Aerosol generation device and inhaler

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device capable of achieving miniaturization.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generation device includes an atomization unit that atomizes a supplied liquid, and a liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid to the atomization unit, the liquid supply unit includes a cartridge that accommodates the liquid, and a liquid ejection mechanism that ejects the liquid accommodated in the cartridge, and the liquid ejection mechanism is a mechanism that expands and contracts in multiple stages.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an aerosol generating system is known that is configured to deliver a liquid aerosol-forming substrate directly from the outlet of a liquid storage portion to an internal passage of a heating element, and that includes a pump having a drive shaft configured to rotate a predetermined number of times with the execution of one step of a microstepper motor, and a piston connected to the drive shaft, in which the piston moves within the liquid storage portion to heat and vaporize the delivered liquid aerosol-forming substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The pump used in the aerosol generating system of Patent Document 1 requires a drive shaft that is longer than the stroke length of the piston, which increases the length of the portion of the pump that houses the drive shaft in the stroke direction (axial direction), and therefore increases the length of the aerosol generating device in the stroke direction.

[0004] Here, an extension / contraction device is known that includes first to third cylindrical members that are combined in a nested manner, two screw shafts rotatably supported on each of the first and second cylindrical members, two nuts that are attached to each of the second and third cylindrical members and screw onto the screw shafts of the first and second cylindrical members, and a transmission device that transmits the rotation of the screw shaft of the first cylindrical member to the screw shaft of the second cylindrical member and is movable axially relative to the screw shaft of the first cylindrical member, and in which the screw shaft of the first cylindrical member and the screw shaft of the second cylindrical member rotate simultaneously, causing the first to third cylindrical members to extend and contract (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7123793 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-064290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The telescopic device of Patent Document 2 is applicable to large conveying equipment, parallel link robots, etc., but cannot be directly applied to small devices such as aerosol generators. Furthermore, the telescopic device of Patent Document 2 has two screw shafts, which requires a transmission device to transmit the rotation of one screw shaft to the other, increasing the number of parts and making the configuration more complex. Furthermore, because the two screw shafts are arranged in parallel, the radial dimension of the telescopic device increases, and reducing the diameter of the screw shafts reduces the robustness of the telescopic device. Furthermore, because the two screw shafts are not arranged at the center of the telescopic device, a decrease in robustness can cause the screw shafts to tilt under load, potentially making it impossible to control the amount of movement with high precision.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an aerosol generating device that can be made compact, and an inhaler using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generation device including an atomization unit that atomizes a supplied liquid, and a liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid to the atomization unit, the liquid supply unit having a cartridge that contains the liquid, and a liquid discharge mechanism that discharges the liquid contained in the cartridge, the liquid discharge mechanism being a multi-stage expandable / contractible mechanism.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by using a multi-stage expandable / contractible mechanism as the liquid ejection mechanism, the liquid ejection mechanism can be made smaller, and as a result, the aerosol generation device can be made smaller.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the liquid ejection mechanism is a linear motion device, which comprises a fixed screw that is fixed in position, a rotating movement screw that is arranged concentrically with the fixed screw and threadedly engages with the fixed screw, a rotary drive unit that rotates the rotating movement screw, a non-rotating movement screw that is arranged concentrically with the fixed screw and the rotating movement screw and threadedly engages with the rotating movement screw, and a regulating member that engages with the non-rotating movement screw and regulates the rotation of the non-rotating movement screw, and the rotating movement screw is rotated by the rotary drive unit and moves in the axial direction of the fixed screw relative to the fixed screw, and the rotation of the non-rotating movement screw is regulated by the regulating member and moves in the axial direction of the rotating movement screw relative to the rotating movement screw.

[0011] According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the rotary movement screw is rotated by the rotary drive unit, the rotary movement screw moves relative to the fixed screw in the axial direction of the fixed screw, and simultaneously, the non-rotating movement screw moves relative to the rotary movement screw in the axial direction of the rotary movement screw. This allows for two-stage expansion and contraction, and the linear motion device can be made smaller in the axial direction. Furthermore, by arranging the fixed screw, rotary movement screw, and non-rotating movement screw all concentrically, a simple configuration can be maintained while maintaining robustness, and the amount of movement can be controlled with high precision.

[0012] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the fixing screw has a cylindrical shape and a thread groove formed on its outer peripheral surface, the rotating movement screw is arranged on the outer periphery of the fixing screw, has a cylindrical shape, and has thread grooves formed on its inner and outer peripheral surfaces, the inner peripheral surface threadably engages with the thread groove on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing screw, and the non-rotating movement screw is arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating movement screw, has a cylindrical shape, and has a thread groove formed on its inner peripheral surface, the inner peripheral surface threadably engages with the thread groove on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating movement screw.

[0013] According to the third aspect of the present invention, by arranging the fixed screw, the rotating moving screw, and the non-rotating moving screw all concentrically around the fixed screw, it is possible to maintain robustness with a simple configuration and to control the amount of movement with high precision.

[0014] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the rotation drive unit has a motor and a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the speed of rotation of the motor.

[0015] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the motor is reduced using the reduction mechanism, thereby making it possible to control the amount of movement with higher precision.

[0016] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the reduction mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by using a planetary gear mechanism as the speed reducing mechanism, a large reduction ratio can be obtained, and the amount of movement can be controlled with higher precision.

