Patent Description:
Conventionally, there have been known flavor inhalers for inhaling a flavor or the like without burning a material. The flavor inhalers include, for example, a chamber that contains a flavor generation article, a heater that heats the flavor generation article contained in the chamber, and a heat insulation member that suppresses transfer of the heat of the heater to a housing (for example, refer to <CIT>).

Further, there has been known an apparatus including a heating chamber having a flattened substantially elliptic cross-section and a heating plate that heats this heating chamber, and configured in such a manner that a cigarette is inserted in the heating chamber and is held while being compressed in the heating chamber (refer to <CIT>).

An inhaler comprising the features mentioned in the preamble of the present claim <NUM> is described in <CIT>. Further inhalers of the prior art are described in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The heating chamber having the substantially elliptic cross-section in the apparatus disclosed in <CIT> is in proximity to an outer housing over an area different between a surface thereof extending along a major axis of the ellipse and a surface thereof extending along a minor axis of the ellipse. More specifically, the area over which the surface extending along the major axis is in proximity to the outer housing is larger than the area over which the surface extending along the minor axis is in proximity to the outer housing. This facilitates transfer of the heat of the heating chamber to a portion of the outer housing in proximity to the surface extending along the major axis in a case where the distance between the surface extending along the major axis and the outer housing and the distance between the surface extending along the minor axis and the outer housing are substantially equal. As a result, such an apparatus may cause an unintended heat leak or make a user feel uncomfortable when using it. On the other hand, increasing the size of the outer housing to prevent them undesirably hinders a reduction in the size of the apparatus.

One of objects of the present invention is to suppress a heat leak in a flavor inhaler.

According to a first aspect, a flavor inhaler is provided. This flavor inhaler includes a housing, a containing unit contained in the housing and configured to contain a consumable, and a heating member configured to heat the consumable contained in the containing unit. The housing has a first major axis extending through a centroid of the housing in a cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction of the containing unit. The containing unit has a second major axis extending through a centroid of the containing unit in the cross-section. The first major axis intersects with the second major axis in the cross-section.

According to the first aspect, and as the invention is defined, the first major axis does not extend in parallel with the second major axis, and therefore a surface along the second major axis of the containing unit can be prevented from facing a surface along the first major axis of the housing. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the surface along the second major axis of the containing unit faces the surface along the first major axis of the housing, the flavor inhaler can reduce the area of the surface along the second major axis of the containing unit in proximity to the housing, and therefore can suppress transfer of the heat of the containing unit to the housing and a leak of the heat. The "first major axis" in the present specification refers to an axis located on a predetermined axis when a length of the housing (a length between the outer surfaces) along the predetermined axis extending through the centroid of the housing corresponds to a maximum length of the housing in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the containing unit. Alternatively, the "first major axis" in the present specification can also be said to refer to an axis located on a predetermined axis when a length of the housing (a length between the outer surfaces) along an axis that is perpendicular to the predetermined axis extending through the centroid of the housing and extends through the centroid of the housing corresponds to a minimum length of the housing in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the containing unit. Similarly, the "second major axis" in the present specification refers to an axis located on a predetermined axis when a length of the containing unit (a length between the outer surfaces) along the predetermined axis extending through the centroid of the containing unit corresponds to a maximum length of the containing unit in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the containing unit. Alternatively, the "second major axis" in the present specification can also be said to refer to an axis located on a predetermined axis when a length of the containing unit (a length between the outer surfaces) along an axis that is perpendicular to the predetermined axis extending through the centroid of the containing unit and extends through the centroid of the containing unit corresponds to a minimum length of the containing unit in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the containing unit.

According to a second aspect, and as the invention is defined, the heating member is provided on an inner surface or an outer surface of the containing unit. The heating member does not intersect with the second major axis in the cross-section.

In the case where the first major axis intersects with the second major axis, the containing unit can have a surface located farther away from the housing than a surface of the containing unit on the second major axis is. Therefore, according to the second aspect, the flavor inhaler can increase the distance between the housing and the heating member compared to a configuration in which the heating member intersects with the second major axis, and therefore can further suppress a leak of the heat of the heating member to the housing.

