Main unit of aerosol generating device, aerosol generating device, and non-combustion type inhaler

Abstract

To prevent disassembly of a device by a user.SOLUTION: A body unit of an aerosol generation device includes an exterior case having a first principal plane part and a second principal plane part opposed to the first principal plane part, and a storage part stored in the exterior case. The exterior case includes a first case having the first principal plane part and a first peripheral wall part provided on a periphery of the first principal plane part, and a second case having the second principal plane part and a second peripheral wall part provided on a periphery of the second principal plane part, and includes a first connection part for connecting the first peripheral wall part and the second peripheral wall part, a second connection part for connecting the storage part to a surface opposed to one of the first principal plane part and the second principal plane part, and a third connection part for connecting the storage part to a surface opposed to the other of the first principal plane part and the second principal plane part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a main unit of an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device, and a non-combustion inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, non-combustion inhalers that inhale an aerosol and taste a flavor have been known. For example, one such non-combustion inhaler includes a cartridge that contains an aerosol source, a main unit of an aerosol generating device that contains the cartridge in an insertable and removable manner, and a flavor source container that imparts a flavor to the aerosol atomized by the main unit.

[0003] For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an exterior case (housing) of a main unit that can be disassembled into a first case (first outer part) and a second case (second outer part). The second case has a fitting piece (return stopper) that fits into the first case (see FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-22510 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the first case and the second case are simply fitted together, and the user can easily disassemble the outer case, posing a safety issue.

[0006] The present invention aims to prevent the user from disassembling the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a main unit of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an outer case having a first main surface portion and a second main surface portion opposite to the first main surface portion, and a storage component housed in the outer case, wherein the outer case comprises a first case having the first main surface portion and a first peripheral wall portion provided on the periphery of the first main surface portion, and a second case having the second main surface portion and a second peripheral wall portion provided on the periphery of the second main surface portion, and has a first connection portion connecting the first peripheral wall portion and the second peripheral wall portion, a second connection portion connecting the storage component to one of the opposing surfaces of the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion, and a third connection portion connecting the storage component to the other opposing surface of the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion. According to this aspect, since the first and second main surfaces are connected inside the exterior case, disassembly by the user can be prevented. Also, since the first and second main surfaces are connected inside the exterior case, a strong connection is not required at the first and second peripheral walls on the outside of the exterior case, and the thickness of the first and second peripheral walls can be reduced.

[0008] In the main body unit of the above-mentioned aerosol generation device, the connection method of the first connection part may include claw engagement. According to this embodiment, since the outside of the outer case is connected by a claw engagement, it is possible to temporarily fasten the outer case, which makes the subsequent assembly process easier. Furthermore, with a claw engagement, the outer case can be assembled repeatedly (reversibly) and easily without using tools.

[0009] In the main body unit of the above-mentioned aerosol generation device, a connection method of at least one of the second connection portion and the third connection portion may include welding. According to this aspect, the inside of the exterior case is permanently (irreversibly) connected by welding, which makes it possible to prevent disassembly by the user. Even if the exterior case is disassembled, it will be difficult for the user to reassemble it because of the irreversible connection.

[0010] In the main body unit of the above-mentioned aerosol generation device, the other connection method of the second connection part and the third connection part may include screw fastening. According to this aspect, the contained components are repeatedly (reversibly) attached to the exterior case by screwing, which facilitates assembly.

[0011] In the main body unit of the aerosol generation device, at least one of the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion may have a different number of connection methods. According to this embodiment, the connection methods of the three connection parts of the outer case are not the same, making it difficult for the user to disassemble the outer case. Even if the outer case is disassembled, it is difficult for the user to reassemble it because the connection methods of the three connection parts of the outer case 12 are not the same.

[0012] In the main body unit of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, the storage component may include a holder that holds at least a part of the component provided inside the exterior case. According to this aspect, the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion can be connected inside the outer case using the holder, thereby making it possible to save space inside the outer case.

[0013] In the main body unit of the above-mentioned aerosol generation device, the holder may have a main plate and a main plate intersection portion extending in a direction intersecting with the plate surface of the main plate. According to this aspect, the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion can be connected via the main plate intersection portion while increasing the rigidity of the holder without impairing the component holding function of the holder.

[0014] In the main body unit of the above-mentioned aerosol generation device, the main plate intersection portion may extend to at least one side in a direction perpendicular to a plate surface of the main plate. According to this aspect, the cross section of the holder is at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder can be increased.

[0015] In the main body unit of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, a case side protrusion portion to which the main plate intersection portion is connected may be formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion. According to this aspect, it is not necessary for the main plate intersection portion to extend all the way to the opposing surface of either the first main surface portion or the second main surface portion, so that deformation of the main plate intersection portion can be suppressed.

[0016] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes the main unit described above, and a cartridge that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge housing portion of the main unit. According to this aspect, since the device is provided with a main body unit that can be prevented from being disassembled by the user, the safety of the device as a whole can be improved.

[0017] A non-combustion inhaler according to one aspect of the present invention includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container attached to a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device. According to this embodiment, a flavor can be added to the aerosol. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, disassembly of the device by a user can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of the inhaler according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of the aspirator according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the aspirator according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aspirator according to the embodiment, seen from the bottom side. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which a first case is removed from a main unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a state in which the second case is removed from the main unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first plate surface side of a holder according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second plate surface side of the holder according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure for a vibrator according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view showing an attachment structure of a display cover according to an embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a holder according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a front view of a cartridge housing portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the cartridge storage section according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a left side view of a cartridge receiving section according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 18. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the suction port portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 22] 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 21. [Diagram 23] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main board according to an embodiment. [Figure 24] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a protruding electrode cover is removed from a protruding electrode of a main board according to one embodiment; [Diagram 25] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG. 9. [Figure 26]1 is a view of a cover member according to one embodiment as viewed from the radial outside. FIG. [Figure 27] 1 is a view of a cover member according to one embodiment as viewed from a radially inner side; [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover member according to one embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG in FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a view of a sensor holder according to an embodiment as viewed from the radial outside. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a view of a sensor holder according to an embodiment as viewed from a radially inner side. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor holder according to an embodiment. [Diagram 33] 11A to 11C are perspective views showing a method of assembling the main unit according to one embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the configuration inside the first case according to one embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inside of a second case according to one embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 2 is a front view of a main unit with a suction port portion removed according to one embodiment. [Figure 37] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a state in which a cartridge is accommodated in a cartridge accommodating section according to one embodiment. [Figure 38] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which a suction mouth part is attached to a cartridge housing part according to one embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a suction port connection part according to an embodiment. [Diagram 40] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the cartridge receiving portion according to the embodiment. [Diagram 41] 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH in FIG. 39. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A non-combustion type aspirator (hereinafter simply referred to as an aspirator) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [Suction device] Fig. 1 is a left perspective view of an aspirator 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a right perspective view of an aspirator 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view of an aspirator 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of an aspirator 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an aspirator 1 according to an embodiment as viewed from the bottom side. The inhaler 1 is a so-called non-combustion type inhaler, which obtains flavor by inhaling an aerosol atomized by heating through a flavor source.

[0022] 5, the inhaler 1 includes a main unit 2, a cartridge 3 (also called an atomizing unit), and a flavor source container 4. The cartridge 3 is removably housed in a cartridge housing portion 10 of the main unit 2. The flavor source container 4 is detachably attached to a mouthpiece portion 11 (also called a mouthpiece) of the main unit 2.

[0023] The main unit 2 includes an exterior case 12. The exterior case 12 is formed into a generally rounded, flat box shape. The exterior case 12 has a pair of main surface portions 12A and a peripheral wall portion 12B. Here, the "pair" of main surface portions 12A means that one main surface portion (first main surface portion 12A1) and the other main surface portion (second main surface portion 12A2) are arranged to face each other, and is not limited to the meaning that the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 are identical in shape even in detailed details.

[0024] The pair of main surface portions 12A refer to portions that form a pair of opposing faces of the hexahedron (the faces with the largest area in this embodiment) when exterior case 12 is considered to be a hexahedron surrounded by six rectangles. Moreover, peripheral wall portion 12B refers to portions that form the remaining four faces of the hexahedron excluding the pair of main surface portions 12A. Peripheral wall portion 12B is also referred to as a portion that connects the peripheries of the pair of main surface portions 12A that are arranged opposite each other.

[0025] 1, the exterior case 12 includes a main case 13 and a display cover 14. The main case 13 is formed by combining a first case 13A and a second case 13B. The first case 13A has a first main surface portion 12A1 and a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided on the periphery of the first main surface portion 12A1. The second case 13B has a second main surface portion 12A2 and a second peripheral wall portion 12B2 provided on the periphery of the second main surface portion 12A2.

[0026] The first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A, the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B, and the display cover 14 form a peripheral wall portion 12B. The peripheral wall portion 12B has a mating surface between the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B. The peripheral wall portion 12B has four corner portions 12C (corner portions).

[0027] The four corner portions 12C include a first corner portion 12C1 where an input device 15 (push button) is arranged, a second corner portion 12C2 where a cartridge accommodating portion 10 is arranged, a third corner portion 12C3 arranged diagonally from the first corner portion 12C1, and a fourth corner portion 12C4 arranged diagonally from the second corner portion 12C2.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the peripheral wall 12B has a raised portion 12D (described later) between the first corner 12C1 and the second corner 12C2. Meanwhile, a flat surface is formed between the third corner 12C3 and the fourth corner 12C4 of the peripheral wall 12B. In other words, the peripheral wall 12B on the opposite side to the raised portion 12D is flat. The raised portion 12D refers to a surface portion of the main body case 13 that is higher than the display cover 14 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0029] The peripheral wall portion 12B has an outer surface 12b1 continuous with the pair of main surface portions 12A, and a recess 12b2 recessed from the outer surface 12b1. A part of the outer surface 12b1 forms a raised portion 12D. The recess 12b2 is formed by the display cover 14. The display cover 14 is formed with a through hole 14a in which the input device 15 is disposed. That is, the input device 15 is disposed in the recess 12b2. The input device 15 may be disposed at a position below the outer surface 12b1. That is, it is sufficient that at least a part of the input device 15 is disposed at a position below the outer surface 12b1. It is preferable that the entire input device 15 is disposed at a position below the outer surface 12b1. In other words, it is preferable that the contact detection portion (button surface) of the input device 15 is disposed at a position that does not reach the outer surface 12b1.

[0030] 2, a window 16 is provided between the second corner 12C2 and the third corner 12C3 of the peripheral wall 12B. From the window 16, the remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 housed inside the cartridge housing 10 can be confirmed. The window 16 is formed by an opening 13a provided in the main body case 13 and a cover member 17 that covers the opening 13a.

[0031] An air inlet 18 is formed in the gap between the cover member 17 and the opening 13a to take in outside air into the interior of the exterior case 12. Also, on the inside of the main body case 13, an air hole 19 is formed in the cover member 17 to fluidly connect the air inlet 18 to the interior of the cartridge storage section 10 (see FIG. 29 described later).

[0032] 5, a charging terminal 20 is provided between a third corner portion 12C3 and a fourth corner portion 12C4 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. An opening 13b that exposes the charging terminal 20 is formed in the main body case 13. The opening 13b is formed on the first case 13A side of the main body case 13.

[0033] In the following description, of the pair of main surface portions 12A (first main surface portion 12A1, second main surface portion 12A2), the side on which the first main surface portion 12A1 is arranged is referred to as the front side, and the side on which the second main surface portion 12A2 is arranged is referred to as the rear side. In addition, in the plan view shown in Fig. 4, the side on which the input device 15 is arranged is referred to as the left side, and the side on which the cartridge storage portion 10 and the window portion 16 are arranged is referred to as the right side.

[0034] 3, the cartridge accommodating section 10 has a cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a protruding from the exterior case 12. In other words, a part of the cartridge accommodating section 10 including the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a protrudes from the exterior case 12. The side from which the cartridge accommodating section 10 protrudes is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side to the side from which the cartridge accommodating section 10 protrudes is referred to as the lower side.

[0035] In the drawings, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each member may be described with reference to this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the front-rear direction (also called the thickness direction) of the aspirator 1, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction (also called the width direction) of the aspirator 1, and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction (also called the height direction) of the aspirator 1.

[0036] Furthermore, the positional relationship of each member may be described based on the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating section 10. The main axis O is the central axis of the cartridge accommodating section 10 that passes through the center of the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a. The direction in which the main axis O extends is called the main axis direction (the Z-axis direction described above), the direction perpendicular to the main axis O is called the radial direction, and the direction going around the main axis O is called the circumferential direction.

[0037] <Cartridge> The cartridge 3 stores the liquid aerosol source and atomizes the liquid aerosol source. As shown in Fig. 5, the cartridge 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is accommodated inside the cartridge accommodating section 10 through the above-mentioned cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 3 includes a tank 21, a gasket 22, a mesh body 23, an atomizing container 24, a heating unit 25, and a heater holder 26. The tank 21 stores the aerosol source. The tank 21 is translucent, and the remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source can be confirmed.

[0039] Here, "translucency" refers to the property of a material through which light passes, and includes "transparency," which has an extremely high transmittance and allows the viewer to see through the material to the other side, as well as a property that allows light to pass through like "transparent," but unlike "transparent," the transmitted light is diffused or has a low transmittance, so the shape of the other side cannot be clearly recognized through the material. In other words, even frosted glass and milky white plastic can be translucent.

[0040] The tank 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top. A through hole 21b is formed in a top wall 21a of the tank 21. A flow path pipe 21c (also called an inner peripheral wall) connected to the through hole 21b is vertically disposed on the top wall 21a. The flow path pipe 21c serves as a flow path for the atomized aerosol. The flow path pipe 21c is connected to an outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21 via a plurality of ribs 21e. The ribs 21e are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to be radial when viewed from the main axis direction (see FIG. 29 described later).

[0041] 6, the outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21 extends downward (to the -Z side) from the lower end of the flow path pipe 21c. Two engagement holes 21f are formed near the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 21d. The two engagement holes 21f are for fixing the heater holder 26 to the tank 21. The two engagement holes 21f are disposed on both sides of the outer peripheral wall 21d facing each other with the main axis O in between. When the cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating section 10, the central axis of the cartridge 3 coincides with the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0042] The gasket 22 is an annular plate member that covers the bottom of an annular space (liquid storage chamber 21g) formed between the outer peripheral wall 21d and the flow path pipe 21c of the tank 21. The gasket 22 positions the mesh body 23 and maintains the posture of the mesh body 23. The gasket 22 has a plurality of openings 22a. The openings 22a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The mesh body 23 is in contact with the liquid storage chamber 21g through the openings 22a of the gasket 22 and is wetted with the liquid storage chamber 21g.

[0043] The mesh body 23 is a porous member having liquid absorption properties. The mesh body 23 is formed of, for example, cotton-based fiber material or glass-based fiber. The mesh body 23 is also formed in substantially the same annular shape as the gasket 22. That is, the flow passage pipe 21c can be inserted into the radial center of the mesh body 23. The mesh body 23 closes the opening 22a of the gasket 22, and a liquid storage chamber 21g is formed inside the tank 21. An aerosol source of liquid is stored in the liquid storage chamber 21g.

[0044] The atomizing container 24 is formed of an elastic member, for example, a resin material such as silicone resin. The atomizing container 24 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The upper end opening edge of the peripheral wall 24a of the atomizing container 24 is in contact with the outer peripheral edge of the mesh body 23 in the main axis direction. In other words, the mesh body 23 is sandwiched between the gasket 22 and the atomizing container 24. The outer surface of the peripheral wall 24a of the atomizing container 24 is formed with a fitting portion 24b that fits into the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21.

[0045] An atomization chamber 24c is formed inside the peripheral wall 24a of the atomization container 24. The atomization chamber 24c is connected to the flow passage pipe 21c of the tank 21. An opening 24e is formed in the bottom wall 24d of the atomization container 24. A heating unit 25 is disposed in the atomization chamber 24c. The heating unit 25 is for atomizing the liquid aerosol source and includes a wick 25a connected to the mesh body 23 and an electric heating wire 25b for heating the wick 25a.

[0046] The wick 25a is a porous, liquid-absorbent, substantially cylindrical member. The wick 25a is curved and deformed into a substantially U-shape. More specifically, the wick 25a has two axial extensions extending in the axial direction and a radial extension connecting the two axial extensions. The two axial extensions are arranged overlapping each other in the X-axis direction (the front-rear direction in FIG. 6), and each is connected to the mesh body 23. As a result, the aerosol source absorbed in the mesh body 23 is sucked up by the wick 25a.

[0047] The heating wire 25b is wound in a spiral shape around the radially extending portion of the wick 25a. Both ends of the heating wire 25b extend toward the heater holder 26 along the main axis direction. Both ends of the heating wire 25b are electrically connected to two flat electrodes 26h provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26, respectively. When the heating wire 25b is energized through the two flat electrodes 26h, the wick 25a is heated. When the wick 25a is heated, the aerosol source absorbed in the wick 25a is atomized.