[0018] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the linear motion device includes m sets (m is an integer of 2 or more) of linear motion mechanisms each having a fixed screw, a rotational movement screw, a non-rotational movement screw, and a restriction member.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, cartridges corresponding to m sets of linear motion mechanisms are provided, and by storing different types of liquids in each cartridge, it is possible to eject a maximum of m types of liquids.

[0020] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the rotational drive unit has a motor, a reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation of the motor, and m individual gears that are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the rotational movement screws of the m sets of linear motion mechanisms and transmit the rotation of the reduction mechanism to the rotational movement screws.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the gear ratio between the individual gear and the rotary movement screw of the linear motion mechanism corresponding to the individual gear is changed for each of the m sets of linear motion mechanisms, thereby making it possible to change the movement amount for each linear motion mechanism.

[0022] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the rotational drive unit has a motor, a reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation of the motor, and a common gear that transmits the rotation of the reduction mechanism to each of the rotational movement screws of the m sets of linear motion mechanisms.

[0023] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, by providing one common gear for each of the rotational movement screws of the m sets of linear motion mechanisms, the number of parts can be reduced, and the linear motion device can be made smaller.

[0024] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the liquid discharge mechanism is a linear motion device, and the linear motion device includes a fixed screw whose position is fixed, 1 to n rotational movement screws (n is an integer of 2 or more) arranged concentrically with the fixed screw, a rotation drive unit that rotates each of the 1 to n rotational movement screws, 1 to (n-1) non-rotational movement screws that are arranged concentrically with the fixed screw and the 1 to n rotational movement screws and that screw together with each of the 1 to (n-1) rotational movement screws, and 1 to (n-1) regulation screws that engage with each of the 1 to (n-1) non-rotational movement screws and regulate the rotation of the 1 to (n-1) non-rotational movement screws. and a restricting member, wherein the first rotating movement screw is rotated by a rotation drive unit and moves in the axial direction of the fixed screw relative to the fixed screw that screws with the first rotating movement screw, each of the second to nth rotating movement screws is rotated by a rotation drive unit and moves in the axial direction of the n-1th non-rotating movement screw relative to the n-1th non-rotating movement screw that screws with each of the second to nth rotating movement screws, and each of the first to (n-1)th non-rotating movement screws is restricted in rotation by the n-1th rotating movement screw by the n-1th restricting member and moves in the axial direction of the n-1th rotating movement screw relative to the n-1th rotating movement screw.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the linear motion device has a fixed screw, 1 to n rotary movement screws, and 1 to (n-1) non-rotating movement screws. When the 1 to n rotary movement screws are rotated by the rotary drive unit, the 1 to n rotary movement screws and the 1 to (n-1) non-rotating movement screws all move in the axial direction of the fixed screw. This allows for 2n-1 stages of expansion and contraction, making the linear motion device more compact in the axial direction. Furthermore, by concentrically arranging the fixed screw, 1 to n rotary movement screws, and 1 to (n-1) non-rotating movement screws, the linear motion device can be simplified in configuration, maintains robustness, and controls the amount of movement with high precision.

[0026] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, an nth non-rotating moving screw is arranged concentrically with the fixing screw, the 1st to nth rotating moving screws, and the 1st to (n-1)th non-rotating moving screws, and is threadedly engaged with the nth rotating moving screw, and an nth regulating member is engaged with the nth non-rotating moving screw to regulate the rotation of the nth non-rotating moving screw.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the linear motion device further includes an nth non-rotating movement screw. When the 1st to nth rotational movement screws are rotated by the rotary drive unit, the 1st to nth rotational movement screws and the 1st to nth non-rotating movement screws all move in the axial direction of the fixed screw. This allows for 2n stages of extension and contraction, making the linear motion device even more compact in the axial direction. Furthermore, by arranging the fixed screw, the 1st to nth rotational movement screws, and the 1st to nth non-rotating movement screws all concentrically, a simple configuration can be maintained while maintaining robustness, and the amount of movement can be controlled with high precision.

[0028] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the atomizing section heats and atomizes the supplied liquid.

[0029] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the atomizing part heats and atomizes the supplied liquid, so that the atomizing part can have a simple and inexpensive configuration.

[0030] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the atomizing section atomizes the supplied liquid by at least one of a surface acoustic wave method, a jet method, a mesh method, an ultrasonic method, and an electrospray method.

[0031] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the atomization unit atomizes the supplied liquid by at least one of a surface acoustic wave method, a jet method, a mesh method, an ultrasonic method, and an electrospray method, thereby making it possible to efficiently atomize the liquid.

[0032] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides an inhaler, comprising the aerosol generating device of any one of the first to twelfth aspects and a mouthpiece attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0033] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, by using the aerosol generation device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects in combination with a mouthpiece, the inhaler can be made smaller. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a syringe pump according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a linear motion device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a linear motion device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view showing a linear motion device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the linear motion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear motion device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a syringe pump according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a syringe pump according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a syringe pump according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a syringe pump according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Note that in this specification, the term "inhaler" may include, for example, an electronic cigarette device, a medical nebulizer, etc.

[0036] First embodiment: Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an inhalator 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the inhalator 10 includes an aerosol generation device 20 and a mouthpiece 30. The inhalator 10 inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 20 through the mouthpiece 30.

