Patent Description:
These days, in the field of electronic cigarettes, there is known a mechanism for supporting a chamber inside a device housing, the chamber being for housing a consumable. For example, according to <CIT>, a side wall of an upper end portion of a heating chamber is supported by a washer made of resin.

<CIT> is related to a flavor inhaler having an accommodating portion in which an opening is formed at one end, the accommodating portion being adapted to house at least a part of a consumable through the opening portion. The flavor inhaler further comprises a support portion supporting the accommodating portion including a first abutting surface provided to surround an outer circumference of the opening portion of the accommodating portion and an extending portion extending from the first abutting surface in a direction away from the opening portion. The extending portion of the support portion and a part of an outer circumference of the accommodating portion facing the extending portion are separated from each other so as to form a space in between. Further flavor inhalers are derivable from <CIT> and <CIT>.

The present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler with improved retainability and sealability inside the device as defined in claim <NUM>.

The present invention pertains to a flavor inhaler including: an accommodating portion in which an opening portion is formed on one end, the accommodating portion being for housing at least a part of a consumable through the opening portion, and a support portion that supports the accommodating portion, the support portion including a first abutting surface provided to surround an outer circumference of the opening portion of the accommodating portion, and an extending portion extending from the first abutting surface in a direction away from the opening portion, where the extending portion of the support portion and a part of an outer circumference of the accommodating portion that faces the extending portion are separated from each other such that a space is formed in between.

In the first aspect described above, a space is formed in the flavor inhaler, between the extending portion extending from the first abutting surface of the support portion that supports, from outside, a periphery of an opening in the accommodating portion that houses the consumable, and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion. As a result, in the case of adhering the first abutting surface of the support portion and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion, the space may function as a pocket for collecting a member that contributes to adhering and the like, allowing sufficient adhering. Therefore, according to the first aspect, retainability, adhesion and airtightness between the support portion and the accommodating portion may be improved, and the accommodating portion may be stably supported by the support portion.

According to the present invention, the first abutting surface of the support portion is adhered to an adhesion surface on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion.

In the second aspect described above, the first abutting surface that is provided surrounding the outer circumference of the opening portion of the accommodating portion is adhered to the adhesion surface on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion. At the time of adhering, the space that is formed between the extending portion of the support portion and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion functions as the pocket for collecting a member that contributes to adhering. Therefore, according to the second aspect, retainability, adhesion and airtightness between the support portion and the accommodating portion may be improved by the adhering, and the accommodating portion may be stably supported by the support portion.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to the second aspect, where the first abutting surface of the support portion is adhered to the adhesion surface by an adhesive.

In the third aspect described above, the first abutting surface that is provided surrounding the outer circumference of the opening portion of the accommodating portion is adhered to the adhesion surface on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion by an adhesive. At the time of adhering, the space that is formed between the extending portion of the support portion and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion functions as a pocket for collecting the adhesive, and allowing a sufficient amount of adhesive to be used in adhering. Particularly, in the case where the adhesive is a liquid adhesive, the function of the pocket becomes more significant. Therefore, according to the third aspect, retainability, adhesion and airtightness between the support portion and the accommodating portion may be even more improved, and the accommodating portion may be stably supported by the support portion.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to the third aspect, where an adhesive reservoir for retaining the adhesive is formed in the space between the extending portion and the part of the outer circumference of the accommodating portion that faces the extending portion.

In the fourth aspect described above, the outer circumference of the accommodating portion and the support portion are adhered by an adhesive near the opening in the accommodating portion, and the space between the outer circumference of the accommodating portion and the extending portion of the support portion may function as the adhesive reservoir for retaining the adhesive. Particularly, in the case where the adhesive is a liquid adhesive, the function of the adhesive reservoir may become more significant. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect, a sufficient amount of adhesive may be applied between the outer circumference of the accommodating portion and the support portion, and airtightness inside the flavor inhaler may be improved, and the accommodating portion may be stably supported by the support portion.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to the first to fourth aspects, where the extending portion of the support portion includes a first tapered surface that faces the outer circumference of the accommodating portion and that slopes away from the outer circumference of the accommodating portion.

In the fifth aspect described above, the first tapered surface is provided on the extending portion of the support portion, the first tapered surface sloping away from a facing part of the outer circumference of the accommodating portion. Therefore, according to the fifth aspect, a sufficient separation space may be secured between the outer circumference of the accommodating portion and the extending portion of the support portion.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to the first to fifth aspects, where a second tapered surface is provided on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion, the second tapered surface facing the extending portion of the support portion and sloping away from the extending portion.

In the sixth aspect described above, the second tapered surface is provided on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion, at a part facing the extending portion of the support portion, the second tapered surface sloping away from the extending portion. Therefore, according to the sixth aspect, an even larger separation space may be secured between the outer circumference of the accommodating portion and the extending portion of the support portion by the second tapered surface. As a result, in the case of adhering the first abutting surface and the adhesion surface on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion, a space that functions as the pocket for collecting a member that contributes to adhering may be sufficiently formed.

According to the present invention, a heat generating unit is provided on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion, the heat generating unit being separated from the adhesion surface across a part facing the extending portion of the support portion.