[0048] The heater holder 26 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The peripheral wall 26a of the heater holder 26 is inserted outside the peripheral wall 24a of the atomization container 24 and inside the outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21. The upper end opening edge of the peripheral wall 26a abuts against the fitting portion 24b of the atomization container 24 in the main axis direction. Two engagement pieces 26b that engage with two engagement holes 21f of the outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21 are formed at the upper end of the peripheral wall 26a. Between the tank 21 and the heater holder 26, the gasket 22, the mesh body 23, and the atomization container 24 are assembled in this order in the main axis direction.

[0049] The lower side of the peripheral wall 26a of the heater holder 26 is exposed from the tank 21. The lower side of the peripheral wall 26a has approximately the same outer diameter as the outer peripheral wall 21d of the tank 21. In addition, two intake holes 26c penetrating in the radial direction are formed on the lower side of the peripheral wall 26a. The two intake holes 26c are arranged on both sides of the peripheral wall 26a facing each other across the main axis O. The two intake holes 26c communicate between the outside of the cartridge 3 (the inside of the cartridge storage section 10) and the atomization chamber 24c. Note that an intake hole 26e penetrating in the main axis direction is also formed on the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26, but it is not necessary. The intake hole 26e also communicates between the outside of the cartridge 3 (the inside of the cartridge storage section 10) and the atomization chamber 24c.

[0050] A plate-shaped partition wall 26f is erected in the axial direction on the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26. The partition wall 26f extends in the radial direction, and both ends of the partition wall 26f are connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 26a. Two slits 26g are formed in the bottom wall 26d, penetrating in the axial direction. The two slits 26g are arranged with the partition wall 26f in between. The folded portions of the two flat electrodes 26h are inserted into the two slits 26g. The partition wall 26f prevents short-circuiting of the two flat electrodes 26h and both ends of the heating wire 25b connected to the two flat electrodes 26h.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 5, three engagement grooves 26i are formed in the bottom wall 26d of the heater holder 26. The three engagement grooves 26i are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (at 120° intervals in the circumferential direction). The engagement grooves 26i are formed so that the radially outer side and the lower side in the axial direction are open. The engagement grooves 26i are formed in an isosceles trapezoidal shape when viewed from the radial direction, and have tapered legs (slope) whose circumferential width gradually increases toward the lower side in the axial direction. The number of engagement grooves 25i may be two or more and is not limited to three. For example, the number of engagement grooves 25i may be six.

[0052] <Flavor source container> The flavor source container 4 contains a flavor source and adds flavor to the aerosol atomized by the cartridge 3. As the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source, cut tobacco or a molded product obtained by forming tobacco raw material into particles can be used. The flavor source may also be made of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). The flavor source may also be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol. Furthermore, the flavor source may be a flavoring carried by a plant-derived carrier (such as cellulose) or other carriers (including inorganic carriers). The flavor source container 4 is attached to the mouthpiece portion 11 of the main unit 2.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, the flavor source container 4 includes a cylindrical container body 27 with a bottom, and a filter 28 that covers the opening of the container body 27. The peripheral wall 27a of the container body 27 is inserted inside the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouth part 11. The upper side of the peripheral wall 27a of the container body 27 is exposed from the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouth part 11. The upper side of the peripheral wall 27a has approximately the same outer diameter as the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouth part 11. A step 27b that abuts against the upper end opening edge of the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouth part 11 is formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 27a.

[0054] A flavor source storage chamber 27c is formed inside the peripheral wall 27a of the container body 27. A bottom wall 27d of the container body 27 is formed with a plurality of fine holes 27e penetrating in the main axis direction. The filter 28 is formed of, for example, a nonwoven fabric. The filter 28 is disposed inside the peripheral wall 27a of the container body 27. The filter 28 closes the opening of the container body 27, and a flavor source-containing chamber 27c is formed inside the flavor source container 4. The flavor source-containing chamber 27c contains the above-mentioned flavor source.

[0055] <Main unit> Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main unit 2 according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 is a front view showing a state in which the first case 13A is removed from the main unit 2 according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is a rear view showing a state in which the second case 13B is removed from the main unit 2 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the main unit 2 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned cartridge storage section 10, suction mouth section 11, outer case 12, and input device 15, a holder 30, a main board 31, a sub-board 32, a display device 33, a sensor 34, a sensor holder 35, a vibrator 36, and a power source 37.

[0056] The power source 37 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with the Z-axis direction as the longitudinal direction. The power source 37 is electrically connected to the main board 31, on which the charging terminal 20 is provided, via wiring. The power source 37 is a storage battery (secondary battery) and can be charged via the charging terminal 20. The power source 37 is not limited to a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery, and may be a supercapacitor or the like. The power source 37 may also be a primary battery. If the power source 37 is a primary battery, the charging terminal 20 is not necessary.

[0057] The holder 30 has a main plate 41 and a sub-plate 42. The main plate 41 has a first plate surface 41a facing the +X side and a second plate surface 41b facing the opposite side (-X side). The main plate 41 is formed in a generally long plate shape with the Z-axis direction as the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis direction as the lateral direction, and the X-axis direction as the thickness direction. The sub-plate 42 extends from an end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surfaces (first plate surface 41a, second plate surface 41b) of the main plate 41 (in this embodiment, the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 41).

[0058] The main board 31 and the sub-board 32 are held on the first plate surface 41a side of the main plate 41. An opening 41c is formed on the longitudinal upper side (+Z side) of the main plate 41. A tray 44 engages with the opening 41c. The sub-board 32 is adhered to the tray 44 via an adhesive sheet 32a, and is held by the main plate 41 via the tray 44. Meanwhile, a power supply 37 is held on the second plate surface 41b side (-X side) of the main plate 41. The power supply 37 is held by the main plate 41 via an adhesive sheet 46.

[0059] The sub-plate 42 has a first sub-plate 42A that holds the display device 33, and a second sub-plate 42B that holds the input device 15. The display device 33 is an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. The display device 33 is disposed on the lower side (-Z side) of the display cover 14. The display cover 14 is translucent, and the display surface of the display device 33 can be confirmed. The display device 33 has a display device main body 33a, a display device holder 33b, and a cushioning material 33c.

[0060] The display device holder 33b supports the display device main body 33a and holds the first sub-plate 42A in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The display device holder 33b is adhered to the display device main body 33a via an adhesive sheet 45. The cushioning material 33c is a frame-shaped sponge body that surrounds the display surface of the display device main body 33a, and is disposed between the display cover 14 and the display device main body 33a.

[0061] The input device 15 is a push button. The input device 15 has a switch button 15a, a switch board 15b, and a switch holder 15c. The switch board 15b is held by the second sub-plate 42B. The switch button 15a is disposed on the switch board 15b. The switch button 15a is attached to the display cover 14 via the switch holder 15c (see FIG. 14 described later). The input device may be a touch panel. In other words, the input device 15 may be any type of contact detection unit.

[0062] The holder 30 also has a receiving portion 43 that receives an end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The receiving portion 43 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 at an end portion in the short side direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 41. The cover member 17 is adhered to the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 via an adhesive sheet 47. In addition, the sensor holder 35 is adhered to the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 via an adhesive sheet 48.

[0063] The sensor holder 35 holds the sensor 34. The sensor 34 is a so-called puff sensor that detects inhalation by the user. Examples of the sensor 34 include a pressure sensor that detects pressure, an airflow sensor that detects airflow, and a temperature sensor that detects temperature. The main board 31 is provided with the charging terminal 20 and a protruding electrode 50 that is inserted into the inside of the cartridge storage section 10 (more specifically, into the internal space formed by the cartridge storage section 10 and the receiving section 43) via the receiving section 43. The vibrator 36 is not held by the main board 31 or the sub-board 32, but is held on the first case 13A side (see FIG. 13 described later).

[0064] The components of the main unit 2, excluding the first case 13A, the second case 13B, and the vibrator 36, are assembled around the holder 30. The holder 30 has two through holes 30a penetrating in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Two screws 40 are inserted into the two through holes 30a. The two screws 40 fix the holder 30 to the first case 13A. In other words, the holder 30 is screwed to the first case 13A side (see FIG. 9).

[0065] <Holder> Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the first plate surface 41a side of the holder 30 according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the second plate surface 41b side of the holder 30 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the holder 30 includes, in addition to the main plate 41, the sub-plate 42, and the receiving portion 43 described above, a first rib 42C, a second rib 42D, and a case fitting portion 42E.

[0066] The first rib 42C and the second rib 42D, like the sub-plate 42, extend from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surfaces (first plate surface 41a, second plate surface 41b) of the main plate 41 (in the present embodiment, the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 41). The first rib 42C and the second rib 42D extend parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41, and are disposed opposite each other in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 41. The sub-plate 42 is common to the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D in the sense that it is a "main plate intersection portion" extending from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41, but differs from the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D in that it holds components such as the input device 15 and the display device 33.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 10, a plurality of board support pieces 41d are formed along the periphery of the first plate surface 41a of the main plate 41. The board support pieces 41d support the periphery of the main board 31 (see Fig. 7) and form a space between the board support pieces 41d and the first plate surface 41a. This allows the holder 30 to hold the main board 31 having electronic components attached to both sides.

[0068] A clamping piece 42a is formed on the first rib 42C (not shown, but the same is true for the second rib 42D) surrounding the first plate surface 41a, and clamps the main board 31 supported by the board support piece 41d in the thickness direction (X-axis direction). A board support piece 41d is also formed in the vicinity of the second rib 42D in the same arrangement as the first rib 42C. The bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43 is also formed with a board support piece 43e that supports the main board 31 and a clamping piece 43f that clamps the main board 31 in the thickness direction (X-axis direction).

[0069] Two engagement claws 41f are formed on the upper longitudinal side (+Z side) of the first plate surface 41a to engage the above-mentioned tray 44 with the opening 41c (see FIG. 7) of the main plate 41. The two engagement claws 41f are arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 on the periphery of the opening 41c. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the tray 44 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0070] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of Fig. 3. Fig. 12 shows a cross section passing through the two engaging claws 41f and the tray 44. 12, the two engagement claws 41f engage with the peripheral portions on the upper (+Z side) and lower (-Z side) in the longitudinal direction of the tray 44. The peripheral portions on the right (+Y side) and left (-Y side) in the lateral direction of the tray 44 that are not engaged with the two engagement claws 41f rest on the first plate surface 41a.

[0071] The tray 44 is recessed on the -X side with respect to the first plate surface 41a of the main plate 41 to escape from the thickness of the vibrator 36 in the X-axis direction. The sub-substrate 32 is disposed in the recessed portion of the tray 44. The sub-substrate 32 is electrically connected to a connection terminal (not shown) of the vibrator 36. The sub-substrate 32 is also formed with an opening 32b for avoiding interference with the eccentric weight 36a of the vibrator 36. As shown in FIG. 12, it is not necessary to bring the sub-substrate 32 and the vibrator 36 into contact with each other, and only the connection terminal (not shown) of the vibrator 36 needs to be electrically connected to the sub-substrate 32.

[0072] The main board 31 extends in the Z-axis direction so as to overlap with a part of the sub-board 32 (tray 44) in the X-axis direction. That is, a part of the main board 31 is disposed so as to overlap with a part of the sub-board 32 in the Z-axis direction. A connection terminal 32c is provided at the overlapping part of the main board 31 and the sub-board 32. The connection terminal 32c electrically connects the main board 31 and the sub-board 32.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure for the vibrator 36 according to one embodiment. 13, the first case 13A is formed with an attachment portion 13D for attaching the vibrator 36. The attachment portion 13D is formed on an opposing surface 13a1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A, the opposing surface 13a1 facing the second main surface portion 12A2. The opposing surface 13a1 is an inner wall surface facing the inside (-X side) of the exterior case 12.

[0074] The mounting portion 13D has a mounting wall 13d1 that surrounds the main body (motor) of the vibrator 36, and a cutout portion 13d2 formed by cutting out a part of the mounting wall 13d1 and through which the rotation shaft of the vibrator 36 passes. The mounting wall 13d1 surrounds the main body of the vibrator 36 on all four sides in the Y-axis direction and on both sides in the Z-axis direction. The cutout portion 13d2 is formed in the wall portion on the -Z side of the mounting wall 13d1. The eccentric weight 36a is disposed on the outside of the mounting wall 13d1.

[0075] The main body of the vibrator 36 is fitted inside the mounting wall 13d1. An adhesive sheet or adhesive may be interposed between the main body of the vibrator 36 and the first case 13A. In order to easily transmit the vibration of the vibrator 36 to the first case 13A, a part or the whole of the main body of the vibrator 36 may be in direct contact with the first case 13A.

[0076] Returning to Fig. 10, the sub-plates 42 extend in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the plate surfaces (first plate surface 41a, second plate surface 41b) of the main plate 41. The sub-plates 42 of this embodiment extend on both sides (+X side and -X side) in the direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the main plate 41 (see Fig. 12). This makes the cross section of the holder 30 T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0077] 10, the sub-plate 42 has a first sub-plate 42A provided on a first end side 41h1 at an end of the main plate 41, and a second sub-plate 42B provided on a second end side 41h2 adjacent to the first end side 41h1 at an end of the main plate 41. The first end side 41h1 extends parallel to the XY plane at an end on the upper longitudinal side (+Z side) of the main plate 41.

[0078] The second end side 41h2 is inclined at approximately 45° around the Z axis with respect to the XY plane from the left end (-Y side) of the first end side 41h1. The left end (-Y side) of the second end side 41h2 is located lower (-Z side) in the longitudinal direction of the main plate 41 than the right end (+Y side) of the second end side 41h2. The second end side 41h2 can also be considered a notch that extends obliquely so as not to interfere with the rounded first corner portion 12C1 shown in FIG.

[0079] The first sub-plate 42A provided on the first end side 41h1 and the second sub-plate 42B provided on the second end side 41h2 are connected to each other as shown in Fig. 11. The first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B, which have a T-shaped cross section, are connected to each other, thereby further increasing the rigidity of the holder 30. The first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle. This allows the second sub-plate 42B to be inclined so as to face the rounded first corner portion 12C1, and to hold the input device 15.

[0080] The angle between the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B is the angle between the first end side 41h1 and the second end side 41h2 of the main plate 41. That is, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle of approximately 135°. The first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are not limited to being connected at approximately 135° as long as they are connected within a range of more than 90° and less than 180°.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 11, the first sub-plate 42A is formed with a positioning protrusion 42a1. The positioning protrusion 42a1 is a protrusion that positions the frame-shaped display device holder 33b (see Fig. 7) described above. As shown in Fig. 12, the positioning protrusion 42a1 forms the same plane (XY plane) as the display device holder 33b. This makes it easier to apply the adhesive sheet 45 that adheres the display device main body 33a.

[0082] 11, the first sub-plate 42A is formed with a sub-plate extension 42a2. The sub-plate extension 42a2 is disposed at an end of the first sub-plate 42A opposite to the end connected to the second sub-plate 42B. The sub-plate extension 42a2 extends further toward the +Y side than the second rib 42D. As shown in FIG. 8, the engagement claw 14b1 of the display cover 14 engages with the sub-plate extension 42a2.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 11, the second sub-plate 42B is formed with a wiring groove 42b1 and a board holding piece 42b2. The board holding piece 42b2 is four L-shaped protrusions that hold the four corners of the above-mentioned switch board 15b (see Fig. 7). The wiring groove 42b1 is a groove through which wiring that connects the switch board 15b and the main board 31 passes. The wiring groove 42b1 is formed so as to traverse the area surrounded by the four board holding pieces 42b2.

[0084] The second sub-plate 42B also has a sub-plate extension 42b3. The sub-plate extension 42b3 is disposed at an end of the second sub-plate 42B opposite to the end connected to the first sub-plate 42A. The sub-plate extension 42b3 extends further toward the -Y side than the first rib 42C. Another engagement claw 14b2 of the display cover 14 engages with the sub-plate extension 42b3, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0085] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an attachment structure of the display cover 14 according to one embodiment. 14, the display cover 14 has a curved shape that is convex on the upper side (+Z side). The above-mentioned engagement claw 14b1 is disposed at the end of the right side (+Y side) of the display cover 14. The above-mentioned engagement claw 14b2 is disposed at the end of the left side (-Y side) of the display cover 14, opposite to the engagement claw 14b1.

[0086] The engagement claw 14b1 engages with the subplate extension 42a2 of the first subplate 42A. Moreover, the engagement claw 14b2 engages with the subplate extension 42b3 of the second subplate 42B. As shown in FIG. 8, the display cover 14 in the assembled state is engaged with the holder 30 so as to straddle the ends of the first subplate 42A and the second subplate 42B.

[0087] 14, a through hole 14a is formed in the display cover 14, in which a switch button 15a of the input device 15 is disposed. The switch button 15a has a base portion 15a1 that abuts against a switch board 15b, and a cylindrical button portion 15a2 that protrudes from the base portion 15a1. The button portion 15a2 is disposed by being inserted through the through hole 14a.

[0088] The button portion 15a2 is formed of, for example, a hard resin material. An elastic body (such as a spring) (not shown) is provided inside the button portion 15a2, and the button portion 15a2 returns to its original position when released. The button portion 15a2 may be an elastic body that can be elastically deformed by pressing. In this case, the elastic body may include a rigid body (such as a columnar body that assists in pressing the switch board 15b) that can be displaced by pressing. An insertion hole 15a3 is formed in the peripheral surface of the button portion 15a2. The insertion hole 15a3 is formed in the base portion of the button portion 15a2 (near the connection portion of the button portion 15a2 with the base portion 15a1).

