Cartridge, aerosol-generating device, and non-combustion aspirator

Abstract

The cartridge is provided with: a tank capable of accommodating an aerosol source; a heating unit that supplies the aerosol source from the tank, heats the aerosol source, and generates an aerosol; a flow path pipe part for guiding the aerosol generated by the heating part to the outside; an aerosol source capturing unit that captures the aerosol source in the vicinity of an opening on the heating unit side of the flow path pipe unit; and an aerosol source backflow part, wherein the aerosol source backflow part extends from the aerosol source capturing part to the heating part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge, an aerosol generating device, and a non-combustion suction device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a non-combustion suction device that sucks an aerosol and tastes a fragrance has been known. As such a non-combustion suction device, for example, there is a non-combustion suction device that includes: a cartridge that houses an aerosol source, a main unit of an aerosol generating device that can detachably house the cartridge, and a fragrance source container that imparts a fragrance to the aerosol atomized by the main unit.

[0003] As such a device, for example, an aerosol delivery device described in Patent Document 1 below is known. The aerosol delivery device includes: an atomizer, a main body that has an outlet and houses the atomizer, and a structural portion configured to prevent droplets of an aerosol precursor from flowing out of the outlet. The structural portion is a fine pattern applied to the surface of the main body, and the fine pattern includes a plurality of capillary channels determined in size and arranged to guide the liquid away from the outlet.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-520238 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, although the above-described capillary channels can hold an aerosol condensate or an aerosol source that is not completely vaporized, if it exceeds a certain amount, the liquid cannot be held, and when the suction port portion is turned downward, the liquid that cannot be held may directly flow out to the suction port portion side.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to suppress the outflow of an aerosol source.

[0010] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a tank that can house an aerosol source; a heating unit that supplies the aerosol source from the tank and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a flow path tube unit that guides the aerosol generated by the heating unit to the outside; an aerosol source capturing unit that captures the aerosol source near an opening portion on the heating unit side of the flow path tube unit; and an aerosol source reflux unit that extends from the aerosol source capturing unit to the heating unit.

[0012] According to this method, when the cartridge is oriented downward, the aerosol source capturing portion captures the aerosol source near the opening portion on the heating portion side of the flow path tube portion, so that the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow path tube portion to the outside can be suppressed. In addition, since the aerosol source reflux portion causes the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capturing portion to reflux to the heating portion, the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capturing portion can be suppressed.

[0013] In the above-mentioned cartridge, it is also possible that the aerosol source capturing portion has a groove portion formed in a ring shape around the opening portion on the heating portion side of the flow path tube portion.

[0014] According to this method, since the groove portion captures the aerosol source over the entire circumference of the opening portion on the heating portion side of the flow path tube portion, the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow path tube portion to the outside can be suppressed.

[0015] In the above-mentioned cartridge, it is also possible that the groove portion has a first portion and a second portion narrower than the first portion, and the aerosol source reflux portion is connected to the second portion.

[0016] According to this method, since the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capturing portion refluxes to the heating portion from the second portion with a narrow width of the groove portion, the aerosol source is difficult to remain in the aerosol source capturing portion.

[0017] In the above-mentioned cartridge, it is also possible that the aerosol source capturing portion has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source.

[0018] According to this method, since the aerosol source capturing portion holds the aerosol source by capillary force, the aerosol source is difficult to flow out from the aerosol source capturing portion to the flow path tube portion.

[0019] In the above-mentioned cartridge, it is also possible that the aerosol source reflux portion has a capillary force greater than that of the aerosol source capturing portion.

[0020] According to this method, since the aerosol source moves from the aerosol source capturing portion to the aerosol source reflux portion due to the difference in capillary force, the aerosol source can be refluxed from the aerosol source capturing portion to the heating portion regardless of the orientation of the cartridge.

[0021] In the above-mentioned cartridge, it is also possible that a gasket in contact with the heating portion is provided, and the aerosol source capturing portion is formed in the gasket.

[0022] According to this method, by forming the aerosol source capturing portion in the gasket, the number of components can be reduced, and the assembly of the cartridge can be easily performed.

[0023] In the above-mentioned cartridge, it is also possible that the aerosol source reflux portion is formed in the gasket.

[0024] According to this method, by forming an aerosol source reflux portion in the gasket, the number of components can be reduced, and the cartridge can be easily assembled.

[0025] In the above cartridge, it may also be that the aerosol source reflux portion is formed in a component different from the gasket.

[0026] According to this method, by forming the aerosol source reflux portion in a component different from the gasket, the shape of the aerosol source reflux portion can be designed separately from the gasket.

[0027] In the above cartridge, it may also be that the heating portion includes a core that holds the aerosol source and a heating wire wound around the core, and a pair of aerosol source reflux portions are provided, extending from the aerosol source capture portion to both sides of the heat-generating portion of the core around which the heating wire is wound.

[0028] According to this method, since the aerosol source refluxes from the aerosol source capture portion to the heating portion not from one location but from two locations, the amount of aerosol source refluxing to the heating portion increases, and the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture portion can be suppressed. In addition, since the positions where the aerosol source refluxes are on both sides of the heat-generating portion of the core around which the heating wire is wound, the heat-generating portion is easily wetted uniformly, and the aerosol source can be generated efficiently.

[0029] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes the cartridge described above and a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating portion of the cartridge to generate the aerosol.

[0030] According to this method, since the above cartridge is provided, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.

[0031] A non-combustion inhaler according to one aspect of the present invention includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container mounted on the suction port portion of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] According to this method, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

[0033] A cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention is a cartridge for an aerosol generating device having a heating portion, and the cartridge includes: a tank that can store an aerosol source; a flow path tube portion that guides the aerosol generated by the heating portion to the outside; an aerosol source capture portion that captures the aerosol source near the opening portion on the heating portion side of the flow path tube portion; and an aerosol source reflux portion that extends from the aerosol source capture portion to the heating portion.

[0034] According to this method, with the cartridge facing downward, the aerosol source capture portion captures the aerosol source near the opening portion on the heating portion side of the flow path tube portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the aerosol source from the flow path tube portion to the outside. In addition, since the aerosol source reflux portion causes the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capture portion to reflux to the heating portion, it is possible to suppress the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture portion.

[0035] Effects of the Invention

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an inhaler according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.

[0039] Figure 3 is an internal structure diagram of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.

[0041] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment as viewed from the top side.

[0042] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.

[0043] Figure 7 is Figure 4 the VII-VII cross-sectional view shown.

[0044] Figure 8 is Figure 4 the VIII-VIII cross-sectional view shown.

[0045] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a can according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.

[0046] Figure 10 is a bottom view of a bracket according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a heating portion and a bracket according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a bracket according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 13 is a top view of a bracket according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 14 is Figure 13 the sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV shown in the figure.

[0051] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a washer and a bracket according to an embodiment.

[0052] Figure 16 is a top view of a washer and a bracket according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 17 is a side view of a washer and a bracket according to an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a washer according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.

[0055] Figure 19 is a bottom view of a washer according to an embodiment.

[0056] Figure 20 is a sectional view taken along the X-Z plane of the first fixing portion according to an embodiment.

[0057] Figure 21 is a sectional view taken along the X-Z plane of the second fixing portion according to an embodiment.

[0058] Figure 22 is a perspective sectional view of the periphery of a flow path tube portion according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.

[0059] Figure 23 is a front view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0060] Figure 24 is a rear view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0061] Figure 25 is a left view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 26 is a right view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0063] Figure 27 is a top view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0064] Figure 28 is a bottom view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0065] Figure 29 is a reference perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0066] Figure 30 is a bottom view of a cartridge according to the first modification.

[0067] Figure 31It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the second modified example.

[0068] Figure 32 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the third modified example.

[0069] Figure 33 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the fourth modified example.

[0070] Figure 34 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the fifth modified example.

[0071] Figure 35 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the sixth modified example.

[0072] Figure 36 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the seventh modified example.

[0073] Figure 37 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the eighth modified example.

[0074] Figure 38 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the ninth modified example.

[0075] Figure 39 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the tenth modified example.

[0076] Figure 40 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the eleventh modified example.

[0077] Figure 41 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the twelfth modified example.

[0078] Figure 42 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the thirteenth modified example.

[0079] Figure 43 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the fourteenth modified example.

[0080] Figure 44 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the fifteenth modified example.

[0081] Figure 45 It is a bottom view of the cartridge of the sixteenth modified example. Detailed implementation mode

[0082] Hereinafter, a non-combustion inhaler (hereinafter simply referred to as an inhaler) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0083] [Inhaler]

[0084] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the inhaler 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the inhaler 1 according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 3 It is an internal structure diagram of the inhaler 1 according to an embodiment.

[0085] The suction device 1 is a so-called non-combustible suction device that obtains a fragrance by attracting the aerosol atomized by heating through a fragrance source.

[0086] 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 part 10 of the main body unit 2. The fragrance source container 4 is detachably attached to the heating module 11 of the main body unit 2. The mouthpiece 5 is detachably attached to the fragrance source container 4.

[0087] The main body unit 2 includes a frame part 12. The frame part 12 is integrally formed in a flat box shape with rounded corners. The frame part 12 has a pair of main faces 12A and a peripheral wall part 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 to the meaning that the shapes of the detailed 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 descriptions of other parts, but similarly to the above, it is not limited to the meaning that the shapes of the detailed parts are the same.