According to a third aspect, the first or second aspect further includes an air flow path formed between the consumable and the containing unit when the consumable is placed at a desired position in the containing unit. The air flow path intersects with the second major axis in the cross-section.

According to the third aspect, the air flow path is provided on the second major axis where the distance between the housing and the containing unit is relatively short, and therefore the air flow path functions as an air heat insulation layer and can contribute to suppressing transfer of the heat of the consumable heated in the containing unit to outside the containing unit. As a result, a leak of the heat to the housing can be suppressed.

According to a fourth aspect, in any of the first to third aspects, the containing unit includes a tubular sidewall portion. The sidewall portion includes a pair of flat portions each having a flat inner surface and a flat outer surface and extending in parallel with each other. The flat portions are substantially parallel with the second major axis in the cross-section. The heating member is provided on the flat inner surface(s) or the flat outer surface(s) of the flat portion(s).

According to the fourth aspect, the heating member is not provided on the second major axis where the distance between the housing and the containing unit is relatively short, and therefore the flavor inhaler can increase the distance between the housing and the heating member and can further suppress a leak of the heat of the heating member to the housing.

According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect according to the third aspect, the sidewall portion includes a curved portion connecting respective end portions of the pair of flat portions to each other in the cross-section. The air flow path is formed between the consumable and the curved portion.

According to the fifth aspect, the air flow path is formed between the curved portion and the consumable, and therefore air passing through the air flow path can absorb the heat in the curved portion, thereby cooling the curved portion. Further, the second major axis of the containing unit is substantially parallel with the flat portions, and this means that the curved portion is located on the second major axis. Therefore, due to the cooling of the curved portion located at a relatively short distance from the housing, a heat leak to the housing can be suppressed.

According to a sixth aspect, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the centroid of the housing and the centroid of the containing unit are substantially out of alignment with each other.

According to the sixth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the centroid of the containing unit is in alignment with the centroid of the housing, a large space can be formed inside the housing. As a result, the flavor inhaler can easily secure a space for accommodating components such as a power source in the housing.

According to a seventh aspect, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the first major axis is substantially perpendicular to the second major axis in the cross-section.

According to the seventh aspect, compared to a configuration in which the first major axis is not perpendicular to the second major axis, the surface along the second major axis of the containing unit can be further spaced apart from the surface along the first major axis of the housing. As a result, the flavor inhaler can suppress transfer of the heat of the containing unit to the housing and a leak of the heat.

According to an eighth aspect, and as the invention is defined, a length of the housing along the first major axis corresponds to a maximum length of the housing in the cross-section. A length of the containing unit along the second major axis corresponds to a maximum length of the containing unit in the cross-section.

In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings that will be described below, identical or corresponding components will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

<FIG> is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present embodiment. In the drawings that will be described in the present specification, an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system may be set for convenience of the description. In this coordinate system, a Z axis extends vertically upward. An X-Y plane is laid so as to cut across the flavor inhaler <NUM> horizontally. A Y axis is disposed so as to extend from the front side to the back side of the flavor inhaler <NUM>. The Z axis can also be said to be an insertion direction of a consumable contained in a chamber <NUM> of an atomization unit <NUM>, which will be described below, or an axial direction of the tubular chamber <NUM>. In the present specification, the Z-axis direction may be simply referred to as the axial direction. Further, the X axis can also be said to be a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the Y axis can also be said to be a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the first direction. Further, the X-axis direction can also be said to be a device longitudinal direction in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable or a direction in which a heating member and a power source unit are lined up. The Y-axis direction can also be said to be a device lateral direction in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable.

The flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present embodiment is configured to, for example, generate an aerosol that contains a flavor by heating a stick-type consumable provided with a flavor source including an aerosol source.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the flavor inhaler <NUM> includes an outer housing <NUM> (corresponding to one example of a housing), a slide cover <NUM>, and a switch unit <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler <NUM>, and is sized so as to be contained inside a user's hand. When the user uses the flavor inhaler <NUM>, the user can inhale the aerosol while holding the flavor inhaler <NUM> with his/her hand. The outer housing <NUM> may be constructed by assembling a plurality of members. The outer housing <NUM> can be made from resin such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

The outer housing <NUM> includes a not-illustrated opening for receiving the consumable, and the slide cover <NUM> is slidably attached to the outer housing <NUM> so as to close this opening. More specifically, the slide cover <NUM> is configured movably along the outer surface of the outer housing <NUM> between a closing position (the position illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>), at which the slide cover <NUM> closes the above-described opening of the outer housing <NUM>, and an opening position, at which the slide cover <NUM> opens the above-described opening. For example, the user can move the slide cover <NUM> to the closing position and the opening position by operating the slide cover <NUM> manually. Due to that, the side cover <NUM> can permit or restrict access of the consumable to inside the flavor inhaler <NUM>.

The switch unit <NUM> is used to switch on and off the actuation of the flavor inhaler <NUM>. For example, the user can cause power to be supplied from a not-illustrated power source to the not-illustrated heating unit and the heating unit to heat the consumable without burning it by operating the switch unit <NUM> in a state that the consumable is inserted in the flavor inhaler <NUM>. The switch unit <NUM> may be a switch provided outside the outer housing <NUM> or may be a switch located inside the outer housing <NUM>. In the case where the switch is located inside the outer housing <NUM>, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing of the switch unit <NUM> on the surface of the outer housing <NUM>. The present embodiment will be described citing the example in which the switch of the switch unit <NUM> is located inside the outer housing <NUM>.

The flavor inhaler <NUM> may further include a not-illustrated terminal. The terminal can be an interface that connects the flavor inhaler <NUM> to, for example, an external power source. In a case where the power source provided to the flavor inhaler <NUM> is a rechargeable battery, the external power source can supply a current to the power source to recharge the power source by being connected to the terminal. Further, the flavor inhaler <NUM> can be configured in such a manner that data relating to the actuation of the flavor inhaler <NUM> can be transmitted to an external apparatus by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal.

Next, the consumable used in the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable <NUM>. In the present embodiment, a smoking system can be constituted by the flavor inhaler <NUM> and the consumable <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the consumable <NUM> includes a smokable substance <NUM>, a tubular member <NUM>, a hollow filter unit <NUM>, and a filter unit <NUM>. The smokable substance <NUM> is wrapped with first rolling paper <NUM>. The tubular member <NUM>, the hollow filter unit <NUM>, and the filter unit <NUM> are wrapped with second rolling paper <NUM> different from the first rolling paper <NUM>. The second rolling paper <NUM> is also wrapped around a part of the first rolling paper <NUM> wrapped around the smokable substance <NUM>. As a result, the tubular member <NUM>, the hollow filter unit <NUM>, and the filter unit <NUM>, and the smokable substance <NUM> are joined with each other. However, the second rolling paper <NUM> may be omitted, and the tubular member <NUM>, the hollow filter unit <NUM>, and the filter unit <NUM>, and the smokable substance <NUM> may be joined with each other using the first rolling paper <NUM>. A lip release agent <NUM>, which is used to make it difficult for the user's lip to stick to the second rolling paper <NUM>, is applied to the outer surface near the end portion of the second rolling paper <NUM> on the filter unit <NUM> side. A portion of the consumable <NUM> to which the lip release agent <NUM> is applied functions as a mouthpiece of the consumable <NUM>.

The smokable substance <NUM> can include the flavor source such as tobacco and the aerosol source. Further, the first rolling paper <NUM> wrapped around the smokable substance <NUM> can be a breathable sheet member. The tubular member <NUM> can be a paper tube or a hollow filter. The consumable <NUM> includes the smokable substance <NUM>, the tubular member <NUM>, the hollow filter unit <NUM>, and the filter unit <NUM> in the illustrated example, but the configuration of the consumable <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the hollow filter unit <NUM> may be omitted, and the tubular member <NUM> and the filter unit <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to each other.