[0089] The switch holder 15c is formed in a ring shape that can be fitted around the button portion 15a2. The switch holder 15c is formed of a flexible material that can be deformed in response to the depression of the button portion 15a2. The switch holder 15c may be formed of an elastically deformable material. An inner diameter side protrusion 15c1 that can be inserted into the insertion hole 15a3 of the button portion 15a2 is formed on the inner diameter side of the switch holder 15c. In addition, two outer diameter side protrusions 15c2 that protrude on both sides in the X-axis direction are formed on the outer diameter side of the switch holder 15c. The inner diameter side protrusion 15c1 and the two outer diameter side protrusions 15c2 are out of phase with each other by 90° around the central axis of the switch holder 15c. The switch holder 15c covers the base portion 15a1 of the switch button 15a. This makes it possible to make the base portion 15a1 invisible from the display cover 14 side.

[0090] Side walls 14c are vertically provided on both sides in the X-axis direction near the through hole 14a of the display cover 14. Two insertion holes 14c1 are formed in the side walls 14c, into which two outer diameter side protrusions 15c2 of the switch holder 15c can be inserted. The switch holder 15c and the switch button 15a, that is, the components of the input device 15 except for the switch board 15b, are assembled on the display cover 14 side. When the display cover 14 to which the switch holder 15c and the switch button 15a are assembled is engaged with the holder 30, the switch button 15a is placed on the switch board 15b, and the input device 15 is assembled.

[0091] Returning to FIG. 11, the first rib 42C of the holder 30 extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) along the end of the -Y side of the main plate 41. The end of the first rib 42C on the upper longitudinal side (+Z side) is connected to the second sub-plate 42B. The first rib 42C, which has a T-shaped cross section together with the main plate 41, is connected to the second sub-plate 42B, thereby further increasing the rigidity of the holder 30. A case fitting portion 42E is protrudingly provided on the side surface of the first rib 42C facing the opposite side to the main plate 41 (-Y side).

[0092] The case fitting portion 42E is formed with a first fitting hole 42e1 and a second fitting hole 42e2. The first fitting hole 42e1 and the second fitting hole 42e2 open to the -Y side. The first fitting hole 42e1 is disposed on the +X side of the case fitting portion 42E. The first case 13A described above is fitted into the first fitting hole 42e1 by claws. The second fitting hole 42e2 is disposed on the -X side of the case fitting portion 42E. The second case 13B described above is fitted into the second fitting hole 42e2 by claws.

[0093] Two case fitting parts 42E are formed on the first rib 42C at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction. A set of a first fitting hole 42e1 and a second fitting hole 42e2 is formed on the case fitting part 42E arranged on the longitudinal lower side (-Z side) of the first rib 42C. A plurality of sets of a first fitting hole 42e1 and a second fitting hole 42e2 are formed at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction on the case fitting part 42E arranged on the longitudinal upper side (+Z side) of the first rib 42C. In addition, a through hole 30a for screwing the holder 30 is formed on the case fitting part 42E arranged on the +Z side.

[0094] A clamped piece 42e3 that linearly separates the first fitting hole 42e1 and the second fitting hole 42e2 is protruding from the case fitting portion 42E arranged on the +Z side. The clamped piece 42e3 is clamped between the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B. As shown in FIG. 1, the clamped piece 42e3 is not exposed on the outer surface 12b1 of the peripheral wall portion 12B of the exterior case 12. That is, a step that clamps the clamped piece 42e3 is formed on the inside of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2.

[0095] 11, the second rib 42D of the holder 30 extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) along the end of the main plate 41 on the +Y side. An upper longitudinal end (+Z side) of the second rib 42D is connected to the first sub-plate 42A. By connecting the second rib 42D, which has a T-shaped cross section together with the main plate 41, to the first sub-plate 42A, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be further increased.

[0096] The second rib 42D has a branch portion 42D1 bent in an L-shape toward the opposite side (+Y side) from the main plate 41. The branch portion 42D1 is connected to the peripheral wall 43a of the receiving portion 43. This can increase the rigidity of the connection portion between the main plate 41 and the receiving portion 43. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10, a through hole 30a for screwing the holder 30 is formed in the connection portion between the main plate 41 and the receiving portion 43.

[0097] The second rib 42D has a stepped notch 42d. The notch 42d has a first notch 42d1 and a second notch 42d2. The first notch 42d1 is formed from the end of the second rib 42D on the +X side toward the end of the -X side to just before the main plate 41. The second notch 42d2 is disposed on the -Z side of the first notch 42d1. The second notch 42d2 is formed from the end of the second rib 42D on the +X side toward the end of the -X side to the rear side of the main plate 41 (a position beyond the second plate surface 41b) (see FIG. 11).

[0098] The first cutout portion 42d1 is formed to avoid interference with the optical path of a light source 52 (see FIG. 29) provided on the main board 31. The light source 52 is, for example, an LED light. The second cutout portion 42d2 is formed to avoid interference with the sensor holder 35 attached to the cartridge storage portion 10 and the sensor 34 held by the sensor holder 35, as shown in FIG.

[0099] Fig. 15 is a plan view of the holder 30 according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC shown in Fig. 15. 15, the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Two insertion holes 43c for disposing two protruding electrodes 50 (see FIG. 7) inside the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are formed in a bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43.

[0100] The two insertion holes 43c are disposed apart in the Y-axis direction with the main axis O in between. The two insertion holes 43c penetrate the bottom wall 43b in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 10, an annular wall 43d is provided to protrude from the lower surface side (-Z side) of the bottom wall 43b. The annular wall 43d surrounds the two insertion holes 43c. The annular wall 43d is formed in an elongated hole shape in which both ends of two parallel lines extending in the Y-axis direction are connected by a circular arc when viewed from the bottom.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 16, a step 43g (annular receiving surface) that abuts against the cartridge accommodating section 10 in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on the inside of the peripheral wall 43a of the receiving section 43. The peripheral wall 43a below the step 43g (-Z side) has a smaller diameter than the upper side (+Z side) of the step 43g. As shown in Fig. 15, the peripheral wall 43a below the step 43g has an inner diameter D1. The inner diameter D1 corresponds to the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0102] An engagement protrusion 43h that engages with the engagement groove 26i (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge 3 described above is formed on the upper surface side (+Z side) of the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43. The engagement groove 26i and the engagement protrusion 43h constitute a positioning mechanism 90 that positions the cartridge 3 in the circumferential and radial directions. Three engagement protrusions 43h are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (at 120° intervals in the circumferential direction). The number of engagement protrusions 43h is not limited to the same number as the engagement grooves 26i. The number of engagement protrusions 43h may be the same or less than the number of the engagement grooves 26i.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 16, the engaging protrusion 43h has a curved shape that protrudes upward in the axial direction (+Z side). That is, the width of the engaging protrusion 43h in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the upper side in the axial direction. Note that the engaging protrusion 43h may be an isosceles trapezoid shape similar to the engaging groove 26i, or an isosceles triangle, etc., as long as the width of the engaging protrusion 43h in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the upper side in the axial direction. The engaging protrusion 43h may also be an asymmetric shape such as a right-angled triangle. For example, when the engaging protrusion 43h is a right-angled triangle, the side facing the rotation direction of the suction mouth part 11 when connecting the suction mouth part 11 to the cartridge accommodating part 10 may be a right-angled side. This makes it difficult for the cartridge accommodating part 10 to climb over the engaging protrusion 43h when connecting the suction mouth part 11 to the cartridge accommodating part 10.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 15, the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 accommodated inside the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The gap between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 (i.e., the inner diameter D1 below the step 43g of the receiving portion 43) and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is preferably larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. This increases the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3, making it easier to guide the engaging protrusion 43h into the engaging groove portion 26i when setting the cartridge 3, which will be described later. The gap between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 mentioned here is calculated by the difference between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3. For example, when the inner diameter D1 is 11.8 mm and the outer diameter D2 is 11.5 mm, the gap is 0.3 mm. This gap corresponds to 2.54% of the inner diameter D1, and in this case is excluded from the above condition.

[0105] More preferably, the gap between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating section 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 is greater than 7.0% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating section 10. This increases the clearance between the cartridge accommodating section 10 and the cartridge 3, making it easier to guide the engaging protrusion 43h into the engaging groove 26i when setting the cartridge 3, which will be described later. For example, when the inner diameter D1 is 12.4 mm and the outer diameter D2 is 11.5 mm, the gap is 0.9 mm. This gap corresponds to 7.26% of the inner diameter D1, and in this case, meets the above condition.

[0106] It is preferable that the radial dimension D3 of the engaging protrusion 43h is larger than the gap generated between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3. The above two conditions can be defined by the radial dimension D3 of the engaging protrusion 43h as follows. The engaging protrusion 43h may extend in the radial direction from the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 (i.e., the inner peripheral wall of the peripheral wall 43a below the step 43g) toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 with a dimension D3 that is larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. More preferably, the engaging protrusion 43h may extend in the radial direction from the inner peripheral wall of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 with a dimension D3 that is larger than 7.0% of the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 15, an engagement protrusion 43i for positioning the cartridge accommodating portion 10 in the circumferential direction is formed on the step 43g of the receiving portion 43. One engagement protrusion 43i is formed on the inner wall surface on the front side (+X side) of the peripheral wall 43a of the receiving portion 43. The engagement protrusion 43i does not protrude radially inward from the step 43g of the receiving portion 43, and is formed to have the same degree of protrusion as the peripheral wall 43a below the step 43g. As shown in FIG. 16, the engagement protrusion 43i has a curved shape protruding upward in the axial direction (+Z side) like the engagement protrusion 43h. That is, the width of the engagement protrusion 43i in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the upper side in the axial direction.

[0108] <Cartridge storage section> Fig. 17 is a front view of the cartridge holder 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 18 is a right side view of the cartridge holder 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 19 is a left side view of the cartridge holder 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD shown in Fig. 18. 17, the cartridge accommodating section 10 is a cylindrical member and extends in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). While the exterior case 12 and the holder 30 are made of resin, the cartridge accommodating section 10 is formed of a metallic cylindrical member.

[0109] A cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a is formed at the end of the cartridge accommodating section 10 on the upper side (+Z side) in the main axis direction. On the other hand, an engagement groove 10b that engages with the above-mentioned engagement protrusion 43i is formed at the end of the cartridge accommodating section 10 on the lower side (-Z side) in the main axis direction. One engagement groove 10b is formed on the front side (+X side) of the lower end of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 18, a through hole 10c and two air communication holes 10e are formed on the right side (+Y side) of the peripheral surface of the cartridge storage section 10. A cartridge storage section side protrusion 17C (described later) provided on the cover member 17 (see Fig. 7) is inserted into the through hole 10c (see Fig. 29 described later). The two air communication holes 10e communicate with two air holes 19 provided on the cover member 17 (see Fig. 29 described later).

[0111] As shown in FIG. 18, the through hole 10c is an elongated hole extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction). A rectangular groove 10c1 is formed on the edge of the through hole 10c on the -X side. The rectangular groove 10c1 makes the shape of the through hole 10c asymmetric in the X-axis direction to prevent a mistake in assembling the cover member 17 to the cartridge storage section 10. The two air communication holes 10e are arranged on either side of the through hole 10c in the X-axis direction. The air communication hole 10e is formed larger than the air hole 19 as shown in FIG. 29 described later. This makes it possible to prevent non-communication between the air hole 19 and the air communication hole 10e and misalignment that narrows the flow path area. That is, the air hole 19 is less likely to be blocked when the main unit 2 is assembled.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 19, another through hole 10d is formed on the left side (-Y side) of the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10. A cartridge accommodating section side protrusion 35D (described later) provided on the sensor holder 35 (see Fig. 7) is inserted into the through hole 10d (see Fig. 29 described later). The through hole 10d is an elongated hole extending in the main axis direction (Z axis direction). The through hole 10d is disposed on the left diagonally front side (+X side) of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and as shown in Fig. 29 described later, it is not in a point-symmetrical positional relationship with the through hole 10c on the right side (+Y side) about the main axis O.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 20, an insert ring 10A is press-fitted into the cartridge storage section 10 on the axial upper side (+Z side) of the through holes 10c and 10d. The insert ring 10A is a cylindrical member made of resin. The insert ring 10A is formed with a suction port connection section 10B for connecting the suction port section 11 (see Fig. 5) to the cartridge insertion / removal port 10a. A recess 10f is formed on the inner wall surface on the axial upper side (+Z side) of the cartridge storage section 10 so that the inner diameter does not become smaller due to the insertion of the insert ring 10A.

[0114] Two suction port connection parts 10B are formed at equal intervals (180°) in the circumferential direction of the insert ring 10A. The suction port connection parts 10B are grooves (notches) formed in the insert ring 10A. The suction port connection parts 10B have a first groove part 10b1, a second groove part 10b2, and a third groove part 10b3. The first groove part 10b1 has a circumferential width that increases toward the upper side (+Z side) in the main axis direction. The second groove part 10b2 extends from the lower end of the first groove part 10b1 toward the lower side (-Z side) in the main axis direction with a constant width. The third groove part 10b3 is bent 90° in the circumferential direction from the lower end of the second groove part 10b2 and goes around the insert ring 10A by about 1 / 4 with a constant width.

[0115] <Suction part> Fig. 21 is a right side view of the suction port part 11 according to one embodiment. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE shown in Fig. 21. As shown in Fig. 21, the suction mouth part 11 has a protrusion 11b1 that engages with the suction mouth connection part 10B of the above-mentioned cartridge storage part 10. The suction mouth part 11 includes a resin suction mouth part main body 11A and, as shown in Fig. 22, a metal cylinder body 11B on which two protrusions 11b1 are formed.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 22, the mouthpiece body 11A is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The flavor source container 4 (see Fig. 6) described above is inserted inside the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouthpiece body 11A. A flange portion 11a2 extending radially outward is provided in an annular shape on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 11a1. As shown in Fig. 6, the flange portion 11a2 abuts against the upper opening edge of the cartridge storage portion 10 (the opening edge of the cartridge insertion / removal port 10a) in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0117] A through hole 11a4 is formed in the bottom wall 11a3 of the suction mouth body 11A, penetrating in the main axis direction. A cartridge abutment part 60 is fitted into the through hole 11a4 (see FIG. 6). The cartridge abutment part 60 is an elastic body made of a resin material such as silicone resin. The cartridge abutment part 60 includes a first ring part 60a, a cylindrical part 60b, and a second ring part 60c.

[0118] The first ring portion 60a is disposed on the upper side (+Z side) of the main axis direction from the bottom wall 11a3 of the mouthpiece body 11A. The first ring portion 60a has an outer diameter larger than the through hole 11a4 and extends to the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall 11a1 of the mouthpiece body 11A. The first ring portion 60a abuts against the bottom wall 27d of the flavor source container 4 on the inside of the peripheral wall 11a1. The surface of the first ring portion 60a facing the bottom wall 27d of the flavor source container 4 may be a flat surface or may have a groove formed in accordance with the shape of the legs of the bottom wall 27d. The first ring portion 60a serves as a circumferential anti-slip surface of the flavor source container 4 and a seal chamber for the micropores 27e of the flavor source container 4. The first ring portion 60a does not have to abut against the bottom wall 27d of the flavor source container 4. In this case, a seal portion that prevents introduction of outside air can be formed at the contact portion of the step 27b between the flavor source container 4 and the mouthpiece 11. The cylindrical portion 60b is disposed by being inserted through the through hole 11a4 of the bottom wall 11a3. The cylindrical portion 60b connects the inner diameter side of the first ring portion 60a and the inner diameter side of the second ring portion 60c in the main axial direction.

[0119] The second ring portion 60c is disposed below the bottom wall 11a3 of the suction mouth portion main body 11A in the axial direction (-Z side). The second ring portion 60c has an outer diameter larger than the through hole 11a4, and extends to the inner wall surface of the cylindrical body 11B. The second ring portion 60c is formed with an annular protrusion 61 that protrudes downward in the axial direction toward the cartridge 3. The annular protrusion 61 prevents the second ring portion 60c from contacting the cartridge 3 in a flat manner, increasing the contact pressure with the cartridge 3 and making it easier for frictional force in the circumferential direction and pressing force in the axial direction, which will be described later, to occur.

[0120] A communication hole 62 is formed at the center of the first ring portion 60a, the cylindrical portion 60b, and the second ring portion 60c. The communication hole 62 communicates the through hole 21b of the tank 21 of the cartridge 3 and the micro hole 27e of the flavor source container 4. The annular protrusion 61 of the second ring portion 60c is formed in a double ring shape. This annular protrusion 61 abuts against the top wall 21a of the tank 21 around the through hole 21b of the cartridge 3, thereby forming a highly airtight double seal.