[0088] The pair of main faces 12A refers to the parts that form a set of opposite faces (the faces with the largest area in this embodiment) in the hexahedron assumed to be surrounded by six quadrilaterals when the frame part 12 is considered. In addition, the peripheral wall part 12B refers to the parts that form the remaining four faces of the hexahedron except for the pair of main faces 12A. The peripheral wall part 12B is also referred to as the part that connects the peripheries of the pair of main faces 12A arranged opposite to each other.

[0089] It should be noted that in the following description, in the above pair of main faces 12A (the first main face 12A1, the second main face 12A2), the side where the first main face 12A1 is arranged is referred to as the front side, and the side where the second main face 12A2 is arranged is referred to as the rear side. In addition, when viewed from above, the side where the heating module 11 is arranged is referred to as the left side, and the side where the input device 15 (refer to Figure 1 ) is arranged is referred to as the right side. In addition, 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.

[0090] In addition, in the drawings, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is sometimes set, and the positional relationships of the respective components are described with reference to this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. 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.

[0091] Also, the positional relationship of each component is sometimes described with respect to 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-mentioned 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.

[0092] As Figure 1 shown, the housing portion 12 includes an outer housing 13, a display cover 14, and an inner housing 20. The outer housing 13 is formed by combining a first housing 13A and a second housing 13B. The first housing 13A has a first main surface portion 12A1 and a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided at the periphery of the first main surface portion 12A1. In addition, the second housing 13B has a second main surface portion 12A2 and a second peripheral wall portion 12B2 provided at the periphery of the second main surface portion 12A2.

[0093] The first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A, the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B, the display cover 14, and the inner housing 20 form a peripheral wall portion 12B. A joint surface of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first housing 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second housing 13B is formed in the peripheral wall portion 12B.

[0094] Four corner portions 12C (corner portions) are formed in 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 ).

[0095] As Figure 1 shown, the display cover 14 is provided from the heating module 11 disposed at the first corner portion 12C1 to the fourth corner portion 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 outer housing 13. That is, the input device 15 is disposed in a recess.

[0096] The input device 15 may also be disposed at a position below the outer surface of the outer housing 13. That is, at least a part of the input device 15 may be disposed at a position below the outer surface of the outer housing 13. Preferably, the entire input device 15 may be disposed at a position below the outer surface of the outer 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 outer housing 13.

[0097] As Figure 2As shown, an opening of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is provided at the second corner portion 12C2. The opening of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be opened and closed by a cartridge cover 50 provided at the bottom of the housing portion 12 (inner housing 20). It should be noted that a charging terminal 21 is provided at the third corner portion 12C3.

[0098] As Figure 1 shown, a window portion 16 is provided between the first corner portion 12C1 and the second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. The liquid remaining amount of the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 accommodated inside the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be confirmed from the window portion 16. The window portion 16 is formed by an opening portion 13a provided in the outer housing 13 and a cover member 17 covering the opening portion 13a. In the gap between the opening portion 13a and the cover member 17, a first air inlet 18A for taking in air (external air) into the inside of the housing portion 12 is provided.

[0099] The first air inlet 18A takes in air from the window portion 16 between the adjacent corner portions 12C (the first corner portion 12C1 and the second corner portion 12C2 in the present embodiment) of the peripheral wall portion 12B into the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The first air inlet 18A is an inlet of a first air flow path 70 for taking in external air by the suction of the user. The first air inlet 18A is formed in a ring shape along the opening edge of the opening portion 13a of the outer housing 13.

[0100] The size of the first air inlet 18A may be a size that cannot be completely blocked by the 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 first interphalangeal width of the average thumb of an average adult (for example, 2.0 cm or more). In addition, the interval in the X-axis direction between the two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction of the first air inlet 18A may also be equal to or greater than the first interphalangeal width of the average thumb of an average adult.

[0101] It should be noted that as long as the first air inlet 18A is a size that cannot be blocked by the user's finger, it may be only one or two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction. That is, the first air inlet 18A may also be formed in a slit shape along the opening edge of the opening portion 13a of the outer housing 13.

[0102] A communication hole 17a is formed in the cover member 17. The communication hole 17a fluidly connects the first air inlet 18A to the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The communication hole 17a is disposed at a portion where the cover member 17 overlaps the outer housing 13. That is, the communication hole 17a is disposed inside the outer housing 13 and is covered by the outer housing 13. Therefore, the communication hole 17a cannot be seen from the outside of the outer housing 13. In addition, the communication hole 17a cannot be directly blocked by a finger without removing the outer housing 13.

[0103] The outer housing 13 has an exposed portion 13b at the second corner portion 12C2 that exposes a part of the inner housing 20. In the gap between the inner housing 20 and the outer housing 13 at the exposed portion 13b, a second air inlet 18B for taking in air (external air) into the interior of the housing portion 12 is provided.

[0104] The second air inlet 18B takes in air from the second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B into the interior of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The second air inlet 18B is formed in the gap between the inner housing 20 and the outer housing 13 at 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 the position 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.

[0105] The housing portion 12 has a protrusion 90 around the second air inlet 18B. The protrusion 90 is formed by the outer housing 13. The protrusion 90 is formed by a step between the inner housing 20 and the outer housing 13. That is, even if the user's finger touches around the second air inlet 18B, since the protrusion 90 (outer housing 13) around the exposed portion 13b forms a step and a gap is formed between it and the user's finger, the second air inlet 18B is difficult to be blocked. It should be noted that the protrusion 90 is not limited to the outer housing 13, and it can also be formed by protruding a part of the inner housing 20.

[0106] The housing 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 the gap between the outer housing 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 the gap between the outer housing 13 and the inner housing 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.

[0107] The flow path length of the first air flow path 70 to the communication hole 17a is shorter than the flow path length of the second air flow path 80 to the communication hole 17a. That is, the ventilation resistance of the first air flow path 70 is smaller than the ventilation resistance of the second air flow path 80. Therefore, more 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.

[0108] 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, since the flow path cross-sectional area is finally constricted in the communication hole 17a, the flow rate and flow velocity of the air inhaled into the cartridge accommodation space 10A can be maintained substantially constant. That is, the communication hole 17a functions as an air resistance speed limiting section.

[0109] <Fragrance source container>

[0110] Figure 2 The illustrated fragrance source container 4 (also referred to as a tobacco capsule) accommodates a fragrance source and adds fragrance to the aerosol atomized by the cartridge 3. As the raw material piece constituting the fragrance source, cut tobacco or a formed body in which tobacco raw materials are formed into granules can be used. In addition, the fragrance source may be composed of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). In addition, a fragrance such as menthol may be added to the fragrance source. Further, the fragrance source may be a fragrance source in which a fragrance is carried on a plant-derived carrier (such as cellulose) or other carrier (a carrier including an inorganic substance).

[0111] The fragrance source container 4 includes a fragrance source accommodation chamber for accommodating the fragrance source and a filter or micropores through which the aerosol passes through the fragrance source accommodation chamber. The fragrance source container 4 is installed at the suction port portion 11a of the heating module 11 provided in the main body unit 2. The upper portion of the fragrance source container 4 protrudes from the heating module 11, and a mouthpiece 5 is installed at the protruding portion.

[0112] <Mouthpiece>

[0113] The mouthpiece 5 is a cylindrical member for the user to hold. In the mouthpiece 5, for example, the portion for the user to hold is a soft resin molded body formed of a resin material such as silicone resin, and the mounting portion for mounting on the upper portion of the fragrance 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 to the fragrance source container 4 is optional, and there are cases where the upper portion of the fragrance source container 4 is directly held for use.

[0114] <Main body unit>

[0115] As Figure 3 shown, the main body 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.

[0116] The housing portion 12 of the main unit 2 is a rigid resin molded body formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin or ABS resin. Inside the housing portion 12, a cartridge housing portion 10 for housing the cartridge 3 is provided. The cartridge housing portion 10 forms a cylindrical space extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0117] At the opening portion on the axial upper side (+Z side) of the cartridge housing portion 10, a cartridge abutting portion 27 is disposed. The cartridge abutting portion 27 is an elastic body formed of a resin material such as silicone resin. A communication hole 27a for communicating the upper portion of the cartridge 3 with the bottom portion of the flavor source container 4 is formed in the cartridge abutting portion 27.

[0118] The heating module 11 includes a heater portion 11b for heating the flavor source container 4. The heater portion 11b includes, for example, a tube member into which the flavor source container 4 is inserted and a film heater wound around the outer periphery of the tube member in a cylindrical shape. The heater portion 11b is electrically connected to the main substrate 23.

[0119] 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.

[0120] The power supply portion 22 is disposed on the +Y side of the cartridge housing portion 10. The power supply portion 22 is electrically connected to the main substrate 23. The power supply portion 22 is, for example, a storage battery (secondary battery) and can be charged via a charging terminal 21 provided on the main substrate 23. It should be noted that the power supply portion 22 is not limited to a rechargeable secondary battery and may also be a super capacitor or the like. In addition, the power supply portion 22 may also be a primary battery. It should be noted that when the power supply portion 22 is a primary battery, the charging terminal 21 is not required.

