Cartridge and non-combustion type fragrance attractor

Abstract

This cartridge is detachably attached to a body part of a non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprising an antenna that emits microwaves for heating an aerosol source, the cartridge comprising a carrying body that can hold the aerosol source and has an antenna accommodating part that can insertably / extractably accommodate the antenna when attaching / detaching the cartridge to / from the body part, wherein: the carrying body includes a first portion that constitutes a portion of the carrying body and a second portion that exhibits a higher capillary force than the first portion; and the first portion and the second portion are disposed in series with respect to the insertion / extraction direction of the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and a non-combustible fragrance attractor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electronic cigarette that heats and atomizes a liquid for an electronic cigarette using microwaves has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As the amount of the liquid for an electronic cigarette held by the liquid guide member increases, the energy required to atomize the liquid increases. On the other hand, if the amount of the liquid that the liquid guide member can hold is small, the liquid is likely to leak from the saturated liquid guide member. An object of the present invention is to improve the liquid holding function in a non-combustible fragrance attractor that generates an aerosol for a user to inhale by dielectric heating.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The cartridge according to the present invention is a cartridge detachable from a main body of a non-combustible fragrance attractor including an antenna that emits microwaves for heating an aerosol source, and includes a carrier capable of holding the aerosol source and having an antenna housing portion that can accommodate the antenna in an insertable and removable manner when the cartridge is attached to and detached from the main body. The carrier includes a first portion constituting a part thereof and a second portion having a higher capillary force than the first portion, and the first portion and the second portion are arranged in series with respect to the insertion and removal direction of the antenna.

[0006] By providing the carrier with the first part and the second part as described above, the aerosol source can be quickly supplied to the second part with high capillary force to ensure the aerosol generation ability, and the first part can function as a sub-reservoir for absorbing an aerosol source that, for example, a saturated second part cannot hold. Therefore, the liquid holding function in the non-combustible flavor inhaler can be improved.

[0007] Also, a carrier housing member is provided that houses the carrier such that a chamber for mixing the aerosol source vaporized or atomized by the microwave radiated from the antenna and air while allowing the air taken in from the outside to flow is formed around the carrier, and at least a part of the second part may be exposed to the chamber. In this way, the aerosol vaporized or atomized in the chamber can be released from the surface of the second part with high absorption ability of the aerosol source, and the aerosol generation efficiency can be improved. Also, the first part may constitute the side of the carrier in the pulling-out direction of the antenna, and the second part may constitute the side of the carrier in the inserting direction of the antenna. For example, with such a configuration, the first part and the second part can be arranged in series with respect to the inserting and pulling-out direction of the antenna.

[0008] Also, a reservoir may be provided that stores the aerosol source for supplying to the carrier and is in liquid communication with the second part of the carrier. In this way, the aerosol source can be efficiently supplied to the second part with high capillary force.

[0009] Also, the reservoir may be arranged in series with the carrier along the inserting and pulling-out direction on the side of the inserting direction of the antenna with respect to the carrier. In this way, the reservoir can be arranged away from the carrier where the microwave is radiated. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the aerosol source stored in the reservoir from absorbing the microwave and being heated, and reduce the energy loss.

[0010] Further, the carrier may be formed of a fibrous material or a porous material, and the first part may have a higher air permeability than the second part. For example, in this way, parts with different capillary forces can be formed.

[0011] Further, the non-combustible fragrance attractor according to the present invention includes the above cartridge, a main body portion to which the cartridge is detachably attached, and the above antenna.

[0012] Note that the contents described in the means for solving the problems can be combined as much as possible within the scope not departing from the problems and technical ideas of the present invention.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, in a non-combustible fragrance attractor that generates an aerosol for a user to inhale by dielectric heating, the liquid holding function can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Embodiments of the non-combustible fragrance attractor according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this embodiment are examples. Also, the order of processing is an example, and it can be replaced or executed in parallel as much as possible without departing from the problems and technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a non-combustible fragrance inhaler according to the present embodiment. The non-combustible fragrance inhaler 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cartridge 2 that holds a liquid aerosol source, a main body 3 having an antenna 31 for heating the aerosol source by dielectric heating, a mouthpiece portion 4 that is a suction port for the user to hold and inhale the aerosol, and a case 5 that connects the cartridge 2, the main body 3, and the mouthpiece portion 4. The main body 3 and the cartridge 2 are detachably formed with each other. The antenna 31 is, for example, a rod-shaped antenna. The cartridge 2 is, for example, columnar such as a cylinder or a prism, and the antenna 31 can be inserted and removed in its axial direction. In the embodiment, for convenience, in the non-combustible fragrance inhaler 1, the direction in which the cartridge 2 and the mouthpiece portion 4 are located and the insertion direction of the antenna 31 are defined as "up", and the direction in which the main body 3 is located and the pulling-out direction of the antenna 31 are defined as "down" for explanation.

