Body unit for non-combustion flavor inhaler and heating unit for non-combustion flavor inhaler

Abstract

A cartridge having a reservoir for storing an aerosol-generating liquid and a liquid holding member for holding the aerosol-generating liquid supplied from the reservoir can be attached to and detached from a main body unit of the non-combustion flavor inhaler, and the non-combustion flavor inhaler is provided with: a heating unit having a heating unit that is disposed at a position in contact with the liquid holding member and heats the aerosol-generating liquid supplied from the reservoir; a heating member that receives the supply of an electric current and heats the aerosol-generating liquid held by the liquid holding member by heating the aerosol-generating liquid; the conductive part is electrically connected with the heating part to form a closed circuit; an induction coil for generating a magnetic field by receiving power supply, and generating a current in the conductive portion by electromagnetic induction; and a power source that supplies power to the induction coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a main unit of a non-combustion type aroma inhaler and a heating unit of the non-combustion type aroma inhaler. Background Art

[0002] At present, there is known a system that generates aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol source (hereinafter also referred to as a liquid aerosol generating substrate or aerosol generating liquid), and supplies the aerosol to a user for inhalation of a fragrance. Patent document 1 proposes a system comprising: a first accessory having a housing and a power source disposed in the housing, a second accessory that is detachable from the first accessory and has a heating element and a liquid moving element, and a third accessory including a storage portion for storing the liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent document 1: (Japan) Patent Publication No. 2019-506851. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In a system that generates heat by causing current to flow through a heating element such as a filament, and heats an aerosol source with the heat, the heating element is sometimes replaced when, for example, the heating element deteriorates or becomes dirty. However, the heating element is connected to the power source via an electrical wiring, so when replacing the heating element, the user disconnects the connection and unplugs the heating element, connects the new heating element to the electrical wiring, and installs it in the system. The replacement operation is complicated and inconvenient. In addition, it takes time from when the current starts to flow in the heating element until the heating element reaches a predetermined temperature, which causes inconveniences such as a longer time lag until the attraction starts and a deviation in the control temperature of the heating element. Therefore, it is required to further improve the convenience.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can improve the convenience when inhaling fragrance.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The main unit of the non-combustion flavor inhaler of the present invention is capable of loading and unloading a cigarette cartridge, and the cigarette cartridge has a storage device for storing an aerosol generating liquid, and a liquid retaining component for retaining the aerosol generating liquid supplied from the storage device, and has: a heating unit, which has a heating part, and the heating part is arranged at a position connected to the liquid retaining component, receives a supply of electric current to generate heat to heat the aerosol generating liquid retained by the liquid retaining component; a conductive part, and the conductive part is electrically connected to the heating part to form a closed circuit; an induction coil, which receives a supply of electric power to generate a magnetic field, and generates electric current in the conductive part through electromagnetic induction; a power supply, which supplies electric power to the induction coil.

[0011] Alternatively, when the cigarette cartridge is mounted on the main unit, the heating portion may be disposed between the conductive portion and a planned mounting position where the liquid retaining member is disposed.

[0012] The heating portion may include a connection portion connected to the conductive portion and a protruding portion protruding toward a planned attachment position side of the liquid retaining member relative to the connection portion.

[0013] Alternatively, the conductive portion may be in a shape in which a slit along the one axial direction is provided on a peripheral wall of a cylinder extending along the one axial direction, and a portion of the peripheral wall is separated by the slit in the circumferential direction.

[0014] When the conductive portion is viewed from the side of the scheduled mounting position of the liquid retaining member in the one axial direction, one portion and another portion that are opposed to each other via the gap in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall are respectively connected to the connection portion of the heating portion.

[0015] The conductive portion may be formed so that a length dimension in the one axial direction is longer than a length dimension of the heating portion.

[0016] The heating portion and the conductive portion may be formed along the same cylinder.

[0017] The heating portion may be detachable from the conductive portion.

[0018] The heating portion may include a plurality of protruding portions, the plurality of protruding portions may be connected to one conductive portion, and the plurality of protruding portions may be arranged to be separated from each other.

[0019] Alternatively, the induction coil may be configured to surround the conductive portion.

[0020] An iron core for increasing the magnetic flux density by the induction coil may be arranged at a position inside the tube.

[0021] The conductive portion may include a base member and a conductive layer provided on a surface of the base member, wherein the conductive layer is formed of a material having at least one of a higher magnetic permeability and a higher electrical conductivity than the base member.

[0022] The heating unit of the present invention is arranged in the main body unit of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, and the non-combustion type flavor inhaler can load and unload a cigarette cartridge, and the cigarette cartridge has a storage device for storing an aerosol generating liquid and a liquid retaining component for retaining the aerosol generating liquid supplied from the storage device. It is characterized in that it has: a heating part, which is arranged at a position connected to the liquid retaining component, receives a supply of electric current to generate heat, and heats the aerosol generating liquid retained by the liquid retaining component; and a conductive part, which is electrically connected to the heating part to form a closed circuit, and supplies the current generated by electromagnetic induction to the heating part.

[0023] The heating unit of the present invention is provided in a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler can load and unload a cigarette cartridge, wherein the cigarette cartridge has a storage device for storing an aerosol generating liquid, and a liquid retaining component for retaining the aerosol generating liquid supplied from the storage device.

[0024] A heating unit is provided at a position in contact with the liquid holding member, and generates heat by receiving a supply of electric current to heat the aerosol generating liquid held by the liquid holding member;

[0025] a conductive part electrically connected to the heating part to form a closed circuit and supplying the current generated by electromagnetic induction to the heating part;

[0026] The heating unit has:

[0027] A connection portion connected to the conductive portion;

[0028] When the cigarette cartridge is installed, a protruding portion protrudes more than the connecting portion on the side of the scheduled installation position where the liquid retaining member is arranged,

[0029] The conductive part is,

[0030] A slit along the axial direction is provided on the peripheral wall of the cylinder extending in an axial direction, and a part of the peripheral wall is separated by the slit in the circumferential direction.

[0031] When the conductive portion is viewed from the side of the predetermined installation position of the liquid retaining member in the one axial direction, one portion and another portion that are opposed to each other across the gap in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall are respectively connected to the connection portion of the heating portion,

[0032] The length dimension in the axial direction is longer than the length dimension of the heating portion.

[0033] It should be noted that the contents described in the means for solving the problems can be combined as much as possible within the scope that does not depart from the subject or technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] According to the present invention, a technology capable of improving the convenience when inhaling fragrance is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the non-burning type flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a heater.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the heater, coil, and core.

[0039] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a heater.

[0040] Figure 4B It is a diagram showing another example of the method for manufacturing the heater.

[0041] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a base member and a conductive portion including a conductive layer.

[0042] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a liquid retaining member.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the heater and the liquid retaining member in a state where the liquid retaining member is not in contact with the heater before the cigarette cartridge is mounted on the main unit.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the heater and the liquid retaining member in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the main unit.