In the seventh aspect described above, the adhesion surface to be adhered to the first abutting surface of the support portion, the part that faces the extending portion of the support portion, and the heat generating unit are arranged on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion, in the stated order from an end portion of the opening through which the consumable is inserted. That is, the heat generating unit is separated in an insertion direction of the consumable, from a set of the first abutting surface and the adhesion surface by a set of the extending portion of the support portion and the corresponding part of the accommodating portion. Therefore, according to the seventh aspect, heat from the heat generating unit provided on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion may be prevented from interfering with adhesion between the support portion and the accommodating portion near the opening in the accommodating portion, or in other words, from exerting negative influence by reducing adhesive force.

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to the first to seventh aspects, the flavor inhaler further including a heat insulating portion that abuts an outer circumference of the support portion.

In the eighth aspect described above, the heat insulating portion is disposed surrounding, from outside, the support portion supporting the accommodating portion. Therefore, according to the eighth aspect, transfer of heat generated by the accommodating portion to outside may be prevented.

A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to the eighth aspect, where the heat insulating portion abuts an outer circumference of the extending portion of the support portion.

In the ninth aspect described above, the heat insulating portion is disposed surrounding the extending portion of the support portion from outside. The extending portion of the support portion and the facing part on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion are separated from each other and a space is formed therebetween. Furthermore, the heat generating unit is provided on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion. Moreover, a heat bridge that is an escape route for heat from the heat generating unit may be formed between the outer circumference of the support portion and the heat insulating portion. In the ninth aspect described above, because the support portion includes the extending portion, the route of the heat bridge that may be formed between the outer circumference of the support portion and the heat insulating portion is longer than in a case where the support portion does not include the extending portion. Accordingly, because the route that is necessary for the heat from the heat generating unit to escape is long, the heat bridge is formed and the heat is less likely to reach outside. Therefore, according to the ninth aspect, the heat bridge is formed, and heat from the heat generating unit may be prevented from reaching outside the support portion.

A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler according to the first to ninth aspects, the flavor inhaler further including a guide portion that is cylindrical, one end portion of the guide portion abutting an opening surface of the opening portion of the accommodating portion, where the support portion further includes a second abutting surface that abuts an outer circumference of the one end portion of the guide portion.

In the tenth aspect described above, the guide portion that is cylindrical is provided above the opening portion of the accommodating portion, and the support portion abuts the outer circumference of the accommodating portion at the first abutting surface, and abuts the outer circumference of the guide portion at the second abutting portion. That is, with the flavor inhaler, a set of the accommodating portion for housing the consumable and the guide portion is supported by the support portion. Therefore, according to the tenth aspect, the guide portion for sustaining the accommodating portion may be supported by the support portion, and an increase in the number of components may be prevented.

An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a flavor inhaler manufacturing method including: forming, on an inner circumference of a support portion, a first abutting surface, and a first tapered surface that is connected to the first abutting surface and that slopes outward in a radial direction of the support portion, forming an adhesion surface on an outer circumference of an accommodating portion that includes an opening portion on one end and that houses at least a part of a consumable through the opening portion, inserting the accommodating portion on the inner circumference of the support portion such that the first abutting surface and the adhesion surface abut each other and such that a space is formed between the first tapered surface and a part of the outer circumference of the accommodating portion that faces the first tapered surface; and adhering the inner circumference of the support portion and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion by supplying an adhesive between the first abutting surface and the adhesion surface through the space between the first tapered surface and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion.

In the eleventh aspect described above, at the time of inserting the accommodating portion on the inner circumference of the support portion, the space is formed between the first tapered surface that slopes outward in the radial direction of the support portion and the part of the outer circumference of the accommodating portion that faces the first tapered surface. The adhesive is supplied between the first abutting surface on the inner circumference of the support portion and the adhesion surface on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion through the space. Therefore, according to the eleventh aspect, the adhesive for adhering the inner circumference of the support portion and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion may be appropriately supplied, and a flavor inhaler with improved retainability, adhesion and airtightness may be manufactured.

A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler manufacturing method according to the eleventh aspect, further including forming a second tapered surface at the part of the outer circumference of the accommodating portion that faces the first tapered surface, the second tapered surface sloping away from the first tapered surface.

In the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a tapered surface that slopes away from the first tapered surface of the support portion is provided on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion in a manner facing the first tapered surface. Therefore, according to the twelfth aspect, a flavor inhaler including a sufficient separation space between the outer circumference of the accommodating portion and the first tapered surface of the support portion may be manufactured.

A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the flavor inhaler manufacturing method according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, including supplying an adhesive between the first abutting surface and the adhesion surface through the space between the first tapered surface and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion in a state where the accommodating portion that is inserted on the inner circumference of the support portion is disposed in such a way that the one end of the accommodating portion is on a vertically lower side and an other end is on a vertically upper side.

