Cartridge, aerosol-generating device, and non-combustion type inhaler
By designing an aerosol source guide part in the cigarette cartridge, guiding the aerosol source to the aerosol source holding part, the problem of the aerosol source flow out of the existing cigarette cartridges is solved, and effective suppression and utilization of the aerosol source is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202280101094.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing smoke bombs are difficult to suppress the outflow of aerosol sources, resulting in dripping and loss of aerosol sources.
A cigarette cartridge is designed, which includes a storage compartment, a heating part, an inner cylinder part, an outer cylinder part, an aerosol source holding part and an aerosol source guiding part. The aerosol source supplied to the heating portion is directed to the aerosol source holding portion through the aerosol source guiding portion, thereby suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source.
It effectively inhibits the outflow of the aerosol source, prevents the aerosol source from dripping to the inner side than the inner cylinder, and ensures the effective utilization of the aerosol source in the cigarette cartridge.
Smart Images

Figure CN120051218A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge, an aerosol generating device, and a non-combustion inhaler. Background Art
[0002] Currently, non-combustion inhalers for inhaling aerosol and tasting flavors are known. As such a non-combustion inhaler, for example, it includes a cartridge that houses an aerosol source, a main unit of an aerosol generating device that can removably house the cartridge, and a flavor source container that imparts a flavor to the aerosol atomized by the main unit.
[0003] As such a device, for example, a cartridge of a non-combustion inhaler described in Patent Document 1 below is known. The cartridge includes a storage chamber having a liquid storage portion capable of storing a liquid, a heating portion that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage portion and heats the liquid, and an atomization container that supports the heating portion. The atomization container has a liquid holding portion capable of holding the liquid and provided separately from the heating portion, and a liquid guiding portion that causes the liquid held by the liquid holding portion to flow back to the heating portion.
[0004] Prior Art Documents
[0005] Patent Documents
[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 171534 Summary of the Invention
[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that suppresses the outflow of an aerosol source.
[0009] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem
[0010] To achieve the above object, an aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge including: a storage chamber capable of storing an aerosol source; a heating portion supplied with the aerosol source from the storage chamber and heating the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; an inner cylinder portion that supports the heating portion; an outer cylinder portion that supports the heating portion at a position outside the inner cylinder portion; an aerosol source holding portion formed between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion and capable of storing the aerosol source; and an aerosol source guiding portion that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating portion to the aerosol source holding portion.
[0011] According to this aspect, the remaining portion of the aerosol source supplied from the storage chamber to the heating portion is guided by the aerosol source guiding portion to the aerosol source holding portion between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion that support the heating portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from dripping inside the inner cylinder portion. Therefore, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.
[0012] In the cartridge, alternatively, the aerosol source guiding portion may be provided on at least one of the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion.
[0013] According to this aspect, since the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion support the heating portion, by providing the aerosol source guiding portion on at least one of the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion, it is easy to guide the remaining portion of the aerosol source from the heating portion to the aerosol source holding portion.
[0014] In the cartridge, alternatively, the aerosol source guiding portion may be provided along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion.
[0015] According to this aspect, by providing the aerosol source holding portion along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion away from the inner cylinder portion, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from dripping to the inside of the inner cylinder portion.
[0016] In the cartridge, alternatively, the aerosol source guiding portion may be a groove portion extending from the opening portion of the aerosol source holding portion toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion.
[0017] According to this aspect, since the groove portion guides the aerosol source from the opening portion of the aerosol source holding portion toward the bottom, it is easy to accumulate the aerosol source in the aerosol source holding portion.
[0018] In the cartridge, alternatively, in terms of the cross-sectional area of the groove portion, the bottom side of the aerosol source holding portion is smaller than the opening side.
[0019] According to this aspect, the capillary force of the groove portion gradually increases from the opening portion of the aerosol source holding portion toward the bottom, so it is easier to guide the aerosol source toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion.
[0020] In the cartridge, alternatively, the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion has a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface deeper than the first bottom surface, and the groove portion extends toward the second bottom surface.
[0021] According to this aspect, it is easy to guide the aerosol source to a deeper place at the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion.
[0022] In the cartridge, alternatively, the aerosol source guiding portion may be in contact with the heating portion.
[0023] According to this aspect, by the aerosol source guiding portion being in contact with the heating portion, it is easy to guide the remaining portion of the aerosol source from the heating portion to the aerosol source holding portion.
[0024] In the cartridge, alternatively, the heating portion has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source, and the aerosol source guiding portion has a capillary force smaller than that of the heating portion.
[0025] According to this aspect, when the remaining portion of the aerosol source is generated in the heating unit, the aerosol source can be guided from the heating unit to the aerosol source holding unit by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit. Further, when there is a shortage of the aerosol source in the heating unit, the aerosol source can be sucked from the aerosol source holding unit to the heating unit by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit.
[0026] One aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating device including the cartridge described above and a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit of the cartridge to generate the aerosol.
[0027] According to this aspect, since the cartridge is provided, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the aerosol source from the heating unit.
[0028] One aspect of the present invention provides a non-combustion type suction device including the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container attached to a suction port portion of the aerosol generating device.
[0029] According to this aspect, it is possible to add a flavor to the aerosol.
[0030] Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the aerosol source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a suction device according to an embodiment.
[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a suction device according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.
[0034] Figure 3 is an internal structure diagram of a suction device according to an embodiment.
[0035] Figure 4 is an oblique view of a cartridge according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.
[0036] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment as viewed from the top side.
[0037] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.
[0038] Figure 7 is Figure 4 the sectional view taken along line VII-VII shown.
[0039] Figure 8 is Figure 4 the sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII shown.
[0040] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of a storage bin of an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.
[0041] Figure 10 It is a bottom view of a bracket of an embodiment.
[0042] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of a heating part and a bracket of an embodiment.
[0043] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of a bracket of an embodiment.
[0044] Figure 13 It is a top view of a bracket of an embodiment.
[0045] Figure 14 It is Figure 13 the sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV shown in the figure.
[0046] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of a seal and a bracket of an embodiment.
[0047] Figure 16 It is a top view of a seal and a bracket of an embodiment.
[0048] Figure 17 It is a side view of a seal and a bracket of an embodiment.
[0049] Figure 18 It is a perspective view of a seal of an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.
[0050] Figure 19 It is a bottom view of a seal of an embodiment.
[0051] Figure 20 It is a sectional view of an embodiment along the X-Z plane of the first fixing part.
[0052] Figure 21 It is a sectional view of an embodiment along the X-Z plane of the second fixing part.
[0053] Figure 22 It is a three-dimensional sectional view of the periphery of a flow path pipe part of an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.
[0054] Figure 23 It is a front view of a cartridge of an embodiment.
[0055] Figure 24 It is a rear view of a cartridge of an embodiment.
[0056] Figure 25 It is a left side view of a cartridge of an embodiment.
[0057] Figure 26It is a right side view of an e-cigarette cartridge of an embodiment.
[0058] Figure 27 It is a top view of an e-cigarette cartridge of an embodiment.
[0059] Figure 28 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of an embodiment.
[0060] Figure 29 It is a reference perspective view of an e-cigarette cartridge of an embodiment.
[0061] Figure 30 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the first variant.
[0062] Figure 31 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the second variant.
[0063] Figure 32 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the third variant.
[0064] Figure 33 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the fourth variant.
[0065] Figure 34 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the fifth variant.
[0066] Figure 35 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the sixth variant.
[0067] Figure 36 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the seventh variant.
[0068] Figure 37 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the eighth variant.
[0069] Figure 38 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the ninth variant.
[0070] Figure 39 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the tenth variant.
[0071] Figure 40 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the eleventh variant.
[0072] Figure 41 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the twelfth variant.
[0073] Figure 42 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the thirteenth variant.
[0074] Figure 43 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the fourteenth variant.
[0075] Figure 44 It is a bottom view of an e-cigarette cartridge of the fifteenth variant.
[0076] Figure 45 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the sixteenth modified example. Detailed implementation mode
[0077] Hereinafter, a non-combustion type suction device (hereinafter simply referred to as a suction device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
[0078] [Suction device]
[0079] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the suction device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the suction device 1 according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 3 It is an internal structure diagram of the suction device 1 according to an embodiment.
[0080] The suction device 1 is a so-called non-combustion type suction device, which obtains a fragrance by sucking the aerosol atomized by heating through a fragrance source.
[0081] As Figure 2 shown, the suction device 1 includes a main body unit 2, a cartridge 3 (also referred to as an atomization unit), a fragrance source container 4, and a mouthpiece 5. The cartridge 3 is detachably accommodated in the cartridge accommodation portion 10 of the main body unit 2. The fragrance source container 4 is detachably mounted on the heating module 11 of the main body unit 2. The mouthpiece 5 is detachably mounted on the fragrance source container 4.
[0082] The main body unit 2 includes a frame portion 12. The frame portion 12 is formed in a flat box shape with an overall circular shape. The frame portion 12 has a pair of main faces 12A and a peripheral wall portion 12B. Here, the "pair" of main faces 12A means that one main face (the first main face 12A1) and the other main face (the second main face 12A2) are arranged opposite to each other, and it is not limited that the shapes of even the minute parts of the first main face 12A1 and the second main face 12A2 are the same. It should be noted that the "pair" also appears in the description of other parts, but the same as above, it is not limited that the shapes of even the minute parts are the same.
[0083] The pair of main faces 12A means the parts that form a set of opposite faces (in this embodiment, the faces with the largest area) in the hexahedron assumed by the frame portion 12 being surrounded by six quadrilaterals. In addition, the peripheral wall portion 12B means the parts that form the remaining four faces of the hexahedron other than the pair of main faces 12A. The peripheral wall portion 12B also means the part that connects the peripheries of the pair of main faces 12A arranged opposite to each other.
[0084] It should be noted that in the following description, in the above pair of main faces 12A (the first main face 12A1 and the second main face 12A2), the side where the first main face 12A1 is disposed is referred to as the front side, and the side where the second main face 12A2 is disposed is referred to as the rear side. Additionally, when viewed from above, the side where the heating module 11 is disposed is referred to as the left side, and the side where the input device 15 (refer to Figure 1 ) is disposed is referred to as the right side. Further, the side where the heating module 11 protrudes is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side is referred to as the lower side.
[0085] In addition, in the drawings, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is sometimes set, and while referring to this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, the positional relationship of each component is described. The X-axis direction is the front-rear direction (also referred to as the thickness direction) of the suction device 1, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction (also referred to as the width direction) of the suction device 1, and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction (also referred to as the height direction) of the suction device 1.
[0086] Furthermore, sometimes the positional relationship of each component is described based on the main axis O of the cartridge 3 and the cartridge housing portion 10. The main axis O is the central axis of the cylindrical cartridge 3 and the cartridge housing portion 10. Sometimes the direction in which the main axis O extends is referred to as the axial direction (the above Z-axis direction), the direction orthogonal to the main axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction around the main axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction.