[0045] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the structure of a heater according to Modification 1.

[0046] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the structure of a heater according to a second embodiment.

[0047] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heating unit according to a second embodiment.

[0048] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a state in which the heater and the liquid retaining member according to the second embodiment are in contact with each other.

[0049] Fig.13AIt is a diagram showing the structure of the heating unit according to Modification Example 2.

[0050] Fig. 13B It is a diagram showing the structure of the conductive portion of Modification Example 2.

[0051] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the structure of a heater according to Modification Example 2.

[0052] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing the structure of a heater according to Modification 3.

[0053] Fig.16 It is a diagram showing the structure of a heater according to a third embodiment.

[0054] Fig.17 It is a figure which shows the structure of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler of 4th embodiment.

[0055] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an induction coil according to a fourth embodiment.

[0056] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing the structure of a heater according to a fifth embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 20 It is a diagram showing the structure of a heater according to a sixth embodiment.

[0058] Fig.21 It is a figure which shows the structure of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler provided with the heater of 6th Embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The embodiment of the non-burning type aroma inhaler of the present invention is described based on the accompanying drawings. The size, material, shape, and relative configuration of the structural elements described in this embodiment are examples. In addition, the order of processing is also an example, and can be replaced or executed in parallel as much as possible without departing from the scope of the subject and technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, as long as there is no special limitation, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0060] <First Embodiment>

[0061] Figure 1: This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the structure of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler of the first embodiment. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1 of this embodiment has a cartridge 2 for holding a liquid aerosol source (aerosol generating liquid), a main unit 3 for heating the aerosol source, and a mouthpiece 4 that the user holds in his mouth and uses to inhale the aerosol. The main unit 3 and the cartridge 2 are formed to be mutually loadable. In addition, the cartridge 2 and the mouthpiece 4 are formed to be mutually loadable. The cartridge 2, the main unit 3, and the mouthpiece 4 of this embodiment are columnar, such as a cylinder, a prism, etc., and can be mutually loaded and unloaded in their axial direction.

[0062] The cartridge 2 has a storage device 21 for storing an aerosol source and a liquid retaining component 22 for retaining the aerosol source supplied by the storage device 21. When the cartridge 2 is installed on the main unit 3, the liquid retaining component 22 of the cartridge 2 is in contact with the heater (heating unit) 31 of the main unit 3. In addition, the aerosol source absorbed by the liquid retaining component 22 is heated by the heater 31 to generate an aerosol. Thus, the generated aerosol is inhaled by the user through the flow path in the cartridge 2 and the mouthpiece 4. In the embodiment, for convenience, as the direction in which the cartridge 2 and the mouthpiece 4 are located in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1, the direction in which the cartridge 2 is pulled out from the main unit is set to "up", and as the direction in which the main unit 3 is located in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 1, the direction in which the cartridge 2 is installed relative to the main unit 3 is set to "down" for explanation.

[0063] <Cigarette Cartridges>

[0064] The cartridge 2 has a housing 20, a reservoir 21, and a liquid holding component 22. The housing 20 is a roughly cylindrical component, having a connection mechanism for connecting to the mouthpiece 4 at the upper end, a connection mechanism for connecting to the main unit 3 at the lower end, and a reservoir 21 and a liquid holding component 22 inside.

[0065] The storage container 21 is a tank for storing an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a liquid such as a polyol such as glycerol or propylene glycol. It should be noted that the aerosol source may also be a mixed liquid that also contains flavor components such as nicotine liquid, tobacco, water, and spices. The shape of the storage container 21 is not particularly limited, and is formed to have a storage space for storing an aerosol source, and the storage space is connected to the liquid retaining component 22. Thus, the storage container 21 supplies the aerosol source in the storage space to the liquid retaining component 22. In addition, the storage container 21 has an aerosol flow path 211 that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source as described later.

[0066] The liquid retaining part 22 is formed by a collection of fiber materials such as glass fiber or asbestos or a material (porous material) having a void inside such as porous ceramics. The liquid retaining part 22 is arranged to be connected to the aerosol source stored in the storage tank 21, and the void in the liquid retaining part 22 is connected to the space storing the aerosol source in the storage tank 21. Therefore, the liquid retaining part 22 can absorb and retain the aerosol source through the capillary phenomenon. In addition, the liquid retaining part 22 has a surface 222 exposed to the side of the main unit 3. When the cigarette cartridge 2 is installed on the main unit 3, the surface 222 of the liquid retaining part 22 abuts against the heating part 311 of the main unit 3. The shape of the surface (hereinafter also referred to as the abutting surface) 222 may not be particularly limited, for example, it may be a plane or a curved surface. When the heating part 311 abuts against the abutting surface 222 of the liquid retaining part 22, the heating part 311 generates heat, thereby, the aerosol source near the abutting surface 222 is heated to generate an aerosol.

[0067] An aerosol flow path 221 is provided in the center of the liquid holding member 22 and communicates with the aerosol flow path 211 of the reservoir 21. Figure 1 , an example is shown in which the aerosol flow paths 211 and 221 are arranged in the center of the liquid holding part 22 and the reservoir 21, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The aerosol flow paths 211 and 221 can be arranged at any position in the cartridge 2 if they are located at a position where the aerosol can be delivered to the mouthpiece side. For example, the aerosol flow paths 211 and 221 can be arranged on the outside of the liquid holding part 22 and the reservoir 21 along the inner surface of the housing 20. The aerosol generated in the liquid holding part 22 is sucked in by the user's suction action (inhalation) and moves to the mouthpiece 4 through the aerosol flow paths 211 and 221.

[0068] < Mouthpiece >

[0069] The mouthpiece 4 is a suction port for the user to inhale the aerosol, and is connected to the end of the aerosol flow path of the cigarette cartridge 2. In addition, the mouthpiece 4 may also be a capsule filled with a flavor source 41 such as tobacco shreds. In this case, when in use, the capsule is opened and connected from the opening on the side of the cigarette cartridge 2 to the opening on the user side, and as the user inhales, the aerosol passes through the storage space of the flavor source 41, thereby adding flavor to the aerosol. It should be noted that the non-combustion flavor inhaler 1 may not have the mouthpiece 4. In the absence of the mouthpiece 4, or in the absence of the flavor source 41, the aerosol source held by the storage device 21 may also be a mixed liquid containing a flavor source.

[0070] <Main unit>

[0071] The main unit 3 has a roughly cylindrical housing 37, and in the inner space of the housing 37 there are a heater (heating unit) 31, an induction coil 32, an operation detection unit 33, a control unit 34, an iron core 35, and a battery (power source) 36. The heater 31 includes a heating unit 311 and a conductive unit 312. When the cigarette cartridge 2 is installed on the main unit 3, the heating unit 311 is arranged at a position in contact with the liquid retaining component 22. As described later, the induction coil 32 receives power supplied from the battery 36 to generate a magnetic field, and generates current in the conductive unit 312 by electromagnetic induction. The heating unit 311 receives the supply of current generated in the conductive unit 312 to generate Joule heat, and heats the aerosol source retained by the liquid retaining component 22.