[0121] Returning to FIG. 22, the cylindrical body 11B is press-fitted onto the peripheral wall 11a1 below the flange portion 11a2 of the suction mouth body 11A. Two protrusions 11b1 are arranged on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 11B at equal intervals (180°) in the circumferential direction. The cylindrical body 11B extends downward in the main axis direction (-Z side) from the peripheral wall 11a1 of the suction mouth body 11A. The above-mentioned second ring portion 60c is arranged in the space below the bottom wall 11a3 surrounded by the cylindrical body 11B. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 11B is larger than the outer diameter of the cartridge 3. As a result, even if the suction mouth 11 is strongly pressed toward the cartridge 3 in a state shown in FIG. 37 described later and the second ring portion 60c is elastically deformed so as to be crushed in the main axis direction, the cylindrical body 11B does not interfere with the cartridge 3.

[0122] <Main board> Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the main board 31 according to one embodiment. Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which the protruding electrode cover 51 is removed from the protruding electrode 50 of the main board 31 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, the main substrate 31 has a plate shape extending along the YZ plane, and has a first plate surface 31a facing the front side (+X side) and a second plate surface 31b facing the rear side (-X side). On the second plate surface 31b of the main substrate 31, a protruding electrode 50 to be inserted into a cartridge storage chamber, which is an internal space formed by the cartridge storage section 10 and the receiving section 43, and a light source 52 for illuminating the inside of the cartridge storage section 10 are arranged. Note that, in the cartridge storage chamber, the protruding electrode 50 may reach the inside of the cartridge storage section 10, or may only reach the inside of the receiving section 43. Furthermore, when the receiving section 43 has a flat plate shape, the protruding electrode 50 can easily reach the inside of the cartridge storage section 10.

[0123] Here, the "main board" refers to the largest board among the boards housed inside the exterior case 12. The main board 31 is larger than the above-mentioned sub-board 32 and the switch board 15b of the input device 15. When only one board is housed inside the exterior case 12, that board is the "main board". When two boards of the same size are housed inside the exterior case 12, the board on which an electronic control calculation unit such as a CPU or a microcomputer is provided is the "main board".

[0124] The main substrate 31 has a first portion 31A extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) and a second portion 31B extending in a direction intersecting the first portion 31A. The second portion 31B extends in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first portion 31A extends. In other words, the main substrate 31 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the X-axis direction. Note that the second portion 31B does not necessarily need to be bent at a right angle to the first portion 31A as long as it can extend to the lower side (-Z side) of the receiving portion 43 shown in FIG. 10. In other words, the shape of the main substrate 31 is not limited to an L-shape.

[0125] The first portion 31A is a portion that overlaps with the main plate 41 of the holder 30 shown in Fig. 10. The first portion 31A is held on the main plate 41 by the board support piece 41d and the clamping piece 42a. The first portion 31A extends in the main axis direction along the main plate 41. In other words, the first portion 31A extends parallel to the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The light source 52 is disposed on the cartridge accommodating portion 10 side (+Y side) of the first portion 31A (see Fig. 23).

[0126] The second portion 31B is a portion extending from the main plate 41 of the holder 30 shown in FIG. 10 toward the receiving portion 43 (+Y side). The second portion 31B is held by the board support piece 43e and the clamping piece 43f of the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43. The second portion 31B is disposed facing the receiving portion 43 (i.e., the end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10) in the main axis direction (Z axis direction). In other words, the second portion 31B is disposed side by side with the receiving portion 43 in the main axis direction. The protruding electrode 50 is disposed on the side of the second portion 31B facing the receiving portion 43 (+Z side) (see FIG. 23).

[0127] 24, the protruding electrode 50 is supported by a pedestal portion 50A provided on the second plate surface 31b of the main substrate 31. The pedestal portion 50A supports the protruding electrode 50 so as to be parallel to the plate surfaces (first plate surface 31a and second plate surface 31b, i.e., the YZ plane) of the main substrate 31. In other words, the two terminals (+ and -) of the protruding electrode 50 supported by the pedestal portion 50A extend parallel to the YZ plane.

[0128] The main board 31 is provided with a protruding electrode cover 51 that covers a portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided. The portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided includes the base portion 50A. More specifically, the portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided includes the base portion 50A, the base portion of the protruding electrode 50, and the peripheral area of ​​the base portion 50A on the second plate surface 31b. The protruding electrode cover 51 is formed in a substantially box shape with an opening on the side facing the second plate surface 31b. The protruding electrode cover 51 has a cover end wall 51a disposed on the -X side of the base portion 50A, and a cover peripheral wall 51b that surrounds the four sides of the base portion 50A in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0129] Two through holes 51c are formed in the wall portion on the +Z side of the cover peripheral wall 51b, through which the protruding electrodes 50 are disposed. The tip portion of the protruding electrode 50 is biased toward the +Z side by a spring member (not shown) housed in the base portion of the protruding electrode 50, and is freely displaceable in the Z-axis direction. That is, the protruding electrode 50 extends toward the cartridge 3, and is displaced in the -Z direction when the cartridge 3 is inserted. Even in this state, the protruding electrode 50 is biased in the +Z direction, so that it can reliably contact the cartridge 3. The inner wall surface of the through hole 51c is in close contact with a portion that does not restrict the displacement of the tip portion of the protruding electrode 50, for example, the outer periphery of the base portion of the protruding electrode 50 in this embodiment.

[0130] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 25, the protruding electrode cover 51 abuts against the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30 in which an insertion hole 43c is formed. The protruding electrode 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 43c. The +Z side wall portion of the cover peripheral wall 51b of the protruding electrode cover 51 abuts against the annular wall 43d of the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43 in the main axial direction. The protruding electrode cover 51 is made of silicone resin. The +Z side wall portion of the cover peripheral wall 51b is elastically deformed by abutting against the annular wall 43d.

[0131] A board contact portion 43j is provided on the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43. The board contact portion 43j is disposed on the +X side of the annular wall 43d. The board contact portion 43j is provided to protrude from the bottom wall 43b of the receiving portion 43 on the -Z side and abuts against the main board 31 in the main axis direction. As shown in Fig. 10, the board contact portion 43j is disposed between the board support piece 43e and the clamping piece 43f provided on the bottom wall 43b, and extends linearly in the Y axis direction.

[0132] 25, the annular wall 43d extends further toward the -Z side than the board contact portion 43j. The elastic deformation of the protruding electrode cover 51 caused by the annular wall 43d is limited to a certain amount by the contact between the board contact portion 43j and the main board 31. In other words, the contact pressure between the annular wall 43d and the protruding electrode cover 51 can be controlled by the board contact portion 43j. Therefore, the sealing performance between the annular wall 43d and the protruding electrode cover 51 can be ensured without excessively pressing the protruding electrode cover 51 against the annular wall 43d.

[0133] The protruding electrode cover 51 is provided on the main substrate 31 together with the protruding electrodes 50. In other words, the protruding electrode cover 51 is not held by any structure (such as the outer case 12) other than the main substrate 31. Also, as shown in Fig. 25, the protruding electrode cover 51 is assembled in a non-contact state into the outer case 12. This makes it possible to prevent the protruding electrode cover 51 from coming into contact with the outer case 12 and being deformed or displaced, resulting in loss of sheathability.

[0134] <Cover material> Fig. 26 is a view of a cover member 17 according to an embodiment as viewed from the radial outside, Fig. 27 is a view of a cover member 17 according to an embodiment as viewed from the radial inside, and Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a cover member 17 according to an embodiment. 26, the cover member 17 has a main case side protrusion 17A on the radially outer side, that is, on the right side (+Y side) facing the main case 13. The main case side protrusion 17A is inserted into the opening 13a of the main case 13, as shown in Fig. 2. The cover member 17 is translucent, and the remaining amount of liquid in the aerosol source of the cartridge 3 housed in the cartridge housing portion 10 can be confirmed through the main case side protrusion 17A.

[0135] The main case side protrusion 17A is formed in the shape of an elongated hole extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) like the opening 13a of the main case 13. The main case side protrusion 17A is slightly smaller than the opening 13a. An air inlet 18 is formed in the gap between the main case side protrusion 17A and the opening 13a. Note that a part of the main case side protrusion 17A may be in contact with the inner wall surface of the opening 13a. The air inlet 18 is an inlet of an intake flow path that takes in outside air into the exterior case 12 by inhalation by the user.

[0136] The air inlet 18 is formed in a ring shape along the opening edge of the opening 13a of the main case 13 (also referred to as the periphery of the main case side protrusion 17A). The size of the air inlet 18 is preferably such that it is not completely blocked by the user's finger. For example, the dimension of the air inlet 18 in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) is preferably equal to or larger than the average first finger joint width of the thumb of an average adult (e.g., 2.0 cm or more). In addition, the distance in the X axis direction between two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction of the air inlet 18 may be equal to or larger than the average first finger joint width of the thumb of an average adult. Note that air inlet 18 may be only one or two slits extending parallel to the main axis direction as long as it is large enough not to be blocked by the user's fingers. In other words, air inlet 18 may be formed in a slit shape along the opening edge of opening 13a of main body case 13.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 28, the cover member 17 has a plate portion 17B that supports the main case side protrusion 17A. The plate portion 17B is arranged so as to overlap the inside of the main case 13. The plate portion 17B is interposed between the main case 13 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The cartridge accommodating portion 10 side (-Y side) of the plate portion 17B is curved along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The main case 13 side (+Y side) of the plate portion 17B is curved along the inner wall surface of the circumferential wall portion 12B (see FIG. 2). The cartridge accommodating portion 10 side (-Y side) and the main case 13 side (+Y side) of the plate portion 17B have different curved shapes (curvature, etc.).

[0138] Furthermore, the axially upper side (+Z) of the plate portion 17B on the main case 13 side is curved along the inner wall surface of the second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B. In other words, the thickness of the plate portion 17B decreases toward the axially upper side (+Z). The plate portion 17B is formed with the above-mentioned air hole 19, air groove 70, and case fitting hole 17b1. Two air holes 19 are formed on either side of the main case side protrusion 17A in the X-axis direction.

[0139] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. 29, air hole 19 is disposed at a location where cover member 17 and main body case 13 overlap. In other words, air hole 19 is disposed inside main body case 13 and is covered by main body case 13. Therefore, air hole 19 cannot be seen from the outside of main body case 13. Furthermore, air hole 19 cannot be directly blocked with a finger unless main body case 13 is removed.

[0140] The air hole 19 fluidly connects the air inlet 18 and the interior of the cartridge accommodating section 10. The air hole 19 is the main flow path of the intake flow path that takes in outside air into the interior of the exterior case 12. The air hole 19 in this embodiment connects to an air communication hole 10e formed in the cartridge accommodating section 10, and fluidly connects the air inlet 18 and the interior of the cartridge accommodating section 10 over a short distance. If the air communication hole 10e is not formed, the air taken into the interior of the exterior case 12 from the air hole 19 passes through all gaps in the cartridge accommodating section 10 and flows into the interior of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0141] Returning to FIG. 26, two sets of case fitting holes 17b1 are formed on the plate portion 17B, two on each side of the air hole 19, sandwiching the main case side projection 17A in the X-axis direction. The main case 13 is claw-fitted into the four case fitting holes 17b1 in total. Specifically, fitting claws 13E (see FIG. 34 described later) of the first case 13A are claw-fitted into the two case fitting holes 17b1 arranged on the +X side of the main case side projection 17A. Also, fitting claws 13I (see FIG. 35 described later) of the second case 13B are claw-fitted into the two case fitting holes 17b1 arranged on the -X side of the main case side projection 17A.

[0142] The air groove 70 forms a space connecting the air inlet 18 and the air hole 19. As shown in FIG. 28, the air groove 70 has an annular groove portion 71 and two stepped groove portions 72. The annular groove portion 71 is formed in an annular shape around the main case side protrusion 17A of the plate portion 17B. The annular groove portion 71 is recessed toward the -Y side from the outer surface of the plate portion 17B on the main case 13 side (+Y). It is preferable that the width of the annular groove portion 71 is larger than the width of the air inlet 18 (the distance from the inner peripheral edge to the outer peripheral edge) as shown in FIG. 29.

[0143] The two stepped groove portions 72 are formed on the +X side edge and the -X side edge of the annular groove portion 71. The stepped groove portion 72 has a bottom surface that is lower than the annular groove portion 71. In other words, the stepped groove portion 72 is recessed further towards the -Y side than the annular groove portion 71. The air hole 19 is formed in the bottom surface of this stepped groove portion 72. The bottom surface of the stepped groove portion 72 is formed to be wider than the opening area of ​​the air hole 19.

[0144] As shown in Fig. 27, the cover member 17 has a cartridge accommodating section 10 protrusion 17C on the cartridge accommodating section 10 side (-Y side) of the plate portion 17B. The cartridge accommodating section 10 protrusion 17C is inserted into a through hole 10c (see Fig. 18) formed in the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10. The cartridge accommodating section 10 protrusion 17C is formed in an elongated hole shape extending in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) like the through hole 10c of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 27, the cover member 17 has a cover positioning protrusion 17D on the cartridge accommodating portion 10 side (-Y side) of the plate portion 17B. The cover positioning protrusion 17D is disposed on the -X side of the cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 17C. The cover positioning protrusion 17D is a rectangular protrusion extending in the X-axis direction. The cover positioning protrusion 17D is inserted into the rectangular groove 10c1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 shown in FIG. 18. This makes it possible to prevent mistakes in assembling the cover member 17 to the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

[0146] <Sensor holder> Fig. 30 is a view of a sensor holder 35 according to an embodiment as viewed from the radial outside. Fig. 31 is a view of a sensor holder 35 according to an embodiment as viewed from the radial inside. Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a sensor holder 35 according to an embodiment. 32, the sensor holder 35 has a curved plate portion 35A shaped to fit the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. As shown in FIG. 29, the curved plate portion 35A is in airtight contact with the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 via an adhesive sheet 48. The curved plate portion 35A is disposed in the narrow gap between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the holder 30.

[0147] As shown in Fig. 29, the sensor holder 35 is provided with a holder-side protrusion 35B that protrudes toward the holder 30 on the outer surface of the curved plate portion 35A opposite to the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The holder-side protrusion 35B is formed in a cylindrical shape. The sensor 34 is held inside the holder-side protrusion 35B. The holder-side protrusion 35B (and the sensor 34) is arranged so as to be inserted into the second cutout portion 42d2 of the second rib 42D of the holder 30.

[0148] An air flow path 80 that connects the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 and the sensor 34 is formed in the holder side projection 35B. The air flow path 80 extends in the radial direction from the sensor 34 to the inner wall surface of the curved plate section 35A. A holding section 35C that holds the sensor 34 is provided on the cartridge accommodating section 10 side of the air flow path 80. The holding sections 35C are disposed in pair on the inner wall surface of the air flow path 80, radially inward from the sensor 34, as shown in FIG. 31 . The sensor 34 comes into contact with the holding section 35C, thereby preventing the sensor 34 from falling into the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0149] The sensor 34 has a detection section on the cartridge storage section 10 side. The detection section detects the behavior of a diaphragm that deforms in response to pressure fluctuations as a change in capacitance. The detection section is covered with a waterproof, breathable member 81. The waterproof, breathable member 81 is made of a material that is both waterproof and breathable. The material of the waterproof, breathable member 81 has numerous micropores formed therein that do not allow water droplets to pass through but allow air to pass through. This waterproof, breathable member 81 separates the space between the inside of the cartridge storage section 10 and the sensor 34. In other words, the waterproof, breathable member 81 does not allow liquid to pass from the inside of the cartridge storage section 10 to the sensor 34, but allows only air to pass through.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 32, a cartridge accommodating section side protrusion 35D protruding toward the cartridge accommodating section 10 is provided on the inner wall surface of the curved plate portion 35A facing the cartridge accommodating section 10. As shown in Fig. 31, the cartridge accommodating section side protrusion 35D is formed in a substantially C-shape when viewed from the radial inside. The cartridge accommodating section side protrusion 35D is inserted into a through hole 10d (see Fig. 19) formed in the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0151] The sensor holder 35 is translucent and also serves as a light guide member that guides the light of the light source 52 shown in Fig. 6 into the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10. The sensor holder 35 is formed from, for example, polycarbonate resin. The polycarbonate resin imparts appropriate hardness to the sensor holder 35 that holds the sensor 34, and good translucency so that the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guide member. The translucency of the sensor holder 35 is preferably lower than that of transparency, so that the transmitted light is diffused.

[0152] 6, the sensor holder 35 is interposed between the light source 52 and the cartridge storage section 10. The light source 52 is disposed above (on the +Z side of) the sensor 34 in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the cartridge storage section 10 so as not to overlap with the sensor 34. The light source 52 is disposed on the opposite side to the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a in the axial direction of the cartridge storage section 10. Note that "the opposite side to the cartridge insertion / removal opening" refers to an area within a range of L / 2 from the end opposite the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a, when the dimension of the cartridge storage section 10 in the axial direction is L.

[0153] The light source 52 is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the window portion 16. That is, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the window portion 16 and the light source 52 are disposed so as to overlap. The tank 21 of the cartridge 3 is disposed between the window portion 16 and the light source 52. The light source 52 illuminates at least the lower half of the liquid storage chamber 21g inside the tank 21. The cover member 17, the through hole 10c of the cartridge storage portion 10, the tank 21, the through hole 10d of the cartridge storage portion 10, the sensor holder 35, and the first cutout portion 42d1 of the second rib 42D of the holder 30 are disposed between the window portion 16 and the light source 52.