[0087] As Figure 1 shown, the housing portion 12 includes a housing 13, a display cover 14, and an inner housing 20. The housing 13 is formed by combining a first housing body 13A and a second housing body 13B. The first housing body 13A has a first main face 12A1 and a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided at the periphery of the first main face 12A1. Additionally, the second housing body 13B has a second main face 12A2 and a second peripheral wall portion 12B2 provided at the periphery of the second main face 12A2.
[0088] The first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing body 13A, the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing body 13B, the display cover 14, and the inner housing 20 form a peripheral wall portion 12B. On the peripheral wall portion 12B, a joint surface of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing body 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing body 13B is formed.
[0089] Four corner portions 12C (corner parts) are formed on the peripheral wall portion 12B. The four corner portions 12C include a first corner portion 12C1 where the heating module 11 is disposed, a second corner portion 12C2 where an opening of the cartridge housing portion 10 is disposed (refer to Figure 2 ), a third corner portion 12C3 where the charging terminal 21 is disposed (refer to Figure 2 ), and a fourth corner portion 12C4 where the input device 15 is disposed (refer to Figure 1 ).
[0090] As shown Figure 1 in FIG. 1, the display cover 14 is provided from the heating module 11 disposed at the first corner 12C1 to the fourth corner 12C4. A through hole for disposing the input device 15 (button) is formed in the display cover 14. The outer surface of the display cover 14 is lower than the outer surface of the housing 13. That is, the input device 15 is disposed in a recessed portion.
[0091] The input device 15 may also be disposed at a position below the outer surface of the housing 13. That is, at least a part of the input device 15 only needs to be disposed at a position below the outer surface of the housing 13. Preferably, the entire input device 15 is disposed at a position below the outer surface of the housing 13. In other words, the contact detection portion (button surface) of the input device 15 may be disposed at a position that does not reach the outer surface of the housing 13.
[0092] As shown Figure 2 in FIG. 2, an opening of the cartridge storage portion 10 is provided at the second corner 12C2. The opening of the cartridge storage portion 10 can be opened and closed by a cartridge storage cover 50 provided at the bottom of the frame portion 12 (inner case 20). It should be noted that a charging terminal 21 is provided at the third corner 12C3.
[0093] As shown Figure 1 in FIG. 3, a window portion 16 is provided between the first corner 12C1 and the second corner 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. The liquid remaining amount of the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 stored inside the cartridge storage portion 10 can be confirmed from the window portion 16. The window portion 16 is formed by an opening 13a provided in the housing 13 and a cover member 17 covering the opening 13a. A first air inlet 18A for taking in air (external gas) into the inside of the frame portion 12 is provided in the gap between the opening 13a and the cover member 17.
[0094] The first air inlet 18A takes in air from the window portion 16 between the adjacent corners 12C (in this embodiment, the first corner 12C1 and the second corner 12C2) of the peripheral wall portion 12B into the inside of the cartridge storage portion 10. The first air inlet 18A is an inlet of a first air flow path 70 for taking in external gas by the user's suction. The first air inlet 18A is formed in a ring shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the housing 13.
[0095] The size of the first air inlet 18A may be such that it cannot be completely blocked by a user's finger. For example, the dimension in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) of the first air inlet 18A may be equal to or greater than the width of the first joint of the average thumb of an ordinary adult (for example, 2.0 cm or more). In addition, the interval in the X-axis direction between two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction of the first air inlet 18A may also be equal to or greater than the width of the first joint of the average thumb of an ordinary adult.
[0096] It should be noted that the first air inlet 18A only needs to be of a size that cannot be blocked by a user's finger, and it can also be just one or two slits extending parallel to the spindle direction. That is, the first air inlet 18A can also be formed in a slit shape along the opening edge of the opening portion 13a of the outer casing 13.
[0097] A communication hole 17a is formed in the cover member 17. The communication hole 17a fluidly connects the first air inlet 18A and the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10. The communication hole 17a is disposed at a portion where the cover member 17 and the outer casing 13 overlap. That is, the communication hole 17a is disposed inside the outer casing 13 and is covered by the outer casing 13. Therefore, the communication hole 17a cannot be recognized from the outside of the outer casing 13. In addition, the communication hole 17a cannot be directly blocked by a finger unless the outer casing 13 is removed.
[0098] The outer casing 13 has an exposed portion 13b that exposes a part of the inner casing 20 at the second corner portion 12C2. A second air inlet 18B for taking in air (external gas) into the inside of the frame portion 12 is provided in the gap between the inner casing 20 and the outer casing 13 in the exposed portion 13b.
[0099] The second air inlet 18B takes in air from the second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B into the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10. The second air inlet 18B is formed in the gap between the inner casing 20 and the outer casing 13 in the exposed portion 13b. The second air inlet 18B opens toward the -Z side. That is, the position of the second air inlet 18B is different from that of the first air inlet 18A, and the opening direction is 90° different from that of the first air inlet 18A that faces the -Y side.
[0100] The frame portion 12 has a protrusion 90 around the second air inlet 18B. The protrusion 90 is formed by the outer casing 13. The protrusion 90 is formed by a step between the inner casing 20 and the outer casing 13. That is, even if a user's finger contacts the periphery of the second air inlet 18B, the protrusion 90 (outer casing 13) around the exposed portion 13b forms a step and creates a gap between the user's finger, so it is difficult to block the second air inlet 18B. It should be noted that the protrusion 90 is not limited to the outer casing 13 and can also be formed by protruding a part of the inner casing 20.
[0101] The frame portion 12 has a first air flow path 70 that connects the first air inlet 18A and the communication hole 17a, and a second air flow path 80 that connects the second air inlet 18B and the communication hole 17a. The first air flow path 70 is a gap between the outer casing 13 and the cover member 17 and is formed in a ring shape along the opening edge of the opening portion 13a. The second air flow path 80 is a gap between the outer casing 13 and the inner casing 20, extends from the exposed portion 13b of the second corner portion 12C2 toward the +Z side, and reaches the communication hole 17a via a part of the first air flow path 70.
[0102] The flow path length of the first air flow path 70 to the communicating hole 17a is shorter than that of the second air flow path 80. That is, the ventilation resistance of the first air flow path 70 is smaller than that of the second air flow path 80. Therefore, a larger amount of air flows through the first air flow path 70 than through the second air flow path 80. Therefore, in normal use, the first air inlet 18A becomes the main air inlet, and the second air inlet 18B becomes the auxiliary air inlet when the first air inlet 18A is blocked.
[0103] The flow path cross-sectional area of the communication hole 17a is smaller than that of either the first air inlet 18A or the second air inlet 18B. Therefore, even if either the first air inlet 18A or the second air inlet 18B is blocked, the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication hole 17a is eventually reduced, so the flow rate and flow velocity of the air sucked into the cartridge storage space 10A can be kept substantially constant. That is, the communication hole 17a functions as an air resistance speed control unit (air resistance speed control unit).
[0104] <Fragrance source container>
[0105] Figure 2 The flavor source container 4 (also called tobacco capsule) shown contains the flavor source and adds flavor to the aerosol atomized by the cigarette cartridge 3. As the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source, a granular formed body of shredded tobacco or cigarette raw material can be used. In addition, the flavor source can also be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, etc.). In addition, the flavor source can also be given a flavor such as menthol. Furthermore, the flavor source can also make a carrier (cellulose, etc.) from a plant or other carrier (including an inorganic carrier) carry the flavor.
[0106] The flavor source container 4 includes a flavor source storage chamber for storing a flavor source, and a filter or fine pores for allowing aerosol to pass through the flavor source storage chamber. The flavor source container 4 is mounted on the mouthpiece 11a, which is provided on the heating module 11 of the main unit 2. The upper portion of the flavor source container 4 protrudes from the heating module 11, and the mouthpiece 5 is mounted on the protruding portion.
[0107] <Cigarette holder>
[0108] The mouthpiece 5 is a cylindrical component that the user holds in his mouth. The mouthpiece 5 is, for example, a soft resin molded body formed of a resin material such as silicone resin, and the portion mounted on the upper portion of the flavor source container 4 is a hard resin molded body formed of a resin material such as polypropylene resin. It should be noted that the mounting of the mouthpiece 5 on the flavor source container 4 is arbitrary, and sometimes the user directly holds the upper portion of the flavor source container 4 in his mouth for use.
[0109] <Main unit>
[0110] like Figure 3As shown, the main unit 2 includes a heating module 11, an input device 15, a charging terminal 21, a power supply unit 22, a main substrate 23, a display device 24, a light source 25, a light source 25, a sensor 26, and a cartridge storage cover 50.
[0111] The housing portion 12 of the main unit 2 is, for example, a rigid resin molded body formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin or ABS resin. Inside the housing portion 12, a cartridge storage portion 10 for storing the cartridge 3 is provided. The cartridge storage portion 10 forms a cylindrical space extending in the Z-axis direction.
[0112] A cartridge abutting portion 27 is disposed at the opening portion on the upper side (+Z side) in the axial direction of the cartridge storage portion 10. The cartridge abutting portion 27 is, for example, an elastic body formed of a resin material such as silicone resin. A communication hole 27a is formed in the cartridge abutting portion 27, and the communication hole 27a connects the upper portion of the cartridge 3 and the bottom portion of the flavor source container 4.
[0113] The heating module 11 includes a heater portion 11b that heats the flavor source container 4. The heater portion 11b, for example, includes a pipe member that is inserted into the flavor source container 4, and a film heater wound in a cylindrical shape around the outer periphery of the pipe member. The heater portion 11b is electrically connected to the main substrate 23.
[0114] The input device 15 is, for example, a button. The input device 15 is electrically connected to the main substrate 23. It should be noted that the input device may also be a touch panel. That is, the input device 15 only needs to be a contact detection portion.
[0115] The power supply unit 22 is disposed on the +Y side of the cartridge storage portion 10. The power supply unit 22 is electrically connected to the main substrate 23. The power supply unit 22 is, for example, a storage battery (rechargeable battery) and can be charged via the charging terminal 21 provided on the main substrate 23. It should be noted that the power supply unit 22 is not limited to a secondary battery capable of charging and discharging, and may also be a supercapacitor or the like. In addition, the power supply unit 22 may also be a primary battery. It should be noted that when the power supply unit 22 is a primary battery, the charging terminal 21 is not required.
[0116] The main substrate 23 is disposed on the +Y side of the power supply unit 22. The main substrate 23 has a plate shape extending along the X-Z plane. The charging terminal 21 is mounted at the lower end portion of the main substrate 23. The main substrate 23 is directly connected to various electronic components or indirectly connected via a wiring or a flexible printed circuit board (not shown).
[0117] Here, the "main substrate" refers to the largest substrate among the substrates housed inside the housing portion 12. The main substrate 23 is larger than the switch substrate of the input device 15, the display substrate of the display device 24, and the like. It should be noted that when only one substrate is housed inside the housing portion 12, this substrate is the "main substrate". In addition, when two substrates of the same size are housed inside the housing portion 12, the substrate provided with the arithmetic unit of electronic control such as a CPU and a microcomputer is set as the "main substrate".
[0118] The display device 24 is disposed on the lower side (-Z side) of the display cover 14. The display cover 14 has translucency and the display surface of the display device 24 can be confirmed. The display device 24 is, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display screen. The display device 24 is electrically connected to the main substrate 23.