[0072] The operation detection unit 33 includes, for example, a pressure sensor, which detects the negative pressure generated when the user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 4, and inputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the control unit 34. In addition, the operation detection unit 33 may also be an operation button or input mechanism operated by the user. The control unit 34 controls the power supply to the heating unit 311 based on the signal input from the operation detection unit 33. For example, the control unit 34 controls the heating of the heating unit 311 according to the user's puff.

[0073] It should be noted that the main unit 3 may also include other structures. It may also include an output unit such as an indicator that indicates the working status of the main unit 3 by lighting or flashing, and a display that indicates the status of the non-burning aroma inhaler 1. In addition, the main unit 3 may also include a charging connector for connecting to a wire that supplies current to charge the battery 36, and a power receiving unit that can receive power supplied from an external power source in a non-contact manner. In addition, the power supply is not limited to a battery, and may also be a structure that provides power supplied from the outside to the control unit 34 and the induction coil 32. In this case, the power supply 36 of the main unit 3 may be only a power line connecting an external power supply to the control unit 34 or the induction coil 32, or may be a conversion circuit that converts power from the outside into a predetermined voltage value or frequency.

[0074] <Heater>

[0075] Figure 2 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the heater 31, (A) shows the front side of the heater 31, (B) shows the left side of the heater 31, (C) shows the right side of the heater 31, (D) shows the top surface of the heater 31, and (E) shows the bottom surface of the heater 31. It should be noted that since the back side of the heater 31 is just the left-right opposite to the front side, the back side is omitted from the illustration. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the heater 31 , the coil 32 , and the core 35 .

[0076] The heater 31 has a conductive portion 312 extending along an axial direction (the example in the figure is the Y-axis direction) and a heating portion 311 connected to one end of the conductive portion 312. The heating portion 311 and the conductive portion 312 are electrically connected to each other to form a closed circuit. The conductive portion 312 is roughly cylindrical and extends along the Y-axis direction, and a slit 3122 along the Y-axis direction is provided on the peripheral wall 3121. That is, the conductive portion 312 is a shape in which a portion of the peripheral wall 3121 is separated by the slit 3122 in the circumferential direction. Similarly, the heating portion 311 is a roughly cylindrical shape configured to share a central axis C with the conductive portion 312, and a slit 3112 along the Y-axis direction is provided on a portion of the circumferential direction. That is, the heating portion 311 is a shape in which a portion of the peripheral wall is separated by the slit 3112 in the circumferential direction.

[0077] The heating part 311 is arranged between the conductive part 312 and the predetermined installation position where the liquid holding member 22 is arranged when the cigarette cartridge 2 is installed in the main unit 3. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C , the heating portion 311 is connected to the conductive portion 312 at connection locations 3113 and 3114 extending downward from the vicinity of the end portions opposed to each other across the slit 3112 in the circumferential direction. When viewed from the side of the intended installation position of the liquid holding member 22 in the Y-axis direction, one location 3123 and another location 3124 opposed to each other across the slit 3122 in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 3121 of the conductive portion 312 are connected to the connection locations 3113 and 3114 of the heating portion 311, respectively.

[0078] exist Figure 2 In the heater 31, the length dimension L2 of the conductive part 312 in the Y-axis direction is formed to be longer than the length dimension L1 of the heating part 311. On the other hand, the length C0 and the thickness T0 of the heating part 311 and the conductive part 312 along the circumferential direction are substantially the same, and therefore, in the cross section along the Y-axis direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the heating part 311 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive part 312. Therefore, the resistance of the heating part 311 is higher than that of the conductive part 312, and when a current is generated, it is mainly the heating part 311 that generates heat. In addition, the resistivity of the material constituting the heating part 311 may be higher than the resistivity of the material constituting the conductive part 312. The resistance value R is defined as R=ρ / A (resistivity ρ, cross-sectional area A), and therefore, by using a material with a higher resistivity ρ than the conductive part 312 in the heating part 311, it is easy to set the resistance value R of the heating part 311 to be higher, and it is easy to obtain the required heating value, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design.

[0079] The heater 31 is held so as to be attachable and detachable to the housing 37 of the main unit 3. For example, the heater 31 can be inserted into or removed from the housing 37 from the upper opening of the housing 37. Thus, when the heater 31 is deteriorated by the adhesion of burnt matter or the material of the liquid holding member 22, the used heater 31 can be removed and replaced with a new heater 31.

[0080] Figure 4A : is a diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing the heater 31. First, a conductive metal cylinder 30 is prepared (process S10), and a portion of the peripheral wall 3011 is cut away along the direction of the central axis C (the Y-axis direction in the example in the figure) passing through the centers of the openings 301·302 at both ends to form a slit 3022 (process S11). Furthermore, at a position away from one end of the cylinder 30 (the upper end in the example in the figure) by a predetermined length L1, a cutout 3023 is formed in the peripheral wall 3011 from a position on the opposite side of the slit 3022 across the central axis C toward the slit 3022 side, along a direction orthogonal to the central axis C (the X·Z-axis direction) (process S12). Thus, the portion of the metal cylinder 30 that is above the notch 3023 forms the heating portion 311, and the portion near the slit 3022 that is not cut away forms the connecting portion 3113·3114. Furthermore, the portion of the metal cylinder 30 that is below the notch 3023 forms the conductive portion 312. Thus, through Figure 4A According to the manufacturing method, the heating portion 311 and the conductive portion 312 can be formed by the same tube 30, and the heater 31 can be easily manufactured.

[0081] Figure 4B 30A is a diagram showing another example of a method for manufacturing a heater 31. First, a conductive metal plate 30A extending in an axial direction (the Y-axis direction in the example in the figure) is prepared (step S20), and a slit 3024 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis (the X-axis direction in the example in the figure) at a position away from one end (the upper end in the example in the figure) by a predetermined length L1 (step S21). It should be noted that the ends of the slit 3024 are set to be away from the left and right ends 3015·3016 of the plate 30A by a predetermined distance, and the slit 3024 forms a connection portion 3113·3114 with the left and right ends 3015·3016 of the plate 30A.

[0082] Then, the plate 30A is rolled into a roughly cylindrical shape with the center axis C parallel to the Y axis as the center, so that the left and right ends 3015 and 3016 of the plate 30A are close to each other, and a gap 3022 is formed between the left and right ends 3015 and 3016 (step S22). Thus, the portion of the roughly cylindrical plate 30A that is above the gap 3024 forms the heating portion 311, and the portion that is below the gap 3024 forms the conductive portion 312. It should be noted that steps S21 and S22 are not limited to this, and the gap 3024 may be formed after the plate 30A is rolled. Thus, according to Figure 4B The manufacturing method can form the heating portion 311 and the conductive portion 312 from the same plate 30A, and the heater 31 can be easily manufactured.