[0037] The aerosol generating device 20 includes an atomizing unit 21 that atomizes a supplied liquid, and a syringe pump (liquid supply unit) 1 that supplies the liquid to the atomizing unit 21. The atomizing unit 21 may atomize the liquid supplied from the syringe pump 1, which is the liquid supply unit, by heating it, or may atomize the supplied liquid by a surface acoustic wave method. The atomizing unit 21 may also atomize the supplied liquid by a jet method, a mesh method, an ultrasonic method, or an electrospray method.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a syringe pump 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the syringe pump 1 includes a linear motion device (liquid discharge mechanism) 100 and a cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 contains a liquid, and the linear motion device 100, which is a liquid discharge mechanism, discharges the liquid contained in the cartridge 200 to the atomization unit 21. The linear motion device 100 is a mechanism that expands and contracts in multiple stages.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cartridge 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the cartridge 200 has a cylindrical body 210, a plunger 220, a discharge port 230, and a cap 240, and is filled with an aerosol source such as alcohol such as glycerin or a medicine. The cartridge 200 is attached to the linear motion device 100 by any method, such as screws, nails, or a cartridge case that houses the cartridge 200 and engages with the linear motion device 100.

[0040] The cylindrical body 210 has a large-diameter opening and a small-diameter opening at one end and the other end, respectively. The plunger 220 is disposed on the large-diameter opening side of the cylindrical body 210 so as to be movable along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 210. An O-ring 221 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plunger 220 that faces the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 210. The discharge port 230 is disposed so as to close the small-diameter opening of the cylindrical body 210. The discharge port 230 is formed from an elastic material such as rubber, and has a slit hole in the center that elastically opens when pressure is applied. The cap 240 is screwed to the cylindrical body 210 and positions the discharge port 230 so that the small-diameter opening of the cylindrical body 210 and the slit hole of the discharge port 230 overlap in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 210.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a linear motion device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the linear motion device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the linear motion device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a bottom view showing the linear motion device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the linear motion device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 5, 7, and 8, the case member 150 is not shown.

[0042] 4 to 8, the linear motion device 100 has a rotation drive unit 110, a first linear motion mechanism 120, a second linear motion mechanism 130, a base member 140, and a case member 150. FIGS. 4, 5, and 8 illustrate a state in which the first linear motion mechanism 120 is contracted and the second linear motion mechanism 130 is extended. Note that the linear motion device 100 shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 is a two-axis linear motion device 100 having two sets of linear motion mechanisms, but is not limited to this. The linear motion device may be a single-axis linear motion device having one linear motion mechanism, or an m-axis linear motion device having m sets of linear motion mechanisms (m is an integer of 2 or more).

[0043] The rotation drive unit 110 has a motor 111, a reduction mechanism 112, an output gear 113, a reduction gear 114, and a transmission gear (individual gear) 115. The reduction mechanism 112 is, for example, a planetary gear mechanism, and reduces the rotation of the motor 111. The output gear 113, the reduction gear 114, and the transmission gear 115 transmit the rotation of the reduction mechanism 112 to rotational movement screws 122 and 132 (described later) of the first linear motion mechanism 120 and the second linear motion mechanism 130. The reduction gear 114 and the transmission gear 115 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the rotational movement screws 122 and 132 of the first linear motion mechanism 120 and the second linear motion mechanism 130, respectively. The transmission gear 115 is formed long so as to accommodate the movement of the rotational movement screws 122 and 132.

[0044] The first linear motion mechanism 120 has a fixed screw 121, a rotational movement screw 122, a non-rotational movement screw 123, a restriction member 124, and a cover member 125. The fixed screw 121 is fixed in position relative to the base member 140. The rotational movement screw 122 is disposed concentrically with the fixed screw 121 and is threadedly engaged with the fixed screw 121. The rotational movement screw 122 also has a gear portion 122A that engages with the transmission gear 115. The non-rotational movement screw 123 is disposed concentrically with the fixed screw 121 and the rotational movement screw 122 and is threadedly engaged with the rotational movement screw 122.

[0045] The restricting member 124 engages with the non-rotating moving screw 123 to restrict rotation of the non-rotating moving screw 123. Specifically, the restricting member 124 has a protrusion 124A that engages with a groove 125A formed in a cover member 125 that is attached and fixed to the base member 140, thereby restricting rotation relative to the cover member 125. The non-rotating moving screw 123 has a portion of its outer circumferential surface cut out into a flat shape. The restricting member 124 also has a portion of its inner circumferential surface formed into a flat shape, and this flat-shaped portion engages with the flat-shaped cut-out portion of the non-rotating moving screw 123 to restrict rotation of the non-rotating moving screw 123. Note that the method for restricting rotation of the non-rotating moving screw 123 is not limited to the above and may be other methods.

[0046] The rotational movement screw 122 is rotated by the rotational drive unit 110, and moves relative to the fixed screw 121 in the axial direction of the fixed screw 121. The rotation of the non-rotational movement screw 123 by the rotational movement screw 122 is restricted by a restricting member 124, and the non-rotational movement screw 123 moves relative to the rotational movement screw 122 in the axial direction of the rotational movement screw 122 as the rotational movement screw 122 moves. The restricting member 124 engages with the rotational movement screw 122, and moves in the axial direction of the fixed screw 121 in conjunction with the movement of the rotational movement screw 122.

[0047] The second linear motion mechanism 130 has a fixed screw 131, a rotational movement screw 132, a non-rotational movement screw 133, a restricting member 134, and a cover member 135. The configurations and functions of the fixed screw 131, the rotational movement screw 132, the non-rotational movement screw 133, the restricting member 134, and the cover member 135 are similar to those of the fixed screw 121, the rotational movement screw 122, the non-rotational movement screw 123, the restricting member 124, and the cover member 125 of the first linear motion mechanism 120, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] The rotation drive unit 110, the first linear motion mechanism 120, and the second linear motion mechanism 130 are attached to the base member 140. The case member 150 houses the output gear 113, the reduction gear 114, and the transmission gear 115 of the rotation drive unit 110. Here, the reduction mechanism 112, the output gear 113, the reduction gear 114, and the transmission gear 115 of the rotation drive unit 110, the first linear motion mechanism 120, the second linear motion mechanism 130, the base member 140, and the case member 150 may be formed from resin, metal, or the like.