Next, the inner structure of the flavor inhaler <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler <NUM> as viewed from arrows <NUM>-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, an inner housing <NUM> is provided inside the outer housing <NUM> of the flavor inhaler <NUM>. The inner housing <NUM> is made from, for example, resin, and, especially, can be made from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing a plurality of kinds of polymers, or the like, or metal such as aluminum. The inner housing <NUM> is preferably made from PEEK from viewpoints of heat resistance and strength. However, the material of the inner housing <NUM> is not especially limited. A power source unit <NUM> and the atomization unit <NUM> are provided in an inner space of the inner housing <NUM>. Further, the outer housing <NUM> is made from, for example, resin, and, especially, can be made from polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing a plurality of kinds of polymers, or the like, or metal such as aluminum.

The power source unit <NUM> includes a power source <NUM>. The power source <NUM> can be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source <NUM> is electrically connected to the atomization unit <NUM>. Due to that, the power source <NUM> can supply power to the atomization unit <NUM> so as to appropriately heat the consumable <NUM>.

As illustrated, the atomization unit <NUM> includes a chamber <NUM> (corresponding to one example of a containing unit) extending in the insertion direction of the consumable <NUM> (the Z-axis direction), the heating unit <NUM> surrounding a part of the chamber <NUM>, a heat insulation unit <NUM>, and a substantially tubular insertion guide member <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is configured to contain the consumable <NUM>. The heating unit <NUM> is configured to heat the consumable <NUM> contained in the chamber <NUM> in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the chamber <NUM>.

The flavor inhaler <NUM> further includes a first support unit <NUM> and a second support unit <NUM>, which support the both ends of the chamber <NUM> and the heat insulation unit <NUM>. The first support unit <NUM> is disposed so as to support the end portions of the chamber <NUM> and the heat insulation unit <NUM> on the slide cover <NUM> side (the Z-axis positive direction side). The second support unit <NUM> is disposed so as to directly or indirectly support the end portions of the chamber <NUM> and the heat insulation unit <NUM> on the Z-axis negative direction side. The first support unit <NUM> and the second support unit <NUM> can be made from, for example, elastomer such as silicone rubber. As illustrated, a bottom member <NUM> may be provided on the bottom portion of the chamber <NUM>. The bottom member <NUM> can function as a stopper that positions the consumable <NUM> inserted in the chamber <NUM>. The bottom member <NUM> has a recess/protrusion on a surface with which the consumable <NUM> is in abutment, and can define a space capable of supplying air to the surface with which the consumable <NUM> is in abutment. The bottom member <NUM> can be made from, for example, a resin material such as PEEK, metal, glass, or ceramic, but is not especially limited thereto. Further, the material for making the bottom member <NUM> may be a low thermally conductive member compared to the material for making the chamber <NUM>. In a case where the bottom member <NUM> is joined with a bottom portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> (refer to Fig. 6B), an adhesive that can be made from a resin material such as epoxy resin or an inorganic material can be used therefor. The details of the chamber <NUM> and the heating unit <NUM> will be described below.

The heat insulation unit <NUM> is generally substantially tubular, and is disposed so as to surround the chamber <NUM>. The heat insulation unit <NUM> can include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member <NUM> is made from a resin material such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is provided between the slide cover <NUM> located at the closing position and the chamber <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the insertion guide member <NUM> can contact the chamber <NUM>, and therefore the insertion guide member <NUM> is preferably made from PEEK from a viewpoint of heat resistance. When the slide cover <NUM> is located at the opening position, the insertion guide member <NUM> is in communication with outside the flavor inhaler <NUM>, and guides insertion of the consumable <NUM> into the chamber <NUM> in reaction to insertion of the consumable <NUM> into the insertion guide member <NUM>.