[0083] It should be noted that the manufacturing method of the heater 31 is not limited to Figure 4A , Figure 4B For example, it is also possible to form Figure 2 For example, the heating part 311 and the conductive part 312 may be formed of other parts, or the heating part 311 and the conductive part 312 may be connected by brazing or welding to make the heater 31. In this case, different materials may be used to form the heating part 311 and the conductive part 312, and materials suitable for heating and electromagnetic induction may be selected, respectively, thereby improving the heating efficiency. Figures 2 to 4B , an example of the heater 31 being substantially cylindrical is shown, but the heater 31 (heating portion 311 and conductive portion 312) is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a square cylinder or an elliptical cylinder.

[0084] Furthermore, the conductive portion 312 may have a structure in which a layer (hereinafter also referred to as a conductive layer) 326 made of a material having at least one high magnetic permeability and high electrical conductivity is provided on the surface of the base member 325 . Figure 5 312A is a diagram showing an example of a conductive portion 312A including a base member 325 and a conductive layer 326 . Figure 5 312A shows a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C of the conductive portion 312A.

[0085] exist Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 3 , the base member 325 is substantially cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction, and is provided with a slit 3122 along the Y-axis direction. That is, the conductive portion 312 is shaped such that a portion of the peripheral wall 3121 is separated by the slit 3122 in the circumferential direction.

[0086] Preferably, the conductive layer 326 is formed at least on the outer surface of the base member 325. In addition to the outer surface of the base member 325, the conductive layer 326 may also be formed on the inner surface of the base member 325. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 1 , a conductive layer 326 is provided on the outer surface and the inner surface of the base member 325 .

[0087] The conductive layer 326 can be stacked on the base member 325 by methods such as electroplating and distillation. The conductive layer 326 can be formed of a material having at least one of higher magnetic permeability and higher electrical conductivity than the base member 325. Examples of materials having high magnetic permeability that form the conductive layer 326 include copper, aluminum, steel, iron, or alloys of these materials. Examples of materials having high electrical conductivity include iron, silver, copper, and alloys of these materials.

[0088] The base member 325 may be formed of at least one of a non-conductive material and a material that is not inductively heated. For example, the base member 325 may be glass, ceramic, resin, etc. Furthermore, a plurality of base members 325 may be concentrically arranged, and a conductive layer 326 may be arranged on the surface of each base member 325.

[0089] The upper part of each conductive layer 326 near the slit 3122 is connected to the connection parts 3113 and 3114 of the heating part 311. The heating part 311 is also connected to the Figure 5 The conductive portion 312A similarly has a base member and a conductive layer, and the conductive layer of the heating portion and the conductive layer of the conductive portion 312A are connected to each other.

[0090] Thus, the conductive part 312A can have a conductive layer 326 with at least one of high magnetic permeability and high conductivity, so that the eddy current generated in the conductive part 312A can be increased, the heat generation of the heating part 311 can be further improved, and the heat generation of the conductive part 312A can be suppressed, thereby improving the energy transfer efficiency.

[0091] <Composition of generated aerosol>

[0092] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the liquid retaining member 22 . Figure 6 The liquid retaining member 22 shown is a cylindrical core, and an aerosol flow path 221 is formed in the center when the liquid retaining member 22 is viewed from above.

[0093] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the heater 31 of this example is roughly cylindrical, and an iron core 35 is arranged in the inner space 313 thereof, and an induction coil 32 is arranged on the outer side of the heater 31. That is, the iron core 35, the heater 31 and the induction coil 32 are arranged on the same axis. The iron core 35 is a columnar component formed of a ferromagnetic material such as iron and ferrite. Due to the presence of the iron core 35, the density of the magnetic flux passing through the heater 31 can be increased, and the device can be miniaturized. For example, by increasing the magnetic flux density, the outer diameter of the heater 31 and the induction coil 32 can be set to be smaller, and the outer diameter of the main unit 3 can be set to be smaller.

[0094] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the upper part of the heater 31 and the liquid retaining member 22 before the cigarette cartridge 2 is installed in the main unit 3 and the liquid retaining member 22 is not in contact with the heater 31 . Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the upper portion of the heater 31 and the liquid retaining member 22 in a state where the cartridge 2 is attached to the main unit 3 .

[0095] The liquid retaining member 22 is equipped on the cartridge 2 in a manner that at least the contact surface 222 that contacts the heating portion 311 is exposed. The contact surface 222 of the liquid retaining member 22 in this example is planar, and is configured to be substantially orthogonal to the insertion and extraction direction of the cartridge 2, i.e., the Y-axis direction, when the cartridge 2 is not installed in the main unit 3 (initial state).

[0096] When the cigarette cartridge 2 is mounted on the main unit 3, the heating portion 311 of the heater 31 is arranged at a predetermined mounting position (at the position where the liquid holding member 22 is arranged). Figure 7 The heating portion 311 is formed so that at least a portion thereof protrudes toward the predetermined installation position of the liquid holding member relative to the connection portion 3113·3114 connected to the conductive portion 312. It should be noted that, in this example, the portion other than the connection portion 3113·3114 forms a protruding portion in the heating portion 311.

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, when the cigarette cartridge 2 is installed on the main unit 3, the lower end of the liquid retaining component 22 is configured to be located lower than the upper end of the heating part 311, and the abutting portion of the liquid retaining component 22 that abuts against the heating part 311 is pressed upward, and a concave-convex portion is formed on the abutting surface 222, thereby maintaining a stable contact state between the liquid retaining component 22 and the heating part 311.

[0098] <Control Department>

[0099] The control unit 34 includes a DC / AC converter for supplying high-frequency AC current to the induction coil 32. When the operation detection unit 33 detects that the operation switch is operated, the cartridge 2 is installed on the main unit, the mouthpiece 4 is installed on the cartridge 2, etc., and the start operation is performed, the control unit 34, as a structure indicated to start the heating action, supplies an AC current of a predetermined frequency to the induction coil 32. For example, the control unit 34 can be configured to have a capacitor for resonance, and the supply of AC current is controlled by resonance between the capacitor and the coil (inductor) 32. In this case, the frequency (resonance frequency) f0 of the AC current is defined as f0=1 / (2π√(LC)) by the capacitance C of the resonance capacitor and the inductance L of the induction coil 32. As a result, the induction coil 32 generates a variable electromagnetic field (alternating magnetic field) of the predetermined frequency. The frequency of the electromagnetic field is preferably, for example, above 1kHz and below 30MHz, preferably above 50kHz and below 500kHz, and more preferably above 100kHz and below 250kHz. In the present embodiment, the inductance L of the coil is set to 1.1 μH, and the frequency of the fluctuating electromagnetic field is set to 180 kHz.