In the thirteenth aspect described above, the adhesive is supplied between the outer circumference of the accommodating portion and the inner circumference of the support portion through the space between the first tapered surface and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion in a state where one end of the accommodating portion at which the opening portion is formed is disposed on the vertically lower side and the other end of the accommodating portion is disposed on the other side in the vertically direction. In this case, the space between the first tapered surface and the outer circumference of the accommodating portion functions as a pocket for collecting an adhesive material, and allowing a sufficient amount of adhesive to be used in adhering. Therefore, according to the thirteenth aspect, a flavor inhaler with even more improved retainability, adhesion and airtightness may be manufactured.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, same or corresponding structural elements will be denoted by a same reference sign, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present disclosure. In the drawings described in the present specification, an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system may be added for the sake of description. In the coordinate system, a Z-axis faces vertically upward, an X-Y plane cuts the flavor inhaler <NUM> in a horizontal direction, and a Y-axis extends from a front surface to a back surface of the flavor inhaler <NUM>. The Z-axis may also be said to be an insertion direction of a consumable that is to be housed in a chamber <NUM> of an atomizing unit <NUM> described later, or an axial direction of the chamber <NUM> that has a cylindrical shape. In the present specification, a Z-axis direction may sometimes be simply referred to as an axial direction. Furthermore, an X-axis may be said to be a first direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction, and the Y-axis may be said to be a second direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction and the first direction. Moreover, an X-axis direction may be said to be a longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler <NUM> on a plane that is orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable, and a Y-axis direction may be said to be a transverse direction of the flavor inhaler <NUM> on the plane that is orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable.

For example, the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present disclosure generates an aerosol including a flavor by heating a stick-shaped consumable including a flavor source including an aerosol source.

As shown in <FIG>, the flavor inhaler <NUM> includes an outer housing <NUM>, a slide cover <NUM>, and a switch unit <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> forms an outermost housing of the flavor inhaler <NUM>, and has a size that can be fitted in a hand of a user. At the time of using the flavor inhaler <NUM>, a user may hold the flavor inhaler <NUM> in the hand, and may inhale the aerosol. The outer housing <NUM> may be formed by assembling a plurality of members. For example, the outer housing <NUM> may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or metal such as aluminum.

The outer housing <NUM> includes an opening, not shown, for receiving a consumable, and the slide cover <NUM> is slidably attached to the outer housing <NUM> to close the opening. More specifically, the slide cover <NUM> is movable along an outer surface of the outer housing <NUM>, between a close position of closing the opening in the outer housing <NUM> (a position shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and an open position of opening the opening. For example, the slide cover <NUM> may be moved between the close position and the open position by the user manually operating the slide cover <NUM>. The slide cover <NUM> may thus allow or restrict access of the consumable into the flavor inhaler <NUM>.

The switch unit <NUM> is used to switch between on and off of operation of the flavor inhaler <NUM>. For example, as described later, when a user operates the switch unit <NUM> in a state where the consumable is inserted in the flavor inhaler <NUM>, power may be supplied from a power source <NUM> to a heating unit <NUM>, and the consumable may be heated without being burnt. Additionally, the switch unit <NUM> may be a switch that is provided outside the outer housing <NUM>, or may be a switch positioned inside the outer housing <NUM>. In the case where the switch is positioned inside the outer housing <NUM>, the switch is indirectly pressed when the switch unit <NUM> on a surface of the outer housing <NUM> is pressed. In the present disclosure, an example is described where the switch of the switch unit <NUM> is positioned inside the outer housing <NUM>.

The flavor inhaler <NUM> may further include a terminal, not shown. The terminal may be an interface for connecting the flavor inhaler <NUM> to an external power source, for example. In the case where the power source of the flavor inhaler <NUM> is a rechargeable battery, current may be supplied from the external power source to the power source and the power source may be charged when the external power source is connected to the terminal. Furthermore, the flavor inhaler <NUM> may be formed such that, by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal, data about operation of the flavor inhaler <NUM> may be transmitted to an external device.

Next, a consumable that is used with the flavor inhaler <NUM> according to the present disclosure will be described. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable <NUM>. In the present disclosure, a smoking system may be formed by the flavor inhaler <NUM> and the consumable <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the consumable <NUM> includes a smokable substance <NUM>, a cylindrical member <NUM>, a hollow filter portion <NUM>, and a filter portion <NUM>. The smokable substance <NUM> is wrapped with a first rolling paper <NUM>. The cylindrical member <NUM>, the hollow filter portion <NUM>, and the filter portion <NUM> are wrapped with a 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> that is wrapped around the smokable substance <NUM>. The cylindrical member <NUM>, the hollow filter portion <NUM>, and the filter portion <NUM> are thus adhered to the smokable substance <NUM>. Additionally, the second rolling paper <NUM> may be omitted, and the cylindrical member <NUM>, the hollow filter portion <NUM>, and the filter portion <NUM> may instead be adhered to the smokable substance <NUM> using the first rolling paper <NUM>. A lip release agent <NUM> is applied on an outer surface of the second rolling paper <NUM>, around an end portion on the filter portion <NUM> side, to prevent lips of the user from sticking to the second rolling paper <NUM>. The part of the consumable <NUM> where the lip release agent <NUM> is applied functions as a mouthpiece of the consumable <NUM>.

The smokable substance <NUM> may include a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source, for example. Furthermore, the first rolling paper <NUM> wrapped around the smokable substance <NUM> may be a breathable sheet member. The cylindrical member <NUM> may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. In the example shown in <FIG>, the consumable <NUM> includes the smokable substance <NUM>, the cylindrical member <NUM>, the hollow filter portion <NUM>, and the filter portion <NUM>, but the structure of the consumable <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the hollow filter portion <NUM> may be omitted, and the cylindrical member <NUM> and the filter portion <NUM> may be disposed next to each other.