Next, the structure of the chamber <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view of the chamber <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the chamber <NUM> as viewed from arrows 4B-4B illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the chamber <NUM> as viewed from arrows 5A-5A illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the chamber <NUM> as viewed from arrows 5B-5B illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the chamber <NUM> and the heating unit <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> can be a tubular member including an opening <NUM> via which the consumable <NUM> is inserted, and a tubular sidewall portion <NUM> containing the consumable <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is preferably made from a material heat-resisting and having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and can be made from, for example, metal such as stainless steel, resin such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sidewall portion <NUM> includes a flat portion <NUM> and a curved portion <NUM>. When the consumable <NUM> is placed at a desired position in the chamber <NUM>, the flat portion <NUM> contacts or presses a part of the consumable <NUM>, and the curved portion <NUM> is spaced apart from the consumable <NUM>. The "desired position in the chamber <NUM>" in the present specification refers to a position at which the consumable <NUM> is appropriately heated or a position of the consumable <NUM> when the user smokes. The flat portion <NUM> has a flat inner surface 62a and a flat outer surface 62b. The curved portion <NUM> has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As illustrated in <FIG>, the heating unit <NUM> is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM>. Preferably, the heating unit <NUM> is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM> without a space created therebetween. The heating unit <NUM> may include an adhesion layer. In this case, preferably, the heating unit <NUM> including the adhesion layer is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM> without a space created therebetween.

Since the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM> is flat, a band-shaped electrode <NUM> can be prevented from being deflected when the band-shaped electrode <NUM> is connected to the heating unit <NUM> disposed on the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Further, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flat portion <NUM> has an even thickness.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> includes two flat portions <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the chamber <NUM>, and the pair of flat portions <NUM> is parallel with each other. Preferably, the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the pair of flat portions <NUM> is at least partially shorter than the width of a portion of the consumable <NUM> inserted in the chamber <NUM> that is disposed between the flat portions <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the inner surface 66a of the curved portion <NUM> can have a generally circular arc-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber <NUM> (the Z-axis direction). Further, the curved portion <NUM> is disposed so as to be located circumferentially adjacent to the flat portion <NUM>. In other words, the curved portion <NUM> is configured to connect the respective end portions of the pair of flat portions <NUM> to each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> can include a hole 56a on the bottom portion <NUM> thereof so as to allow the bottom member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to be disposed inside the chamber <NUM> while extending through the bottom portion <NUM>. The bottom member <NUM> can be fixed inside the bottom portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> using an adhesive or the like. The bottom member <NUM> provided on the bottom portion <NUM> can support a part of the consumable <NUM> inserted in the chamber <NUM> in such a manner that the end surface of the consumable <NUM> is at least partially exposed.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, preferably, the chamber <NUM> includes a tubular portion <NUM> between the opening <NUM> and the sidewall portion <NUM>. A space can be formed between the tubular portion <NUM> and the consumable <NUM> in the state that the consumable <NUM> is positioned at the desired position in the chamber <NUM>. Further, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, preferably, the chamber <NUM> includes a first guide portion <NUM> having a tapering surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the tubular portion <NUM> and the inner surface 62a of the flat portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the heating unit <NUM> includes a heating element <NUM> (corresponding to one example of a heating member). The heating element <NUM> may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element <NUM> may be provided on the outer surface of the chamber <NUM> or may be provided on the inner surface. Preferably, the heating element <NUM> is disposed so as to heat the flat portion <NUM> without contacting the curved portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. In other words, preferably, the heating element <NUM> is disposed only on the outer surface of the flat portion <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> may include a portion that heats the curved portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> and a portion that heats the flat portion <NUM>, and may have a difference between the respective heating capabilities. More specifically, the heating element <NUM> may be configured to heat the flat portion <NUM> to a higher temperature than the curved portion <NUM>. For example, the layout density of the heating track in the heating element <NUM> can be adjusted on the flat portion <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the heating element <NUM> may be wrapped around the outer periphery of the chamber <NUM> while keeping a substantially constant heating capability throughout the entire circumference of the chamber <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, preferably, the heating unit <NUM> includes an electric insulation member <NUM> covering at least one surface of the heating element <NUM>, in addition to the heating element <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the electric insulation member <NUM> is disposed so as to cover the both surfaces of the heating element <NUM>.