[0100] Thus, the control unit 34 generates a variable electromagnetic field by causing an AC current to flow through the induction coil 32, thereby generating an induced current in the conductive portion 312 of the heater 31. A portion of the conductive portion 312 in the circumferential direction is separated by the gap 3122. When the induced current is generated by the induction coil 32, a potential difference is generated between the opposing portions across the gap 3122, and the current flows from the connection portions 3123 and 3124 on the conductive portion 312 side to the heating portion 311 via the connection portions 3113 and 3114 on the heating portion 311 side. As a result, Joule heat is generated in the heating portion 311, and the heating portion 311 generates heat. In addition, the heating portion 311 generates an induced current by the action of the variable electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 32, and heat is also generated by this induced current.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 34 has a sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 311 or the temperature of the liquid retaining member 22 , and can adjust the current supplied to the induction coil 32 based on the temperature detected by the sensor to control the heating unit 311 to reach a predetermined temperature.

[0102] <Action>

[0103] When power is supplied to the induction coil 32 in response to the user's start operation, the heater 31 generates heat, heats the aerosol source held in the liquid holding part 22, and generates aerosol. Furthermore, when the user holds the mouthpiece 4 in the mouth and takes a puff (suction action), external air is introduced from the air inlet 371 provided in the housing 37 of the main unit 3, and the inner space of the heater 31, i.e., the conductive part 312 and the inner space of the heating part 311, is used as an external air passage, and the external air is introduced to the contact position between the liquid holding part 22 and the heater 31. Here, the aerosol is mixed with the external air and moves to the mouthpiece 4 via the aerosol flow paths 211 and 221 in the cigarette cartridge 2. Furthermore, in the mouthpiece 4, the aerosol passes through the storage space of the flavor source 41, and the flavor is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol is supplied to the user from the mouthpiece 4.

[0104] <Effects>

[0105] As described above, according to this embodiment, the heater 31 is heated by electromagnetic induction, thereby enabling rapid heating. Therefore, for example, the time from the start operation until the heater 31 is heated to a predetermined temperature and suction can be shortened, which can improve convenience.

[0106] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the induction coil 32 and the heater 31 are not connected by wiring. Therefore, when the heater 31 is replaced, there is no need to attach or detach the wiring, and the replacement can be easily performed, thereby improving convenience.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner space of the heater 31 is used as an introduction flow path for the outside air, so the outside air is heated before reaching the contact portion between the liquid holding member 22 and the heater 31, thereby, for example, being able to suppress power consumption. Therefore, the number of times the battery needs to be charged can be reduced, and convenience can be improved.

[0108] <Variation 1>

[0109] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heater 31A according to Modification 1. This modification is different from the first embodiment in the shape of the heater 31A, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and repeated description is omitted.

[0110] like Fig. 9 As shown in (A), the heater 31A is provided with a top plate 3118 on the upper part of the heating part 311. The top plate 3118 is, for example, a flat plate along a direction orthogonal to the central axis C, and is configured to block the upper opening of the substantially cylindrical heating part 311. It should be noted that the top plate 3118 is not limited to a flat plate, and the upper surface is formed in a convex shape on the upper side (the side of the predetermined installation position of the liquid holding member 22), and the upper surface can also be formed as a curved surface concave toward the lower side.

[0111] And, if Fig. 9 As shown in (B), the top plate 3118 may also have a slit 3119. The slit 3119 of the top plate 3118 is arranged to be continuous with the slit 3112 on the peripheral wall side, and the top plate 3118 is divided into the connection part 3113 side and the connection part 3114 side, and the current flows along the circumferential direction of the heating part 311.

[0112] According to this modification, by providing the top plate portion 3118 , the contact area between the heater 31A and the liquid retaining member 22 is increased, and the energy transfer efficiency can be improved.

[0113] <Second Embodiment>

[0114] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the heater 31B of the second embodiment, (A) shows the front of the heater 31B, (B) shows the left side of the heater 31B, (C) shows the right side of the heater 31B, (D) shows the top surface of the heater 31B, and (E) shows the bottom surface of the heater 31B. Compared with the first embodiment described above, the shape of the heater 31B in this embodiment is different, and the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and the repeated description is omitted.

[0115] The heater 31B includes a conductive portion 312B extending in one axial direction (the example in the figure is the Y-axis direction) and a heating portion 311B connected to one end of the conductive portion 312B. The heating portion 311B and the conductive portion 312B are formed separately, and the heating portion 311B and the conductive portion 312B are connected to form the heater 31B. The conductive portion 312B is substantially cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction, and a slit 3122 along the Y-axis direction is provided in the peripheral wall 3121.

[0116] Fig.11311B is a diagram showing the structure of the heating part 311B of the present embodiment, (A) shows the front of the heating part 311, (B) shows the right side of the heating part 311B, (C) shows the upper surface of the heating part 311B, and (D) shows the bottom surface of the heating part 311B. The heating part 311B is arranged between the predetermined installation position of the liquid holding part 22 and the conductive part 312B when the cigarette cartridge 2 is installed on the main unit 3. The heating part 311B has a connection part 3115·3116 connected to the conductive part 312B, and a protruding part 3117 protruding upward (on the side of the predetermined installation position of the liquid holding part 22) from each connection part 3115·3116. The protruding part 3117 of this example is formed into a shape that makes the V-shaped shape upside down (hereinafter also referred to as an inverted V-shape), but it is not limited to this. The protruding part 3117 can also be a shape having a part protruding to the side of the predetermined installation position of the liquid holding part 22 relative to the connection part 3115·3116.

[0117] The connection part 3115·3116 has a base wall 151·161 inserted into the inner space of the conductive part 312B, and an edge 152·162 extending outward in the radial direction (X-Z axis direction) of the heater 31B. The heating part 311B has elasticity, and the interval of the base wall 151·161 is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the conductive part 312B. The base wall 151·161 is inserted into the inner space of the conductive part 312 in a state where the interval of the base wall 151·161 is pressed and reduced, and is thus installed on the conductive part 312. As a result, the base wall 151·161 of the heating part 311B is pressed against the inner surface of the conductive part 312 by elastic force, preventing the heating part 311B from falling off from the conductive part 312B. Furthermore, even when the cartridge 2 is mounted on the main unit 3 and the liquid retaining member 22 is used to apply pressure to the heating portion 311B downward along the Y-axis direction, the edge 152·162 can be in contact with the upper surface of the conductive portion 312B to maintain the position of the heating portion 311B. It should be noted that the heating portion 311B is not limited to an elastic structure. The conductive portion 312B has elasticity. In the form of expanding the inner diameter of the heating portion 311B, the base wall portion 151·161 is embedded in the inner space of the conductive portion 312B. The inner surface of the peripheral wall 3121 can also be a structure that clamps the heating portion 311B by pressing the base wall portion 151·161 of the heating portion 311B with the elastic force of the conductive portion 312B. Furthermore, the heating portion 311B and the conductive portion 312B can also be joined by welding, silver brazing, ceramic bonding agent, threading, etc.