[0121] The main substrate 23 is disposed on the +Y side of the power supply portion 22. The main substrate 23 has a plate shape extending along the X-Z plane. A charging terminal 21 is mounted at the lower end portion of the main substrate 23. The main substrate 23 is directly or indirectly connected to various electronic components via a wiring (not shown) or a flexible printed circuit board.

[0122] 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, etc. 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 an arithmetic portion for electronic control such as a CPU or a microcomputer is used as the "main substrate".

[0123] 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. The display device 24 is electrically connected to the main substrate 23.

[0124] 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 in the cartridge 3 irradiated by the light source 25 can be confirmed. The light source 25 is electrically connected to the main substrate 23.

[0125] 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 suction by the user. As the sensor 26, for example, a pressure sensor that detects pressure, an air flow sensor that detects air flow, a temperature sensor that detects temperature, etc. can be exemplified. The side of the sensor 26 facing the cartridge accommodating portion 10 becomes the detection portion. The detection portion detects, for example, the operation of a diaphragm that deforms according to pressure change as a change in capacitance.

[0126] The cartridge accommodating lid 50 opens and closes the cartridge accommodating portion 10 provided at the bottom of the frame portion 12. The cartridge accommodating lid 50 is pivotally (hinge) mounted on the frame portion 12. A plurality of protruding electrodes 51 are provided on the cartridge accommodating lid 50. In a state where the cartridge accommodating lid 50 is closed, the protruding electrodes 51 are inserted into the interior of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The plurality of protruding electrodes 51 are electrically connected to the main substrate 23.

[0127] 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 the cartridge 3 is inserted. In this state, the front end portion of the protruding electrode 51 is also biased toward the +Z side, and thus, reliable contact with the cartridge 3 can be achieved.

[0128] Three protruding electrodes 51 (one disposed inside not shown) are provided in such a manner that alignment with the two electrodes 6A, 6B of the cartridge 3 is not required. As Figure 2 shown, the two electrodes 6A, 6B of the cartridge 3 are respectively formed in semicircular regions that divide the bottom surface of the cartridge 3 into two. 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 come into contact with the two electrodes 6A, 6B. Therefore, power can be reliably supplied to the cartridge 3.

[0129] <Cartridge>

[0130] 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.

[0131] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment as viewed from the top side. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 7 is Figure 4 the cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 8 is Figure 4 the cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII shown in

[0132] As Figure 6 shown, the cartridge 3 includes a tank 100, a gasket 200, a heating unit 300, and a bracket 400.

[0133] The tank 100 stores the aerosol source. The tank 100 is a rigid resin molded body formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. The tank 100 has translucency and can confirm the liquid remaining amount of the aerosol source. Here, "translucency" means, among the properties of substances through which light passes, having extremely high transmittance, being "transparent" where the opposite side can be seen through the substance, and having the property of light passing through in the same way as "transparent", but since the light passing through is diffused or the transmittance is low, it is different from "transparent" and includes a state where the shape of the opposite side cannot be clearly recognized through the material. That is, even frosted glass or milky white plastic has translucency. It should be noted that the gasket 200, the heating unit 300, and the bracket 400 do not have translucency, but a part or all of them may have translucency.

[0134] The tank 100 is formed in a toped cylindrical shape. As Figure 7 shown, the tank 100 includes a peripheral wall portion 110, a top wall portion 120, a flow path tube portion 130, and a rib 140. The peripheral wall portion 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as the central axis. The upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 110 is connected to 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 path tube portion 130, and the rib 140 are formed as one component by integral molding, but a part or all of them may be different components. For example, the flow path tube portion 130 is integrally formed with the tank 100, but may also be a component different from the tank 100. In addition, the flow path tube portion 130 may be integrally formed on the gasket 200 or the bracket 400.

[0135] The top wall portion 120 is formed in a disc shape with the main axis O as the central axis, closing the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 110. A first opening portion 131 of the flow path tube portion 130 is provided at the center of the top wall portion 120. In addition, as Figure 5 shown, on the upper surface of the top wall portion 120, a plurality of bottomed cylindrical recessed portions 121 are formed around the first opening portion 131. The recessed portion 121 corresponds to the resin injection hole during the injection molding of the cartridge 100.

[0136] As Figure 7 shown, the flow path tube portion 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the main axis O as the central axis and is vertically provided downward (-Z side) from the lower surface of the top wall portion 120. As described above, a first opening portion 131 is formed at the upper end portion of the flow path tube portion 130. In addition, a second opening portion 132 is formed at the lower end portion of the flow path tube portion 130. The second opening portion 132 is disposed directly above the heating portion 300 and opens toward the heating portion 300.

[0137] The flow path tube portion 130 guides the aerosol generated by the heating portion 300 to the outside. The aerosol generated by the heating portion 300 is introduced into the flow path tube portion 130 from the second opening portion 132, passes through the flow path tube portion 130, and is guided to the outside of the cartridge 3 from the first opening portion 131. It should be noted that the aerosol coming out from the first opening portion 131 passes through Figure 3 the communication hole 27a of the cartridge abutting portion 27 shown, and then passes through the flavor source container 4 and is sent into the user's mouth. That is, the "outside" of the cartridge 3 here refers to the outside on the outlet side of the aerosol flow when the user sucks, rather than the outside on the inlet side for taking in outside air (air).

[0138] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cartridge 100 according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.

[0139] As Figure 9 shown, the ribs 140 extend radially 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 ends of the ribs 140 are connected to the lower surface of the top wall portion 120. That is, the ribs 140 are connected to 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. In this embodiment, three ribs 140 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the flow path tube portion 130.

[0140] On the peripheral wall portion 110 side (radially outside) of the rib 140, a cutout portion 141 is formed which is recessed upward and has a cutout. The cutout portion 141 increases the annular space formed between the flow path tube portion 130 and the peripheral wall portion 110 ( Figure 7The volume of the liquid storage chamber 101) shown. A convex portion 142 that protrudes downward (-Z side) relative to the cutout portion 141 is formed on the side of the flow path tube portion 130 of the rib 140. As Figure 7 shown, the lower end of the convex portion 142 abuts against the top surface 211 of the gasket 200. Thereby, the gasket 200 is positioned in the Z-axis direction relative to the can 100.

[0141] As Figure 7 shown, the peripheral wall portion 110 of the can 100 extends downward (-Z side) compared to 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 can 100. The two engaging holes 111 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the peripheral wall portion 110 across the main axis O.

[0142] The gasket 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 can 100. The gasket 200 is formed of an elastic member, such as a resin material like silicone resin. By fitting the gasket 200 inside the can 100, a liquid storage chamber 101 is formed inside the can 100. A liquid aerosol source is stored in the liquid storage chamber 101.

[0143] An insertion hole 201 that penetrates the center of the top surface 211 in the axial direction and into which the flow path tube portion 130 is inserted is formed in the gasket 200. A plurality of annular protrusions 202 that seal the gap between it and the flow path tube portion 130 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 201. A heating chamber 200A that communicates with the lower end of the insertion hole 201 is formed inside the lower portion of the gasket 200. By inserting the flow path tube portion 130 into the insertion hole 201, the flow path tube portion 130 communicates with the heating chamber 200A. It should be noted that the lower end (second opening portion 132) of the flow path tube portion 130 protrudes downward (inside the heating chamber 200A) compared to the insertion hole 201.

[0144] The gasket 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 connected and provided in that order from top to bottom. The first cylindrical portion 210 forms the top surface 211 of the gasket 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 in the entire radial direction. The second cylindrical portion 220 is connected and provided to 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.

[0145] The third cylindrical portion 230 is connected to the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220. The third cylindrical portion 230 has a circumferential surface with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the can. 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 circumferential surface of the sealing cylindrical portion 231. The sealing protrusions 232 abut against the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the can, sealing the gap between the can 100 and the gasket 200.

[0146] In order to increase the volume of the liquid storage chamber 101, a plurality of flat portions are formed on the gasket 200. Specifically, as Figure 8 and as 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 gasket 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 the vicinity of the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220.

[0147] The second flat portion 204 is connected to 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 in the vicinity of 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 connected to 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 the vicinity of the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 220 to the third cylindrical portion 230.

[0148] As Figure 15 shown, a through hole 235 penetrating the third cylindrical portion 230 in the Y-axis direction is formed below the third flat portion 205. The through hole 235 forms a space for inserting the heating portion 300 into the heating chamber 200A inside the gasket 200. 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 formed in a pair symmetrically in the Y-axis direction on the gasket 200.

[0149] As Figure 6 shown, the heating portion 300 includes a core 310 and a heating wire 320. The core 310 is a porous and liquid-absorbent substantially cylindrical member. The core 310 is formed by bundling fibers such as glass fibers, for example, and has a capillary structure. It should be noted that as long as the core 310 has a capillary structure, it can also be an elastic sponge body, a woven fiber net body or cord body, a porous sintered body, etc.

[0150] As Figure 8 shown, the core 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 core 310 in the Y-axis direction respectively pass through the through hole 235 of the gasket 200 (refer toFigure 15 ) is inserted into the liquid storage chamber 101. Thus, the aerosol source in the liquid storage chamber 101 is sucked up from one end portion 311 and the other end portion 312 of the core 310 to the core 310.