Next, an internal structure of the flavor inhaler <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the flavor inhaler <NUM> taken along arrows <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, an inner housing <NUM> is provided inside the outer housing <NUM> of the flavor inhaler <NUM>. For example, the inner housing <NUM> may be formed of polycarbonate, ABS resin, PEEK, a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or metal such as aluminum, but the material of the inner housing <NUM> is not particularly specified. A power source unit <NUM> and the atomizing unit <NUM> are provided in an internal space of the inner housing <NUM>.

The power source unit <NUM> includes the power source <NUM>. For example, the power source <NUM> may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source <NUM> is electrically connected to the atomizing unit <NUM>. The power source <NUM> may thus supply power to the atomizing unit <NUM> so that the consumable <NUM> is appropriately heated.

As shown in <FIG>, the atomizing unit <NUM> includes the chamber <NUM> 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 insulating portion <NUM>, and an insertion guide member <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical shape. The chamber <NUM> houses the consumable <NUM>. The heating unit <NUM> is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM>, and the heating unit <NUM> heats the consumable <NUM> that is housed in the chamber <NUM>. Details of the chamber <NUM> will be given later. The chamber <NUM> is an example of an accommodating portion of the present disclosure. The insertion guide member <NUM> is an example of a guide portion of the present disclosure.

The heat insulating portion <NUM> is substantially cylindrical as a whole, and is disposed to surround the chamber <NUM>. The heat insulating portion <NUM> may include an aerogel sheet, for example. The insertion guide member <NUM> is formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate, PEEK, or ABS, and is provided between the slide cover <NUM> in the close position and the chamber <NUM>. When the slide cover <NUM> is in the open position, the insertion guide member <NUM> communicates with outside of the flavor inhaler <NUM>, and guides insertion of the consumable <NUM> into the chamber <NUM> when the consumable <NUM> is inserted in the insertion guide member <NUM>.

The flavor inhaler <NUM> further includes a first holding portion <NUM> and a second holding portion <NUM> for supporting both ends of the chamber <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM>. The first holding portion <NUM> is disposed to support end portions of the chamber <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> on the slide cover <NUM> side (a Z-axis positive direction side). Furthermore, the second holding portion <NUM> is disposed to directly or indirectly support end portions of the chamber <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> on a Z-axis negative direction side. Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, a bottom member <NUM> may be provided on a bottom part of the chamber <NUM>. The bottom member <NUM> may function as a stopper for positioning the consumable <NUM> that is inserted in the chamber <NUM>. The bottom member <NUM> is uneven at a surface where the consumable <NUM> abuts against, and may demarcate a space where air can be supplied, in the surface where the consumable <NUM> abuts against. Details of the first holding portion <NUM> will be given later.

Next, a 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> taken along arrows 4B-4B shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the chamber <NUM> taken along arrows 5A-5A shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the chamber <NUM> taken along arrows 5B-5B shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the chamber <NUM> and the heating unit <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> may be a cylindrical member including an opening <NUM> through which the consumable <NUM> is inserted, a flange portion 52a, and a cylindrical side wall portion <NUM> for housing the consumable <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is desirably formed of a material that has heat resistance and that has small thermal expansion coefficient, and may be formed of metal such as stainless steel, resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic or the like, for example. The consumable <NUM> may thus be efficiently heated in the chamber <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the side wall portion <NUM> includes a flat portion <NUM> and a curved portion <NUM>. When the consumable <NUM> is disposed at a desired position inside the chamber <NUM>, the flat portion <NUM> contacts or presses a part of the consumable <NUM>, and the curved portion <NUM> is separate from the consumable <NUM>. Additionally, in the present specification, "desired position inside the chamber <NUM>" refers to a position where the consumable <NUM> is appropriately heated, or a position of the consumable <NUM> when the user smokes. The flat portion <NUM> includes a flat inner surface 62a and a flat outer surface 62b. The curved portion <NUM> includes an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in <FIG>, the heating unit <NUM> is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM>. The heating unit <NUM> is desirably disposed on the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM> with no gap in between. Additionally, the heating unit <NUM> may include an adhesive layer. In this case, the heating unit <NUM> including the adhesive layer is desirably disposed on the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM> with no gap in between.

