NUM>. In such a case, the heater assembly <NUM> may include a single third channel <NUM> or two or more third channels <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A flavor inhaler (<NUM>) including an aerosol source being a columnar article (<NUM>) having a column-like shape and a heater assembly (<NUM>) configured to atomize the aerosol source; the heater assembly (<NUM>) further comprising:
an atomization chamber (<NUM>) extending along a predetermined direction (X) to form at least part of an aerosol channel through which aerosol passes, the aerosol being generated when the aerosol source is heated by the heater assembly (<NUM>), and an intake channel (<NUM> to <NUM>) configured to supply air from an inlet (120IN) to the atomization chamber (<NUM>),
the intake channel (<NUM> to <NUM>) including:
a first channel (<NUM>) extending in the predetermined direction (X) and leading to the inlet (120IN);
a second channel (<NUM>) extending from the first channel (<NUM>) along an intersecting direction (Y) intersecting with the predetermined direction (X) as viewed in a section of the heater assembly (<NUM>) along the predetermined direction (X), and
a third channel (<NUM>) extending from the second channel (<NUM>) in the predetermined direction (X)
wherein the inlet (120IN) is provided side by side in the intersecting direction (Y) with an outlet (120OUT) from which the aerosol is guided out,
wherein the flavor inhaler (<NUM>) further comprises a collar member (<NUM>) including a hollow space (31X) that forms at least part of the aerosol channel, and
characterized in that
at least part of the second channel (<NUM>) is formed by an outer lateral face of the columnar article (<NUM>) with the columnar article (<NUM>) inserted in the atomization chamber (<NUM>).