[0049] Next, the configuration and operation of syringe pump 1 will be described by extracting the configuration related to the drive of linear motion device 100 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing syringe pump 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 9, reduction gear 114 is not shown, and output gear 113 and transmission gear 115 are shown engaged with each other.

[0050] 9, syringe pump 1 includes linear motion device 100 and cartridge 200. Linear motion device 100 includes rotation drive unit 110, first linear motion mechanism 120, and second linear motion mechanism 130. Rotation drive unit 110 includes motor 111, reduction mechanism 112, output gear 113, and transmission gear 115.

[0051] The first linear motion mechanism 120 has a fixed screw 121, a rotational movement screw 122, a non-rotational movement screw 123, and a restriction member 124. The fixed screw 121 has a cylindrical shape and a thread groove formed on its outer peripheral surface. The rotational movement screw 122 is disposed on the outer periphery of the fixed screw 121, has a cylindrical shape, and has thread grooves formed on its inner and outer peripheral surfaces, with its inner peripheral surface threadedly engaging with the thread groove on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed screw 121.

[0052] The non-rotating moving screw 123 is disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating moving screw 122, has a cylindrical shape, and has a thread groove formed on its inner circumferential surface, which threadably engages with the thread groove on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating moving screw 122. The restricting member 124 engages with the non-rotating moving screw 123 to restrict the rotation of the non-rotating moving screw 123.

[0053] The second linear motion mechanism 130 has a fixed screw 131, a rotational movement screw 132, a non-rotational movement screw 133, and a restricting member 134. The configurations and functions of the fixed screw 131, the rotational movement screw 132, the non-rotational movement screw 133, and the restricting member 134 are similar to those of the fixed screw 121, the rotational movement screw 122, the non-rotational movement screw 123, and the restricting member 124 of the first linear motion mechanism 120, and therefore will not be described.

[0054] In the first linear motion mechanism 120 of the syringe pump 1, when the motor 111 rotates, the rotation of the motor 111 is reduced in speed by the reduction mechanism 112 and transmitted to the transmission gear 115. The rotation of the transmission gear 115 is transmitted to the rotational movement screw 122. The rotational movement screw 122 moves in the axial direction of the fixed screw 121 (upward in the figure) while rotating relative to the fixed screw 121. The rotation of the rotational movement screw 122 is transmitted to the non-rotational movement screw 123.

[0055] The non-rotating moving screw 123 rotates relative to the rotating moving screw 122 as its rotation is restricted by the restricting member 124, and moves in the axial direction of the rotating moving screw 122 (upward in the figure) relative to the rotating moving screw 122. As a result, the plunger 220 of the cartridge 200 comes into contact with the non-rotating moving screw 123 and is moved, thereby discharging the content filled in the cartridge 200. In other words, the first linear motion mechanism 120 is a mechanism that expands and contracts in multiple stages. Note that the operation of the second linear motion mechanism 130 is similar to that of the first linear motion mechanism 120, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] As described above, according to the first embodiment, by using a multi-stage extension / contraction mechanism as the linear motion device 100, which is the liquid ejection mechanism, the linear motion device 100 can be made smaller, and as a result, the aerosol generation device 20 can be made smaller.

[0057] Furthermore, when the rotary movement screw 122 is rotated by the rotary drive unit 110, the rotary movement screw 122 moves relative to the fixed screw 121 in the axial direction of the fixed screw 121, and at the same time, the non-rotary movement screw 123 moves relative to the rotary movement screw 122 in the axial direction of the rotary movement screw 122. Therefore, two-stage extension and contraction can be achieved, and the linear motion device 100 can be made smaller in the axial direction.

[0058] Furthermore, by arranging the fixed screw 121, the rotational movement screw 122, and the non-rotational movement screw 123 all concentrically around the fixed screw 121, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and to suppress an increase in the radial dimension of the linear motion device 100 compared to a device with two screw shafts. Therefore, it is possible to maintain robustness with a simple configuration, and to control the amount of movement of the first linear motion mechanism 120 with high precision.

[0059] In addition, by using the reduction mechanism 112 to reduce the rotation of the motor 111, it is possible to more accurately control the movement amount of the first linear motion mechanism 120. Furthermore, by using a planetary gear mechanism as the reduction mechanism 112, it is possible to obtain a large reduction ratio, and it is possible to more accurately control the movement amount of the first linear motion mechanism 120.

[0060] Furthermore, the linear motion device 100 according to the first embodiment has two linear motion mechanisms: a first linear motion mechanism 120 having a fixed screw 121, a rotationally moving screw 122, a non-rotating moving screw 123, and a regulating member 124; and a second linear motion mechanism 130 having a fixed screw 131, a rotationally moving screw 132, a non-rotating moving screw 133, and a regulating member 134. Therefore, different types of fillers can be filled into two cartridges 200, and two types of fillers can be dispensed. Note that if the linear motion device is an m-axis linear motion device having m sets (m is an integer of 2 or more) of linear motion mechanisms, a maximum of m types of fillers can be dispensed.