In the case where a strip-shaped electrode <NUM> is connected to the heating unit <NUM> disposed on the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, because the outer surface 62b of the flat portion <NUM> is flat, the strip-shaped electrode <NUM> may be prevented from being warped. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a thickness of the flat portion <NUM> is uniform.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> includes two flat portions <NUM> in a circumferential direction of the chamber <NUM>, and the pair of flat portions <NUM> are parallel to each other. A distance between at least parts of the inner surfaces 62a of the pair of flat portions <NUM> is desirably smaller than a width of a part where the consumable <NUM> that is inserted in the chamber <NUM> is disposed between the flat portions <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner surface 66a of the curved portion <NUM> may have, as a whole, an arc-shaped cross-section on a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal direction (the Z-axis direction) of the chamber <NUM>. Furthermore, the curved portion <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the flat portions <NUM> in the circumferential direction. In other words, the curved portion <NUM> connects end portions of the pair of flat portions <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> may include a hole 56a in a bottom portion <NUM> to allow the bottom member <NUM> shown in <FIG> to penetrate and be disposed inside the chamber <NUM>. The bottom member <NUM> may be fixed on an inside of the bottom portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> by an adhesive or the like. The bottom member <NUM> provided on the bottom portion <NUM> may support a part of the consumable <NUM> that is inserted in the chamber <NUM> in such a way that at least a part of an end surface of the consumable <NUM> is exposed. The bottom member <NUM> is uneven at the surface where the consumable <NUM> abuts against, and may, but not limited to, be formed of a resin material such as PEEK, metal, glass, or ceramic.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> desirably includes a cylindrical portion <NUM> between the opening <NUM> and the side wall portion <NUM>. A gap may be formed between the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the consumable <NUM> in a state where the consumable <NUM> is positioned at the desired position inside the chamber <NUM>. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> desirably includes a guide portion <NUM> including a tapered surface 58a that connects an inner surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the inner surfaces 62a of the flat portions <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the heating unit <NUM> includes a heating element <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> may be a heating track, for example. The heating element <NUM> may be provided on an outer surface or an inner surface of the chamber <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> is desirably disposed to heat the flat portion <NUM> without coming into contact with the curved portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. In other words, the heating element <NUM> is desirably disposed only on the outer surface of the flat portion <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> may include a part for heating the curved portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> and a part for heating the flat portion <NUM>, and heating capacity may be different between the parts. More specifically, the heating element <NUM> may heat the flat portion <NUM> to a temperature higher than that of the curved portion <NUM>. For example, an arrangement density of the heating track of the heating element <NUM> may be adjusted between the flat portion <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the heating element <NUM> may have substantially same heating capacity along an entire circumference of the chamber <NUM>, and may be wound around an outer circumference of the chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in addition to the heating element <NUM>, the heating unit <NUM> desirably includes an electrically insulating member <NUM> that covers at least one surface of the heating element <NUM>. In the present disclosure, the electrically insulating member <NUM> is disposed to cover both surfaces of the heating element <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> is an example of a heat generating unit of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view shown in <FIG>, where the consumable <NUM> is disposed at the desired position inside the chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the consumable <NUM> is disposed at the desired position inside the chamber <NUM>, the consumable <NUM> may be pressed by coming into contact with the flat portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. A gap <NUM> is formed between the consumable <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM>. The gap <NUM> may communicate with the opening <NUM> in the chamber <NUM> and an air passage between the end surface of the consumable <NUM> positioned inside the chamber <NUM> and the bottom member <NUM>. Accordingly, air flowing in from the opening <NUM> in the chamber <NUM> may pass through the gap <NUM> and flow into the consumable <NUM>. In other words, an air passage (the gap <NUM>) is formed between the consumable <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM>.

Next, a structure of the first holding portion <NUM> that holds the end portion of the chamber <NUM> on the Z-axis positive direction side inside the inner housing <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first holding portion <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of a gasket <NUM> and an O-ring <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing generation of a heat bridge near the gasket <NUM>.

More specifically, the first holding portion <NUM> includes the gasket <NUM> and the O-ring <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> is formed as an annular member that is disposed around the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>, along an entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM>, and that supports the chamber <NUM>. For example, the gasket <NUM> may be formed of resin such as polycarbonate or PEEK. The gasket <NUM> is an example of a support portion of the present disclosure.

The O-ring <NUM> engages with the insertion guide member <NUM> along an entire circumference of the insertion guide member <NUM> via a pressed portion <NUM> described later, and also engages with the gasket <NUM> along an entire circumference of the gasket <NUM>, and thereby supports the insertion guide member <NUM> and the gasket <NUM>. For example, the O-ring <NUM> may be formed by an elastic member such as silicon. Furthermore, the O-ring <NUM> is positioned and fixed to a fixing portion <NUM> fixed to the inner housing <NUM>.

A sealing surface <NUM> is formed at a contact part between the gasket <NUM> and the O-ring <NUM>, the sealing surface <NUM> extending along the axial direction (that is, the Z-axis direction) of the chamber <NUM>. The sealing surface <NUM> is formed on a radially inner side of the chamber <NUM> than an outer edge of the gasket <NUM>. The first holding portion <NUM> including the gasket <NUM> and the O-ring <NUM> may thus seal in smoke that leaks into the inner housing from between the chamber <NUM> and the insertion guide member <NUM>, at a position separate from the chamber <NUM>, or in other words, at a position that is thermally separated from the chamber <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> includes a first surface 81a, a first jaw portion 81b, a second surface 82a, a second jaw portion 82b, a tapered surface <NUM>, a protruding portion <NUM>, and a leg portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> are disposed facing each other while being separated from each other, and a space is formed between the two tapered surfaces. An adhesive reservoir <NUM> is formed in the space. The gasket <NUM> and the O-ring <NUM> are disposed next to each other along the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>. The tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> is an example of a first tapered surface of the present disclosure. The tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> is an example of a second tapered surface of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the O-ring <NUM> includes a recessed portion <NUM>, the pressed portion <NUM>, and a positioning portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, on an inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM>, the tapered surface <NUM>, the first surface 81a, the first jaw portion 81b, the second surface 82a, the second jaw portion 82b, the sealing surface <NUM>, and the protruding portion <NUM> are formed in this order from the Z-axis negative direction side toward the Z-axis positive direction side, concentrically around a center axis of the gasket <NUM> (that coincides with a center axis of the chamber <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> is a tapered surface that faces the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> and that slopes in a direction away from the tapered surface 58a (that is, outward in a radial direction of the chamber <NUM>).