[0119] The light source 25 is disposed opposite to the cover member 17 in the Y-axis direction with the cartridge accommodating portion 10 therebetween. The light source 25 is, for example, an LED lamp. The cover member 17 has translucency and the liquid level of the aerosol source inside the cartridge 3 irradiated by the light source 25 can be confirmed. The light source 25 is electrically connected to the main substrate 23.
[0120] The sensor 26 is disposed on the +Y side of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The sensor 26 is a so-called suction sensor that detects the user's sucking. As the sensor 26, for example, a pressure sensor that detects pressure, an air flow sensor that detects the flow of air, a temperature sensor that detects temperature, etc. can be exemplified. In the sensor 26 of the present embodiment, the side facing the cartridge accommodating portion 10 becomes the detection portion. The detection portion detects, for example, the behavior of a diaphragm that deforms according to pressure changes as a change in capacitance.
[0121] The cartridge accommodating cover 50 opens and closes the cartridge accommodating portion 10 at the bottom of the housing portion 12. The cartridge accommodating cover 50 is pivotally (hingedly) attached to the housing portion 12. A plurality of protruding electrodes 51 are provided on the cartridge accommodating cover 50. The protruding electrodes 51 are inserted into the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in a state where the cartridge accommodating cover 50 is closed. The plurality of protruding electrodes 51 are electrically connected to the main substrate 23.
[0122] The front end portion of the protruding electrode 51 is biased toward the +Z side by a spring member housed inside the protruding electrode 51 and is displaceable in the Z-axis direction. That is, the front end portion of the protruding electrode 51 extends toward the cartridge 3 and is displaced toward the -Z side when inserted into the cartridge 3. In this state, the front end portion of the protruding electrode 51 is also biased toward the +Z side, so that reliable contact with the cartridge 3 can be achieved.
[0123] Three protruding electrodes 51 (one disposed on the depth side not shown) are provided in such a manner that alignment with the two electrodes 6A and 6B of the cartridge 3 is not required. As Figure 2As shown, the two electrodes 6A and 6B of the cartridge 3 are respectively formed in the semi-circular regions that divide the bottom surface of the cartridge 3 into two equal parts. In contrast, the protruding electrodes 51 are arranged at positions corresponding to the three vertices of an equilateral triangle at 120° intervals. Thus, at least two of the three protruding electrodes 51 are in contact with the two electrodes 6A and 6B. Therefore, the cartridge 3 can be reliably energized.
[0124] <Cartridge>
[0125] The cartridge 3 stores the aerosol source of the liquid and atomizes the aerosol source of the liquid. The cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is received inside the housing portion 12 from the cartridge receiving portion 10 provided at the bottom of the housing portion 12.
[0126] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment as viewed from the bottom surface side. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment as viewed from the top surface side. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment as viewed from the bottom surface side. Figure 7 is Figure 4 the VII-VII cross-sectional view shown in Figure 8 is Figure 4 the VIII-VIII cross-sectional view shown in
[0127] As Figure 6 shown, the cartridge 3 includes a storage chamber 100, a seal 200, a heating unit 300, and a bracket 400.
[0128] The storage chamber 100 stores the aerosol source. The storage chamber 100 is, for example, a rigid resin molded body formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. The storage chamber 100 has translucency and can confirm the liquid residue amount of the aerosol source. Here, "translucency" in the property of a substance through which light passes refers to including "transparent" with an extremely high transmittance and through which the opposite side can be seen through, and a state where, although having the property of transmitting light in the same way as "transparent", the transmitted light is diffused or the transmittance is low, so different from "transparent", the shape of the opposite side cannot be clearly identified through its material. That is, even frosted glass or milky white plastic has translucency. It should be noted that the seal 200, the heating unit 300, and the bracket 400 do not have translucency, but a part or all of them may have translucency.
[0129] The storage chamber 100 is formed in a toped cylindrical shape. As Figure 7As shown, the storage bin 100 includes a peripheral wall portion 110, a top wall portion 120, a flow tube portion 130, and a rib 140. The peripheral wall portion 110 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as the central axis. The upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 110 is continuously arranged with the peripheral edge portion of the top wall portion 120. It should be noted that the peripheral wall portion 110, the top wall portion 120, the flow tube portion 130, and the rib 140 are made into one part by integral molding, but some or all of them may also be separate parts. For example, the flow tube portion 130 is integrally formed with the storage bin 100, but it may also be a part separate from the storage bin 100. In addition, the flow tube portion 130 may also be integrally formed with the seal 200 or the bracket 400.
[0130] The top wall 120 is formed in a disk shape with the main axis O as the center axis, and closes the upper end of the peripheral wall 110. A first opening 131 of the flow path tube 130 is opened in the center of the top wall 120. In addition, on the upper surface of the top wall 120, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of bottomed cylindrical recesses 121 are formed around the first opening 131. The recesses 121 are portions corresponding to resin injection holes during injection molding of the storage tank 100.
[0131] like Figure 7 As shown, the flow tube portion 130 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as the central axis, and is vertically arranged from the lower surface of the top wall portion 120 toward the lower side (-Z side). As described above, a first opening portion 131 is formed at the upper end portion of the flow tube portion 130. In addition, a second opening portion 132 is formed at the lower end portion of the flow tube portion 130. The second opening portion 132 is arranged directly above the heating portion 300 and opens toward the heating portion 300.
[0132] The flow tube 130 guides the aerosol generated by the heating unit 300 to the outside. The aerosol generated by the heating unit 300 is introduced into the flow tube 130 from the second opening 132, and is guided to the outside of the cigarette cartridge 3 from the first opening 131 through the flow tube 130. It should be noted that the aerosol guided from the first opening 131 passes through the Figure 3 The connecting hole 27a of the cigarette cartridge abutment portion 27 shown further passes through the flavor source container 4 and is transported to the user's mouth. That is, the "outside" of the cigarette cartridge 3 mentioned here is the outside of the outlet side where the aerosol circulates when the user inhales (inhales), not the outside of the inlet side where the external gas (air) is taken in.
[0133] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a storage bin 100 according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.
[0134] like Figure 9As shown, ribs 140 extend radially in a radial direction from the flow path tube portion 130, connecting the outer peripheral surface of the flow path tube portion 130 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 110. In addition, the upper end of the rib 140 is connected to the lower surface of the top wall portion 120. That is, the rib 140 is connected to three surfaces: the outer peripheral surface of the flow path tube portion 130, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 110, and the lower surface of the top wall portion 120. Three ribs 140 of the present embodiment are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the flow path tube portion 130.
[0135] An incision portion 141 that is cut concave upward is formed on the side of the peripheral wall portion 110 (radially outside) of the rib 140. The incision portion 141 increases the volume of the annular space ( Figure 7 the liquid storage chamber 101 shown) formed between the flow path tube portion 130 and the peripheral wall portion 110. A convex portion 142 is formed on the side of the flow path tube portion 130 of the rib 140, and the convex portion 142 protrudes relatively downward (-Z side) with respect to the incision portion 141. As Figure 7 shown, the lower end of the convex portion 142 abuts against the top surface 211 of the seal 200. Thereby, the seal 200 is positioned in the Z-axis direction with respect to the storage chamber 100.
[0136] As Figure 7 shown, the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage chamber 100 extends to a lower side (-Z side) than the lower end of the flow path tube portion 130. Two engaging holes 111 are formed near the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 110. The two engaging holes 111 are used to fix the bracket 400 to the storage chamber 100. The two engaging holes 111 are disposed on both sides of the peripheral wall portion 110 with respect to the main axis O.
[0137] The seal 200 is a cylindrical member that covers the bottom side of the annular space (liquid storage chamber 101) formed between the peripheral wall portion 110 and the flow path tube portion 130 of the storage chamber 100. The seal 200 is formed of an elastic member, such as a resin material such as silicone resin. By fitting the seal 200 into the inside of the storage chamber 100, a liquid storage chamber 101 is formed inside the storage chamber 100. A liquid aerosol source is stored in the liquid storage chamber 101.
[0138] An insertion hole 201 is formed in the seal 200, and the insertion hole 201 penetrates the center of the top surface 211 in the axial direction and is inserted by the flow path tube portion 130. A plurality of annular protrusions 202 for sealing the gap with the flow path tube portion 130 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 201. A heating chamber 200A communicating with the lower end of the insertion hole 201 is formed inside the lower portion of the seal 200. By inserting the flow path tube portion 130 into the insertion hole 201, the flow path tube portion 130 and the heating chamber 200A communicate. It should be noted that the lower end (second opening portion 132) of the flow path tube portion 130 protrudes to a lower side (inside the heating chamber 200A) than the insertion hole 201.
[0139] The seal 200 includes a first cylindrical portion 210, a second cylindrical portion 220, and a third cylindrical portion 230. The first cylindrical portion 210, the second cylindrical portion 220, and the third cylindrical portion 230 are continuously arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The first cylindrical portion 210 forms the top surface 211 of the seal 200. The portion of the first cylindrical portion 210 that abuts against the convex portion 142 of the rib 140 has an outer diameter that can abut against the convex portion 142 throughout the radial direction. The second cylindrical portion 220 is continuously provided at the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 210. The second cylindrical portion 220 has a substantially frustoconical peripheral surface whose outer diameter increases downward.
[0140] The third cylindrical portion 230 is continuously provided at the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220. The third cylindrical portion 230 has a peripheral surface with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage bin. A sealing cylindrical portion 231 is formed at the lower end of the third cylindrical portion 230. A plurality of annular sealing protrusions 232 protruding radially outward are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sealing cylindrical portion 231. The sealing protrusions 232 abut against the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage bin to seal the gap between the storage bin 100 and the seal 200.
[0141] In order to increase the volume of the liquid storage chamber 101, a plurality of flat portions are formed on the seal 200. Specifically, as Figure 8 described later Figure 15 shown, a first flat portion 203, a second flat portion 204, and a third flat portion 205 are formed on the outer peripheral side of the seal 200. The first flat portion 203 is a plane parallel to the X-Z plane and extends from the upper end of the first cylindrical portion 210 to near the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220.
[0142] The second flat portion 204 is continuously provided at the lower end of the first flat portion 203. The second flat portion 204 is a plane inclined with respect to the X-Z plane and is formed near the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220. It should be noted that the second flat portion 204 is inclined such that the lower end is farther from the main axis O than the upper end. The third flat portion 205 is continuously provided at the lower end of the second flat portion 204. The third flat portion 205 is a plane parallel to the X-Z plane and extends from near the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220 to the third cylindrical portion 230.
[0143] As Figure 15 shown, a through hole 235 is formed on the lower side of the third flat portion 205, and the through hole 235 penetrates the third cylindrical portion 230 in the Y-axis direction. The through hole 235 forms a space for the heating portion 300 to be inserted into the inside of the seal 200, that is, the heating chamber 200A. It should be noted that the above-mentioned first flat portion 203, second flat portion 204, third flat portion 205, and through hole 235 are symmetrically formed in pairs on the seal 200 in the Y-axis direction.