[0151] It should be noted that one end portion 311 and the other end portion 312 of the core 310 are thicker and have a larger surface area than other portions because they are not restricted by the heating wire 320, the first fixing portion 501, and the second fixing portion 502 described later. That is, the core 310 is elastically compressed by the heating wire 320, the first fixing portion 501, and the second fixing portion 502, and deforms and recovers in other portions.

[0152] The heating wire 320 heats the aerosol source sucked up by the core 310 to generate an aerosol. The heating wire 320 is, for example, a nickel-chromium alloy wire and has a heating portion 321 wound around the core 310 in a spiral shape. As Figure 7 shown, one end portion 322A and the other end portion 322B of the heating wire 320 extend from both ends of the heating portion 321 along the axial direction toward the bracket 400 side.

[0153] One end portion 322A and the other end portion 322B of the heating wire 320 are electrically connected to two electrodes 6A and 6B fitted to the bracket 400, respectively. When the heating wire 320 is energized via the two electrodes 6A and 6B, the core 310 is heated. When the core 310 is heated, the aerosol source absorbed by the core 310 is atomized.

[0154] The bracket 400 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The bracket 400 is 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, an outer cylinder portion 420 erected on the base portion 410, and an inner cylinder portion 430. The base portion 410 is formed in a disk shape centered on the main axis O. The outer cylinder portion 420 and the inner cylinder portion 430 are formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the main axis O.

[0155] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the bracket 400 according to an embodiment. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the heating unit 300 and the bracket 400 according to an embodiment. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the bracket 400 according to an embodiment. Figure 13 is a top view of the bracket 400 according to an embodiment. Figure 14 is Figure 13 the XIV-XIV cross-sectional view shown in

[0156] As Figure 10 shown, two fitting holes 411 for fitting the two electrodes 6A and 6B are formed on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410.

[0157] 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 when viewed from above. 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. Thus, the contact area between the two electrodes 6A and 6B and the two fitting holes 411 is increased, and the sealing performance between the two electrodes 6A and 6B and the two fitting holes 411 is improved.

[0158] like Figure 10 As shown, the two electrodes 6A and 6B are arranged as a pair in the X-axis direction across the main axis O. In addition, a pair of top cylindrical recessed portions 412 are formed in the Y-axis direction across the main axis O on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410. The recessed portions 412 are portions corresponding to the resin injection holes during the injection molding of the bracket 400. In addition, three engaging recessed portions 413 are formed along the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 410 on the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410. The three engaging recessed portions 413 are arranged at approximately equal intervals (at intervals of 120° along the circumferential direction) in the circumferential direction.

[0159] The engaging recess 413 is open 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. In the three engaging recesses 413 formed in this way, for example, the longitudinal engaging protrusion of the aerosol generating device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-65538 is inserted. That is, the smoke cartridge 3 of this embodiment is interchangeable with the smoke cartridges of other aerosol generating devices.

[0160] A longitudinal groove 415 extending in the Z-axis direction is formed in one of the three engaging recesses 413. The longitudinal groove 415 opens at the lower surface 410a of the base portion 410 and is formed deeper in the radial direction than the engaging recess 413. The upper end of the longitudinal groove 415 is connected to the bottom surface of the transverse groove 414 extending radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base portion 410. Figure 7 As shown, a pair of transverse grooves 414 are formed in the X-axis direction so as to communicate with the lower surface sides of both ends of an air passage 416 that penetrates the base portion 410 in the X-axis direction.

[0161] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer cylinder 420, the inner cylinder 430 and the portion of the base 410 above the transverse groove 414 are inserted into the inner side of the peripheral wall 110 of the tank 100. On the base 410, two engaging pieces 401 engaging with two engaging holes 111 of the peripheral wall 110 of the tank 100 are provided protruding radially outward.

[0162] A sealing cylinder part 231 with a washer 200 externally fitted on an outer cylinder part 420. The outer cylinder part 420 supports the radially inner side of the sealing cylinder part 231, suppressing the sealing protrusion 232 of the sealing cylinder part 231 from separating from the peripheral wall part 110 of the can 100. That is, the outer cylinder part 420 improves the tight contact of the sealing protrusion 232 against the peripheral wall part 110 of the can 100.

[0163] It should be noted that, as Figure 6 shown, at the lower end of the peripheral wall part 110 of the can 100, positioning concave parts 112 for positioning the bracket 400 in the circumferential direction are formed. The positioning concave parts 112 are notch parts recessed toward the +Z side, and a pair of them are arranged opposite to each other across the main axis O. In contrast, on the bracket 400, positioning convex parts 402 are formed to be inserted into the positioning concave parts 112 in the axial direction. The positioning convex parts 402 have shapes, dimensions, numbers, and arrangements corresponding to the positioning concave parts 112.

[0164] As Figure 11 shown, the positioning convex parts 402 are formed on a stepped part 410c that is recessed radially inward compared to the outer peripheral surface 410b of the base part 410. The lower end of the peripheral wall part 110 of the can 100 abuts against the stepped part 410c in the axial direction. The lower end of the peripheral wall part 110 of the can 100 abuts against the stepped part 410c, the positioning convex parts 402 are inserted into the positioning concave parts 112, and the engaging pieces 401 are engaged with the engaging holes 111. Thus, the bracket 400 is assembled relative to the can 100 in a state of being positioned in the axial, radial, and circumferential directions. A washer 200 and a heating part 300 are assembled between the can 100 and the bracket 400.

[0165] As Figure 7 shown, an inner cylinder part 430 is embedded in the heating chamber 200A of the washer 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 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 plan view, and the upper part is closed by the washer 200. It should be noted that the aerosol source holding part 440 is partially communicated with the heating chamber 200A via an 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.

[0166] The lower side of the bracket 400 is exposed from the can 100. The lower side of the bracket 400 has an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the peripheral wall portion 110 of the can 100. In addition, two transverse grooves 414 recessed radially inward are formed on the lower side of the bracket 400. The two transverse grooves 414 are arranged facing each other across the main axis O. The two transverse grooves 414 communicate with the bottom surfaces of both ends of the air passage 416 arranged radially inside the peripheral wall portion 110 of the can 100. On the top surface of the middle portion in the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the air passage 416, a plurality of communication holes 417 communicating with the inside (heating chamber 200A) of the inner cylinder portion 430 are formed in the Z-axis direction.

[0167] That is, when the user sucks (draws), the heating chamber 200A becomes negative pressure via the flow path pipe portion 130, and external air is introduced into the air passage 416 from the longitudinal grooves 415 and the transverse grooves 414, and / or the transverse grooves 414. The air introduced into the air passage 416 is introduced into the heating chamber 200A from the communication holes 417 in the middle of the passage, and together with the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 200A, passes through the flow path pipe portion 130 and Figure 3 the communication holes 27a of the cartridge contact portion 27 shown in the figure, and further passes through the flavor source container 4 and is sent into the user's mouth. It should be noted that by having the longitudinal grooves 415, external air can be taken in from the bottom surface side of the cartridge 3, but as long as at least the transverse grooves 414 are provided, suction can be performed.

[0168] As Figure 11 shown in the figure, the bracket 400 has an inner cylinder portion 430 that supports the heating portion 300 and an outer cylinder portion 420 that supports the heating portion 300 outside the inner cylinder portion 430. As Figure 13 shown in the figure, the inner cylinder portion 430 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape when viewed from above. The outer cylinder portion 420 is formed in a circular cylindrical shape when viewed from above.

[0169] Inside the inner cylinder portion 430, a plurality of communication holes 417 communicating with the Figure 7 air passage 416 shown in the figure and a pair of through holes 418 that guide one end portion 322A and the other end portion 322B of the heating wire 320 to the two fitting holes 411 are formed. The communication holes 417 are formed in two rows along the X-axis direction in which the air passage 416 extends. A pair of the through holes 418 are formed inside two diagonal corners among the four corners inside the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0170] As Figure 12As shown, at the upper end of the inner cylinder part 430, a pair of support surfaces 432 for supporting the heating part 300 are formed on both sides of the main shaft O in the Y-axis direction. The support surface 432 is formed into a semi-circular arc protruding downward in a side view. At both sides of the upper end of the inner cylinder part 430 relative to the lowest point of the support surface 432, they bulge upward relatively. A groove 433 extending linearly in the Y-axis direction is formed at the lowest point of the support surface 432. For example, a part of the core 310 enters the groove 433 to restrict the displacement of the heating part 300 around the Y-axis. It should be noted that a pair of the exhaust grooves 431 are formed at the upper end surfaces and the outer peripheral surfaces of the wall parts of the inner cylinder part 430 facing each other in the X-axis direction in a point-symmetrical positional relationship across the main shaft O.

[0171] In addition, at the upper end of the outer cylinder part 420, a pair of support surfaces 421 for supporting the heating part 300 are formed on both sides of the main shaft O in the Y-axis direction. The support surface 421 is formed into a semi-circular arc protruding downward in a side view. At both sides of the upper end of the outer cylinder part 420 relative to the support surface 421, they bulge upward relatively. As Figure 13 shown, the width of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder part 420 in the X-axis direction is wider than the width of the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder part 430 in the X-axis direction. That is, the radius of curvature of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder part 420 is larger (the curvature is smaller) than the radius of curvature of the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder part 430. In addition, the support area of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder part 420 is larger than the support area of the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder part 430. That is, the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder part 420 supports the heating part 300 (the core 310) more loosely than the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder part 430.