The leg portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> refers to a part of the gasket <NUM> where an inner circumferential surface is the tapered surface <NUM>. In other words, a region of the gasket <NUM> on the Z-axis negative direction side than the first surface 81a is the leg portion <NUM>. The leg portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> is an example of an extending portion of the present disclosure.

The first surface 81a of the gasket <NUM> is an annular surface that is continuous with the tapered surface <NUM> along the Z-axis direction, and that abuts the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> while being substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction.

The first jaw portion 81b of the gasket <NUM> is continuous with the first surface 81a along the Z-axis direction, and the first jaw portion 81b engages with the flange portion 52a of the chamber <NUM> to support the chamber <NUM>.

As described later, the first surface 81a of the gasket <NUM> is adhered to an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> by an adhesive. In the same manner, the first jaw portion 81b of the gasket <NUM> is adhered to an outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 52a of the chamber <NUM> by an adhesive. A set of the first surface 81a and the first jaw portion 81b formed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> is an example of a first abutting surface of the present disclosure. A set of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 52a is an example of an adhesion surface of the present disclosure.

The second surface 82a of the gasket <NUM> is an annular surface that is continuous with the first jaw portion 81b along the Z-axis direction, and that faces an outer circumferential surface of the insertion guide member <NUM> near an end portion on the Z-axis negative direction side while extending substantially in parallel to the Z-axis direction. As shown in <FIG>, the second surface 82a of the gasket <NUM> abuts an outer circumferential portion of the end portion of the insertion guide member <NUM> on the Z-axis negative direction side, the insertion guide member <NUM> abutting the opening <NUM> in the chamber <NUM>. The second surface 82a of the gasket <NUM> is an example of a second abutting surface of the present disclosure.

The second jaw portion 82b of the gasket <NUM> is formed to connect the second surface 82a and the sealing surface <NUM> along the Z-axis direction.

As described above, the sealing surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> is a contact part between the gasket <NUM> and the O-ring <NUM>. Furthermore, the protruding portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> is continuous with the sealing surface <NUM> along the Z-axis direction, and the protruding portion <NUM> protrudes in the Z-axis positive direction from a main body portion of the gasket <NUM> toward the O-ring <NUM> along the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>.

More specifically, the recessed portion <NUM> that faces the protruding portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> is provided on the O-ring <NUM>. The sealing surface <NUM> is formed at a contact part between a surface of the protruding portion <NUM>, on a radially inner side of the chamber <NUM>, and a surface of the recessed portion <NUM>, on a radially outer side of the chamber <NUM>. The sealing surface <NUM> is thus formed by the surface of the protruding portion <NUM> and the surface of the recessed portion <NUM> coming into contact with each other at the contact part of the protruding portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> and the recessed portion <NUM> of the O-ring <NUM>, and sealability of the sealing surface <NUM> may be increased, and smoke generated in the chamber <NUM> may be better prevented from leaking into the inner housing.

Additionally, the sealing surface <NUM> is described to be formed at the contact part between the protruding portion <NUM> and the recessed portion <NUM>, but such a case is not restrictive. The gasket <NUM> and the O-ring <NUM> may include, respectively, a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion that protrude toward the O-ring <NUM> and the gasket <NUM> along the axial direction of the chamber <NUM>, and a sealing surface may be formed at a contact part between a surface of the first protruding portion, on an axially inner side of the chamber <NUM>, and a surface of the second protruding portion, on an axially outer side of the chamber <NUM>.

Also in this case, the sealing surface is formed by the surface of the first protruding portion and the surface of the second protruding portion coming into contact with each other at the contact part between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion, and thus, the sealability of the sealing surface may be increased, and smoke generated in the chamber <NUM> may be better prevented from leaking into the inner housing <NUM>.

Furthermore, the pressed portion <NUM> that is formed as a lip-shaped member that engages with the insertion guide member <NUM> is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the O-ring <NUM>. At the time when the insertion guide member <NUM> is attached at the time of manufacture of the flavor inhaler <NUM>, the pressed portion <NUM> of the O-ring <NUM> is pressed by the insertion guide member <NUM> and is bent in the Z-axis negative direction side. A seal is thus formed between the insertion guide member <NUM> and the pressed portion <NUM>, and smoke generated in the chamber <NUM> may be prevented from leaking into the inner housing <NUM>. Additionally, for the sake of description, <FIG> shows a state where the pressed portion <NUM> of the O-ring <NUM> is not bent.

At this time, the O-ring <NUM> is desirably biased against the gasket <NUM> due to the pressed portion <NUM> being pressed by the insertion guide member <NUM>. Because the O-ring <NUM> is biased against the gasket <NUM>, the sealability of the sealing surface <NUM> may be increased.

The positioning portion <NUM> of the O-ring <NUM> protrudes outward from a main body portion of the O-ring <NUM> to be engaged with a positioning claw 22a formed on the fixing portion <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> is thereby held by the fixing portion <NUM>, and the O-ring <NUM> and the gasket <NUM> may operate together to prevent the position of the chamber <NUM> inside the inner housing from being shifted. The insertion guide member <NUM> may thereby be easily attached.

Arrangement of the gasket <NUM> relative to parts other than the chamber <NUM> will be described. As shown in <FIG>, the adhesive reservoir <NUM> formed between the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> is positioned separate in the Z-axis positive direction from the heating element <NUM> provided on the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM>. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, an outer circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> abuts the heat insulating portion <NUM> that is disposed to surround the chamber <NUM>.