[0144] As Figure 6As shown, the heating unit 300 includes a wick 310 and a heater wire 320. The wick 310 is a porous and liquid-absorbent substantially cylindrical member. The wick 310 is, for example, formed by bundling fibers such as glass fibers and has a capillary structure. It should be noted that the wick 310 only needs to have a capillary structure and can also be an elastic sponge, a fibrous woven mesh, a strip, a porous sintered body, etc.
[0145] As Figure 8 shown, the wick 310 extends in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the main axis O. One end portion 311 and the other end portion 312 of the wick 310 in the Y-axis direction are respectively inserted into the liquid storage chamber 101 through the through holes 235 of the seal 200 (refer to Figure 15 ). Thus, the aerosol source in the liquid storage chamber 101 is sucked into the wick 310 from one end portion 311 and the other end portion 312 of the wick 310.
[0146] It should be noted that one end portion 311 and the other end portion 312 of the wick 310 are thicker than the other parts, and the surface area becomes larger because there is no restraint from the heater wire 320, the first fixing portion 501, and the second fixing portion 502 described later. That is, the wick 310 is elastically compressed by the heater wire 320, the first fixing portion 501, and the second fixing portion 502, and recovers deformation in the other parts.
[0147] The heater wire 320 heats the aerosol source sucked by the wick 310 to generate aerosol. The heater wire 320 is, for example, a nickel-chromium alloy wire and has a heating portion 321 wound around the wick 310 in a spiral shape. As Figure 7 shown, one end portion 322A and the other end portion 322B of the heater wire 320 extend along the axial direction toward the bracket 400 side from both ends of the heating portion 321.
[0148] One end portion 322A and the other end portion 322B of the heater wire 320 are respectively electrically connected to two electrodes 6A, 6B fitted in the bracket 400. When the heater wire 320 is energized through the two electrodes 6A, 6B, the wick 310 is heated. When the wick 310 is heated, the aerosol source absorbed by the wick 310 is atomized.
[0149] The bracket 400 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The bracket 400 is, for example, a rigid resin molded body formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. The bracket 400 includes a base portion 410 forming the bottom of the cartridge 3, and an outer cylinder portion 420 and an inner cylinder portion 430 erected on the base portion 410. The base portion 410 is formed in a circular plate shape with the main axis O as the central axis. The outer cylinder portion 420 and the inner cylinder portion 430 are formed in a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as the central axis.
[0150] Figure 10 It is a bottom view of the bracket 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the heating unit 300 and the bracket 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 12 It is a perspective view of a bracket 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 13 It is a top view of the bracket 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The XIV-XIV section view is shown.
[0151] like Figure 10 As shown, two fitting holes 411 into which the two electrodes 6A and 6B fit are formed on the lower surface 410 a of the base portion 410 .
[0152] When viewed from above, the two electrodes 6A and 6B have shapes including two straight lines extending parallel to the Y-axis direction and two arcs connecting the two ends of the two straight lines. The two fitting holes 411 have long hole shapes corresponding to the shapes of the two electrodes 6A and 6B. Figure 7 As shown, the two electrodes 6A and 6B are formed into blocks having a predetermined height in the Z-axis direction. This increases the contact area between the two electrodes 6A and 6B and the two fitting holes 411 and improves the sealing performance between the two electrodes 6A and 6B and the two fitting holes 411.
[0153] like Figure 10 As shown, the two electrodes 6A and 6B are arranged in a pair in the X-axis direction across the main axis O. In addition, on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410, a pair of cylindrical recesses 412 with tops are formed in the Y-axis direction across the main axis O. The recesses 412 are portions corresponding to the resin injection holes during the injection molding of the bracket 400. Furthermore, on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410, three engaging recesses 413 are formed along the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 410. The three engaging recesses 413 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction (at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction).
[0154] The engaging recess 413 opens on the lower surface 410a of the base 410 and the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base 410. The engaging recess 413 is formed into a tapered shape in which the circumferential width of the engaging recess 413 gradually widens toward the lower surface 410a of the base 410. The three engaging recesses 413 formed in this way are inserted into the longitudinal engaging protrusion of the aerosol generating device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-65538, for example. That is, the smoke cartridge 3 of this embodiment is interchangeable with the smoke cartridges of other aerosol generating devices.
[0155] One of the three engaging recesses 413 is formed with a longitudinal groove 415 extending in the Z-axis direction. The longitudinal groove 415 opens on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410 and is formed deeper to the radially inner side than the engaging recess 413. The upper end of the longitudinal groove 415 communicates with the bottom surface of a transverse groove 414 extending radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base portion 410. As Figure 7 shown, a pair of transverse grooves 414 are formed in the X-axis direction in such a manner as to communicate with the lower surface sides of both ends of an air passage 416 penetrating the base portion 410 in the X-axis direction.
[0156] As Figure 7 shown, the outer cylinder portion 420, the inner cylinder portion 430, and the upper side of the base portion 410 relative to the transverse groove 414 are inserted into the inside of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage chamber 100. On the base portion 410, two engaging pieces 401 that engage with two engaging holes 111 of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage chamber 100 project on the radially outer side.
[0157] A sealing cylinder portion 231 of a seal 200 is externally fitted to the outer cylinder portion 420. The outer cylinder portion 420 supports the radially inner side of the sealing cylinder portion 231 and inhibits the sealing projection 232 of the sealing cylinder portion 231 from separating from the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage chamber 100. That is, the outer cylinder portion 420 improves the sealing property of the sealing projection 232 to the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage chamber 100.
[0158] It should be noted that, as Figure 6 shown, a positioning recess 112 for positioning the bracket 400 in the circumferential direction is formed at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage chamber 100. The positioning recess 112 is a cutout portion recessed toward the +Z side, and a pair is arranged opposite to each other across the main shaft O. In contrast, a positioning projection 402 that is axially inserted into the positioning recess 112 is formed on the bracket 400. The positioning projection 402 has a shape, size, number, and arrangement corresponding to the positioning recess 112.
[0159] As Figure 11 shown, the positioning projection 402 is formed on a stepped portion 410c that is recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base portion 410. The lower end of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage chamber 100 abuts against the stepped portion 410c in the axial direction. By the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the storage chamber 100 abutting against the stepped portion 410c, the positioning projection 402 is inserted into the positioning recess 112, and the engaging piece 401 is engaged with the engaging hole 111, thereby assembling the bracket 400 to the storage chamber 100 in a state of being positioned in the axial, radial, and circumferential directions. A seal 200 and a heating portion 300 are loaded between the storage chamber 100 and the bracket 400.
[0160] As Figure 7As shown, the inner cylinder part 430 is embedded in the heating chamber 200A of the seal 200. Thus, the space inside the inner cylinder part 430 communicates with the heating chamber 200A. It should be noted that an aerosol source holding part 440, which will be described later, is formed between the inner cylinder part 430 and the outer cylinder part 420. The aerosol source holding part 440 is an annular space that surrounds the heating chamber 200A in a top view, and its upper part is blocked by the seal 200. It should be noted that the aerosol source holding part 440 is partially communicated with the heating chamber 200A via the exhaust groove 431. The exhaust groove 431 extends from the upper end surface of the inner cylinder part 430 to the middle part in the height direction of the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder part 430.
[0161] The lower side of the bracket 400 protrudes from the storage bin 100. The lower side of the bracket 400 has an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the peripheral wall part 110 of the storage bin 100. In addition, two transverse grooves 414 that are recessed radially inward are formed on the lower side of the bracket 400. The two transverse grooves 414 are arranged opposite to each other across the main shaft O. The two transverse grooves 414 communicate with the bottom surfaces of both ends of the air passage 416 disposed radially inside the peripheral wall part 110 of the storage bin 100. On the top surface of the middle part in the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the air passage 416, a plurality of communication holes 417 that communicate with the inside of the inner cylinder part 430 (heating chamber 200A) are formed along the Z-axis direction.
[0162] That is, when the user sucks (draws), the heating chamber 200A becomes negative pressure via the flow path pipe part 130, and external gas is introduced into the air passage 416 from the longitudinal groove 415 and the transverse groove 414, and / or the transverse groove 414. The air introduced into the air passage 416 is introduced into the heating chamber 200A from the communication hole 417 in the middle of the passage, and together with the aerosol generated by the heating chamber 200A, it passes through the flow path pipe part 130 and Figure 3 the communication hole 27a of the cartridge contact part 27 shown, and further passes through the fragrance source container 4 and is transported to the user's mouth. It should be noted that by having the longitudinal groove 415, external gas can be taken in from the bottom surface side of the cartridge 3, but as long as at least the transverse groove 414 is provided, suction can be performed.
[0163] As Figure 11 shown, the bracket 400 includes an inner cylinder part 430 that supports the heating part 300, and an outer cylinder part 420 that supports the heating part 300 at a position outside the inner cylinder part 430. As Figure 13 shown, the inner cylinder part 430 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape in a top view. The outer cylinder part 420 is formed in a circular cylindrical shape in a top view.
[0164] Inside the inner cylinder part 430, there is formed a part that communicates with Figure 7A plurality of communication holes 417 communicating with the air passage 416 shown, and a pair of through holes 418 guiding one end portion 322A and the other end portion 322B of the heater wire 320 to the two fitting holes 411. The communication holes 417 are formed in two columns along the X-axis direction in which the air passage 416 extends. A pair of the through holes 418 are formed inside two of the four corner portions on the inner side of the inner cylinder portion 430, which are located on the diagonal line.
[0165] As Figure 12 shown, at the upper end portion of the inner cylinder portion 430, a pair of support surfaces 432 for supporting the heating portion 300 are formed with the main shaft O interposed therebetween in the Y-axis direction. The support surfaces 432 are formed in a semi-circular arc shape that bulges downward when viewed from the side. The upper end portion of the inner cylinder portion 430 bulges upward relative to the lowermost point of the support surfaces 432 on both sides of the support surfaces 432. A groove 433 is formed at the lowermost point of the support surfaces 432, and the groove 433 extends linearly in the Y-axis direction. For example, a part of the oil guide core 310 enters the groove 433 to restrict the displacement of the heating portion 300 around the Y-axis. It should be noted that a pair of the above-described exhaust grooves 431 are formed at positions that are point-symmetric with the main shaft O interposed therebetween on the upper end surfaces and the outer peripheral surfaces of the wall portions facing each other in the X-axis direction of the inner cylinder portion 430.
[0166] In addition, at the upper end portion of the outer cylinder portion 420, a pair of support surfaces 421 for supporting the heating portion 300 are formed with the main shaft O interposed therebetween in the Y-axis direction. The support surfaces 421 are formed in a semi-circular arc shape that bulges downward when viewed from the side. The upper end portion of the outer cylinder portion 420 bulges upward relative to the support surfaces 421 on both sides of the support surfaces 421. As Figure 13 shown, the width in the X-axis direction of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 is wider than that of the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430. That is, the radius of curvature of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 is larger (the curvature is smaller) than that of the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430. In addition, the support area of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 is larger than that of the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430. That is, the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 supports the heating portion 300 (oil guide core 310) more lightly than the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430.