[0061] Furthermore, the transmission gears 115 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the rotational movement screws 122 and 132 of the first linear motion mechanism 120 and the second linear motion mechanism 130. Therefore, by changing the gear ratio between the two transmission gears 115 and the rotational movement screws 122 and 132, respectively, it is possible to change the movement amounts of the first linear motion mechanism 120 and the second linear motion mechanism 130. Note that when the linear motion device is an m-axis linear motion device having m sets (m is an integer of 2 or more) of linear motion mechanisms, the number of transmission gears 115 can be a maximum of m.

[0062] Furthermore, atomization unit 21 can have a simple and inexpensive configuration by heating and atomizing the supplied liquid. Furthermore, atomization unit 21 can atomize the supplied liquid by at least one of a surface acoustic wave method, a jet method, a mesh method, an ultrasonic method, and an electrospray method, thereby enabling efficient atomization of the liquid. Furthermore, by using such a linear motion device 100 in combination with mouthpiece 30, inhaler 10 can be made smaller.

[0063] In the first linear motion mechanism 120 shown in Figure 9, the fixed screw 121 is arranged at the center, the rotating moving screw 122 is arranged on the outer periphery of the fixed screw 121, and the non-rotating moving screw 123 is arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating moving screw 122, but this is not limited to this, and the non-rotating moving screw may be arranged at the center, the rotating moving screw may be arranged on the outer periphery of the non-rotating moving screw, and the fixed screw may be arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating moving screw.

[0064] Second embodiment: FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a syringe pump 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the syringe pump 1A includes a linear motion device 100A and a cartridge 200. The linear motion device 100A has a rotational drive unit 110 and a linear motion mechanism 160. The rotational drive unit 110 has a motor 111, a reduction mechanism 112, an output gear 113, and a transmission gear 115. The configuration of the rotational drive unit 110 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The linear motion mechanism 160 has a fixed screw 161, a first rotational movement screw 162, a first non-rotational movement screw 163, a first restricting member 164, and a second rotational movement screw 165. The configurations and functions of the fixed screw 161, the first rotational movement screw 162, and the first restricting member 164 are similar to those of the fixed screw 121, the rotational movement screw 122, and the restricting member 124 of the first linear motion mechanism 120 of the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0066] The first non-rotating movement screw 163 is arranged concentrically with the fixed screw 161 and the first rotating movement screw 162, and is threadedly engaged with the first rotating movement screw 162. Specifically, the first non-rotating movement screw 163 is arranged on the outer periphery of the first rotating movement screw 162, has a cylindrical shape, and has thread grooves formed on its inner and outer periphery, with its inner periphery threadedly engaging with the thread grooves on the outer periphery of the first rotating movement screw 162. The rotation of the first non-rotating movement screw 163 by the first rotating movement screw 162 is restricted by a first restricting member 164, and the first non-rotating movement screw 163 moves in the axial direction of the first rotating movement screw 162 relative to the first rotating movement screw 162.

[0067] The second rotational movement screw 165 is arranged concentrically with the fixed screw 161, the first rotational movement screw 162, and the first non-rotational movement screw 163, and is threadedly engaged with the first non-rotational movement screw 163. Specifically, the second rotational movement screw 165 is arranged on the outer periphery of the first non-rotational movement screw 163, has a cylindrical shape, and has a thread groove formed on its inner circumferential surface, which threadably engages with the thread groove on the outer periphery of the first non-rotational movement screw 163. The second rotational movement screw 165 is rotated by the rotation drive unit 110, and moves relative to the first non-rotational movement screw 163 in the axial direction of the first non-rotational movement screw 163.

[0068] In linear motion mechanism 160 of syringe pump 1A, when motor 111 rotates, the rotation of motor 111 is reduced in speed reduction mechanism 112 and transmitted to transmission gear 115. The rotation of transmission gear 115 is transmitted to first rotational movement screw 162 and second rotational movement screw 165. First rotational movement screw 162 rotates relative to fixed screw 161 while moving in the axial direction of fixed screw 161 (upward in the figure). The rotation of first rotational movement screw 162 is transmitted to first non-rotational movement screw 163.

[0069] The first non-rotating moving screw 163 rotates relative to the first rotating moving screw 162 as its rotation is restricted by the first restricting member 164, and moves in the axial direction of the first rotating moving screw 162 (upward in the figure) relative to the first rotating moving screw 162. The second rotating moving screw 165 moves in the axial direction of the first non-rotating moving screw 163 (upward in the figure) while rotating relative to the first non-rotating moving screw 163. As a result, the plunger 220 of the cartridge 200 comes into contact with the second rotating moving screw 165 and is moved, and the content contained in the cartridge 200 is discharged.

[0070] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the first rotational movement screw 162 is rotated by the rotational drive unit 110, the first rotational movement screw 162 moves relative to the fixed screw 161 in the axial direction of the fixed screw 161, the first non-rotational movement screw 163 moves relative to the first rotational movement screw 162 in the axial direction of the first rotational movement screw 162, and the second rotational movement screw 165 moves relative to the first non-rotational movement screw 163 in the axial direction of the first non-rotational movement screw 163. Therefore, three-stage extension and contraction can be achieved, and the linear motion device 100A can be made smaller in the axial direction.

[0071] Furthermore, by arranging the fixed screw 161, the first rotational movement screw 162, the first non-rotational movement screw 163, and the second rotational movement screw 165 all concentrically around the fixed screw 161, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and to suppress an increase in the radial dimension of the linear motion device 100A compared to a device with two screw shafts. Therefore, it is possible to maintain robustness with a simple configuration and to control the movement amount of the linear motion mechanism 160 with high precision.