[0118] Furthermore, the engagement between the heating portion 311B and the conductive portion 312B is not limited to radial engagement, and a latch locking mechanism may be used. As a latch locking mechanism, for example, a structure in which a latch that can move forward and backward is provided on one side of the base wall portion 151·161 of the heating portion 311B and the peripheral wall 3121 of the conductive portion 312B by means of a spring or the like, and an engaging recess that engages with the latch is provided on the other side. In this case, when the base wall portion 151·161 of the heating portion 311B begins to be embedded in the inner space of the conductive portion 312B, the latch is pressed and compressed, and when the heating portion 311B is completely embedded in the inner space of the conductive portion 312B, the latch is engaged in the engaging recess, and the engaging state of the latch and the engaging recess is maintained by the pressure of the spring or the like. It should be noted that when a force is applied to pull the heating part 311B out of the conductive part 312B, the latch is pressed and compressed, the engagement with the engagement recess is released, and the heating part 311B is pulled out of the conductive part 312B. Thus, by using the latch locking mechanism, the engagement state of the heating part 311B and the conductive part 312B can be stably maintained while the heating part 311B and the conductive part 312B are installed and removed.

[0119] As in the first embodiment described above, when a current is supplied to the induction coil 32 in response to the start operation to generate a variable electromagnetic field, an induced current is generated in the conductive portion 312B, and the current flows to the protruding portion 3117 via the connecting portions 3115 and 3116, thereby causing the heating portion 311 to generate heat. Furthermore, an induced current is generated in the heating portion 311 by the action of the variable electromagnetic field, thereby causing the heating portion 311 to generate heat. Therefore, the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member 22 is heated, and an aerosol is generated for suction.

[0120] Fig.12 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the heater 31 of the second embodiment abuts against the liquid holding member 22. Fig.12 As shown, when the cigarette cartridge 2 is installed on the main unit 3, the lower end of the liquid holding component 22 is located lower than the upper end of the heating portion 311B, and the abutting portion of the liquid holding component 22 with the heating portion 311B is pressed upward, and a concave-convex surface 222 of the liquid holding component 22 is formed. Therefore, the contact area between the heater 31B and the liquid holding component 22 is increased, and the energy transfer efficiency can be improved. In addition, by improving the energy transfer efficiency, the time lag from the start of heating to reaching the predetermined temperature is shortened, the waiting time at the start of suction is shortened, and the convenience is improved.

[0121] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, two protruding portions 3117 are provided in such a manner that the protruding portions 3117 of an inverted V shape are in contact with the abutting surface 222 at two positions of the aerosol flow path 221 across the liquid holding member 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the protruding portion 3117 may be one or more. Furthermore, as described above, the heating portion 311B is a structure that is detachable relative to the conductive portion 312B, so when the heater 31B deteriorates, only the heating portion 311B may be replaced. In this case, the conductive portion 312B may be fixed relative to the housing 37, and only the heating portion 311B may be replaced, or the heater 31B may be pulled out from the main unit 3, the heating portion 311B may be replaced, and then the heater 31B may be reinstalled on the main unit 3. Furthermore, the protruding portion 3117 may be detachable, and only the protruding portion 3117 may be replaced.

[0122] <Variation 2>

[0123] Fig.13A 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a heating unit 311D according to a second modification. Fig. 13B 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the conductive portion 312D of Modification 2. Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a heater 31D according to a modification 2. Compared with the second embodiment described above, this modification is different in the connection structure between the heating portion 311D and the conductive portion 312D of the heater 31D, and the other structures are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and repeated description is omitted.

[0124] The heater 31D includes a conductive portion 312D extending in an axial direction (the Y-axis direction in the example in the figure) and a heating portion 311D connected to one end of the conductive portion 312D. The heating portion 311D and the conductive portion 312D are formed separately and connected to each other to form the heater 31D.

[0125] The heating part 311D has connection parts 3115 and 3116 connected to the conductive part 312D, and protruding parts 3117 protruding from each connection part 3115 and 3116 toward the side of the predetermined installation position of the liquid holding member 22. The connection parts 3115 and 3116 of this modified example are provided with an engaging claw 81 protruding outward from the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the base wall part 151 and 161. On the other hand, an engaging groove 82 engaging with the engaging claw 81 of the heating part 311D is provided at the upper part of the peripheral wall 3121 of the conductive part 312D. The engaging groove 82 has a descending part 821 along the Y-axis direction and a transverse part 822 provided in the circumferential direction from the lower end of the descending part 821.

[0126] The heating part 311D inserts the engaging claw 158·168 into the descending part 821 of the engaging groove 82 from above the conductive part 312D in a state where the engaging claw 81 is aligned with the engaging groove 82 and moves in the Y-axis direction. When reaching the lower end of the descending part 821, the engaging claw 158·168 is rotated in the circumferential direction so that the engaging claw 158·168 engages with the transverse part 822. Thus, the connection part 3115·3116 of this modified example is a so-called bayonet-type structure connected by the engagement of the engaging claw 81 and the engaging groove 82. It should be noted that the shapes of the engaging claw 81 and the engaging groove 82 are not particularly limited to. Fig.14 The shape may also be other bayonet-type structures.

[0127] According to this modification, the heating portion 311D and the conductive portion 312D can be reliably coupled to each other, and the heating portion 311D can be prevented from accidentally falling off.

[0128] <Variation 3>

[0129] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heater 31E of a modification example 3, (A) shows the front of the heating unit 311E, (B) shows the right side of the heating unit 311E, (C) shows the upper surface of the heating unit 311E, (D) shows the bottom surface of the heating unit 311E, and (E) shows the state where the heating unit 311E is mounted on the conductive portion 312B to form the heater 31E. Compared with the aforementioned second embodiment, the shape of the connection parts 3115 and 3116 of the heater 31E in this modification example is different, and the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and the re-examination is omitted.

[0130] The heater 31E includes a conductive portion 312B extending in an axial direction (the Y-axis direction in the example in the figure) and a heating portion 311E connected to one end of the conductive portion 312B. The heating portion 311E and the conductive portion 312B are formed separately and connected to each other to form the heater 31E.

[0131] The heating section 311E has connection parts 3115 and 3116 connected to the conductive part 312B, and protruding parts 3117 protruding from each connection part 3115 and 3116 toward the intended mounting position of the liquid retaining member 22. It should be noted that the connection parts 3115 and 3116 of this modification example have a cylindrical plug part 131, a wiring part 132, and an electrode part 133.

[0132] The plug portion 131 is formed of an insulating material, and includes an insertion portion 1311 inserted into the inner space of the conductive portion 312B, and an edge portion 1312 extending radially outward from an upper outer surface of the insertion portion 1311 .