[0017] <Main body> The main body 3 includes an antenna 31, a shield 32, a tuner 33, a microwave generation unit 34, and a battery 35. The battery 35 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery, and supplies power to the circuits included in the main body 3. The microwave generation unit 34 is mounted on, for example, a circuit board, and includes an oscillator 341, an isolator 342, a power monitor 343, and a power control unit 344. The oscillator 341 is, for example, a semiconductor-type or magnetron-type microwave oscillator, and generates microwaves of a predetermined frequency. The isolator 342 absorbs microwaves reflected within the main body 3 and suppresses the backflow to the oscillator. The power monitor 343 measures the applied power and the reflected power to the microwave generation unit 34. The power control unit 344 controls the power supplied to the microwave generation unit 34 according to the user's suction operation (puff), etc. The tuner 33 is connected between the microwave generation unit 34 and the antenna 31, matches the impedance of the microwave generation unit 34 and the impedance of the load, and reduces the reflected power. The antenna 31 is connected to the tuner 33 by, for example, a coaxial cable, and radiates microwaves for heating an aerosol source around it. That is, for example, the rod-shaped antenna 31 radiates microwaves outward in the radial direction. The antenna length can be appropriately set according to the frequency of the radiated microwaves. That is, the antenna length is preferably a value obtained by dividing the wavelength λ determined based on the frequency by a natural number (λ / n (n = 1, 2, 3,...)). The antenna length may be, for example, 5 mm. Also, the antenna diameter is, for example, 1 mm. The shield 32 is a metal wall portion provided so as to cover the periphery of the antenna 31 while being separated from the antenna 31. Also, the shield 32 is to be connected to the ground in the circuit included in the main body 3. Then, the shield 32 absorbs or reflects the microwaves radiated from the antenna 31, and suppresses the leakage of microwaves to the outside of the non-combustion type fragrance attractor 1. Note that the shield 32 may be detachable from the main body 3.

[0018] Note that the main body 3 may include other components. For example, the main body 3 may include a pressure sensor, and when the pressure sensor detects the negative pressure generated by the user's suction operation, the above-described power control unit 344 may control the operation of the microwave generation unit 34. Further, it may include an indicator such as an LED that indicates the operating state of the main body 3 by lighting or blinking, or a display. Further, the main body 3 may include a charging connector for connecting to a cable that supplies current to charge the battery 35, or a power receiving unit that can receive power transmitted from an external power source in a non-contact manner. Further, the main body 3 may include a control unit that estimates the remaining amount of the aerosol source held by the cartridge 2 and performs control according to the remaining amount.

[0019] <Mouthpiece portion> The mouthpiece portion 4 is the suction port through which the user sucks the aerosol, and is connected to the end of the aerosol flow path provided in the cartridge 2. Further, the mouthpiece portion 4 may be, for example, a capsule filled with a flavor source such as tobacco leaf flakes, and may be formed such that the aerosol passes through the accommodation space of the flavor source to add flavor to the aerosol. Note that the non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 may not include the mouthpiece portion 4.

[0020] <Case> In Case 5, for example, the cartridge 2 is accommodated by two parts and connected to the main body 3. The case 5 and the main body may be provided with, for example, a male screw and a female screw, respectively, and may be screwed together. Also, a mouthpiece part 4 is connected to the upper part of the case 5. The connection between the upper part of the case 5 and the mouthpiece part 4 may also be, for example, a male screw and a female screw being screwed together. Note that the upper part of the case 5 may have the mouthpiece part 4 integrally formed. Note that the lower part of the case 5 may be integrally formed with the main body 3. That is, the shield 32 of the main body 3 may be configured to constitute at least a part of the lower part of the case 5. Also, without providing the upper part of the case 5, the mass piece part 4 may be connected to the shield 32. At this time, the shield 32 may cover the whole or substantially the whole of the cartridge 2. Also, without providing the upper part of the case 5, the mouthpiece part 4 may be connected to the cartridge 2.