[0172] An aerosol source holding part 440 (sub storage tank) capable of accommodating an aerosol source is formed between the inner cylinder part 430 and the outer cylinder part 420. As Figure 13 shown, the aerosol source holding part 440 forms an annular space in a top view and has a communication part 441 (opening part) on the upper side. At the bottom of the aerosol source holding part 440, 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.

[0173] The first bottom surface 442 is the reference surface that becomes the bottom surface of the aerosol source holding part 440. A pair of the second bottom surfaces 443 are provided at the bottom of the aerosol source holding part 440 on both sides of the main shaft O in the Y-axis direction. In a top view, the second bottom surface 443 is disposed between the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder part 420 and the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder part 430. As Figure 14 shown, the second bottom surface 443 is the bottom surface of an inverted truncated cone-shaped recess whose inner diameter becomes smaller as it goes downward from the first bottom surface 442. As Figure 13As shown, when viewed from above, the center of the second bottom surface 443 is arranged closer to the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder part 420 than the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder part 430, and the second bottom surface 443 extends to the lower end of the aerosol source guide part 450 described later.

[0174] The third bottom surface 444 is at the bottom of the aerosol source holding part 440, and a pair is provided with the main shaft O interposed therebetween in the X-axis direction. The third bottom surface 444 is 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 ensure the thickness of the top of the air passage 416, the third bottom surface 444 is formed in a portion that bulges upward relatively from the first bottom surface 442. It should be noted that the exhaust groove 431 is formed so as to be located above the third bottom surface 444.

[0175] An aerosol source guide part 450 is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder part 420. As Figure 8 shown, the aerosol source guide part 450 of the present embodiment is a groove part that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating part 300 to the aerosol source holding part 440. It should be noted that the aerosol source guide part 450 may be a guide part other than the groove part as long as it can guide the aerosol source supplied to the heating part 300 to the aerosol source holding part 440.

[0176] The aerosol source guide part 450 may be, for example, a structure in which a capillary structure similar to that of the core 310 is implemented at a position corresponding to the groove part, a surface treatment with low hydrophobicity (high lyophilicity) for the aerosol source, or a structure in which all or part of the groove part, the capillary structure, and the surface treatment are combined. In addition, "guide" means introducing the aerosol source into the aerosol source holding part 440 at least in a state where the aerosol source does not naturally drip from the heating part 300 (the core 310).

[0177] As Figure 14 shown, the aerosol source guide part 450 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. Specifically, the aerosol source guide part 450 extends in the Z-axis direction along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder part 420 from the lowest point of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder part 420 to the second bottom surface 443 of the aerosol source holding part 440. It should be noted that the aerosol source guide part 450 of the present embodiment is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder part 420, but may also be formed on the outer wall surface of the inner cylinder part 430. In addition, the aerosol source guide part 450 may also be formed on both the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder part 420 and the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder part 430.

[0178] As Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, for the cross-sectional area of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 (groove portion) (the cross-sectional area in the X-Y plane), the bottom side of the aerosol source holding portion 440 is smaller than the communication portion 441 (opening portion) side of the aerosol source holding portion 440. Specifically, the width of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 in the X-axis direction gradually narrows toward the lower side, and the depth of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 in the Y-axis direction gradually shallows toward the lower side. In addition, the top view shape of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 changes from a rectangle to a smaller rectangle toward the lower side. 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 trapezoid to a rectangle or from a trapezoid to a trapezoid toward the lower side.

[0179] 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 core 310 of the heating portion 300 supported on the support surface 421. The core 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 core 310. Here, the "capillary force" can be defined, for example, by the liquid level rise height h = 2Tcosθ / ρgr, where T is the surface tension, θ is the contact angle, ρ is the liquid density, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and r is the inner diameter (radius) of the tube. When comparing with r, the gap (tube) between the fibers of the core 310 is significantly smaller than the groove portion (tube) of the aerosol source guiding portion 450.

[0180] Since the liquid level rise height h is inversely proportional to the size of r, the 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 core 310 to the aerosol source holding portion 440. In addition, as long as the aerosol source guiding portion 450 can suck up the aerosol source stored in the aerosol source holding portion 440 and return it to the core 310 when the holding amount of the aerosol source in the core 310 is insufficient. For example, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 only needs to have a capillary force with a liquid level rise height h being the height from the second bottom surface 443 of the aerosol source holding portion 440 to the lowest point of the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420.

[0181] Next, the fixing structure of the heating portion 300 will be described.

[0182] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of a gasket 200 and a bracket 400 according to an embodiment. Figure 16 It is a top view of a gasket 200 and a bracket 400 according to an embodiment. Figure 17 It is a side view of a gasket 200 and a bracket 400 according to an embodiment. Figure 18This is a perspective view of a gasket 200 according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 19 This is a bottom view of a gasket 200 according to an embodiment. Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X-Z plane of the first fixing portion 501 according to an embodiment. Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the X-Z plane of the second fixing portion 502 according to an embodiment.

[0183] 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 core 310 portions on both sides of the heat generating portion 321 of the heating portion 300. The second fixing portion 502 fixes the 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 gasket 200. In addition, the second fixing portion 502 includes a pair of clamping pieces 260 of the bracket 400 (refer to Figure 18 ).

[0184] As Figure 18 and Figure 19 shown, a pair of the lower surface portions 206 of the gasket 200 are arranged on both sides in the Y-axis direction of the heating chamber 200A inside the third cylinder portion 230. 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 17 shown, the outer end edges in the Y-axis direction of the lower surface portion 206 are connected to the lower ends of the third planar portion 205. As Figure 19 shown, a pair of clamping pieces 260 are arranged on both sides in the X-axis direction of the lower surface portion 206. A part of the lower surface portion 206 extends to a position radially inside the pair of clamping pieces 260. On the other hand, a part of the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends to a position radially outside the lower surface portion 206.

[0185] As Figure 16 shown, when the gasket 200 is viewed from above, a part of the pair of clamping pieces 260 extends to a position outside the third planar portion 205. Due to the relationship with a plurality of planar portions (the first planar portion 203, the second planar portion 204, and the third planar portion 205), the through hole 235 of the gasket 200 is open in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. When viewed from above 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 gasket 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.

[0186] AsFigure 8 and Figure 20 As shown, the lower surface portion 206 of the gasket 200 is disposed at least at a position facing the support surface 432 of the inner cylinder portion 430 in the Z-axis direction. The substantially semi-circular space surrounded by the lower surface portion 206, the support surface 432, and the groove 433 is smaller than the outer shape of the core 310 in its normal state (before compression) (represented by the dashed line in Figure 20 ). That is, the core 310 is fixed at the first fixing portion 501 in a state of being compressed from the entire circumference.

[0187] As Figure 21 shown, the pair of clamping pieces 260 of the gasket 200 are disposed at least at positions facing 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. As the tapered portion 261 approaches the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440, the interval in the X-axis direction for clamping the core 310 becomes wider. The interval in the X-axis direction for clamping the core 310 of the flat portion 262 is constant. The tapered portion 261 is connected to the flat portion 262 on the side of the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0188] It should be noted that in the side view shown in Figure 17 , the flat portion 262 can be seen through the through hole 235 formed in the gasket 200 and is disposed at a position 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 most of the pair of clamping pieces 260 are disposed inside the outer cylinder portion 420 in a top view, but as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 , they are elastically deformed by abutting against the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420, and a part thereof is placed on the support surface 421. That is, the pair of clamping pieces 260 extend in the Y-axis direction from the position facing the communication portion 441 (opening portion) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 to the position facing the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420.

[0189] As Figure 21 shown, the core 310 is clamped in the Y-axis direction by the pair of clamping pieces 260 at the second fixing portion 502. The core 310 is tightly clamped by the flat portion 262 and loosely clamped by the tapered portion 261. At the second fixing portion 502, the core 310 is fixed in a state of being compressed in the X-axis direction compared to the outer shape of the core 310 in its normal state (before compression) (represented by the dashed line in Figure 21 ).

[0190] The core 310 is more compressed at the first fixing portion 501 ( Figure 22 ) than at the second fixing portion 502 (refer to Figure 21 ). That is, compared to the second fixing portion 502 (refer toFigure 21 ), the first fixing portion 501 ( Figure 22 ) has a higher compression ratio for the core 310. It should be noted that the "compression ratio" mentioned here can be defined, for example, as the ratio of the cross-sectional area after compression based on the cross-sectional area of the normal shape of the core 310.

[0191] Since the core 310 has a high compression ratio at 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 core 310 has a low compression ratio at 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 core 310, the first fixing portion 501 has a larger capillary force than 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 core 310 becomes smaller at 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.

[0192] Next, the peripheral structure of the flow path tube portion 130 will be described.

[0193] Figure 22 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 of explanation, the cartridge 3 is turned upside down.