[0167] An aerosol source holding portion 440 (sub storage bin) capable of storing an aerosol source is formed between the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420. As Figure 13 shown, the aerosol source holding portion 440 forms an annular space when viewed from above, and has a communication portion 441 (opening portion) on the upper side. A first bottom surface 442, a second bottom surface 443 deeper than the first bottom surface 442, and a third bottom surface 444 shallower than the first bottom surface 442 are formed at the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 440.
[0168] The first bottom surface 442 is a reference surface that serves as the bottom surface of the aerosol source holding portion 440. The second bottom surfaces 443 are provided in a pair at the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 440, with the main axis O interposed therebetween in the Y-axis direction. In a plan view, the second bottom surfaces 443 are disposed between the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 and the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430. As Figure 14 shown, the second bottom surface 443 is the bottom surface of a concave pit in the shape of an inverted truncated cone whose inner diameter decreases as it goes downward from the first bottom surface 442. As Figure 13 shown, the center of the second bottom surface 443 is disposed closer to the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 than the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430 in a plan view, and the second bottom surface 443 extends to the lower end of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 described later.
[0169] The third bottom surfaces 444 are provided in a pair at the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 440, with the main axis O interposed therebetween in the X-axis direction. The third bottom surfaces 444 are provided along the X-axis direction in which the air passage 416 extends. That is, in order to ensure the volume of the air passage 416 and the thickness of the top of the air passage 416, the third bottom surfaces 444 are formed in portions that bulge relatively upward from the first bottom surface 442. It should be noted that the exhaust grooves 431 are formed so as to be located above the third bottom surfaces 444.
[0170] An aerosol source guiding portion 450 is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420. As Figure 8 shown, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 of the present embodiment is a groove portion that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440. It should be noted that the aerosol source guiding portion 450 only needs to be able to guide the aerosol source supplied to the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440, and it may be other than a groove portion.
[0171] The aerosol source guiding portion 450 may also be, for example, a structure in which a capillary structure identical to the oil guiding core 310 is provided at a position corresponding to the groove portion, or a structure in which a surface treatment with low water repellency (high liquid affinity) with respect to the aerosol source is performed at a position corresponding to the groove portion, or a structure in which all or part of the groove portion, the capillary structure, and the surface treatment are combined. In addition, "guiding" means introducing the aerosol source into the aerosol source holding portion 440 at least in a state where the aerosol source does not naturally drip from the heating portion 300 (oil guiding core 310).
[0172] As Figure 14As shown, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 extends from the communication portion 441 (opening portion) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 440. Specifically, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 extends along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420 in the Z-axis direction from the lowermost point of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 to the second bottom surface 443 of the aerosol source holding portion 440. It should be noted that the aerosol source guiding portion 450 of the present embodiment is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420, but it may also be formed on the outer wall surface of the inner cylinder portion 430. In addition, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 may also be formed on both the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420 and the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder portion 430.
[0173] As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, with respect to the cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area in the X - Y plane) of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 (groove portion), the bottom side of the aerosol source holding portion 440 is smaller than the communication portion 441 (opening portion) side. Specifically, the width of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 in the X-axis direction gradually narrows downward, and further, the depth of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 in the Y-axis direction gradually shallows downward. In addition, the top view shape of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 changes from a rectangular shape to a smaller rectangular shape as it goes downward. It should be noted that the top view shape of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 is not limited to a rectangle. For example, it may change from a trapezoidal shape to a rectangular shape or from a trapezoidal shape to a trapezoidal shape as it goes downward.
[0174] The upper end opening of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 is formed on the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420. That is, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 abuts against the wick 310 of the heating portion 300 supported by the support surface 421. The wick 310 has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source, and the aerosol source guiding portion 450 has a capillary force smaller than that of the wick 310. Here, regarding the "capillary force", for example, when T is set as the surface tension, θ is set as the contact angle, ρ is set as the density of the liquid, g is set as the acceleration due to gravity, and r is set as the inner diameter (radius) of the tube, the rising height h of the liquid surface can be defined as h = 2Tcosθ / ρgr. However, when comparing by r, the gap (tube) between the fibers of the wick 310 is significantly smaller than the groove portion (tube) of the aerosol source guiding portion 450.
[0175] The rising height h of the liquid level is inversely proportional to the size of r. Therefore, the oil guiding core 310 has a capillary force significantly greater than that of the aerosol source guiding portion 450. It should be noted that the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 only needs to be able to guide the remaining portion of the aerosol source exceeding the holding amount of the oil guiding core 310 to the aerosol source holding portion 440. In addition, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 only needs to be able to suck the aerosol source stored in the aerosol source holding portion 440 and return it to the oil guiding core 310 when the holding amount of the aerosol source in the oil guiding core 310 is insufficient. For example, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 only needs to have a capillary force such that the rising height h of the liquid level becomes the height from the second bottom surface 443 of the aerosol source holding portion 440 to the lowest point of the supporting surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420.
[0176] Next, the fixing structure of the heating portion 300 will be described.
[0177] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of the seal 200 and the bracket 400 of one embodiment. Figure 16 It is a top view of the seal 200 and the bracket 400 of one embodiment. Figure 17 It is a side view of the seal 200 and the bracket 400 of one embodiment. Figure 18 It is a perspective view of the seal 200 of one embodiment as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 19 It is a bottom view of the seal 200 of one embodiment. Figure 20 It is a cross-sectional view along the X-Z plane of the first fixing portion 501 of one embodiment. Figure 21 It is a cross-sectional view along the X-Z plane of the second fixing portion 502 of one embodiment.
[0178] As Figure 8 shown, the heating portion 300 is fixed by the first fixing portion 501 and the second fixing portion 502. The first fixing portion 501 fixes the oil guiding core 310 portions on both sides of the heat generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300. The second fixing portion 502 fixes the oil guiding core 310 portion at a position farther from the heat generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300 than the first fixing portion 501. The first fixing portion 501 includes the inner cylinder portion 430 of the bracket 400 and the lower surface portion 206 of the seal 200. In addition, the second fixing portion 502 includes a pair of clamping pieces 260 of the bracket 400 (refer to Figure 18 ).
[0179] As Figure 18 and Figure 19 shown, the lower surface portion 206 of the seal 200 is inside the third cylinder portion 230, and a pair is arranged on both sides in the Y-axis direction of the heating chamber 200A. The lower surface portion 206 is a planar portion extending along the X-Y plane. It should be noted that as Figure 15 and Figure 17As shown, the edge on the outer side in the Y-axis direction of the lower surface portion 206 is continuously provided with the lower end of the third flat portion 205. As Figure 19 shown, a pair of clamping pieces 260 are arranged on both sides of the lower surface portion 206 in the X-axis direction. A part of the lower surface portion 206 extends radially inward beyond the pair of clamping pieces 260. On the other hand, a part of the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends radially outward beyond the lower surface portion 206.
[0180] As Figure 16 shown, when looking down at the seal 200, a part of the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends outside the third flat portion 205. The through-hole 235 of the seal 200 opens in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction due to its relationship with multiple flat portions (the first flat portion 203, the second flat portion 204, and the third flat portion 205). When looking down in the Z-axis direction, the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440, the pair of clamping pieces 260, and the supporting surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 of the bracket 400 are exposed from the through-hole 235. There is no lower surface portion 206 of the seal 200 directly above the supporting surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420. As Figure 8 shown, a space S communicating with the liquid storage chamber 101 is formed.
[0181] As Figure 8 and Figure 20 shown, the lower surface portion 206 of the seal 200 is at least arranged at a position opposite to the supporting surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430 in the Z-axis direction. The substantially semicircular space surrounded by the lower surface portion 206, the supporting surface 432, and the groove 433 is smaller than the outer shape of the wick 310 in its normal state (before compression) (shown by a dotted line in Figure 20 ). That is, the wick 310 is fixed in a state of being compressed around the entire circumference in the first fixing portion 501.
[0182] As Figure 21 shown, the pair of clamping pieces 260 of the seal 200 are at least arranged at positions opposite to the communication portion 441 (opening portion) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 in the Z-axis direction. The pair of clamping pieces 260 include a tapered portion 261 and a flat portion 262. In the tapered portion 261, the interval in the X-axis direction for clamping the wick 310 becomes wider as it approaches the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440. In the flat portion 262, the interval in the X-axis direction for clamping the wick 310 is constant. The tapered portion 261 is continuously provided with the flat portion 262 on the side of the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440.
[0183] It should be noted that in Figure 17When viewed from the side as shown, the flat portion 262 can be identified through the through-hole 235 formed in the seal 200 and is disposed above the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420. In addition, the tapered portion 261 extends from the lower end of the flat portion 262 to a position below the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420. It should be noted that when viewed from above, most of the pair of clamping pieces 260 are disposed inside the outer cylinder portion 420, but as Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown, by abutting against the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420, it elastically deforms and a part extends onto the support surface 421. That is, the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends in the Y-axis direction from a position opposite to the communication portion 441 (opening portion) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 to a position opposite to the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420.
[0184] As Figure 21 shown, the wick 310 is clamped by the pair of clamping pieces 260 in the Y-axis direction in the second fixing portion 502. The wick 310 is tightly clamped by the flat portion 262 and loosely clamped by the tapered portion 261. The wick 310 is fixed in the second fixing portion 502 in a state compressed in the X-axis direction compared to the normal (before compression) outer shape of the wick 310 (shown by a dotted line in Figure 21 ).
[0185] Compared with the second fixing portion 502 (refer to Figure 21 ), the first fixing portion 501 ( Figure 22 ) further compresses the wick 310. That is, the compression rate of the wick 310 in the first fixing portion 501 ( Figure 22 ) is higher than that of the second fixing portion 502 (refer to Figure 21 ). It should be noted that the "compression rate" mentioned here can be defined, for example, by the ratio of the cross-sectional area after compression based on the cross-sectional area of the normal outer shape of the wick 310.
[0186] Since the compression rate of the wick 310 is high in the first fixing portion 501, the parameter r of the above-mentioned capillary force becomes smaller and the capillary force becomes larger. In addition, since the compression rate of the wick 310 is low in the second fixing portion 502, the parameter r of the above-mentioned capillary force becomes larger and the capillary force becomes smaller. That is, in the wick 310, the capillary force of the first fixing portion 501 is larger than that of the second fixing portion 502, and the aerosol source easily moves from the second fixing portion 502 to the first fixing portion 501. In addition, since the capillary force of the wick 310 becomes smaller in the second fixing portion 502, it is easy to introduce the remaining aerosol source into the aerosol source holding portion 440 directly below the second fixing portion 502.
[0187] Next, the peripheral structure of the flow path tube portion 130 will be described.
[0188] Figure 22This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the periphery of the flow path tube portion 130 of an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side. It should be noted that in Figure 22 for the sake of convenience in explanation, the cartridge 3 is turned upside down.
[0189] As Figure 22 shown, inside the seal 200, an aerosol source capture portion 240 for capturing the aerosol source is provided near the second opening portion 132 on the heating portion 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130. The aerosol source capture portion 240 has a groove portion formed in a ring shape around the opening portion (second opening portion 132) on the heating portion 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130. It should be noted that the "ring shape" mentioned here can be a continuously connected ring shape around the flow path tube portion 130, or a discontinuously (e.g., in a dotted line shape, two arc shapes, etc.) connected ring shape. The aerosol source capture portion 240 of the present embodiment is formed in a continuously connected ring shape around the flow path tube portion 130.