[0021] <Cartridge> FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are exploded perspective views schematically showing a part of the main body and the structure of the cartridge. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view along the insertion / extraction direction of the antenna, schematically showing a part of the main body and the cartridge in a removed state. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a part of the main body and the cartridge in an attached state. The cartridge 2 includes a reservoir 21, a first carrier accommodating member 22, a carrier 23, a seal member 24, and a second carrier accommodating member 25. Note that the shield 32 shown in FIG. 1 is not shown.

[0022] The reservoir 21 is a columnar member extending along the insertion / extraction direction of the antenna 31. The reservoir 21 includes a storage tank part 211 and an aerosol flow path 212. The storage tank part 211 has a double-tube structure in which the cross section orthogonal to the insertion / extraction direction (vertical direction) of the antenna 31 is annular. That is, the reservoir 21 has an inner tube 213 and an outer tube 214, and the storage tank part 211 is formed between the inner tube 213 and the outer tube 214.

[0023] The storage tank portion 211 has an opening on the side of the lower end (the first reservoir end portion) 215 of the reservoir 21, and the upper portion of the first carrier accommodating member 22 is inserted into the opening. Also, the upper end (the second reservoir end portion) 216 side of the reservoir 21 is closed in the storage tank portion 211. The storage tank portion 211 is a space for storing a liquid aerosol source. The aerosol source is a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol. Note that the aerosol source may further be a mixed liquid containing nicotine solution, water, fragrance, etc.

[0024] The aerosol flow path 212 is formed inside the inner tube 213 so as to be separated from the storage tank portion 211 by the inner tube 213 surrounded by the storage tank portion 211 in the cross section. The aerosol flow path 212 is a through hole extending along the vertical direction, and the side of the lower end 215 of the reservoir 21 is in air communication with the space for accommodating the carrier 23. Also, the aerosol flow path 212 is connected to the mouthpiece portion 4 on the side of the upper end 216 of the reservoir 21 and is in air communication with the mouthpiece portion 4.

[0025] The carrier 23 is a columnar member having an antenna housing portion 231 into which the antenna 31 can be inserted and removed when the cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the main body 3. The carrier 23 is, for example, cylindrical, but may be elliptical, prismatic, or other columnar shapes. The carrier 23 has an upper surface (first carrier end portion) 232 corresponding to the end on the antenna insertion direction side, a bottom surface (second carrier end portion) 233 corresponding to the end on the antenna extraction direction side, and a side surface (side peripheral portion) 234. The antenna housing portion 231 is, for example, a through hole extending in the axial direction along the center of the cross section of the carrier 23. Note that the antenna housing portion 231 may be a recess (i.e., a non-through hole) with the upper surface 232 side closed. The vertical length of the antenna housing portion 231 is preferably equal to or greater than the length by which the antenna 31 protrudes. That is, in a state where the antenna housing portion 231 houses the antenna 31, by designing so that the upper end 311 of the antenna 31 does not penetrate the upper surface 232 of the carrier 23, the carrier 23 can sufficiently receive the microwave radiated by the antenna 31. The vertical length of the antenna housing portion 231 is determined according to the antenna length and is, for example, about 5 mm.

[0026] Further, the carrier 23 is formed of a fiber material such as glass fiber or rock wool, or a porous material such as porous ceramic, and can hold an aerosol source in the voids. Also, the carrier 23 is arranged such that its upper surface 232 is in liquid communication with the storage tank portion 211 of the reservoir 21, and absorbs the aerosol source by capillary action.

[0027] The first carrier accommodating member 22 is a cylindrical member connected to the lower end side of the reservoir 21. Inside the wall portion 226 which is the side wall of the first carrier accommodating member 22, a disk-shaped partition wall 224 is provided to partition the internal space of the first carrier accommodating member 22 vertically. Concentric wall portions 226 and 227 project from the upper part of the first carrier accommodating member 22. The outer diameter of the wall portion 226 which is the outer peripheral side wall corresponds to the inner diameter of the outer tube 214 of the reservoir 21. Also, the inner diameter of the wall portion 227 on the inner peripheral side corresponds to the outer diameter of the inner tube 213 of the reservoir 21. And the wall portions 226 and 227 are inserted into the storage tank portion 211, and the first carrier accommodating member 22 is connected to the lower end of the storage tank portion 211. Note that the wall portion 226 also extends below the partition wall 224.