Generation of a heat bridge HB between the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the present disclosure, the heat bridge is a phenomenon where a thermal route is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> and heat generated by the heating element <NUM> reaches outside a region blocked by the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> includes the leg portion <NUM>, and thus, a length along the Z-axis of a region where the outer circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> abut each other is greater than in a case where the gasket <NUM> does not include the leg portion <NUM>. With the flavor inhaler <NUM> of the present disclosure, the thermal route between the outer circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> where the heat generated by the heating element <NUM> passes through to reach outside the region blocked by the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> is greater than in the case where the gasket <NUM> does not include the leg portion <NUM>. Accordingly, with the flavor inhaler <NUM> of the present disclosure, compared to the case where the gasket <NUM> does not include the leg portion <NUM>, the heat bridge HB is prevented from being formed, and heat generated by the heating element <NUM> may be prevented from reaching outside the region blocked by the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM>.

In the following, a manufacturing process of the first holding portion <NUM> will be described. In a first step, the O-ring <NUM> is fitted with the gasket <NUM>. More specifically, the recessed portion <NUM> of the O-ring <NUM> is caused to engage with the protruding portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>. As described above, in this case, the positioning portion <NUM> of the O-ring <NUM> is engaged with the positioning claw 22a of the fixing portion <NUM> fixed to the inner housing <NUM>.

In a second step, the outer circumference of the chamber <NUM> is fitted on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> that is engaged with the O-ring <NUM>. More specifically, the chamber <NUM> is inserted in an inner circumferential portion of the gasket <NUM> from vertically above (that is, the Z-axis positive direction side). In this case, the chamber <NUM> is supported by the gasket <NUM> by the flange portion 52a of the chamber <NUM> being engaged with the first jaw portion 81b of the gasket <NUM>. Furthermore, in this case, the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> abuts the first surface 81a of the gasket <NUM>. Furthermore, in this case, the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> and the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> face each other while being separated from each other, and a space is formed in between. The space is the region where the adhesive reservoir <NUM> will be formed later.

In a third step, the insertion guide member <NUM> is attached to the chamber <NUM> that is supported by the gasket <NUM> that is engaged with the O-ring <NUM>. More specifically, the insertion guide member <NUM> is inserted into the O-ring <NUM> and on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> from vertically above (that is, the Z-axis positive direction side), and an end portion of the insertion guide member <NUM>, on the Z-axis negative direction side, is caused to abut the opening <NUM> in the chamber <NUM>. As described above, in this case, the pressed portion <NUM> of the O-ring <NUM> is pressed and bent in the Z-axis negative direction side by the insertion guide member <NUM>, and the O-ring <NUM> is biased against the gasket <NUM>.

In a fourth step, the outer circumference of the chamber <NUM> and an inner circumference of the gasket <NUM> are adhered by an adhesive. More specifically, the chamber <NUM> to which the insertion guide member <NUM> is attached and that is supported by the gasket <NUM> that is engaged with the O-ring <NUM> is turned upside down and is placed on a ground surface. In this case, an end portion of the insertion guide member <NUM> on the Z-axis positive direction side shown in <FIG> comes into contact with the ground surface. In this state, an adhesive is injected into a gap between the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> from vertically above the ground surface. In this case, the flange portion 52a of the chamber <NUM> and the first jaw portion 81b of the gasket <NUM> are adhered by the injected adhesive. In the same manner, the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> and the first surface 81a of the gasket <NUM> are adhered by the injected adhesive. Moreover, by appropriately selecting the amount of adhesive to be injected, the adhesive reservoir <NUM> described above is formed between the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM>.

The first holding portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> is formed by the steps described above. Additionally, as described above, <FIG> shows a state where the pressed portion <NUM> of the O-ring <NUM> is not bent. Moreover, the manufacturing process of the first holding portion <NUM> is not limited to the one described above, and details thereof may be changed as appropriate. For example, a change may be made such that attachment of the O-ring <NUM> and the insertion guide member <NUM> is performed after the step of injecting the adhesive. For example, in the case where the gasket <NUM> and the adhesive are both resin materials and the adhesive is not able to easily flow in because the insertion guide member <NUM> is not attached at the time of injection of the adhesive, it may be possible to subject the insertion guide <NUM> and the gasket <NUM> to a more desirable adhering process in a later step.

In the following, advantageous effects of the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure will be described. With the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the gasket <NUM> that supports the chamber <NUM> includes the leg portion <NUM> that is defined by the tapered surface <NUM> that faces the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> while sloping in a direction away from the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> are separated from each other near the opening <NUM> in the chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, a separation space may be secured inside the inner housing <NUM>, between the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM>.

With the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the first surface 81a and the first jaw portion 81b of the gasket <NUM> are adhered to the outer circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the flange portion 52a of the chamber <NUM>. At the time of adhering, the space formed between the leg portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> may function as a pocket for collecting a member that contributes to the adhering. Accordingly, retainability, adhesion and airtightness between the gasket <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> may be improved.

Particularly, with the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the first surface 81a and the first jaw portion 81b of the gasket <NUM> are adhered to the outer circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the flange portion 52a of the chamber <NUM> by an adhesive. At the time of adhering, the space formed between the leg portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> may function as a pocket for collecting an adhesive material. Accordingly, retainability, adhesion and airtightness between the gasket <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> may be improved.