[0190] The aerosol source capture portion 240 has an annular space surrounded by the top surface of the heating chamber 200A, the four side surfaces of the heating chamber 200A, and the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the flow path tube portion 130 protruding into the heating chamber 200A. As Figure 19 shown, the aerosol source capture portion 240 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from below. Specifically, the outer shape of the aerosol source capture portion 240 has a pair of long side portions 241 extending parallel to the X-axis direction and a pair of short side portions 242 extending parallel to the Y-axis direction. The width W1 from the long side portion 241 to the insertion hole 201 is narrower than the width W2 from the short side portion 242 to the insertion hole 201. That is, the width of the aerosol source capture portion 240 (groove portion) locally narrows at the long side portion 241. It should be noted that the width of the aerosol source capture portion 240 (groove portion) can be compared by the opening width rather than the bottom width.
[0191] The aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture portion 240 includes, for example, an aerosol source formed by the aerosol generated by the heating portion 300 condensing and liquefying in the heating chamber 200A, an aerosol source flowing out without being vaporized or evaporated from the heating portion 300, and an aerosol source flowing out from a portion other than the heating portion 300 (e.g., the storage chamber 100 or the aerosol source holding portion 440), etc.
[0192] As Figure 22 shown, inside the seal 200, an aerosol source return portion 250 extending from the aerosol source capture portion 240 to the heating portion 300 along the Z-axis direction is provided. As Figure 19 shown, a pair of aerosol source return portions 250 are formed at the portion (long side portion 241) where the width is the smallest until the insertion hole 201. It should be noted that the shape of the aerosol source return portion 250 when viewed from below is not limited to a rectangle, and can also be a shape such as a trapezoid that is easy to form with resin.Figure 8 As shown, a pair of aerosol source reflux portions 250 extend from the top surface of the heating chamber 200A to the portions of the wick 310 on both sides of the heat generating portion 321 around which the heater wire 320 is wound.
[0193] The aerosol source reflux portion 250 is a groove portion that causes the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture portion 240 to reflux to the wick 310 portion of the heating portion 300. It should be noted that the aerosol source reflux portion 250 only needs to be able to cause the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture portion 240 to reflux to the wick 310 portion of the heating portion 300, and it can also be other than a groove portion. For example, the aerosol source reflux portion 250 can also be a structure in which a capillary structure the same as that of the wick 310 is provided at a position corresponding to the groove portion, or a structure in which a surface treatment with low water repellency (high liquid affinity) with respect to the aerosol source is performed at a position corresponding to the groove portion, or a structure in which all or a part of the groove portion, the capillary structure, and the surface treatment are combined. The aerosol source reflux portion 250 of the present embodiment is integrally formed with the seal 200, but it can also be formed as a part separate from the seal 200.
[0194] Similarly, the aerosol source capture portion 240 of the present embodiment is integrally formed with the seal 200, but it can also be formed as a part separate from the seal 200. That is, the aerosol source capture portion 240 only needs to be able to capture the aerosol source near the second opening portion 132 of the flow path tube portion 130, and it can also be other than a groove portion. For example, the aerosol source capture portion 240 can also be a structure in which a capillary structure the same as that of the wick 310 is provided at a position corresponding to the groove portion, or a structure in which a surface treatment with low water repellency (high liquid affinity) with respect to the aerosol source is performed at a position corresponding to the groove portion, or a structure in which all or a part of the groove portion, the capillary structure, and the surface treatment are combined.
[0195] The aerosol source capture portion 240 has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source in at least the portion with a width W1 as shown in Figure 19 As shown. In addition, the aerosol source reflux portion 250 has a capillary force greater than that of the aerosol source capture portion 240. Thus, as shown in Figure 22 even if the cartridge 3 is inverted, the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture portion 240 can be refluxed to the wick 310 portion of the heating portion 300. For example, the aerosol source reflux portion 250 only needs to have a capillary force such that the rising height h of the liquid surface is the height from the top surface of the heating chamber 200A to the outer peripheral surface of the wick 310.
[0196] <Method of using the suction device>
[0197] When using the suction device 1 having the above configuration, first, as shown in Figure 2As shown, open the cartridge storage lid 50 provided at the bottom of the housing portion 12 of the main body unit 2. Then, insert the cartridge 3 into the cartridge storage portion 10. After inserting the cartridge 3 into the cartridge storage portion 10, close the cartridge storage lid 50. Further, attach the flavor source container 4 to the suction port portion 11a of the heating module 11 of the main body unit 2, and attach the mouthpiece 5 to the flavor source container 4 protruding from the heating module 11.
[0198] When sucking on the inhaler 1, the user presses Figure 1 and Figure 3 the input device 15 shown. At this time, for example, it can also be programmed such that the main body unit 2 is started by pressing the input device 15 multiple times. When the main body unit 2 is started, for example, the heating module 11 heats the flavor source container 4 to make the flavor prominent.
[0199] Next, the user sucks while holding the mouthpiece 5 in the mouth. Then, the air inside the cartridge storage portion 10 is drawn into the cartridge 3, Figure 3 and the sensor 26 shown detects the suction. When the sensor 26 detects the suction, the heater wire 320 of the cartridge 3 is energized, and the heater wire 320 generates heat. When the heater wire 320 generates heat, the aerosol source of the liquid impregnated in the wicking core 310 is heated and atomized.
[0200] Air (external gas) flows into the inside of the cartridge storage portion 10 from the communication hole 17a formed in the cover member 17. The air flowing into the inside of the cartridge storage portion 10 is introduced into the air passage 416 from the longitudinal groove 415 and the transverse groove 414, and / or the transverse groove 414 of the cartridge 3 as Figure 7 shown. The air introduced into the air passage 416 is introduced into the heating chamber 200A through the communication hole 417, and together with the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 200A, passes through the flow path tube portion 130 and Figure 3 the communication hole 27a of the cartridge contact portion 27 shown, and further passes through the flavor source container 4 and the mouthpiece 5, and is delivered to the user's mouth. Thus, the user can taste the flavor.
[0201] It should be noted that sometimes the atomized aerosol fills the heating chamber 200A, condenses partially in the heating chamber 200A, and returns to the aerosol source. This aerosol source flows out of the cartridge 3 from the flow path tube portion 130 when the cartridge 3 is tilted downward. However, in the present embodiment, as Figure 22 shown, when the cartridge 3 is tilted downward, the aerosol source capture portion 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening portion 132 on the heating portion 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130, so that the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow path tube portion 130 can be suppressed. In addition, the aerosol source return portion 250 returns the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture portion 240 to the heating portion 300, so that the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture portion 240 can be suppressed.
[0202] In addition, as Figure 8 shown, the aerosol source is supplied from the storage chamber 100 to the heating unit 300. However, when an amount of aerosol source exceeding the holding amount is supplied to the wick 310, the aerosol source drips from the heating portion 321 inside the inner cylinder portion 430 (heating chamber 200A). However, in the present embodiment, the remaining portion of the aerosol source supplied from the storage chamber 100 to the heating unit 300 is guided by the aerosol source guide portion 450 to the aerosol source holding portion 440 between the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420 that support the heating unit 300. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from dripping to the inside of the inner cylinder portion 430.
[0203] On the other hand, when the amount of aerosol source supplied from the storage chamber 100 to the heating unit 300 is insufficient, overheating of the wick 310 easily occurs in the heating portion 321. However, in the present embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, the heating unit 300 is stably fixed by the first fixing portion 501 and the second fixing portion 502, and is firmly fixed at a position close to the heating portion 321 of the heating unit 300 and lightly fixed at a position far from the heating portion 321 of the heating unit 300. Therefore, the aerosol source is sufficiently absorbed at one end portion 311 and the other end portion 312 of the wick 310, and the aerosol source moves toward the heating portion 321, and it is easy to wet the entire wick 310 with the aerosol source, and it is possible to suppress the exhaustion of the aerosol source at the heating portion 321 and the resulting overheating.
[0204] That is, in the present embodiment, the following operational effects are obtained.
[0205] [Operational Effects]
[0206] The cartridge 3 of the present embodiment described above includes: a storage chamber 100 that can store an aerosol source; a heating unit 300 that is supplied with the aerosol source from the storage chamber 100 and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a flow path tube portion 130 that guides the aerosol generated by the heating unit 300 to the outside; an aerosol source capturing portion 240 that captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 (opening) on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130; and an aerosol source reflux portion 250 that extends from the aerosol source capturing portion 240 to the heating unit 300.
[0207] According to this structure, when the cartridge 3 is oriented downward, the aerosol source capturing portion 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow path tube portion 130 to the outside. In addition, the aerosol source reflux portion 250 returns the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capturing portion 240 to the heating unit 300. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capturing portion 240.
[0208] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source capture portion 240 has a groove portion formed in a ring shape around the second opening portion 132 on the heating portion 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130.
[0209] According to this structure, the groove portion captures the aerosol source over the entire circumference of the second opening portion 132 on the heating portion 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130. Therefore, the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow path tube portion 130 to the outside can be suppressed.
[0210] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source capture portion 240 (groove portion) has a short side portion 242 (first portion) and a long side portion 241 (second portion) whose width is narrower than that of the first portion, and the aerosol source return portion 250 is connected to the long side portion 241 (second portion).
[0211] According to this structure, the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture portion 240 flows back to the heating portion 300 from the long side portion 241 (second portion) where the width of the groove portion is narrow. Therefore, the aerosol source is not likely to remain at the corners or the like of the aerosol source capture portion 240.
[0212] It should be noted that the aerosol source return portion 250 only needs to be able to return the aerosol source from the portion where the width of the aerosol source capture portion 240 becomes narrow. For example, when the aerosol source capture portion 240 is square when viewed from above and the flow path tube portion 130 is oval when viewed from above, the aerosol source return portion 250 only needs to be connected to the portion where the width of the aerosol source capture portion 240 is narrow in the major axis direction of the ellipse.
[0213] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source capture portion 240 has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source.
[0214] According to this structure, the aerosol source capture portion 240 holds the aerosol source by capillary force. Therefore, the aerosol source is not likely to flow out from the aerosol source capture portion 240 to the flow path tube portion 130.
[0215] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source return portion 250 has a capillary force greater than that of the aerosol source capture portion 240.
[0216] According to this structure, due to the difference in capillary force, the aerosol source moves from the aerosol source capture portion 240 to the aerosol source return portion 250. Therefore, regardless of the direction of the cartridge 3, the aerosol source can be returned from the aerosol source capture portion 240 to the heating portion 300.
[0217] In addition, in the present embodiment, a seal 200 that abuts against the heating portion 300 is provided, and the aerosol source capture portion 240 is formed on the seal 200.
[0218] According to this structure, by forming the aerosol source capturing portion 240 on the seal 200, the number of parts can be reduced and the cartridge 3 can be easily assembled.
[0219] In addition, in the present embodiment, an aerosol source reflux portion 250 is formed on the seal 200.