[0028] Also, the first carrier accommodating member 22 forms a space for accommodating the carrier 23 below the partition wall 224. That is, the first carrier accommodating member 22 forms a space for accommodating the carrier 23 in a region partitioned from the storage tank portion 211 by the partition wall 224. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the main body portion and the cartridge cut along the A-A cutting line in FIG. 5. That is, FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the non-combustion type fragrance attractor 1 cut in the radial direction. Note that FIG. 5 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of a part of the main body portion and the cartridge cut along the B-B cutting line in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the main body portion and the cartridge cut along the C-C cutting line in FIG. 6. The C-C cross-section is also a longitudinal cross-section along the axial direction of the cartridge 2. However, the direction of the cutting plane of the C-C cross-section is different from that of the above-described B-B cross-section by 90 degrees, and the C-C cross-section passes through the inside of the first through hole 221 provided in the partition wall 224. FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the main body portion and the cartridge cut along the D-D cutting line in FIG. 6.

[0029] The first through-hole 221 penetrates the partition wall 224 and is an aerosol source supply path that liquid-communicates the storage tank portion 211 of the reservoir 21 and the carrier 23. In other words, through the first through-hole 221 in the partition wall 224, the reservoir 21 is in liquid communication with the upper surface 232 of the carrier 23. The first through-hole 221 is an arc-shaped long hole provided along the storage tank portion 211 having a circular cross-section. As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, two first through-holes 221 are provided in the partition wall 224. Further, a second through-hole 222 penetrating the center thereof is provided in the partition wall 224. The second through-hole 222 air-communicates the space for accommodating the carrier 23 and the aerosol flow path 212 of the reservoir 21.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, a step is provided at the lower part of the partition wall 224. That is, as can be seen from FIG. 8 and the like, the thickness of the partition wall 224 is different between the periphery of the first through-hole 221 and the other parts in the partition wall 224. A lower step portion 2241 is formed around the first through-hole 221 so that the lower part of the partition wall 224 extends in contact with the upper surface of the carrier 23. Therefore, the first through-hole 221 liquid-communicates the storage tank portion 211 of the reservoir 21 and the upper surface of the carrier 23. Further, in the partition wall 224, an upper step portion 2242 is formed so as to be separated from the upper surface of the carrier 23 so that a gap is formed between the lower part of the partition wall 224 and the upper surface 232 of the carrier 23 in a portion other than the periphery of the first through-hole 221.

[0031] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5, 8, etc., a chamber 225 is formed around the carrier 23 in the space for accommodating the carrier 23. The chamber 225 includes a first chamber region 2251 formed facing the side peripheral portion 234 of the carrier 23 and a second chamber region 2252 formed above the upper surface 232 of the carrier 23. The first chamber region 2251 and the second chamber region 2252 are continuous spaces. The first chamber region 2251 is provided at least in part outside the side peripheral portion of the carrier 23. The first chamber region 2251 may be provided outside the carrier 23 over the entire circumference of the side peripheral portion of the carrier 23. The second chamber region 2252 is a gap between the carrier 23 and the upper stage portion 2242 of the partition wall 224. The above-described second through hole 222 allows air communication between the second chamber region 2252 and the aerosol flow path 212 of the reservoir 21. Note that the chamber region 225 formed around the carrier 23 may be only the first chamber region 2251 or only the second chamber region 2252.

[0032] An air inlet 223 serving as an air intake is provided in an end region 228 located below the wall portion 226 which is the side wall of the first carrier accommodating member 22. A plurality of air inlets 223 are provided along the circumferential direction of the first carrier accommodating member 22. Therefore, in the chamber 225, the air taken in from the outside circulates, and the aerosol generated by the microwave radiated from the antenna 31 is mixed with the air. Generally, the generated aerosol may reaggregate. In the present embodiment, by providing the first chamber region 2251 and the second chamber region 2252 around the carrier 23, the surface of the carrier 23 can be exposed to the chamber 225 as widely as possible. In this way, more aerosol can be released from the exposed surface of the carrier 23, and reaggregation can be suppressed to improve the aerosol generation efficiency. Note that even if there is only the first chamber region 2251 or only the second chamber region 2252, for example, the area where the carrier 23 is exposed to the chamber 225 can be widened, and the aerosol generation efficiency can be improved.