[0154] <How to assemble the main unit> Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing a method for assembling main unit 2 according to one embodiment. Fig. 34 is a rear view showing the configuration inside first case 13A according to one embodiment. Fig. 35 is a front view showing the configuration inside second case 13B according to one embodiment. 33, the main unit 2 is assembled by screwing the holder unit 100, which incorporates various components around the holder 30, to the first case 13A to which the vibrator 36 is attached, combining the first case 13A with the second case 13B, and finally performing a welding process. Ultrasonic welding is suitable for this welding.

[0155] The holder unit 100 includes the components of the main unit 2 except for the first case 13A, the second case 13B, and the vibrator 36. Specifically, the holder unit 100 includes the holder 30, the cartridge storage section 10, the suction mouth section 11, the display cover 14, the input device 15, the main board 31, the sub-board 32, the display device 33, the sensor 34, the sensor holder 35, and the power source 37. Note that the suction mouth section 11 may be removed from the cartridge storage section 10 when the main unit 2 is assembled.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 34, the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A has an opposing surface 13a1 facing the second case 13B, which is provided with an attachment portion 13D for the vibrator 36 described above, two boss portions 13C for screwing the holder 30, a plurality of case side protrusion portions 13G that abut against the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D of the holder 30, and a groove portion 13H that abuts against the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30.

[0157] The two bosses 13C are formed with screw holes. Two screws 40 (see FIG. 33) passing through two through holes 30a of the holder 30 are screwed into the two bosses 13C. The case side protrusions 13G abut against the first rib 42C, and as shown in FIG. 34, are disposed on the opposing surface 13a1 on the -Y side of the mounting portion 13D, and are scattered in the main axis direction (Z axis direction).

[0158] The case side protrusions 13G that come into contact with the second rib 42D are disposed on the +Y side of the mounting portion 13D on the opposing surface 13b1, and are scattered in the main axis direction (Z axis direction). The case side protrusions 13G1 disposed at the end on the lower side (-Z side) in the main axis direction are bent in an L shape corresponding to the branched portion 42D1 of the second rib 42D. The grooves 13H are recessed on the +X side along the circumferential surface of the receiving portion 43.

[0159] The inner wall surface of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A is provided with fitting claws 13E on both the left and right sides and fitting claws 13F on the lower side. The two fitting claws 13E provided on the +Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 are fitted into the case fitting holes 17b1 (see FIGS. 26 and 28) of the cover member 17 described above.

[0160] Additionally, the three fitting claws 13E provided on the -Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 are fitted with the first fitting holes 42e1 (see FIGS. 11 and 29) of the holder 30 described above. Additionally, the two fitting claws 13F provided on the -Z side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 are fitted with claw receivers 13K (see FIG. 35) of the second case 13B described later.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 35, the second main surface portion 12A2 of the second case 13B has an opposing surface 13b1 facing the first case 13A, which is formed with a plurality of case side protrusions 13J that abut against the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D of the holder 30, and a groove portion 13L that abuts against the receiving portion 43 of the holder 30.

[0162] The case side protrusions 13J that come into contact with the first rib 42C are scattered in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) on the -Y side of the opposing surface 13b1. The case side protrusions 13J that come into contact with the second rib 42D extend linearly in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) at approximately the center of the opposing surface 13b1 in the Y axis direction. The grooves 13L are recessed in the -X side along the circumferential surface of the receiving portion 43.

[0163] The inner wall surface of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B is provided with fitting claws 13I on both the left and right sides and a claw receiving portion 13K on the lower side. The two fitting claws 13I provided on the +Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 are fitted into the case fitting holes 17b1 (see FIGS. 26 and 28) of the cover member 17 described above.

[0164] Additionally, the three fitting claws 13I provided on the -Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 are fitted into the second fitting holes 42e2 (see FIGS. 11 and 29) of the holder 30 described above. Additionally, the two claw receiving portions 13K provided on the -Z side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 are fitted into the fitting claws 13F (see FIG. 34) of the first case 13A described above.

[0165] The main unit 2 has a first connection portion 91 connecting the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B, a second connection portion 92 connecting the holder 30 to one of the opposing surfaces 13a1, 13b1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2, and a third connection portion 93 connecting the holder 30 to the other opposing surface 13a1, 13b1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2.

[0166] The first connection portion 91 includes a claw engagement between the engagement claw 13F (see FIG. 34) of the first case 13A and the claw receiving portion 13K (see FIG. 35) of the second case 13B. In this manner, the connection method of the first connection portion 91 includes a claw engagement.

[0167] The second connection portion 92 includes a screw fastening (see FIG. 33) of the holder 30 to a boss portion 13C (see FIG. 34) provided on the opposing surface 13a1 (one opposing surface) of the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A described above. In this way, the connection method of the second connection portion 92 includes a screw fastening.

[0168] The third connection portion 93 includes welding (see FIG. 29) between the case side protrusion portion 13J (see FIG. 35) provided on the opposing surface 13b1 (the other opposing surface) of the second main surface portion 12A2 of the second case 13B described above and the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D provided on the holder 30. In this manner, the connection method of the third connection portion 93 includes welding. The peripheral surface of the receiving portion 43 is also welded to the groove portion 13L (see FIG. 35) of the second case 13B.

[0169] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first rib 42C and the second rib 42D are also welded (see FIG. 29) to the case side protrusion 13G provided on the opposing surface 13a1 (one of the opposing surfaces) of the first main surface portion 12A1 of the first case 13A. In this manner, the connection method of the second connection portion 92 also includes welding. The peripheral surface of the receiving portion 43 is also welded to the groove portion 13H (see FIG. 34) of the first case 13A.

[0170] In this embodiment, the fitting claws 13E (see FIG. 34) provided on the -Y side of the first circumferential wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A are fitted by a claw into the first fitting hole 42e1 (see FIG. 11) provided in the holder 30. In this manner, the connection method of the second connection portion 92 also includes fitting by a claw.

[0171] In this embodiment, a fitting claw 13E (see FIG. 35) provided on the -Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B is fitted by a claw into a second fitting hole 42e2 (see FIG. 11) provided in the holder 30. In this manner, the connection method of the third connection portion 93 also includes a claw fitting method.

[0172] That is, the first connecting portion 91 has only one connection method, namely claw fitting. The second connecting portion 92 has three connection methods, namely claw fitting, screw fastening, and welding. The third connecting portion 93 has two connection methods, namely claw fitting and welding. Therefore, the first connecting portion 91, the second connecting portion 92, and the third connecting portion 93 have different numbers of connection methods.

[0173] In this way, by making the number of connection methods of the three connection parts (first connection part 91, second connection part 92, third connection part 93) of the main unit 2 different, it becomes difficult for the user to disassemble the main unit 2. Even if the number of connection methods of the three connection parts is the same, if the types of connection methods are different, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to disassemble the main unit 2. For example, the connection method of the first connection part 91 may be only one type of claw fitting, the connection method of the second connection part 92 may be only one type of screw fastening, and the connection method of the third connection part 93 may be only one type of welding.

[0174] In addition, even if two of the three connection parts have the same number and type of connection methods, if the remaining connection part has a different number or type of connection methods, it is possible to make disassembly by a user difficult. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the three connection parts has a different number of connection methods. In addition, it is also acceptable for at least one of the three connection parts to include a connection part with a different type of connection method.

[0175] Furthermore, the main body unit 2 of this embodiment has a fourth connection portion 94 that connects the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B via the cover member 17. The fourth connection portion 94 includes a claw engagement between the case fitting hole 17b1 (see FIG. 26) provided in the cover member 17 described above, and a fitting claw 13E (see FIG. 34) provided on the +Y side of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 of the first case 13A and a fitting claw 13E (see FIG. 35) provided on the +Y side of the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 of the second case 13B. In this way, the connection method of the fourth connection portion 94 includes a claw engagement.

[0176] <Appearance of the main unit> FIG. 36 is a front view of the main unit 2 with the suction port 11 removed according to one embodiment. 36, the main unit 2 is provided with a cartridge storage section 10 having a cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a protruding from the outer case 12. In other words, a part of the cartridge storage section 10 including the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a protrudes from the outer case 12, making it easy to see the location where the cartridge 3 is inserted and removed.

[0177] The part of the cartridge accommodating section 10 protruding from the exterior case 12 includes a suction port connecting section 10B (see Figs. 6 and 20) for connecting the suction port section 11 to the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a. In other words, at least a part of the suction port connecting section 10B protrudes from the exterior case 12. This makes it easier to see the first groove section 10b1 of the suction port connecting section 10B from the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a.

[0178] The exterior case 12 is provided with a raised portion 12D on the upper side (+Z side) in the main axis direction. The cartridge storage portion 10 protrudes from a deformation transition portion 12D1 of the raised portion 12D to the upper side in the main axis direction. The deformation transition portion 12D1 is a portion from the second corner portion 12C2 to the apex P of the raised portion 12D. The deformation transition portion 12D1 can also be said to be a portion where the dimension of the exterior case 12 in the Z axis direction increases from the second corner portion 12C2 to the apex P of the raised portion 12D. The deformation transition portion 12D1 can also be said to be a portion that is inclined with respect to the main axis direction. The deformation transition portion 12D1 is not limited to a curved surface as shown in FIG. 36, but may be an inclined surface.

[0179] The deformation transition portion 12D1 forms a portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 that is largely exposed from the exterior case 12 (+Y side) and a portion that is less exposed (-Y side). In the largely exposed portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10, the visibility of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be ensured. In the less exposed portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10, an area for protecting the cartridge accommodating portion 10 by the exterior case 12 can be ensured. In addition, because the contact length between the edge of the exterior case 12 and the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is longer, it becomes easier to ensure the connection strength if the two are to be bonded together.

[0180] 36, the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a is disposed at a position below the apex P of the raised portion 12D in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction) along which the cartridge housing portion 10 extends. That is, the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a is located below the apex P of the raised portion 12D in the main axis direction (-Z side). For example, when the main unit 2 is dropped upside down, the raised portion 12D comes into contact with the ground or the like before the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a, thereby protecting the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a.

[0181] The raised portion 12D has a deformation transition portion 12D2 on which the input device 15 is disposed, on the opposite side (-Y side) of the apex P from the deformation transition portion 12D1. The input device 15 is disposed at a position below the apex P of the raised portion 12D in the main axis direction (Z axis direction) in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 extends. For example, when the main unit 2 is turned upside down and dropped, the raised portion 12D comes into contact with the ground or the like before the input device 15 does, thereby preventing the input device 15 from malfunctioning.

[0182] The input device 15 is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the main axis O of the cartridge storage unit 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a. Specifically, the angle θ between the main axis O and a diagonal line O1 connecting the first corner portion 12C1 (the input device 15) and the third corner portion 12C3 is less than 90°. This configuration makes it easier for a user to place his / her fingers on the input device 15 while holding the suction mouth portion 11 attached to the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a in his / her mouth.

[0183] The main unit 2 is provided with movement limiting members (cover member 17, sensor holder 35) that limit the movement of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 as a measure to prevent the cartridge accommodating portion 10, which partially protrudes from the exterior case 12, from being pulled out. The movement limiting members limit the movement of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 at least in the removal direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is removed from the exterior case 12. Here, the "removal direction" refers to one direction toward the upper side (+Z side) in the main axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0184] 6, the exterior case 12 has a main case 13 with an opening 13a formed therein. A cover member 17 (movement limiting member) has a main case side projection 17A inserted into the opening 13a. The main case side projection 17A engages with the exterior case 12 at least in the removal direction, limiting the movement of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0185] In addition, the cover member 17 has a cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 17C that is inserted into the through hole 10c of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 17C is caught by the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and prevents the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being removed from the exterior case 12 even if the adhesion of the cover member 17 to the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is peeled off due to the user pulling it out.

[0186] The cover member 17 also has a plate portion 17B interposed between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer case 12. The thickness of the plate portion 17B decreases toward the direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is removed (see FIG. 28). The plate portion 17B is inserted into a wedge space between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer case 12 (more specifically, a space in which the rounded inner wall surface of the second corner portion 12C2 of the outer case 12 gradually approaches the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10). In other words, the plate portion 17B functions as a wedge to prevent the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being removed from the outer case 12.

[0187] 29, a second cutout 42d2 is formed in the second rib 42D of the holder 30 fixed to the exterior case 12. The sensor holder 35 (movement limiting member) has a holder-side protrusion 35B inserted into the second cutout 42d2. The holder-side protrusion 35B engages with the holder 30 at least in the removal direction, limiting the movement of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0188] In addition, the sensor holder 35 has a cartridge accommodating portion-side protrusion 35D that is inserted into the through-hole 10d of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The cartridge accommodating portion-side protrusion 35D is caught by the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and prevents the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being removed from the exterior case 12 even if the sensor holder 35 is removed from the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 due to the user pulling it out.

[0189] <How to assemble the aspirator> Fig. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing how the cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodation section 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing how the suction mouth section 11 is attached to the cartridge accommodation section 10 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 37, when assembling the inhaler 1, the cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating section 10 of the main unit 2. The cartridge 3 is inserted from the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a of the cartridge accommodating section 10 protruding from the exterior case 12 with the flat electrode 26h facing the main unit 2 side, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0190] Since the cartridge 3 is shorter than the cartridge storage section 10, it falls freely when inserted. At this time, there is nothing around the cartridge 3 that hinders the rotational movement of the cartridge 3, and the cartridge 3 also falls with a certain amount of momentum, so even if the circumferential positions of the engagement protrusion 43h of the positioning mechanism 90 and the engagement groove 26i of the cartridge 3 do not match, the cartridge 3 bounces and rotates due to collision with the engagement protrusion 43h, or the cartridge 3 slides down along the curved surface of the engagement protrusion 43h, so that the engagement protrusion 43h enters the engagement groove 26i.

[0191] In this embodiment, the gap between the inner diameter D1 of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer diameter D2 of the cartridge 3 is larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. Therefore, the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 is large, and the engaging protrusion 43h is easily guided into the engaging groove 26i. That is, even if the circumferential positions of the engaging protrusion 43h and the engaging groove 26i do not match when the cartridge 3 is inserted, the cartridge 3 is assembled in the correct position. As a result, the flat electrode 26h of the cartridge 3 comes into contact with the protruding electrode 50.

[0192] In addition, when inserting the cartridge 3 as described above, there are cases where the cartridge 3 is not assembled in the correct position. In this case, the cartridge 3 rides up on the engaging protrusion 43h (hereinafter, simply referred to as the "riding state"). In the riding state of the cartridge 3, the movement of the cartridge 3 on the lower side in the axial direction (-Z side) is restricted. Therefore, the flat electrode 26h and the protruding electrode 50 are separated in the axial direction, and the electrical continuity between the cartridge 3 and the main unit 2 is not ensured.

[0193] When the suction mouth part 11 is attached to the cartridge storage part 10 while the cartridge 3 is in the riding state, the cartridge abutment part 60 abuts against the cartridge 3 before the attachment of the suction mouth part 11 is completed. Specifically, the cartridge abutment part 60 abuts against the cartridge 3 while the protrusion part 11b1 of the suction mouth part 11 is passing through the first groove part 10b1 or the second groove part 10b2 of the suction mouth connection part 10B. Then, the cartridge abutment part 60 is compressed in the main axis direction, and the cartridge 3 is pressed against the engagement protrusion part 43h. Since the engagement protrusion part 43h has a curved shape, even if the circumferential positions of the center of the engagement protrusion part 43h and the center of the engagement groove part 26i do not coincide, if the tip of the engagement protrusion part 43h is engaged with the engagement groove part 26i, the cartridge 3 will slide down obliquely along the curved surface of the engagement protrusion part 43h, and the cartridge 3 will be assembled in the correct position.

[0194] Furthermore, if the cartridge 3 is still in a riding state even after the cartridge 3 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 38, the suction mouth part 11 is rotated with the cartridge abutment part 60 in abutment with the cartridge 3. Then, while the protrusion 11b1 passes through the third groove part 10b3 of the suction mouth connection part 10B, the cartridge 3 rotates together. The cartridge 3 rotates due to the frictional force generated between the cartridge abutment part 60 and the cartridge abutment part 60. When the tip (apex) of the engagement protrusion 43h faces the engagement groove part 26i due to the rotation of the cartridge 3, the cartridge 3 slides down along the curved surface of the engagement protrusion 43h, and the engagement protrusion 43h enters the engagement groove part 26i. As described above, in this embodiment, the cartridge 3 can be assembled in the correct position in three stages: the free fall of the cartridge 3, the pressing of the cartridge 3, and the rotation of the cartridge 3.

[0195] When the suction mouth part 11 is rotated all the way to the end and attached to the cartridge storage part 10, the cartridge abutment part 60 is compressed in the axial direction, the flat electrode 26h is pressed against the protruding electrode 50, and the cartridge 3 is positioned. In this way, the attachment of the suction mouth part 11 positions the cartridge 3 and establishes electrical continuity between the cartridge 3 and the main unit 2. In addition, the annular projection 61 of the cartridge abutment part 60 is compressed in the axial direction, thereby sealing the gap between the cartridge 3 and the suction mouth part 11. This completes the assembly of the inhaler 1. As shown in Figures 37 and 38, the flavor source container 4 may be inserted in advance into the mouthpiece 11, but if not, the assembly of the inhaler 1 is completed by inserting the flavor source container 4 into the mouthpiece 11 after the mouthpiece 11 is attached to the cartridge storage section 10.