Next, the relative orientations of the chamber <NUM> and the outer housing <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler <NUM> as viewed from arrows <NUM>-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The illustration of the components except for the outer housing <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> is omitted in <FIG> for simplification of the description. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> according to the present embodiment has a flattened shape in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. More specifically, the chamber <NUM> includes the pair of flat portions <NUM> parallel with each other, and the pair of curved portions <NUM> connecting the respective end portions of the pair of flat portions <NUM> to each other. Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> according to the present embodiment has a flattened shape in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. More specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> includes a first sidewall 101a and a second sidewall 101b opposite from the first sidewall 101a in the Y-axis direction.

In the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> has a first major axis A1 extending through a centroid of the outer housing <NUM>. The centroid of the outer housing <NUM> in the present specification refers to a centroid assuming that the mass is uniform inside the outer edge of the outer housing <NUM> in the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>. Further, the "first major axis" in the present specification refers to an axis located on a predetermined axis when a length of the outer housing <NUM> (a length between the outer surfaces) along the predetermined axis extending through the centroid of the outer housing <NUM> corresponds to a maximum length of the outer housing <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM> (the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>). Therefore, the length of the outer housing <NUM> along the first major axis A1 illustrated in <FIG> corresponds to the maximum length of the outer housing <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the "first major axis" in the present specification can also be said to refer to an axis located on a predetermined axis when a length of the outer housing <NUM> (a length between the outer surfaces) along an axis that is perpendicular to the predetermined axis extending through the centroid of the outer housing <NUM> and extends through the centroid of the outer housing <NUM> corresponds to a minimum length of the outer housing <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>.

In the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> has a second major axis A2 extending through a centroid of the chamber <NUM>. The centroid of the chamber <NUM> in the present specification refers to a centroid assuming that the mass is uniform inside the outer edge of the chamber <NUM> in the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>. Further, the "second major axis" in the present specification refers to an axis located on a predetermined axis when a length of the chamber <NUM> (a length between the outer surfaces) along the predetermined axis corresponds to a maximum length of the chamber <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM> (the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>). Therefore, the length of the chamber <NUM> along the second major axis A2 illustrated in <FIG> corresponds to the maximum length of the chamber <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the "second major axis" in the present specification can also be said to refer to an axis located on a predetermined axis when a length of the chamber <NUM> (a length between the outer surfaces) along an axis that is perpendicular to the predetermined axis extending through the centroid of the chamber <NUM> and extends through the centroid of the chamber <NUM> corresponds to a minimum length of the chamber <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>.

Regarding the chamber <NUM> and the outer housing <NUM> having flattened shapes as illustrated in <FIG>, if the chamber <NUM> is arranged in the outer housing <NUM> in such a manner that the first major axis A1 extends in parallel with the second major axis A2, surfaces of the chamber <NUM> along the second major axis A2, i.e., surfaces including the flattened portions <NUM> are supposed to face the first sidewall 101a and the second sidewall 101b of the outer housing <NUM>. In this case, the surfaces along the second major axis A2 of the chamber <NUM>, which have relatively large areas located in proximity to the first sidewall 101a and the second sidewall 101b of the outer housing <NUM>, are supposed to face the first sidewall 101a and the second sidewall 101b, and this may cause an unintended heat leak from the outer housing <NUM> or make the user feel uncomfortable when using the flavor inhaler <NUM>. In light thereof, in the present embodiment, the outer housing <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> are arranged in such a manner that the first major axis A1 and the second major axis A2 intersect with each other in the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>.