[0033] The seal member 24 is a disc-shaped member having a through hole 241 at its center, and is disposed between the carrier 23 and the second carrier housing member 25. The position of the carrier 23 inside the first carrier housing member 22 and the second carrier housing member 25 may be sandwiched and positioned by the partition wall 224 and the seal member 24, or may be positioned by a connecting means such as an adhesive.

[0034] The seal member 24 is formed of a material having elasticity such as silicon, and the antenna 31 can be inserted into and removed from the through hole 241. For example, the through hole 241 is in a substantially closed state before the insertion of the antenna 31, suppressing the leakage of the aerosol source. Also, when the antenna 31 is inserted, the through hole 241 is expanded in diameter by the passage of the antenna 31. Further, when the antenna 31 is pulled out, the through hole 241 functions as a scraper for wiping the aerosol source adhering to the antenna 31.

[0035] The second carrier housing member 25 is a cylindrical member and has a holding wall 251 inside thereof. The holding wall 251 is disposed opposite to the partition wall 224 of the first carrier housing member 22 and holds the carrier 23 between it and the partition wall 224. The holding wall 251 has a through hole 252 at its center that is larger than the diameter of the antenna 31. The holding wall 251 and its upper part of the second carrier housing member 25 form a space for holding the carrier 23 together with the first carrier housing member 22. Also, an air intake 253 is provided at a position corresponding to the air intake 223 provided on the side surface of the first carrier housing member 22 among the side surfaces of the second carrier housing member 25. In a state where the cartridge 2 is assembled, the air intake 223 and the air intake 253 form one through hole in the side surface of the chamber 225. Also, outside air is introduced from the air intake 223 and the air intake 253 according to the user's suction operation. As described above, the chamber 225 can take in air from around the lower end and discharge the aerosol from the upper center of the chamber 225. Since a unidirectional flow is generated in the chamber 225, the occurrence of stagnation and turbulent flow in the chamber 225 can be suppressed, and the re-aggregation of the aerosol caused by the stagnation and turbulent flow can be suppressed.

[0036] In the second carrier housing member 25, the holding wall 251 and its lower part are detachably attached to the main body part 3. The second carrier housing member 25 includes, for example, an engaging part 254 that engages with the engaged part 36 of the main body part 3. The engaged part 36 and the engaging part 254 are, for example, unevenness that can be inserted and removed and fitted, and may be a structure for attaching the case 5 that houses the cartridge 2 to the main body part 3. Note that male and female screws that are screwed together may be formed on the engaged part 36 and the engaging part 254. Further, the boundary between the engaged part 36 and the engaging part 254 is substantially parallel to the extending direction of the antenna 31, and the engaged part 36 and the engaging part 254 guide the direction in which the antenna 31 is inserted when the cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the main body part 3. In particular, by making the length by which the engaged part 36 protrudes or the depth of the engaging part 254 larger than the length by which the antenna 31 protrudes, the antenna 31 can be inserted straight into the antenna housing part 231 when the cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the main body part 3.

[0037] In the assembled cartridge 2, a part of the aerosol source stored in the storage tank part 211 of the reservoir 21 is absorbed by the carrier 23. Further, when the non-combustion type fragrance attractor 1 is in use, the aerosol source absorbed by the carrier 23 is heated by the microwave radiated by the antenna 31 and vaporized or atomized. Then, the aerosol generated in the chamber 225 of the first carrier housing member 22 passes through the aerosol flow path 212 of the reservoir 21 and is sucked by the user.

[0038] <Effect> If, for example, the storage tank portion 211 is arranged around the antenna 31 in the radial direction, the microwave radiated by the antenna 31 is absorbed by the aerosol source stored in the storage tank portion 211, resulting in energy loss. In addition, due to the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the deviation of the position where the aerosol source exists in the storage tank portion 211, dielectric heating may become non-uniform. In the above-described embodiment, the reservoir 21, the carrier 23, and the antenna 31 are arranged in series along the vertical direction. That is, the lower end of the storage tank portion 211 of the reservoir 21 is arranged above the upper end of the antenna 31 that is in an inserted state with respect to the antenna housing portion 231. Therefore, the microwave mainly radiated to the outside in the radial direction of the antenna 31 is hardly absorbed by the aerosol source held by the storage tank portion 211. Therefore, according to the non-combustion type fragrance attractor 1 described above, energy loss can be reduced.