[0196] <How to use the suction device> When using the above-described inhaler 1, the user first presses the input device 15 shown in Fig. 1. At this time, for example, the input device 15 may be programmed to start up the main unit 2 by pressing the input device 15 multiple times.

[0197] Next, the user inhales while holding the mouthpiece 11 or the flavor source container 4 in the mouth. This causes air to flow inside the cartridge housing 10, and the sensor 34 shown in FIG. 29 detects a puff. When the sensor 34 detects a puff, electricity is applied to the heating wire 25b of the cartridge 3 shown in FIG. 6, causing the heating wire 25b to heat up. When the heating wire 25b heats up, the liquid aerosol source impregnated in the wick 25a is heated and atomized. The atomized aerosol is sucked up together with the air (outside air) taken in by inhalation.

[0198] As shown in Fig. 29, air (outside air) is taken in through air inlet 18 in the gap between main body case 13 and cover member 17. The air taken in through air inlet 18 flows into the inside of cartridge accommodating section 10 through annular groove portion 71 of air groove 70, stepped groove portion 72, air hole 19, and air communication hole 10e. The air that has flowed into cartridge accommodating section 10 flows into atomization chamber 24c through intake hole 26c and opening 24e of cartridge 3, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0199] The atomized aerosol fills the atomization chamber 24c, and is sucked up together with the air that has flowed into the atomization chamber 24c through the flow passage pipe 21c, the through hole 21b, and the communication hole 62 of the cartridge abutment part 60 toward the mouthpiece 11. Then, the mixture of the atomized aerosol and air enters the mouth of the user through the flavor source container 4 attached to the mouthpiece 11. This allows the user to taste the flavor.

[0200] <Modification> In this embodiment, the following modifications may be adopted: In the following description, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0201] Fig. 39 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the suction port connection part 10B according to one embodiment. Fig. 40 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the cartridge storage part 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH shown in Fig. 39. The suction port connection part 10B shown in FIG. 39 has a fitting hole 10b4 in addition to the above-mentioned first groove part 10b1, second groove part 10b2, and third groove part 10b3.

[0202] The fitting hole 10b4 is disposed on an extension line of the third groove portion 10b3. The fitting hole 10b4 and the third groove portion 10b3 are formed apart from each other. That is, a part 10A1 of the insert ring 10A is interposed between the fitting hole 10b4 and the third groove portion 10b3. When the protrusion 11b1 of the suction port portion 11 is attached to the suction port connection portion 10B, the protrusion 11b1 of the suction port portion 11 passes over the part 10A1 of the insert ring 10A from the end of the third groove portion 10b3 and fits into the fitting hole 10b4. This holds the suction port portion 11 in the suction port connection portion 10B.

[0203] As shown in Fig. 40, the cartridge accommodating section 10 has an escape groove 10g formed therein for the insert ring 10A to escape radially outward due to elastic deformation when the protrusion 11b1 rides over a part 10A1 of the insert ring 10A. The escape groove 10g is recessed radially outward from the recess 10f in which the insert ring 10A is disposed. Two escape grooves 10g are provided corresponding to the two suction port connecting parts 10B provided on the insert ring 10A. The two escape grooves 10g are disposed opposite each other on both radial sides of the inner wall surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10.

[0204] A positioning protrusion 10h is formed in the clearance groove 10g. The positioning protrusion 10h engages with a positioning groove portion 10C of the insert ring 10A shown in Fig. 39. The positioning groove portion 10C has a tapered inclined surface 10C1 whose circumferential width gradually increases toward the lower side in the main shaft direction (-Z side). The positioning groove portion 10C engages with the positioning protrusion 10h shown in Fig. 40, so that the fitting hole 10b4 of the insert ring 10A can be aligned with the clearance groove 10g.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 41, the protrusion 11b1 of the suction port portion 11 is fitted into the fitting hole 10b4 with the insert ring 10A bent radially outward. This allows the suction port portion 11 to be held in the suction port connection portion 10B without rattling. The clearance S1 between the insert ring 10A and the cartridge storage portion 10 by the escape groove 10g may be large enough that the protrusion 11b1 of the suction port portion 11 can overcome the part 10A1 of the insert ring 10A. In order to hold the suction port portion 11 in the suction port connection portion 10B without rattling, the clearance S2 between the insert ring 10A in an unbent state and the cylindrical body 11B of the suction port portion 11, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 41, may be smaller than the protrusion amount T1 of the protrusion 11b1 relative to the cylindrical body 11B. The gap S1 is larger than the difference T2 between the protrusion amount T1 and the gap S2. The gap S1 is also larger than the deflection amount T3 of the insert ring 10A in a state in which the protrusion 11b1 is held.

[0206] [Effects] The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above comprises an outer case 12 and a holder 30 provided inside the outer case 12. The holder 30 has a main plate 41 that holds at least some of the components provided inside the outer case 12, and a sub-plate 42 that extends from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surfaces (first plate surface 41a, second plate surface 41b) of the main plate 41 and holds at least one of the components (input device 15, display device 33) provided along the outer surface of the outer case 12. According to this configuration, the components provided inside the exterior case 12 and the components provided along the outer surface of the exterior case 12 are held by one holder 30. Also, the holder 30 includes a main plate 41 and a sub-plate 42 extending in a direction intersecting the main plate 41, and this increases the rigidity of the holder 30 while realizing space saving inside the device.

[0207] In this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 extends on at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41 . According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0208] In this embodiment, the sub-plates 42 extend on both sides of the main plate 41 in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41 . According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0209] In addition, in this embodiment, the holder 30 has, as sub-plates 42, a first sub-plate 42A provided on a first end edge 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41 and a second sub-plate 42B provided on a second end edge 41h2 adjacent to the first end edge 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41, and the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other. According to this configuration, since the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0210] In the present embodiment, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle. With this configuration, even if exterior case 12 has rounded or slanted corners 12C, it is easy to place components at those corners 12C.

[0211] In this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 holds the display device 33. According to this configuration, by having the sub-plate 42 hold the display device 33, it is possible to save space.

[0212] In this embodiment, the display device 33 is an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display. According to this configuration, the organic EL display or liquid crystal display can be installed in a small space.

[0213] In this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 holds the input device 15. According to this configuration, by having the sub-plate 42 hold the input device 15, it is possible to save space.

[0214] In this embodiment, the input device 15 is a push button. This configuration allows the push button to be installed in a small space. Also, since the holder 30 has high rigidity, the holder 30 can bear the load applied to the push button.

[0215] In addition, in this embodiment, the main plate 41 has a first plate surface 41a that holds a first component (main board 31, sub board 32) and a second plate surface 41b on the opposite side to the first plate surface 41a that holds a second component (power supply 37) different from the first component. According to this configuration, components are held on the front and back of the main plate 41, thereby making it possible to save space.

[0216] In addition, in this embodiment, one of the first component and the second component (second component) is a power supply 37, and the other of the first component and the second component (first component) is an electronic component first component (main board 31, sub-board 32) electrically connected to the power supply 37. According to this configuration, by holding the power supply 37 and the electronic components separately on the front and back of the main plate 41, it is possible to achieve both an increase in the capacity of the power supply 37 and securing installation space for the electronic components.

[0217] In this embodiment, the cartridge storage section 10 is at least partially covered by the exterior case 12 . According to this configuration, the cartridge storage section 10 can be protected by the exterior case 12.

[0218] In this embodiment, the holder 30 is formed integrally with the main plate 41 and has a receiving portion 43 that receives an end of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 . According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be further assembled to the holder 30, which facilitates assembly.

[0219] In this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed with an insertion hole 43c for inserting the protruding electrode 50 into the cartridge storage portion 10. According to this configuration, the protruding electrodes 50 can be easily disposed inside the cartridge receiving portion 10.

[0220] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, the main unit 2 in which the components are incorporated takes up less space, so that the overall device can be made compact.

[0221] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above, and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0222] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0223] The main body unit 2 of the above-described embodiment comprises an outer case 12 having a peripheral wall portion 12B connecting between a pair of main surface portions 12A, and an input device 15 arranged on the peripheral wall portion 12B, the peripheral wall portion 12B having an outer surface 12b1 continuing from the pair of main surface portions 12A and a recess 12b2 recessed into the outer surface 12b1, and the input device 15 arranged in the recess 12b2. According to this configuration, since the input device 15 is disposed in the recess 12b2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B, it becomes difficult to touch the input device 15 unintentionally, and thus it is possible to prevent the input device 15 from malfunctioning.

[0224] In this embodiment, the input device 15 is disposed in a corner portion 12C of the exterior case 12, of the peripheral wall portion 12B. This configuration makes it easier to operate the input device 15.

[0225] In addition, this embodiment includes a holder 30 provided inside the exterior case 12, and the holder 30 has a sub-plate 42 (second sub-plate 42B) facing the corner portion 12C, and the input device 15 is held on the sub-plate 42. This configuration makes it easier to place the input device 15 in the corner portion 12C.

[0226] In addition, in this embodiment, the holder 30 has a main plate 41 that holds at least some of the components provided inside the outer case 12, and the sub-plate 42 extends from an end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41. According to this configuration, the main plate 41 and the sub-plate 42 are connected in an intersecting manner, so that the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0227] In this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 extends on at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41 . According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0228] In this embodiment, the sub-plates 42 extend on both sides of the main plate 41 in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41 . According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0229] In addition, in this embodiment, the holder 30 has, as sub-plates 42, a first sub-plate 42A provided on a first end edge 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41 and a second sub-plate 42B provided on a second end edge 41h2 adjacent to the first end edge 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41, and the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other. According to this configuration, since the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0230] In the present embodiment, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle. With this configuration, even if the exterior case 12 has rounded or slanted corners 12C, it is easy to place the input device 15 at the corners 12C.

[0231] In this embodiment, the input device 15 is a push button. This configuration can prevent the push button from being accidentally operated.

[0232] In this embodiment, the cartridge storage section 10 is at least partially covered by the exterior case 12 . According to this configuration, the cartridge storage section 10 can be protected by the exterior case 12.

[0233] In this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is disposed in a second corner portion 12C2 of the peripheral wall portion 12B that is closest to a first corner portion 12C1 of the exterior case 12 at which the input device 15 is disposed. According to this configuration, the cartridge storage section 10 and the input device 15 are disposed close to each other, which improves operability.

[0234] In addition, in this embodiment, the cartridge storage section 10 has a cartridge insertion / removal port 10a to which the suction port section 11 can be attached, and the input device 15 is arranged facing at an acute angle with respect to the main axis O of the cartridge storage section 10 which passes through the center of the cartridge insertion / removal port 10a. This configuration makes it easier for the user to operate the input device 15 while holding the suction mouth portion 11 in his / her mouth.

[0235] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, the main unit 2 capable of preventing malfunction of the input device 15 is provided, and therefore the safety of the apparatus can be improved.

[0236] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above, and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0237] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0238] The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above comprises a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, an outer case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and a holder 30 accommodated in the outer case 12, and the holder 30 has a main plate 41 that holds at least one of the components provided inside the outer case 12, and a receiving portion 43 that is formed integrally with the main plate 41 and receives an end of the cartridge accommodating section 10. According to this configuration, since both the internal parts of the exterior case 12 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are assembled to the holder 30, assembly is facilitated.

[0239] In this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed with an insertion hole 43c for inserting the protruding electrode 50 into the cartridge storage portion 10. According to this configuration, the protruding electrodes 50 can be easily disposed inside the cartridge receiving portion 10.

[0240] In this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 41 at an end portion in the short side direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 41. According to this configuration, the main plate 41 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, so that the overall length of the main body unit 2 can be shortened.

[0241] In addition, in this embodiment, the holder 30 has a sub-plate 42 that extends from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41 and holds at least one of the components arranged along the outer surface of the outer case 12. According to this configuration, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0242] In this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 extends on at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41 . According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0243] In this embodiment, the sub-plates 42 extend on both sides of the main plate 41 in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41 . According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is T-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0244] In addition, in this embodiment, the holder 30 has, as sub-plates 42, a first sub-plate 42A provided on a first end edge 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41 and a second sub-plate 42B provided on a second end edge 41h2 adjacent to the first end edge 41h1 of the end of the main plate 41, and the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected to each other. According to this configuration, since the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected, the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0245] In the present embodiment, the first sub-plate 42A and the second sub-plate 42B are connected at an obtuse angle. With this configuration, even if exterior case 12 has rounded or slanted corners 12C, it is easy to place components at those corners 12C.

[0246] In this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 holds the display device 33. According to this configuration, by having the sub-plate 42 hold the display device 33, it is possible to save space.

[0247] In this embodiment, the sub-plate 42 holds the input device 15. According to this configuration, by having the sub-plate 42 hold the input device 15, it is possible to save space.

[0248] In this embodiment, the main plate 41 has a first plate surface 41a that holds a first component, and a second plate surface 41b that is opposite to the first plate surface 41a and holds a second component different from the first component. According to this configuration, components are held on the front and back of the main plate 41, thereby making it possible to save space.

[0249] In this embodiment, either the first component or the second component is a power source 37, and the other of the first component and the second component is an electronic component electrically connected to the power source 37. According to this configuration, by holding the power supply 37 and the electronic components separately on the front and back of the main plate 41, it is possible to achieve both an increase in the capacity of the power supply 37 and securing installation space for the electronic components.

[0250] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, since the holder 30 is provided with the main unit 2 incorporating various parts, the productivity of the device can be improved.

[0251] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0252] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0253] The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above comprises a cartridge storage section 10 that stores the cartridge 3, and an outer case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge storage section 10, and the outer case 12 includes a main body case 13 that is provided with a window section 16, and is equipped with a light source 52 that illuminates the inside of the cartridge storage section 10 from a location other than the window section 16. According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid can be confirmed even without a through window for admitting external light. It should be noted that the "window portion" includes a simple opening 13a without a cover member 17.

[0254] In this embodiment, a light guide member is provided between the light source 52 and the cartridge housing portion 10. According to this configuration, the inside of the cartridge receiving portion 10 can be brightly illuminated.

[0255] Further, in the present embodiment, a sensor 34 for detecting the suction of the user and a sensor holder 35 for holding the sensor 34 are provided, and the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guide member. According to this configuration, since the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guide member, the number of components can be reduced and space can be saved.

[0256] Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 has a cartridge insertion / removal port 10a, and the light source 52 is disposed on the side opposite to the cartridge insertion / removal port 10a in the main axis direction of the cartridge housing portion 10 passing through the center of the cartridge insertion / removal port 10a. According to this configuration, the bottom portion (opposite to the cartridge insertion / removal port side) of the cartridge housing portion 10 can be illuminated, making it easier to check the remaining liquid amount.

[0257] Further, in the present embodiment, the light source 52 is disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the window portion 16. According to this configuration, since the light source 52 and the window portion 16 overlap at least partially, it becomes easier to check the remaining liquid amount.

[0258] Further, in the present embodiment, the window portion 16 is formed by an opening 13a provided in the main body case 13 and a cover member 17 covering the opening 13a. According to this configuration, the cover member 17 can prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the cartridge housing portion 10.

[0259] Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge housing portion 10 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 10c formed in the peripheral surface, and the cover member 17 has a cartridge housing portion side protrusion 17C inserted into the through hole 10c. According to this configuration, displacement between the cartridge housing portion 10 and the cover member 17 (window portion 16) can be prevented.

[0260] In this embodiment, the cover member 17 has a main case side projection 17A that is inserted into the opening 13a of the main case 13. According to this configuration, the cover member 17 prevents the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from coming off the main body case 13.

[0261] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 capable of illuminating the inside of the cartridge storage portion 10 is provided, the remaining amount of liquid can be easily confirmed.

[0262] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0263] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0264] The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above comprises a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, and an outer case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10. The outer case 12 comprises a main body case 13 having an opening 13a formed therein, and a cover member 17 provided on the opening 13a. An air inlet 18 is formed in the gap between the cover member 17 and the opening 13a, and an air hole 19 is formed at the point where the cover member 17 and the main body case 13 overlap, providing fluid communication between the air inlet 18 and the interior of the cartridge accommodating section 10. This configuration can prevent air hole 19 from being blocked by a finger, which would make puffing (inhalation) difficult. The cover member 17 may be disposed outside and overlap the main case 13. In this case, the air hole 19 is formed on the main case 13 side.

[0265] In this embodiment, the air inlet 18 is formed in a ring shape along the edge of the opening 13 a of the main body case 13 . With this configuration, it becomes difficult for the air inlet 18 to be entirely blocked by a finger, and even if only a part of the air inlet 18 is blocked by a finger, a puff is possible.

[0266] In this embodiment, the air inlet 18 is formed in the shape of a slit along the edge of the opening 13a of the main body case 13. With this configuration, it becomes difficult for the air inlet 18 to be entirely blocked by a finger, and even if only a part of the air inlet 18 is blocked by a finger, a puff is possible.

[0267] In this embodiment, an air groove 70 that connects the air inlet 18 and the air hole 19 is formed in at least one of the main body case 13 and the cover member 17 . This configuration reduces the fluid resistance between the air inlet 18 and the air hole 19, making puffing easier.