[0133] The plug part 131 is provided with a protruding portion 3117 at the top, and a wiring portion 132 is provided along the circumferential direction on the upper surface of the edge portion 1312. One end of the wiring portion 132 is connected to the protruding portion 3117, and the other end is connected to the electrode portion 133. The electrode portion 133 extends downwardly compared to the edge portion 1312, and when the plug part 131 is inserted into the conductive portion 312B, it is connected to the peripheral wall 3121 of the conductive portion 312B for conduction.

[0134] When the plug portion 131 is inserted into the conductive portion 312B and the heater portion 311E is mounted on the conductive portion 312B, the electrode portion 133 of the heater portion 311E is connected to one portion 3123 and another portion 3124 that are opposite to each other across the slit 3122 of the conductive portion 312B. Therefore, when an induced current is generated in the conductive portion 312B, the current flows to the protruding portion 3117 via the electrode portion 133 and the wiring portion 132, and the protruding portion 3117 generates heat.

[0135] Thus, in this modification, the plug portion 131 holds the protruding portion 3117 and maintains the position of the protruding portion 3117, and the electrode portion 133 and the wiring portion 132 are configured as a structure for electrically connecting the protruding portion 3117 and the conductive portion 312B, and the portion for holding the position of the protruding portion 3117 and the portion for electrically connecting are separated. Therefore, the position of the electrode portion 133 can be freely set, and in the conductive portion 312B, the portion where the potential difference becomes high, such as the portions 3123 and 3124 facing each other via the slit 3122, can be configured to be in contact with the electrode portion 133.

[0136] <Third Embodiment>

[0137] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heater 31F in a third embodiment, wherein (A) shows the front side of the heater 31F, (B) shows the left side of the heater 31F, (C) shows the right side of the heater 31F, (D) shows the upper surface of the heater 31F, and (E) shows the bottom surface of the heater 31F. Compared with the second embodiment described above, the shape of the heater 31F in this embodiment is different, and the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and repeated description is omitted.

[0138] The heater 31F includes a conductive portion 312B extending in one axial direction (the Y-axis direction in the example in the figure) and a heating portion 311F connected to one end of the conductive portion 312B. The conductive portion 312B is substantially cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction. A slit 3122 is provided in the peripheral wall 3121 along the Y-axis direction.

[0139] The heating portion 311F is a linear member formed of a conductive material, and is disposed on the upper portion of the conductive portion 312B such that one portion 3123 and another portion 3124 facing each other are connected to each other via the slit 3122 .

[0140] As in the first embodiment described above, when a current is supplied to the induction coil 32 in response to the start operation to generate a variable electromagnetic field, an induced current is generated in the conductive portion 312B, and the current flows from the connection parts 3123 and 3124 to the heating portion 311F, thereby generating heat in the heating portion 311F. As a result, the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member 22 is heated, and an aerosol is generated for suction.

[0141] According to the present embodiment, the structure of the heater 31F can be simplified. Thus, the cost of the heater 31F can be reduced, and the heater 31F can be easily replaced, thereby improving convenience.

[0142] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0143] Fig.17 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a non-combustion type aroma inhaler according to a fourth embodiment. Fig.18 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the induction coil 32A. This embodiment is different from the third embodiment described above in the structure of the induction coil 32A, and the other structures are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and repeated description is omitted.

[0144] like Fig.18 As shown, the conductor (coated wire) 321 of the induction coil 32A of the present embodiment is a flat coil that is wound around the Y axis along a plane (X-Z plane) to form a spiral shape. The induction coil 32A is arranged on the lower side of the heater 31F and is electrically connected to the control unit 34. The induction coil 32A is supplied with a high-frequency AC current from the control unit 34 to generate a variable electromagnetic field, so that the conductive part 312B of the heater 31F generates an induced current. In addition, the current generated by the conductive part 312B flows to the heating part 311F, and the heating part 311F generates heat. As a result, the aerosol source held by the liquid holding part 22 is heated to generate aerosol for suction.

[0145] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, an example of using the same heater 31F as in the third embodiment is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same heaters 31, 31A, 31B, 31D, 31E as in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or modifications 1-3 may also be used.

[0146] According to the present embodiment, since the induction coil 32A is not arranged in the radial direction of the heater 31F, the diameter of the main body unit 3 can be reduced.

[0147] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0148] Fig.19 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the heater 31G of the fifth embodiment, (A) shows the front side of the heater 31G, (B) shows the left side of the heater 31G, (C) shows the right side of the heater 31G, (D) shows the upper surface of the heater 31G, and (E) shows the bottom surface of the heater 31G. Compared with the first embodiment described above, the shape of the heater 31G in this embodiment is different, and the other structures are different. Therefore, the same reference numerals are attached to the same elements, and repeated description is omitted.

[0149] The heater 31G includes a flat conductive portion 312G extending in one axial direction (the example in the figure is the Y-axis direction), and a heating portion 311G connected to the upper portion of the conductive portion 312G. The heating portion 311G and the conductive portion 312G are formed separately, and the heating portion 311G and the conductive portion 312G are connected to form the heater 31G. The conductive portion 312G is a plate-shaped portion with a long side in the Y-axis direction and a thickness dimension TA of the left and right side surfaces in the Z-axis direction smaller than the width dimension WA of the front and back surfaces in the X-axis direction. The vicinity of the left and right ends of the upper portion of the conductive portion 312G serves as connection portions 3125 and 3126 with the heating portion 311G.

[0150] The heating part 311G is a strip-shaped component that protrudes upward and is bent into an arc shape, and both ends are connected to the connecting parts 3125 and 3126 at the upper part of the conductive part 312G. Fig.10 As shown in (C), the heating portion 311G may be formed in an inverted V-shape that protrudes from the connection portions 3125 and 3126 toward the central axis C and obliquely upward.

[0151] As in the first embodiment described above, when a current is supplied to the induction coil 32 in response to the start operation to generate a variable electromagnetic field, an induced current is generated in the conductive portion 312G, and the current flows to the heating portion 311G via the connection parts 3125 and 3126, thereby causing the heating portion 311G to generate heat. Furthermore, by utilizing the effect of the variable electromagnetic field, an induced current is generated in the heating portion 311, causing the heating portion 311 to generate heat. As a result, the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member 22 is heated, and an aerosol is generated for suction.

[0152] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0153] Fig. 20 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a heater 31H according to a sixth embodiment. Fig.211 is a diagram showing the structure of a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having a heater 31H according to the sixth embodiment. Compared with the second embodiment described above, the conductive portion 312H of the heater 31H is different in structure, and the other structures are the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and repeated description is omitted.

[0154] The heater 31H includes a conductive portion 312H extending in an axial direction (the Y-axis direction in the example in the figure) and a heating portion 311B connected to the upper portion of the conductive portion 312H. In this example, the heating portion 311B is formed separately from the conductive portion 312H, and the heating portion 311B and the conductive portion 312H are connected to form the heater 31H.