[0039] Further, the reservoir 21 is in liquid communication with the upper end portion of the carrier 23. In this way, it becomes easy to design so that the reservoir 21 is arranged above the carrier 23. Also, such a non-combustion type fragrance attractor 1 is generally held and sucked by the user substantially horizontally or the tip of the non-combustion type fragrance attractor 1 is tilted vertically downward for sucking. During the interval between suckings, the cartridge 2 side is held vertically upward and the main body portion 3 side is held vertically downward. If the reservoir 21 is in liquid communication with the upper end portion of the carrier 23, during the interval between suckings, the aerosol source moves from the storage tank portion 211 of the reservoir 21 to the carrier 23 in the direction of gravity, so that the aerosol source is stably supplied from the storage tank portion 211 to the carrier 23. Also, even if the cross-sectional area of the through-hole through which the carrier 23 and the reservoir 21 are in liquid communication is made relatively small, the aerosol source is sufficiently supplied. By reducing the cross-section of the portion where the carrier 23 and the reservoir 21 are connected, heat transfer from the carrier 23 to the reservoir 21 can be suppressed, and energy loss can also be reduced.

[0040] Note that the cartridge 2 as described above can be manufactured without using metal. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the cartridge 2 can be reduced, and the recycling of the cartridge 2 becomes easier.

[0041] <Modified Example of Carrier> FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the carrier. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The carrier 23 shown in FIG. 9 includes a plurality of layers having different capillary forces. Specifically, the carrier 23 includes a first portion 235 that constitutes a part thereof and a second portion 236 having a higher capillary force than the first portion 235. The portions having relatively different capillary forces can be formed, for example, by varying the air permeability. The air permeability is represented by the flow rate [ml] of gas passing through a unit area (1 cm 2 ) per minute when the differential pressure between the front and back across the carrier is a predetermined value such as 1 kPa. For example, the portion with a low capillary force has an air permeability of 10,000 [ml / min / cm 2 or more, and the portion with a high capillary force preferably has an air permeability of less than 10,000 [ml / min / cm 2 . Also, the first portion 235 and the second portion 236 may be formed of the same material or different materials. For example, the first portion 235 may be formed of a fibrous material, and the second portion 236 may be formed of a porous ceramic. In particular, the first portion 235 that can come into contact with the antenna 31 is preferably formed of a fibrous material so as not to damage the antenna.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, a first portion 235 may be formed inside the carrier 23 in the radial direction, and a second portion 236 may be formed outside the carrier 23 in the radial direction. In the example of FIG. 9, the carrier 23 includes two layers coaxially in a double-layer structure in a cross-sectional view (not shown). That is, from the inside to the outside of the cross-section, there are an antenna accommodating portion 231, a first portion 235, and a second portion 236. In other words, the first portion 235 and the second portion 236 are arranged in parallel with respect to the direction in which the antenna accommodating portion 231 extends. Further, the second portion 236 is in liquid communication with the storage tank portion 211 of the reservoir 21. Therefore, the aerosol source is supplied to the second portion 236.

[0043] According to the example of FIG. 9, the aerosol source is mainly held in the second portion 236 having a relatively high capillary force. Here, when heating by microwaves, it can be said that it is possible to vaporize or atomize with less energy when the amount of the aerosol source held by the carrier 23 is small. In addition, in order to vaporize or atomize with less energy, the thickness of the carrier 23, such as the second portion 236, may be made thinner. Further, since the second portion has a relatively high capillary force, when the held aerosol source vaporizes or atomizes and is released into the chamber 255, the aerosol source can be absorbed relatively quickly. By providing the second portion 236 having a low air permeability outside the carrier 23 in the radial direction, the aerosol can be efficiently released from the side peripheral surface of the carrier 23 facing the chamber 225.

[0044] On the one hand, the first part 235 also functions as a sub-reservoir that absorbs an aerosol source that cannot be completely held in the second part 236. For example, in the cartridge 2 during use, an aerosol source and air are present in the storage tank portion 211 of the reservoir 21. When this cartridge 2 is stored with the suction port side facing vertically upward, the aerosol source moves to the lower side in the storage tank portion 211, and air is held on the upper side of the storage tank portion 211. In this state, if the internal pressure of the storage tank portion 211 changes due to changes in temperature or pressure, for example, there is a possibility that the air in the back expands and generates a force to push out the aerosol source. Even if the aerosol source is pushed out from the storage tank portion 211, if there is room to further absorb the aerosol source in the first part 235, leakage of the aerosol source from the cartridge 2 can be prevented.