With the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the adhesive reservoir <NUM> is formed between the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of adhesive may be applied between the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM>. As a result, airtightness inside the inner housing <NUM> may be improved, and also, the chamber <NUM> may be stably supported by the gasket <NUM>.

With the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the tapered surface <NUM> that slopes away from the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> is provided on the inner circumference of the gasket <NUM>. Accordingly, a sufficient separation space may be secured between the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM>.

With the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> is disposed at a position facing the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> while being separated therefrom. Accordingly, a sufficient separation space may be secured between the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM>.

With the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the tapered surface 58a of the chamber <NUM> that faces the tapered surface <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> is disposed between the outer circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the flange portion 52a of the chamber <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> adhered to the first surface 81a and the first jaw portion 81b of the gasket <NUM> by an adhesive and the heating element <NUM> provided on the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, heat that is generated by the heating element <NUM> may be prevented from preventing adhering of the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> near the opening <NUM>.

With the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the heat insulating portion <NUM> is disposed to abut an outer circumference of the gasket <NUM> supporting the chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, transfer of heat generated by the heating element <NUM> provided on the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> to other members inside the inner housing <NUM> may be prevented.

Furthermore, with the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the heat insulating portion <NUM> abuts an outer circumference of the leg portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> that extends in the Z-axis negative direction. As described above, because the gasket <NUM> includes the leg portion <NUM>, the length along the Z-axis of the region where the outer circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> abut each other is greater than in a case where the leg portion <NUM> is not provided. As a result, the thermal route between the outer circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> that the heat generated by the heating element <NUM> passes through to reach outside the region blocked by the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM> is longer compared to the case where the gasket <NUM> does not include the leg portion <NUM>. Accordingly, with the flavor inhaler <NUM> of the present disclosure, generation of the heat bridge HB may be better prevented than in the case where the gasket <NUM> does not include the leg portion <NUM>, and the heat that is generated by the heating element <NUM> may be prevented from reaching outside the region blocked by the gasket <NUM> and the heat insulating portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, with the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the end portion of the insertion guide member <NUM>, on the Z-axis negative direction side, abuts the opening <NUM> in the chamber <NUM>, and the second jaw portion 82b of the gasket <NUM> abuts an outer circumferential portion of an abutting end portion. A set of the chamber <NUM> for housing the consumable <NUM> and the insertion guide member <NUM> is supported by one gasket <NUM>. That is, both the chamber <NUM> and the insertion guide member <NUM> may be supported by the gasket <NUM>, and an increase in the number of components may be prevented.

In the manufacturing process of the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, at the time of fitting the outer circumference of the chamber <NUM> on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> that is engaged with the O-ring <NUM>, a space is formed between the tapered surface <NUM> that slopes outward in a radial direction of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a that slopes inward in the radial direction of the chamber <NUM>. An adhesive is supplied between the first surface 81a and the first jaw portion 81b of the gasket <NUM> and the outer circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the flange portion 52a of the chamber <NUM> through the space. Accordingly, the adhesive for adhering the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> may be appropriately supplied, and the flavor inhaler with improved retainability, adhesion and airtightness may be manufactured.

Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the first holding portion <NUM> of the present disclosure, the chamber <NUM> to which the insertion guide member <NUM> is attached and that is supported by the gasket <NUM> that is engaged with the O-ring <NUM> is turned upside down and is placed on the ground surface. In this state, one end portion of the chamber <NUM> where the opening <NUM> is formed is in contact with the ground surface and the other end portion of the chamber <NUM> is positioned above the ground surface. An adhesive is supplied in this state between the outer circumferential surface of the chamber <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the gasket <NUM> through the space between the tapered surface <NUM> sloping outward in the radial direction of the gasket <NUM> and the tapered surface 58a sloping inward in the radial direction of the chamber <NUM>. In this case, the space functions as a pocket for collecting the adhesive material, and allowing a sufficient amount of adhesive to be used in adhering.

Claim 1:
A flavor inhaler (<NUM>) comprising:
an accommodating portion (<NUM>) in which an opening portion (<NUM>) is formed on one end, the accommodating portion (<NUM>) being for housing at least a part of a consumable (<NUM>) through the opening portion (<NUM>); and
a support portion (<NUM>) that supports the accommodating portion (<NUM>), the support portion (<NUM>) including a first abutting surface (81a, 81b) provided to surround an outer circumference of the opening portion (<NUM>) of the accommodating portion (<NUM>), and an extending portion (<NUM>) extending from the first abutting surface (81a, 81b) in a direction away from the opening portion (<NUM>), wherein
the extending portion (<NUM>) of the support portion (<NUM>) and a part of an outer circumference of the accommodating portion (<NUM>) that faces the extending portion (<NUM>) are separated from each other such that a space is formed in between,
characterised in that
the first abutting surface (81a, 81b) of the support portion (<NUM>) is adhered to an adhesion surface (52a, <NUM>) on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion (<NUM>), and
a heat generating unit (<NUM>) is provided on the outer circumference of the accommodating portion (<NUM>), the heat generating unit (<NUM>) being separated from the adhesion surface (52a, <NUM>) across a part facing the extending portion (<NUM>) of the support portion (<NUM>).