[0268] In addition, in this embodiment, the cover member 17 has a main case side protrusion 17A that is inserted into the opening 13a of the main case 13, and a plate portion 17B that supports the main case side protrusion 17A and overlaps the inside of the main case 13, and the air groove 70 has an annular groove portion 71 formed in a ring shape around the main case side protrusion 17A on the plate portion 17B. According to this configuration, air can be guided from the entire circumference of main case side projection 17A to air hole 19. Furthermore, main case side projection 17A can prevent misalignment between main case 13 and cover member 17.

[0269] In this embodiment, air groove 70 has a stepped groove portion 72 that is connected to annular groove portion 71 and has a bottom surface that is lower than annular groove portion 71, and air hole 19 is formed in stepped groove portion 72. According to this configuration, because air hole 19 is formed in stepped groove portion 72, a larger space can be provided for main body case 13 than in annular groove portion 71, making it easier for air to enter air hole 19.

[0270] In this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is a cylindrical member, and an air communication hole 10e that penetrates the peripheral surface of the cylindrical member and communicates with the air hole 19 is formed. According to this configuration, air can be taken directly into the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from the air hole 19 via the air communication hole 10e, shortening the intake air flow path and making it easier to puff.

[0271] In this embodiment, a through hole 10c is formed in the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 at a position different from the air communication hole 10e, and the cover member 17 has a cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 17C that is inserted into the through hole 10c. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cover member 17.

[0272] In this embodiment, the cover member 17 is translucent. According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid inside the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be checked through the cover member 17 (window portion 16).

[0273] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, since the main body unit 2 is provided which can prevent the air hole 19 from being blocked by a finger, it is possible to prevent the puff (inhalation) from becoming difficult.

[0274] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above, and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0275] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0276] The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above comprises a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates the cartridge 3, an outer case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and a movement limiting member (cover member 17, sensor holder 35) that is arranged around the cartridge accommodating section 10, engages with the outer case 12, and limits the movement of the cartridge accommodating section 10 at least in the removal direction from the outer case 12. According to this configuration, by utilizing members arranged around the cartridge accommodating portion 10, it is possible to prevent the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being removed from the exterior case 12. Since the cartridge accommodating portion 10 does not require fasteners such as screws, it can be made compact.

[0277] In this embodiment, exterior case 12 has main case 13 in which opening 13a is formed, and the movement restricting member has main case side protrusion 17A inserted into opening 13a. According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be prevented from coming out of the outer case 12 by inserting the main case side protrusion 17A of the movement restricting member into the opening 13a formed in the main case 13.

[0278] In this embodiment, the movement restricting member is a cover member 17 that is translucent and covers the opening 13a. According to this configuration, the movement restricting member also serves as the cover member 17 (window portion 16) for checking the remaining amount of liquid, etc., so that the number of parts can be reduced and space can be saved.

[0279] In this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 10c formed in its circumferential surface, and the movement restricting member has a cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 17C that is inserted into the through hole 10c. According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be prevented from coming out of the exterior case 12 by inserting the cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 17C of the movement restricting member into the through hole 10c formed in the cartridge accommodating portion 10.

[0280] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a holder 30 fixed to the exterior case 12, a notch 42d is formed in the holder 30, and the movement restricting member has a holder-side projection 35B that engages with the notch 42d. According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be prevented from coming out of the outer case 12 by inserting the holder side protrusion 35B of the movement restricting member into the notch 42d formed in the holder 30.

[0281] In this embodiment, a sensor 34 that detects inhalation by the user and a sensor holder 35 that holds the sensor 34 are provided, and the sensor holder 35 is provided as a movement limiting member. According to this configuration, the movement limiting member also serves as the sensor holder 35 that holds the sensor 34 that detects the user's inhalation, so that the number of parts can be reduced and space can be saved.

[0282] In this embodiment, the movement restricting member has a plate portion 17B interposed between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the exterior case 12, and the thickness of the plate portion 17B decreases in the direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is removed. According to this configuration, the plate portion 17B of the movement restricting member acts as a wedge, making it possible to prevent the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being removed from the outer case 12.

[0283] In addition, in this embodiment, a receiving portion 43 is provided on the outer case 12 side to receive the end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 on the side opposite the removal direction, and is equipped with an engagement protrusion 43i provided on either one of the end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 or the receiving portion 43 and protruding toward the other, and an engagement groove portion 10b provided on the other of the end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 or the receiving portion 43 and into which the engagement protrusion 43i is inserted to regulate the rotation of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be easily positioned relative to the exterior case 12 in the circumferential direction.

[0284] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, the main body unit 2 is provided which can prevent the cartridge accommodating portion 10 from being removed from the exterior case 12 without the need for fasteners such as screws, and therefore the overall device can be made compact.

[0285] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0286] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0287] The main unit 2 of the above-described embodiment comprises a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates a cartridge, an outer case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, a sensor 34 that is housed in the outer case 12 and detects inhalation by the user, and a sensor holder 35 that is housed in the outer case 12 and holds the sensor 34, and the sensor holder 35 has a shape that follows the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10 and is in airtight contact with the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10. According to this configuration, the sensor holder 35 can be disposed along the peripheral surface of the cartridge storage section 10, so that the sensor 34 and the sensor holder 35 can be incorporated in a space-saving manner. This eliminates the need to provide an air flow path 80 for the sensor 34 separately from the sensor holder 35, and the air flow path 80 itself can be short.

[0288] In this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 10d formed in its circumferential surface, and the sensor holder 35 has a cartridge accommodating portion side protrusion 35D that is inserted into the through hole 10d. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the sensor holder 35.

[0289] In addition, in this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 has a holder side protrusion 35B (anti-cartridge accommodating section side protrusion) on the opposite side to the cartridge accommodating section 10, and an air flow path 80 connecting the inside of the cartridge accommodating section 10 and the sensor 34 is formed in the holder side protrusion 35B. This configuration allows the air flow path 80 to the sensor 34 to be shortened.

[0290] In this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 has a holding portion 35C that holds the sensor 34 in the air flow path 80. This configuration allows the sensor 34 to be held in the air flow path 80, making the air flow path 80 shorter.

[0291] In this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 is airtightly adhered to the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 via an adhesive member (adhesive sheet 48). According to this configuration, the adhesion between the sensor holder 35 and the cartridge housing portion 10 is improved.

[0292] In this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 has a curved plate portion 35A that is curved along the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. According to this configuration, the sensor holder 35 can be easily disposed in a small gap around the cartridge accommodating portion 10 .

[0293] In this embodiment, a light source 52 that illuminates the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 is provided, and the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guiding member that guides the light of the light source 52 into the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 . According to this configuration, the sensor holder 35 also serves as a light guiding member, so that the number of parts can be reduced and space can be saved.

[0294] In this embodiment, the sensor holder 35 is made of polycarbonate resin. According to this configuration, it is possible to impart appropriate hardness and good light guiding properties to the sensor holder 35 which also serves as a light guiding member.

[0295] In this embodiment, a waterproof, breathable member 81 is provided to separate the space between the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the sensor 34 . This configuration makes it possible to prevent leakage of liquid into the sensor 34.

[0296] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, the main unit 2 capable of incorporating the sensor 34 and the sensor holder 35 in a space-saving manner is provided, and therefore the device can be made compact.

[0297] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above, and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0298] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0299] The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above comprises a cartridge accommodating section 10 that accommodates a cartridge, an outer case 12 that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge accommodating section 10, and a main board 31 that is accommodated in the outer case 12, and the main board 31 is provided with a protruding electrode 50 that is inserted into a cartridge accommodating chamber formed inside the cartridge accommodating section 10. According to this configuration, since the protruding electrodes 50 are directly attached to the main substrate 31, there is no need to prepare a separate sub-substrate for the protruding electrodes 50, and the space inside the exterior case 12 can be saved.

[0300] In this embodiment, the main substrate 31 has a protruding electrode cover 51 that covers the portion where the protruding electrodes 50 are provided. According to this configuration, the connection portion between the main substrate 31 and the protruding electrode 50 can be protected.

[0301] In this embodiment, the portion where the protruding electrode 50 is provided includes a base portion 50A that is disposed on the main substrate 31 and supports the protruding electrode 50. According to this configuration, the projecting electrode cover 51 can protect the projecting electrode 50 including the base portion 50A that supports the projecting electrode 50.

[0302] In this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 holds the cartridge storage portion 10 and abuts against the holder 30 in which the insertion holes 43c into which the protruding electrodes 50 are inserted are formed. According to this configuration, the projecting electrode cover 51 and the holder 30 come into contact with each other, so that unexpected liquid leakage from the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be prevented.

[0303] In this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is formed with a through hole 51c through which the protruding electrode 50 is disposed. According to this configuration, since the projecting electrode cover 51 covers the areas other than the areas where the projecting electrode 50 needs to pass, unexpected liquid leakage from the cartridge accommodating portion 10 can be prevented.

[0304] In this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is provided on the main substrate 31 together with the protruding electrodes 50 . According to this configuration, since the projecting electrodes 50 and the projecting electrode covers 51 are attached to the main board 31, the assembly of the main unit 2 becomes easy.

[0305] In this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is assembled into the exterior case 12 in a non-contact state. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the protruding electrode cover 51 from coming into contact with the exterior case 12 and becoming deformed or displaced when the exterior case 12 is attached, for example.

[0306] In this embodiment, the protruding electrode cover 51 is made of silicone resin. According to this configuration, the adhesion of the projecting electrode cover 51 can be improved, and leakage of liquid can be prevented more reliably.

[0307] In this embodiment, the protruding electrodes 50 extend parallel to the surface of the main substrate 31 . According to this configuration, the thickness of the main unit 2 can be made thinner than in a configuration in which the protruding electrodes 50 extend perpendicularly to the plate surface of the main substrate 31, thereby achieving space saving.

[0308] In addition, in this embodiment, the main substrate 31 has a first portion 31A extending along the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and a second portion 31B extending in a direction intersecting the first portion 31A and facing an end portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 10, and a protruding electrode 50 is provided on the second portion 31B. According to this configuration, the first part 31A of the main board 31 is arranged along the cartridge storage section 10, thereby shortening the overall length of the main unit 2. Also, by extending the second part 31B from the first part 31A and directly attaching the protruding electrode 50, it becomes easier to arrange the protruding electrode 50 at the end of the cartridge storage section 10.

[0309] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, the main unit 2 in which the components are incorporated takes up less space, so that the overall device can be made compact.

[0310] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0311] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0312] The main unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes an outer case 12 having a first main surface portion 12A1 and a second main surface portion 12A2 opposed to the first main surface portion 12A1, and a component (holder 30) accommodated in the outer case 12. The outer case 12 includes a first case 13A having a first peripheral wall portion 12B1 provided on the periphery of the first main surface portion 12A1, a second main surface portion 12A2, and a second main surface portion 12A3. The housing has a second case 13B having a second peripheral wall portion 12B2 provided on the periphery, a first connection portion 91 connecting the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2, a second connection portion 92 connecting an accommodated component to the opposing surface 13a1 of either the first main surface portion 12A1 or the second main surface portion 12A2, and a third connection portion 93 connecting the same accommodated component to the other opposing surface 13b1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent disassembly by the user, since the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 are connected inside the exterior case 12. Also, since the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 are connected inside the exterior case 12, a strong connection is not required at the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 on the outside of the exterior case 12, and the thicknesses of the first peripheral wall portion 12B1 and the second peripheral wall portion 12B2 can be reduced. It should be noted that the “housed component” is not limited to the holder 30, but may be any component at least a portion of which is housed in the exterior case 12.

[0313] In this embodiment, the connection method of the first connection portion 91 includes a claw fitting method. According to this configuration, the outside of the exterior case 12 is connected by claw engagement, which allows temporary fastening of the exterior case 12 and facilitates the subsequent assembly process. Furthermore, with claw engagement, the exterior case 12 can be assembled repeatedly (reversibly) and easily without using tools.

[0314] In the present embodiment, the connection method of at least one of the second connection portion 92 and the third connection portion 93 includes welding. According to this configuration, the inside of the exterior case 12 is permanently (irreversibly) connected by welding, which makes it possible to prevent disassembly by the user. Even if the exterior case 12 is disassembled, it will be difficult for the user to reassemble it because of the irreversible connection.

[0315] In the present embodiment, the other connection method of the second connection portion 92 and the third connection portion 93 includes screw fastening. According to this configuration, the contained components can be repeatedly (reversibly) attached to the exterior case 12 by screwing, making assembly easy.

[0316] In this embodiment, at least one of the first connection portion 91, the second connection portion 92, and the third connection portion 93 has a different number of connection methods. According to this configuration, it is difficult for the user to disassemble the exterior case 12 because the connection methods of the three connection parts of the exterior case 12 are not the same. Even if the exterior case 12 is disassembled, it is difficult for the user to reassemble it because the connection methods of the three connection parts of the exterior case 12 are not the same.

[0317] In this embodiment, the contained components include a holder 30 that holds at least a part of the components provided inside the exterior case 12. According to this configuration, since the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 can be connected inside the outer case 12 using the holder 30, the space inside the outer case 12 can be saved.

[0318] In this embodiment, the holder 30 has a main plate 41 and a main plate intersection portion (first rib 42C, second rib 42D, receiving portion 43) extending in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41. According to this configuration, the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2 can be connected via the main plate intersection portion while increasing the rigidity of the holder 30 without impeding the component holding function of the holder 30.

[0319] In this embodiment, the main plate intersection portion may extend to at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate 41. According to this configuration, the cross section of the holder 30 is at least L-shaped, and the rigidity of the holder 30 can be increased.

[0320] In this embodiment, case side protrusions 13G, 13J to which the main plate intersections are connected are formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces 13a1, 13b1 of the first main surface portion 12A1 and the second main surface portion 12A2. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to extend the main plate intersection portion all the way to the opposing surface 13a1, 13b1 of either the first main surface portion 12A1 or the second main surface portion 12A2, so that deformation of the main plate intersection portion can be suppressed.

[0321] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, the main unit 2 is provided which can prevent disassembly by the user, thereby improving the safety of the device as a whole.

[0322] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0323] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0324] The main body unit 2 of the present embodiment described above includes a cartridge storage section 10 that stores the cartridge 3, and the cartridge storage section 10 has a cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a that protrudes from an exterior case 12 of the main body unit 2. According to this configuration, the location for inserting and removing the cartridge is easy to see, making it easy to tell up from down, and therefore easy to insert and remove the cartridge.

[0325] In this embodiment, the cartridge storage section 10 has a suction port connection section 10B for connecting the suction port section 11 to the cartridge insertion / removal port 10a, and at least a part of the suction port connection section 10B protrudes from the exterior case 12. According to this configuration, the location where the suction mouth part 11 is to be connected is easily visible, so that connection of the suction mouth part 11 to the cartridge storage part 10 is facilitated.

[0326] In this embodiment, the exterior case 12 has a protruding portion 12D, and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 protrudes from a deformation transition portion 12D1 of the protruding portion 12D. According to this configuration, the cartridge accommodating section 10 is formed with a portion that is largely exposed from the exterior case 12 and a portion that is slightly exposed. It is possible to ensure visibility in the largely exposed portion of the cartridge accommodating section 10, while ensuring an area for protecting the cartridge accommodating section 10 in the slightly exposed portion. In addition, since the contact length between the edge of the exterior case 12 and the circumferential surface of the cartridge accommodating section 10 is long, it becomes easier to ensure connection strength when bonding the two together.

[0327] In this embodiment, the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a is disposed at a position below the apex P of the protruding portion 12D in the main axial direction in which the cartridge storage portion 10 extends. According to this configuration, in the event of a drop or collision, the raised portion 12D of the exterior case 12 comes into contact with the outside before the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a does, thereby preventing deformation of the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a.

[0328] In addition, in this embodiment, the input device 15 is arranged in the deformation transition portion 12D2 opposite to the deformation transition portion 12D1 of the raised portion 12D from which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 protrudes, and the input device 15 is arranged at a position below the top P of the raised portion 12D in the main axial direction in which the cartridge accommodating portion 10 extends. According to this configuration, in the event of a fall or collision, the raised portion 12D of the exterior case 12 comes into contact with the outside before the input device 15 does, thereby preventing the input device 15 from malfunctioning.

[0329] In this embodiment, the input device 15 is disposed so as to face in an acute angle direction with respect to the main axis O of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 which passes through the center of the cartridge insertion / removal opening 10a. This configuration makes it easier for the user to operate the input device 15 while holding the suction mouth portion 11 in his / her mouth.

[0330] In addition, this embodiment includes a holder 30 housed in the outer case 12, and the holder 30 has a main plate 41 that holds at least one of the parts provided inside the outer case 12, and a receiving portion 43 that is formed integrally with the main plate 41 and receives an end of the cartridge storage portion 10. According to this configuration, since both the internal parts of the exterior case 12 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are assembled to the holder 30, assembly is facilitated.

[0331] In this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed with an insertion hole 43c for inserting the protruding electrode 50 into the cartridge storage portion 10. According to this configuration, the protruding electrodes 50 can be easily disposed inside the cartridge receiving portion 10.