[0045] Incidentally, the outer diameter of the second part 236 is preferably about 3 - 8 mm. Also, from the viewpoint of functioning as a sub-reservoir, the outer diameter of the first part 235 is preferably about 5 mm.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another modification example of the carrier. The carrier 23 shown in FIG. 10 also has a plurality of layers with different capillary forces. In the example of FIG. 10, the first part 235 is formed at the lower part of the carrier 23, and the second part 236 having a higher capillary force than the first part 235 is formed at the upper part of the carrier 23. That is, the first part 235 and the second part 236 are arranged in series in the direction in which the antenna housing portion 231 extends. Also, the second part 236 is in liquid communication with the storage tank portion 211 of the reservoir 21. Therefore, the aerosol source is supplied to the second part 236. In this embodiment, it is sufficient that at least the second part 236 is exposed to the second chamber region 2252. That is, the side circumference of the first part 235 may be covered by the first carrier housing member 22 or the second carrier housing member 25.

[0047] Also in the example of FIG. 10, the aerosol source is mainly retained in the second portion 236 having a high capillary force. By providing the second portion 236 above the carrier 23, the aerosol can be efficiently generated on the upper side periphery of the carrier 23 and on the upper surface of the carrier 23.

[0048] Also in the example of FIG. 10, the first portion 235 functions as a sub-reservoir that absorbs the aerosol source that cannot be completely retained in the second portion. That is, even when the aerosol source leaks from the storage tank portion 211, when there is still room to further absorb the aerosol source in the first portion 235 described above, leakage of the aerosol source from the cartridge 2 can be prevented.

[0049] The first portion 235 and the second portion 2356 may be arranged in parallel or in series with respect to the insertion and extraction direction of the antenna at least in part. For example, the second portion 236 may be provided along the side surface 234 and the upper surface 232 of the carrier 23 that are exposed to the chamber 225. Also, the boundary between the first portion 235 and the second portion 236 may be inclined with respect to the direction in which the antenna housing portion 231 extends in the longitudinal sectional view shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Also, the first portion 235 and the second portion 2356 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may have the opposite relationship in terms of the magnitude of the capillary force. For example, the magnitude relationship can be appropriately set according to the radiation range of the microwave from the antenna and the like. Also, the carrier 23 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may have three or more portions having different capillary forces.

[0050] <Antenna cover> FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cartridge having an antenna cover. The holding wall 251 of the second carrier accommodating member 25 shown in FIG. 11 is closed above the hole 252 by a bottomed cylindrical antenna cover 255. The antenna cover 255 is provided between the carrier 23 and the antenna accommodating portion 231 provided therein, and is a cover member for accommodating the antenna 31. Note that the antenna cover 255 may be integrally formed with the second carrier accommodating member 25, or may be a separate member connected to the second carrier accommodating member 25. The antenna cover 255 protrudes upward from the hole 252 of the holding wall 251, and its interior is a hollow antenna insertion hole, and the antenna 31 can be inserted into the interior of the antenna cover 255 from the hole 252.

[0051] In addition, the carrier 23 is disposed outside the antenna cover 255. In other words, the antenna cover 255 is inserted into the antenna accommodating portion 231 of the carrier 23 in the above-described embodiment. Further, the cartridge 2 does not include the seal member 24 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, also in this modification, the holding wall 251 is disposed to face the partition wall 224 of the first carrier accommodating member 22, and holds the carrier 23 between the partition wall 224.

[0052] The material of the antenna cover 255 is preferably, for example, polycarbonate, Tritan (registered trademark), glass, or the like. Such an antenna cover 255 has non-permeability to a liquid aerosol source and has permeability to microwaves. Further, the thickness of the antenna cover 255 is preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. The gap between the antenna 31 and the antenna cover 255 is preferably small. In this way, absorption of microwaves by the antenna cover 255 can be reduced. Further, the antenna cover 255 preferably has heat resistance to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is preferably not less than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol source, and is, for example, 300°C.