[0194] As Figure 22 shown, inside the gasket 200, near the second opening portion 132 on the heating portion 300 side of the flow path tube portion 130, an aerosol source capturing portion 240 for capturing the aerosol source is provided. The aerosol source capturing 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 (for example, in a dotted line shape, two arc shapes, etc.) connected ring shape. The aerosol source capturing portion 240 of the present embodiment is formed in a continuously connected ring shape around the flow path tube portion 130.

[0195] The aerosol source capturing 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 19As shown, the aerosol source capture part 240 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. Specifically, the outer shape of the aerosol source capture part 240 has a pair of long side parts 241 extending parallel to the X-axis direction and a pair of short side parts 242 extending parallel to the Y-axis direction. The width W1 from the long side part 241 to the insertion hole 201 is narrower than the width W2 from the short side part 242 to the insertion hole 201. That is, the width of the aerosol source capture part 240 (groove part) is locally narrowed at the long side part 241. It should be noted that the width of the aerosol source capture part 240 (groove part) can be compared using the opening width instead of the bottom width.

[0196] Among the aerosol sources captured by the aerosol source capture part 240, for example, it includes aerosol sources formed by the condensation and liquefaction of the aerosol generated by the heating part 300 in the heating chamber 200A, aerosol sources flowing out without being vaporized or evaporated from the heating part 300, and aerosol sources flowing out from parts other than the heating part 300 (such as the tank 100 or the aerosol source holding part 440), etc.

[0197] As Figure 22 shown, inside the gasket 200, there is provided an aerosol source return part 250 extending from the aerosol source capture part 240 in the Z-axis direction to the heating part 300. As Figure 19 shown, a pair of aerosol source return parts 250 are formed at the part with the smallest width (long side part 241) to the insertion hole 201. It should be noted that the shape of the aerosol source return part 250 when viewed from above is not limited to a rectangle, and for example, it can also be a trapezoid or other shapes that are easy to resin mold. As Figure 8 shown, the aerosol source return parts 250 extend in pairs from the top surface of the heating chamber 200A to both sides of the heating wire 320-wound heating part 321 of the core 310 of the core 310 part.

[0198] The aerosol source return part 250 is a groove part that returns the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture part 240 to the core 310 part of the heating part 300. It should be noted that the aerosol source return part 250 only needs to be able to return the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture part 240 to the core 310 part of the heating part 300, and it can also be a return part other than the groove part. The aerosol source return part 250 can also be, for example, a structure with the same capillary structure as the core 310 implemented at a position corresponding to the groove part, a surface treatment with low hydrophobicity (high lyophilicity) for the aerosol source, or a structure that combines all or part of the groove part, capillary structure, and surface treatment. The aerosol source return part 250 of the present embodiment is integrally formed on the gasket 200, but it can also be formed on a component different from the gasket 200.

[0199] In addition, similarly, the aerosol source capturing portion 240 of the present embodiment is integrally formed with the gasket 200, but it may also be formed on a component different from the gasket 200. That is, as long as the aerosol source capturing portion 240 can capture the aerosol source near the second opening portion 132 of the flow path tube portion 130, it may also be a capturing portion other than the groove portion. For example, the aerosol source capturing portion 240 may also be a structure in which a capillary structure similar to that of the core 310 is implemented at a position corresponding to the groove portion, a surface treatment with low hydrophobicity (high lyophilicity) for the aerosol source, or a structure in which all or a part of the groove portion, the capillary structure, and the surface treatment are combined.

[0200] The aerosol source capturing portion 240 has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source in at least the portion with width W1 shown in Figure 19 . In addition, the aerosol source reflux portion 250 has a capillary force greater than that of the aerosol source capturing portion 240. Thus, as shown in Figure 22 , even when the cartridge 3 is inverted, the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capturing portion 240 can be refluxed to the core 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 core 310.

[0201] <Method of using the inhaler>

[0202] When using the inhaler 1 having the above structure, first, as shown in Figure 2 , open the cartridge storage lid 50 provided at the bottom of the housing portion 12 of the main 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. In addition, attach the fragrance source container 4 to the suction port portion 11a of the heating module 11 of the main unit 2, and further attach the mouthpiece 5 to the fragrance source container 4 protruding from the heating module 11.

[0203] When sucking on the inhaler 1, the user presses the input device 15 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 . At this time, for example, it may also be programmed to start the main unit 2 by pressing the input device 15 multiple times. When the main unit 2 starts, for example, the heating module 11 heats the fragrance source container 4 to make the fragrance more prominent.

[0204] Next, the user sucks while holding the mouthpiece 5. Then, the air inside the cartridge storage portion 10 is sucked into the cartridge 3, and the sensor 26 shown in Figure 3 detects the suction. When the sensor 26 detects the suction, the heating wire 320 of the cartridge 3 is energized, and the heating wire 320 generates heat. When the heating wire 320 generates heat, the liquid aerosol source infiltrated in the core 310 is heated and atomized.

[0205] Air (external air) flows into the interior of the cartridge storage unit 10 through the communication hole 17a formed in the cover member 17. As Figure 7 shown, the air flowing into the interior of the cartridge storage unit 10 is introduced into the air passage 416 from the longitudinal groove 415 and the transverse groove 414 of the cartridge 3, and / or the transverse groove 414. 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, it passes through the flow path tube portion 130 and Figure 3 shown communication hole 27a of the cartridge contact portion 27, and then through the flavor source container 4 and the mouthpiece 5, and is sent into the user's mouth. Thereby, the user can taste the flavor.

[0206] It should be noted that the atomized aerosol fills the heating chamber 200A and sometimes partially condenses in the heating chamber 200A and returns to the aerosol source. When the cartridge 3 is turned downward, this aerosol source tends to flow out of the flow path tube portion 130 to the outside of the cartridge 3. However, in the present embodiment, as Figure 22 shown, when the cartridge 3 is turned downward, since the aerosol source capturing 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, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from flowing out of the flow path tube portion 130 to the outside. In addition, since the aerosol source reflux portion 250 causes the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capturing portion 240 to flow back to the heating portion 300, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from overflowing from the aerosol source capturing portion 240.

[0207] In addition, as Figure 8 shown, the aerosol source is supplied from the can 100 to the heating portion 300, but when an excessive amount of the aerosol source is supplied to the core 310, the aerosol source tends to drip from the heating portion 321 inside the inner cylinder portion 430 (heating chamber 200A). However, in the present embodiment, since the remaining portion of the aerosol source supplied from the can 100 to the heating portion 300 is guided by the aerosol source guiding portion 450 to the aerosol source holding portion 440 between the inner cylinder portion 430 supporting the heating portion 300 and the outer cylinder portion 420, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from dripping inside the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0208] On the other hand, if the aerosol source supplied from the can 100 to the heating portion 300 is insufficient, overheating of the core 310 is likely to occur in the heating portion 321. However, in the present embodiment, as Figure 8As shown, the heating unit 300 is stably fixed by the first fixing part 501 and the second fixing part 502, and is firmly fixed at a position close to the heating part 321 of the heating unit 300 and loosely fixed at a position far from the heating part 321 of the heating unit 300. Therefore, at one end 311 and the other end 312 of the core 310, the aerosol source is sufficiently absorbed, the aerosol source moves toward the heating part 321, and it is easy to wet the entire core 310 with the aerosol source, and it is possible to suppress the depletion of the aerosol source in the heating part 321 and the occurrence of overheating caused thereby.

[0209] That is, in the present embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0210] [Operational Effects]

[0211] The cartridge 3 of the present embodiment includes: a can 100 capable of accommodating an aerosol source; a heating unit 300 that supplies the aerosol source from the can 100 and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a flow path tube unit 130 that guides the aerosol generated by the heating unit 300 to the outside; an aerosol source capturing unit 240 that captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 (opening) on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path tube unit 130; and an aerosol source reflux unit 250 that extends from the aerosol source capturing unit 240 to the heating unit 300.

[0212] According to this structure, when the cartridge 3 is oriented downward, the aerosol source capturing unit 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path tube unit 130. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from flowing out of the flow path tube unit 130 to the outside. In addition, since the aerosol source reflux unit 250 returns the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capturing unit 240 to the heating unit 300, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from overflowing from the aerosol source capturing unit 240.

[0213] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source capturing unit 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 reflux unit 250 is connected to the long side portion 241 (second portion).

[0214] According to this structure, the groove portion captures the aerosol source over the entire circumference of the second opening 132 on the heating unit 300 side of the flow path tube unit 130. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from flowing out of the flow path tube unit 130 to the outside.

[0215] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source capturing unit 240 (groove portion) includes a short side portion 242 (first part) and a long side portion 241 (second part) whose width is narrower than that of the first part, and the aerosol source reflux unit 250 is connected to the long side portion 241 (second part).

[0216] According to this structure, since the aerosol source captured by the aerosol source capture portion 240 flows back from the long side portion 241 (the second portion) with a narrow width of the groove portion to the heating portion 300, it is difficult for the aerosol source to remain at the corners or the like of the aerosol source capture portion 240.

[0217] It should be noted that the aerosol source return portion 250 only needs to enable the aerosol source to flow back 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 oval.

[0218] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source capture portion 240 has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source.

[0219] According to this structure, the aerosol source capture portion 240 holds the aerosol source by capillary force. Therefore, it is difficult for the aerosol source to flow out from the aerosol source capture portion 240 to the flow path tube portion 130.