[0072] The linear motion device 100A shown in FIG. 10 has a fixed screw 161, a first rotational movement screw 162, a first non-rotational movement screw 163, a first regulating member 164, and a second rotational movement screw 165, but is not limited to this, and the linear motion device may further have a set of a non-rotational movement screw and a rotational movement screw.

[0073] Specifically, the linear motion device may have a fixed screw, 1 to n rotational movement screws (n is an integer of 2 or greater) arranged concentrically with the fixed screw, 1 to (n-1) non-rotational movement screws arranged concentrically with the fixed screw and the 1 to n rotational movement screws and threadedly engaging with each of the 1 to (n-1) rotational movement screws, and 1 to (n-1) regulating members that engage with each of the 1 to (n-1) non-rotational movement screws and regulate the rotation of the 1 to (n-1) non-rotational movement screws, and the rotational movement screws and non-rotational movement screws may be arranged alternately.

[0074] In such a linear motion device, the first rotational movement screw is rotated by the rotational drive unit 110 and moves in the axial direction of the fixed screw with respect to the fixed screw that screws with the first rotational movement screw, each of the second to nth rotational movement screws is rotated by the rotational drive unit 110 and moves in the axial direction of the n-1th non-rotational movement screw with respect to the n-1th non-rotational movement screw that screws with the second to nth rotational movement screws, and each of the first to (n-1)th non-rotational movement screws is restricted in rotation by the n-1th regulating member and moves in the axial direction of the n-1th rotational movement screw with respect to the n-1th rotational movement screw. As a result, the plunger 220 of the cartridge 200 comes into contact with the nth rotational movement screw and moves, and the content filled in the cartridge 200 is discharged.

[0075] That is, since the linear motion device has a fixed screw, 1 to n rotary movement screws, and 1 to (n-1) non-rotating movement screws, when the 1 to n rotary movement screws are rotated by the rotary drive unit, the 1 to n rotary movement screws and the 1 to (n-1) non-rotating movement screws all move in the axial direction of the fixed screw. This allows for 2n-1 stages of expansion and contraction, making it possible to further reduce the size of the linear motion device in the axial direction. Furthermore, by arranging the fixed screw, 1 to n rotary movement screws, and 1 to (n-1) non-rotating movement screws all concentrically, it is possible to maintain robustness with a simple configuration and control the amount of movement with high precision.

[0076] Third embodiment: FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a syringe pump 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, syringe pump 1B includes a linear motion device 100B and a cartridge 200. Linear motion device 100B has a rotational drive unit 110 and a linear motion mechanism 170. Rotational drive unit 110 has a motor 111, a reduction mechanism 112, an output gear 113, and a transmission gear 115. The configuration of rotational drive unit 110 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] The linear motion mechanism 170 has a fixed screw 171, a first rotational movement screw 172, a first non-rotational movement screw 173, a first regulating member 174, a second rotational movement screw 175, a second non-rotational movement screw 176, and a second regulating member 177. The configurations and functions of the fixed screw 171, the first rotational movement screw 172, the first non-rotational movement screw 173, and the first regulating member 174 are similar to those of the fixed screw 161, the first rotational movement screw 162, the first non-rotational movement screw 163, and the first regulating member 164 of the linear motion mechanism 160 of the second embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] The second rotational movement screw 175 is arranged concentrically with the fixed screw 171, the first rotational movement screw 172, and the first non-rotational movement screw 173, and is threadedly engaged with the first non-rotational movement screw 173. Specifically, the second rotational movement screw 175 is arranged on the outer periphery of the first non-rotational movement screw 173, has a cylindrical shape, and has thread grooves formed on its inner and outer periphery surfaces, with its inner periphery surface threadedly engaging with the thread grooves on the outer periphery surface of the first non-rotational movement screw 173. The second rotational movement screw 175 is rotated by the rotation drive unit 110, and moves relative to the first non-rotational movement screw 173 in the axial direction of the first non-rotational movement screw 173.

[0079] The second non-rotating transfer screw 176 is arranged concentrically with the fixed screw 171, the first rotary transfer screw 172, the first non-rotating transfer screw 173, and the second rotary transfer screw 175, and is threadedly engaged with the second rotary transfer screw 175. Specifically, the second non-rotating transfer screw 176 is arranged on the outer periphery of the second rotary transfer screw 175, has a cylindrical shape, and has a thread groove formed on its inner periphery, which threadably engages with the thread groove on the outer periphery of the second rotary transfer screw 175. The rotation of the second non-rotating transfer screw 176 by the second rotary transfer screw 175 is restricted by a second restricting member 177, and the second non-rotating transfer screw 176 moves in the axial direction of the second rotary transfer screw 175 relative to the second rotary transfer screw 175.

[0080] In linear motion mechanism 170 of syringe pump 1B, when motor 111 rotates, the rotation of motor 111 is reduced in speed reduction mechanism 112 and transmitted to transmission gear 115. The rotation of transmission gear 115 is transmitted to first rotational movement screw 172 and second rotational movement screw 175. First rotational movement screw 172 rotates relative to fixed screw 171 while moving in the axial direction of fixed screw 171 (upward in the figure). The rotation of first rotational movement screw 172 is transmitted to first non-rotational movement screw 173.