Due to this arrangement, the first major axis A1 does not extend in parallel with the second major axis A2, and therefore the surfaces along the second major axis A2 of the chamber <NUM> can be prevented from facing the surfaces along the first major axis A1 of the outer housing <NUM> (the first sidewall 101a or the second sidewall 101b). As a result, compared to a configuration in which the surfaces along the second major axis A2 of the chamber <NUM> face the surfaces along the first major axis A1 of the outer housing <NUM>, the present embodiment can reduce the areas of the surfaces along the second major axis A2 of the chamber <NUM> in proximity to the outer housing <NUM>, and therefore can suppress transfer of the heat of the chamber <NUM> to the outer housing <NUM> and a leak of the heat.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the first major axis A1 is substantially perpendicular to the second major axis A2 in the cross-section illustrated in <FIG>. Due to that, compared to a configuration in which the first major axis A1 is not perpendicular to the second major axis A2, the surfaces along the second major axis A2 of the chamber <NUM> can be further spaced apart from the surfaces along the first major axis A1 of the outer housing <NUM>. As a result, the present embodiment can suppress transfer of the heat of the heating unit <NUM> to the outer housing <NUM> and a leak of the heat.

Further, in the present embodiment, preferably, the centroid of the outer housing <NUM> and the centroid of the chamber <NUM> are substantially out of alignment with each other as illustrated in <FIG>. Due to that, compared to a configuration in which the centroid of the chamber <NUM> is in alignment with the centroid of the outer housing <NUM>, a large space can be formed inside the outer housing <NUM>. As a result, the present embodiment can easily secure a space for accommodating the components such as the power source <NUM> in the outer housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM> in the state that the consumable <NUM> is placed at the desired position in the chamber <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an example in which the heating element <NUM> is provided only on each of the flat portions <NUM>. An air flow path can be formed between the consumable <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> when the consumable <NUM> is positioned at the desired position in the chamber <NUM>. More specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the consumable <NUM> is placed at the desired position in the chamber <NUM>, the consumable <NUM> can be pressed in contact with the flat portions <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. On the other hand, a space <NUM> is formed between the consumable <NUM> and each of the curved portions <NUM>. The space <NUM> can establish communication between the opening <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> and the end surface of the consumable <NUM> positioned in the chamber <NUM>. Due to that, air introduced via the opening <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> can flow into the consumable <NUM> by passing through the space <NUM>. In other words, an air flow path (the space <NUM>) is formed between the consumable <NUM> and each of the curved portions <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, preferably, the heating element <NUM> does not intersect with the second major axis A2 in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. In the case where the first major axis A1 intersects with the second major axis A2 as illustrated in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> can have a surface located farther away from the outer housing <NUM> than a surface of the chamber <NUM> on the second major axis A2 (the surfaces of the curved portions <NUM>) is. More specifically, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the surfaces of the flat portions <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> are located farther away from the first sidewall 101a or the second sidewall 101b of the outer housing <NUM> than the surfaces of the curved portions <NUM> are Therefore, the example illustrated in <FIG> can increase the distance between the outer housing <NUM> and the heating element <NUM> compared to the configuration in which the heating element <NUM> intersects with the second major axis A2, and therefore can further suppress a leak of the heat of the heating element <NUM> to the outer housing <NUM>. In a case where the heating element <NUM> has a sparse portion and a dense portion, preferably, the sparse portion of the heating element <NUM> intersects with the second major axis A2 and the dense portion of the heating element intersects with the first major axis A1.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, preferably, the air flow path (the space <NUM>) intersects with the second major axis A2 in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. Accordingly, the air flow path (the space <NUM>) is provided on the second major axis A2 where the distance between the outer housing <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> is relatively short, and therefore the air flow path (the space <NUM>) functions as an air heat insulation layer and can contribute to suppressing transfer of the heat of the consumable <NUM> heated in the chamber <NUM> to outside the chamber <NUM>. As a result, a leak of the heat to the chamber <NUM> can be suppressed.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, preferably, the flat portions <NUM> are substantially parallel with the second major axis A2 and the heating element <NUM> is provided on the inner surface or the outer surface of each of the flat portions <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. This prevents the heating element <NUM> from being provided on the second major axis A2 where the distance between the outer housing <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> is relatively short, and therefore can increase the distance between the outer housing <NUM> and the heating element <NUM>, thereby further suppressing a leak of the heat of the heating element <NUM> to the outer housing <NUM>.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the present embodiment includes the air flow path (the space <NUM>) formed between each of the curved portions <NUM> and the consumable <NUM>, thereby allowing the air passing through the air flow path (the space <NUM>) to absorb the heat in the curved portion <NUM> to cool the curved portion <NUM>. Further, the second major axis A2 of the chamber <NUM> is substantially parallel with the flat portions <NUM>, and this means that the curved portions <NUM> are located on the second major axis A2. Therefore, due to the cooling of the curved portions <NUM> located at a relatively short distance from the outer housing <NUM>, a heat leak to the outer housing <NUM> can be suppressed.