[0220] 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.

[0221] According to this structure, since the aerosol source moves from the aerosol source capture portion 240 to the aerosol source return portion 250 due to the difference in capillary force, it is possible to make the aerosol source flow back from the aerosol source capture portion 240 to the heating portion 300 regardless of the orientation of the cartridge 3.

[0222] In addition, in the present embodiment, a gasket 200 that abuts against the heating portion 300 is provided, and the aerosol source capture portion 240 is formed in the gasket 200.

[0223] According to this structure, by forming the aerosol source capture portion 240 in the gasket 200, the number of components can be reduced, and the assembly of the cartridge 3 can be easily performed.

[0224] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source return portion 250 is formed in the gasket 200.

[0225] According to this structure, by forming the aerosol source return portion 250 in the gasket 200, the number of components can be reduced, and the assembly of the cartridge 3 can be easily performed.

[0226] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source return portion 250 may also be formed in a component different from the gasket 200.

[0227] According to this structure, by forming the aerosol source reflux portion 250 in a component different from the gasket 200, the shape and the like of the aerosol source reflux portion 250 can be designed separately from the gasket 200.

[0228] In addition, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 300 includes a core 310 that holds the aerosol source and a heating wire 320 wound around the core 310. A pair of aerosol source reflux portions 250 are provided and extend from the aerosol source capture portion 240 to both sides of the heat generating portion 321 around which the heating wire 320 is wound on the core 310.

[0229] According to this structure, since the aerosol source flows back to the heating unit 300 from two positions instead of one position from the aerosol source capture portion 240, the amount of the aerosol source flowing back to the heating unit 300 increases, and the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capture portion 240 can be suppressed. In addition, since the positions where the aerosol source flows back are both sides of the portion of the core 310 around which the heating wire 320 is wound, the heat generating portion 321 is easily wetted uniformly, and the aerosol source can be generated efficiently.

[0230] In addition, the aerosol generating device of the present embodiment includes: the cartridge 3 described above; and a power supply unit 22 that supplies power to the heating unit 300 of the cartridge 3 to cause the cartridge 3 to generate aerosol.

[0231] According to this structure, since the above-described cartridge 3 is provided, the outflow of the aerosol source can be suppressed.

[0232] In addition, the suction device 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.

[0233] According to this structure, a flavor can be added to the aerosol.

[0234] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 300 is provided in the cartridge 3, but the heating unit 300 may also be detachable with respect to the cartridge 3, the heating unit 300 may also be provided on the main body unit 2 side of the aerosol generating device, and in addition, the heating unit 300 may also be detachable with respect to the main body unit 2. That is, the cartridge 3 may also have the following structure.

[0235] The cartridge 3 is a cartridge 3 for an aerosol generating device having a heating unit 300, and includes: a can 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 capture 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 capture portion 240 to the heating unit 300.

[0236] According to this structure, when the cartridge 3 is facing downward, the aerosol source capturing portion 240 captures the aerosol source near the second opening 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 to the outside can be suppressed. In addition, since the aerosol source reflux portion 250 causes the aerosol source accumulated in the aerosol source capturing portion 240 to reflux to the heating portion 300, the overflow of the aerosol source from the aerosol source capturing portion 240 can be suppressed.

[0237] In addition, in the present embodiment, the following operational effects can also be obtained.

[0238] The cartridge 3 of the present embodiment described above includes: a can 100 capable of accommodating an aerosol source; a heating portion 300 that supplies the aerosol source from the can 100 and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; an inner cylinder portion 430 that supports the heating portion 300; an outer cylinder portion 420 that supports the heating portion 300 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 accommodating the aerosol source; and an aerosol source guiding portion 450 that guides the aerosol source supplied to the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0239] According to this structure, the remaining portion of the aerosol source supplied from the can 100 to the heating portion 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 portion 300, so that the aerosol source can be prevented from dripping inside the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0240] In addition, in the present 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.

[0241] According to this structure, since the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420 support the heating portion 300, by providing the aerosol source guiding portion 450 on at least one of the inner cylinder portion 430 and the outer cylinder portion 420, it is easy to guide the remaining portion of the aerosol source from the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0242] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 is provided along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420.

[0243] According to this structure, by providing the aerosol source holding portion 440 along the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder portion 420 away from the inner cylinder portion 430, the aerosol source can be prevented from dripping inside the inner cylinder portion 430.

[0244] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 includes a groove portion extending from the communication portion 441 (opening portion) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0245] According to this structure, since the groove portion guides the aerosol source from the communication portion 441 (opening portion) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 toward the bottom, the aerosol source is likely to accumulate in the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0246] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 (groove portion) is smaller on the bottom side than on the side of the communication portion 441 (opening portion) of the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0247] According to this structure, the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding portion 450 (groove portion) gradually increases from the communication portion 441 (opening portion) of the aerosol source holding portion 440 toward the bottom, and thus it is easier to guide the aerosol source toward the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0248] In addition, in the present embodiment, the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 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 portion 450 (groove portion) extends toward the second bottom surface 443.

[0249] According to this structure, it is easy to guide the aerosol source to a deeper position at the bottom of the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0250] In addition, in the present embodiment, the aerosol source guiding portion 450 abuts against the heating portion 300.

[0251] According to this structure, by making the aerosol source guiding portion 450 abut against the heating portion 300, it is easy to guide the remaining portion of the aerosol source from the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0252] In addition, in the present embodiment, the heating portion 300 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 heating portion 300.

[0253] According to this structure, when a remaining portion of the aerosol source is generated in the heating portion 300, the aerosol source can be guided from the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440 by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding portion 450. In addition, when there is a shortage of the aerosol source in the heating portion 300, the aerosol source can be sucked up from the aerosol source holding portion 440 to the heating portion 300 by the capillary force of the aerosol source guiding portion 450.

[0254] 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 to generate an aerosol.

[0255] According to this structure, since the above-described cartridge 3 is provided, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source from dripping from the heating portion 300.

[0256] The suction device 1 of the present embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and the fragrance source container 4 attached to the suction port 11a of the aerosol generating device.

[0257] According to this structure, fragrance can be added to the aerosol.

[0258] In addition, in the present embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0259] The cartridge 3 of the present embodiment described above includes: a can 100 capable of accommodating an aerosol source; a heating unit 300 that supplies the aerosol source from the can 100 and heats the aerosol source to generate an 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 loosely at a position farther from the heating part 321 of the heating unit 300 than the first fixing unit 501.

[0260] According to this structure, since the heating unit 300 is stably fixed by the two fixing units, and is firmly fixed at a position close to the heating part 321 of the heating unit 300 and loosely fixed at a position far from the heating part 321 of the heating unit 300, it is easy to wet the entire heating unit 300 with the aerosol source, and it is possible to suppress the depletion of the aerosol source in the heating part 321 and the occurrence of overheating caused thereby.

[0261] In addition, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 300 is more compressed at the first fixing unit 501 than at the second fixing unit 502.

[0262] According to this structure, since the heating unit 300 is more compressed at the first fixing unit 501 than at the second fixing unit 502, the aerosol source easily moves to the heating part 321 of the heating unit 300 by the capillary force of the heating unit 300.

[0263] In addition, in the present embodiment, an aerosol source holding part 440 is formed. The aerosol source holding part 440 has a communication part 441 at a position farther from the heating part 321 of the heating unit 300 than the first fixing unit 501, and can accommodate the aerosol source from the communication part 441. The second fixing unit 502 fixes the heating unit 300 at least at a position facing the communication part 441 of the aerosol source holding part 440.

[0264] According to this structure, when the aerosol source is excessively supplied to the heating unit 300, the remaining part of the aerosol source drips from the second fixing unit 502 where the heating unit 300 is loosely fixed, and the aerosol source can be recovered into the aerosol source holding part 440 having the communication part 441 at a position far from the heating part 321 of the heating unit 300.

[0265] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second fixing portion 502 includes a pair of clamping pieces 260 that clamp the heating portion 300, and the pair of clamping pieces 260 include a tapered portion 261 whose interval for clamping the heating portion 300 becomes wider as it faces the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0266] According to this structure, since the compression of the heating portion 300 gradually becomes looser as it faces the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440, it is easy to guide the remaining aerosol source from the heating portion 300 to the aerosol source holding portion 440.

[0267] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pair of clamping pieces 260 include a flat portion 262 with a constant interval for clamping the heating portion 300, and the tapered portion 261 is connected and provided on the side of the communication portion 441 of the aerosol source holding portion 440 with respect to the flat portion 262.

[0268] According to this structure, the heating portion 300 is stably fixed by the flat portion 262, and the heating portion 300 is loosely fixed by 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.

[0269] In addition, in the present embodiment, at a position farther from the heating portion 300 than the aerosol source holding portion 440, there is provided an outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion) that supports the heating portion 300, and a space S is formed on the side opposite to the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion) with the heating portion 300 interposed therebetween (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0270] According to this structure, by forming the space S on the side opposite to the support surface 421 of the outer cylinder portion 420 (support portion) with the heating portion 300 interposed therebetween, the volume of the tank 100 can be expanded and bubbles are difficult to stay at the lower end portion of the liquid storage chamber 101, and it is possible to suppress the depletion of the aerosol source of the heating portion 300 caused by the retention of bubbles and the generation of overheating caused thereby.