[0332] In this embodiment, the receiving portion 43 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main plate 41 at an end portion in the lateral direction of the main plate 41 . According to this configuration, the main plate 41 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10 are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, so that the overall length of the main body unit 2 can be shortened.

[0333] In addition, in this embodiment, the holder 30 has a sub-plate 42 that extends from the end of the main plate 41 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the main plate 41 and holds at least one of the components arranged along the outer surface of the outer case 12. This configuration increases the rigidity of the holder 30 and saves space.

[0334] The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes the main unit 2 described above, and a cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge containing section 10 of the main unit 2. According to this configuration, the main unit 2 has an easily visible location for inserting and removing the cartridge, making it easy to use.

[0335] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above, and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0336] In addition, the present embodiment also provides the following advantageous effects.

[0337] The aerosol generating device of the present embodiment described above has a cylindrical cartridge 3 that contains an aerosol source, a cylindrical cartridge storage section 10 that contains the cartridge 3, and a positioning mechanism 90 that positions the cartridge 3 relative to the cartridge storage section 10. The positioning mechanism 90 is provided on either the cartridge 3 or the cartridge storage section 10 (cartridge storage section 10) and is equipped with an engagement protrusion 43h that protrudes toward the other (cartridge 3) in the main axis direction in which the main axis O of the cartridge storage section 10 extends, and whose width in the circumferential direction around the main axis O decreases toward the other side, and an engagement groove portion 26i that is provided on the other of the cartridge 3 and the cartridge storage section 10 and into which the engagement protrusion 43h can be inserted in the main axis direction. According to this configuration, the position of the cartridge 3 is smoothly determined. It should be noted that the engaging protrusion 43h may be provided on the cartridge 3 side, and the engaging groove 26i may be provided on the cartridge accommodating portion 10 side.

[0338] In this embodiment, the gap generated between the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer diameter of the cartridge 3 is larger than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. According to this configuration, the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 becomes large, and the engaging protrusion 43h can be easily guided into the engaging groove portion 26i.

[0339] In this embodiment, the gap between the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the outer diameter of the cartridge is greater than 7.0% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion 10. According to this configuration, the clearance between the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the cartridge 3 becomes larger, and the engaging protrusion 43h can be more easily guided into the engaging groove portion 26i.

[0340] In this embodiment, the engaging protrusions 43h and the engaging grooves 26i are formed on the same radius with the main axis O as the center. According to this configuration, the relative rotation of the engaging protrusion 43h and the engaging groove 26i about the main axis O causes the engaging protrusion 43h to be inserted into the engaging groove 26i.

[0341] In this embodiment, the device is provided with a suction port portion 11 which engages with the cartridge storage portion 10 and has a suction port formed therein for sucking in the aerosol atomized by the aerosol source. According to this configuration, it is possible to suck aerosol from the cartridge housing portion 10 in which the cartridge 3 is housed.

[0342] In this embodiment, the suction mouth portion 11 has a cartridge abutment portion 60 that abuts against the cartridge 3 while engaging with the cartridge storage portion 10. According to this configuration, the positional deviation of the cartridge 3 while the suction mouth portion 11 is engaging with the cartridge storage portion 10 can be suppressed.

[0343] In this embodiment, the cartridge abutment portion 60 presses the cartridge 3 in the axial direction with the suction mouth portion 11 engaged with the cartridge storage portion 10. According to this configuration, the cartridge 3 can be positioned in the axial direction by the pressing force of the cartridge abutment portion 60.

[0344] In this embodiment, the cartridge contact portion 60 is made of an elastic resin material. According to this configuration, the elastic deformation of the cartridge abutment portion 60 makes it easier to generate a frictional force that rotates the cartridge 3 in the circumferential direction, and also makes it easier to generate a pressing force that presses the cartridge 3 in the axial direction.

[0345] In this embodiment, an annular projection 61 is formed on the surface of the cartridge contact portion 60 that faces the cartridge 3 . According to this configuration, the annular protrusion 61 prevents the cartridge abutment portion 60 from contacting the cartridge 3 in a planar manner, so that the contact pressure increases and frictional force in the circumferential direction and pressing force in the axial direction are more likely to be generated.

[0346] In this embodiment, the holder 30 has a receiving portion 43 for detachably receiving the end portion of the cartridge storage portion 10 . According to this configuration, the cartridge storage portion 10 is detachable from the receiving portion 43, which facilitates assembly and maintenance.

[0347] The inhaler 1 of this embodiment includes the aerosol generating device described above, and a flavor source container 4 attached to a mouthpiece 11 of the aerosol generating device. This configuration allows flavors to be added to the aerosol.

[0348] <Other Modifications> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the attached claims.

[0349] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the inhaler 1 having the flavor source container 4 detachably attached thereto has been described as an example of an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Another example of the aerosol generating device may be a configuration that does not have the flavor source container 4 (a configuration with only a mouthpiece that does not contain a flavor source) like an electronic cigarette. In this case, an aerosol source containing a flavor is contained in the cartridge 3, and an aerosol containing a flavor is generated by the aerosol generating device. That is, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be one that does not include the flavor source container 4, but includes the main unit 2 and the cartridge 3. Also, an aerosol generating device may be one that does not include the flavor source container 4 and the cartridge 3, but includes only the main unit 2. The aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. That is, the main unit of the aerosol generating device may include a solid aerosol source storage unit that stores a solid aerosol source, an exterior case that surrounds at least a part of the outside of the solid aerosol source storage unit, and a holder that is stored in the exterior case, and the holder may have a main plate that holds at least one of the components provided inside the exterior case, and a receiving portion that is formed integrally with the main plate and receives an end of the solid aerosol source storage unit.

[0350] In the above embodiment, the main unit 2 is separable from the mouthpiece 11, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the power source 37 and other components may be unitized and separable from the main unit 2. The mouthpiece 11 and flavor source container 4 may be integrated into a single unit.

[0351] In the above embodiment, the cartridge accommodating section 10 is configured in a cylindrical shape surrounding the cartridge 3, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The cartridge accommodating section 10 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of holding the cartridge 3. In other words, the cartridge accommodating section 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a triangular tube, a square tube, or another polygonal tube, or a shape other than a polygonal tube.

[0352] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the exterior case 12 is formed into a generally rounded flat box shape has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The shape of the exterior case 12 may be a rectangular parallelepiped, another polyhedron, or a solid shape other than a polyhedron.

[0353] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the main unit 2 is activated by pressing the input device 15. However, the main unit 2 may be activated only by detecting a puff by the sensor 34 without including the input device 15.

[0354] A part or all of the above-described embodiment may be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0355] (Appendix 1) An outer case, a holder provided inside the exterior case, The holder is a first plate surface that holds a first component; A main body unit of an aerosol generating device having a second plate surface opposite the first plate surface, which holds a second part different from the first part.

[0356] (Appendix 2) an outer case having a peripheral wall portion connecting a pair of main wall portions; an input device disposed on the peripheral wall portion, The peripheral wall portion is an outer surface portion flush with the outer surfaces of the pair of main walls; a recess recessed relative to the outer surface portion, A main unit of an aerosol generating device, wherein the input device is arranged in the recess.

[0357] (Appendix 3) a cartridge storage section for storing a cartridge; a window portion provided in at least a part of the cartridge housing portion; an exterior case in which at least a portion of the window is exposed and which is provided so as to surround at least a portion of the cartridge storage portion; a light source provided inside the exterior case for illuminating the cartridge; A main unit of an aerosol generating device comprising:

[0358] (Appendix 4) a cartridge storage section for storing a cartridge; an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge storage portion, A slit-shaped air inlet is formed on the outer surface of the exterior case, A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, wherein the air inlet is in communication with the interior of the cartridge storage section via a serpentine air flow path.

[0359] (Appendix 5) a cartridge storage section for storing a cartridge; an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge housing portion and has an opening; a fitting member fitted into the opening, An air inlet is formed in a gap between the fitting member and the opening, A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, wherein an air hole that connects the air inlet with the inside of the cartridge storage portion is formed at the point where the fitting member and the outer case overlap.

[0360] (Appendix 6) a cartridge storage section for storing a cartridge; an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge storage section; a fitting member fitted into the exterior case, the fitting member has a protrusion protruding toward the cartridge housing portion, The cartridge storage portion has an engagement portion that engages with the protrusion, and the main body unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0361] (Appendix 7) An outer case, a cartridge storage section at least partially surrounded by the exterior case; A holder accommodated inside the exterior case; A main body unit of an aerosol generating device comprising: a movement limiting member that engages with the holder and limits the movement of the cartridge accommodating portion at least in the removal direction from the outer case.

[0362] (Appendix 8) a cartridge storage section for storing a cartridge; an exterior case that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge storage section; A sensor that is housed in the exterior case and detects inhalation by a user; a sensor holder that is housed in the exterior case and holds the sensor, The sensor holder is curved along the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating section and is in close contact with the peripheral surface of the cartridge accommodating section, in a main body unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0363] (Appendix 9) a cartridge receiving section that is formed with a cartridge insertion / removal opening for inserting and removing a cartridge and that receives the cartridge; An exterior case for housing the components; A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, in which a portion of the cartridge accommodating section including the cartridge insertion / removal port protrudes from the outer case.

[0364] (Appendix 10) a cylindrical cartridge housing portion for housing a cartridge; an engaging protrusion for positioning the cartridge relative to the cartridge accommodating portion, A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, wherein the engagement protrusion extends in the radial direction of the cartridge accommodating portion from the inner wall of the cartridge accommodating portion toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion by a dimension greater than 2.6% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion.

[0365] (Appendix 11) a cylindrical cartridge housing portion for housing a cartridge; an engaging protrusion for positioning the cartridge relative to the cartridge accommodating portion, A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, wherein the engagement protrusion extends in the radial direction of the cartridge accommodating portion from the inner wall of the cartridge accommodating portion toward the inside of the cartridge accommodating portion by a dimension greater than 7.0% of the inner diameter of the cartridge accommodating portion.

[0366] In addition, within the scope of the invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0367] The present invention relates to a main unit of an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device, and a non-combustion inhaler, which can prevent a user from disassembling the device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0368] 1...inhaler, 2...main unit, 3...cartridge, 4...flavor source container, 10...cartridge storage section, 10a...cartridge insertion / removal port, 10A...insert ring, 10A1...part, 10b...engagement groove, 10B...suction port connection section, 10b1...first groove, 10b2...second groove, 10b3...third groove, 10b4...fitting hole, 10c...through hole, 10C...groove, 10c1...rectangular groove, 10C1...slope, 10d...through hole, 10e...air communication hole, 10g...groove, 10h...projection, 11...suction port section, 11A...suction port section main body, 11a1...peripheral wall, 11a2...flange section, 11a3...bottom wall, 11a 4...Through hole, 11B...Cylinder, 11b1...Protrusion, 12...Exterior case, 12A...Main surface part, 12A1...First main surface part, 12A2...Second main surface part, 1 2B...peripheral wall part, 12b1...outer surface, 12B1...first surrounding wall part, 12b2...recessed part, 12B2...second surrounding wall part, 12C...corner part, 12C1...first 1 corner part, 12C2...2nd corner part, 12C3...3rd corner part, 12C4...4th corner part, 12D...protrusion part, 12D1...deformation transient part, 12D2...deformation transient part, 13...main case, 13a...opening, 13A...first case, 13a1...opposite surface, 13b...opening, 13B ...second case, 13b1...opposing surface, 13C...boss portion, 13D...mounting portion, 13d1...mounting wall, 13d2...notch portion, 13E...engagement claw, 13F...engagement claw, 13G...case side protrusion, 13G1...case side protrusion, 13H...groove portion, 13I...engagement claw, 13J...case side protrusion, 13K...claw receiving portion, 13L...groove portion, 14...display cover, 14a...through hole, 14b1...engagement claw, 14b2...engagement claw, 14c...side wall, 14c1...insertion hole, 15...input device, 15a...switch button, 15a1...base portion, 15a2...button portion, 15a3...insertion hole, 15b...switch Substrate, 15c...switch holder, 15c1...inner diameter side protrusion piece, 15c2...outer diameter side protrusion piece, 16...window portion, 17...cover member, 17A...main body case side protrusion, 17B...plate portion, 17b1...case fitting hole, 17C...cartridge storage section side protrusion, 17D...protrusion, 18...air inlet, 19...air hole, 20...charging terminal, 21...tank, 21a...top wall, 21b...through hole, 21c...flow path pipe, 21d...outer peripheral wall, 21e...rib, 21f...engagement hole, 21g...liquid storage chamber, 22...gasket, 22a...opening, 23...mesh body, 24...atomization container, 24a...circumferential wall, 24b...fitting portion,24c... atomization chamber, 24d... bottom wall, 24e... opening, 25... heating section, 25a... wick, 25b... heating wire, 25i... engagement groove, 26... heater holder, 26a... peripheral wall, 26b... engagement piece, 26c... air intake hole, 26d... bottom wall, 26e... air intake hole, 26f... isolation wall, 26g... slit, 26h... flat electrode, 26i... engagement groove, 27... container body, 27a... peripheral wall, 27b... step, 27c... flavor source storage chamber, 27d... bottom wall, 27e... fine hole, 28... filter, 30... holder, 30a... through hole, 31... main board, 31a... first plate surface, 31A... first portion, 31b... second plate surface, 31B... second portion, 32... sub-substrate, 32a... adhesive sheet, 32b... opening, 32c... connection terminal, 33... display device, 33a... display device main body, 33b... display device holder, 33c... cushioning material, 34... sensor, 35... sensor holder, 35A... curved plate portion, 35B... holder side projection, 35C... holding portion, 35D... cartridge storage portion side projection, 36... vibrator, 36a... eccentric weight, 37... power supply, 41... main plate, 41a... first plate surface, 41b... second plate surface, 41c... opening, 41d... substrate support piece, 41f... engagement claw, 41h1... first end side, 4 1h2...second end edge, 42...subplate, 42a...clamping piece, 42A...first subplate, 42a1...projection, 42a2...subplate extension, 42B...second subplate, 42b1...wiring groove, 42b2...board holding piece, 42b3...subplate extension, 42C...first rib, 42d...notch, 42D...second rib, 42d1...first notch, 42D1...branch, 42d2...second notch, 42E...case fitting portion, 42e1...first fitting hole, 42e2...second fitting hole, 42e3...clamped piece, 43...receiving portion, 43a...peripheral wall, 43b...bottom wall, 43c...insertion hole, 43d...annular wall, 43e...substrate support piece, 43f...clamping piece, 43g...step, 43h...engagement protrusion, 43i...engagement protrusion, 43j...substrate abutment portion, 44...tray, 45...abbreviation, 45...adhesive sheet, 46...adhesive sheet, 47...adhesive sheet, 48...adhesive sheet, 50...projecting electrode, 50A...base portion, 51...projecting electrode cover, 51a...cover end wall, 51b...cover peripheral wall, 51c...through hole, 52...light source, 60...cartridge abutment portion, 60a...first ring portion, 60b...cylindrical portion, 60c...second ring portion, 61...annular protrusion, 62...communication hole, 70...air groove, 71...annular groove portion, 72...step groove portion, 80...air flow path,81...waterproof and breathable member, 90...mechanism, 91...first connection portion, 92...second connection portion, 93...third connection portion, 94...fourth connection portion, 100...holder unit, D1...inner diameter, D2...outer diameter, D3...dimension, DD...arrow view, O...main axis, O1...diagonal line, P...top, S1...gap, S2...gap, T1...protrusion amount, T2...difference, T3...deflection amount, θ...angle,

Claims

1. an outer case having a first main surface portion and a second main surface portion facing the first main surface portion; A component housed in the exterior case, The outer case is a first case having the first main surface portion and a first peripheral wall portion provided on a peripheral edge of the first main surface portion; a second case having the second main surface portion and a second peripheral wall portion provided on a peripheral edge of the second main surface portion, the housing component includes a holder that holds at least a part of a component provided inside the exterior case, The holder is The main plate and a main plate intersection portion extending in a direction intersecting a plate surface of the main plate, A through hole is formed in the main plate intersection portion so as to penetrate in a direction intersecting with the plate surface of the main plate, A main body unit of an aerosol generating device, in which a boss portion protruding from at least one of the opposing surfaces of the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion is screwed in place by a screw passing through the through hole of the main plate intersection portion.

2. A first connection portion connecting the first peripheral wall portion and the second peripheral wall portion; a second connection portion that connects the housing component to one of the opposing surfaces of the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion; The main body unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a third connection portion that connects the housing component to the other opposing surface of the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion.

3. The main unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the connection method of the first connection portion includes a claw engagement.

4. The main body unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a connection method of at least one of the second connection portion and the third connection portion includes welding.

5. The main unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the other connection method of the second connection portion and the third connection portion includes screw fastening at the boss portion.

6. The main body unit of an aerosol generating device described in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one of the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion has a different number of connection methods.

7. The main body unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main plate intersection portion extends to at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the main plate.

8. The main body unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein a case side protrusion portion to which the main plate intersection portion is welded is formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion.

9. A main unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An aerosol generating device comprising: a cartridge that contains an aerosol source and is removably inserted into a cartridge accommodating portion of the main unit.

10. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9, A non-combustion inhaler comprising: a flavor source container attached to a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device.

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