[0155] The conductive part 312H has a non-magnetic reel 322 and a heater side coil 323 wound around the outer circumference of the reel 322. The reel 322 is a cylinder extending in the Y-axis direction, and a conductor (coated wire) 321 is wound around the outer circumference in the circumferential direction to form the heater side coil 323. The reel 322 is formed of an insulating material such as resin. Thus, leakage from the heater side coil 323 to the reel 322 can be prevented. Both ends of the conductor 321 of the heater side coil 323 are connected to the connection parts 3113 and 3114 of the heating part 311B to form a closed circuit. The heating part 311B is installed at one end (upper end) of the reel 322 in the Y-axis direction. That is, when the reel 322 is installed on the main unit 3, the heating part 311B is held by the reel 322. It should be noted that the reel 322 of this example is insulating, and therefore, even when the heating unit 311B is installed, it is possible to suppress the current between the connection parts 3113 and 3114 from leaking to the reel 322.

[0156] When the heater 31H is inserted into the housing 37 from the upper opening of the main unit 3 and mounted on the main unit 3, the heater side coil 323 is coaxial with the induction coil 32 and is arranged inside the induction coil 32, and the iron core 35 is arranged inside the winding drum 322. It should be noted that the conductive portion 312H may also have an iron core 35 instead of the winding drum 322, and the conductor 321 is wound around the outer periphery of the iron core 35 to form the heater side coil 323.

[0157] As in the second embodiment described above, when a current is supplied to the induction coil 32 in response to the start operation to generate a variable electromagnetic field, an induced current is generated in the conductive portion 312H, and the current flows to the heating portion 311H via the connection parts 3113 and 31114, and the heating portion 311H generates heat. Furthermore, by utilizing the effect of the variable electromagnetic field, an induced current is generated in the heating portion 311H, and the heating portion 311H generates heat. As a result, the aerosol source held by the liquid holding member 22 is heated, and an aerosol is generated for suction.

[0158] According to the present embodiment, the conductive portion 312H is composed of the heater side coil 323, so the induced current flows in a specific direction, and the energy transfer efficiency is improved. Therefore, the time lag from the start of heating to the arrival of the predetermined temperature is shortened, the waiting time at the start of attraction is shortened, and the convenience is improved. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, an example of using the same heating portion 311B as the second embodiment is shown, but it is not limited to this. The heating portion 311 having the heating portion 311 of the first embodiment and the top plate portion 3118 of the modification 1 can also use the same heating portion as the heating portion 311D of the modification 2, and the heating portions 311F and 311G of the third and fourth embodiments.

[0159] <Others>

[0160] The configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples can be combined as much as possible without departing from the subject and technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0161] Description of Reference Numerals

[0162] 1 Non-burning aroma absorber

[0163] 2 Cartridges

[0164] 3 Main unit

[0165] 4. Mouthpiece

[0166] 20 Housing

[0167] 21 Storage

[0168] 22 Liquid retaining parts

[0169] 30A Board

[0170] 31 Heater (heating unit)

[0171] 31, 31A-31H heater (heating unit)

[0172] 32, 32A induction coil (inductor)

[0173] 33 Operation detection unit

[0174] 34 Control Department

[0175] 35 Iron Core

[0176] 36 batteries (power supply)

[0177] 37 box

[0178] 41 Fragrance Source

[0179] 131 Plug

[0180] 132 Wiring Department

[0181] 133 Electrode Department

[0182] 151·161 base wall

[0183] 152·162 Margin

[0184] 153·163 Outer wall

[0185] 158·168 Clamping claw

[0186] 211, 221 aerosol flow path

[0187] 222 contact surface

[0188] 311, 311B-311H heating unit

[0189] 312, 312B, 312D, 312G, 312H conductive part

[0190] 313 Inside Space

[0191] 321 wire (covered wire)

[0192] 322 Reels

[0193] 323 Heater side coil

[0194] 371 Inlet

[0195] 1311 Insertion

[0196] 1312 Edge

[0197] 3115·3116 connection parts

[0198] 3117 Protruding parts

[0199] 3118 Top plate section.

Claims

1. A main unit of a non-combustion flavor inhaler capable of loading and unloading a cigarette cartridge, wherein the cigarette cartridge comprises a reservoir for storing an aerosol-generating liquid and a liquid holding member for holding the aerosol-generating liquid supplied from the reservoir, characterized in that: have: a heating unit comprising a heating portion disposed in contact with the liquid retaining member and configured to generate heat upon receipt of current to heat the aerosol-generating liquid retained by the liquid retaining member; and a conductive portion electrically connected to the heating portion to form a closed circuit; an induction coil that generates a magnetic field upon receiving power supply, thereby generating a current in the conductive portion by electromagnetic induction; A power supply supplies power to the induction coil.

2. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the cigarette cartridge is mounted on the main unit, the heating portion is disposed between the conductive portion and the scheduled mounting position where the liquid retaining member is disposed.

3. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating portion includes a connection portion connected to the conductive portion and a protruding portion protruding toward a planned attachment position of the liquid retaining member relative to the connection portion.

4. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that: The conductive portion is formed by providing a slit along the axial direction on the peripheral wall of a cylinder extending along the axial direction, and a portion of the peripheral wall is separated by the slit in the circumferential direction. When the conductive portion is viewed from the liquid retaining member's scheduled attachment position side in the one axial direction, one portion and another portion facing each other in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall across the gap are respectively connected to the connection portion of the heating portion.

5. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to claim 4, characterized in that: The conductive portion is formed so that a length dimension in the one axial direction is longer than a length dimension of the heating portion.

6. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The heating portion and the conductive portion are formed along the same cylinder.

7. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The heating portion is attachable to and detachable from the conductive portion.

8. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The heating portion has a plurality of protruding parts, A plurality of the protruding portions are connected to one conductive portion, and the plurality of the protruding portions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

9. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The induction coil is configured to surround the conductive portion.

10. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: An iron core for increasing the magnetic flux density of the induction coil is arranged inside the tube.

11. The main body unit of the non-burning aroma inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The conductive portion includes a base member and a conductive layer provided on the surface of the base member. The conductive layer is formed of a material having at least one of higher magnetic permeability and higher electrical conductivity than the base member.

12. A heating unit provided in a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler is capable of loading and unloading a cigarette cartridge, the cigarette cartridge comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosol-generating liquid and a liquid retaining member for retaining the aerosol-generating liquid supplied from the reservoir, characterized in that: have: a heating portion disposed at a position in contact with the liquid holding member and generating heat by receiving a supply of electric current to heat the aerosol-generating liquid held by the liquid holding member; The conductive portion is electrically connected to the heating portion to form a closed circuit and supplies current generated by electromagnetic induction to the heating portion.

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