[0220] According to this structure, by forming the aerosol source reflux portion 250 on the seal 200, the number of parts can be reduced and the cartridge 3 can be easily assembled.
[0221] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source reflux portion 250 may be formed on a part separate from the seal 200.
[0222] According to this structure, by forming the aerosol source reflux portion 250 on a part separate from the seal 200, the shape of the aerosol source reflux portion 250 can be designed separately from the seal 200.
[0223] In addition, in the present embodiment, the heating portion 300 includes a wick 310 that holds the aerosol source and a heater wire 320 wound around the wick 310. A pair of aerosol source reflux portions 250 are provided and extend from the aerosol source capturing portion 240 to both sides of the heat generating portion 321 around which the heater wire 320 is wound on the wick 310.
[0224] According to this structure, the aerosol source refluxes from the aerosol source capturing portion 240 to the heating portion 300 from two places instead of one place. Therefore, the amount of aerosol source refluxing to the heating portion 300 increases, and the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capturing portion 240 can be suppressed. In addition, since the places where the aerosol source refluxes are both sides of the portion of the wick 310 around which the heater wire 320 is wound, the heat generating portion 321 is easily wetted evenly, and the aerosol source can be effectively generated.
[0225] In addition, the aerosol generating device of the present embodiment includes the cartridge 3 described above and a power supply portion 22 that supplies power to the heating portion 300 of the cartridge 3 and generates aerosol.
[0226] According to this structure, since the above-described cartridge 3 is provided, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.
[0227] In addition, the inhaler 1 of the present embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to the suction port portion 11a of the aerosol generating device.
[0228] According to this structure, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.
[0229] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a heating unit 300 is provided on the cartridge 3, but the heating unit 300 can be detachably attached to and detached from the cartridge 3, and the heating unit 300 can also be provided on the main body unit 2 side of the aerosol generating device. Further, the heating unit 300 can also be detachably attached to and detached from the main body unit 2. That is, the cartridge 3 can also have the following structure.
[0230] The cartridge 3 is a cartridge 3 for an aerosol generating device having a heating unit 300, and includes a storage chamber 100 capable of storing an aerosol source, a flow path tube portion 130 that guides the aerosol generated by the heating unit 300 to the outside, an aerosol source capturing portion 240 that captures the aerosol source near the second opening portion 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130, and an aerosol source reflux portion 250 that extends from the aerosol source capturing portion 240 to the heating unit 300.
[0231] According to this structure, when the cartridge 3 is downward, the aerosol source capturing portion 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening portion 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130, so that the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow path tube portion 130 to the outside can be suppressed. In addition, the aerosol source reflux portion 250 refluxes the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capturing portion 240 to the heating unit 300, so that the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capturing portion 240 can be suppressed.
[0232] In addition, in this embodiment, the following effects are also obtained.
[0233] The cartridge 3 of the above-described embodiment includes a storage chamber 100 capable of storing an aerosol source, a heating unit 300 that supplies the aerosol source from the storage chamber 100 and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol, an inner cylinder portion 430 that supports the heating unit 300, an outer cylinder portion 420 that supports the heating unit 300 at a position outside the inner cylinder portion 430, an aerosol source holding portion 440 formed between the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420 and capable of storing the aerosol source, and an aerosol source guiding portion 450 that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.
[0234] According to this structure, the remaining portion of the aerosol source supplied from the storage chamber 100 to the heating unit 300 is guided by the aerosol source guiding portion 450 to the aerosol source holding portion 440 between the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420 that support the heating unit 300, so that the aerosol source can be prevented from dripping to the inside of the inner cylinder portion 430.
[0235] In addition, in this embodiment, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 is provided on at least one of the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420.
[0236] According to this structure, the inner cylinder part 430 and the outer cylinder part 420 support the heating part 300. Therefore, by providing the aerosol source guiding part 450 in at least one of the inner cylinder part 430 and the outer cylinder part 420, it is easy to guide the remaining part of the aerosol source from the heating part 300 to the aerosol source holding part 440.
[0237] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source guiding part 450 is provided along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder part 420.
[0238] According to this structure, by providing the aerosol source holding part 440 along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder part 420 away from the inner cylinder part 430, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from dripping to the inside of the inner cylinder part 430.
[0239] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source guiding part 450 has a groove part that extends from the communication part 441 (opening part) of the aerosol source holding part 440 toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding part 440.
[0240] According to this structure, the groove part guides the aerosol source from the communication part 441 (opening part) of the aerosol source holding part 440 toward the bottom, so it is easy to accumulate the aerosol source in the aerosol source holding part 440.
[0241] In addition, in the present embodiment, regarding the cross-sectional area of the aerosol source guiding part 450 (groove part), the bottom side of the aerosol source holding part 440 is smaller than the communication part 441 (opening part) side.
[0242] According to this structure, the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding part 450 (groove part) gradually increases from the communication part 441 (opening part) of the aerosol source holding part 440 toward the bottom, so it is easier to guide the aerosol source toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding part 440.
[0243] In addition, in the present embodiment, the bottom of the aerosol source holding part 440 has a first bottom surface 442 and a second bottom surface 443 deeper than the first bottom surface 442, and the aerosol source guiding part 450 (groove part) extends toward the second bottom surface 443.
[0244] According to this structure, it is easy to guide the aerosol source to a place deeper than the bottom of the aerosol source holding part 440.
[0245] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source guiding part 450 abuts against the heating part 300.
[0246] According to this structure, by the aerosol source guiding part 450 abutting against the heating part 300, it is easy to guide the remaining part of the aerosol source from the heating part 300 to the aerosol source holding part 440.
[0247] In addition, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 300 has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source, and the aerosol source guiding unit 450 has a capillary force smaller than that of the heating unit 300.
[0248] According to this structure, when there is a remainder of the aerosol source generated in the heating unit 300, the aerosol source can be guided from the heating unit 300 to the aerosol source holding unit 440 by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit 450. In addition, when there is a shortage of the aerosol source in the heating unit 300, the aerosol source can be sucked from the aerosol source holding unit 440 to the heating unit 300 by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding unit 450.
[0249] The aerosol generating device of the present embodiment includes the previously described cartridge 3 and a power supply unit 22 that supplies power to the heating unit 300 of the cartridge 3 and generates aerosol.
[0250] According to this structure, since the above-described cartridge 3 is provided, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the aerosol source from the heating unit 300.
[0251] The suction device 1 of the present embodiment includes the previously described aerosol generating device and a flavor source container 4 attached to the suction port portion 11a of the aerosol generating device.
[0252] According to this structure, it is possible to add flavor to the aerosol.
[0253] In addition, in the present embodiment, the following operational effects are also obtained.
[0254] The above-described cartridge 3 of the present embodiment includes a storage chamber 100 capable of storing an aerosol source, a heating unit 300 that supplies the aerosol source from the storage chamber 100 and heats the aerosol source to generate aerosol, a first fixing unit 501 that fixes the heating unit 300, and a second fixing unit 502 that fixes the heating unit 300 more lightly than the first fixing unit 501 at a position farther from the heating unit 300 than the first fixing unit 501 and closer to the heat generating portion 321.
[0255] According to this structure, while stably fixing the heating unit 300 using the two fixing units, it is firmly fixed at a position close to the heat generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300 and lightly fixed at a position far from the heat generating portion 321 of the heating unit 300. Therefore, the aerosol source can easily moisten the entire heating unit 300, and it is possible to suppress the exhaustion of the aerosol source at the heat generating portion 321 and the resulting overheating.
[0256] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first fixing unit 501 further compresses the heating unit 300 compared to the second fixing unit 502.
[0257] According to this structure, the first fixing portion 501 compresses the heating portion 300 further than the second fixing portion 502. Therefore, due to the capillary force of the heating portion 300, the aerosol source easily moves toward the heat generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300.
[0258] In addition, in the present embodiment, a communication portion 441 is provided at a position farther from the heat generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300 than the first fixing portion 501, and an aerosol source holding portion 440 capable of accommodating the aerosol source from the communication portion 441 is formed. The second fixing portion 502 fixes the heating portion 300 at least at a position facing the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440.
[0259] According to this structure, in the case where the aerosol source is supplied to the heating portion 300 in excess, the remaining portion of the aerosol source drips from the second fixing portion 502 that lightly fixes the heating portion 300, and the aerosol source can be recovered into the aerosol source holding portion 440 having the communication portion 441 at a position farther from the heat generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300.
[0260] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second fixing portion 502 includes a pair of clamping pieces 260 that clamp the heating portion 300. The pair of clamping pieces 260 includes a tapered portion 261, and the interval of clamping the heating portion 300 becomes wider as it faces the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440.
[0261] According to this structure, as it faces the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440, the compression of the heating portion 300 is gradually reduced. Therefore, it is easy to guide the remaining aerosol source from the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.
[0262] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pair of clamping pieces 260 includes a flat portion 262 with a constant interval for clamping the heating portion 300, and the tapered portion 261 is continuously provided on the side of the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440 of the flat portion 262.
[0263] According to this structure, the heating portion 300 is stably fixed at the flat portion 262, and the heating portion 300 is lightly fixed at the tapered portion 261, and it is easy to guide the remaining aerosol source from the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.
[0264] In addition, in the present embodiment, an outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion) for supporting the heating portion 300 is provided at a position farther from the heat generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300 than the aerosol source holding portion 440. A space S is formed on the opposite side of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion) across the heating portion 300 (refer to Figure 8 ).
[0265] According to this structure, by forming a space S on the opposite side of the support surface 421 separating the heating part 300 and the outer cylinder part 420 (support part), the volume of the storage chamber 100 is expanded, and bubbles are not easily retained at the lower end of the liquid storage chamber 101, thereby suppressing the depletion of the aerosol source of the heating part 300 caused by the retention of bubbles and the resulting overheating.
[0266] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second fixing portion 502 extends from a position facing the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440 to a position facing the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion).
[0267] According to this configuration, the heating unit 300 can be fixed by the second fixing portion 502 at a position facing the support surface 421 , so the heating unit 300 can be stably fixed.
[0268] The aerosol generating device of the present embodiment includes the above-described cartridge 3 and a power supply unit 22 for supplying power to the heating unit 300 of the cartridge 3 to generate aerosol.
[0269] According to this structure, since the above-mentioned cartridge 3 is provided, the heating unit 300 can be stably fixed, and the depletion of the aerosol source in the heat generating portion 321 and the resulting overheating can be suppressed.
[0270] The inhaler 1 of the present embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11 a of the aerosol generating device.
[0271] According to this structure, it is possible to add flavor to the aerosol.
[0272] <Appearance of the cartridge>
[0273] The appearance of the cigarette cartridge 3 is disclosed below.
[0274] Figure 23 This is a front view of a cigarette cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 24 It is a rear view of the cigarette cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 25 It is a left side view of the cigarette cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 26 It is a right side view of the cigarette cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 27 It is a top view of the cigarette cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 28 It is a bottom view of the cigarette cartridge 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 29 This is a reference stereogram of a cigarette cartridge 3 according to one embodiment.