[0053] Even when the antenna cover 255 is provided, the non-combustible fragrance inhaler 1 can perform dielectric heating of the aerosol source by microwaves. Further, according to the antenna cover 255, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from directly adhering to the antenna 31. Therefore, for example, deterioration in performance and corrosion of the antenna 31 can be suppressed. In addition, leakage of the aerosol source from the carrier 23 to the antenna housing portion 231 can be suppressed. In particular, when a cover is provided on the cartridge 2 side, it is possible to prevent stickiness of the main body portion 3 after the cartridge 2 is removed and mixing of the fragrance flavors when using cartridges 2 that hold different aerosol sources.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example in which an antenna cover is provided on the main body portion. The main body portion 3 has an antenna cover 37 so as to cover the periphery of the antenna 31. Materials for the antenna cover 37 are also preferably, for example, polycarbonate, Tritan, or the like. Further, the thickness of the antenna cover 255 is preferably from 0.5 to 1.0 mm. The gap between the antenna 31 and the antenna cover 255 is preferably small. Further, the antenna cover 255 preferably has heat resistance with respect to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is preferably equal to or higher than the vaporization temperature of the aerosol source, and is, for example, 300°C.

[0055] In the example of FIG. 12, the diameter of the through hole 252 of the holding wall 251 of the second carrier housing member 25 and the diameter of the antenna housing portion 231 of the carrier 23 are larger than the diameter of the antenna cover 255. Further, the through hole 241 of the seal member 24 is also capable of receiving the antenna cover 255.

[0056] Even when the antenna cover 255 is provided, the non-combustible fragrance inhaler 1 can perform dielectric heating of the aerosol source by microwaves. Further, according to the antenna cover 255, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from directly adhering to the antenna 31. Therefore, for example, deterioration in performance and corrosion of the antenna 31 can be suppressed.

[0057] <Others> The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as much as possible without departing from the problems and technical ideas of the present invention. For example, the carrier shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 and the antenna cover shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 may be combined. Further, a cartridge having the carrier shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 or a non-combustible fragrance attractor having the antenna cover shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 does not have to be such that the reservoir and the carrier are arranged in series in the vertical direction, and a chamber does not have to be provided around the carrier.

Explanation of Signs

[0058] 1: Non-combustible fragrance attractor 2: Cartridge 21: Reservoir 211: Storage tank section 212: Aerosol flow path 22: First carrier housing member 221: First through hole (aerosol source supply path) 222: Second through hole 223: Air intake 224: Partition wall 225: Chamber (2251: First chamber region, 2252: Second chamber region) 23: Carrier (235: First part, 236: Second part) 231: Antenna housing section 24: Seal member 25: Second carrier housing member 251: Holding wall 252: Hole (through hole) 253: Air intake 254: Engaging section 255: Antenna cover (cover member) 3: Main body section 31: Antenna 32: Shield 36: Engaged section 37: Antenna cover (cover member) 4: Mouthpiece section 5: Case

Claims

1. A cartridge detachable from the main body of a non-combustible fragrance inhaler, the cartridge comprising an antenna that emits microwaves for heating an aerosol source, a carrier capable of holding the aerosol source and having an antenna housing portion that can removably house the antenna when the cartridge is attached to and detached from the main body, a carrier housing member that houses the carrier such that a chamber for mixing the aerosol source vaporized or atomized by the microwaves emitted from the antenna and the air flowing in the air taken in from the outside is formed around the carrier, comprising: the carrier includes a first portion constituting a part thereof and a second portion having a higher capillary force than the first portion, the first portion and the second portion are arranged in series with respect to the insertion and extraction direction of the antenna, at least a part of the second portion is exposed to the chamber A cartridge for a non-combustible fragrance inhaler.

2. The first portion constitutes the side of the carrier on the extraction direction side of the antenna, The second portion constitutes the side of the carrier on the insertion direction side of the antenna The cartridge according to claim 1.

3. comprising a reservoir for storing the aerosol source for supplying to the carrier and in liquid communication with the second portion of the carrier The cartridge according to claim 2.

4. The reservoir is arranged in series with the carrier along the insertion and extraction direction on the insertion direction side of the antenna with respect to the carrier The cartridge according to claim 3.

5. The carrier is formed of a fiber material or a porous material, The first portion has a higher air permeability than the second portion The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the main body portion to which the cartridge is detachably attached, the antenna, A non-combustible fragrance inhaler comprising:

Images