[0271] 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).

[0272] According to this structure, since the heating portion 300 can be fixed by the second fixing portion 502 at a position facing the support surface 421, the heating portion 300 can be stably fixed.

[0273] In the aerosol generating device of the present embodiment, there are provided the cartridge 3 described above and a power supply portion 22 that supplies power to the heating portion 300 of the cartridge 3 to generate aerosol.

[0274] According to this structure, since the above-mentioned cartridge 3 is provided, the heating part 300 can be stably fixed, and the depletion of the aerosol source in the heat generating part 321 and the generation of overheating caused thereby can be suppressed.

[0275] In the suction device 1 of the present embodiment, the aerosol generating device described above and the flavor source container 4 installed in the suction port portion 11a of the aerosol generating device are provided.

[0276] According to this structure, flavor can be added to the aerosol.

[0277] <Appearance of the cartridge>

[0278] Hereinafter, the appearance of the cartridge 3 will be disclosed.

[0279] Figure 23 It is the front view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment. Figure 24 It is the rear view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment. Figure 25 It is the left view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment. Figure 26 It is the right view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment. Figure 27 It is the top view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment. Figure 28 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment. Figure 29 It is the reference perspective view of the cartridge 3 of one embodiment.

[0280] As Figures 23 - 29 shown, the cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The appearance of the cartridge 3 is such that the bottom side is composed of the non-translucent bracket 400, and most of the rest is composed of the translucent tank 100.

[0281] It should be noted that Figure 29 the two electrode portions on the bottom surface of the cartridge 3 shown may also have the following appearance. It should be noted that the sizes of the two electrode portions are not limited to the ratio in the following figures. For example, they may be larger or smaller than the ratio in the following figures. In addition, the sizes of the two electrode portions may be equal to each other or different.

[0282] Figure 30 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the first modification. Figure 30 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed in a substantially semi-circular hexagon.

[0283] Figure 31 It is the bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the second modification. Figure 31 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown Figure 30 make the corners of the electrode portion shown in Figure 31The circular shape shown may also be such that not all of the corners of the electrode portion are formed into a circular shape, but only a part of the corners are formed into a circular shape.

[0284] Figure 32 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the third modified example. Figure 32 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed into a strip shape that is bent so as to be recessed toward the center of the bracket 400.

[0285] Figure 33 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the fourth modified example. Figure 33 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown Figure 32 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed into a circular shape with rounded corners. It should be noted that Figure 33 The circular shape shown may also be such that not all of the corners of the electrode portion are formed into a circular shape, but only a part of the corners are formed into a circular shape.

[0286] Figure 34 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the fifth modified example. Figure 34 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed into a strip shape that is bent so as to bulge toward the side opposite to the center of the bracket 400.

[0287] Figure 35 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the sixth modified example. Figure 35 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown Figure 34 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed into a circular shape with rounded corners. It should be noted that Figure 35 The circular shape shown may also be such that not all of the corners of the electrode portion are formed into a circular shape, but only a part of the corners are formed into a circular shape.

[0288] 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 into a trapezoidal shape with the upper base portion (the shorter of the two parallel sides) facing the center of the bracket 400.

[0289] 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 Figure 36 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed into a circular shape with rounded corners. It should be noted that Figure 37 The circular shape shown may also be such that not all of the corners of the electrode portion are formed into a circular shape, but only a part of the corners are formed into a circular shape.

[0290] Figure 38 It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the ninth modified example. Figure 38The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed in a trapezoidal shape such that the lower bottom portion (the longer of the two parallel sides) faces the center of the holder 400.

[0291] Figure 39 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the tenth modified example. Figure 39 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown Figure 38 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed in a circular shape with rounded corners. It should be noted that Figure 39 The circular shape shown may not form all the corners of the electrode portion into a circular shape, but only form some of the corners into a circular shape.

[0292] Figure 40 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 holder 400 and with the apex angles facing the center of the holder 400.

[0293] Figure 41 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the twelfth modified example. Figure 41 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown Figure 40 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed in a circular shape with rounded corners. It should be noted that Figure 41 The circular shape shown may not form all the corners of the electrode portion into a circular shape, but only form some of the corners into a circular shape.

[0294] Figure 42 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the thirteenth modified example. Figure 42 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed in a pentagonal shape having two inner angles with right angles on the center side of the holder 400 and with the apex angles facing the side opposite to the center of the holder 400.

[0295] Figure 43 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the fourteenth modified example. Figure 43 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown Figure 42 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed in a circular shape with rounded corners. It should be noted that Figure 43 The circular shape shown may not form all the corners of the electrode portion into a circular shape, but only form some of the corners into a circular shape.

[0296] Figure 44 is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the fifteenth modified example. Figure 44 The two electrode portions of the cartridge 3 shown are formed in a hexagon such that one of the two parallel sides faces the center of the holder 400.

[0297] Figure 45It is a bottom view of the cartridge 3 of the sixteenth modification example. Figure 45 The two electrode portions of the illustrated cartridge 3 will Figure 44 The corners of the electrode portion shown are formed into a circular shape with rounded corners. It should be noted that Figure 45 The circular shape shown may not form all the corners of the electrode portion into a circular shape, but only form some of the corners into a circular shape.

[0298] <Other modification examples>

[0299] As described above, the preferred embodiments and modification examples of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modification examples. Without departing from the gist of the present invention, additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes to the structure can be made. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims.

[0300] For example, in the above embodiment, as an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol without combustion, the suction device 1 in which the flavor source container 4 is configured to be detachable has been described, but it is not limited to this structure. As another example of the aerosol generating device, it may also be a structure that does not have a 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 housed in the cartridge 3, and an aerosol containing a flavor may be generated by the aerosol generating device.

[0301] That is, in the above embodiment, a device that does not have a flavor source container 4 but has a main unit 2 and a cartridge 3 may also be referred to as an aerosol generating device. In addition, a device that does not have a flavor source container 4 and a cartridge 3 but only has a main unit 2 may also be referred to as the main unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0302] It should be noted that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and as long as capillary action can be utilized, it may also contain a solid or a gel in the liquid.

[0303] In the above embodiment, a structure in which the cartridge 3 is formed into a cylindrical shape has been described, but it is not limited to this structure. The cartridge 3 only needs to be a structure that can hold 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, a triangular pyramid, a pyramid, a prism, an octahedron, a cone, a sphere, a torus, etc.

[0304] In the above embodiment, a structure in which the main unit 2 is started by pressing the input device 15 has been described, but it may also be a structure that does not have an input device 15 and starts the main unit 2 only by the suction detection of the sensor 26.

[0305] In addition, 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 further, the above-described various modification examples can be appropriately combined.

[0306] Industrial applicability

[0307] The present invention relates to an atomizer, an aerosol generating device, and a non-combustion suction device, and can suppress the outflow of an aerosol source.

[0308] Explanation of reference numerals

[0309] 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 housing, 13a. Opening part, 13A. First housing, 13b. Exposed part, 13B. Second housing, 14. Display cover, 15. Input device, 16. Window part, 17. Cover member, 17a. Communication hole, 18A. First air inlet, 18B. Second air inlet, 20. Inner housing, 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. Can, 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. Gasket, 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. Core, 311. One end part, 312. The other end part, 320. Heating 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, wherein, the cartridge comprises: a canister that can accommodate an aerosol source; a heating unit that supplies the aerosol source from the canister and heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a flow path tube unit that guides the aerosol generated by the heating unit to the outside; an aerosol source capture unit that captures the aerosol source near the opening on the heating unit side of the flow path tube unit; an aerosol source return unit that extends from the aerosol source capture unit to the heating unit.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, the aerosol source capture unit has a groove portion formed in a ring shape around the opening on the heating unit side of the flow path tube unit.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein, the groove portion has a first part and a second part with a width narrower than the first part, and the aerosol source return unit is connected to the second part.

4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the aerosol source capture unit has a capillary force for holding the aerosol source.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein, the aerosol source return unit has a capillary force greater than that of the aerosol source capture unit.

6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the cartridge has a gasket that abuts against the heating unit, and the aerosol source capture unit is formed on the gasket.

7. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein, the aerosol source return unit is formed on the gasket.

8. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein, the aerosol source return unit is formed on a component different from the gasket.

9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the heating unit comprises a core for holding the aerosol source and a heating wire wound around the core, and a pair of the aerosol source return units are provided, extending from the aerosol source capture unit to both sides of the heat-generating part of the core around which the heating wire is wound.

10. An aerosol generating device, wherein, the aerosol generating device comprises: the cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit of the cartridge to generate the aerosol.

11. A non-combustible inhaler, wherein, the non-combustible inhaler comprises: the aerosol generating device according to claim 10; a fragrance source container installed at the suction port part of the aerosol generating device.

12. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device having a heating unit, wherein, the cartridge comprises: a canister that can accommodate an aerosol source; a flow path tube unit that guides the aerosol generated by the heating unit to the outside; an aerosol source capture unit that captures the aerosol source near the opening on the heating unit side of the flow path tube unit; an aerosol source return unit that extends from the aerosol source capture unit to the heating unit.

Images