[0275] like Figures 23 - 29 As shown, the cigarette cartridge 3 is formed into a cylindrical shape. As for the appearance of the cigarette cartridge 3, the bottom side is composed of a non-light-transmissive bracket 400, and most of the other parts are composed of a light-transmissive storage bin 100.
[0276] It should be noted that Figure 29 The two electrode portions on the bottom surface of the shown cartridge 3 may also have the following appearance. It should be noted that the sizes of the two electrode portions are not limited to the ratios in the following figures. For example, they may be larger than the ratios in the following figures or smaller than the ratios in the following figures. In addition, the sizes of the two electrode portions may be equal to each other or different from each other.
[0277] Figure 30 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the first modification example. Figure 30 The two electrode portions of the shown cartridge 3 are formed in a substantially semi-circular hexagonal shape.
[0278] Figure 31 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the second modification example. Figure 31 The two electrode portions of the shown cartridge 3 are Figure 30 The corners of the shown electrode portion are formed into a rounded shape with a circular arc. It should be noted that Figure 31 The shown rounded shape may also be a shape in which only some of the corners are rounded, rather than all the corners of the electrode portion being rounded.
[0279] Figure 32 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the third modification example. Figure 32 The two electrode portions of the shown cartridge 3 are formed in a band shape that bends in a way that depresses toward the center of the bracket 400.
[0280] Figure 33 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the fourth modification example. Figure 33 The two electrode portions of the shown cartridge 3 are Figure 32 The corners of the shown electrode portion are formed into a rounded shape with a circular arc. It should be noted that Figure 33 The shown rounded shape may also be a shape in which only some of the corners are rounded, rather than all the corners of the electrode portion being rounded.
[0281] Figure 34 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the fifth modification example. Figure 34 The two electrode portions of the shown cartridge 3 are formed in a band shape that bends in a way that bulges toward the side opposite to the center of the bracket 400.
[0282] Figure 35 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the sixth modification example. Figure 35 The two electrode portions of the shown cartridge 3 are Figure 34 The corners of the shown electrode portion are formed into a rounded shape with a circular arc. It should be noted that Figure 35The rounded corner shape shown may also be a shape in which only some of the corners are rounded, rather than rounding all of the corners of the electrode portion.
[0283] Figure 36 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the seventh modified example. Figure 36 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed in a trapezoidal shape with the upper low portion (the shorter of the two parallel sides) facing the center of the bracket 400.
[0284] Figure 37 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the eighth modified example. Figure 37 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are Figure 36 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed into a rounded corner shape with a circular shape. It should be noted that Figure 37 The rounded corner shape shown may also be a shape in which only some of the corners are rounded, rather than rounding all of the corners of the electrode portion.
[0285] Figure 38 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the ninth modified example. Figure 38 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed in a trapezoidal shape with the lower low portion (the longer of the two parallel sides) facing the center of the bracket 400.
[0286] Figure 39 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the tenth modified example. Figure 39 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are Figure 38 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed into a rounded corner shape with a circular shape. It should be noted that Figure 39 The rounded corner shape shown may also be a shape in which only some of the corners are rounded, rather than rounding all of the corners of the electrode portion.
[0287] Figure 40 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the eleventh modified example. Figure 40 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed in a pentagonal shape having two inner angles with right angles on the side opposite to the center of the bracket 400 and with the apex angles facing the center of the bracket 400.
[0288] Figure 41 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the twelfth modified example. Figure 41 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are Figure 40 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed into a rounded corner shape with a circular shape. It should be noted that Figure 41 The rounded corner shape shown may also be a shape in which only some of the corners are rounded, rather than rounding all of the corners of the electrode portion.
[0289] Figure 42 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the thirteenth modified example.Figure 42 The two electrode portions of the illustrated cartridge 3 are formed into two inner angles having a right angle on the center side of the holder 400, and have a pentagonal shape with the apex angles facing the side opposite to the center of the holder 400.
[0290] Figure 43 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the fourteenth modification. Figure 43 The two electrode portions of the illustrated cartridge 3 are Figure 42 The angles of the illustrated electrode portion are formed into rounded corner shapes with a circular shape. It should be noted that Figure 43 The illustrated rounded corner shape may also be a shape in which only a part of the angles are formed into rounded corners, rather than forming rounded corners for all the angles of the electrode portion.
[0291] Figure 44 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the fifteenth modification. Figure 44 The two electrode portions of the illustrated cartridge 3 are formed into a hexagonal shape in which one of the parallel sides faces the center of the holder 400.
[0292] Figure 45 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the sixteenth modification. Figure 45 The two electrode portions of the illustrated cartridge 3 are Figure 44 The angles of the illustrated electrode portion are formed into rounded corner shapes with a circular shape. It should be noted that Figure 45 The illustrated rounded corner shape may also be a shape in which only a part of the angles are formed into rounded corners, rather than forming rounded corners for all the angles of the electrode portion.
[0293] <Other Modifications>
[0294] As described above, the preferred embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is only limited by the appended claims.
[0295] For example, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol without combustion, the aspirator 1 in which the flavor source container 4 is configured to be detachable has been exemplified, but it is not limited to this structure. As another example of an aerosol generating device, it may be configured to have no flavor source container 4 like an electronic cigarette (for example, a structure in which the mouthpiece is directly attached to the suction port). In this case, an aerosol source containing a flavor may also be stored in the cartridge 3, and an aerosol containing a flavor may be generated by the aerosol generating device.
[0296] That is, in the above-described embodiment, a device that includes the main unit 2 and the cartridge 3 but does not include the flavor source container 4 may also be referred to as an aerosol generating device. Additionally, a device that includes only the main unit 2 without the flavor source container 4 and the cartridge 3 may also be referred to as the main unit of the aerosol generating device.
[0297] It should be noted that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and as long as capillary action can be utilized, solids or gels may be included in the liquid.
[0298] In the above-described embodiment, a structure in which the cartridge 3 has a cylindrical shape has been described, but it is not limited to this structure. The cartridge 3 only needs to be a structure capable of holding the aerosol source. That is, the cartridge 3 is not limited to a cylinder and may also be a three-dimensional shape such as a cube, triangular pyramid, pyramid, prism, octahedron, cone, sphere, or torus.
[0299] In the above-described embodiment, a structure in which the main unit 2 is activated by pressing the input device 15 has been described, but it may also be a structure in which the main unit 2 is activated only by suction detection of the sensor 26 without the input device 15.
[0300] Furthermore, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, the constituent elements in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with well-known constituent elements, and the various modified examples can also be appropriately combined.
[0301] Industrial Applicability
[0302] The present invention relates to a cartridge, an aerosol generating device, and a non-combustion suction device, and is capable of suppressing the outflow of the aerosol source.
[0303] Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0304] 1... Suction device, 2... Main body unit, 3... Cartridge, 4... Scent source container, 5... Mouthpiece, 6A... Electrode, 6B... Electrode, 10... Cartridge storage part, 10A... Cartridge storage space, 11... Heating module, 11a... Suction port part, 11b... Heater part, 12... Frame part, 12A... Main face part, 12A1... First main face part, 12A2... Second main face part, 12B... Peripheral wall part, 12B1... First peripheral wall part, 12B2... Second peripheral wall part, 12C... Corner part, 12C1... First corner part, 12C2... Second corner part, 12C3... Third corner part, 12C4... Fourth corner part, 13... Outer shell, 13a... Opening part, 13A... First shell, 13b... Exposed part, 13B... Second shell, 14... Display cover, 15... Input device, 16... Window part, 17... Cover component, 17a... Communication hole, 18A... First air inlet, 18B... Second air inlet, 20... Inner shell, 21... Charging terminal, 22... Power supply part, 23... Main substrate, 24... Display device, 25... Light source, 26... Sensor, 27... Cartridge abutting part, 27a... Communication hole, 50... Cartridge storage cover, 51... Protruding electrode, 70... First air flow path, 80... Second air flow path, 90... Protruding part, 100... Storage bin, 101... Liquid storage chamber, 110... Peripheral wall part, 111... Engagement hole, 112... Recessed part, 120... Top wall part, 130... Flow path pipe part, 131... First opening part, 132... Second opening part, 140... Rib, 141... Cutout part, 142... Convex part, 200... Seal, 200A... Heating chamber, 201... Insertion hole, 202... Ring-shaped protrusion, 203... First flat part, 204... Second flat part, 205... Third flat part, 206... Lower surface part, 210... First cylindrical part, 211... Top surface, 220... Second cylindrical part, 230... Third cylindrical part, 231... Sealing cylindrical part, 232... Sealing protrusion, 235... Through hole, 240... Aerosol source capture part, 241... Long side part, 242... Short side part, 250... Aerosol source return part, 260... Clamping piece, 261... Tapered part, 262... Flat part, 300... Heating part, 310... Oil guiding core, 311... One end part, 312... The other end part, 320... Heater wire, 321... Heating part, 322A... One end part, 322B... The other end part, 400... Bracket, 401... Engagement piece, 402... Convex part, 410... Base part, 410a... Lower surface, 410b... Outer peripheral surface, 410c... Step part, 411... Fitting hole, 413... Engagement recess, 414... Horizontal groove, 415... Vertical groove, 416... Air passage, 417... Communication hole, 418... Through hole, 420... Outer cylindrical part, 421... Support surface, 430... Inner cylindrical part, 431... Groove, 432... Support surface, 433... Groove, 440... Aerosol source holding part, 441... Communication part, 442... First bottom surface, 443... Second bottom surface, 444... Third bottom surface, 450... Aerosol source guiding part,501... First fixing part, 502... Second fixing part, S... Space, W1... Width, W2... Width.,
Claims
1. A cartridge, comprising: A storage chamber capable of accommodating an aerosol source; A heating unit that is supplied with the aerosol source from the storage chamber and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; An inner cylinder portion that supports the heating unit; An outer cylinder portion that supports the heating unit at a position outside the inner cylinder portion; An aerosol source holding portion formed between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion and capable of accommodating the aerosol source; And An aerosol source guiding portion that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating unit to the aerosol source holding portion.
2. The cartridge according to claim 1, Wherein, The aerosol source guiding portion is provided on at least one of the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion.
3. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein, The aerosol source guiding portion is provided along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion.
4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein, The aerosol source guiding portion includes a groove portion extending from the opening portion of the aerosol source holding portion toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion.
5. The cartridge according to claim 4, Wherein, Regarding the cross-sectional area of the groove portion, the bottom side of the aerosol source holding portion is smaller than the opening portion side.
6. The cartridge according to claim 4 or 5, Wherein, The bottom of the aerosol source holding portion has a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface deeper than the first bottom surface, The groove portion extends toward the second bottom surface.
7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Wherein, The aerosol source guiding portion abuts against the heating unit.
8. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Wherein, The heating unit has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source, The aerosol source guiding portion has a capillary force smaller than that of the heating unit.
9. An aerosol generating device, comprising: The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and A power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit of the cartridge to generate the aerosol.
10. A non-combustion inhaler, comprising: The aerosol generating device according to claim 9; and A flavor source container installed at the suction port portion of the aerosol generating device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Cartridge of aerosol generation apparatus
JP2020065538A
Cartridge and non-combustion-type aspirator
WO2021171534A1