<FIG> each illustrate a cross-sectional view in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM> provided to the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to another embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> may have a substantially elliptic cross-section in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> may be provided on the inner surface of the chamber <NUM>. The length of the chamber <NUM> along the second major axis A2 illustrated in <FIG> corresponds to the maximum length of the chamber <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> neither intersects with the second major axis A2 in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, similarly to the chamber <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Further, since the chamber <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> has a substantially elliptic cross-section, inserting the consumable <NUM> having a circular cross-section into this chamber <NUM> leads to generation of a space between the consumable <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> and causes this space to be located on the second major axis A2.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular cross-section in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> is provided on the inner surface of the chamber <NUM> similarly to <FIG>. Unlike the second major axis A2 illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the length of the chamber <NUM> along the second major axis A2 illustrated in <FIG> does not correspond to the maximum length of the chamber <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>. On the other hand, in <FIG>, a length of the chamber <NUM> (a length between the outer surfaces) along an axis A3, which is perpendicular to the second major axis A2 extending through the centroid C1 of the chamber <NUM> and extends through the centroid C1 of the chamber <NUM>, corresponds to the minimum length of the chamber <NUM> in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> neither intersects with the second major axis A2 in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, similarly to the chamber <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Further, since the chamber <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> has a substantially rectangular cross-section, inserting the consumable <NUM> having a circular cross-section into this chamber <NUM> leads to generation of a space between the consumable <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> and causes this space to be located on the second major axis A2.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating the relative orientations of the chamber <NUM> and the outer housing <NUM> of the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to another embodiment. <FIG> illustrates only the chamber <NUM> and the outer housing <NUM> for simplification of the description. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first major axis A1 of the outer housing <NUM> and the second major axis A2 of the chamber <NUM> do not have to be perpendicular to each other. Even in this case, the first major axis A1 and the second major axis A2 do not extend in parallel with each other, and therefore the surfaces along the second major axis A2 of the chamber <NUM> can be prevented from facing the surfaces along the first major axis A1 of the outer housing <NUM>.

Having described the embodiments of the present invention, the present invention shall not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Note that any shape and material not directly described or illustrated in the specification and drawings are still within the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A flavor inhaler (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a containing unit (<NUM>) contained in the housing (<NUM>) and configured to contain a consumable (<NUM>); and
a heating member (<NUM>) configured to heat the consumable (<NUM>) contained in the containing unit (<NUM>),
wherein the housing (<NUM>) has a first major axis (A1) extending through a centroid of the housing (<NUM>) in a cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction of the containing unit (<NUM>),
wherein the containing unit (<NUM>) has a second major axis (A2) extending through a centroid of the containing unit (<NUM>) in the cross-section,
wherein the first major axis (A1) intersects with the second major axis (A2) in the cross-section,
wherein a length of the housing (<NUM>) along the first major axis (A1) corresponds to a maximum length of the housing (<NUM>) in the cross-section, and
wherein a length of the containing unit (<NUM>) along the second major axis (A2) corresponds to a maximum length of the containing unit (<NUM>) in the cross-section,
characterized in that the heating member (<NUM>) is provided on an inner surface (62a, 66a) or an outer surface (62b, 66b) of the containing unit (<NUM>), and
wherein the heating member (<NUM>) does not intersect with the second major axis (A2) in the cross-section.