[0081] The first non-rotating movement screw 173 rotates relative to the first rotating movement screw 172 because its rotation is restricted by the first restricting member 174, and moves in the axial direction of the first rotating movement screw 172 (upward in the figure) relative to the first rotating movement screw 172. The second rotating movement screw 175 moves in the axial direction of the first non-rotating movement screw 173 (upward in the figure) while rotating relative to the first non-rotating movement screw 173.

[0082] The second non-rotating moving screw 176 rotates relative to the second rotating moving screw 175 because its rotation is restricted by the second restricting member 177, and moves in the axial direction of the first rotating moving screw 175 (upward in the figure) relative to the second rotating moving screw 175. As a result, the plunger 220 of the cartridge 200 comes into contact with the second non-rotating moving screw 176 and is moved, causing the content filled in the cartridge 200 to be discharged.

[0083] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the first rotational movement screw 172 is rotated by the rotational drive unit 110, the first rotational movement screw 172 moves relative to the fixed screw 171 in the axial direction of the fixed screw 171, the first non-rotational movement screw 173 moves relative to the first rotational movement screw 172 in the axial direction of the first rotational movement screw 172, the second rotational movement screw 175 moves relative to the first non-rotational movement screw 173 in the axial direction of the first non-rotational movement screw 173, and the second non-rotational movement screw 176 moves relative to the second rotational movement screw 175 in the axial direction of the second rotational movement screw 175. Therefore, four stages of extension and contraction can be realized, and the linear motion device 100B can be made smaller in the axial direction.

[0084] Furthermore, by arranging the fixed screw 171, the first rotational movement screw 172, the first non-rotational movement screw 173, the second rotational movement screw 175, and the second non-rotational movement screw 176 all concentrically around the fixed screw 171, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and to suppress an increase in the radial dimension of the linear motion device 100B compared to a device with two screw shafts. Therefore, it is possible to maintain robustness with a simple configuration and to control the movement amount of the linear motion mechanism 170 with high precision.

[0085] The linear motion device 100B shown in FIG. 11 has a fixed screw 171, a first rotational movement screw 172, a first non-rotational movement screw 173, a first regulating member 174, a second rotational movement screw 175, a second non-rotational movement screw 176, and a second regulating member 177, but is not limited to this, and the linear motion device may further have a set of a non-rotational movement screw and a rotational movement screw.

[0086] Specifically, the linear motion device may have a fixed screw, 1 to n rotational movement screws (n is an integer of 2 or greater) arranged concentrically with the fixed screw, 1 to n non-rotational movement screws arranged concentrically with the fixed screw and the 1 to n rotational movement screws and threadedly engaging with each of the 1 to n rotational movement screws, and 1 to n regulating members that engage with each of the 1 to n non-rotational movement screws and regulate the rotation of the 1 to n non-rotational movement screws, and the rotational movement screws and non-rotational movement screws may be arranged alternately.

[0087] In such a linear motion device, the first rotational movement screw is rotated by the rotational drive unit 110 and moves in the axial direction of the fixed screw with respect to the fixed screw that screws with the first rotational movement screw, and each of the second to nth rotational movement screws is rotated by the rotational drive unit 110 and moves in the axial direction of the (n-1)th non-rotational movement screw with respect to the (n-1)th non-rotational movement screw that screws with the second to nth rotational movement screws, respectively, and each of the first to nth non-rotational movement screws is restricted in rotation by the nth regulating member and moves in the axial direction of the nth rotational movement screw with respect to the nth rotational movement screw. As a result, the plunger 220 of the cartridge 200 comes into contact with the nth non-rotational movement screw and moves, and the content filled in the cartridge 200 is discharged.

[0088] That is, since the linear motion device has a fixed screw, 1 to n rotary movement screws, and 1 to n non-rotating movement screws, when the 1 to n rotary movement screws are rotated by the rotary drive unit, the 1 to n rotary movement screws and the 1 to n non-rotating movement screws all move in the axial direction of the fixed screw. This allows for 2n stages of extension and contraction, and the linear motion device can be made more compact in the axial direction. Furthermore, by arranging the fixed screw, 1 to n rotary movement screws, and 1 to n non-rotating movement screws all concentrically, a simple configuration is maintained, robustness is maintained, and the amount of movement can be controlled with high precision.

[0089] Fourth embodiment: Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a syringe pump 1C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 12, syringe pump 1C includes a linear motion device 100C and a cartridge 200. Linear motion device 100C includes a rotation drive unit 110A, a first linear motion mechanism 120, and a second linear motion mechanism 130. The configurations of first linear motion mechanism 120 and second linear motion mechanism 130 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] The rotation drive unit 110A has a motor 111, a speed reduction mechanism 112, an output gear 113, and a transmission gear (common gear) 115. The configurations and operations of the motor 111, the speed reduction mechanism 112, and the output gear 113 are similar to those of the motor 111, the speed reduction mechanism 112, and the output gear 113 of the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] The transmission gear 115 transmits the rotation of the reduction mechanism 112 to the rotational movement screws 122, 132 of the first linear motion mechanism 120 and the second linear motion mechanism 130. One transmission gear 115 is provided for each of the rotational movement screws 122 and 132 of the first linear motion mechanism 120 and the second linear motion mechanism 130. The transmission gear 115 is formed long so as to accommodate the movement of the rotational movement screws 122, 132.

[0092] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, one transmission gear 115 is provided for each of the rotational movement screws 122 and 132 of the first linear motion mechanism 120 and the second linear motion mechanism 130. This reduces the number of parts, allowing the linear motion device 100C to be made smaller.

[0093] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the components described in the claims and specification may be combined or omitted to the extent that at least part of the above-described problems can be solved or at least part of the effects can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1, 1A to 1C... Syringe pump (liquid supply unit) 10...Suction device 20...Aerosol generating device 21...Atomization section 30...mouthpiece 100, 100A to 100C... Linear motion device (liquid discharge mechanism) 110, 110A...Rotation drive unit 111...Motor 112...Reduction mechanism 113...Output gear 114...Reduction gear 115...Transmission gear 120...First linear motion mechanism 121...Fixing screw 122...Rotating screw 123...Non-rotating moving screw 124...Regulatory member 130...Second linear motion mechanism 131...Fixing screw 132...Rotating movement screw 133...Non-rotating moving screw 134...Regulatory member 160...Linear motion mechanism 161...Fixing screw 162...First rotary movement screw 163...First non-rotating moving screw 164...First restricting member 165...Second non-rotating moving screw 170...Linear motion mechanism 171...Fixing screw 172...First rotary movement screw 173...First non-rotating moving screw 174...First restricting member 175...Second rotary movement screw 176...Second non-rotating moving screw 177...Second restricting member 200...cartridges

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an atomization unit that atomizes the supplied liquid; a liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the atomizing unit, The liquid supply unit is a cartridge containing a liquid; a liquid ejection mechanism for ejecting the liquid contained in the cartridge, the liquid discharge mechanism is a mechanism that expands and contracts in multiple stages; Aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, the liquid discharge mechanism is a linear motion device, The linear motion device is a fixing screw whose position is fixed; a rotational movement screw arranged concentrically with the fixing screw and threadedly engaging with the fixing screw; a rotation drive unit that rotates the rotary movement screw; a non-rotating moving screw arranged concentrically with the fixed screw and the rotating moving screw, and threadedly engaging with the rotating moving screw; a restricting member that engages with the non-rotating moving screw to restrict rotation of the non-rotating moving screw, The rotary movement screw is rotated by the rotary drive unit and moves relative to the fixing screw in the axial direction of the fixing screw, The non-rotating movement screw is moved in the axial direction of the rotating movement screw relative to the rotating movement screw, with the rotation of the non-rotating movement screw being restricted by the restricting member. Aerosol generator.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, The fixing screw has a cylindrical shape and a thread groove formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The rotary movement screw is disposed on the outer periphery of the fixing screw, has a cylindrical shape, and has thread grooves formed on its inner and outer periphery surfaces, and the inner periphery surface is threadedly engaged with the thread groove on the outer periphery surface of the fixing screw; The non-rotating moving screw is arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating moving screw, has a cylindrical shape, and has a screw groove formed on its inner periphery, and the inner periphery is threadedly engaged with the screw groove on the outer periphery of the rotating moving screw; Aerosol generator.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, The rotation drive unit is A motor; a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation speed of the motor, Aerosol generator.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, The reduction mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism. Aerosol generator.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, The linear motion device includes m sets (m is an integer of 2 or more) of linear motion mechanisms each having the fixed screw, the rotational movement screw, the non-rotational movement screw, and the regulating member. Aerosol generator.

7. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, The rotation drive unit is A motor; a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation speed of the motor; m individual gears provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the rotary movement screws of the m sets of linear motion mechanisms, and transmitting rotation of the reduction mechanism to the rotary movement screws; Aerosol generator.

8. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, The rotation drive unit is A motor; a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation speed of the motor; a common gear that transmits rotation of the reduction mechanism to each of the rotation movement screws of the m sets of linear motion mechanisms, Aerosol generator.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, the liquid discharge mechanism is a linear motion device, The linear motion device is a fixing screw whose position is fixed; First to nth rotational movement screws (n is an integer of 2 or more) arranged concentrically with the fixed screw; a rotation drive unit that rotates each of the first to nth rotation movement screws; First to (n-1) non-rotating moving screws that are arranged concentrically with the fixed screw and the first to nth rotating moving screws and that are threadedly engaged with the first to (n-1)th rotating moving screws, respectively; and first to (n-1) restricting members that engage with the first to (n-1) non-rotating moving screws, respectively, and restrict the rotation of the first to (n-1) non-rotating moving screws, the first rotary movement screw is rotated by the rotation drive unit and moves in the axial direction of the fixing screw relative to the fixing screw that is threadedly engaged with the first rotary movement screw; Each of the second to nth rotational movement screws is rotated by the rotation drive unit, and moves in the axial direction of the n-1th non-rotational movement screw relative to the n-1th non-rotational movement screw that is meshed with each of the second to nth rotational movement screws, Each of the first to (n-1) non-rotating movement screws is moved in the axial direction of the n-1st rotation movement screw relative to the n-1st rotation movement screw, with the rotation by the n-1st rotation movement screw being restricted by the n-1st restriction member. Aerosol generator.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, an n-th non-rotating moving screw that is arranged concentrically with the fixing screw, the first to n-th rotating moving screws, and the first to (n-1)-th non-rotating moving screws, and that is threadedly engaged with the n-th rotating moving screw; and an nth restricting member that engages with the nth non-rotating moving screw to restrict rotation of the nth non-rotating moving screw. Aerosol generator.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, The atomization unit heats and atomizes the supplied liquid. Aerosol generator.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, The atomization unit atomizes the supplied liquid by at least one of a surface acoustic wave method, a jet method, a mesh method, an ultrasonic method, and an electrospray method. Aerosol generator.

13. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a mouthpiece attached to the aerosol generating device; Aspirator.

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